Look who got a facelift!

My kids are in bed.  My husband is out of town.  If I was smart I’d go to bed.  Instead, I’ve decided to take a minute to show you all my new blog!  Hopefully, you like it.  If you don’t, I really don’t care because I do.  So there.

Remember a long, long time ago (okay, about a month ago) when I told you we were going to Texas for the weekend?  That was the last time this girl has posted a thing.  I’m so lame.  But guess what?  That same girl and her husband just spent last weekend in VEGAS.  And it was the best weekend in Vegas I’ve ever had.  We ate fabulous food, shopped, played a ton of craps and a little black jack, visited some friends who live there now and I even got to shake my booty at a kick ass club.  Oh, and we worked some but we don't need to discuss that part of the trip since it isn't nearly as fun as the rest of it.  If you know me than you know how much I love to dance so this was certainly a highlight.  Sadly, we only left our hotel/casino a few times.  Apparently we are snobs because we just couldn’t come up with any reason to leave but I don’t care.  We had more important things to do other than walk up and down the strip (see the above list of things we did).  Regardless, a weekend away is exactly what we needed, never mind the fact that I haven’t been to bed before 1am since we got home. 

We’re going to Long Beach in a week and Nashville in April.  Without the punks.  Color me happy.  I love my kids to death but there is a HUGE difference in getting away with my husband and getting away with my husband and kids.  And sometimes, this girl just needs a break.

Tomorrow it’s supposed to be almost 70 here so we are taking advantage of it and going to the zoo.  The last time we were at the zoo we witnessed the chimps attack, tear apart and eat a squirrel.  It was horrible.  Ryder was a total window licker and wouldn’t walk away while Emmerson was practically in tears, screaming and mortified.  There were chimps running around with mouthfuls of squirrel and carrying legs.  I didn’t know what to say when Emmerson asked me why they would do that to the squirrel so I simply said, “That’s what animals do, honey.  They eat each other.”  I’m sure there was a better response but I was under a lot of pressure and still pretty grossed out by the whole event.  Ryder, on the other hand, was impressed by how far up they threw the squirrel.  There were no questions from him but I’m pretty sure he wanted to high five me. 

I really do hope you like the new look of the blog.  It was fun to have a vision and watch someone bring it to life.  Now, if I can just get back into posting regularly, I’ll be able to put it to use. 

I’ll let you know if we have any traumatizing experiences tomorrow.  Even if it’d make Ryder’s day, I’m hoping there are none to report.

who needs sleep, anyhow?

You know what happens when you have kids?  You learn to live off of four hours of sleep.  If you have kids you know this.  If you don’t, pay heed.

This is the guy responsible for my 4:30 a.m. wake-up call today:

If he wasn’t so cute I might actually be mad at him.  But those chubby cheeks have me completely wrapped around his little finger.  Darn him for being so cute, I’m such a sucker. 

Of course, he’s fallen back asleep because he’s smart enough to realize 4:30 is an unacceptable time to wake up.  I, on the other hand, am wide awake and ready to go.  This day has started off rather productive – I’ve done a load of laundry and emptied the dishwasher.  Plus, there are no pee wetter's running around so it’s kind of nice in here. 

Sleep, it’s for the birds.  And the kids...And the husband.

Today we are headed to Texas for a wrestling tournament.  Wrestling is serious business, folks.  When you’re 10 years old have been wrestling for six years you must follow your little wrestling heart to Texas.  After all, Open Division Champs will receive custom cage fighting shorts.  Hello?  Who doesn’t want a pair of those?  I almost signed myself up but reconsidered when I remembered my brother used to choke me out with a mean half-nelson and the scissor hold always had me yelling uncle.

Zach tried to get Ryder into wrestling this year but unfortunately he has the attention span of a gnat and hasn’t quite perfected a summersault.  (No judgment here, gymnastics hasn’t been on our daily lesson plan.  I am trying to incorporate it somewhere in between imaginative play and free time).  He attended approximately three practices when Zach decided (much to Coach Shane’s delight) that he wasn’t quite ready.  It probably had more to do with Ryder running over to give Zach kisses every four minutes than the summersault issue, but he’s sticking to his story that he’s just not ready. 

Since he doesn’t get to wrestle yet, I’ve decided that he should WATCH his big brother practice every week.  You know, to get him interested and excited for next year.  What this translates to is, “Mommy needs a break.  You will make sure she gets one.  He will go along, whether you like it or not.”  I understand he’s loud and has no regard for when Coach Bryce is talking.  I’m truly sorry for that.  But we must prepare him for next year.  That’s what good wrestling parents do.

Like I mentioned, we’re headed to Texas.  If you know us, than you know we love nothing more than a good road trip.  We’ve packed enough crap for a two week vacation and the kids are sure to wake up in super-duper good moods.  I’ve got enough movies in the car to keep them entertained for a month.  And lot’s of snacks, because I don’t travel without them. 

Now, if everyone can just watch movies, quietly, for the next five hours mommy can get a little shut eye.