Career Fair

This coming Tuesday, my two oldest kids are going to a career fair through the school.  It is an after school field trip, which also includes supper at a local pizza place.  I am excited for them to speak to professionals who can give them details about the ups and downs of selecting certain careers.  I am sure they will come home with all kinds of information, from which courses to take for a particular career to and real estate business cards.   I would think that if any of these kids make an impression on one of the speakers, they might be able to line up a job for the future, or at least get a business card to keep in contact.

My problem is going to be picking the kids up.  They are both due to be back to their schools at the same time, and I can't be in two places at once.  One of them is going to have to wait, and I have a feeling it's going to be Ryan.  He's already suggesting that he walk to the public library to wait on us, and I may just let him.

Reasons Why Ryan Will Not Be Driving Any Time Soon

 Ryan's birthday is in about six weeks.  He will be turning 15.  He thinks he will be able to start learning how to drive. 

He is mistaken.

Junior and I talked about it, and he agrees with me that Ryan just isn't ready to be behind the wheel of a car.  It's not just the high cost of insurance or the thought of having to deal with The March Group Complaints that is holding us back.  We both agreed that Ryan isn't mature enough yet to be a responsible driver.  As much as his medicine helps him control his ADHD, he still has problems with impulse control, and I don't think that is a good thing for a driver.  I also want him to take a drivers education class.  And a defensive drivers class.  And any other type of class they offer to young drivers.  He also has to prove to me that he can keep his grades up, and judging by the progress reports he brought home today, he is a long way from that.

Just because the law says he is old enough to drive doesn't mean I will let him. 

My Boys Work Well Together

My son is just like my husband.  They could both spend their days inside an Ace Hardware Superstore and never get bored.   They love power tools and cars, and fixing anything they can get their hands on.  In fact, my son will take something apart just to see how it fits backs together.

When our water lines broke in the house we used to live it, Ryan was right up under Junior's skin, watching everything he did to fix the problem.  They even shopped for Discount Plumbing Supplies together. I love that Junior is patient enough (most of the time) to let Ryan watch him fix things, and ask questions.  It's a great way for him to learn.  There was a saying I learned while working my first job as a teenager, and it was, "Tell me, I'll forget.  Show me, I'll remember.  Let me try, I'll understand.".  Junior has no problem letting Ryan work right beside him, and help as much as he can.  In fact, Ryan can now change brake pads and do other minor repairs on cars, all because Junior took the time to let him learn from him.

Ryan has also helped Junior do a lot of work around my mom's house.  He has assisted in the cutting down of trees, the running of water lines and electrical outlets, and all kinds of other things.  Last weekend, he cut my mom's grass for her.  As a thank you, my mom is going to buy him the Wolverine Work Boots he has had his eye on.  

I know that this time spent with his dad means a lot to Ryan, and I hope someday, if and when he has a son of his own, they will have the same kind of relationship.

Cabana

My mom has this little lean to shed in her backyard that was attached to the fence that goes around her pool.  I think it was probably built to protect a riding mower from the weather, because it didn't have any side, just a roof.  When she opened the pool, she needed somewhere to keep all the chemicals and pool floats, so she had Ryan and Junior enclosed the lean to, to build a cabana of sorts.  I took this picture while they were still closing in the sides...doesn't it look great?  She wanted lattice originally, but when she saw these fence slats, she fell in love.  The finished product looks awesome...I will have to remember to get a shot of it the next time I am over there swimming.

A Teenaged Boys Dream

I have a fourteen year old son, Ryan.  Just like every other boy this age, he is dreaming of getting his license in a few years.  He is also determined to have his own vehicle before he gets his license, that way he is fully prepared for the road when the time comes.  I am not too happy about this, because I now have an old, ugly truck sitting in my driveway, waiting to be driven by newly licensed teenager.

The truck is in no way road ready, and it will probably take Junior and Ryan a while to fix it up.  They know what is wrong with it, but don't have the money to put into it right now.  They talked about sending it to a auto repair in san diego, but quickly realized that it would be a great bonding experience if they did the work themselves.  I suggested waiting until Ryan could pay for the parts himself before starting the repairs.  In a few months he will be fifteen, and he is already gathering applications for employment from local establishments.  He's too young to do brake repair san diego, even though he knows how to do that.   In fact, I think the last time Junior replaced the brakes on our van, Ryan did most of the work.  Someday he might be doing san diego bmw repair, but for now, he is going to concentrate on fixing up his truck, so that when he gets his license, it will be ready to go.  

Ryan's First Job Interview

...if you can even call it that.  Last week, Ryan went into our local Zaxby's and filled out an application (they hire at 14).  The manager told him to come back Monday for an interview. 

Well, Junior had him up there at the required time, and Ryan was all ready to be interviewed.  We had deiscussed the kinds of questions he might be asked, and he had great replies.  When the time came, the guy told him that they didn't have any positions available right now, but he would keep his application on file. 

I was kind of ticked, because the guy could have told him that last week when he handed in the application, instead of getting his hopes up.  Now we're all hoping that before the summer is over, Ryan will be called in for a job.

Ryan's New Truck

 Junior has this friend.  Let's call him Bob.  They have been friends since high school, and that have that type of friendship where they can go months without talking, and then spend an entire weekend fishing together.  Bob is also the guy who always helps us move.

Well, now Bob is moving.  He lives in a mobile home, and he is having it moved onto his dad's property so he no longer has to pay lot rent.  The only problem with this is that his dad won't let him bring all his "junk" with him.  One of his biggest pieces of junk is an old truck.  His solution to this was to give the truck to Junior to fix up for Ryan.

I was not consulted, which is probably a good thing, since I never would have agreed to this.  The truck is falling apart.  I know there are things with the engine and transmission that need to be fixed, which means the darn thing doesn't even run right.  Or at all.  Cosmetically, it doesn't look too bad.  If Ryan adds truck bed rails and/or truck bed caps, it would look pretty good.   I am sure there will be other go rhino parts he will want to make the truck look better, but he will have to save up his own money.  The truck may have been free, but I am not paying for the repairs.  Luckily in a few months Ryan will be old enough to get a job after school, so he can make and save his own money.

As far as getting his license so that he can drive this truck, he will have to wait a year or two.  I just don't think he's ready to be behind the wheel.

Parties

 I spent today making food and cleaning house for Kasi's birthday parties that are coming up this weekend.  Tomorrow night is her slumber party, and then Sunday I am having my mom and a couple of family friends over.  We were originally going to have it at my mom's house, (she has the pool) but the weather isn't going to cooperate, so I'm just going to do it here.  That means that I will clean the house for one party, and then turn around and re-clean it for the next party. 

My kids better appreciate this.

As I was cleaning today, I started thinking about Ryan's birthday.  For the past three years, we have done a Halloween themed party for him since his birthday is the first week of November.  This year, he is going to be 15, and I am worried that he won't want to have a party.  I hope that is not the case, because I love getting the kids dressed up, and having all the kids who come to the party get dressed up.  My little nephew used to love Elmo, and I found the cutest Sesame Street Costumes online at www.costumekingdom.com that he would flip over.  I don't think he would wear them himself, but he has a new little sister who would look adorable in this costume:

I mean, what kid wouldn't look adorable in that?

Headaches And Eye Strain

 I have been doing a lot of complaining lately about my glasses.  You might remember how a few weeks ago, I broke the nose piece on my favorite pair, and have been wearing my "spare pair" ever since.  They are supposed to be the same exact prescription, because I got them both at the same place, at the same time.  But, I am convinced that these are different, because they give me headaches.  I also have to hold papers and things a little farther away to be able to read them. 

This makes me think I am getting old, which I am not, so it must be the glasses, right?

Right?

Last night I was sitter here at the computer, again complaining about how these glasses make my eyes hurt.  Ryan walks over and asks if he could see my broken pair.  I told him there was no way he could fix them, because the little rubber thing that goes on your nose broke in half, and I have no idea where the piece is.  He told me he would let me have the nose things off of his glasses.

I asked him how he could do that and still wear his glasses, and he just shrugged.  I then asked him where his glasses were (he only needs them to see the board in class) and he said they were in his locker, somewhere.  I then asked if he ever wears them, and he said no.  He said he can see fine.

I don't really believe him, but it's not like I can force him to wear them.  He'll be sorry, though, when not wearing them now only makes him need glasses all the time later on.

Learning Poker In Online Casinos

 I am beginning to wonder what my son does at school all day.  Last week, he came home begging me to teach him how to play poker.  When I asked him why, he said he wanted to be able to join the kids at school when they play.

Wait, the kids are playing poker at school?

He said yes, they do, during one of his classes.  I can't remember which. I know it is getting to be the end of the year and all, but playing poker at school is a little wrong.  At least to me.  But, being the super cool mom I am, I decided it wouldn't hurt if he knew how to play, so I agreed to teach him.

The only problem is that my experience with playing poker is limited to the few times I played with my grandparents when we were all still living in NY.  That was quite a few years ago, and apparently, these kids play differently than I do.  So, I now have to do a little research, and play poker at an onlinecasinotx to brush up a bit.  Ryan specifically wants to learn Texas Hold Em.  I have never played this, so I will be learning it for the first time myself.

I just hope the kids aren't playing for real money.  I am pretty sure it is illegal for minors to gamble.

Ryan Wants A Truck

Junior and Ryan had a great time at the Monster Jam show last night. They made it home safely around 11pm, through all the ice and snow. They said there were a lot of empty seats in the arena, because most people didn't venture out into the winter storm.

Not my guys, though, They were determined to have a good time, and they did.

For a while now Ryan has been talking about buying a truck, and seeing all the big ones last night just reinforced this dream. Of course, his truck would have to be street legal, so all the "upgrades" would have to be kept to a minimum. I heard him and Junior discussing the things he could put on a truck, and I think they decided the first thing he will need is an air intake, which will increase his fuel economy. This is a good thing, because as a new driver, he will have a high insurance bill, and spending less on gas would help him save a little money. They were also discussing the benefits of a performance chip, but I think this is something a teen aged boy's car just doesn't need. I am nervous enough with him driving, I don't need him breaking speed limits and such. I did agree to let him have a cat back exhaust because I know that those are "in" right now. Of course there were other things they were debating, but to be honest, after a few minutes of car talk, I kind of tune it out.

I mean, there is only so much this girl can handle when it comes to boys and their toys.

Construction

My mom just bought a new house.

Anyone who has bought a house knows, there are always little things that need to be done. Sunday was family day at moms, so we headed over a little early so that Junior could put in some new toilets, and while he was busy doing that, Ryan decided to put together my mom's new TV stand for her bedroom.

He did a great job, too.

If only he hadn't put the top on backwards. I laughed as he had to take it apart to fix his mistake...

My Ratty Looking Children

This is what my brats looked like going to school this morning. Can you tell it's been a long week? I promise you that the girls hair really did look a lot better than this picture shows...or maybe I was just too tired to notice! lol! Either way, it's Ryan's birthday today, and we are meeting some friends and family for supper tonight at Golden Corral (Ryan's choice) and I am really looking forward to it. I just love spending time with the people I love.

Ryan's Birthday Cake

I didn't make this cake; my mom did. Isn't it adorable?

You can't see it good in the picture, but it has fondant leaves on top, and a snickers as the stem. The eyes, nose, and mouth are chocolate chips.

Let me tell you...not only did it look good, but it was DELICIOUS!

Thanks mom!

Being Bullied

Ryan was bullied at school again on Friday. Thankfully, the school's resource officer (cop) was standing behind the other kid, and he didn't know it. When he pushed Ryan, Ryan just stood there, because he saw the officer walking over, and he didn't want to get into trouble. We told him last year to always fight back, and he said he would have if the officer wasn't right there. But since he saw the whole thing, only the bully got into trouble. Apparently, he got into big trouble, because Ryan says he was begging the officer not to take him to the office, because last time they told him he would be expelled if he got into another fight.

I know Ryan knows the basics of how to defend himself. Junior and I think it might be a good idea, though, to have him take some karate classes or something, where he can learn more. I would have to invest in sparring gear, but it would be worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that Ryan can defend himself if necessary.

I don't want him to become the bully, but i don't want the other kids thinking they can pick on him. It's a fine line, I think, but one he needs to be aware of.

Party Ideas

I found some really cute ideas for Ryan's party Friday night.

I experimented last night with my pumpkin mini cake pan, and made some brownies in it. They came out awesome! I wanted to get a picture, but they were gobbled up pretty quickly by my little monsters.

I am going to have a crazy week trying to get everything done, but it will be worth it in the end.

Trust

My son, who is 13, has started staying up all night. He has become addicted to a computer game, and during the day, he doesn't get a chance to play because I am usually online. I trust him not to go anywhere he shouldn't, but he is a 13 year old boy, so I sometimes wonder if he searches for things he shouldn't. I know there are programs available, like Keylogger, where I can check up on him. This program can show me every single thing he types, but I am not sure that is the kind of mom I want to be. I think, for now, I will just trust that I raised him right, and trust him.

My Joys Of Pregnancy

I have three children. I remember when I was pregnant the first time, almost fourteen years ago, I read every book about pregnancy I could get my hands on. My mother was constantly offering advice, and I wish I had listened, especially when she told me how hard it was to lose baby weight. I gained so much weight with Ryan, and I am still carrying it around. I should blame that my lack of exercising and the fact that I love food, but that's besides the point. It was when I was pregnant with Brandi, my youngest, that I first realized pregnancy could cause Bladder Control Problems. Most women experience this towards the end of pregnancy, whenever they laugh or sneeze. I wasn't that lucky. I would wet myself just walking. I remember one time getting out of the shower, and I thought my water had broke. Turned out I had just peed on myself. That was an embarrassing call to the doctor, I can tell you that. I never got to the point where I needed an external catheter though, which was a good thing. I was having enough problems. I got so big with her, that I would lose my balance and fall. The first time it happened, we were pumpkin picking, and I just fell over. I scared the snot out of Junior. The last time it happened, right before Brandi was born, he didn't even bat an eyelash. He just helped me up, and laughed at me. In fairness, I was laughing, too. When I told my OB, she said I shouldn't walk unless someone was walking beside me. Brandi ended up weighing 9 pounds, 13 ounces at birth, and I was so happy to be able to walk alone, without peeing on myself. I'm telling you; it's the little things in life that make me happy.

When Kasi's Gone...

Brandi needs someone to play with. I'm not sure how she did it, but she convinced Ryan to let her give him a makeover. He had his hair brushed...

...and I think he even had a pedicure. He drew the line at the makeover. Brandi tried to get makeup in him, but he wouldn't give in.
I think I got suckered into a makeover when I am done here.
That should be interesting.

Ryan And Fire Ants

I grew up in New York. It wasn't until I was twenty two years old that I moved to South Carolina. A few summers after I moved, I went with my husband and son to the lake to go fishing. Ryan was a little over a year old at the time, and he was more interested in playing in the grass and dirt than fishing. I remember all of a sudden he started screaming, and when I looked over, I noticed he had sat down on an ant hill. I had never heard of red fire ants before, but thankfully Junior knew all abut them, and scooped Ryan up and headed for the water. I had no idea ants could be so mean. I ended up getting bit, too, and it was not fun. Poor Ryan was miserable the rest of the day. I am just glad he wasn't allergic to the bites.