5th Grade Graduation

Congratulations Vinny! We are so proud of you! We love you so much! Great job!

Pajama Day!

"Can I wear these pajamas for Pajama Day?" asks Gio.

"Uhhhhhhhhh, I don't think you can wear those with shoes," I say. "And you have to wear shoes, so probably not."

"We forbid you to wear those pajamas to school," says Hubby sternly.

Countdown To Summer!

Internet, there's only 2.5 days left of school!

Not that I'm counting. Just kidding I'm totally counting.

I've been counting since the first day of school way back in August 2011. Yipppeeee!!!!!

Cat Cuddles Bear

Luna Mew Kitty is so sweet cuddling with her stuffed bear! Or is she choking the stuffing out of him? Sometimes it's hard to tell.....

Summertime!

Is it just me? Or is it starting to feel like summer time?

A Fish Called Gio

Cats Don't Sleep On Their Backs

Kitty Porn.

In college I had an anatomy teacher who repeatedly said, "Cats don't sleep on their backcs."

Yet, here is hard photographic evidence proving cats do, in fact, sleep on their backs.

He must have been a dog person.

Ocean's Night

Scuba Gio.

The boys' school had an ocean science fair tonight because it's AWESOME.

Vinny was too exhausted from Ocean Science Camp where, "He couldn't sleep because someone kept farting," to join us.

Once we arrive at Ocean's Night there are plenty of educational hands on activities to take part in.

But, of course, Gio asks, "Mom, can I play on the playground?"

"Um, we didn't come here to play on the playground," I say.  "Now, go learn something about the ocean, please."

We visit tide pool touching zone.

"Are you going to touch any of the animals?" I ask, nervously.

Mainly because of the eel, which is a water snake in my scientific categorization. I find snakes T.E.R.R.I.F.Y.I.N.G.

"No," answers Gio.

Phew!

Then he sees one of his buddies walking around with a cup of edible Goldfish crackers.

"Hey where did you get that?" asks Gio, excitedly.

"In the library," answers the kid. "You get goldfish if you pass the test. Don't worry it's easy."

"Mom, can we go there?" asks Gio.

"Sure," I say.

We visit a few more stations, but between each one Gio asks, "Can I play NOW?"

Dancing Classrooms

Last week we went to, "Dancing Classrooms," for Vinny's class.

"Dancing Classrooms," created by Pierre Dulaine teaches students six dances, including the meringue, the cha cha slide, the waltz, over 10 weeks. But students learn much more than dancing. They learn grace, respect for their partners and self confidence.

"Dancing Classrooms," grand finale is a ballroom dancing event performed by the students, decked out in suits, skirts, dresses and ties, for their parents. The kids had so much fun dancing, it was inspiring. And they were dancing well.

Vinny was not looking forward to the ballroom dancing portion of fifth grade, but by the time the dancing lessons began he was enjoying himself. He even came home, turned on the music and danced!

Due to the contagious nature of dancing, Gio has been singing and dancing, alongside his big brother. And he hasn't even taken the class yet!

Internet, a parent couldn't dream up better entertainment than dancing kids. But most importantly, the boys love dancing! Dancing is fun and GREAT exercise. All schools should bring dancing into the classroom, as it is beneficial in so many ways.

The movie, "Take The Lead," is based on Dancing Classrooms creator Pierre Dulaine

Happy World Goth Day

One morning before school.

"I don't want to wear black jeans and a black sweatshirt," protests Vinny. "It's too Goth."

"Well, it's all that's clean so you don't have much choice," I say.  "Besides, how do you even know what Goth is?" I ask.

"I read books," answers Vinny.

Hmmmmmm, this calls for some creative parental marketing.

"Have you ever heard the song "Back in Black," by AC/DC?" I ask.

"No," answers Vinny.

"Honey, can please YouTube "Back in Black" I say.

After listening to the song I ask, "so how do you feel about wearing all black now."

"I like it," answers Vinny.

This form of parental marketing can only backfire on me if he reads the lyrics.

Happy World Goth Day!

SNL: Cold Commercial

This Saturday Night Live skit, featuring Kriten Wiig and some annoying guy, is funny. When I watch it, I laugh out loud so hard it hurts.

Yes, the skit is hilarious, except for the part that SNL STOLE it from my life. Though I am honored they picked funny lady Kristen Wiig to play me.

Internet, Hubby is a Scream Sneezer. It actually sounds more like Sneeze Yelling, but that just doesn't sound as good.

"ACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Scream Sneezes Hubby, startling the entire household, releasing adrenaline into every household member's bloodstream, giving everyone the jitters.

At some point in our 20 year relationship, I realized Hubby was going to continue Scream Sneezing, igorning my sound advice. But it doesn't stop me from pleading and begging him to stop.

"The use of the vocal chords while sneezing is a completely VOLUNTARY action of the nervous sytem," I attempt to explain in a scientific Spock-like voice. "You do not have to yell while you sneeze. Um, please stop. You're doing that on porpoise"

After I sneeze, I like to point out, "See, no scream."

I suspect a lifetime of Sneeze-Screaming is hard to undo. I probably need to face the fact that even if Hubby wanted to follow my advice, he is hooked on the Scream-Sneeze like a dog to butt crack. Unfortunately, exposure to loud noises makes my tinnutis act up, which explains the perpetual ringing in my ears.

Though in fairness, the noise in my ears, is due in part to the ten to twenty thousand times daily occurrence of the Horn Honk Nose Blowing ritual.

It's a breathing apparatus not a freaking musical instrument

"Honk, honk, honk," blows Hubby's nose. (imagine the horn of a large semi truck over and over, again)

Honestly, while I can re-enact the Scream Sneeze if I want to, though I don't because I like to set a good example for the boys. I have no idea how he does the Horn Honk?

But based on my Sherlock-like observations, I've discovered the Horn Honk is a freak genetic mutation Hubby inherited from his musically talented step Dad, Goddess rest his soul.

My only hope is our children, for the sake of their future partners, kids and my ears, do not inherit these noisy traits

.

Babies

Vinny is going to science camp tomorrow for two nights!

"Are you nervous about going to camp," I ask nervously.

"Why would I be nervous?" asks Vinny." It's going to be fun."

Yes, yes it's going to be fun for him and torture for Mom. And by Mom, I mean me.

Oh well, at least he did all his own packing. There's a lot of consolation in that.

Farewell Kristen Wiig SNL

Touching SNL farewell to Kristen Wiig.

Last night, I was on twitter checking out the evening's current events.

"Kristen Wiig must be really funny on Saturday Night Live tonight," I say to Hubby. "She's trending on twitter."

Then I begin reading the tweets:

@Keratogenous: So sad about Kristen Wiig leaving SNL. How am I supposed to go on?!

@MommasGoneCity: noooo! RT @savvyauntie: It's Kristin Wiig's final #SNL”

"No!" I cry.

"What's wrong?!" asks Hubby.

"Kristen Wiig's last episode on Saturday Night Live is tonight!" I shriek. "Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Wiig is one of my all time favorite SNL cast members, equal to Gilda Radner, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Wiig is probably moving on to bigger, funnier projects, but that won't stop me from missing her funny faces hillarious antics weekly on SNL. Sob. In the meantime, I'll be watching videos of Wiig on Hulu. Here's a few of my favorite skits from SNL featuring Wiig.

The Best Birthday Presents Ever!

My boys.  The gifts that keep on giving.

RIP Donna Summer

This morning I got some sad news.

"Donna Summer died today," texts my Mom. "She had cancer, 63 years old."

I quickly jumped onto to twitter and began reading tweets and clicking links related to Summer's far too early exit. I cried.

Summer was my Elvis. She was my Michael Jackson. She performed live concerts in my bedroom. We sang and danced together. Her live recordings were always my favorite because, of course, I was the audience and she was talking to me.

Though she may be known for moaning and producing sexual ladden disco beats, one of my favorite songs by Summer is a song she wrote for her daughter Mimi. The track starts at 1:30.

A tribute to hard working women everywhere Summer's hit, "She Works Hard For Her Money," was inspired by a maid she met IRL (in real life).

Everyone loves a good rumour........

Being a huge fan of Summer I was ecstatic when "Thank God It's Friday," came out with Summer starring as a singer attempting to perform in a popular dance club (5:30 in the video below.) The video below is a compiilation of Summer's scenes in the movie.

The Queen of Disco may be gone from this Earth, but her music and legacy will live on forever.

Dog Wearing Sunglasses

This is AWESOME for so many reasons including this dog made my day.

Early Birthday Present

Today I celebrated my birthday, early. All by myself. It was epic.

I. Surfed. For. Four. Hours.

It was warm. The waves were really fun.

Thank you south swell Goddess.

Dancing Classrooms

Internet, I'm exhausted. We just got back from the Dancing Classrooms event for Vinny's class.

It. Was. Awesome.

To be continued........

Happy Mother's Day

Lego Holiday Greeting by Vinny.

Card by Gio.

Hop

Tonight we watched the movie, Hop, and we all loved it. Except for Hubby, who had to go back to bed where he'd spent most of the day, because of the stomach bug, who has taken up residence in his digestive system.

Poor guy.

Anyways, Hop, is a great movie for the whole family. Hopfully, the Playboy Mansion reference will go over kids' heads, assuming Dads hide their late night reading material.

Hop, is about a special teenage bunny, E.B.,  destined to become the next Easter Bunny, but dreams of becoming a rock star drummer instead.

E.B., who poops jellybeans, crosses paths with a human, Fred, played humorously by James Marsden. Of course, Fred would give anything to be the Easter Bunny.

This may seem far fetched, basically because it is, but it works.

E.B. is played perfectly by Russel Brand, whom I adore.  Honestly, who can resist a charming and hilarious  bunny with a British accent? 

Hop is funny and entertaining, and makes me feel like it's Easter all over again, and is destined to become a classic holiday movie favored by bunnies everywhere. Check it out!

May Festival

Today would have been Vinny's last May Festival before graduating from elementary school in a few weeks.

But. He. Was. Too. Sick. To. Go.

:(

I felt so emotional while watching all the performances today.

Partly because Vinny was unable to be there.

But mainly because Vinny is nearly done with this part of his life. He's growing out of fifth grade, and heading into middle school.  I want to press pause, stop or rewind.

Sob, sob, sob.

But life barrels on down the road, whether I want it to or not. I guess that's a good thing. Otherwise it would always be summer vacation in my world.

When Vinny was around five years old I'd tell him, "You're my baby."

"Mommy, I am not a baby," Vinny would say in protest.

And just like like my Mama always tells me, I'd say, "You will always be my baby. No matter what."

Barf Bucket

Poor Vinny struck down by a wicked stomach flu.

I'm beginning to notice life is like a roller coaster ride. Some days, I'm surfing fun waves and hanging out with the family on the beach afterwards without a care in the Pacific Ocean.

Other days, today as a matter of fact, I'm wondering what is wrong with the world, while rinsing vomit out of a bucket.

I love the beach days just as much as anyone else, but without the vomit filled days, the beach days would run together, seeming mundane and ordinary. Of course, that could be a complete load of carp. Especially considering the beach, on most days, smells A LOT better than a bucket of barf.

As the tide turns, it could be worse.....I could be the one vomiting, and washing my own bucket.

"My tummy doesn't feel very good," says Hubby.

Or we could all be puking.

Yes, come to think of it life is pretty good. And I haven't washed a bucket in, at least, two hours.

Teach The Children Well

Sometimes it's hard being a parent. But, today it was HARD being the child. Parents please listen to your children, especially ones that are all grown up.

After School Sports

Hubby is surfing.

Vinny's boogie boarding.

Gio is attempting to skimboard with my help.

And the sun is shining!

Yippee!

Pretty good for a Tuesday.

Ringneck Snake

The Lovely Ringneck Snake.

The field trip to the Santa Lucia Preserve was amazing! And to top it off our fabulous guide found and held a snake for all the kids to see.

Yippee!

Shockingly, some of the kids were so excited about the Ringneck Snake, named for the ring around it's neck, they wanted to hold it.

Yikes!

Though I have been to on this field trip five or six times, I always learn new things. I'm excited to go again next year!

Gio having a staring contest with the stream.

We Saw Giants of the Redwood Variety.

Mom check out this beautiful iris!

Sunset

Photo by B. Jasmine

Sunset, the perfect ending to a great weekend.  And now I'm off to bed, Internet.

Tomorrow I'm going to Santa Lucia Preserve with Gio's class. Turns out I'm a huge fan of educational nature walks, so this is one of my favorite field trips. Plus, the nature guide will be in charge instead of me.

Phew!

Hopefully, the guide will find some creepy crawly spiders and slithering snakes. The kids love that, and so do I.

Perfection

First, we surfed.

Next we skated.

Then, the Huz and I met friends for dinner.

Surf+Skate+Dinner=Perfect Day

Happy Star Wars Day!

Happy Star Wars Day!

May fourth, considered Star Wars Day by fans, because the popular quote from the movie, "May the force be with you," transforms into the punny, "May the fourth be with you."

I ♥ the Internet. Otherwise how would I know today is Star Wars Day? While this may not be life altering information, it is entertaining and tickles my brain.

May the fourth be with you, Internet. Now I'm going to watch Star Wars in my Wookie costume........

Evening Walk

The other day I read an article in the New York Times that cited a study which concluded exercise alone can lead to a better, smarter brain.

Around the same time, we began taking family walks after dinner. We are getting so smart! And while it may be anecdotal I'm noticing much less sibling squabling between the boys.

Exercise, it does a body, and a family good.

Ollie Octopus

Internet, I am so exhausted. Today, I went on a field trip with six and seven year olds to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How do teachers do it? Oh right they are super heros, whose cells are fueled by Awesome Sauce™

It's debatable which is more tiring; the prolonged exposure to LOUDNESS, or being in charge of three kids alone for an hour, in a crowded aquarium.

Sure, an hour soounds like nothing, and three is a small number.  But we were like dervishes, whirling from the jellyfish exhibit to an anchovy exhibit to the penguin cage.

We started out with the giant octopus, which was a huge mistake. Though at first it seemed like a great idea.

"Wow, I've never seen the octopus so active," I say.

"Me either!" agreed the kids.

Then a terrible thing occurred. Ollie Octopus turbo boosted head first into the aquarium glass.

"Ouch!" shrieked my kids. "That must have hurt."

I felt so bad for Ollie Octopus I had to hold back tears.  Obviously his cage isn't big enough.

Fortunately, the rest of our aquarium adventure was fun and trauma free. Though the voices of the captive sea creatures shouting, "all drains lead to the ocean," were disturbing.

It was awkward when a sea horse looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Help me escape, please,"

I especially related to the penguin, who was guarding her eggs, having a near panic attack every time a tourist waltzed up to the window to view her. It was heartbreaking.

It wasn't like I could have ditched the kids I was chaperoning, and start helping the critters escape? The kids would have gotten lost. Heroic efforts to return innocent captives to their home world would have been over shadowed by my lack of commitment to the chaperoning duties entrusted to me.

Besides, I can always go back to the aquarium alone. Or I can simply start a petition to house Ollie Octopus in a suitably sized aquarium known as the Pacific Ocean, on change.org.

NOTE: In all fairness to the Montery Bay Prison, not all captives even realized they were imprisoned, but the smart ones had definitely caught on to their lack of freedom and privacy.  

Cat Tucks Herself In

Internet, today I walked into the living to discover Athena Kitty had tucked herself into a blanket......... I'm amazed! She must be one of the smartest cats in the universe.