Adventures with Drew

Today, I was finally able to convince Drew to leave the house. He has gotten to be quite the "home body" and doesn't want to go anywhere...except Target. The convincing required some bribery, i.e. lunch at his favorite restaurant, but whatever it takes.

Our journey began by stopping at Claire and Braden's school to say "hello" at lunch. Claire seemed a little embarrassed, but true to form, Braden was elated. (I hope he never catches on to the trend to be embarrassed by your mom...I think I will be heartbroken if he does).

We then went to the (overpriced) restaurant that Drew loves, where he joyfully dined on his Mac and Cheese. (We have been on a band of eating out due to our budget, so he was thrilled.)

We then just walked around the neighborhood. He made a lot of new friends...kids, animals, annoyed elderly people, etc. Drew didn't care. He was saying "hello" and working the crowd, regardless of the response he received.

We finished our journey at the park. It was humerous watching Drew slip and slide in the snow. The park has quite a different "vibe" when it is covered in four inches of snow.

The afternoon was fun, but on the way home Drew said he wished it were summer, so Claire and Braden didn't have to go to school and could play with him. I love how much he misses them. Honestly, when we pick them up at school, Drew almost tackles Braden with hugs, because he is so glad to see him. I guess mom is not as fun of a playmate as Braden.

Kite Flying

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day. It was the warmest day in a long time. I think the temperature reached 60 degrees. That was a "far cry" from the previous week when we walked to school in 12 degree weather.

Justin was working, so the kids and I went to the park to fly kites. It was crazy how crowded it was. It was literally a "sea of people." There were people (and dogs...and dog poop) everywhere.

We flew kites and Claire jumped rope with one of her friends that we saw at the park. It was a great afternoon.

On our way to the park, the kids were discussing what they want to be when they grow-up. Claire said she is still deciding between an orthodontist and an interior decorator. Braden said he wanted to build homes for people that didn't have one. (He said he wanted to build them for free, and then Claire quickly pointed out that he would not make any money doing that...always bursting Braden's bubble...it's her job.) Drew proclaimed that he still wants to be a superhero, but that he is going to live with his mom. PRICELESS!!

Poison

Yesterday, Braden announced to me that he wants to begin eating only healthy foods. (YEAH!! Music to my ears). As you may know, he is BY FAR the pickiest eater in our house. He likes tacos, mac and cheese, and cookie dough. (Honestly, I try to introduce healthy foods...I promise.)

Let me say, that I am a little embarrassed by our eating habits in Colorado. For instance, I feel as though I must wear a large hat and dark sunglasses, if I choose to drive-thru Burger King. I do not want to be recognized or I might possibly be assaulted by the other parents at school. They are constantly talking about how healthily their kids eat. It is almost a competition as to which kids eat the most vegetables. Some of the conversations sound like..."my kid is healthier than your kid...na, na, nah, nah.."obviously, a little annoying.

Anyway, Braden's proclamation to eat healthy food was quite a surprise. I told him I thought that was a great idea; however, I couldn't resist the urge to ask what prompted his change. He told me that his friend Chance told him that Oreo cookies are poisonous. Braden had offered him a cookie and he refused because he didn't want to "poison his body". WOW!! I am now a believer in brain washing . Poor kid! If he ever is introduced to sugar, he will probably go crazy. (Like the preacher's kid who was deprived of everything and goes crazy at college). Anyway, we will follow this positive peer pressure and take advantage of it while it lasts. I will let you know how it goes!!

Lovin-time's Day

Yesterday, Drew and I were reading his favorite Spongebob book. (Let me say, I have it memorized...as does he...no skipping pages). Anyway, when we finished the book he was "reading" the back cover. It was advertising other Spongebob books that are available. One was a "Happy Valentine's Day" book. When he got to the picture of Spongebob and hearts he said,"Spongebob's Lovin-time's Day Book." Isn't that priceless? We should change the name of the holiday...don't you think?

I also wanted to report to all of my friends in Arkansas that it is a high of 19 degrees today. Isn't that great?! I love cold weather!! ha/ha

YOGA

Yesterday, I decided to try the "yoga-craze". Now I have done yoga in the past, and I really enjoyed it. My yoga phase was years ago. I think it was 1999 or 2000. I didn't feel as if it were a work-out, but it improved other work-outs by providing flexibility and strength. At the time, Claire was a newborn and Justin and I were both in school, so the best part about yoga was the peaceful hour it provided.

Since I have heard such rave reviews recently about yoga, I attended my first yoga class at the "oh, so snobby" gym here in CO. It was ok, but a little weird. I think this was more of an instructional class. I hate to be "singled-out." The beginning of the class she posed the question who was new. There were two of us. She then made us move to the front near her so she could "keep an eye on us". UGH!

Throughout the class I felt ok and was gaining a little confidence in what I was doing. I seemed to achieve the poses relatively well...key work relatively. However, this confidence came CRASHING TO THE GROUND on the last pose. It was some weird pretzel, something pose, i.e sitting on the floor with your legs crossed around your body...not natural. Those of you that know me are aware that "Mee-maw" doesn't have the best knees or the greatest flexibility in the lower body region. Frankly, I couldn't do what she was asking me. It hurt!! She stopped class, came to me, and kinda asked (smugly), "What are you doing?" I wanted to say that I am TRYING the best I can... you tree-hugging b*&^$#. But I refrained and politely smiled in my humiliation and continued my best effort.

After my yoga humiliation, I ran a couple of miles trying to redeem my self in the work-out world...in my delusional mind that anyone cares. My verdict on yoga is still undecided. I think I should give it another try...maybe a different teacher.

P.S. My Colorado-induced anger toward people verified the fact that I need to do more yoga. I guess my ZEN needs some work, huh?

My brain is better

Today before school, I enjoyed an enlightening conversation among the kids. They didn't know that I was listening, which I find to be the most entertaining and informing times.

Drew was arguing that his brain was better than Claire and Braden's brains. Claire and Braden began asking him questions to test his brain. For example, how many days are in a week? Drew smugly said he wasn't going to tell them, he will only tell his friend Aidan. The conversation continued for quite some time; however, throughout the conversation Drew remained firm on the fact that his brain was better than their brains.

Immediately after the conversation/argument ended, Drew began punching himself in the stomach. Seriously, doesn't that sound like the behavior of a child with the best brain? I wonder about him sometimes!!!

Shame on me!

I recently found out that a friend of mine, someone who I have known for over 15 years, has been battling breast cancer. I last saw her in July, before we left AR, and she has been through four surgeries and obviously a lot of issues since that time. My emotions overcame me as she was telling me of her experiences. I could not believe the strength she displayed as she told of her illness. I was greatly impacted by our conversation. The fact that someone so young and healthy had experienced this was overwhelming. In addition, I was also struck by the fact that I, nor any of our friends knew. SHAME ON ME!!! I can't believe that I have gotten so "busy" (as you know that is FAR from the truth) that I am unable to keep in touch with my friends.

This prompted my New Year's Resolution. Now, let me say, I am not a fan of resolutions. I mean honestly, why do we subject ourselves to failure, i.e., weight loss, saving money, etc. These resolutions are those that I am unable to keep; however, I really want to be a better friend. I want to make a conscience effort to "keep in touch" with everyone. There is no reason why we shouldn't have known that our friend was facing this terrible illness.

I am now going to be known among you guys as Amy "all in your business" Seale. This is your warning! I am going to check in on everyone periodically. GET READY...

Teenager?

Today I walked upstairs to see Claire doing her homework while wearing her earphones listening to her MP3 player. Seriously, I think she is a teenager. Please notice the look of annoyance as I am taking her picture. Again, another characteristic of a teenager. WOW! What do I have in store.

Lifeline

Tonight while we were eating dinner Drew was unusually quiet. We had homemade chicken noodle soup, so his struggle to keep the noodles on his spoon kept him occupied. Amidst regular conversation between Claire and Braden, Drew said, "Mom you need a lifeline. It is always there for you."
I could not keep from laughing. I find the thoughts of this kid to be so random.

Now for those of you that do not know, this comment was sparked by a cheesy commercial that advertises a device for senior citizens that automatically calls for help. Previously, these commercials were "help, I've fallen and I can't get up."

The humor I find in this is that of all of the commercials this kids sees, why is that the one he remembers. Crazy!!!

I guess my humor should turn to concern in that it is a testament to how much T.V. Drew watches when his thoughts revolve around commercials.