A Letter To Ben's 2nd Grade Teacher

Dear Tonya,

Thank you so much for teaching my kid how to read, how to do math that even I didn't understand and for making him become a good, responsible kid.

We will miss you so much next year.

I do have a couple questions for you though.

When you said in Ben's end of the year report card, that he should read 20 minutes a day this summer, you really meant he should be playing his new PS2 20 minutes a day right?

And then when you said he should develop a pen pal and write this summer, you really meant he should IM with his Grandma over Yahoo Messenger. Right?

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:31:04 PM): HELLO!

gma (6/18/2008 5:31:22 PM): Hello there. Are you Becky or Ben?

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:31:33 PM): B E N

gma (6/18/2008 5:31:42 PM): Hi dere, what's new?

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:32:02 PM): No Nothen

gma (6/18/2008 5:32:44 PM): Oh, well, is your mom having company for dinner?

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:33:23 PM): yes

gma (6/18/2008 5:33:34 PM): What is she cooking?

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:33:49 PM): hold on

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:34:32 PM): a ardacok chikon

gma (6/18/2008 5:34:55 PM): Do you mean Artichoke Chicken?

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:35:04 PM): ya

gma (6/18/2008 5:35:40 PM): Don't be sad. Be happy! That will be delicious!

princessmikkimoto (6/18/2008 5:36:07 PM): okay

gma (6/18/2008 5:36:31 PM): You're funny. I have to go now. So byebye for now!!!!!

Yeah I thought so. Great! Thanks for the clarification, Tonya! Have a great summer!

Signed,

Mother Of The Year and the Child Who Will Forget Everything He Learned By September 2nd.

You Know It's Been a Long Week When....

This past week was actually three weeks disguised as a Monday through Saturday. Not only was work busy, but Ben was with my parents every day, all day (Thanks again Mom and Dad!) while he had a week off from the end of school and the beginning of camp. Since the universe isn't fair, he had this crazy cough that sounded like a seal with lung cancer. Colds in the summer are just mean. And on top of all that, I had to work on Saturday for a big database conversion.

Saturday morning I dragged myself out of bed and then had to wake up my boy to get him over to Grandma and Grandpa's for yet one more day.

"Honey, it's time to get up."

"waaaa?"

"Ben honey... time to get up. I have to get you to Grandma and Grandpa's because I have to get to the hospital."

All the sudden Ben sits up and starts crying hysterically.

"I have to go to the hospital!?!?" he sobs

"WHAT!? No." trying very hard not to laugh "I do. I have to work today. Why in the world would you think YOU had to go?"

"Because of my cough." he sniffles.

Since I am a youngest child and therefore a total brat, part of me really wanted to say "Yes Ben. You need to go to the hospital for immediate Cough Surgery." But even I'm not that mean and I figured getting the kid up at 7:00am on a Saturday was cruel enough.

Later in the car on the way to drop off Ben, he said "When Samuel gets here we have to be super good at Motocross Mania. Like get 1st or 2nd place every time we play."

"What? When Santa comes? Why is Santa playing Motocross with us?"

"SAMUEL Mom! Not Santa!"

"Oh." Can this week be over now?

But we did end Saturday by sitting at the Memorial Union, with this as our view.

Which I figured, if you have to go through a 24 day week, this wasn't a bad way to end it.

Happily, Some Things Never Change

My friend Emily recently sent me some pictures of Stella and Ben from 2002 - 2003. At first I couldn't stop looking at these pictures and mourning the baby that was gone. I miss that little guy so much, I thought as my ovaries did a little flip.
And then, after another hour of staring at these pictures, I looked at some of my recent pictures and realized, it's still the same kid. He's just taller and a little thinner.

Want proof?

Then: bringing everything from Stella's room out to poor Emily's living room.

Now: and they still love making a huge mess at age 8! Clearly this is what happens when the mothers are too busy talking on the back deck to notice what the kids are doing inside. At least we have the sense to take pictures of it all. Now we can show these to Ben and Stella when they are parents and don't understand why their kids make such messes!

Then: such a sweet messy ice cream face. God that face! I could eat it! Even without the ice cream on it.

Now: the dude still can't eat ice cream without leaving a trace on his bottom lip.


Then: Mommy's boy

Now: I'm so lucky that he still thinks I'm cool and doesn't understand why he can't marry me.

See? Same guy. Just a little older and now he can read and tie his shoes.

But man, I do miss those big chubby cheeks something fierce.

Home Alone

Last Saturday marked a big day in the lives of Becky and Ben.

It was the first time I left my boy alone.

As his 8th birthday was approaching, I was talking to some other mom friends about when they first left their kids home by themselves. They all agreed that 8 was a fine age to just run to the grocery store or to pick up their other child and confirmed that they had all done it once or twice in the past.

I, however, was apprehensive as I didn't think neither Ben nor I were ready for this. No peer pressure for THIS girl anymore. See Mom? I have evolved.

The subject was broached a couple times to Ben before this monumental day. Being my son and therefore being wickedly smart and responsible (ha!) he said "Maybe when I'm like 9 or 10."
"Good idea!" I agreed hastily.

Then Saturday morning happened. I needed desperately to run to the grocery store to pick up a couple things for a "end of the soccer year" picnic.

"Hey Ben, we have to go to the grocery store. Ok?"

I'm pretty certain I didn't ask him if he wanted to be abducted by aliens, renamed "Montdo" and taken to another galaxy far far away. But if I did ask that question, I'm sure I would have gotten the same look.

"Ok, here's an idea. What if I go by myself?"
"TO THE GROCERY STORE?! AND I STAY HOME ALONE?!?!?"
"Yeah. I think that would be ok. Don't you? I'm just going to the one down the street. I will be gone 20 minutes at the most."
"Um..."
"Or you can come with me. But I have to go now."
"Ah... ok! You can just go. Just um, lock the door."

So I took a deep breath, said some hail Mary's (again GREAT Jew huh?) wrote down my cell phone number, Grandma and Grandpa's number, told him not to answer the phone or the door and gave him a kiss.

And then I ran.

Folks, I don't run. This body doesn't run. But it did that day. To him I was all cool and calm. But on the very short drive to the store I was nauseous and dizzy. "OH. MY. GOD! I LEFT MY BABY AT HOME. ALONE! What the f*ck was I thinking?! OH MY GOD!!!!"

I honestly don't remember the time IN the grocery store since I was moving at warp speed. Flying up and down the aisles like the Tasmanian Devil, whipping things off the shelves and into my cart. And of course I got only half what I needed... the other half, no clue what I was thinking. I ended up with some limeade (what? ewww!) chili in a can (meant to get refried beans) and Ranch dressing seasoning? Huh? When have I ever made Ranch dressing from scratch? I don't even like Ranch dressing that much.

When I made it home after only 22 minutes of being gone, all was fine. Ben was cool as a cucumber and I don't think he even moved from his spot on the couch.
"Hey mom."
I was sweating and panting and trying to be cool too. "Oh hey." puff puff "How did you do?" Pant pant, struggle for breath.
"Great. Hey did you get more milk? I'm thirsty!"

Shoot. Milk.

I don't think this is going to be a common occurrence and not just because I can't afford to buy the wrong food all the time, but it is nice to know I can make the occasional quick trip out if I need to.
Although in preparation for my next Grocery Store Mad Dash, I should probably hit the gym a little more.

Perhaps The "Where Do Babies Come From" Conversation Would Be Easier

Ben: Mom?

me: Yep?

Ben: So someone made up the story about the Tooth Fairy. That's obvious.

Oh god no. Please don't let this be "is the big jolly old guy in the red suit real" conversation!

Ben: So... maybe someone just made up Santa too.

me: Hey do you want hot lunch tomorrow or do you want me to make you a lunch?

Ben: I mean no one has really SEEN Santa, right Mom?

me: We have fresh strawberries I could put in your lunch.

Ben: Mom! Are you even listening?

Listening but trying very hard to avoid and change this subject. Must get train off track...

me: Ok well someone had to have seen him in order to tell the story and pass it down from generation to generation. Right?

Ben: Who did? Who saw him?

What in the hell is a nice Jewish girl like me doing defending Chris Kringle to an 8 year old!? How did I get here?

me: Ooh how about some dessert!

Ben: OK but Mom?

me: Yeah?

Ben: Maybe Santa isn't real.

You know what? NO! Thanks to my laziness he already lost the Tooth Fairy, he just turned 8, he's going into 3rd grade. No! I get to keep this a little longer.

me: Well honey, I choose to believe in Santa. Because, I just want to.

pause

Ben: Yeah. Me too! I believe! And Mom?

me: Yeah?

Ben: I'll have ice cream.


Whew! Thanks to me, Santa, you are safe again. You owe me fat man! The ring size is 8.

Eavesdropping

*the following conversations were overheard during a recent play date between Ben and his long time buddy Dhruv. Just one of the awesome things about having a loft. Sound carries but the kids can't see me.


Dhruv: Are you in love with a girl?
Ben: NO! Are you?!
Dhruv: Yes.
Ben: Well why don't you marry her?
Dhruv: Because she doesn't really like me.
___________________________

Ben: Do you believe in the tooth fairy?
Dhruv: No!
Ben: (very excited) Me neither! My mom told me it wasn't real when I lost my last tooth.
Dhruv: Well one time, when we were in India, I lost a tooth and I waited up all night for the tooth fairy. And then my mom came in and put a dollar under my pillow. That's how I knew.
___________________________

Ben: I got two weapons and I ain't afraid to use either one of them. But this one is broke. (laughs)
Dhruv: How do you use this?
Ben: That's a good question. It needs arrows but ah, I don't know where they are. I'm going to shoot at the target.
Dhruv: What are targets?
Ben: Things you shoot at. Duh!
Dhruv: I thought targets were just stores.
Ben: I'm going to shoot the balloon.
me: NO! Ben! Stop shooting things. Hey guys why don't you watch Ben's new Harry Potter movie?
Dhruv: No, I do not like Harry Potter.
Ben: Too bad so sad Mom.
____________________________________________
It was then that I realized I need to get off my butt and take these Wild Things outside. I'm pretty sure I heard the plants breathe a sigh of relief as the door closed behind us.

A Letter To Lego

Dear Lego Star Wars,
Hi. How's it going?
First I would like to congratulate you on your super cool toys. Really. Well done. My kid and many of his other 8 year old friends - well it's like crack to them. I'm not sure how you do it because looking at those Super Death Star Anakin Trooper Rogue Shadow ships does nothing for me. But you get my kid in front of that aisle at Toys R Us and it's all "OH MY GOD MOM LOOK AT THAT! SWEEEEEEET!" Ah what? I didn't hear you because the pretty Barbie an aisle over just winked at me. I think she wants me to come look at her new shoes.

And LSW, can I ask? Do you have kids? I'm guessing not. Otherwise you wouldn't make these super sweet concoctions with 1,500 itsy bitsy teeny weeny pieces. Because dear LSW, THIS is what happens when said 8 year old boy opens up this SWEEEEEEEET birthday gift.

No, this isn't in the safety of his bedroom. This is in the living. Right in the middle of the living room. Fun right?
Ever had one of those pieces lodged between your pinkie and 4th toe? So. Much. Fun!
Ever step on one of these suckers in the middle of the night but you can't scream to the high heavens because you don't want wake your kid, so you mutter every obsencity you have ever heard in a whisper? Good times there!

Also when my child, after hours of trying to build this ship himself, finally looks at me with desperation and says "Mom, can you help?" I look at him as if he has just spoken Cantonese and say with a blank stare, "Ah, I can help by making you a snack!"

You see, I don't DO Lego Star Wars. I do Barbie's hair, and I can dress up a Build A Bear with the greatest of ease. If you need someone to set up your Webkinz animal online, I'm your girl.
But putting together the Battle Trooper Clone Wing Fighter Darth Vadar Ship... nope. Not me.

So dear Lego Star Wars, again super cool toy but could you either start making them with just 3 huge pieces or at least have it come with an instant Geek Guy that can sit with my son for hours and help with him this super cool gift. Oh and if he was cute, single and a Democrat that would be SWEEEEEET!


Sincerely,


I'll Be Sending My Podiatrist Bill To You

A Really Good Day

Sometimes there are bad days where everything goes wrong. Those days suck.

But then, just sometimes, there are days like Ben's birthday. Where everything goes right.

Where the temperature outside is perfect. Just a few fluffy clouds in the sky, no bugs, 72 degress with no humidity.

Where all your favorite people show up for the party.

Where you find an empty picnic table right by the playground in a very busy park.

Where the birthday cake melts in the sun but everyone laughs instead of cries.

Where friends and family are gathered together to celebrate a wonderful boy's birthday.

It was a good day. A really good day.

Eight

Happy 8th birthday to the coolest kid...

To the goofiest kid...

To the sweetest boy...

To the sportiest little dude...

To a great friend...

To a very creative guy...

and the best son a mother could ever wish for.

Whenever I hear you say "My mom said..." I feel so lucky and proud that I get to be that person. Your mom.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Now please. Stop growing up. That's an order!

Ben-d It Like Beckham

Ben has been playing soccer for 3 years now.

He's finally at a point where he not only likes it but he's pretty good.

And I'm sorry but there is nothing cuter than this kid in his soccer uniform. I mean LOOK AT HIM!

There was one period during the spring of 1st grade where he hated soccer so much I had to literally bribe him to play the complete game. Often he would just walk around the field all mopey. So I would say "Look, if you run, and actually PLAY for the whole game after this we will go to Target for a toy."

I'm not proud of this parenting technique but hey, we do what we have to do! And it wasn't long before I didn't even have to bribe him.

Now he loves practice and likes the games even more. He will tell me beforehand how many goals he's going to score and who they will be dedicated to. "The first one will be for you mom. and then one for Grandpa and then Grandma."

At a game a couple weeks ago, #9 actually made three goals! Although, um, one was for the other team. But we don't talk about that.

I think participating in sports is really good for kids. They don't have to be good... and sometimes they don't even have to like it. But they should understand what it is to be committed to something, what it means to be part of a team and have that team depend on you. Not to mention how fun being a soccer mom is!

In the fall, when they are big 3rd graders, they will actually play with goalies and real scores! GASP! Hopefully Ben can continue to show off his fancy footwork.

Look out David Beckham... this young gun is coming after your title...

Kids Get It. Why Can't The Rest of America?

On the way to our friends house for dinner, Stella called to find out if we were on our way.
After I got off the phone with her, I said to Ben, "That was Stella. She's so darn cute. I love her."

To which he replied in all his 8 year old cockiness, "Well then why don't you marry her?"
"Well for one, she's my friend. Secondly, she's too young for me and third, she's a girl. So legally I can't marry her, even if I wanted to."
"Why not?"
"Because President Bush and his people say it's illegal for boys to marry boys and girls to marry girls."
"You mean like when people are gay?"
"Yep. Like Jason and Joe."
"JASON AND JOE ARE GAY?!?!"
"Yes honey."
"You mean THEY KISS ON THE LIPS??!"
"Yeah, I'm sure they do."
"Wow! I didn't know they were gay. "
"I thought you knew that. Does it bother you?"

Ben sits and stares out the window for awhile taking this all in.

Then he says in a very serious voice. "No. I don't care. I think it's dumb that they can't get married though."
"Me too. It's SO DUMB and sad. Makes me mad."
"Hey Mom? When Bush isn't the president anymore, can they?"
"Oh I hope so honey."
"Like when Obama is President?"
Sigh
"Yes. Like then."

I Bet Paris Hilton Never Played This Game

When I was little, my mom invented a game called "Shipwreck" This was when we didn't want to leave the house to get food for dinner but we really had nothing in the house to eat. It was either due to the weather, sheer laziness or perhaps lack of money. We would scrimp and scrounge through the cabinets to come up with some fun concoction.

Last night Ben and I invited our own version of Shipwreck.

We were both at loose ends. I was crabby which made him crabby. Yes I have that power. It's one of my many.
It was looking like the end result wasn't going to be good. Especially when I asked the most annoying question on earth. "What do you want for dinner?"

To which the following dialogue ensued.
"What do we have?"
"Not much. We need to go to the grocery store."
"UGH! I HATE GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE!"
"Wow. That's a shock. But we have nothing for dinner or for your lunch for tomorrow. You can pick out whatever you want... (and then the mom light bulb went off) as long as it's under $21"
"$21? Why?"
"Because that's all I have." I said with a smile.
"What do you mean?"
"That's all the money I have."
"Oh my god Mom! That's all you have? Even in the bank?"
"Yep!" I said with a laugh so he wouldn't think I was going to sell all his toys in order to heat the house.

And it worked. He smiled with these wide eyes of fascination.

OK so I fibbed a little. But I did it in the spirit of adventure! I mean it was semi true. That's all the cash I had on me. Doesn't that count? And really, isn't there is something exciting about heading off to the grocery store with only $21 in the whole world and needing to get food? No? I'm insane? Oh. Well so be it.

So off we went with ideas flowing.
"What about cereal?" Ben said
"Well cereal can be expensive. But we can get the generic stuff. That's cheaper."
"And some fruit is cheap."
"Not these days. We'll just check it out and do the math in our heads."

We got to the store and laughed out loud when we automatically went for the cart. "We won't be needing that" I chuckled.
Ben said "We might not even need a basket!"

Even though we go to this store quite often, this time it seemed different. New somehow. We searched high and low for the best deals. Strawberries at $4 a carton were out of the question. But bananas at $.57 a pound were just the thing. And just look at how many we could get!

We got everything we would need for the next two days and cautiously proceeded to check out.

"Self service?" I asked to my partner in crime.
Ben with a serious thoughtful face said "Yes! Because then we won't be embarrassed if we have to put something back."
"Ha! NICE thinkin' kid!"

As we were checking ourselves out we were like two teenagers at a Justin Timberlake concert. Laughing and squealing with everything that ran up. Who knew checking out groceries could be so much fun?!

"OK here come the yogurts."
"ACK! The cereal is a lot!"
"Oh my god Mom! We are at $13.52!"
"And we still have my Lean Cuisine for lunch! Are we going to make it?!"

And we did. When the total came out to $20.43. Ben and I, despite the line behind us, did a high five and took our $.57 change with glee.

We walked out to the car laughing like we had just robbed a bank and so happy with our two bags of groceries.

I honestly think if anything, it was a good lesson to Ben that money doesn't grow on trees. Or on shopping carts.

On the way home, Ben said "Mom, we should be this broke all the time."
Oh ha ha ha... ah... NO!

Hi. My Name Is Becky and I Survived My Son's Birthday Party.

Ben had his friend birthday party yesterday.

His actual birthday isn't until next Saturday but being the shrewd planner that he is (I wonder where he got that from) he decided to have his "friend" party one weekend and then his family birthday party the next weekend, on his real birthday.

Therefore extending his birthday for a full week. No one said this kid was dumb.

Ben wanted to have his party at a local bowling alley with 10 of his closest friends. Sadly (thank god!) three couldn't make it. So it was just 8 of the most well behaved, calm, sweet bunch of kids.

They all sat quietly with their hands folded in their laps, patiently waiting for their turn to bowl. They didn't speak out of turn and they said their "please's" and "thank you's" at all times.

It was a lovely and modest affair.




Educational and useful gifts were given. And all the children sat still and very quiet as the shy birthday boy opened these wise gifts.




I would like to take a moment to publicly thank my friends Shelly and Emily for their strength, generosity, for not leaving me alone with the Wild Things and mostly for their sheer ability to make the insane, somewhat sane. Because of them, I didn't run out of the bowling alley, arms flailing wildly, screaming obscenities as I played hopscotch on the busy street outside.

I believe for Ben's 9th Birthday I will suggest that he can take one very special friend to the library. Where if they are very good, they can each check out TWO BOOKS!

A Letter To Ben's Future Wife

Dear Future Daughter In Law or Little Becky as we like to call you,
(Oh I know you think that it's really weird but Ben and I think it's so cute!!!)

Hi! How's it going with my kid? Good huh? Sorry about his really crooked teeth but when he was little it was either buy gas at $4 a gallon or orthodontia and well, I had to get to the mall and my pedicure appointments!

But he's a great husband, isn't he? Wanna know why? Because I shaped him up good!

*When he wanted to eat his granola bar while going to the bathroom, I said "ah, no."

*When he wanted to get a tattoo of a panther playing a guitar with the words "ROCK ON!" on his bicep, did I rush him to the nearest tattoo parlor? Noooo! I said "Um, maybe wait until you are 20. You might change your mind about the design."

*When he would just dropped his dirty underwear on the floor, I would make him pick it up and put it in the laundry room.

*When he would leave his dishes out, I would make him put them into the sink.

*When he put the ice cream in the sink instead of the freezer, well then I didn't actually say anything because hey, life is hard and confusing.

*The one time that he didn't hold the door open for me, I pitched such a fit, he did it EVERY TIME since then. With a smile.

*The guy actually likes to clean the toilet. So whatever he might tell you, don't let him get away with not doing it.

Really. You are welcome. There is no need to thank me. I'll just take 3 grandchildren. Preferably at least one girl. Oh and could you name her Anna after my grandmother? Thanks!
You know, I think me living with you guys is really working out well. Don't you?

Much Love,
Ma

Oh and p.s. we are out of Diet Coke and Ben and Jerry's S'mores ice cream. You know how I can't go to sleep without that stuff. Oh and for some reason my TIVO isn't recording Rock of Love Season 20. Can you fix it? Um soon?! That poor Brett Michaels still hasn't found his love. It's just so sad. Thanks lovey!

The Tooth And The Truth Both Came Out

Last night after a very fun time at the UW Varsity Band concert (Thank you again Katie for the extra tickets!) Ben and I got home very late. We were both exhausted. But apparently not tired enough for Ben to pull his loose tooth out.

Keep in mind this is tooth number 8. For teeth 1-4 we made a pretty big deal out of it. Lots of cheering, lots of examining the new hole in his head, and lots of "WOW! What will the Tooth Fairy bring you?!?!"

For number 8 it went like this:

"Mom, my tooth came out!"
"Cool."
"Yeah, and it's bleeding."
"Yeah, that will happen."
"We need to get a bag for the tooth fairy."

Just the thought of doing the do the whole Tooth Fairy business was too much for this tired old mom. I was so not in the mood to have to wait for him to go to sleep, rummage around to find a dollar, stick it under his pillow, take the tooth, etc. And I thought to myself, "you know, this kid is almost eight..."

"Hey Ben? Do you REALLY believe in the tooth fairy?"
He smiles a HUGE GRIN.
"Yeah. I mean she does give me a dollar each time I lose a tooth."
More smiling from the kid.
"Ben? Can I tell you something?"
Now a chuckle from both of us. "Sure!" he says.
"I'd like you to meet the Tooth Fairy!" and I stuck out my hand for a handshake and we both laugh.
He says "I sort of knew it. But where are all my teeth Mom?"
"My top dresser drawer."

So he runs over, digs and starts to pull out little baggies of tiny teeth.

"WOW Mom! That's sorta gross."
"Tell me about it! So I guess the truth is now out."
"How did you get the tooth out from under my pillow and the dollar in?"
"Well, I'm just that good. Oh and hey, don't let this secret out to any of your friends. They might still believe."
He thinks. Then smiles again and says "I won't. So... where's my buck?"

I told my mother this story today and she laughed and said "Pretty soon you are going to be too lazy to do stocking on Christmas and there goes Santa!"

Well the kid IS technically Jewish...

Lost 4 pounds and 2 sizes

My little guy has some serious hair. You would have thought I mated with a horse, as his hair is almost the consistency of a mane. It is crazy thick. I could bet all the money I had that every time we get his hair cut, the stylist will say something to the effect of "wow, he has a lot of hair" Yep. He does. Thanks for pointing that out. Would you also like to point out that Brett Favre retired or that the sun is shining?

Ben hates to have his hair cut because he so badly wants to look like this guy. In case you aren't familiar with the stud muffin below, this is Anakin Skywalker

The thing is, Ben's hair grows UP not DOWN. And it's just so massive who knows what creatures might be living in there. Also I think it almost starts to distort his head. Makes it look like he has this HUGE mushroom head. And trust me, his head is big enough that he doesn't need any help of the hair.

It had finally gotten to the point that something needed to be done.

This is the BEFORE shot:

And this is after:

(he's pointing at his hair in this picture, not the ghost like thing that showed up. CREEPY!)

He looks less than pleased. But trust me, I'm thrilled. I have my kid back.

Speaking of hair cuts, my mom and I are off to Chicago today to partake in my nephew Mendel's 3 year old haircutting ceremony or Upshernish as it's called. This is one of those times that I love Google because instead of me trying to explain it, you can read about it here!

Does He Know Something I Don't Know...

When picking up Ben from my parents house today he came running at me full speed ahead and gave me the biggest hug the little guy could muster.
"MOMMY!"
"Hi Cutie!"
"MOMMY! You are leaving tomorrow!!" he said while still hugging.
"Honey, I'm just going for one night. I'll be back on Wednesday. I'll even be back in time to take you to soccer practice."
"But I'm going to miss you soooo much!"

[In the car on the way home]

"What do you want for dinner? Mac and cheese and green beans or mini corn dogs?"
"Um, what's the other choice?"
"There is no other choice"
and then mustering up his best dramatic voice "But Moooom, this is out last night together. Let's go out to eat!"
"Honey, I just got back from the gym. I'm all sweaty and gross"
"But we need to make this night SPECIAL. Please!"
"Wow, really? Honey, it's ONE night. It's like having a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's house."
"But it's longer than that. It's like 1 1/2 days!!!"
"Fine, how about Subway?" (Trainer Bob would be so proud)
"and then Dairy Queen, Mommy?"
DOH! Scooby Doo hypnotized eyes. Did someone say DQ?!!?
"OK!"
"Then we will go home and snuggle."
"Dude! We are SO getting DQ!"
"You're kinda weird Mom."

You might be thinking to yourself, "Wow that kid just played her like a fiddle."
Oh no Grasshopper. I don't have to cook dinner, therefore there are no dishes to do, AND I'm getting me some DQ! Who wins NOW!?

Puppy or Boy?

I have never been one to segregate boys from girls. Ben could always play with whatever he wanted. In fact there was one point, much to my father's chagrin, where Ben fell in love with "My Pretty Pony". So my mom and I got him a big pink and purple horse. The kid loved it. And why shouldn't he?
I have, however, found there is one profound way in which girls and boys are different. Their energy. My sister has 7 kids (that's a post for another time) 5 are girls and 2 are boys. Her oldest boy is now 4. For the longest time, she couldn't figure out why after a Sunday of being inside the house all day he would go up and attack an innocent younger sibling or just walk over to his sister and throw down her artwork. The kid was purposely trying to pick a fight. Why? Just because he was bored and his boy juices were taking over. My mom finally told her "Debby, you need to run him!"

Not all boys are like this. My guess is that it's about 70% of the population of young boys need to have this energy in them worked out. Some are content just reading, watching TV, drawing all day. Ben isn't one of those. There were times this winter when I couldn't handle the caged animal that was in my house who was literally jumping off the walls.

So I would take him to the park across the street with one instruction. "Child. Run! and RUN HARD!" After 20 minutes of running and flopping and tackling the snow, he would be sane again. All his little nerve endings happily tucked in once more.

While in Seattle, my cousin Dan's wife Kate understood this phenomenon... as she has two puppies of her own. One day while we were there, we had a lovely lunch and then afterwards she asked "What do you guys want to do now?" I looked at her longingly and said "Um, I really need to run Ben." Luckily, she not only didn't think I needed to be committed. Instead she looked at me and smiled and said "I understand completely." So we off we went to this great park with the puppies tucked in their car seats in the back, panting for their soon to be freedom. We got to the park and they were off.
At one point Kate said "Hey Ben! How fast can you run to that tree way over there?" He replied "SUPER FAST!" "OK, let's see... we'll time you!" When he ran and then came back, I said "40 seconds! Good job!" Kate, being the very smart mom that she is said "WHAT? That wasn't fast! I think you can do that faster!" Sigh. Kate. She is a Wild Boy Whisperer. After five races to the far off tree and back, Ben was finally winded. And I hugged Kate.
This is Ben and his friend Joe who came over to play on Sunday. I ran them. And when they wanted to come inside to play Nintendo I said "Nope, not yet. Your tongues aren't hanging out and you aren't grasping at your chests desperatly trying to get some air." Joe looked at Ben and said "Your mom is weird."

So dear readers, for the love of everything in your home, including the sibling that doesn't want to get hit in the face because she breathed wrong, or the family pet who doesn't want to be ridden like a wild bull or even for the new antique dresser that you just bought who doesn't want to be climbed on like Mount Everest, RUN YOUR BOYS! And when you think they are tired, RUN THEM AGAIN!

My Baby Done All Growed Up

Ben is growing up before my eyes. Last night I looked over the dinner table at my boy as we were talking about the next National Holiday - his 8th Birthday - and I almost got sick. He's going to be EIGHT! That's so close to TEN! He's so big! Where did my baby go?
Just the other day he asked my parents to measure him. They have a wall in their kitchen with every one's heights on it. Sadly mine from childhood has been painted over. I see how I rate. But on there now are all the Madison grandsons.
My mom went into the kitchen to measure Ben while my dad and I were hanging out in the dining room. Soon after we heard my mom exclaim "Oh my god Ben! You have grown so much since August!" Proud Grandpa and I went in to see that indeed young Master Sewell has grown almost 3 inches since August 10th 2007! No wonder all his pants look like Capri's. I said "Wow guy! Did that hurt?!"


The major event that spurred the "I NEED TO BE MEASURED" episode was… dun dun dun… Ben got TIE SHOES! Yes I realize in back in my day there was no other alternative to tie shoes as Velcro wasn't even invented. We had a horse and buggy and I had to walk up hill BOTH ways to school in the freezing rain and snow. Everyday! But these days, ties shoes are for the elite children. Also known as kids whose parents aren't painfully lazy and can't take time away from their blogs and Oprah to teach their kids how to tie their darn shoes.

Things had gotten so desperate that on his 6th birthday, his friend Stella had to tie his bowling shoes for him. Clearly she has one of those "good" mom's.

Finally the whining and pleading from Ben to get tie shoes won over. Also the fact that the little dude is almost 8 and if I didn't teach him to tie shoes, Social Services would be knocking at my door saying "Ma'am, we have a complaint that there is an almost 8 year old boy in this house who reportedly can't ride a two-wheeler bike, doesn't like grilled cheese, won't drink or even taste soda and he CAN'T TIE HIS SHOES! He'll have to come with us."

So again being the very involved supportive and UN-LAZY mother that I am, my parents took him shopping on Friday night while I was out and about on the town. They bought him the coolest TIE SHOES EVER and even taught him to tie his shoes. (Thanks Dad!!!) If you want to stop here and go nominate me for Mother Of The Year Award, please do. I'll be here. Waiting.
Although, hey! I am the one who has documented this major occasion and published it on The Internets for all the world to see. So take that!

Check out that technique?!?!
And nope. You aren't seeing things. You are really witnessing the coolest second grader on the planet.

But Ben? Could you just stop now? Stop growing up. Right now!
OK?
Please?
I'll buy you a pony!

Thanks.
Love Mom.

The Tortoise and The Hare

Amy has inspired me to get in shape. She just recently started running and when I was in Seattle I saw how much she loves it and how great she feels. Therefore, I will emulate her. I have started a hearty exercise routine. 3 days a week I'm going to the gym, 3 days a week I'll walk and soon to be run. And once I actually get to all those days of continuous exercise, I will definitely let you know.
Yesterday I got to my parents house after work to see if my mom wanted to walk with me. Since she already walked, I was ready to go alone. Until my spry little child said "I'll go with you Mommy!"
"OK great but you have to really move honey. This is Mommy's exercise. No dawdling… OK?"
"OK!"
Out we go. Again I have to remind him to not trail behind. "Remember honey, I really want to get some- "
and he was already off! He ran up to the corner and waited for me.
"Sometimes when I think I'm going to get cold I run!"
I'm all, well this won't last for the whole walk.
Wrong.
Oh so very wrong.
Early on I realized, I am the Tortoise. He is the Hare. Except I wasn't going to win this race.

At the bottom of this huge hill, I prepared myself for the haul up. Ben took off RUNNING. UP. THE. HILL! and again waited for his Tortoise of a mother to huff and puff her way to the top.
Once up there, and onto the next block he called "Race ya to the corner" To which I replied, "OK, I'm coming to get-" And just like that he was already AT the corner, playing with a stick he found and digging up worms.

The child hopped, skipped, ran, twirled and TALKED the whole way of the 45 minute walk. Never ONCE out of breath.
At one point when we were on the bike path and the wind was blowing it's Gail forced winds directly at us. I leaned in, head down, determined to keep going. Stupidly I thought Ben would be behind me doing the same. All the sudden out of the corner of my left eye I see this blur of a 57 lb boy come flying by me arms outstretched shouting something about being the "King of the Wind!" As I muttered to myself "You have GOT to be kidding me. What did this kid eat for lunch?"
When we finally got back to my parents house, he exclaimed "That was fun Mommy! Let's do that again!"

"Hey. How many recesses do you guys have at school?"
"Three! Why?"
"No reason."

Old goal: work out 5-6 times a week, lose 20-30 lbs, feel great, look great, blah blah blah.
New goal: Just keep up with the kid.