Saturday, August 07, 2010
More Carrot, Less Stick
So Dave has figured out what to do with our third vehicle. The issue of the third vehicle has been killing me. I have my car, he has his truck but we couldn't part with the 4x4 jeep. I used it in Ooootah cause of the ice and snow. And frankly it's a kick arse go anywhere jeep so I just can't sell it.
So last night, while dealing with pre-teen angst Dave reminded me we needed more carrot than stick. And this morning, he figured out his carrot. Our blue 4x4 rough and ready carrot.
So we're gonna give the jeep to Princess whenever she gets her license. Honestly it's a great first vehicle for a teen however we do have 4 years before she'll be legally able to drive it.
But we live in the country and country is as country does...
So we figure if we start her now, by the time she has a license she'll be as qualified as a NASCAR driver.
I love my life.
And my kid already drives better than 60% of the people I know. The odds will only increase.
Labels: Princess In All Her Glory, Welcome to the Boonies
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Princess Surprises Us
So when we spent our long getaway weekend in Oklahoma, Dave's mom and Princess decided to sing together. After moving permenantly to the lake and out of Tulsa, his mom and dad joined a great little church up there. I didn't even know my mother in law could sing until she joined the choir. And it's always great to go up there and attend church where she helps to lead the worship songs.
However, we were surprised when we heard that they were gonna sing together at church. We normally leave on Sunday pretty early to get home in plenty of time but this time we were waiting to leave after church. Dave and I are realists. Frankly, we adore our daughter who has the biggest and best parts of our personalities. From Dave she gets her crabbiness when she is hungry or impatient, Lord help that girl if she doens't eat when she first wakes up cause ohhh she's a beast. From me she gets her love of music and her ability to get along with just about anyone. So it wasn't surprising that she wanted to do this. She has had karaoke machines and she constantly sings to any song you put on the radio.
However, she sings to match the singer that is singing the song. Her voice is never consistant and we constantly remind her not to scream it, or high pitch it or for the love of Christ please stop singing. We say it with love, cause we don't want to be parents to one of those people who show up to audition for American Idol and are devastated when they are told that singing is not their thing, move on.
So we did our parent thing, we supported her and let her fly. When they locked themselves in a room to practice, we said nothing. When she skipped out on a hiking trip to practice, we said no problemo. However, when she joined her grandma on stage to sing, Shout to the Lord, Dave reached down and took my hand and squeezed really hard. We both smiled when she nervously caught our eye and nodded, sending her good vibes.
And then the music came on and she sang. Grandma sang backup, Princess sang and I cried.
My baby had worked with Grandma on tone and pitch and obviously practiced her butt off. My baby got up there and had an entire little lake congregation silent. Grandma did a great job prepping her and helping her gain confidence in her voice. She sang beautifully and clear. A sweet pure voice that didn't sound like any other, it was my baby singing, not my baby singing someone else.
Even Dave and his dad looked a little misty eyed when she was done. As the song died down, the church got to their feet and we applauded like we were at a rock concert. She blushed and blushed and then my baby jumped down and skipped down the aisle where she came for hugs. She squeezed me tight and with a huge smile, she snuggled under my arm for big church.
I underestimated my kid. And it was the sweetest moment when she proved me oh so wrong.
She may never be a singer and frankly that is okay. But the confidence she gained from that act of courage has gone a long way. Now she knows, she can.
Labels: family smamily, Princess In All Her Glory
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Princess
the results of Princess' karate photo session are inand this is my fav
she totally didn't get those long legs from me, no wonder she's almost as tall as I am at 10 years old
a little sad though, not sure if she'll have a place to practice karate in Texas, we'll have to see about that
but my baby is so gorgeous here
and red headed, geeezzzz.....guess she did get my hair color
Labels: girls, Princess In All Her Glory
Friday, July 03, 2009
Happy No Work Day
So what did you do with your "gimme" day, you know the "holiday falls on the weekend therefore you get the Friday before off" day.....?Besides cleaning my entire house (geez, 10 hours later and you can't tell at all), shopping for the holiday party tomorrow, I did the playday thing. Duchess went to play and I got Princess' best friend (same family peeps, that is totally the way to roll!).
So I took advantage of having two 10 year olds...... see once upon a time I was nuts about softball. Once upon a time, I played a mean second base. Once upon a time, I could windmill your arse!
So when the kids mentioned in passing that they'd like to play one day, I dug up the old equipment and off we went.
(except I was in cleaning clothes so one word about the way I look in my most unflattering outfit and I'm stalking you)
Can you please tell me if that isn't the purtiest background for a game ever? And yes *M* is wearing a skirt. These girls are all about the fashionable look, even to sweat in. Wish they'd rub off on me.
Little hams. Turns out neither one of them were very versed in "ball". So we started at the beginning.......batting stances, proper swing techniques, how to throw a freaking ball.....the usual.
Don't worry, I corrected this immediately! Her stance was waaaaaaaay too wide.
Here Princess is showing her from the outfield how to do it, lol. They totally crack me up.
No words.
Well Princess got the bug. So we had to set up the pitch back cause noone has the patience to throw a ball for several hours straight. (okay, I don't)
Is it me or is this kid seriously growing? Dang, she's so tall!!!!!!!!!! And getting the hang of actually catching the ball and throwing it correctly. Hopefully, maybe, she'll be as obsessed as I once was.
P.S. Does anyone else have a yellow rubber chicken in their yard?
Labels: Burb living, family smamily, Princess In All Her Glory
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Don't Blink...
The Man...
Fark it, if you read my comments you'll know that The Man is Dave, as he apparently doesn't give a rat's ass about privacy issues, lol, so we'll just call him Dave, shall we?
Moving on...... Dave is home for the weekend. His one weekend this month to celebrate Father's Day weekend as well as give me my medicine therefore insuring that I don't snap and off someone in traffic.....TMI I know, but true.
So we'd planned to hike one the big mountains nearby today and enjoy some of the great Utah (snicker) outdoors. Except we woke up to Princess with swollen tonsils and an am trip to the doctor and rain. Therefore we improvised. While Dave and Princess hit the doc and the pharmacy, I ran out between rain sessions and quickly mowed the front/side yard, you know the only parts visible to the neighbors, cause it's all about keeping up appearances (does any one else love that show? ADD much?).
They came home and yelled at me for mowing in the rain and then Dave noticed that my neighbors were having a garage sale. Before I'd finished that little strip of lawn between the street and my sidewalk, he's bought the kids a go-kart for a SONG. Therefore insuring that I'll forever be that parent.......the "I'll beat you senseless if I catch you riding that thing without your helmets, padding and rollcage protection gear" parent. Fun times I tell you.
So after that debacle, we headed to the mall.
Please pause for a moment of silence......... ahhhh the mall.
Dave was sporting the droopy pants, rapper look and needed some pants that actually fit. So there you have it. Off we go.
We hooked him up. yum.
So then it happened. The moment when I stood in the middle of the mall and had a mini-heart attack. When suddenly I felt old. Dave managed it much better than I did. Turd.
As I stood with Princess in the mall watching Dave get a battery for his watch, she casually asked if we could swing by one last store. Hmmm it was nap time but I asked which store and why.....
Because she liked their shirts. Seems it's a popular brand with some of her older classmates and she "thought it'd look good with jeans and a hoodie" mom.
While doing the fish mouth face, I ran through a million reasons why that was not appropriate.
*you're too young
*it's too expensive
*blah freaking blah
But Dave in his cool parenting way, says sure we'll check it out. While giving me the keep cool eyes, as in we'll figure it out.
We walked in and once I realized that it wasn't horribly expensive and hello, the clothes are more surfer style tees and shorts than slutty clothes that most people think are okay for ten year olds. We racked up. Tee's for $12, flips for $6 and a hoodie for $14, yeah.......I'm okay with this.
But peeps, the hardest part, was watching my kid come out of that dressing room, all legs and gangly self, smiling so big and bright as she planned out outfits (need some ribbons to match for my ponytails mom)......and I realized that I wasn't prepared for this transition. I didn't think it would happen so soon, so very casually, so very.........her.
Especially when before today, all her clothes came from:
Labels: Great Parenting 101, Princess In All Her Glory
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Changing Utah, one kid at a time
Princess is finishing up basketball camp this week. So normally I drop her off on my way to work, wait till they open the doors (cause I'm not one of those parents that drop my kid and drive away while they stand outside, geez people - be good parents) then off to work I go.Except this morning, somebody was running late (not me, I assure you...I'm never late). So the kids were stuck outside waiting. Princess jumps out of the car, leaving me waiting at the curb to go join her two new friends.
Frankly I don't mind, as hello.....some of my songs aren't kid friendly so I can jam without worrying about my influence on her growing psych. So here I am, jamming out having a good time, occassionally looking over as parents continue to drop kids off and drive around me and away......making sure that Princess is fine, even though she is only 150 feet from me.
When I noticed something not quite right......
Seems that she pulled a deck of cards out of her vest....... oh no......... surely not.........
As the crowd of girls got bigger, I realized that yes, my kid was playing Texas Hold'em with her new bestest friends..... sweet innocent little Mormon girls......
And the little blonde on the right, she folded.......
My only thought was please God, don't let her take their money, I'll never hear the end of it!
Labels: Burb living, Princess In All Her Glory, Welcome to the Boonies
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Another Reason....
...it takes us forever to get out of the house in the mornings...
Princess takes forever to get ready, especially when snuggling with Murphy instead of actually getting dressed!Labels: Murphy, Princess In All Her Glory
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Spring Musical....
Princess just rocks.
Labels: Princess In All Her Glory
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Many Styles of Princess
Princess and I took advantage of Duchess' going to bed at 7 p.m. last night to have some mom/daughter fun time. We decided to do a collage of pics for her room. I'm just loving this kid, such a great girl!!! Not to mention I think she's adorable.
My honor roll student who has overcome reading issues to be in the top of her class.
Who dropped dance, even though she was impressive in a tutu to join karate last July. She's now a purple belt, dedication is the word there.
Who has stepped up to the plate and is helping mom run things and keep us organized with Dad living in another state now.
And come crying to her mom cause two of her friends don't get along and are fighting at school. It hurts her heart. So she suggested having them BOTH over to play at our house next weekend, to mend their fence. 
And who is looking really sleepy here..............lolMy girl, my princess!
Labels: Princess In All Her Glory
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Big 1-0
Turning 10 is quite the bid deal......and we did it in a blizzard, on ice. Everyone should have at least one ice skating birthday, what fun. Thank you boss for the discount too.
Turns out Princess is pretty good at ice skating. Although some of her friends needed coaching, and thankfully Cec came out, she's my preggers hockey playing momma friend. Go girl.
Okay so alot of her friends couldn't skate. But notice that at this point, Princess is skating backwards......does not get that from her momma.
The Man was nice enough to provide all the blurry pics, take pity on me.
And by the by, who gives a 10 year old fake nails for her birthday? Not I.....although we did misplace the karaoke CD's we bought to go with it. I've tossed this house twice, no sign. Not good! Princess was born 10 years ago this Christmas morning. Her's is my favorite birth story of ever. The Man and I were living it small back then. Little apartment, perfect sized for us with a nursery set up awaiting our princess. Warm California was experiencing a slight cold snap. The Man had given up cigs and wanted to step out for a stoggie after dinner. So I waddled out with him and sat on the steps outside while he puffed away. When done, he reached down for my hand and I refused to let him pull me up. Cause I'd wet myself, or so I thought. Turns out my water had broke. How utterly embarrassing for both of us. (and unlike my aunt told me, I didn't have a little glass bottle of pickles with me to drop and mask it) So when we got to the hospital, we walked and got drugs and walked and walked. Till we stopped at the elevators to call the folks on the payphone. I'm pretty sure that afterwards my mom spent the entire night in her rocking chair crying back home.
It was about this time that labor hit and I realized I was completely unprepared to have a baby. So I tried to crawl into the elevator and go home. So The Man (navy to the core) got in my face and told me to "suck it up and stand up and let's go have a baby".....the first and last time he's ever spoke to me like that. I tore him up.
After the drugs kicked in and I stopped telling everyone in the room that he was illegitimate (ba*tard got me pregnant, it was his fault), they had to make me put the playing cards away to actually push.
I've never been the same. She may look like him, but she's all me. It scares the living crap out of me. But back to the big 10.
All in all, a great time had by everyone. Especially since I stayed off skates, spending my time rescuing her little friends who fell and couldn't get up. Poor things. It was quite the comedy show. In a blizzard. Wonderful timing.
So next up: Duchess is turning 6 tomorrow. Where did the time go? Oh wait, I remember...
Just 6 years ago I was going to go into labor in the middle of the night. Then make it to the hospital too late for drugs. Then climb up the doctor's tie until he gave me straight shots of morphine, then deliver a sweet, black haired little chub who took one look at me and screamed. Love at first sight. Right about the time that my bestest friend in the world was leaving messages on my cellphone demanding to know where I was, cause she was gonna kill me for worrying her, when she was actually three floors beneath me working at her desk. Also, I'm pretty sure in my undrugged, semi-natural birth state that my mother was on speaker phone at some point in this, poor thing. I was not at my best.
Duchess came into this world with a bang. She was early too, probably the last time in her life she'll ever be early for anything.
And her birthday party? Saturday at the local Farm. Cowgirl style, all indoors except the covered pony rides. And once again, a predicted blizzard.
Irony, peeps, irony.
Leaving you thinking those deep thoughts as I finish up my last half week in my classes. Two finals, two papers and some homework due by Saturday. Cross your fingers (and legs) for me.
Labels: Duchess, Great Parenting 101, Princess In All Her Glory
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Guest Photographer: Princess
Princess was the recepitant of a brand new 10 mega pixel camera from my mom and the Photo-Elusive-Step-Dad for her birthday. My baby is 10. Thankfully they gave her the present early so that we have some chance of being anywhat cool after that gift. My karaoke machine may not live up peeps.But since she has her very own camera. She has been so good to volunteer to provide photos for mommy's website. Especially since mommy has been swamped and hasn't put up any photos lately, sorry. :(
But in other news, Princess sang last night at a national hockey game. How cool is that? The Man and I love hockey and well we've passed that gene on to Princess. Duchess could care less. Figures. So when she had the chance to sing with her local choir at the game last night, she jumped at it. The Man accompanied her.
Can I just say that in this picture above, my 10 year old looks much older. I'm very uncomfortable with how teeny she looks here. I'm in so much trouble, as that means I'm getting old. I hate that part.
Here are all the kids getting lined up for the event. Lots of freaking kids.
See my girl doing the YMCA? Yeah, she was totally on the JUMBOTRON. The Man said her head was as big as my car up on the main screen. She totally rocks.
And just steals my heart. My baby is graceful, poised, and spunky. I adore that about her. Even the talking back part, cause she totally gets that from her momma.
Welcome to a carpet eye view of my living room. Princess takes alot of different methods when trying to get the perfect shot.
Although this one, is just perfection. Hi Duchess, kisses! This is pretty much how she goes through life, relaxed, chilled and in no rush. She does not get this from me.
Murphy and his beautiful blue eyes. He hates it when Princess goes downstairs and he can't get to her.
A very cluttered but honest look at my foyer these days. We were in the awkward new house stage of "where the F(((()))) do you put the tree". Can anybody spot The Man's new preditor caller creation? Designed to lure in coyotes for him to snipe? Redneck much?
OH yeah, it's treat day. Speaking of the Photo-Elusive-Step-Dad......back from winter hunting at camp and keeping it real!I promise more pics from Princess as we go here. It's always interesting to see through her eyes what is important.......
So pray for me.
It's starting the first blizzard of the season. Princess has a birthday party today, at the ice skaing rink......sigh.
Labels: family smamily, Princess In All Her Glory
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Belted Up and Ready to Rock
Today was Princess' second tournament. It was more like a practice tourney with three local dojos. But being as she was a fresh yellow belt, she was nervous. She had to perform her Form 2, which she learned the last move on, last week.With Nanny in town, plus my mom and us all in the front row.....it was no wonder that she kept her eyes closed for most of her Form. We are an unruly bunch.
But my baby was once again, one of the lowest belts there. We are now exactly five months into karate. Woohoo. She really enjoys it and has dropped ballet to commit to it. This surprised the ever loving pooh out of me. Cause ballet was all the big deal for years over here.
But today was also a very BIG day. Since getting her sparring gear a month ago, and practicing once a week with other students, Princess was getting into the ring and sparring other kids. For points. She was really nervous. I love this pic of The Man gearing her up. But we aim to keep them safe, while teaching them to beat the utter crap out of others. Irony!
Turns out, headgear wasn't needed so she moved on. Her first opponent, a trash talking blonde. Wait, that could actually describe alot of people I've known, lol. Sorry, focus! Anywho, once the fights were called out, the kids sat in front of us on the floor watching the others until their turn. Blondie came over and sat next to Princess. And started talking about kicking her butt....this went on for some time. Until I started looking around for her parents. As Princess was getting more and more upset. Her little head drooped, her eyes focused on the floor. Turns out, they were sitting right beside me. I know this because Blondie came running over to brag to her mom, who we'll call big blondie. Big Blondie smiled and nodded and sent her on her way. So I did what any other self respecting parent would do......I called Princess over to me.
And loudly told her, while looking her square in the eye.
"It's not about winning. I swear, it nots. It's about being a good sport. Showing good sportsmanship. Because you know what, you can learn to win but you can't learn to be a decent person. It's heredity."
Then I told her to kick butt and do it the right way.
Big Blondie and husband, never said a word. Just sat there NOT looking at me.
So then it was on. They got into the ring.And Princess, the same child who is so tenative and meek in sparring class with her fellow students, let her get a few good ones in, but Blondie made a mistake. She pushed her.
The referee reminded Blondie of the whole "play fair, technique not bullying" thing.
But it truly opened Princess' eyes. I was totally prepared for my kid to get her butt kicked. Was ready for it, because honestly as much as she loves karate, she isn't precise. She isn't aggressive. She isn't competitive.
Until today.
This wound up being a forward stomp kick that pushed Blondie back a good foot. It also wound up being the start of Princess' self-esteem. I have never cheered louder.Blondie beat her by ONE point.
And when it was over, I stood up and let loose yelling for her. And then it happened......
Big Blondie and husband stood up and congratulated BOTH girls on a great match. And when Princess came over to cool down, they kept making comments about her being a tough competitor and what a close match.
Princess just soaked it up and said thank you......
And then kicked this boy's butt.
Although head contact was out, she opps and missed his nose by a mere inch on this kick. I just knew she was gonna land this one and get kicked out.
And although this kid was a puncher, his only moves were with his hands. And he packed a punch, cause she'd go backwards each time......She kept those roundhouse kicks and front kicks coming.
It was awesome. She got agressive and chased him all over the ring. Kicking away. He beat her by ONE point. This kid went on to place 2nd out of 12 kids in her division.
It was awesome. She got agressive and chased him all over the ring. Kicking away. He beat her by ONE point. This kid went on to place 2nd out of 12 kids in her division.Where did this tiger come from?
And when it was all said and done....... She got a good pep talk from her coach.
And when it was all said and done....... She got a good pep talk from her coach.And came running over to me and after letting me gush all over her.....
"Mom, we totally have to repaint my nails, they're all jacked up."
Nice.
Labels: Princess In All Her Glory
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A++ Bookreport
Creative 4th grade teacher required this month's book report to be "visual"......
So creative 4th grader, Princess created a Wilbur pumpkin, took a fern plant and a plastic spider.
And blew me away with her creative self.....
Quite impressive....especially since it was her idea to hammer nails into his snout to make it stay in, she's quite the viscous little thing.Labels: Princess In All Her Glory
Sunday, October 19, 2008
She Rocks
Last night Princess had her first karate test. She was going for yellow belt. Adding some color to her all white outfit. Duchess and I were sitting quietly watching.......
Okay not so quietly, I was hooting and hollaring and clapping at this point. Duchess was playing her Barbie computer so it wasn't quiet at all. Think "good job" in Barbie's extremely high feminine voice. I hate that voice. Barbie needs a smoking habit, roughen that voice up a little.
She went to town on her classmate who showed up to assist with her test.
And then she was all "game" face when it was time to put her new belt on, under supervision.
But she's a cheesy smiley happy girl now..........Yellow is my new favorite color. Go Princess Go.
Labels: Princess In All Her Glory
