I quite possibly have the CUTEST nephews in the whole stinkin’ world.
I mean, just look at these precious faces:
Yes. Yes. I know what you’re thinking — YOU think YOU have the best looking nephews in the whole stinkin’ world and I’m sure you think you do (*wink*), but let me raise the stakes one more time.
Not only are my brother’s boys THE cutest thing since suede baby booties, they are THE most polite 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old, EVAR.
Seriously. I can’t even tell you how many “pwease” and “tank yews” I heard from these adorable children the other night. And OMG, they are like a photographer’s dream. All I had to do was point the camera in their directions and they instantly froze in place and went all vogue on me.
And, and THEN! To top it off, my youngest nephew, A., climbed into my lap and graced me with toddler cuddles.
*thunk* My heart dropped to my feet and my (old) girl parts actually twinged for like the first time in YEARS. In fact, it had been so long since I felt that little shiver/ripple that I thought I had gas at first.
Those children are seriously dangerous to my biological clock (which has nearly stopped, by the way. There is no way in Hades I’m EVER having another child).
It was a real treat to see them (and my brother and sis-in-law). They live out of town and had a few vacation days so they paid us a visit. I hadn’t seen little A. in oh gosh, a year? And he’s a walking, talking replica of my brother.
Which doesn’t mean I think my brother is cute (EW!), but holy moly, his kids sure are.
And Angie, if you’re reading this? You’re doing a great job with those boys. They are seriously the most polite little boys I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around. Keep up the good work, sis-in-law.
Day two of band camp is over.
And Jazz is already burned out and frustrated.
First of all, Jazz is not used to all of this exercise. My boy plants his butt in a computer chair and doesn’t move it unless he needs to pee or eat. And he’s done that all summer. So the fact that he’s been busy marching has taken a physical toll on him.
And let’s not forget the mental exhaustion from playing an instrument.
Band camp runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And yes, it IS as grueling as it sounds. The kids are super busy learning their songs (they have to memorize them – sheet music is for wimps!) and learning their marching/formation routines.
He says it’s really hard and he’s frustrated because he hasn’t gotten the hang of it yet.
*blink*
It’s only been two days, kid! Sheesh, cut yourself some slack. But hey, he’s my son, which means he’s a perfectionist, so I know he’ll get it eventually. (He’s too stubborn to give up).
He’s having a bit of a peer pressure problem. One of the kids called him “gangsta” today and it upset him, all because the shorts he was wearing had a strip of white at the hem. WTH? I don’t know, I don’t get it, either.
In addition, I gave him a nice sized cooler with a pop-up spout to drink from to take with him to camp because the band flyer SAID to do this — the kids are out in the sun, marching in 90 degree weather, they get a TAD dehydrated — and apparently, since he didn’t have a water bottle like every other kid, they thought they would point out that he dared to be different and made fun of him.
*sigh* You really can’t win these stupid teenage angst wars so seriously, don’t try.
But, because I’m a good mom and don’t want him to be all self-conscious, we dug out a small, traditional cooler and tomorrow, I will put two bottles of water in it as well as his root beer for his lunch. I’m betting the other kids’ beverages won’t be HALF as cold and DELICIOUS as my son’s so you know? Jump off, yo. *snap* (Yep, I can talk the talk, ya’ll).
There is an ice cream social next Tuesday night for the parents. That’s when we’ll get to see what the kids have been working on. I can’t WAIT.
Of course, there will be videos. Duh.
I wish I felt more comfortable marketing myself. I need to get over that, I suppose. And I am working on it. In fact, I’ve been busy putting some things together in the hopes that I can entice some potential clients my way.
That is probably THE biggest downfall about being self-employed, at least, for me. The whole marketing / promoting myself to people. I just feel so uncomfortable tooting my own horn. I much prefer to simply slink back into the shadows and stay low key …….
Wait a minute. Why does that sound soooo familiar?
Oh yeah, Dude. I’ve complained that he is like that and whoops! That’s exactly how I am.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, apparently.
But seriously. I need to build my client base. I currently have five hooks in the business waters right now and I’m hoping (and praying) that I get a bite, or two, or even three.
I won’t be greedy. 🙂
So, I’ve been busy putting that stuff together. And there is just something about being creative that gets me all worked up. I feel energized and enthusiastic — more so than I have in a long time.
It feels good.
Here are some things I’ve been Twittering about lately:
— Here’s an interesting idea: A Secure Social Networking for Tween Girls. http://bit.ly/V5Fyr But I wonder just how “secure” it truly is?
— Creative Nonfiction is looking for blog submissions. Nominate your own, someone else’s posts: http://bit.ly/15FMkE
— My boys WILL BE the coolest geeks on campus with this: http://bit.ly/5A5py (because yes, if it gets them excited about school, I’ll buy it)
— I sort of dig tormenting (in a good way) my 16-yr old son. It’s just so darn amusing. And I suppose it’s better than popping him in the head.
— Wow. Great post about the power of loving your spouse the correct way and saving your marriage. http://bit.ly/qPmR
— *squee!* I totally want the fail whale pillow. http://bit.ly/OZbbf
— Saw on news that unemployment rate is over 20% for 16 to 20 yr olds – adults are taking these jobs from kids. Not good news for oldest son.
— New food for thought. Will you become a part of healthy debate? http://politicalmommentary.ning.com/
— ‘Mommy bloggers’ are fighting what they fear is a backlash against their profession http://tinyurl.com/lsqx5d
— Wearable Feedbags Lets Americans Eat More, Move Less: http://bit.ly/MM2Vx // ROFL! Only The Onion could get away w/ this.
— It’s All About Me!! – 55 Awesome About Me Pages: http://bit.ly/16ikYx
— Arkansas Mother Sells Naming Rights of Unborn Son on eBay: http://bit.ly/2xvL9 // Oh my.
I mean, come on, if you’re not following me on Twitter, why not?! Look at the cool crap I talk about.
I seriously need to stop waiting until the last minute to update my blog.
I’m so brain dead, I look like this guy.
Hey honey, how’s about a kiss.
Okay, I’m getting delirious now. I must say goodnight to ya’ll.
Goodnight to ya’ll.
Write From Karen 