can a woman get a nap?

by teresa

Or five minutes alone?

Even if it's just to clean the toilet.

As long as no one is talking to me I will be happy.

Blah, blah, blah, nag, nag, nag, bicker, bicker, bicker, fuss, fart, burp.

ARRRRRGGGGG!!!!!

The beach is calling me

by teresa

Our church is letting us use the adjacent field for our select soccer practices.
The field we will be playing games on is not available for another six weeks and it is also about a 25 minute drive from any of the players houses. So our centrally located church was the perfect place to get together. The coaches have been very excited about it. Measuring it out, marking, painting on side lines, mowing it to a perfect playing surface. They even tried to mark the field with a Monarch head (we are the Monarchs). The coaches wife laughed and told me it looked more like an African mask when he was done. I think they are more into it than the kids.

We had some company come over last night and join us for Million Dollar Password family time. Kim and Scott came over to bring me some pictures (I am creating a slide show for their wedding reception) and for some pool fun. Fun being the guys in the pool splashing and yelling and the girls on the side joking how silly they were being. Once the storm rolled in we came in and enjoyed the show. Although, this week the celebrities weren't that good at it. After the first game, the contestant lost, had no money and rolled her eyes at the celebrity (some guy from the Sopranos). She looked so mad. He kept saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She was like, "Well give me $10,000 then!"

This is day one of Chris' week long vacation. He was wide awake at the crack of dawn. We all slept till 9:30. He needs to be a little more lazy to get the full benefit of his week off. After some errands I hope to go to the beach today. After last nights storm it is just a tiny bit cooler outside.

what's cookin' good lookin'?

by teresa

Ben had two friends over last night.
They were up late and being a bit noisy so I decided to go in and lay down the law.
An hour later Chris came in to see what was going on (since I never came back) and found me in the middle of a guitar hero showcase.
I kicked some little boy booty!
Ben is lucky his mom is soooo cool.

blah blah blah

by teresa

*Kristian and Kai left for two weeks with their dad's family on a trip to Ohio. Ben misses them terribly. He never goes more than a day without spending time with them. We will have a big party when they return.

*Ben has been attending VBS every morning this week. He was nervous on Monday going it alone (Kristian & Kai are always signed up too), but by minute two he had found some friends he knew and was waving me off.

*Nick has a double ear infection. Ouch. The doctor said it was probably swimmers ear that turned into infections. Poor fellow can't get in the pool for two weeks. He asked if it got him out of showering too...I informed him that as a matter of public health he MUST shower daily!

*Ben has a friend from soccer spending two nights with us. They were up past midnight playing need for speed on the playstation. I heard Ben around 11:30 yell out, "Oh man!!! The po-po (police) got me doing 110 in the canyon!"

*I am reading a really good book. It's by Karen Kingsbury and called Oceans Apart. It's our book club selection for July. Awesome read! I was up past midnight reading until my eyes could not stay open.

* I slept on the couch last night. I went up to bed after loading the dishwasher and folding clothes and I found Nick asleep next to Chris in our bed. We had made him a pallet on the floor (since his brother had a friend over) but I guess it wasn't working for him. I tried to move him to no avail. That boy is the size of a grown man! So I grumpily grabbed my blanket and made my way to the couch. My neck is killing me this morning.

*Lauren starts summer school next week. She is taking two classes to try and get ahead. We haven't seen her more than a minute in the past month. Her best friend Jasmine is home from Hampton University and they are inseparable. Out everyday after work at the movies, shopping, eating out and hanging at friend houses. They have come to our house twice but her brothers usually get on her nerves. I can understand that, cause they get on my nerves too.

*We watched the show wipeout with the boys this week. It is so stupid....which means the boys absolutely loved it. It's a crazy obstacle course with mud pits, giants bouncy balls and a wall with boxing gloves that come punching out at you. They were laughing hysterically the whole hour. Ben ask me to sign him up if they have a kids show. He kept saying (as the adults on the show were failing every obstacle) I know I could do this mom....I really could.

*Our new favorite family show is Million Dollar Password. We all sit and watch, close our eyes and see if we can guess the word before the contestants do. It is perfect to watch with the kiddies.

*I woke up this morning to a mutilated squirrel on the back patio. No head, fur ripped off, just bones left on the legs. KIKI!!!!!! She chases the squirrels everyday, nearly catching them. I guess one of the furry creatures was off his game this morning and KiKi enjoyed herself a redneck breakfast.

*Chris is off tomorrow and all next week. Yipee! Tag teaming the kids is always easier.

I got sand in some interesting places

by teresa

Last night we decided to head to the beach.
Yes, last night around 5:00pm we pulled out the boogyboard, bucket/shovel, beach blanket and headed to Sandbridge. We are very fortunate in the fact that we live close to many beaches, bays and lakes. No need to plan ahead, just get a hankering for the sea air, sand between your toes and a crunchy sandwich and off ya go. In less than 30 minutes you have parked, unpacked and are in the water.
Going in the evening also rids the shore of all the shoobies , who are usually packed up, lobster red and off spending way too much for a hamburger at one of the overpriced oceanfront eateries.
We had the place to ourselves for most of the evening.
The boys played in the water, buried themselves and we had a picnic dinner (sandwiches from 7-11). We did the funniest thing. Ben was picking off crumbs from his sandwich and tossing them to a little sandpiper, who would hop over and grab it up. It came a little too close and it freaked him out so he stopped. What he didn't know is we were tossing big hunks of bread behind him while he was finishing his food. After a couple of minutes a swarm of different kinds of bigger birds came swooping down around him. He hopped up screaming. It was hilarious!
We stayed about three hours and headed home to hop in the pool and warm up. Brrrrr...the ocean is still so cold.
We figured since Chris is off next week we will pack up and head out there several times. They have potties, showers, picnic shelters, grills, fishing pier, souvenir shop and diner right by the parking lot. We will just come home to sleep and then head out the next day to do it all over again.
In the past we have spent thousands for the same thing two hours from home.
How nuts is that?
Free beach vacation sounds good to me.
Grab your book, chair, towel and sunscreen and meet us if you can.

by teresa

I was shopping in Walgreens last week when I came across this.

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It gave me a chuckle so I took a picture.

Bag o' undies.

I love it!

Wouldn't it be great if anything you need was offered like this?

Let me know when they have bag 0' stretch mark remover, bag o' butt shrinker and bag o' boob lifter .

What would you buy by the bagful?

I look like a racoon

by teresa

Finally Sunday morning has come.
What a busy week, out everyday with soccer camp and friends over in the pool afterward.
I was diligent with the sunscreen for the kids, but forgot myself.
As I sat there enjoying the games, judging whose cannonball splashed the most and caught up on my reading, my sunglasses were creating an attractive raccoon mask on my face.

I have a question that needs answering.
If two people can't get along for more than five minutes(bickering, pinching, tongues sticking out,etc.) and they get in trouble constantly for doing these things to each other, why do they not stay far away from each other? Wouldn't that be the smart thing to do? But nooooo, not my boys. They are practically on top on each other 24hrs a day. We have 4 bedrooms, an office, living room, 5 tvs, 3 computers, an outdoor kids play paradise and they will choose the exact same cushion of the couch to sit.
Help!

Don't touch the pizza!!

by teresa

Sissy came in the other night (or should I say morning since it was after midnight).

She brought home some left over pizza, and get this, she left it in the fridge to save for her lunch the next day.

Is she nuts?

Pizza...in our fridge...and you expect it to be there when you wake up at NOON the next day.

HA!

HA HA!

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I love how she thought sharpie marker would deter a hungry family member.

Nick was the culprit....and when we questioned him about the offense he said, "I'm sorry, I didn't notice any writing....all I saw was the pizza box and the rest is a blur."

Three days down of summer vacation.....so far so good

by teresa

I have sat down to blog several times this week and then get pulled away by some nonsense. The kids are having a fun vacation so far. The pool (every blessed day AND night), movies, sleepover, soccer camp. No major blowups between the boys. Which is a miracle, because they can't be near each other for five minutes without bickering.

My two year old niece, Kaden, cut her hair. Not just a snip either....all the way across the front of her face. It actually looks kinda cute. She has bangs now....and they were even. She has been using the big girl potty and was in the bathroom kinda long (and quiet) when Katy went to check on her. I will get a picture of her today so you can see her styling expertise.

Soccer camp is going well. Ben and his friends are having a blast and I have had fun sitting and watching the games in the afternoon. Tomorrow is the playoffs and closing ceremony. This week has flown by!

It's another hot one outside

by teresa

I've got the a/c on 69 and I'm chillin' inside for now.
But in a couple of hours I have to head back to ODU to pick up Ben from soccer camp.
He is attending everyday this week with three of his team mates.
I thought I would roast out there this morning waiting for orientation to begin.
*gasp*
We need to look into an indoor soccer league.

We love you Chris, George and grandaddy!

by teresa

We had a nice Father's Day.

Family all over, food enjoyed.

I missed my Daddy, but laughed as I imagined him pretending to be annoyed by all the grand kids running around.

"All I want for Father's Day is to be left alone!", he would say.

But if we dared not come over or do something for him his feelings would be hurt for weeks.

questions and comments heard in the Green house this week....

by teresa


Is it wrong to poop with the neighbors paper?

Have you ever smelled Commander Van's farts??!!!?

I am so awesome!

The foot cream worked so well it got rid of my crotch rot too.

Their favorite part of the day was throwing rocks at Goliath's face.

Go in there and write 75 times I will not be mean.

How *sob* many *sob* times *sob*?

SEVENTY FIVE!

What *sob* do you *sob* want me *sob* to write *sob* again?

I WILL NOT BE MEAN!

WAAAAAAA! I *sob* didn't *sob* do *sob* anything!!!!!!

You kicked and hit your brother.....so get to writing.

WAAAAA! You love him mooooore. I always kneeeeew it!!!!!!!

*silence* (fifteen minutes passes)

Are you almost done writing your sentences?

What did you want me to write again?

DO IT NOW!!!!

*silence* (ten minutes pass)

I am done....here it is.

What!? All this says is "I want a new dad."

Isn't that what I was supposed to write?

I cried too

by teresa

Last day of school for the boys brought a mix of emotions.

Nick was squealing, screaming and whooping as I picked him up.

Ben was waving, smiling and crying as he pulled off from school.

Even though I was there he chose to ride the bus with his friends.

All the staff in the school line the bus ramp and wave and blow kisses to the students as they depart for the summer. I saw many, many children (and just as many teachers) sobbing from the bus windows. What a testament to the faculty that the children you teach actually cry at the thought of leaving for summer vacation. We will SO miss the Norfolk Highland family!

I'm signing Ben up for track...his jumping form is perfect

by teresa

I survived field day (although I did take a four hour nap when I got home).

It was hot, but I had so much fun that I didn't even care.

Watching Ben, Kristian and Kai have fun with their friends was why I am a stay-at-home mom.

To be a part of all the fun memories of childhood. I am privileged to sit at the window of their lives, watching, laughing, enjoying, treasuring. I pray they don't shut the window anytime soon. Nick is 13 and his window is still wide open for us to look in.

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I like the picture of Ben and his teacher. She was wonderful (every teacher in his school is wonderful) and I know he will miss her when he moves to another building in September. Do you see what face painting he picked? A dog....of course!

I love his "jump the creek" picture. He has won this game every year, being able to jump the farthest of all the children. Every year....but this one. A new kid named Jujuan took the title. Ben lost with dignity and grace (and then cried in the car). hee hee

STAY COOL!

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I am off to brave the heat for the next six hours.

I have my visor, my sunglasses, I wore light colored clothes and I'm packing a new bottle of spray sunblock.

Bring on field day 2008!

P.S. Melissa...I am sooo jealous of your 61 degree days. It isn't even close to 61 at midnight around these parts.

heat

by teresa

It's still hot.
Over 100 degrees.
Blah.

This is a fun week for the kids.
Today was a fieldtrip for Ben and tomorrow is field day (in the 100 degree weather).
The kids never complain about the heat, but the adults whine constantly...don't we?
It's also Ben's big class party.
I volunteered to be the water lady.
I will go back and forth from the cafeteria (to fill my cooler) to all the outside stations making sure everyone gets enough ice water.
I take lots of pictures.
Nick has his party Thursday. When they are older all you have to do is send in money to order pizza and stuff. I like that, no hassle for me.

Try and guess these puzzles:
I'll do the first...
If you get stumped on one ask me the answer in the comments.

26 L of the A :26 letters of the alphabet
7 D of the W
7 W of the W
12 S of the Z
66 B of the B
52 C in a P (W J)
13 S in the U S F
18 H on a G C
39 B of the O T
5 T on a F
90 D in a R A
3 B M (S H T R)
32 is the T in D F at which W F
3 W on a T
100 C in a D
11 P in a F (S) T
12 M in a Y
8 T on an O
29 D in F in a L Y
27 B in the N T
365 D in a Y
13 L in a B D
52 W in a Y
9 L of a C
60 M in an H
23 P of C in the H B
64 S on a C B
15 M on a D M C

chubby + heat = perspiration in areas you never knew you had

by teresa

It is hot as the dickens here.

I wonder where that saying comes from?

Temps. are in the 90's and the heat index (temp+humidity) is 110.

Don't move to Virginia if you ever want your hair to be smooth and pretty or you don't think sweat stains on clothes are attractive.

It's the humidity that gets ya!

And what did the weather lady say to do today? STAY INDOORS!

And what do I have on my agenda today? TWO DANG-BLASTED COOKOUTS!

Degree....don't fail me now!

by teresa

We are really busy around here as the end of the school year approaches.

Exams, concerts, field day, career day, field trip, 3rd grade graduation, end of year parties and pta board meetings for three schools (Ben's school this year and next year and Nick's school).

A last minute project (that someone else was assigned nine months ago) was dumped in my lap this week that had me cutn' and bagn' for days. Box tops for education. Does your childs school do this? You collect Campbells labels or General Mills labels, cut the upc's then bag them up according to the website regulations, create an account for your school, and mail it all to companies. It was a pain in the rear, but it raised $287.00 from GM's and 5,000points from Campbell's (which gets you tons of good stuff when you add it to our previous total). What that translates to is about 10,000 labels I cut and bagged. The things we do for our kids!

The kids have one more week left of school....and they are bouncing off the walls.

No more homework, early morning wake ups, socks (flip flops for all till Sept.) or meetings till Sept. If we can just get through the next seven days.

It's been so chaotic around here lately I have to escape for a few minutes the other day. Kristian was over doing homework with Ben, KiKi and Shorty were yapping at the guy across the street cutting his grass, Nick was practicing his trumpet and arguing with Ben, Chris had his work stuff spread out in MY office working from home (if I had an office to escape to I would be there in a heartbeat), and I just wanted to be alone (is it too much to ask to have a moment in your own house alone???).

So I snuck out(I think I said something about running to the grocery store).

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The brain freeze was worth it.

I had a fifteen minute sonic grape slush vacation from the madness.

Actual comments and questions in the Green home this week...

by teresa

If we went to Hooters they would fire everyone and hire only her!

That was so good you can join the Globetrotters. Well, at least the FartTrotters.

Somebody get some water, cause the boy's on fire!

Mom, do you ever have an estrogen overload?

Finally....I got to see a vagina.

All we are doing for the rest of the year in gym is talking about reproduction, erections and menstruation....and all I want to do is play basketball! Stupid Family Life!

I ate the whopper and I got crazy glue on my tongue.

It felt just like a lizard in my mouth.

Four imodium down and it still keeps coming stronger than ever.

Your son is swirling his weiner around in the back door window.

The dog slept on your folded clean clothes. That's ok...it was only your sisters pile.

Why did you watch all the According to Jim's on the dvr without me? That's just wrong!

It touched your boob? No, it touched my heart....my boobs are down here now.

by teresa

Saturday was so awesome.
I can't BELIEVE Chris has not blogged about it yet.
It was Kai's last baseball game. Remember Chris had been practicing with him at the batting cage. Pitch after pitch after pitch for almost two weeks.
Well it payed off in the last game big time.
The kid was up to bat four times....with four hits and four runs scored.
And not just any runs....but the game winning run scored in an extra inning with two outs in the game they were playing to see who moved into second place.
We literally jumped (and screamed) for joy when he crossed home plate.
He was even given the game ball for his big role in the game win.
We are all so proud of him and can't wait for fall ball to begin!
I have a couple of videos from Saturday. Unfortunately not the game winning score (I was snapping pictures instead of recording). I realized two things once I watched them.

1. Kai needs blinders on when running because he watches where his hit went instead of putting on the speed.

2. I am loud and annoying. Sorry.

Video one.

Video two.

Video three.

by teresa

Wow...I can't believe I haven't blogged since Friday.
We had a busy weekend (which I'll blog about later) and I was a sicky sickster Sunday night and all day yesterday. I'm talking dawn of the dead!
I feel much better today, thank goodness.
I am off to take Nick to school...and Lauren to work (fun fun fun).