Boys Will Be Boys

Sometimes you really should take the time to pick up the camera and snap a picture.

I pulled up to my parent's house today and began unloading the crew. As I went to open the door, I noticed something on the siding by the door. It was a muddy hand print. I immediately, of course, demanded to know who was responsible for "this mess".

I could tell from the look on his face that Mr. N was guilty. This comes after I specifically told both the boys the other day to not play in the mud. Guess what? They did.

Mr. I, being either not as inventive as Mr. N or not wanting to disobey his mother was smart enough to not leave any evidence behind. I got Mr. N a rag and sent him to scrubbing.

As I walked back outside I realized Mr. N has decorated EVERY SINGLE plank around the entire shed with a precious muddy hand print. There was even more. He had made a lovely, little collage next to the trash can. Oh, what boys can do when you are just gone for a moment.

Of course Grandma thought it was cute. She even made the comment that it gave her an idea. I see a shed with all her living grandchildrens' handprints plastered all over, here in the near future. Well, at least she was thoughtful enough to not let the boys know how cute she thought it was.

So, I had to blog about this, but I have no picture for it. So, ladies before you go on your rampage (I am sure I am the only who ever goes on rampages), make sure you

CLICK...Take a pic (thanks Diego)

Kids Say The Darndest Things

While I was doubling coupons at K-Mart the other day, my boys were trying to be my bargain scouts. I would show them a picture and they would try to hunt for that item. Here is what I showed them.

Here is the verbal exchange going on during the hunt.

Mr. N and Mr. I in unison.

"What's stuck in the toilet today? "
"A dirty clip-on....EEEEEWWWW!"

Both boys pretending to hold something up.

"This cleans your toilet for a whole week."
"So you don't have to eeeewwww again."

I almost rolled on the floor with laughter. I don't really let the kids watch much TV and when I do I'm pretty strict on what they watch. Apparently, that commercial appeals to the younger audience. It must be rated E for everyone.

Lunch With An Olympic Gold Medalist

Yesterday my parents, my siblings and their families, myself and my family all got together to have lunch with an OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST! This was not just any gold medalist, this was family. Scott Touzinsky was, number 18, on the USA Men's Volleyball this summer at the Beijing Olympics. Scott is married to my cousin Angel. We had such a great time. Scott is such a humble guy and gladly shares his gold with anyone who wants to see. I was so impressed with his attitude. He doesn't seem much like one to let things go to his head and he appears to still have the attitude despite the fact that he has been treated much like a celebrity since arriving back home in St. Louis, Missouri.

The whole day seemed unreal. Not many people get to see an Olympic gold medal let alone hold it. How many people actually know an Olympian? It was so exciting just to think that we were going to know someone who had been in the Olympics and we watched Scott play almost every game (thanks to TIVO). We are so proud of Scott and excited that we actually got to see an Olympic medal, GOLD to boot.

A little interesting fact about the medals from the Olympics. China is well known for its high resource of jade. On the back of each medal is a ring of jade, Gold has white jade, Silver has green jade and Bronze has black jade. Thanks again Scott for spending the day with us and sharing your once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy all the pictures.

Lil Mr. N with the Gold

Me with Scott

Matthew with Scott

Scott with Mr. N and Mr. I

His First Fred Bear Bow

Mr. N loves to hunt and fish. Anything that his dad loves, he loves. So Mr. N turned 7 in August and has been saving all his birthday money for a special purchase. I tried to coerce him into a multitude of "safe" items but resolved myself to the fact that if he doesn't get the item he wants he is going to find a way to make it with whatever he can find. In the past that hasn't been such a good idea.

Like the light saber he made out of a metal pipe which sliced open his little brother's hand, which sent us to the ER, which led to Mr. I getting 8 sutures (not stitches, he was pretty adamant about that) in his hand. Okay, you get the picture.

So, the overprotective mother in me decided somethings I just have to let go. Dad and Mr. N picked out his special purchase last night. In walks Mr. N with a smile from ear to ear, showing off his new bow. He couldn't wait to get that thing out and start target shooting. Of course, before he did that some crazy, overprotective mom had to make sure he knew ALL the rules of safe archery. I think my husband might have rolled his eyes at me.

Hey I can only take so much.
Last night the hubby "made" me let Mr. N go get his own pizza from the buffet ALL BY HIMSELF. Baby steps people. baby steps.