'The Little Boys'

After my Dad’s party Friday night, I sat around with my hilarious brothers and their childhood friends listening to stories of their youthful hi-jinx. I had such a good time, and was laughing maniacally at their stories well into the night. I guess I never realized how crazy my little brothers and their friends were growing up. Let me testify now that they were truly, certifiably insane.

Story #1: Adam, Joey, Stephen & David and their friends had a delightful little game called ‘Penny Wars.’ This is, strangely enough, exactly what it sounds like. Growing up, we had an old teakettle that my mom kept tons of pennies in. These guys would build elaborate defense forts around the den, turn of the lights, AND HURL PENNIES AT EACH OTHER WITH FULL FORCE. Not just flipping one or two pennies at the enemy, no. They would take a fist-full of pennies and chuck them headlong into each other’s faces. It’s amazing our house, or my brothers, for that matter, is still standing.

Story #2: Our family used to own land in an obscure little place called ‘Throckmorton.’ We often went out to the farm for little vacations. Evidently my brothers and their friends (Stephen and David Qualls, David Haney & Sean Woodard) would grab paint guns, mount four-wheelers, and joust. They didn’t go into detail, but I can only imagine much crashing of vehicles, crushing of limbs, and paint everywhere.

Story #3: Also at scout camp, (thanks to Mikey) they all learned the words to the theme song from the cartoon show ‘Gummi Bears,’ and can apparently sing them flawlessly to this day. Prince Ali from Aladdin was also a favorite. After laughing myself hoarse at Adam & Stephen’s recitation of ‘Gummi Bears,’ I mentioned it to Mike the next day. Wouldn’t you know he began singing with vigor…

There were many, many more, but I can’t relate them all. But I will issue this warning to all ladies raising up housefuls of boys as I am: I’m fairly sure my mother never knew about any of these activities and ladies, this is what we have to look forward to!

Parties & T-Ball

We threw my dad a huge SURPRISE 60th birthday party at El Chico’s Friday night. It went swimmingly, and the best part is HE HAD NO IDEA! We actually managed to keep it a secret. I don’t think I’ve ever told so many lies in one afternoon in my entire life. I’ll be writing more about this later in a separate blog; my personal one just isn’t big enough to cover it. Thanks to everyone who helped out and attended; it was an amazingly fun night.

Okay, Stevie had his first T-ball lesson this morning, and it was adorable and a blast. We spent a lot of time running the bases, and it’s a good thing too! Those kids were running amok, and there was no rhyme or reason to it! The ‘coach’ (this wonderful college kid, who was probably flummoxed beyond belief at 3-year-old behavior) finally had the kids yell out what base they were on.


About halfway into it, Stevie just started sauntering to the bases, no longer feeling the need to run. One time he even crawled to a base. (You can see pictures of this on my friend Stacie’s website). He was all tuckered out, the poor guy! All this running will be good for him.


The best part was that when 8pm rolled around, there were no arguments about bedtime. He informed us that he needed to go to sleep.

I haven’t mentioned David lately, but he’s still a ring-tail tooter (my all-time favorite Texanism)! Here’s a picture of him after we caught him nicking icing off my Dad’s birthday cake.



And lastly, I FINALLY figured out how to change my background and header. (Thank you brother Adam--without out you I would still be staring at that horrible fluorescent green!)

My Son, the Octopus

Tuesday night around 3:00am, Steven hears Stevie banging the wall with his feet. Annoyed, he goes into Stevie’s room and sternly tells him to knock it off. Stevie immediately begins explaining that he’s a giant octopus.

Intrigued, Steven starts to grill Stevie about his apparent octopus-status, realizing that Stevie must be talking about a dream he’d just had. Stevie excitedly goes into a huge monologue about how he was swimming in the ocean and has eight legs and can change colors. He goes on to say how he saw a submarine and an erupting volcano and sprayed whales with ‘dunk’ (we’re assuming he meant ink). My husband went to bed chuckling, thinking he had just listened to a detailed rendition of Stevie’s first remembered dream.

Little did he know we had watched that exact scenario on ‘Go, Diego, Go’ that previous afternoon. I don’t think I’ll tell Steven. Sigh…my child’s life is ruled by Nickelodeon. Still, there are worse things he could be remembering in detail. Maybe he’ll be a marine biologist.

Water Gardens

Since I finally found my digital camera, I realize I have a trillion pictures just waiting to be posted. Some, for instance, of our trip to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. For anyone looking for a fun and completely free family outing, I highly recommend it. We used to go a lot when I was a kid, and we always had a fun time. They even have a little section where you can wade around in the water. Steven and I took the boys awhile back and we had such a great time. Now that the weather's getting warmer, I think we'll be visiting again soon, this time with a picnic lunch.

Stevie at the entrance.
David putting his hand on the 'water wall'
If you look closely, you'll see that my husband is wearing a winter hat, which he insists upon, even if it's 70 degrees outside. He's petrified of cold-induced sickness.
Down in the deepest fountain
All the water mist in the air felt great!

All Is Well...

Everything is over and done with, and despite my OCD worrying, went suprisingly well. We had a awesome time at the birthday parties and the easter egg hunts, and even the Easter program went off without a hitch. We really enjoyed having my dad come down for the weekend, and we'll get to see him next weekend when he comes for an unrelated visit too! We were even able to stave off debilitating sickness...until now.

Both David and I decided to get sick right in the middle of Easter dinner at my Aunt's house. David demonstrated this fact by deftly vomiting all over Steven's shirt. I was a bit less dramatic, but needless to say, we both had to go straight home and miss my Grandpa's 81st birthday party (I'm so sorry, Grandpa and Kathi! I know I'm a chump!)

Today we vegged until an unrelated Dr.'s appt. in the afternoon. And while I love our pediatrician, if he insists on making his patients wait 2 hours for every visit, can't we at least show up an hour late? Makes perfect sense to me. But we made it through, and happily returned home to our sick pallets.

Here are some pictures from the hunt, etc...

David picking up his first ever easter egg.

Stevie forgetting to be a gentleman while snatching up a desired egg from competitor

Easter Outfits!

Why are we all leaning to the left?

Steven was clearly worrying about global politics in this picture

Our Family Hunt. Once Stevie found out that some eggs held money, he shook every one before putting it in his basket.

David was more excited about finding Uncle Mike's golf balls in the grass than any old egg.

My adorable youngest brother is obviously wishing he'd remembered to bring his own easter basket!

Weekend Schedule

FRIDAY
11:00am- Take kids to Jan’s
11:30am- Finish painting and laying down carpet in guest bedroom
3:00pm- Dad arrives from for the weekend

SATURDAY
8:45am- Choir Rehearsal for Easter Program
11:00am- Birthday Party
12:00pm- Easter Egg Hunt
7:00pm- Birthday Party

SUNDAY
8:15am- Rehearse for Easter Program
9:00-12:00 Church
1:00pm- Easter Dinner at Aunt’s
4:30pm- Celebrate Grandpa’s 81st b-day at other Aunt’s house

BREATHE- ????????

Home at last...

We're back from Galveston, safe and sound. We had an excellent relaxing time. David, unfortunately, was a bit more vocal on the trip home, and often serendaded us with random screeches, shouts, and the like. Driving was a bit hairy anyway, because it rained like mad the entire time! But we're finally home, and now we have to face the zillion of things on our to-do list this week. But right now I think I'll just block it all out and warm up some soup.

Oh, and I've lost my digital camera, so not a picture one of Galveston! Dag-nabit!

Premature Worrying

I’m more or less positive that my fitness accountability progress comprehensively disappeared this weekend. I don’t know for sure yet, but I’m predicting a positive integer in my little graph on Friday. Sigh…. Curse you, Dad, with your delicious barbecuing skills!

I've been sad today. I know I expressed the uncertainty of Steven’s getting hired on down in Galveston in a previous blog, but he now has an interview scheduled and the prospect's looking solid. And I know I shouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch, but I’ve been counting away, and the numbers seem high. And while it would be such a great opportunity for our financial growth, it would break my heart to leave my hometown again. But everyone has to grow up sometime, I suppose.

I was born in Arlington, I went to school here, I got married here and I’ve raised my little family here for 3 years. And just when the little things all start to fall into place and my kids and I are finally making friends and plans, the Lord smiles at me and says “Not so fast, Jenny,” and the path twists again.

I hate change. But it’s good for you right? Makes you stronger, all that good stuff?

Whatever.

Just Keeping Up

Another great potluck Thursday yesterday (Hooray Betsy!). It was so nice to sit, eat mostly food that, thankfully, I didn’t cook, and talk with all the other moms about everything and nothing. Sometimes you end up clicking with someone you never thought you’d get to know. Mom used to always tell me how important it was to develop female friendships after marriage. Anyway, it was great fun and good conversation while the kiddies played.

We’re driving down to Galveston again today to visit Dad. It’s a very crazy time to go, what with the Choir program being next Sunday AND the Easter Egg Hunt to put together for next Saturday. But we really wanted some time to just VISIT with Dad, instead of having to work while we’re down there. So this is our official relaxation vacation (I’ll try to remember that while driving 300 miles with two little monsters in the backseat).

Lastly, it’s Fitness Accountability Friday, and things are still going my way! I lost another 2 lbs and have only 10 more to go before May 1st. (Knock on wood).

Feb 29: -1 lb.
Mar 7: -2 lbs.
Mar 14: -2 lbs.

Stuff White People Like

This site is definitely MY blog of the week. Check it out:

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/

And Now, Progress...

We put one coat of paint on the CEILING of the master bedroom today. Could this be the actual beginning of the house’s honest-to-goodness makeover? I’m skeptical, but still hopeful. Of course, while we were at Home Depot, we knew that we had a painting extension pole in the garage, but guess what. No pole. Aching arms. Oh well, back to Home Depot tomorrow.

We also actually found some carpet that happened to be the perfect dimensions for the room (12’x11’). It was in the ‘returned carpet’ bin and was therefore breathtakingly inexpensive. It’s actually pretty nice, too. We’re no where near installing any carpet, but the thought that’s it’s sitting in the garage, ready to go, comforts me somehow.

Steven submitted a resume to my brother’s company, Anico, a few days ago. It would mean, of course, packing up (once again) and moving to Galveston with the rest of the Howsley Clan. Just thinking about Galveston weather makes my make-up melt. But it’s a great opportunity for Steven, and a COMPLETE change of scene, work-wise. I’m torn, but I guess I don’t have to be anything yet. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Alright, break’s over. Back to painting. (did I mention the ceiling? ugh.)

Name Tag

This is a hilarious little game Kelli tagged me with. It should be self-explanatory, and some work out better than others: here are my less than kosher answers.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): Brandy Corrolla…sounds like some run-down country singer
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Blue Bell Cookie Dough Flip Flop, I might have to use an acronym like BBCDFF.
3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Red Dachshund
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Bembrey Arlington (of course with the middle name, streetname, it would be Bembrey Georgetown, which I used to think was my porno name, silly me.)
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name): Gruje (yikes, again, I would either be the aged wise sage or the villain)
6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Rainbow Off-brand Fruit-Punch Flavored Crystal Light doesn’t really have the right ring to it, does it?
7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Andy Elmer
8. STRIPPER NAME (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent,favorite candy): Coffee Caramel…now that’s a good one, except that I have completely tanless skin.
9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Bishop Birmingham,…that’s sounds like a dude.
10. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Fourth of July Rose?
11. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing rightnow) Clementine Yoga Pants (okay, now I’m just being difficult)
12. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Nutrigrain Mimosa (sounds like a health-nut alcoholic drink)

I tag Julie, Missy and Kristy

As Requested

Here are some songs from the CD I wrote about. I finally figured out how to stream them. Just remember, 1999 was a long time ago. I never officially copywrighted anything, so I've just posted bits of them.

Intervention?

Steven and I were REALLY counting on a snowed-in day, but sadly, Mother Nature likes to mess with Texas. Still, I was able to meet up with a friend from the rec center that I hadn’t seen in weeks. Her name is Mary, and she has a little boy named Dallas that’s Stevie’s age. I just love the way they run yelling each others’ name into a big hug. You’re never quite as secure in showing love as you are at age 3.

While we were talking, she mentioned a mom in Dallas’ preschool class who was upset. Her little boy is new to the class--new to school period--and is having a hard time making friends. This mother was so upset by this that she cornered Mary and started talking about how Dallas won’t play with him and incites the other kids to exclude him too. Well, Mary felt horrible, and assured this mom that Dallas would get a good talking-to, but the mom just wouldn’t let it go.

But the question remains…

What does this mom want Mary to do about it? Is Mary supposed to force Dallas to be this boy’s friend, and if so, how? Should she monitor the classroom now, watching for any exclusive behavior on Dallas’ part?

This little boy is obviously new to socializing with this particular set of kids, and he, just like all of us, has to learn how. We can teach our kids the rules, about kindness and empathy or even what to do when someone else is mean. But we can’t control other people’s actions. And that’s a vital life lesson that can only be learned through experience. Social interaction equals social education.

Take me for instance. I absolutely hated middle-school. It was a pretty bad time for me. But I took many important lessons from those wretched experiences that couldn’t have been taught in any other setting.

Sometimes, when Stevie’s cries about something, some kid on the playground will call him ‘baby’ and make him cry harder. If he was hitting it would be one thing, but I can’t yell at that kid to stop calling him a baby (even though I want to rip the little bugger’s head off). The only thing I can tell Stevie is to first, stand up for himself and tell the kid you don’t like, and if that doesn’t work, ignore it and go play with someone else.

I guess my main conclusion is this: our kids are going to get hurt…bad. Kids will be cruel and say horrible things. And my heart breaks in a million pieces at the very thought. I know he’s going to go through it and I wish I could take the hurt away. But I also want him to be strong. I can give guidance and act as counselor, but not as a barrier between him and all the bad stuff in the world. Sheltering him only denies him the opportunity to fight it, change it or learn to deal with it by himself.

Annnnnndd, I'm spent. Self-righteous ranting complete.

Fitness Update

I'm continuing my online accountability, with the idea that if I know everyone in the universe knows, maybe I'll be more diligent.

Success! I met my 2-lb goal this week! Just 8 weeks and 12 lbs to go. Maybe swimsuit shopping won't be as horrific as I feared!

Feb 29: -1 lb.
Mar 7: -2 lbs

Thoughts on cold

Freezing Weather Watch until 6am and no school tomorrow! Is it possible that Steven and I might actually do some work on the house? (Fat chance. Sorry, dry wall compound, we’ll get you out of the garage one of these days).

I love this kind of weather. I don’t love it when I’m all alone, but now that Steven will be home tomorrow, it’s excellent. AND I have two books which I could snuggle up and read (New Moon and Eclipse, thank you, Sarah). Even Stevie and David are getting into the cozy spirit of things by watching a movie (quietly, no less!) and taking a nap respectively. Bravo, fellas!

The house is completely quiet! It’s quite an occasion! Now, I’m off to pop some 94% fat free kettle corn (that’s right, I’m still being honest) and settle down with a good book.

Oooo, you know what I should make? Soup. Soup is lovely with cold weather. Soup and fuzzy house slippers.

Origins of Grundy Love...

When Steven and I first started dating, I knew after awhile that he was ‘the one.’ He was the last love of my life. No more pursuit, no more pining. I was through drifting from heartbreak to heartbreak, wondering when it was all going to end. I knew that my search was over, and in the days to come I’d finally find that stability I’d been looking for.

Oddly enough, it took us 2 years to decide the whats and hows and wheres of getting married. Very odd for a BYU couple, I know. I actually had a friend (well-meaning, but irritatingly so) who told me quite bluntly we obviously needed to fish or cut bait.

Two ridiculous years we wasted wondering if we were should wait for a lightning bolt through the heart, telling us it was definitely the right move. But you know, I’ve never really been a lightning bolt type of person.

It reminds me of a favorite quote:

Somewhere in your quest …is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and step into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. –Boyd K. Packer

Thank goodness we leaped.

The Language of 'Kid.'

Where's Day-Day?

There he is!

Why do we feel so proud when they master peekaboo? I think it must be that every little thing he learns marks another thread of communication between us. Yes, we may only be able to say 'peekaboo' to each other with complete comprehension on both sides, but at least it's something! I know what he wants and he know my reaction, and we both get a lot of pleasure from the exchange. I feel the same way about David's recent habit of saying 'no' to every single question asked of him. Are you hungry? 'NO!' Do you want to play with cars? 'NO!' Can you make change for a fifty? 'NO!' The fact that this seems to be a catch-all answer for him doesn't phase me, because sometimes, every now and then, he means it. And thus we communicate, making him just that much more interesting.

The same goes for Stevie. As his vocabulary, as well as his understanding (or misunderstanding) of general venacular improves, I find myself delighted with the hilariousness of our conversations. Example:

Stevie: Hey, Elastigirl? (as he customarily calls me)
Mommy: Yes, Dash?
Stevie: I know, we can be superheroes!
Mommy: Great idea!
Stevie: I'm Dash, and I can run REALLY, REALLY FAST! (and he proceeds to pump his little legs up and down the halls).

Now is this the weightiest conversaton I've ever had? No, but it's profound in it's own way. Stevie and I are playing, imparting information, and becoming closer as a result. Frustration levels are lower now that we can communicate...even if it is on the most basic, and most necessary level...which is, of course, superhero talk.