A huntin' We Will Go...

It's time I guess. My little guy isn't so little. Tonight DH and YS leave for the first of what I'm sure will be many weekend trips. It's Youth Turkey Hunt weekend and YS, DH and GP are all looking forward to it. YS loves his new 410 and he's pumped (get it?!? pumped? the pump action shot gun?! Funny stuff here!)
So off they go, these men of mine. I on the other hand plan on spending the weekend with friends doing what else? Scrapbooking!!!

MO...what?!?...and other ramblings...

What DID he do to his hair?!?! Was that a mohawk??? Of course I'm talking about the talentless Sanjaya on AI. What a waste of time to watch this idiot. Surely by now the teenie weenies have had enough? I don't think I can stand much more.


Well...DH too YS target practicing over the weekend. As per all rules pertainign to this particular family - it didn't go as planned. No big surgprise here.

The big daddy gun that GP bought was just a tad to big for YS. He shot it once - hit the turkey target dead on, sat down and cried. Not because he would've killed the turkey but the kick of the shotgun spooked him. Then he got embarrassed and cried more....then he felt like he let his dad and GP down and cried even more. It's rough comin' into manhood I guess.
I gotta give DH credit though - and I don't do that very often I suppose. He handled that situation straight on and made it all come out good. I even admitted to him that he did a good job. :)

Tonight DH went and bought YS a 410 (a smaller shotgun for us dummies). They're going practicing tomorrow and if all goes well they turkey hunt this weekend. It's all up to YS. Ball is in his court with no pressure. He's excited though! He looked it over and he's ready to rock!

Dh said that if they make it they make it and if they don't - he'll have a blast this summer practicing for deer season.

Guess I better learn to bump bellies.

Testosterone at it's Highest

I am not a "gun" person. They just scare the bee-jeebies out of me. For the enthusiasts - don't even try. I'm not gonna change my mind. I've shot them (hand guns to shotguns), cleaned them, and even had a bad day when one was actually pointed at me (loaded). With that one exception, I have only been around people who have the utmost respect for what a gun can do. It doesn't matter. I just don't like them.
Don't get me wrong here - I believe people have the right to own guns. I don't believe that guns are the root of all evil. I don't believe that guns kill. I believe that people USE guns to kill. And I can't believe that some people practically have an orgasm just describing their guns.
Anywho, DH is an avid hunter as mentioned in previous posts (remember Rambo?). So we have avid hunter, spring turkey season, and now entering the picture is YS. The Youth Hunt is only a couple of weeks away and DH is already strutting around. Hunter Safety courses have been taken, equipment checked and rechecked, provision lists made. Hell, even Santa doens't prepare this hard.
But this year is special. DH says says so. I smile and nod.
Apparently Grandpa (GP - also an avid hunter - probably where DH gets is from) has been waiting for this year too. Seems like a couple of years ago he ran across this "sweet" little Mossburg (pump action) and thought this was the weapon of choice for YS to begin his hunting career. So he bought it for him and has been keeping it, just waiting for this year to come. When DH called and told him that this was "the year", GP got it out, polished it up, shot it a few times (said they looked "virginal" after being shot - can you BELIEVE that?!?!?), re-cleaned it, and it's sitting in it's "rightful " place now, waiting for when YS comes to practice with it this weekend and take over ownership.
So this weekend, father, son and grandson are going to be target shooting. Learning. Preparing. Watching.
And afterwards? They'll all clean, polish, store their weapons; drink Iced tea, beer and root beer. Bump bellies, high five each other and tell stories. There will be so much testosterone in the house, grandma will grow a beard.

All's right

It's been spring break here for the kids. YS spent his vacation with Grandma and Grandpa, while DD spent her time working and being with friends. Typical, age-approprate, busy offspring -type activities.
Wednesday evening DH and I were watching TV and I made a remark about how quite the house seemed. Even if YS was home and in his room playing video games there would've been some noise. The fit of laughter, the whine of frustration or the playing with the dog and his toys would've produced some noise. If DD was home then the steady beat of bass from whatever song she has blasting would've been felt. So, had the kids been home, we'd have had the usual "home" noises. Nothing loud or obnoxious, just the undercurrent of our kid's daily muses.
But Wednesday night there was nothing. And it was quiet. Dead quiet. So I made the remark - it was that quiet. A different quiet than during the day when the kids are in school. It was a deeper quiet. Did I mention how quiet it was? Like it had some kind of finality to it. That kind of quiet. I liked it.
Wednesday turned into Thursday, Thursday into Friday, Friday into Saturday. We hadn't seen much of DD. She was in and out with work. friends to see, places to be - just the way it should be for someone her age.
By Saturday night it had begun to sink in. The house was too quite for me. I was missing the little guy (ok so he's not that little anymore, but he's still MY littlest one). I saw DD just often enough to know what was going on in her life. I've talked (and seen) OS and FDIL a couple of times and even talked to YS over the phone but there was still something missing.
It was the bedtime hug. Every night YS gets a hug and a kiss when tucked into bed for the night. Safe and sound. I"ve been giving those things out for over 25 years now (boy iof that doesn't date me!!!). I hadn't had that reassurance in 4 days already. I know that's he's ok at Grandma's and grandpas, don't get me wrong here but there's something to be said for the night time routine of a child - even if it's really for the parent.
Last night YS came home, full of stories of all the things he had done over the break. We listened to them all, laughed when it was funny and showed fake horror when the occasssion arised. And then it was time. Off to the shower and then on to bed he went. Hugs o'plenty for everyone. Kisses too. And then it was time to turn out the light and close the door with wishes for a good night's sleep.
Hubby and I went back downstairs to finish watching our program before we retired for the evening. We had just settled back down when we heard the bathroom door upstairs close and the dog barking (he doesn't like to be seperated by a door - he's kind of weird that way). I smiled. All was right in my world.

Geez....

First of all, Sanjaya is STILL on AI. I'm going to actually vote next week just to help make that not happen.

The kids are on spring break right now. YS is at Grandma's for the weekend. Yesterday he calls me at 7:15 am to tell me he loves me and misses me. Isn't that sweet? I'm thinking it would've been cuter at, say, 10:15am. No big deal I thought. I had three more days to sleep in so I'll enjoy this while I can, right?
This morning our annual "stupid" bird arrived. This is the bird that sees it's reflection in our window and throws herself against it in anger (she builds her nest right outside our bedroom window). So at 6:58 am this morning, I awoke to splat!.........splat!.......thump.
I thought stupid bird had killed herself so I got up to look and there she is looking at ME with the look of disgust. Yeah, like I'm the one banging my stupid head against the window. Anyway, I opened the curtains so the reflections would tone done and she could get down to the business of nest-building.
DD thinks we should contact Windex and tell them about it. Wouldn't that be funny? Stupid bird would be famous -and I'd never get any sleep

Reminder

P.S. The kids are on spring break the rest of the week so I'll be sleeping in! I'll post if I get a chance - but doubt it!

A Plea

Will the parents of all of those 11-12 year old girls who's fingers are stuck on redial.... please please please pleeeeease quit voting for Sanjaya?!?!
For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about - it's American Idol.
This is the first year I've ever watched the show from the beginning and have not missed a show. Watching the auditions got old real quick. I'm not one to watch, over and over, some kids make a fool of themselves. Then it was over and the "chosen" were on their way. Once they get to Hollywood though - they're supposed to be able to sing - and more than one song. I think that's were the problem lies.
Sanjaya did sing well for his auditon. I remember seeing it. I remember agreeing with the judges that he sang better than his sister. Then he went to Hollywood and lost all credibility. he has yet to sing one song decently. I'll give him credit though - he's a cute kid - but a cute kid does not make a good singer. He can sing ONE song good enough but he's no where near good enough to be the winner. Yet every week he gets voted for to stay on.
Most of the top 12 can sing pretty well. In fact - there are 4 of them (all girls) that are down right awesome. It can be so frustrating to listen to this great voices only to follow with some who can't sing and who can't sing above a whisper. It's just proof positive for me that America is more focused on looks than than talent.
It's got to be those "tweens" who love his hair - or the fact that he can hula. Regardless - I'll be rooting for him to leave almost as much as I did for Antonella to leave.

A Mission

I almost felt bad for DH over the weekend. Notice I said “almost”. You see, he’s on a mission –not one of choice really but one that he’s capable of accomplishing easy enough – but if he keeps in mind the alternative, he can come through it. It’s all in how you look at it.
I guess I ought to explain. We have an oversized three car garage. In it is 1 mini-van (if the weather is bad and I shove everything to the side or stack it on top of other stuff I can get it in there), one hot lookin’ Harley and bunches upon bunches of pure crap.
The man is a pack rat and can’t help himself. It’s been this way for 10 – count them – 10 years. I have been after DH for several years to clean it up to no avail. Something is always coming up. There’s fish to catch, deer to shoot, NASCAR to watch, and some understandable overtime at work.
On Jan 1 of this year I finally put my foot down. I gave DH “the ultimatum”. He had until June 1 to clean the garage and be able to get 2 - count them – 2 vehicles parked in the garage – and at the same time. If he failed then I went in on June 2 and cleaned house. It seemed to have worked. He’s been hard at it out there. He filled 4 industrial sized trash bags with stuff and barely made a dent, but he did it. It was hard for him and I know it. I watched him stand over those 4 bags with his head bowed down like he was at some funeral for odds and ends pieces of a ceiling fan that was taken down 6 years ago and the 2 weed eaters that were dismantled because “some day” they’ll get fixed….maybe. Oh and don’t forget the dismantled 12 inch bicycle that Amber used to ride before she outgrew it….never mind that fact that a neighborhood boy took the bike for a joy ride and a car ran over it (don’t ask) and bent the wheels (DH said if you replaced the wheels and the tires and the bent frame – maybe even put on a new chain – it would be in great shape). Yeah, he is taking this hard. The end result will make him happy though – if for no other reason than I’ll quit harping at him!

Women's Shelters

I thought I'd end the week with this - an e-mail from a friend of mine.


Dear Friends:

You probably never thought of this, but women's shelters in the U.S. go
through thousands of tampons and pads monthly. Assistance agencies
generally help with expenses of "everyday" necessities such as toilet
paper, diapers and clothing, but one of the most BASIC needs is
overlooked - feminine hygiene products.

Seventh Generation, a green paper products and cleaning products
company, will donate a box of sanitary products to a women's shelter in
your chosen state - just for clicking the link. Talk about easy (and,
yes, it is legitimate)

http://tampontification.com/donate.php



See you next week - I'm off to this weekend to celebrate "Scrapbooking month" in Richmond!

It Can Happen

Recently, a well-known actor was arrested for assaulting his son. This isn’t his first arrest for these types of charges either. His marriage (to a famous actress) made headlines on a regular basis with allegations of domestic violence.
As a former victim of domestic violence, this subject sits right close to my heart. I’m a passionate advocate for the victims – both male and female. Years ago, before I moved back to KC, I became involved in one of our church’s ministries, a battered women’s shelter. It was there that I learned “the pattern”.
A friend of DD’s is in a relationship that is in the beginning to middle phases of “the pattern”. It’s so classic it’s frightening. The control, the manipulation, the isolation – it’s all there. DD has tried to talk to her only to have it fall on deaf ears. The parents are totally clueless.
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink”, is a hard lesson to learn at their age. It’s so difficult to watch this young lady go down this path and DD is having a really hard time with it, which makes it even harder. I can only be there for DD and watch over her the best that I can.
I’m writing about “abuse” again because I think it’s important for people to be aware of it and face it. It happens everyday and everywhere. There isn’t a line drawn anywhere that keeps people safe on the other side of it. So be careful out there – and don’t forget to hug your kids today.

Aquariums

My OS is looking into starting up a salt-water aquarium. I’m really excited for him…I love the looks of them but I’m very intimidated by them! I don’t even know if I have the patience or self-discipline to take care of one! Not OS though – he’s jumping right in! He’s in the beginning stages now, he’s done his research and he’s looking for the tank (125 gal and up). He’s already found a couple that he likes – he’s just thinking about which one will become the winner. Then it’s time to build it up with filters, heaters, etc. There’s a lot of money wrapped up in this hobby so I know it’s important to take your time.
I’m going to be watching him step by step to see how hard it really is. I have three aquariums now (2- 55 gal and 1-30 gal) that I have decorated to suit the “theme” of the room it’s in. For example, the aquarium above is in my office and done in Southwest décor. I have one in the family room that has plants (for hiding) and wood (for the cichlids). My last one is in my living room and features an old Roman ruins.

The fanciest fish I have are the cichlids but I'd love to have something unique in one tank.
So I’ll watch and see how hard the salt water set up is to maintain; I’ll learn the upkeep process and who knows – I might convert one 55 gal. tank to saltwater. Any advice is always appreciated!

The Victims

Last week I was reading an article that was in the KC Star about rape victims. At first I was shocked and then it down right pissed me off.
Did you know that in this wonderful state of Missouri, there are rape victims who must pay for their own rape kits (approx. $500)?!? So, not only are these victims physically, verbally and emotionally victimized, they are victimized financially – and by the very system in place to protect them. There is a Crime Victims Compensation Fund in place to help reimburse some. The thing is – you gotta APPLY for the funds. IF there’s money in the fund and IF you qualify then you MAY be reimbursed UP TO full payment. Basically, if you have any money and you’re raped then you pay for whatever your insurance won’t pay – if you have insurance. Simple as that. There just isn’t any money.
The article brought up a good point. A rape victim’s body is full of evidence. In order to prosecute, the body must be processed – and at a most vulnerable time. A necessary evil if you will. However, if your house was burglarized and the scene was processed, you’re not billed for that. How in the hell can that be? How can there be so little regard for these victims? Is it any wonder that only 1 of out 10 sexual assaults are reported?
On Feb. 1 of this year the senate had a bill placed before them – SB 429 to change this injustice as well as increase the sentences for repeat offenders. I for one will be watching and strongly suggest you check the laws in your state. I truly hope that yours isn’t one of them.

Wild Hogs

Ok – Let me start off by apologizing for not posting. I bought a fancy new toy to scrapbook with and I’ve spent the last 4 days playing with it. My bad…I ask for forgiveness (insert stick figure kneeling humbly here).

DH and I went to the movies this weekend and saw the new Disney movie “Wild Hogs”. It was a great movie with some hilarious moments and well placed lines in it. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It might not be Oscar material but it definitely entertains you!
The story involves 4 middle-aged men who decide to take a road trip on their motorcycles and it well worth the price of the ticket! Hearty laughing is just plain good for the soul. There are very few movies that I just positively can’t wait to see until they come out on video but I’m glad I didn’t wait on this one! I highly recommend an afternoon/evening out to see this one!