Christmas Recap 2014

First I would like to start with a small disclosure...or confession, which ever you prefer.
Whatever photos you see here were taken with my somewhat older smartphone.  They are not good quality what so ever.  I have great photos on my digital camera.  Love this camera.  The problem? I have a card reader but lost the cable to it and still have not gotten around to getting another cable.  It is not your typical USB cable either or I'd be set with the gazillion ones we have around Casa de Buchman.

The morning started quiet enough.
All of us asleep except the 16yo, who woke up at 7am, crept into the kitchen & started to open and shut the cabinets.  Open and shut, open and slam, same thing.  Bobster told him, go wake up your brother.

That's when the party got started.
We all came downstairs & started to open the gifts from youngest to oldest.
Cheeks was surprised with his "haul", he said he hadn't been the best behaved so he didn't think he would get anything.  When he saw his stuff he was like "I was wrong!".  He got all the minecraft toys he could handle, legos and of course, snow boots.

  Last year in Jersey it snowed if you looked out the window.  He really needed new boots so I got them.  This year we will have nothing.  Murphy's Law.

Christafus when next.  He got some small things then then big surprise.  Bobster and I got a terrific deal on a PS4 from Target.  Thanks to the cartwheel apps, some earned gift cards, an old credit and my red card we saved more than we ever imagined.  Hence the only reason he got.  He set up the system and was good to go.

He had to go to his mom's for a bit but not before we headed over to my in-laws for breakfast.  My brother in law ended up making breakfast, don't tell him but he can really cook.

We did gift exchanged and watched the youngest nephew ride his first fourwheeler at 17 months old.

Back to our house where my family came over for gifts and dinner.

I managed to get a picture of Cheeks with his cousin, B.  Two cutie patooties if I ever saw a pair.

B turned 9 yesterday.  I can not believe how big they both are.

I made dinner for my family.  It was really good.  The Nana brought the pasta salad.  She said it was for Bobster, her son in law, but I managed to sneak some before he ate it all.  All people.  You should have seen the size bowl it was served in.  Good Lawd!

I had to work the day after so Bobster was home with the boys.
He let Cheeks just play Legos all day.
I saw this when I arrived home.

I'm not going to sugar coat...the table still looks like that.
I seem to like my house best at night.  When it's dark & you can't see the mess.

All in all I think this year Christmas was the best.
I got to have dinner with my family, breakfast with the in-laws, all my kids in the morning & at night (minus a certain oldest child who lives in Fl...bummer).  It was a great day spent with both sides of our family and together.
That's what counts.

How was your holiday?

Gin, Gin, Gingerbread House!

Trying to keep the blog going...another entry...can. you. stand. it!

Monday night, as is our tradition, we did our family Gingerbread house.
It was just Cheeks and myself.  The other members are just party poopers.

As you can see Cheeks jumped right in.

I will let you know, I buy a pre-assembled house.
Why?
Trying to get the roof & sides to stay upright & together is a b*tch.  Yes, I said it.

The kit I bought provides the white icing, which I get the pleasure of putting on the house, making windows, doors.  Since I am so handy, the icing shot out of the open end of the bag and ended up on my table.

We finally got down to business & started decorating away.  That's Cheeks fav part...decorate, eat a few pieces of candy, decorate, break a tooth...you know how it goes. He didn't really break a tooth but the candy that comes with kit is really hard.

Here is the end result:

How cute is this!

I also broke out Amy's Chocolate Bunny Graham crackers to add a little whimsy to the house.

I really like the way turned out.
Most of all, I loved creating it with my Cheekers.  This is our own tradition that we started and I hope it lasts forever.  I fully intend to keep doing it with my grandchildren one day.

Tell me, what do you do with your family or friends this time of year.

Update, update, update

Hola my peeps.
As you can see I have not been that great at keeping up with the bloggeroo.  I was doing well with my Sunday Confessions but I didn't really see any feedback so I figured not really anyone was into it.
Then again, they are not overly juicy.

Cheeks has been taking karate since last March.  He has missed a few belt tests due to not enough classes, being on vaca etc.
Well this past Saturday he got to take his test.

He was so focused and determined.

Even Mr. Tony singled him out in the start of the class to have him show the other kids how to do some kick.

Proud mommy moment!!!

He passed his test.

Woo!

Here he is with all the kids and instructors.

Karate is great for him.
He even takes leadership, which they get to use weapons in.  Of course, those are his favorite classes.

Taking karate is really helping him focus in all aspects of his life.  He is doing much better this year in third grade.  He has an aide but she steps back..a lot.  He doesn't like it but he needs that little bit of guidance.  The ADHD is getting better.  Some children will out grow it.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Tell me, what activities do your kids do?

Giving Back

This past Saturday I had the very fortunate opportunity to volunteer my time with the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey.

I took my 8yo with me.  I believe it is hyde time he learns about giving back and service.

A coworker of mine made arrangements with RMH for a few of us to come in and prepare dinner for the families staying there.  Cheeks and I brought brownies.  

What is great about the RMH is that it provides a comfortable place for families with members in the hospital.  I wanted my son to see that other people need our help and kindness, that we are blessed to be in the position to help.

Cheeks got to meet a young boy from Puerto Rico who was staying there.  They played Legos and video games.  He then met a young girl who was from South Korea and they played on the computer.

He also got to see a puppet show.

Do you know what was wonderful about the Puppet show?

It was done by a religious group, who showed the puppets praying to God.

Guess what?  No one was offended in the audience.  They appreciated the time this group spent with them.

No matter what your problems are in this world, someone, somewhere always has bigger problems or issues.  Health is our number priority and so many families have loved ones that have poor, poor health. Making dinner for these families is a great way to show your support for them.  Nothing says comfort like a good warm meal and that is what we did for them.  All the members of the families said thank you and many came back for seconds.

It felt good to help out and make others happy...if only for a few hours.

I want to teach my children to always give to others.  Whether through your generosity, time or abilities, people will always appreciate what you have done for them.

What? 3rd grade?

How did this happen?
When did this baby grow up to be 8yrs old & in third grade?

I guess since today.
He started third grade.
I remember third grade like it was yesterday.
Seriously.
Although sadly it was many, many moons ago.
Talking like mid 70's peeps.

Anywho, I got him up early because he will be attending before school care this year.
I was taking him today but I wanted him up!

He kept coming in the room, going "Can we go?"
Finally I told him "Look I know you are excited!"
He cuts me off & goes "It's not that."
"Well what is it?"
He actually said to me "I just wanna get it over with".

Yes, my little scholar hates school.
He says all they day is listen & write, write & listen.

Today was only a half day so his father picked him up.
His dad told me, Cheeks came home, grabbed some marshmallows, went upstairs and took a nap.

Guess school tuckered him out.

Well stay tuned to see what shenanigans third grade brings this household this year!

Summer Time & The Livin Is Easy

I have neglected this little ole blog, no?
Does anyone read it?
You know besides my mom & dad.
If so. would you leave me a hi in the comments.
Just so I know someone is reading.

What has summer 2014 brought us?
Lacrosse camp for Cheeks.  One week, every night for 4 days.  
He. Loved. It!
I see a future lacrosse player in years to come.
Or goofball as you can see from the photo up there. 

Chris has been doing what normal 15yo boys do.
Hanging out, playing video games & trying to find a job.
It's hard at his age.  No one wants to hire anyone under 16.  A few months and he will hit that magic number.

As many of you know, my oldest, moved to Florida almost a year ago.
He changed careers and is no working as a car salesman and boyfriend is making bank!
He also moved to another city in Florida.
So if you are in South Florida and are in need a car, let me know.

Bobster and I are coasting along.
I turned 28, 34, 39...ok, fine 44 on the 16th.  Do I feel different? No. Do I notice more age spots? Yes.  Age is just a number, isn't that what they say?

I've been reading up a storm but have neglected to do my reviews.  I really have to get back to that.  I just read a really great story and am currently reading Beautiful Creatures. 

Tell me, what have you been up to this summer?

Strong-Armed by a Second Grader

This is the story of how a 7yo boy strong-armed his mother.

His one and only mother.

Not like my older two…they have me, stepmom Meghan, and their mom.

They are lucky…two moms.

Of course, they have strong-armed me in the past as well.

This tale is how I got taken by the 7yo.  I think he has learned the tricks from his older brothers.

We went to Toys R Us on Saturday morning to buy a gift for a birthday party that was starting at 11am.   We to “mecca” at approximately 9:45am.  Immediately upon entering the store the whining began. 

“Please can I get something” “No, we are here for Gabe’s present”.

“Mom! All my toys are boring” “Well then when we get home you can donate them”.

“I’ll never ask for anything ever again” …I didn’t dignify that with an answer.

I grabbed the gift, while my son perused the aisles (note: aisle is what you find in a store, isle is a small mass of land surrounded by water…just a personal pet peeve)

Keep in mind for about 18 mos, on a daily basis, my entire family has heard how much my son wants a Lego Hulk.

I searched to no avail for it in stores and online.  Even Ebay.

Nada!

I did find one kit that had him in it but it was going for over $150.

No. no. no.

Well we sauntered over to the Lego aisle.  I told him if he could find something $5.00 or less, I would get it.

We looked and looked.  Surprise, nothing that cheap.

The he saw it. Top shelf.

The Hulk Smash Lab.

Cheeks eyes glazed over, he started to quiver and he goes “MOM! LOOK!”

I could see the light shining behind the lab, & I heard the same Angels Cheeks did, singing Hallelujah.

We checked the price and it was up there. 

At first I told him no.

The tears flowed and his lip came out so far I thought of putting a hook on it to hang my coat.

I held strong.

I made it all the way through check out where he began to sob.

That’s when I lost it.

Next thing I know I was in the checkout lane again buying it.

I am now the best mom ever.

He promises to be good til the end of time.

Of course, he will never be mouthy again (that lasted til this morning).

He has thanked me a million times and keep saying he thinks he’s dreaming.

And that is how I was strong-armed into buying the Lego Hulk!

Day 11 of 100 Happy Days

Today was an easy happy.

This kid did it for me today.

When he gets in his karate class, he totally changes into a different kid.
He pays attention.
He works hard.
He still shows off.
He is quiet...for the most part.

I really think they should have karate school, instead of regular public school.  I might get him there without a fight.  Ha!

It makes me happy to see him enjoying himself and taking it seriously.

What made you happy today?

BFF Day 4 of 100 Happy Days

Today's happy is brought to you by these two:

Best Friends!
That is my sister's boyfriend's little boy, B, he's 8.
Of course, you know the Cheekers, he's 7.

They love each other.
B is up here til Saturday (he lives in Florida) so tonight we had dinner over at my sister's so we could see him and obviously so the kids could play.

That B is such a character and a very sweet boy.

It just made me happy see my two fave second graders getting to play together and see each other.

MVP in Da House

Who won MVP for Offense in his hockey division?
That kid, right up there.

I have never seen a kid play so hard and with so much heart in my life.
He is so good that when is on "deck" the other coaches tell their kids to be all over him.  He usually has three of the opposite team players trying to block him...from anything.

He totally deserves this award.
I'm not just saying that because he's mine...I'll throw him under the bus if I have to but he deserves it! 

Now he's on a travel hockey tournament league.
We travel all over South Jersey.
They are good games.  The kids are the best of the best.
Chris plays hard, sweats hard & um, stinks hard.  Not gonna lie on that one.

Tell me do your kids play sports?

Cheekisms

My sweet angelic boy, Cheeks, up there has such a way with words.
Obviously he's angelic...he's wearing a halo!  Hello!

Anywho the other day we were driving home from school when he tells me there is a new student in his class.  His name is Yaya.  I asked Cheeks if he was nice & he said he shook his hand & welcomed him to the school.

I asked where Yaya was from.
Cheeks replied "Boxsan"
"What?" was my response.
"Boxsan" even more exaggerated now because I have managed to annoy him.
He then looks me in the eye & says "It's a country!"
So I drive a little bit, it hits me, I look at him & say "Cheeks did you meet Botswana?"
He was like "Yea, that's it!"

That made me giggle the rest of the way home.

Then last weekend on the way to our hockey banquet for Christopher, I decided to go out on a limb & put make up on.
I don't wear it everyday.
I used to, then I got pregnant & suffered so bad from morning sickness that I couldn't stand up to apply.  Then Bobster told me he liked me sans makeup.  Well game on Bobster...no make up it is.

Just as I was finishing my application Cheeks walks in, takes one look at me & declares
"You look like a pop tart!"

I was to stunned to say anything.  Then when his father commented Cheeks said it again.

I don't know what to do with this kid.

Sometimes he gets me laughing so much I can discipline him for being a smart mouth.

Do you have this same problem?

K is for Kid, K is for Karate, K is for Kids Karate

Yes, we have a karate master in the house.
At least according to him.
Him being Cheeks.

Signed him up for karate.
I gave him a choice.
Flag football or karate.
He chose karate.

I didn't think he was going to make it.
First class was Thursday night and he sat against the wall & didn't participate.
See he was wearing the "uniform" and all the other kids were wearing blue shirts.

Then his friend, Stanley, showed up.
Did I see a glimmer of hope that his 'tude would change around?
It didn't.
At least not at first.

When he got home, his big brother called from Florida to tell him that he did karate when he was Cheeks age and that he has to stick with it.
After some coaching from his brother & dad, he decided to give it another try.

I had another child on my hands today.
He participated.
He has a great time.
He learned moves.
He wore a blue shirt.

He earned his white belt:

Take a bow kid, you deserve it.

Most of all, I heard him yell "Yes sir, No sir" and actually listen to the instructor.

Keep your fingers crossed.
With this and his behavioral help that he gets once a week, maybe his 'tude will change.

In the meantime, meet the new generation of Karate Kids!

I can't stand the cuteness!

What do you kids participate in?
Give me ideas.

American Woman? Wonder Woman? No, just Woman!

I am woman hear me roar.
Well hear me yell because no one in this male dominated household hears me.
Sigh.

The other day I hear "Woman!, Woman!"
Now it was just myself and the 7 year old at home.
So I poked my head into the living room and there he was, sitting playing Wii.
He looked at me & said "Woman! I would like a drink please."

I don't know if it was the shocking realization that he used the word "Woman" when referring to me or that he used please.
Well I do digress, he is very polite.

So I got the little tyrant a drink, didn't say anything because I was chuckling to myself & thought well it's just once.
Ha!
A 7 year old never does anything just once, do they?

I figure he thinks I am Wonder Woman.

It's obvious why.  I'm built just like her.
Wait?
What?
I'm not?

Then why is this child calling me "Woman!"?

It hasn't stopped.
He's called me it since.
But I can't stop laughing.

It sounds hysterical.

I'm sure it won't be so funny when I get a call from the school saying he is calling his second grade teacher that, will it?

Do your children call you anything?
Remember it's a family blog,.

I'm raising a PLAYA!

Last night, Cheeks & I visited our local Chick-fil-A for dinner. We are both Chick-fil-A fanatics and I happen to be a Chick-fil-A mom…Holla!

Anywho, the young lady who took our order looked very much like a member of the Kardashian family. She was about 18, small stud in her nose and her makeup, while heavy handy, was done beautifully.


As we were standing there waiting for my change, my miniature Don Juan, looks at the young lady & blurts out:


“I like your eyebrows!”


She just giggled and I thought “Well they sort of like like Lily Munster’s eyebrows but what ever floats your boat”

He then turns to me and says “Mom, I think she’s really pretty”

I told him “ Don’t tell me, you have to tell her”

So he looks up at her, big blue eyes sparkling with little hearts & says “You are really pretty!”

She was embarrassed but gracious enough to say “Thank you”.

Cheeks then skipped away to find a table and I stood there thinking to myself, it’s only just begun.

He’s only 7.

Sigh.

Heartbreaker or Harlot: You Decide

WoW! I haven't written on here in awhile.
Nothing that exciting happening I suppose or blog worthy.
I lead a dull life unlike the 7yo.

 

 

He might look all innocent & green (He was the Hulk...as if he would be anything else) but he is heartbreaker.

Well really I will lead you to decide whether it's him or
Dun
Dun
Dun
A harlot.

Apparently, liking boys starts a lot earlier than I thought.

Harlot, or for the sake of the post, we will call her Sally, Sally has been stealing kisses from Cheeks for about a month now.

It all started innocent enough with her running up to him, kissing him & telling him "I love you"

Upon questioning Cheeks, he apparently tells her that he loves her back.

I ask if he likes her kisses & he told me "Yes, they feel nice".

Well a new development has happened.
Sally told Cheeks that "I only like you & no one else".

When I asked if he liked her he told me "Meh, she's alright".
Then I asked if was planning on marrying her?

His reply "NO, not yet! I have lots of girls to get through.  They all like me mom, all of them!"

So you tell me, am I raising a heartbreaker or is the other mom raising a harlot?
Perhaps a bit of both?

Sigh.
I thought boys would be easier!

The Little Bird Flew The Nest

It's official.
The first bird has left the nest.

I am not overly happy about it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of him for doing it on his own, being such a hard worker, great saver and very headstrong.

He's only 19.
20 next month.
Still a baby really.
Yes I know you can serve your country at 18, vote, etc.

That's his apartment...in Florida.
Were you expecting me to say he moved like 20 minutes away?

Nope, when he decided to move he chose 1000 miles away.

He transferred within the company he works for.
His dad and brother went down with him...drove down.

His girlfriend and her family are already there.
Ah, didn't know he had a little honey in the Florida area, did ya?

That was a big part of the move BUT he wanted to see if he could do it.
He's doing it.

It's been over a week.
I talked to him briefly the other day...well texted, God forbid he pick up the phone.
Wait...I texted him first.
I must practice my Jewish guilt on him..."You can't call your stepmom every now & then?"
I guess it would be more LDS guilt.

I've drifted off topic.
The point is he's gone.
On his own.

Don't tell anyone...I miss the little bugger.

Time Goes By

Geesh, the summer is almost over & nary a post to be found on ye olde blog really.

I'm not sure why.
I just think I didn't have anything spectacular to write about it.
Dull life.

Lots of pool time, lots of running around, lots of driving the Neon because my Kia minivan was broken down.
Not anymore though.
My father in law surprised me by coming to fix it on Friday while I was down the shore with the birthday boy!

Birthday boy you say?
Yes, we had a birthday.

This baby here:

Went ahead & turned 7 years old!

Where did my chubby baby go?
This lanky, lean, front two teething missing, wise mouth child has replaced that chubby baby!!!

He is on the go.
24/7.

He emulates his older brothers.
He loves The Hulk and IronMan.
Loves the Wii.
Pretty much lives on spaghetti and chicken mcnuggets.

It is what it is.

I love this kid so much.

There will be no turning 8 though.
I forbid it!

The tail end of the summer is going to be endless trips to the pool and back to school shopping.

How about you?
How are you handling the end of the summer?

Am I Parenting Right or Wrong? You be the Judge!

My son Cheeks is a skinny mini.
He's tall but thin.  So thin that when he sucks in his stomach to show us his ribs, Bobster tells me "Those aren't your ribs, those are your organs".

Well he also has the trait of being a picky eater.
Super picky.

Last night I made chicken with pasta.
In the crockpot...the temp in Jersey is in the high Hell zone.

Anyway he decided he wouldn't eat it after a nibble (and that is being generous).

He was told he would get nothing else.

 He came to me a few hours later.

"Mom, can I have a banana?"
"I suppose"

"Well I was thinking of something smaller, like a yodel."
"No, banana or chicken"

This went on for some time.
About 90 mins truthfully.

I finally had enough and told him.

"Tell your troubles to someone else"

His response:

"Yea, I'm gonna tell it to the judge!"

He then went on to tell me that I treat him like dirt (after spending 3 hours in Chuck E. Cheese yesterday) and I talk to him nasty.  He also is telling anyone that listens that we don't feed him.

So look for me & Cheeks on the next Judge Judy.

I wonder how she will rule.

Obsessed Much

Hold onto your hat, Dorothy, you're going for a ride.

This post really isn't about the Wizard of Oz
BUT
About my 6yo's obsession with the Weather Channel.

He will watch this channel morning, noon and night.

Today, as a matter of fact, he went into my room to watch "Up" on family.  When I walked by my room I asked what he was watching.

His reply "Hurricane Hunters"

He always talks weather and is obsessed with tornados.  Friday when I picked him up from camp I told him the Delaware Valley was under a tornado watch.  He kept looking in the sky going "It's going to start any minute.  I can see it.  Look mom, the tornado is coming"

I'm glad his interest is in weather vs. power rangers but does anyone else have a kid who is obsessed with the weather like mine.

Whole Lot of Pomp & Circumstance

 

I'm not sure how we got to 8th grade graduation.

When I met Bobster,  the 14yo was only in first grade.  The same grade Cheeks is just finishing.

I can't stand it.

He will be a freshman next year.
A freshman.

Am I allowed to cry?

He graduated from Rohrer Middle School which is the "new" middle school attached to my old high school. 

I am pretty proud of him.
He is growing into a nice young man...who does well with the ladies.  Tee hee.

Congratulations Christopher!!!!

We love you!