Sunday Funday

This week, Grandma, retired.
As the Director of Catholic Education, at our Church.
Grandma, has big retirement plans of...
being a Grandma.
To 13 children!
We are thrilled, for her to flourish in her new job.



Therefore, on this, her first free Sunday, I would like to be the first to wish her a long and happy retirement.

As for the rest of us...
Open Season on Sinning!
Bring on the public debauchery.
Welcome, all corruption.
Throw out your morals.
We are free, to embrace our depraved and warped souls.

Without, her 'standing' in the church,
this family may officially become the utterly reprehensible individuals we have been suppressing for years.

Go ahead, public...
Come at us with your bribes, your dishonesty, your perverse and rotten ideals.

Today, is the first Sunday, of the rest of our lives.

Seriously,
Congrats, Grandma, on your accomplishment.
Your work and teachings have touched MANY lives.
We are grateful, there are women like you, to guide children, on their path.
You, have left a lasting impact, on the people of this congregation.
Including us, and most recently,
our son.

Thanks.
We appreciate you.

GraDuaTioN DaY

This weekend, Flag Girl's Boys are graduating.
And let me tell you, this is a celebration.
At some points, it was touch and go.
Specifically, Sophomore year...
maybe, a little Junior year...
possibly a few weeks during senior year.

Like I said, this is a day for celebration!

You are very familiar with One and Three.
Their blog time, has been out of control.
Goodbye, trustories...
Hello, flaggirlsboysstories.
It's like we have a crush on them!
But the fact remains, if you do awesome stuff, you are granted blog time. And these boys, just CannoTturnOffthe Awesome. Not even if they tried.
(Though, they never would.)

Therefore, on this day, I would love to Congratulate, Two Cute Guys, on their huge achievement.

Ok, wait...
One of them barely achieved it, by his short little nails.

And the other one??

All he did was finish the 8th grade! Dang, where I come from we don't have 8th grade graduation! We just finish the 8th grade, pack up our books and head to the 9th grade. Me and about 1,238 other kids. Most, Total Strangers that I would never recognize again on the street and have actually been called out on that very thing SEVERAL times. Just one day, done with 8th grade, head into summer. no party. no cash. no cap and gown.
Just done! Grow Up.

Annnyyyhoooo...
got that out of my system.

These, boys are cute, and we HEART them to pieces.
Just look at them!







What mother, would not love them?

Happy Graduation, Boys.
You make our day better and most definitely...
C. to the Double O. L end it with an ER.

You build me up, Buttercup Baby.

Five...is turning Nine.
Here is her birthday post.



Draft #1:
I have a niece. She is super cute. I barely know her. She only likes The Kid and will not make eye contact with me.
Happy Birthday, Five.

No good?

Draft #2:
I have a niece. She is super cute. She only speaks to The Kid. Coach makes her blush. Sometimes, she lets me help her with her food plate. She only loves The Kid.
Happy Birthday, Five.

Still no good?

Draft #3:
I have a niece. She is super cute, just like her Mom (Doc). Her Dad, blabbers on and on about her all the time. I think Clark, plays favorites.
Five, loves The Kid. She runs giggling to him.
I'm not sure, she even knows my name.
She only loves The Kid.
And sometimes, Tink.
She, maybe, has not noticed Coco.
Happy Birthday, Five.

Ok, ok...seriously.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful Five.
I adore your kind, soft eyes. Each and every time, you 'See Me'...my heart sores. You are unique and deserve for people to earn your love.
Every time, I hear your sweet voice, I feel like I have won a prize.
You are my quest, I seek to win your affection.
Listening to you and The Kid, giggle...makes me feel like we are wrapped, in a giant Hug of Love.
You are so smart, so strong and a tiny bit stubborn.
A trait, I am a big fan of.
You are the sparkle, in your Daddy's eye. You were Coach's very first Girlie. You are your Mom's Mini-Me, your sister's best friend and your brother's calm, cool and collected Buddy. Because, your sister may be cool...but she's got a wild hair, that will not allow her to be calm and collected.
Happy Birthday, dear Five.
I am excited to share your evening and your cake!
We love you.

So, what are you doing, this Week-end?

This is Memorial Day/Graduation Weekend.
Thus far, we have been invited to Eight parties.
We are extremely honored and humbled that you would like us to be a part of your day.

(When using terms like 'We' and 'Us'...
I am completely aware, you have actually invited ....
First: Coach
Next: His super cute children
And Last: His tag-a-long wife)



Again, we are honored and will do our very best to attend a bit of each and every party. Your accomplishment, is worth celebrating.

That all said, I feel I must place a Warning label or disclaimer on our RSVP.

Yes, we will happily attend.
Yes, we are proud of your achievement.
Yes, Coach is honored you invited him.

But,
Warning...

Being superflyawesome,
does not pay as well as one may think.

Surprisingly.

Please, be aware, while opening the card.

Note to self:
Remember, to purchase Graduation cards on clearance, each June....
for the rest of our lives.

Today, would be a Great Day, for a Birth Day.

I have friends in AZ, who are pregnant.
I have a feeling, one of those friends is days, if not hours away from being a Mommy.
Because, I have like 14 children, I thought that must make me an expert.
Therefore, I would like to offer a little advice.

Do not Forget Too....:

1. Smell the baby. Smell everything. Her fresh out of the bath, Baby Magic. His breath, the top of his baby head. Her sweat, while she sleeps. Absorb that smell. Memorize it and tuck it away forever. Because, in one blink, they will smell like a big boy.

2. Perfect your swaddle. Tink was so tiny, we could swaddle her into a little Glo-worm. Soon, they will have legs and arms and sassy mouths coming from all directions. Enjoy, the ability to snuggle them into a little, quiet ball.



3. Always, buy extra wet wipes. You have no idea, how often and in how many locations and/or body parts, you will need them. Trust me.

4. Try not, to refer to yourself as 'Mommy' to your infant, in public, too often. For some reason, that annoys me.

5. Very shortly, after you give birth. After all the well-wishers and nurses have left. When your husband falls asleep, or runs an errand. Take a moment. To look at your baby and congratulate yourself. You grew a life. You made someone, that was not. You created, this beautiful, perfect little human. That, most definitely, deserves a Pat on the Back.
Especially, because shortly after, you will inevitably, do something to screw them up!



6. Nap with your baby. While, I am not a huge advocate of Co-sleeping, I do believe you should nap together. Snuggle them up on your chest, with their soft baby hair against your chin and breathe them in while you nap. You may not be completely rested, but it will absolutely, be the best sleep of your life.

7. Smile at your baby. Even if, your nursing chest is killing you. You haven't showered. You are so tired, you can barely focus. Your husband breathes funny and annoys you. Your house is a disaster and your mind is mush. If your infant, focuses her blurry eyes on her Mom. Smile. As if she is the most amazing site you have ever seen. Because, she really is.

8. Shower with your baby. The noise and warmth will soothe him. And his sweet, relaxed face, will be the perfect distraction from your post-pregnancy body.



9. Chew on their Chub. The fattie, back of their arm. The rolls on her thighs. His big, round belly. If possible, just take bites out of their full cheeks. When they turn 8, they are skin and bones. There is nothing left to chew on. Even if there was, it would be pretty inappropriate, at that age.

10. Last... take pictures, video, fill the baby books and memorize everything. Because, this very week, you may hold your teeny, tiny newborn. And just like that, she will celebrate her birthday. Sign up for pre-school. Learn to write cursive and (ChoKe uP!) graduate from High School (Sorry Flag girl). And then, you won't be able to smell their baby breath, or take naps with them, or blow raspberries, on their belly.

Well, again...
I suppose, you could.
But it would be extremely embarrassing, inappropriate and possibly illegal.

Therefore, enjoy every single second...while you can.

Congratulations, A ...on becoming a Mother.

Maybe, it will be today.


**Because, today would be a great day for a Birthday...
wouldn't it, Somebody?

Get Lost.

Dear Lost:

Shut Up,
but only a little bit.

You were awesome.
You have been awesome.
I appreciate you being a part of my life.

That said,
did you really just end,
with the 'you are all dead/purgatory' outcome me and millions others predicted 6 mos into the first season?

I suppose, I am happy to be right.
I suppose, I am glad you ended, wrapped up in a pretty bow.

And yet,
I can't help but wonder,
if I just wasted several hours,
of several years,
of my life.

I guess, No.
I did not.
What would I have done otherwise?

Spent quality time,
playing board games with my children?

Probably not.

Get up, Stand Up...

In retrospect,
maybe,
you should not Propose to someone, just because the mood strikes you.

I mean...

"Just think about it, man" (Big Daddy)

But occasionally, if your heart feels it, in that moment,
you just have to take the leap.
You know, The Jump.

Because, living in a House of Pain, makes me want to
JuMp
aRounD.


Get up, pack it in, let me begin
I came to win, battle me that's a sin
I won't tear the sack up, punk you'd better back up
Try and play the role and the whole crew will act up

Get up, stand up, come on, throw your hands up
If you've got the feelin' jump across the ceilin'
Muggs is a funk fest, someone's talkin' junk
Yo, I'll bust 'em in the eye and then I'll take the punks home

Feel it, funk it, amps it are junkin'
And I got more rhymes than there's cops that are dunkin'
Donuts shop, sure 'nuff I got props from the kids on the Hill
Plus my mom and my pops
I came to get down, I came to get down
So get out your seats and jump around

Jump around, jump up and get down
Jump around, jump around


I think, the offer still stands.

Flashback Friday....

...in regards to a Thursday...

On this date in history (May 20th) two very strong, crazy and over the top, women were born.
Cher
and
Munchkin.

This makes complete sense to me.
Both Women:

-enjoy spandex, even if maybe they shouldn't.
-feel comfortable, saying whatever thought bounces into their heads, even if maybe they shouldn't.
-have the power to embody a Decade theme, with Bob Mackie flare.



-Have great hair.
-Ultimately, become the center of attention, at nearly every moment.

-Have creepy fans:
Cher has...millions of crazed gay men.
Munchkin has...my mother.



-Both women: take no prisoners, chase dreams, light up a stage and Rock our world.

-Only difference: One woman is tall....
the other is very much not tall.

I got flowers in the spring I got you to wear my ring
And when I'm sad, you're a clown
And if I get scared, you're always around
So let them say your hair's too long
'Cause I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
Then put your little hand in mine
There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb
I got you babe I got you babe


Also, on May 20th.
The Grey's Anatomy finale aired.

Dear Grey's:

Shut up.
You are awesome.

What I learned on Coco's Birthday.

1. Just because you have a baby on May 18th and exactly one year ago, on that date it was 78 degrees and sunny....does not mean that it won't be 58 degrees, chilly and windy....after you invite 60 people to your home. So much for the excitement of having our first Spring baby.

2. My idea of torture is having Grandma make a giant scotcharoo, drop it off at 10:00am and form it in a cute.as.a.bleepin.button.number.one. so I can not cut off a tiny corner. Just precious, Grandma. Thanks a ton. Next time, bring on the Chinese water torture.



3. If you write too many Posts about Flag Girl's children, she will get a huge giant head and think she is too important to Comment on Coco's birthday post. I hope you are comfortable in your Number 2 slot.



4. If you fill two coolers, place them comfortably close to the group on the driveway, they will not leave, until that cooler is empty. Even on a school night.

5. It was fun having fresh blood at the party. Munchkin, The Bride, some girl named Karen, The Mrs., some kid that showed with One...while they blared 'Sunglasses at Night' and then wore, sunglasses all night.
Oh, Flag Girl...was that about your offspring again? How great are they?!



6. At the end of the night, after our babies were in bed, Coach and I cuddled up to be happy in our Life's Wonders and he commented, "The party was good. The new Hoop was a huge hit!".
Coach purchased "The Kid" a new hoop. Because "The Kid" really wanted a brand new hoop. Coach then spent HOURS preparing the location, so "The Kid" could spend the majority of the party playing on it. And apparently, to Coach, that was the only special part, of our daughter turning 1.
Truth: The Kid and Six read books in the bedroom, the older kids (plus Coach) played ball all night. I'm not sure Uncle had the chance to glance at Coco, not unless she was under the hoop.

7. It is possible, to make a Cupcake, look gross. I did not realize that, until watching Coco.



8. Our children, are not as intelligent as they seem. They believe sticks, may actually be allowed to be turned into Sparklers. Maybe, they recognized the Two Coolers, gave them a little freedom.

9. It is not a party, at our home, if we do not have to phone our 'On Call' doctor to stitch someone up. Thankfully, this injury occurred off our premises and to an elder, rather than a child.

10. Grammy, got the award, for Far Creepiest present. Giving a gift, that invokes a nervous smile, eyes welled with tears and small screams from Tink...each time it is turned on. Next time, stick with buying cute clothes.

Last...
I learned, I am now a mother to a One year old, a Three year old and an Eight year old.
When did that happen??

Happy Birthday, my Baby.

One week, before I 'officially' knew I was pregnant, I dreamt of you.
I had the most vivid dream. I was on the driveway. It was summer. A small, little girl was running away from me. Just before I woke, she turned towards me....she had brown, curly hair falling down her back, dark eyes, full cheeks and the most beautiful, bright, happy smile, I had ever seen.
When I woke, I secretly knew, I was pregnant. And I knew, that little girl would be my baby. I just felt it.
For nine, long months, I kept that vision with me. I held very tight to that dream, like a security blanket. One year ago, I closed my eyes, pictured that smile and prepared to meet, My Baby...My Dream.



Growing you, took a little effort.
Actually, quite a bit of effort.
Thankfully, bringing you into our world, was nearly effortless. The moment you arrived, I felt complete. I held you and could not let you go.
Literally.
I slept with you for one full month. I just could not, share you. Your breath, comforted me.
I needed you, as much as you needed me.



Immediately, I recognized you, from my dreams. Your lips, are breathtakingly beautiful. Your smile, will light up a room. Your joy, whispers a melody, to those near you.
The Kid, demands love and fiercely, loyally, delivers it in return, ten-fold.

Tink, prances about, dusting her world with tiny but potent pixie dust, lifting our spirits.

While you, have quietly, placed a small piece of Coco Chocolate Sweetness, in our hand.
We are gently, carefully, softly holding it, as not to let it melt.



You look like Mommy, but your personality is shine-ningly Daddy.
You are sweet, sunny and merry.
Your presence makes our home, softer and more Coco Cuddly.
The Kid, wants to bottle your laughter.
Daddy would actually chew on your cheeks, if possible.
Tink....well...sometimes she seems to notice you are here. And when that happens, she seems pretty happy about it.
And, Mommy?
What do I think, about my baby?



Each holiday, that has passed this year, has been the most comfortably, wonderful of my life. To say, that you have completed my family, is an understatement.
I feel content and whole.
Your love, was my last puzzle piece.
My sunset, my last bite of Cadbury cream egg, my Book End.
My final warm, rich drink of Cocoa, on a winter night.
My Cup was full, with The Kid.
It runneth over, with Tink.
And now, with you, my heart is painfully, happily just.can.not.eat.one.more.piece.of.birthday.cake..Full.



I love when you wiggle, when you kiss, when you hug tightly and pat my back.
I love when you help me yell at the older kids.
I love when you wake, with a bright smile.
I love how you have Totally Fallen, for the outdoors. How you are a TomBoy...ready to crawl in the mud and play in the grass.



I love that you are a sister. You look at your Tink, full of adoration. And yet, you are not going to take her cr@p! You are bravely pushing and screeching back.
Maybe, you did not get that trait, from Daddy!



I believe, you actually turned One last week. (You are so very advanced!) Your hair began to curl, your face became just a little more Toddler-ish and your Big Girl attitude, woke way up.

I wish, I could type,
'I am sad my baby, is turning One'.
I just can not.
I know, one day, I will regret this thought.

But, I am just so excited. I am so very happy to meet you. To learn you. To experience your everything. To absorb, each and every head-turning smile, that is leading me to that little girl, in my dream.
You are, a dream realized...and so very much, more.
Thank-you, for finding me.

I love you.
Happy First Birthday, Coco.

Great day, for a Run (is it ever?)

My nephew Three, is headed to The State Track Event.
For 3 events.
Three, people.
Not one, or two, but 3 times the AweSoMe.



This Spring, I have had the pleasure (waking nightmare) of attending several (too many) of Three's track meets.
With each meet, Tink and I have excitedly (with dread) jumped into Flag girl's car (ol beater I thought may die) to drive (get lost, in a mad circle, as I would pretend it was just enjoyable to be in her company) to the Event.

After eagerly paying (usually for Flag girl, as she would pretend to forget her purse) to attend each meet, we rushed to a spot near the fence. We would wait on pins and needles (bored out of my mind) while we enjoyed, watching the other Junior High youngens (did not pay attention to ONE other child) as they raced towards the finish line.

Cheering enthusiastically (barely clapping) for each competitor, was exhilarating (booorrinng) and really got me and Tink pumped (even 3 yr olds recognize Track, is like watching paint dry).

Occasionally, (every single time) we would frequent the concession stand for a small diet bag of unsalted, unbuttered popcorn (Payday, peanut M&M's and a Diet) as not to spoil the healthy dinner, I had simmering in the crock pot at home (drive thru McDonalds).

After the excitement had reached a frenzied peak (nearly beat my head into the fence), Three would walk to the starting line. He would stretch (not at all) until his muscles were prepped like a well oiled machine (he looked bored) and would anticipate the gun (sometimes he looked surprised to hear it).
And then, he ran like the wind. (Actually, he really did. Like stupid hard, Chicago wind.)

That boy is fast. Crazy fast. Which is probably why...he is headed to State.
(Only family member to ever make State, except some girl in Flags.)
(Even more lame, than Track.)
(Slightly less lame, than Wrestling.)

Those 58 seconds, made the entire evening worth it (that and the Payday). This Gifted Athlete, inspired me to be a better person (made me hungry). Watching Three run with ease, made me believe, I just may be able to train for that Dreaded 5Mile (totally lying).
And made me even more excited, for The Kid's future Track Meets (lying even harder, God help me...let him play baseball.)

So here is to you, Three.
Make us proud (you already have).
And help bury, Coach's glory in the past.
We are so over him.

Love ya...Run hard!

Lovin the Planet

Signs, I may be an out of control Hippie Freak:

After teaching my yoga class, I gathered all of the half-finished and empty water bottles and took them home. Emptying the remaining water, into my new vegetable garden (one check off the bucket list!) and recycling all of the plastic bottles.



Signs, I am nowhere near turning into an out of control Hippie Freak:

After, I entered my home. Ate frozen pizza, while reading an US magazine. Opened the Hershey Bars I purchased 'just for the kids to make Smores' and after Candy Guilt set in, forced Tink to finish the candy.

Pretty sure, there is hope, of keeping me Un-Hippie.

Eating by Candlelight.

This week, Coach hung new lights in our kitchen.
I love them.
Coach is great.
Lights look awesome.

Quick Question:
What would you suggest I do, with the significant pile of spare parts, left on the counter?

Toss them?
Or... save them in a bag, for the inevitable call to the Electrician and/or Fire Inspector?

Hide the Pig's blood, please.

This morning, the girls and I were sitting together (watching Dora's birthday episode) and I began to practice for Coco's birthday.
As I sang 'Happy Birthday' to Coco, she clapped, loving her attention.
Tink sat and glared.
I asked Tink to sing with me.

She replied, "I just can't. (insert huge sigh)
My mouff's not strong enouff."
(End with Dramatic eyeroll.)

I reminded, she was perfectly able to sing the Spanish 'Happy Birthday' to Boots.

Again, she replied (insert more dramatic sigh) "I just can't. I just hafta blow out Coco's candles. I can't be strong to sing."

If Tink blows out that candle. It will be the first time, in the history of her own birthday past, that she has ever shown interest in blowing one out.

I have a feeling, that in order to rain all over her sister's parade...Tink just may figure it out.
I can not imagine, what 'Carrie' scene will play out, if Coco is ever crowned Prom Queen, over Tink.

Happy Mother's Day.

A nearly perfect Mother's Day.
I began my weekend of presents, by giving one to myself.
We planned a Girl's Night, full of friends, sister-in-laws and godmothers. We ordered plenty of chips and drinks, laughing until the lights were turned off and the vacuums came out.
Pretty clear hint, they were ready for us to leave.

(Photo taken at the VeRy end of the NiGht.)

While Girl's Nighting it up, Coach took all three children, in search of the perfect perfume. The Kid and him had a difference of opinion on which Chanel was most 'Me' and purchased both.
Win for me...not so much for Coach's wallet!

Early, Sunday morning, Coach wrestled the kids out of bed and (shuffled them groaning) happily skipped them, to 8:00am Mass. Leaving Mom to sleep in.
He checked to make sure I did not want to attend, to receive my Mother's Day Blessing,
I replied "I'm good.... bring me back a Bacon/Egg/Cheese from McDonalds."
Sounds like a blessing to me!

Later, Coach left to tend Bar, leaving me and the children to our day.
We called Grammy, told her to get ready and drove to the nearest Barnes and Nobles. First, grabbing shakes at Steak N Shake.
Again, Happy Mother's Day to me.





We purchased too many books. Several for the kids.
Happy Mother's Day to them.

Headed back home to rest.
Except wait, we needed dinner...and why start cooking or consuming a nutritious meal at this point?
So we loaded up the van, grabbed Flag Girl and Three and headed to the bar for pizza. Catching a few brief peeks at Daddy.
This was my very first Mother's Day with Coco and what better way to share this moment, than to showcase her first dance on the Bar.
I am a proud mother.


(Maybe, the horizontal stripes, are not the best idea.)

A nearly perfect weekend.
All it needed, was just a little more Coach.

I would like to wish a VERY Happy Mother's Day to the women in my life.

To my girlfriends: I appreciate you.
To my extended in-law cousins: You make me smile.
To my sister-in-laws: You are the sisters, I have always longed for.
To my children's Godmothers: They are blessed to have you.
To Lil GG: You have a strong heart and a kind soul.
To my Grandmothers, who are not with me: I think of you often, and the beautiful impact you have left.

To my Mother-in-law: I am grateful for our relationship, the son you raised to be a wonderful father and the endless love you give my children.

To my Mother: You gave me life (a pretty big deal) provided guidance, love, compassion and nurtured with laughter, hugs, great meals (often with homemade mashed potatoes) and an occasional very deserving spanking.
If I am a good mother, I certainly credit that to you.
And apparently, first a good mother...eventually an even better Grammy.

Happy Mother's Day, I hope your day was filled with many simple but irreplaceable joys.
Just like mine.

You're a Cowboy, baby..

Friday, Number One...turns 18.
In honor, of our One, the person who is so very confident that his Blog Name is the most deserving. I felt, I had to step it up a notch.

Dear One-
To the coolest, cutest, smoothest guy we know
(at least, that is what you tell me)
this birthday post, is dedicated to you.

From the very first day, you were better than most...

On the day I was born, the nurses all gathered 'round
And they gazed in wide wonder, at the joy they had found
The head nurse spoke up, and she said leave this one alone
She could tell right away, that I was bad to the bone

Growing up, I'm sure you oftened thought...

I wish I was a little bit taller,
I wish I was a baller,
I wish I had a girl who looked good
I would call her
I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat
And a six four Impala


And your mom, she just wouldn't give you a break...

You know parents are the same
No matter time nor place
They don't understand that us kids
Are going to make some mistakes
So to you other kids all across the land
There's no need to argue
Parents just don't understand

Despite her nagging, something happened... the 'It' factor oozed and when you turn to the crowds they agreed...

I love it when you call me big pop-pa
Throw your hands in the air, if youse a true player



You found yourself a car and it is NOT an Impala. No hit to your smooth factor, you cruise...

With the top let back an' the sunshine shinin'



With the car in place, only one thought remains...

Girls - all I really want is girls
And in the morning it's girls
Cause in the evening it's girls

I like the way that they walk
And it's chill to hear them talk
And I can always make them smile
From White Castle to the Nile

And they will respond because one thing is for certain...

Uh! I'm a nice dude, with some nice dreams
See these ice cubes, see these Ice Creams?
Eligible bachelor, million dollar boat

You may be a nice dude but you are still a thug.

I'm a gangsta, but y'all knew that
Da Big Bo$$ Dogg, yeah I had to do that
I keep a blue flag hanging out my backside
But only on the left side, yeah that's the Crip side
Ain't no other way to play the game the way I play
I cut so much you thought I was a DJ
"two!" - "one!" - "yep, three!"
S-N double O-P, D-O double G
I can't fake it, just break it, and when I take it
See I specialize in making all the girls get


There is no doubt, you will own 18.
Grab the world, make it yours, knock down doors and
never, ever...let anyone dull your shine.

Happy Birthday, Nephew
We love you.

Now get out there....

Go shorty, it's your birthday
We gon' party like it's your birthday
We gon' sip on Bcardi like it's your birthday
And you know we don't give a ..., it's not your birthday

On this day...

Happy Anniversary to Coach and I.

Coach-
I still do...



To commemorate this moment, I would like to revisit our our first song as husband and wife. As we shared our first kiss, the Pastor announced our union and we turned to walk back down the aisle, full of giddy love...

I can remember the moment, as if it was yesterday, our loved ones clapping and the music began to play...

You give me that funny feeling in my tummy.

Rollercoaster of Love
Say what?
Rollercoaster, yeah
Oh, baby, you know what I'm talkin' about
Rollercoaster of Love
(love rollercoaster, child)
Oh, yeah, it's Rollercoaster time
Lovin' you is really wild
Oh, it′s just a love rollercoaster
Step right up and get your tickets!

Chorus:
Your love is like a Rollercoaster
baby, baby I wanna ride, yeah
Your love is like a Rollercoaster
baby, baby I wanna ride, yeah


Red Hot Chili Peppers, circa 1996


We are a very romantic couple.

Race Update

The Dreaded 5Mile is exactly 2 months away.
I am sure, many of you, are interested in my tough training regimen and as to never disappoint...I felt an update was in order.

(It is funny to me that I titled this a 'Race' Update, implying I may actually 'Race' anyone to the finish.)

Time until the Dreaded 5Mile: 2 months
Time passed since I announced my ridiculous intention to participate:
7 weeks-ish

Books purchased on Running a 5K: 2
Pages read in either book: 0

Time spent in the company of those discussing the race: MANY hours

Shorts purchased to possibly wear:
2. They are cute. I need matching tanks.

Time spent on treadmill: maybe 2 1/2 hrs
Minutes, of those hours, spent actually running:
14 minutes.
Divided into 3 separate occasions.
Weeks apart from each other.

Degree of Runner's High, I experienced:
None, I felt sweaty and confused.

Time spent walking on the street/outside terrain:
One block, dropping Tink at preschool, twice a week.
Time spent running on street/outside terrain:
None
(dang people, I do not run in public!)

The degree to which I was inspired to train more, after The Commish and Warhol recently participated in another 5Mile:
None. As a matter of fact, I felt less uninspired. If that is possible.

Confidence that I will finish all 5Miles:
100% (that is where my ride will be waiting)

Confidence that I will finish in a Respectable time that will not embarrass Coach and our children:
I don't know, maybe 18%. Is that too high?

As you can see, training right on schedule.
Actually, I may be a little ahead of the game.


Coach's Update:

Occasions he has been running:
Twice

Shoes purchased for the event:
1 pair, contemplating another

Expectation that he will probably better his original superflyawesome time:
Inevitable.

Amount people hate him: Lots.

Hey Chicago, whadda say?

Following a big week of 'W's...we headed to the ballpark, on Saturday.


(Father of the Bride's Flag. Please notice the broom.)

The trip was dubbed, The BFF's Day. Gathered, in honor of 3 BFFs and CT's birthday. We left bright and early on the train (barely returned on that mode of transportation) for our first game of the season.

Doesn't Coach look even cuter with the green of the field behind him. It's a little like 'coming home, only to know home I'd ever known before'...
Guess that movie quote.
Wrigley, makes Coach, a very happy man.



Six Bleacher Bums.
Girl (barely pictured) next to Coach. Tried very hard to become his buddy.
That never happens to me, guess I don't give off that 'friendly' vibe.
Weird.



For a bit, Coach was a little stressed. It wasn't lookin too good for his boys and we are coming off a tough streak of my bad luck, causing the team to lose at nearly, every single bleepin game, I attend.
(without my presence, they hardly ever lose. Funny.)


Cute photo.


Even cuter photo. I'll pretend to not be offended that his pictures with CT are always cuter than with me.




My cute, cousin CW. Coach hearts her.
I don't blame him.

But wait, after settling into the inevitable loss and using the game as the perfect photo opportunity...
What did that team go and do?
Gosh darnit, them boys started hittin and won.
I'll be!


(somewhere, in this picture, is Three. Where's Waldo? Can you find him?)

We left the game.
Hit several other establishments.
Took pictures, I shall not post, in order to maintain CT's image of a sweet mother to a couple cute boys.
Hung out with friends.
Had a kind man, buy our dinner.
Nearly missed the train.

Great day, had by all.


Especially, by Warhol.
He kinda hearts CW, also.