Getting Ready for Swim Team

When we first moved to Austin, Mason played hockey. Surprisingly, hockey is not nearly as popular in Texas as it was in Ohio. In order for Mason to be competitive in what would be comparable to Little League baseball, we'd have to travel every weekend (at least three hours away -- sometimes across the whole state). So, we discussed it as a family and decided that hockey would not be the best sport for him to play.

However, we wanted him to do SOME kind of sport. He had tried soccer. He didn't care to play football, baseball, or basketball (thank goodness!). When I suggested swimming, he got excited. He started at Nitro, which is THE BEST swim center in all of Texas (which is a huge deal, since there are amazing swim centers/teams in Texas). We love Nitro. He's been there since third grade.

A year later, we found about a local summer league, the Tidal Waves. Mason was excited to join. We've returned every summer since! We LOVE Tidal Waves. Last summer, when we were anticipating the big move (but have since Stayed Put), some of our hardest goodbyes to say were to our Tidal Waves friends.

Last summer, one of Mason's best friends joined (as well as his three sisters). This summer, two of Mason's other best friends' (confused yet) siblings are joining as well as a few more friends. We are SO excited for this season. Plus -- our two favorite Michaels (well besides, Michael Phelps!) are back to coach the team!

Here are some fun photos of our past summers with the Tidal Waves.

Mason's first practice as a Tidal Wave. Doesn't he look so little? He was 9.

First meet as a Wave.

(On a side note, his teeth? Were horrible! The best money ever spent was to have Dr. Barnett fix him up!)

Another picture from his first season.

Second season (11 years old).

Second season - professional picture. Awesome, huh?

Second season.

Last summer (12 years old).

Third season.

Towards the end of every season, we have a pep rally where the kiddos can throw a pie in their coaches' faces. Here, Mason threw a pie at Coach Michael (our new head coach!) and Coach Taylor pied Mason since this was (supposed to be) his last season as a Wave.

Mason with both Michaels. And pie.

And then my little stinker got ME with pie!

Our male coaches are so awesome, they get pedicures to show team spirit. hehe.

A nice picture of Mason with the Michaels.

How they really feel about him. Just kidding - I made them pose for this!

I was on the Board of Directors last season. Here is Mason and Coach Michael with the other Board member kiddos.

Spring Break Recap

So many visions of what our Staycation would be like. Well... let's go back to that checklist that I wanted to accomplish:

1, Book our next Disney vacation.

Complete! We are now booked for a week in a two-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs during our February break. I didn't add the Dining plan yet. Or purchase tickets yet. I know when I can book our dining. Like always, booking through Disney Vacation Club's Member Services is easy-peasy (though, IMO, booking Disney trips on your own is too!).

2. Complete reading Game of Thrones, Book One in a Song of Ice and Fire Series.

Did not complete. I did, however, get through most of the first season on Blu-ray. I still want to read the series, I just didn't yet.

3. Finish watching Season 1 of Sherlock (again).

Complete! Now, I am ready to start the second season.

4. Job hunt some more.

Still a work in progress. Obviously, I didn't find a job yet, but I have a more direct action-plan.

5. Go get sponsors for our middle school's 5K.

Didn't even begin. More on this later.

6. Finish St. Patrick's Day projects.

Did not complete. I wanted to make a shamrock button piece. I bought the supplies, I just didn't do it. Oh well. Next year!

7. Start Easter/Spring projects.

Complete, I suppose? I started. I did make an egg. And I cut out a bunch of things on my Silhouette machine to work on. So, I guess I did START some projects. Hey, I never said anything about finishing them!!!

8. Spend time with my three favorite boys.

Sort of completed.

Mark had Tuesday-Sunday off, so that was great. We did do some fun things as a family, however our Break began with Mason getting sick. He was fine by Tuesday, however had ever so nicely passed those germs onto me and I am just today finely returning to the world of the living. So, I had planned to go out and get sponsors (especially on Monday, while Mark worked), but we just couldn't.

Though I didn't finish reading Game of Thrones, I did, however, finish reading another great book. When She Woke is written by Hilary Jordan and is a modern re-telling of The Scarlet Letter, taking place in the dystopian future. Instead of the main character wearing a scarlet "A," however, her entire body is "chromed," or dyed red. It is really an amazing book (especially very relevant with today's government choices regarding the female body and abortion).

So, that was our Spring Break. Lots of tissues and Nyquil was used. And, sadly, we only watched one episode of Season 6 of Doctor Who. However, we played 48394587 games of Draw Something. That counts for something, right?

Back from my Break

Hi friends. I have taken a much needed Blog break. And I'm back!!!

What did I do while I was "gone?"

I wish I could say I went on a fabulous vacation. I didn't.

I wish I could say I worked on a huge project. I didn't.

I wish I could even say I completed a book. I didn't.

I just have been busy LIVING. Hanging out with fabulous friends and even fabulous-er (teehee) family.

This week is Spring Break for The Boy. Mark is taking a few days off work and we are just going to veg at home. And probably watch Season 6 of Doctor Who on Netflix.

What I want to accomplish this week?

1. Book our next Disney vacation. And I will blog about it. I am obsessed with Walt Disney World and we are Disney Vacation Club members (Disney's version of a timeshare), so we go quite often and I loving planning. I have a pretty good idea of the when and the where, I just have to get off my booty and call Members Services and book it (I could do it online, but I have a question to ask).

2. Complete reading Game of Thrones, Book One in A Song of Ice and Fire Series.

3. Finish watching Series 1 of Sherlock (again).

4. Job hunt some more. Seriously, this is starting to get depressing...

5. Go get sponsors for our middle school's first 5K. Your's truly is one of the co-chairs.

6. Finish St. Patrick's Day projects (just in time to pack up for next year. Ooops).

7. Start Easter/Spring projects.

8. Spend time with my three favorite boys.

Oh! My wonderfully amazing friend, Mandy, has a website. Each week she features a Geek of the Week and I am this week's Geek! Read about me here!!!

Learning Lessons

Day 27 of NaBloPoMo and the prompt is: What is something you learned from someone else?

Really? That's it? I have learned a lot from my boys.

From Gibson the Wondermutt, I have learned to love unconditionally. That dog loves everyone and goes out of his way to prove it. Even by practically laying his 80 pound body on top of your hip to cuddle on the sofa.

From Mason, I have learned that love is patient. It's no big secret that I have never been a fan of kids (especially the green-nosed ones. Ew.). And I am sure part of it is because I am, by nature, a very impatient person. However, being a Mom, you have to be patient.

From Mark, I have learned that love is forgiving. No surprise with my upbringing, I had a very hard time to trust a boyfriend. In past relationships, I never could fully believe 100%-no-doubt-about-it that someone would always be there for me. Mark changed that.

Sure, I have learned so much more from the wonderful guys in my life. They are great people who I adore with every part of my being.

The Boy Turns 13!

Today, my little baby boy turned 13. Where did the time go?

Wasn't it just yesterday when we would nap together?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he hated tummy time?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he made silly faces with Daddy?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he would suck his thumb?
Wasn't it just yesterday when he would find "a clue, a clue?"

Time has traveled too quickly. Gone is the little, cuddly baby who would sit on my lap and listen to "The Napping House." Gone is that giggly tot who could ride on his Daddy's shoulders.

While we miss that little boy he once was, it's been a true pleasure to witness the amazing young man Mason has become. He is smart and funny. He is caring and sarcastic. He is this great person and I am so proud of him.

So, today another year was added to the life of our miracle baby. I love you, Mason, with all of my heart.

Happy 13th Birthday, Pumpkin!

Raindays

I am just getting to Day #18 of NaBloPoMo! Where do Saturdays go? Anyway...

I wish I had a craft or two to show you this week. I don't. I did break out my Silhouette after Mason's swim practice this afternoon and played with it for a long time before our friends came over for dinner. Give me a day or two and I'll be able to reveal something.

What did I accomplish today?

I got my hair colored.

I took Mason to swimming in the pouring rain.

I washed our bed linens.

I actually lost my first game of checkers in over fifteen years (well played, Colt!).

I insulted a friend by making fun of show choirs (sorry Mandy!).

I scolded the Wondermutt (who broke one of our plates that was on top of an oven mitt. He loves to steal oven mitts).

I talked to some Tidal Waves friends.

I learned how to play a new board game.

I spent time with my three awesome boys (well, Gibson was awesome until he broke that plate!).

To some, it may seem like an uneventful Saturday, but to me it was perfect. With the exception of playing checkers against Colt, showing Angela the new Hunger Games nail polish colors, and playing three games of Temple Run, I didn't have the iPad glued to my hand. With the exception of a few texts to my sisters, Mandy, and Samar, I didn't have my iPhone glued to my hand either. I never watched a single TV show. I just got to hang out with some amazing people.

And I loved it.

Sons vs. Daughters

Day 17 of NaBloPoMo and I really do not like the prompt, but I will write about it:

Friday, February 17, 2012
What do you think of the saying, "A son is a son till he takes him a wife, a daughter is a daughter all of her life."

I hope this isn't true. I want Mason to one day get married, obviously, but I also want to be a part of his life forever. While it's true in my situation (we usually spent most holidays with my family), I think it depends on how close you are to your parents/family.

Growing up, we spent ALL holidays at my maternal grandparents' home. My paternal grandparents wintered in Florida, so they were never home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I'm sure we may have seen them on Easter, but I remember spending all holidays with my maternal grandparents.

So, it just seemed natural that we would do the same.

Mind you, Mason is not even thirteen years old. I have no idea what will happen in the future, but I do know I will work my hardest forever to make sure I have a wonderful relationship with my son (and I know Mark will, too). I want him to be happy. And I will pray that includes spending time with us forever.

People have commented how unfair it is to have an only child because Mason will have to make sole decisions on our well-being once we age. That's an entirely different blog entry, but I think because Mason "only has us," we have a much more unique situation.

So, what do I think? I think that saying is a bunch of... well, crap.

Mind Dump

Day 16 of NaBloPoMo and I'm over half-way there!! Yay!! And I'm ditching today's prompt of :

Respond to the proverb: "Treat your family like friends and your friends like family."

I've been in a funk this week. It started on Monday when I got sick. Since then, I'm feeling better, but in a blah-like mood. I'm not sleeping well.

Tomorrow, I am working at The Boy's school all day, covering for the receptionist. And it's Friday! Weekend cometh! In Ohio, we would have Monday off for President's Day. They don't in our school district here.

The Boy's birthday is next week. He is going to become a teenager. I am so not ready for that. At all. And the spoiled kid can't think of anything he wants for his birthday. I guess that's what happens when it's so close to Christmas. Mark and I have a present plan that's pretty sweet.

My Great Uncle Stanley passed away on Tuesday. I found out by reading the funeral home website. It's weird. I check it everyday, to see if anyone I knew died. More and more names are looking familiar. And I'm not the only weirdo from my town who does this. Anyway, Uncle Stanley was my paternal grandfather's brother. He was one of the few paternal family members who stayed in contact with my mom, sisters, and I after the divorce. He and his wife, my Aunt Nelle, would always visit us when they came to town. They were great people. He will be missed. One cousin contacted us on Facebook to let us know it happened, for which I am thankful. We are used to never hearing family news until much later.

Mark made Oatmeal-raisin-bacon cookies last night thanks to Bon Appetit magazine. They are really good, but I can't really taste the bacon. Gibson got into trouble for jumping up and grabbing one from the table this morning. This caused Mason to get scared, because dogs can't eat raisins. He's fine, albeit in big trouble. Silly Wondermutt.

No other real happenings right now. I am taking Tylenol PM tonight so I can finally get a good night's sleep.

My Funny Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day!

Day #14 of NaBloPoMo. And I sort of guessed today's prompt awhile ago (didn't we all?).

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tell us about someone you love -- your partner, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, best friend, dog..

Can I talk about three someone's I love? Sure. It's my blog.

Mark is the love of my life. He's my rock. He calms me down when I am upset but more importantly, he makes me laugh. In my life, I really need some good laughing a lot to get me out of rough times. I can always count on Mark to do so. I can't imagine a life without him. He is my husband, best friend, soul mate, and constant.

Mason is also the love of my life, in a different way. One could never imagine how blessed and complete my life became once he arrived. He's just this amazing person that has the pure heart of gold (most of the time -- he IS almost a teenager with an occasional 'tude!) and still likes to hang out with his ol' mom and pops. He is funny, loving, smart, and caring.

Finally, there is Gibson the Wondermutt. A neighbor kid found him, neglected, abandoned, starving, and flea-covered. No one claimed him and we offered to take him. The completion to our little family. Sure, he likes to over-welcome our guests by giving them hugs, but he's so darn love-able. I have never met a dog who wants to be loved so much. He follows us everywhere and knows when we are upset, because he makes sure he gives us extra kisses and loves.

These three boys are my life. And we have made a pretty great life together. We may not always be a serious family and are sarcastic -- but I love my funny valentines. And I know they love me back!

Our Early Release Day

Today was an early release day for Mason. I am THANKFUL that it was an early release day because we had a horrible storm here last night. Hurricanes, hail, flash flooding. It was like the time of Moses. Needless to say, sleep was not plentiful in our home, so only having half of a day of school was perfect.

Like the nice mom that I am (yeah, right!), I emailed some friends to see if anyone wanted to join Mason and me at Jumpstreet, an indoor trampoline park. I wish I had known that they have free wi-fi. And I wish I had taken my earbudsso that I could stream something on Netflix. Because, if you can imagine, it's pretty difficult to actually READ at an indoor trampoline park. And it smells like sweaty kids. And feet.

But The Boy had a great time with his friends, so that is all that's important! And I got to people-watch.

The whole time there made me think. As parents, we all have to go places and do things that we don't necessarily want to do. It's part of the whole parenting-program we all chose. Some events are worse than others (my husband chaperoning a middle school dance, for example). I could have dropped The Boy off and ran to Target or Barnes and Noble. I would have rather preferred staying in my car, drinking Starbucks (no outside drinks in Jumpstreet!). But, I told my friends that I would be there, in case one of our kiddos needed something (which they did -- what did we DO before drink machines gave change back?). Just like my friends have been there to watch my kiddo.

Like we make our kids eat yucky vegetables at dinner, parents have to go yucky places that may smell like feet...

Heart Heavy

I am not a helicopter parent, by any means. Sure, I volunteer A LOT at my son's school. And I am always present when he is active in sports (served on his swimteam board, always go to practices, and meets). However, I usually steer clear from him during these activities. I want him to enjoy his independence, while I keep a watchful eye from the sidelines.

When he was younger, I would always ask his teachers if I could go in to his classroom and speak to the class. I would start off by reading It's Okay To Be Different (by the amazing Todd Parr). It's an awesome book that talks all about diversity and acceptance, while being both serious and silly (it's okay to have two moms vs. it's okay to eat macaroni and cheese in the bathtub). After reading the book, I would briefly explain WHY I am in a wheelchair. I would let the kids ask questions (can I drive? Can I go grocery shopping?). And then, the very best part -- I would allow the kiddos to take turns riding around in an old wheelchair down the empty school hallway. They always loved it.

I did it because I wanted them to understand why I was in a wheelchair. But, deep down inside, I had a hidden agenda. I did it because I never, ever wanted Mason to be made fun of for having a mommy in a wheelchair. It always worked well. Especially since I always was at the school -- the kids got to know me and realize that I'm capable of many things.

However, when Mason was in third grade (at a new school), I decided I should stop giving the little "talks" to his peers. He was done with "baby books" and I knew I couldn't hold his hand all of his life, to make things easier. He has a mother that has a spinal cord injury that causes her to be in a wheelchair. Just like some kids have parents who are divorced. It was just part of our family dynamic. WE accepted it.

That being said, at school that year, I was still actively involved. We spent a lot of the summer before at the neighborhood pool, ensuring he met some kids before he started his first day of school. Kids asked why I was in a wheelchair. All kids ask. It's a way of life. I helped with Mason's Destination Imagination group. I was a presence at his school. I didn't need the book. He never was teased because of my disability.

Today, there was an incident. He is almost thirteen years old and in seventh grade. Long gone are the days where picture books can explain things. I don't know how well he handled it. I only found out about it right before he went to bed.

But, it caused my heart to hurt for my little guy. He can't help that I am his mother no more than I can help being in a wheelchair. This is a part of our lives... but that never makes the sting hurt any less.

I just hope there is a day where it really IS okay to be different...