Ontopofmygame

Dogsledding!

2007-04-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

We spent spring break, dogsledding. It was a fantastic experience for all. It was intimidating on day one, the dogs were howling with excitement waiting to be chosen. They knew as the guide approached with the harness in hand whether they were chosen or not. Such disapointment for the dogs that were not chosen. You couldn't help but feel bad. We wanted to take them all.

It was very empowering for our family of five. We all had the opportunity to manage our own or two person sled on a 30 mile trek across lakes, grass portage trails, and makeshift bridges that the guides built to get us over moving water. They had to handle the dogs, run along the sled if the dogs needed direction.

It was the "best vacation" according to the kids. My youngest cried as we said goodbye to the dogs on day four.

Learning Disabilities

2007-03-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

My son has learning disabilities. He was diagnosed in second grade. I, as a mom, began to see signs in kindergarten but disregarded them. I didn't want to compare him to my other children.
I figured in time, it would all work out.

First signs, he did not like going to school. He was and is very social, beyond his years. He also was one of the younger kids in his class. He had a poor concept of time. I would always have to repeat our schedule of events, what happened when and at what time. Days of the week, months of the year, saying the alphabet was difficult. It was hard for him to get it in the right order.

First grade, he was placed in a reading program which was one on one with a reading specialist. The day before Christmas break, the reading specialist stopped me in the hallway at school to tell me that my son was not progressing as he should. I thought why is she telling me this now, right before break. My mind started wandering and I recalled the day he came home to tell me, "Mrs. C. gets her legs waxed, just like you , MOM!" I asked him how he knew this and he told me he read her "to do" list on her desk. I thought if he can't read at first grade level and having problems prgoress, then how can he read Mrs. C's to do list.

Life continued, some days it was very difficult to get him to go to school. Second grade was worse, he would happily go out the door with his siblings walk the two blocks, turn around and come into the backyard, stand on the deck or hide in the garage. I would then walk him to school, into the building, into the classroom.

Where Angels Go Trouble Follows

2007-03-11T22:29:00.002-07:00

Rosalind Russell
You scored 26% grit, 42% wit, 23% flair, and 28% class!

You are one wise-cracking lady, always quick with a clever remark and easily able to keep up with the quips and puns that come along with the nutty situations you find yourself in. You're usually able to talk your way out of any jam, and even if you can't, you at least make it more interesting with your biting wit. You can match the smartest guy around line for line, and you've got an open mind that allows you to get what you want, even if you don't recognize it at first. Your leading men include Cary Grant and Clark Gable, men who can keep up with you.

Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the Classic Leading Man Test.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 99% on grit
You scored higher than 99% on wit
You scored higher than 99% on flair
You scored higher than 99% on class

If you liked my test, send it to your friends!

I just took this test and when Rosalind Russell name popped up, I imediately thought of my favorite childhood movie, Where Angels Go Trouble Follows. I kind of hoped to more of a Katherine Hepburn but I'll settle forRosalind.

"The talk"

2007-02-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

I was notified last week that my son would be having the "sex talk." at school. He is in sixth grade. It happened on Monday. He came home from school and after several hours decided to tell me about his day. A doctor was supposed to give the talk, but the principal filled in and gave the talk instead.

He asked the class if they knew who Anna Nicole Smith was and had they seen her on t.v. Two hands went up. He proceeded to use ANS as "the example"; for women being sexy, showing off their bodies and also informed the boys that some women have their breasts enlarged... and so it went.

I asked him did any of the boys ask questions, we couldn't Mom. He told us if we had any questions to ask our parents.

I was floored and had to hold back my laughter as my son, very animated, re-told his take on the "sex talk."

Life w/ teenagers!

2007-01-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

My kids don't like when I blog about them. I yearn for the days when they were young and didn't pay attention to my extracurricular activities. The days when I could just gush about how cute they are, the cute things they say, the things other people say about my offspring.

Now, I have two teenagers, and one pre-teen who thinks he is a teen. I have two in junior high, one in high school. Need I say more. They are witty, and quick to comment. They are experts on all subjects. They are edgy. They are trying. They are insightful. They are intuitive. They have minds of there own. They are tech savvy. They liked to be plugged in. They younger ones watch Family Guy, South Park and Mind of Mencia, even when I block it from their viewing. They can watch it one youtube. They are cautious and adventurous.

I think the hardest part about this age is the emergence of their independence. You tell them to take a certain route home, they decide to take another. Your in the car, anyway, you see if you can spot them walking home, you can't find them, you circle, you re-take the pre-arranged route, no sigh of them, you panic, you run home, not there, you circle again, back home, shoes in the mudroom, they're home! Now, you try to remain cool, ask them where they were, and why they didn't take the route, and listen to them say , "O' Mom! I walked with a friend part of the way he had to go a different way!"

Be flexible, don't over react, listen, take a breather, think, then react!

Where was your husband last night?

2006-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Only in my family... Last night, my husband went out with the "produce guy" that he had met at the ethnic grocery store. The produce guy speaks limited english, and my husband speaks limited spanish. They met at the grocery store and went out to dinner at a mexican restaurant in the next town over.

The kids were worried about him when I told them where Dad was. They called him, he was fine, three hours later he came home. I had asked to pick up a gallon a milk on the way home, no milk, he did not remember the request.

The Party

2006-08-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos I promised.

2006-08-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

dem franchize boys - lean wit it rock wit it

I am adding to Movin' Mom's latest post. By sharing this video, that the majority of our husbands tried to learn. They were quite good, by the end of the evening! I'll post a few pictures tomorrow.

Summer ending....

2006-08-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

My summer is coming to an end. Days are still hot and sometimes humid, the ac is still on. Things are finally slowing down. The yard/ garden (for my international friends) is in full bloom and all filled in. A visit to the farmers market include the boys and our dog... peaches, rasperries, blueberris, corn, green beans, at their peek. We eat the raspberries as we walk home. We walk pass the kids' school for one more glance at the class lists and chat about things to come. New school for my youngest, again.

Summers are like vacations you really don't settle in and enjoy the pace till its almost over.

School begins tomorrow for my kids.

Summer Days Drifting Away...

2006-07-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

After several days of dragging my son to theatre camp, I finally got to see him on stage! He loved every minute of it and I loved every second. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than seeing my kids fully engaged and passionate about what they are doing. It made my day! He played "Kiniecke," from Grease. Perfect casting! Something about those directors, they really do know what they are doing. As disappointed as a child may get for not getting a part, they always cast the show perfectly. As did my cousin who has Downs Sydrome, casted a production of Friends giving my husband the part of "Ross!" Perfect!

After all was said and done he had a great experience, loved the director, but gave me a hard time about going. What is that about??!!?? And putting the costume together, was another whole ordeal! He insisted on tight jeans. I told him, I wasn't going to buy any more jeans. After trying on three pairs from the hand-me-down bin, I left the room. He finally put a pair on, borrowed a t-shirt from his sister, then a trip to the store to by a comb for his back pocket. Then, I did cave and bought a pair of aviator sunglasses for him!

In the spring, (I wanted to blog about it) two of my children were also involved in plays. They did a wonderful job. And, again, I loved every second.

You can probably, say I am vicariously living through my children went it comes to musicals. I am!!!

Summer Time

2006-07-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Now it feels like
summer

Slower pace
relaxing

Morning walks
on the river

Getting kids to
activities, conversations
along the way

Reading,
sunning
in the shade

Watching, observing
people, kids, teens
behavior

Eating
eating
enjoying
imbibing
Summers harvest

Music
Magazines
Books
Conversations

Happy Summer

Another school year coming to an end...

2006-05-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

Another school year passes.
A time for me to get teary eyed,
as I reflect back on how my kids have grown.

Time to say my "thank-yous",
to the people who have touched my children,
and therefore have touched me.

This year I'm sending e-mails,
so no one can see me struggle
to hold back my tears.

Yes, I pretty much
do this every year!!!

Si Se Puede!

2006-05-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

We took our daughter to the immigration rally yesterday. Quite, a learning experience for all of us! So, many issues fall under this immigration march. I'm glad we participated, I almost did not go. Now, I wish I brought the younger ones.

A Birthday Card from sister to brother!

2006-04-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

I had to share! I see such great photos of all the babies and toddlers out there in my blog world. In the constant state of teasing and dissing among the siblings, I love when one comes through for the other and is able to share those thoughts. It puts me "on top of my world."

P.S. It took me forever to scan, cut and paste, and post this. I'm learning

Something different for dinner!

2006-04-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have been on the hunt for some rotisserie chicken recipes, to make a quick and easy dinner. I came across this one. It was a success and tasted even better the next day. My husband started cooking Eastern Indian cusine after vacationing in British Columbia. We have found many good indian recipes thanks to Madhur Jaffrey's Quick and Easy Indian Cooking. The family is open to the use of different spices, they have no choice. I love the smell when cooking with indian spices. This also passed approval of my "presumed gourmet" husband who started the indian cooking. He's very tough to please. He's also anti-crockpot.

Indian Chicken in Tomato Sauce

3 T Butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 t garlic
1 T tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes in juice
1 rottisserie chicken, pulled into about 1 inch chunks (no skin)

Spice Blend:
1 T garam masala seasoning
1 1/2 t ground ginger
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t cayenne

Make spice blend first, set aside.

Melt butter in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until pieces golden. Add garlic, tomato paste and spice blend, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The spices will be fragant. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and stir well. Add chicken pieces and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and cook , uncovered, until the chicken is warmed through, and sauce is flavorful, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently.

Serve with basmati rice.

Special Olympics

2006-04-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Jo participated in the Special Olympics this past weekend. My daughter and I arrived after much prodding, just in time for her first throw of the "softball throw." With her baseball cap on backwards, and several swings of her arm she threw the ball and cheered herself on with a resounding, "yesss!!!" Then, she immediately saw us and said, "You made it!" She greeted us with warm hugs and seemed relieved that we had arrived. She immediately wanted to know where the boys were. I told they were coming. A small cheering section had assembled to cheer her on.

I couldn't help notice the cute teenage boy guiding her through this event. He was all smiles. He thoroughly enjoyed watching Jo interact with her fans. He listened to her big hopes of wanting gold and how she was going to get it. She got a silver.

The next day as I drove my daughter to school, I asked her, "Who do you think got more out of the special olympics, the teenage boy or Jo?" Without hesitation she said the teenage boy!!!

Perdita

2006-04-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

I'm back. Some of my children were unhappy with some previous blogs. I guess I'll have to get my material from other aspects of my life.

So, how about a dog, for today! I was not a dog person, ever, ever! I am now! Upon years of my youngest begging for a dog, I gave in. I knew the dog would end up being mine. It would all come down to me, to care for her. I wanted a non-shedding, good temperament, good dog. I met one portuguese water dog (PWD) when I decided thats the breed I would get for the family. Also, doing the obvious research on the breed. My H did not want a small, lap dog...he wanted a mans dog, our PWD is medium size and weighs 36 lbs. When I told the family that this was the only breed I would consider, and the big "trust me," this a good choice. I flew out to Portland, OR to pick up our puppy, Perdita.

When I brought her home. every one feel in love with her. She has been a great addition to the family. She is know 20 months old. We still love her and her mischievous ways. The kids can't get enough of her and fight over her. Yes, she is very smart and knows each child by name, among many other things that she can do.

After driving my kids to school (3 different schools), I head to the dog park. I walk 2 miles while Perdita runs, frolicks and plays with all the other dogs. I have met the nicest interesting people at the dog park. It beats going to the gym! It is something I look forward to doing every weekday.

So, off to the dog park!

A boy and his dog!

2006-04-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pictures, I wanted to share this photo. My H took this photo in North Scottsdale of our youngest and the dog, in Scottsdale, AZ on the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, overlooking the valley. We loved taking this walk and then we would set our dog loose running through the green at a very prestigous golf course.

Happy Friday!!!

Teen Tuesday

2006-04-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

Myspace.com

MySpace is a very attractive way to express your self as a teen. It allows you to create your own space and gives the child a voice. It gives the child an opportunity to try on a different persona and believe me, they are. They can choose wallpaper (the background of their space), state their beliefs, their likes and dislikes from what your choices of underwear they prefer to what character they would be in "the O.C." They post photos of their lunchtime at school, parties, dances and friends. Remember most kids carry cell phones with the cameras built-in.

Many kids fill out questionnaires that reveal too much information about themselves or send out bogus information about themselves to see what kind of feedback they get. Most kids lie about their age, but will put their school name, proudly and the year they graduate. Hence, its easy to figure out the real age. Junior High kids will lie about their age and then reveal that they attend a junior high or will put in the high school that they will attend.

A lot of these kids post extremely provocative photos of themselves. They reveal what they would like to do to the opposite sex. They reveal the drugs and alcohol they tried out over the weekend and sometimes post photos of themselves participating in these activities.

These are actual quotes, most used as headlines from myspace.com:

bang a blonde
vodka slut
amour
I got u head over heals yet I don't think U can handle me
Hey there girls, I'm a cunt! (God, I hate typing that word)
I'm pretty much the sickest chick you'll ever meet
I do it in a tutu
I'm going to f*** you so hard
I used to f*** with Usher (quote from a song)
Some day my prince will come
I swallow, oh yeah I do
I want to bone you
Went to the dance drunk and got kicked out for grinding

The comment section of the myspace is a real eye opener. The language that kids use and what the call each other, i.e. They start out with, "Hey...skank, ho, bitch, or slut." Reading thru the comments, gives you a pulse of whats happening in the teen world. You'll see kids posting on "too many" my spaces. They appear desperate for someone to talk to, or just to communicate with.

The kids do not understand that a hard copy is created on a hard drive out there and can be accessed. Colleges and potential employers are doing searches on here. Some kids identities are being stolen and student loans being taken out in their name. Let alone the many predators who access this on a daily basis... Kids can create a myspace of your child and/or teacher, anybody they choose I've seen it.

Other concerns, a child putting on a different personality of what she is willing to do "may get called" on in the hallway at school or at a party. How will she/he handle it, and process that?

Does my child have a myspace? Yes, she does and so do I (rule #1). I thought long and hard about this. She is not allowed to put personal information, including her name or post photos. Her picture does pop up every now and then. The technology kids have access today is unbelievable, text messaging, the ability to take a photo instantaneously, they know how to cut and paste and create websites, etc.... Kids have to learn the consequences and need our guidance. We have to learn and help them. Parents have to trust and then verify. Whether or not they have a myspace, you can potentially find your kids photos out there.

www.myspace.com/Tom Go check it out. This Tom has every myspace account as a friend, click on "view my friends." Or, create your own myspace. You can also do searches by school, remember to click on current students, include all ages and both sexes. If you need help, let me know.

Thursday Thirteen

2006-03-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

My kids are almost as funny as me. My middle child sees his Dad in his underwear, "nice coin purse, Dad!"

On to the Thursday Thirteen (tried to cut and paste, failed! No kids around to help)

Things I like: (not necessarily in this order)

1. Peace and quiet.
2. Having the house to myself.
3. A walk along the river.
4. A hug or acknowledgement from my preteen/teenage children.
5. Sleeping in.
6. Sipping a cosmo.
7. Kibbitzing with friends.
8. Impromptu get togethers.
9. A hug or acknowledgment from my hubbie w/o expectations.
10. Uninterrupted computer time.
11. A good book.
12. Preparing and having a successful dinner party.
13. A good laugh.

Another Idol Review!

2006-03-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

I am now embarassed to say the I was a fan of Ace (Amercian Idol.)

I am so tired of Paris and all her costume changes! What is the deal??? Get your own look and your own dance moves! Chris, they were so happy that you never compromised, now its time to compromise, everything is beginning to sound the same. Taylor, good haircut, awful shoes, t-shirt, and leather jacket. Mandisa, great voice but make an effort to befriend the cameraman, so we can get away from those ass shots and he can play off your better "assets!"

Enough Said!

Dented!

2006-03-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Feeling rushed, I pulled out of my driveway looked left, looked right, waved to a neighbor went straight back and hit my neighbor's cleaning lady's car. I dented it good, no paint scrapes though. Damn! I thought for a fleeting second, should I just go. No, knocked on my neighbors door and fessed up. Exchanged numbers with the cleaning lady and went on my merry way to pick up my daughter. I called my husband on the way and told him what happened, "what kind of car did you hit?" "Oh, just a no name car." My H replied, "thats good!" It was a Lexus. My kids immediately got involved. "What happened?" How did it happened?" "Do you have to pay for it?" My daughter wanted to know if I was going to get my Honda's scratched bumper fixed, "That would be so embarassing driving around like that?" "Why is cleaning lady, driving a Lexus?" And, so on?

So, the start of my day.

"We practice medicine..."

2006-03-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

I always have that quote, "we practice medicine." lingering my head. My sister flew her 3-year old daughter to Minnesota to see a Cystic Fibrosis specialist, who has a great track record for keeping his patients alive the longest. With her daughter's medical files in hand, my sister, the mother and a pediatrician went seeking answers on how to keep her daughter alive as long as possible. By the end of the day, he turn to her to let her know "that we practice medicine." She recieved no set of instructions. Just keep plugging along, trust your instincts, if you want to try a drug in its trial phase, do it. Try a wholistic apporach, go for it.

We have so many decisions to make as parents. We're always wondering did we make the right one. In the past year two years my kids have been in two different schools. My youngest, three different learning environments including homeschool. We moved them into three different houses. We moved from public to catholic education. I've moved them in and out of their comfort zones many times in a short time period. They have moved me in and out of my comfort zone with the questions they ask, the things they say and their actions as well. I keep plugging a long trying to guide them lovingly, correctly, the right way.

I don't have to struggle with adding or missing a treatment. I don't have to decide if my daughter can go to a party without being exposed to a virus. I don't have to make my child take over 12 pills a day. I don't have to hook my child up to a feeding tube everynight! I have nothing on my sister. My family has the benefit of knowing her, her family and the opportunity to observe "that life is not fair." They get to watch their Aunt in action and they love her and admire her for all she does and is able to accomplish in one day.

Yet, she is always there for me. We're able to point out to each other and remind each other that the signs are there, we're moving along the right path. Sometimes, one child will straggle behind while the one leaps ahead. We smile, we laugh, something is working.

When we have a moment to chat (me and my sister) about how life has unfolded, we remind each other that we do the best we can. That we don't know, how it will all unfold and to focus on now and enjoy the process. Though the thought still lingers in my head "we practice medicine..."

You are the best advocate for your child!

2006-03-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

I am a behind the scenes kind of mom. I listen to their daily stories of joys and strifes of life at school.. I look over their shoulder when they're IM-ing and surfing the net, I go through the websites they've visited and read what they have written, and I listen in, when I'm carpooling. I take this information and when I need to, I use it. I use it to protect them, to teach and guide them... I will make a visit to school, talk to a teacher, an adminstrator when ever I feel, I need to. I do let them work out their relationships with their friends while trying to guide them along the way.

I was once advised that, YOU AND ONLY YOU ARE THE BEST ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD. It took me awhile to heed this advise. When my kids started school, I always took to heart what I was told about my child by their teachers. It was this incidence that got me kick started: T-1st grade: After being in a reading program for six months, I was told he was not making any progress in reading. I was taken back by this information and let a couple of days pass, to think on it. During this time, T told me that Mrs. C. "gets her legs waxed just like you." I asked how he knew this and he told me he read her "to do" list and proceeded to tell me everything that was on her on her list (he can read!). I knew something was up and started seeking outside advice. The reading program he was in did not address his needs. (He's doing great, now! ) It was a process for me as well, to follow and trust my instinct as a MOM, and not the so called experts. I know my children best and we are an integral part of their education and we should be heard!

Reconciliation

2006-03-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

My youngest son made his Reconciliation over the weekend. Just getting ready gave us material. The whole family is welcome to go to confession. T went first, face to face with the priest, I knew my husband and I were going, but not to sure about the older kids. They took it upon themselves and took there turn. We all had a quiet moment, then walked to the baptismal font where my youngest blessed us all. It warmed my heart!

It took my a long time to figure out "reconcilation." As I tell my children, when you make a poor choice/sin, you dishonor and/or disrespect yourself and others. Its not just about you, your actions effect others. Through the priest, who is acting as the leader of our faith community you come "clean." You reflect on how you can be better and work on it individually and within your community. I am glad we are an active part of our faith community. It was a proud day!

The Things Kids Say

2006-03-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

As my kids grew older, I thought the days of saying cute and funny things were gone. I was wrong! They say cute, outlandish, funny and rude things.

A funny one... my nephew (13 years old) was telling his Dad that his good buddy's Dad was a "vaginacologist". Then he proceeded to ask his Dad, "They have a doctor for that! What could possibly go wrong down there?"

My life is brilliant, my love is pure...

2006-03-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

My life is cloudy, my love is pure, and I'm always crabby of that I'm sure... Why can't the kids see that love part? When I'm spitting out, "why can't you be more organized?" "You should of done that the night before!" "Did you shower? Brush your teeth? No, you didn't! Try it again!"

At odd times, when I look across the room, I see the "angel" in them. Well, we must be doing something right! I love those moments. My youngest, helping a little boy set up a basketball hoop and hearing the little boy repeatedly call out my son's name. Hearing my niece's little voice on the phone, she has no time for me, she wants to know if K is home and can she talk to him. The "thanks, Mom!" I received from my daughter today as I dropped her off at school, after the hectic, unpleasant "wake up" call she received, lovingly from me!

Doggie Park

2006-03-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a regular at the doggie park with my dog, L. She is 18 months old. She continues to roll over on her back for other dogs. I don't like when she does this. Why is she being so submissive? She knows these dogs. Before we head to the park, I give her a mini-lecture, "You need to stand on all fours and hold your ground. Your not a puppy anymore. You're even older than some of these dogs. So, stand firm and be strong!" (She also gets very dirty rolling on the ground.)

This has become very regular thing with a few select dogs. She runs up to greet them, bow a little, and then roll over. The dogs would nip at her, she would yell out. I'd go check her, get the dogs off her, yell for her to get up... Off they would run. Ten minutes later same thing. I took her at different times to the doggie park, so the select few dogs would not be able to take advantage of my dog. No rolling. I missed walking the regulars, so back to the original time. Back to same old rolling and yelping.

She only rolls on her back for the dogs she really likes enjoy! So, why does she roll onto her back for the dogs that she enjoys running and playing with?!!! I believe I read about this in Queen Bees and Wannabes. I find I can be guilty of this as well. Especially, with my Mom! Note to self: Continue your mini-lecture with dog, yourself and kids.

2:57 pm

2006-03-07T12:57:00.001-08:00

On Top of My Game

What is my game? Managing a family of five, trying to find a life of my own and striving to sit back and enjoy the process. The problem is sitting back and enjoying the process. Its hard to relax, its hard to enjoy, though I do have great moments. I worry too much. I have a wonderful husband, three great kids and the "joy of my life," my dog. More, on the dog later. They make me laugh and make me cry. They bring me great joy and heartache. Is this what its supposed to be? So, I strive to stay on top of my game. In the process, I hope to continue learn to play the everchanging game, to adhere to the rules and administer the rules; to be a good coach and leader and and to demand 100 % effort and great sportmanship out of my team players (and all that entails).