Karate

Marcus turned over a new leaf this year and wanted to give Karate a try. It's offered at his MDO program so that means that is one less place / time I have to be. I love that and will gladly write my check each month.!!! Last year he wanted nothing to do with but all has changed with his new found love for superheroes and fighting. He got his uniform today and told me that he can kick harder with his white belt on...as if it gives him super powers. He's enjoying it so far and I kinda like the idea of him learning the discipline and self comfidence that comes with the art. He might as well learn now how to direct his anger and strength. I wish him the best!!

So not winning Mother of the Week!!!

I have been so off this whole week. I guess I left my "mommy" skills on the road! Maybe I just have too much on my mind lately. Not really sure what is up but poor Marcus is getting the worst of it. First he gets locked out on the patio and it takes me 15min to get the screen door unjammed. I had him believing that he was going to have to sleep outside. Then he slipped getting out of the tub last night and tonight he comes really close to getting his fingers slammed in the car door. What will happen tomorrow???? At least it's not Friday the 13th...lol
All I know is that I had better shake whatever I have going on soon!

Notes from the Road!!!

What else could be better besides the open road and a map to Las Vegas????
I had a great week away just doing whatever! I got to see some great scenery across 5 states and lots of new experiences. California coast, lights of Las Vegas, Hoover Dam with lots more in between. After a few stops by Border Patrol and actually believed to be a US Citizen...lol First trip to the West Coast - only thing I have to say negative is not enough time. Had some good ol' Cali-Mex food (not Tex-Mex for once), fish tacos and hung out on Ocean Beach in San Deigo. Las Vegas was great, exciting and so much to see. We casino hopped, tried new foods and had some drinks and slots. Even though Lady Luck was not on my side or anywhere near me for that matter it was a blast. Lions, tigers and dolphins oh my!! I got to hold a lion cub at MGM Grand - most likely a once in a lifetime experience. Up close to dolphins and tigers at The Mirage. I took a quick elevator trip 540 feet in the air for some great views from the Paris Eiffel Tower. Back on the road and some great scenic views to Arizona. I got to spent some quick visits with long lost family - grandmother, Aunt, Uncle and cousins in Arizona. It was great and felt nowhere like it had been 2+ decades of in person visting! I miss them and will be definitely going back in the Spring. This week was definitely an eye opening experience with lots of time to think about lots of stuff. What's next???

Pet Rocks

Marcus has his first pet...4 pet rocks! All named and a homemade house for! He has to take care of them by feeding them nightly - they love baby goldfish. He has to check on them, talk to them and can take them out to play once in awhile. Of course they can't stay home by themselves so when he visits Granny he will have to tote them along.

He picked out each color and each name himself...all with superheroes in mind.

SuperMan "Rex" (dark blue)

"Dino" Hulk (purple...not sure why not green...lol)

"Ice"Man (aquamarine..same as is iceman toy)

"Tiny" Batman (who is pink...kinda funny)

We'll see how this goes and hopefully I can successfully make sure they eat their goldfish every night....i.e....removing evidence before he wakes up in the morning. I'm excited to see his excitement about his pets. He helped make their house and wanted to add some toys so they could play..a block and ball; even complete with a blanket and food dish.

Stay tuned....

Labor Day Weekend

What a great Labor Day weekend getaway! It's times like this that make you cherish your friends and family! It was nice to spend some relaxing time with friends for a couple days. We chilled outside and watched the kids play with much needed freedom compared to their daily routines. Marcus was given the chance to play rough and tough in the dirt and grass. It took some working up to but this morning before we left he did spend a good 2 hours barefoot running around the yard. That is a huge achievement for my "obsessively clean little boy." We enjoyed the peaceful country scene and sounds, good food and great friends. A couple margaritas and hot tub dip in the evening! Marcus enjoyed playing with Dylan but not as much as Dylan enjoyed having Marcus around I think. Drive home was complete with a visit to a couple zebras and camels on I-20. Marcus like the camels until they came up to us trying to be a little too friendly! lol
Back home with the normal routine for a few more days then off to San Diego and Vegas!