Gotta go. BYE.

That is the abrupt ending my girlfriend Jennifer got today while talking to me on the phone. She was mid-sentence. Since Jenn has been around since before I was married and has been around for the boys and their antics. She knew not to get her panties in a bind. She would call me tonight if she didn't hear from me sooner. We have done this before.

This is the scene I see as I am sitting in the family room. The side door opens. #2 has #4 slung over his shoulder like a sack of wheat. #4 is squawking and protesting the entire way. #1 is following them and has blood running all the way from the top of his head, in between his eyes, down his nose and dripping off his chin.

I hung up on my friend then.

#4 decided to pitch rocks at his older brother and got a bulls-eye. Both of them right on the forehead and one sharp enough to make a dent and a good gash. I had to cut his hair and in his normal boy "don't care what I look like very much" attitude said, "If you shave it, just get me a couple hats. I don't care about a scar. It doesn't hurt. Can I just go back outside and play with Tommy?"

http://www.foxnews.com/national/education/index.html

Take a look at the students.

Bored (I think all of them have their heads on their hands) and sleeping. Wanna go teach in New Orleans?

Making those you have in your house look a little better?? hmmmm??

Mother's Day Sunday

You know it is Mother's Day Sunday when you arrive at church, look down the pew and realize that out of the 10 feet that belong to your children 7 of them have shoes on.

I wish I had the camera...

Adios Donna

My grandmother died. We are just back from the funeral. I am taking the day to put my feet up and chill.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

Today #1, 2 and 3 are outside. They have the spring job of burning the sticks. The job includes: sticks, paper, firestarter, hose with water on and a chop saw. DH added the last one into the mix because you know the job with fire just isn't dangerous enough-he had to add electricity and sharp blades. (I sent them out with a hatchet to cut the large sticks.)

#1 decides to use his infinite-and-all-knowing-wisdom-that-all-11 1/2-year-olds have to spray the fire with the hose sending ash and paper all over the entire yard but also spraying the chop saw and the extension cord. Yah. I call him in and tell him to hit the shower. I did also tell him he was being stupid (not one of my finer mommy moments) not only because of what he did with the fire but also because he walked through the puddle that the extension cord was now lying in with no shoes on. I say "electrocution" and he has this lightbulb go on over his head. "You know mom, I didn't think about that."

I love Mr. Clean magic erasers. I keep one in the tub for quick clean ups. #1 comes out of the shower and says, "Wow! Mom! Those magic eraser things really work!" Then he holds up his feet and says, "See?"

Lunch Break

Today I was doing school with #3. He has a loose tooth. DH is working from home and came to the table where #3 and I were. He says, "I am going to go gas up the cans from the garage." It is the beginning of lawn mowing season. #3 automatically asks, "Can I go with you?" Then he thinks, "If I yank out my tooth can I get the money and go with you?"

UPDATE: He did ask me to pull his tooth. I hand him over the buck and he gleefully heads to the gas station with his father. #1 was in the room hearing this whole thing. He walks over to me and says, "Here." places his tooth on the table that he just yanked out of his head and asks for his cash.

Explaining leukemia to my sons

my dear frind called me yesterday morning at 6 a.m. (she restrained herself to wait until then). Her voice was tinged with hysteria. The doctor had called her at 1 a.m. and said get your son to the ER now. She brought him to Providence ER, they sent him to Children's. At 10:45 a.m. the call came-leukemia. The hysteria was full blown. 65% cure rate. Now she is numb. Forms have been signed, bone marrow biopsied, transfusions, spinal tap, surgery and chemo.

If it can happen to her it could happen to any of us...praying for Jon