Paranormal Activity

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Watch this if you dare!

Genius Day

Red Ribbon Craziness at School.  Today was "Genius Day" because it's "genius to not do drugs."  My little geniuses wore Aggie Shirts.  :)

Now who's the genius? 

Tuesday Toddisms-a new segment in the life of the Scroggins Five

Tonight while packing lunches...

Tanner:  "Mommy, I really like it when you put notes on our napkins."

Madison:  "Thank you for putting the heart on mine.  Noone noticed but me."

Mommy:  "I did that so you would know I'm thinking about you."  :)

Todd:  "If you get food for lunch, just know I was thinking about you, k?"

Texas A&M 52 Texas Tech 30

"Texas A&M....Give Us Room! Ayyyyyyyyyyyyy! Whoop! There is hope afterall!

Pumpkin Patch 2009

We spent Saturday afternoon at the local pumpkin patch, and it's kind of wonderful in its simplicity.  The kids love the petting zoo, bounce house, and chain bridge. Todd was pumped for the field trip, too.  He thinks I'm a Mom Nerd.

There were a few races through the "corn maze," which is really a sorghum maze (I'm a grass nerd you know).

We left with painted faces, little pumpkins, and contented spirits.

Well, almost.  :)

Twitter Quote

I finally figured out Twitter, and now that I'm properly following some people and organizations, I get fun updates randomly via text.  This little gem was texted to me today, and I thought it appropriate after taking the kids to "Where the Wild things Are" yesterday.

"Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one-"

-Stella Adler

Tannerman

We had a conference with Tanner's teacher today.  It was just a mandatory conference to look over test scores and check in with the transition to first grade, but it was heartwarming.  I love love love his teacher.  She is a perfect match for Tanner's sensitive side, understanding how a little heart can be broken over the silliest things.  She went over his test scores, showing us where he should be, where he is, and where he could be by the end of the year.  We devised a little plan to keep his reading skills growing, and as we left, she told us that he's one of the sweetest little boys she's ever had.  She also told us that he was exceedingly smart, and she was excited to see how he'd grow. 

My heart seriously warmed at her kind words-aren't I just the most sappy mom ever?

But here's why.  From birth, EVERYONE who met Madison cooed over how smart she was, how she'd excel at this or that, but those compliments haven't been as plentiful for Tanner.  He's more quiet, more shy, more sensitive, and believe it or not, more stubborn.  All that probably contributes to the difference, and I know that each kid is different, blah blah blah.  But it was unexpectedly awesome to hear such nice things about Tanner. 

I highly recommend starting each day this way.

Pumpkins

We finished out the weekend with our annual pumpkin-carving tradition at Gran's house.  This year, my kids actually did a little carving of their own, but we did have the "stick on" stand-by parts just in case.  Good thing too, since when I was "helping" Madison carve her cat, I accidentally broke then entire carved at off the face of the pumpkin.  Cousin Abby was a great problem solver, and we found a place for that cat at the top of her newly improved pumpkin-part accessorized pumpkin.  :)  In addition to the carving fun, we ate mummies for breakfast, bones for lunch, and drank gummy worm punch for an afternoon snack.  Silly traditions-that's what this day is always about, and the kids just always eat that up.

The day wasn't all mummies and worms; we did have our fair share of tragedies.  Of course, Grady led the way when he put his hand through the cat cage to say hi to Grandmama's cat.  Grandmama's cat only likes Grandmama, and let Grady know that with her claws.  It took a good hour to recover from that one.  Later that afternoon, Grandmama tripped and messed up her new dental work.  She promises she's pain free, and that she'll just be a little sore.  Both of which are a relief, I'm just not sure I believe her just yet!  The last little incident involved Marley and Sandy disagreeing over the jurisdiction of a sandwich crumb.  Marley lost, and limped around for a few minutes following the debate. 

Scroggins.  We know drama.

Once things settled down, we were able to enjoy the creative pumpkin masterpieces and add another photo to the pumpkin collages we've collected over the years.  We started this when Cameron was smaller than Grady; it's amazing how quickly those years can zip by.  But, tonight I won't focus on that.  I'll just focus on the fun, let the whining blur at the edges, the injuries begin to heal, and the pictures speak for themselves.

Scroggins Moves

Last night, we went to Todd's cousin's wedding.  It was a beautiful outside ceremony, simple and elegant.  I REALLY concentrated on keeping the boys quiet while we waited for the "princess" to arrive to preserve the special moment.

That is, until Crazy Cousin Matt decided to engage them in races.  Then all my power went out the window.  :)

Madison tried to be a little lady, but really wanted to join in those races.  It's hard being a sort-of grown-up little girl.  :)  Todd was pumped the violinists were playing Coldplay, and Tanner wanted to figure out how to use my fancy camera.  It was a moment of multi-tasking waiting for the Princess to arrive.  But, she finally did and all the kids were still for just a moment.

During the reception, we had official table assignments, and the kids were elated to be sharing a table with their favorite cousins.  It all felt so fancy with the big glasses and straws too.

The afterparty was fun for everyone-especially our little dancers.  They showed off their moves, monopolizing the dance floor for the majority of the evening.

All the dancing and excitement wore the kids out.  And, Tanner-our biggest party animal-found a cozy spot right at our table to take a little siesta.  He has a gift for that.  The other two managed to wait it out until we got in the car, but all 3 are sleeping in this morning-Happy Sunday to Me!

in other sports news...

Yesterday we had a baseball game at 10 in Azle, a soccer game at 10 in Decatur, and a softball game at 12 in Decatur.   We had to divide and conquer to make it all happen, but kept a running commentary going via texting.  What in the world did we do before texting?

So, first the soccer game.  I know you might be tired of hearing about Grady's progress, but seriously if you had been me those first practices and games, you'd be doing a happy dance at the GIANT steps he's made lately.  Yesterday, IN ADDITION to staying on the field, running, and kicking the ball (more than 3 times), he SCORED A GOAL! (sort of)  He kicked and kicked and kicked the ball towards the goal, and between Grady and another little boy, the ball went in, so we're giving them both credit.  The game WHIZZED by because it was so fun to watch Grady running around having fun instead of me putting him back on the field because his "team needed him."  Sometimes I wonder about my sanity.  We were also surrogate parents for Isaac because of the same baseball scheduling issues, so we cheered just as loudly for him when he dribbled all the way down the field and made 2 goals.  He's kind of a star compared to Grady.  :)

They both definitely earned their drinks at halftime, and their snacks after the game.  And, just because they did so amazing, I caved and let them celebrate with a few additional ring pops too. 

Because we live in such a rainforest, this was only Madison's second softball game, but she did GREAT!  She got 3 hits, and from that she made one run. She was a little disappointed that she got thrown out at first and home, but we kept her spirits up by encouraging her to see how she helped her teammates.  She  might be inheriting some of my EXTREME sensitivity.  I'll try to talk her out of that.  :)  She also did a great job at shortstop, even fielding a ball and making a solid throw back to the pitcher.  I could see her hips doing a little happy dance after that.

The big boys finally got back to see the last few minutes of the game, and the little boys were glad to show off their new style.  We ended the extravaganza with...guess?  Yep, more ringpops, apparently the currency of all sports.

walking out the door for saturday morning games....

"Tell Tanner good luck!  And tell him NOT to tackle in the outfield!"

Sometimes we have issues.  :)

Edit:

"How'd you do?"

"I struck out three times, but at least I didn't tackle my own teammates for the ball."

I think it might be sinking in.  :)

You're Crazy!

I laugh out loud EVERY DANG TIME.  Like "I'm good at THAT!"

Just when I needed it...

"Mommy?"

"Yes, Grady?"

"You're the best Mommy Ever."

**me wiping a tear from my sappy eye**

:)

U2

Last night, I fulfilled one of my Bucket List Items by attending the U2 Concert.  It. was. amazing.  It took me a long time to realize that I was actually in the presence of my Moment, much to the annoyance of Todd.  He kept asking me if I was excited, if I was looking forward to the concert, if I was hoping for "With or Without You" to be the opening song.  And sure, I was all of those things, but just very calm in anticipation-which is odd for me.  Calm Excitement.

We gathered our group of friends, left Decatur around 4, and headed to Cowboy Stadium to find our parking pass.  Our fearless organizer, Jennifer, had researched the best way to park and cemented a safe spot right across the street from the GIANT structure that is Jerry Jones World.  MUCH better than the $10 parking her "better half" kept eyeing.  :)

We had just enough time to treat ourselves to dinner and a few drinks before the big Hike and Climb to the concert.  The stadium was a little HUGE.  If it's possible, it looks SMALLER on the outside than the inside.  But enough about that, it is just metal and concrete...back to the MUSIC.

The stage was set up off-center and was GIGANTIC.

Here is the view from our seats.  We were on the third deck, second row, and if not for that arm right in our line of vision, we would have been giggly about our location.  As it turned out, the awesome U2 was so energetic and excited, they never stayed in one place and we were just as much a part of the concert as those right there in the guts and glory section.  It was an odd looking stage though; Bono himself called it a spaceship.  :)

Muse was the opening band-guys I'd never heard of, but was entertained by during the anticipation of the awesome U2.  They were one of those kind of bands that draws me into their sound, causing me to dissect it into the individual parts.  Sometimes I'm just so amazed that those parts can come together to make a whole sound.  I think that's the band geek in me coming out. :) They FINALLY finished, and it was time to wait for the awesome U2.  and wait.  and wait.  Lots of waiting-which added to my Calm Excitement.

And then, they arrived.

I could hardly believe my senses.  I felt like my entire body was lying to me.  I couldn't possibly be in the same universe as This Band.  This Band that took me under their wing in my "tween" years, giving my music substance, and my brain some exercise.  I fell in love with U2 in about 7th grade.  Before then, I'd mostly dabbled in Country (I was SO country when country wasn't cool).  Joshua Tree seeped into my bones and began to shape my philosophies.  I started researching my Irish Roots, and tried to understand the turmoil in that country.  I, too, became an advocate for Peace.  From that moment, I devoured every album.  I actually bought two Rattle and Hum CDs because I wore one of them out.  So, standing in that stadium, listening to their music, straight from their bodies, I was starstruck.  All I could do was inhale, exhale, and listen.

They were incredible.  Bono never stopped.  The Edge (my favorite) was subdued perfection.  Their music filled the stadium.  Their lyrics filled our souls.  Always with a political message, Bono thanked George Bush for his work in Africa, and asked all of us to become One in the quest for Peace.  The encore came in three parts, and they FINALLY played "With our Without You," which I FINALLY decided is my favorite song. 

As we left the stadium, I was also FINALLY filled with that outward excitement Todd had been wanting to see.  At one point during the encore, he told me I needed my own section at a concert.  Hey, when you feel the music, you just gotta move.  :)  I think it took the entire concert for the Moment to sink in and become part of me. 

We spent the drive home recapturing our favorite moments of the concert, dodging cars driving the wrong way on the highway, feeling our way through the fog, justifying the late bedtime, and reliving a perfect Bucket List Moment.  Like I said.  Amazing.

Breast Cancer Awareness for Men

Breast Cancer Awareness for Men

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the sickness is making it way through the house...

Madison is quarantined in her room today.  Not to worry, she's doped up on Nyquil, and has a stash of Nancy Drews to get her through the fever, the cough, the snotty nose.  Ugh.  I hate sickness.

He kicked the Ball!!

Grady's first soccer experience has not been the wonderful family fun we'd hoped it would be.  When we asked him this summer if he wanted to play, he was SO EXCITED.  He's watched Tanner and Madison play soccer, tball, cheer, etc, and now it was HIS TURN.  He was SO EXCITED until that first game, and the other team didn't share the ball.  All the years of teaching good manners and sharing everything must have sunk in, and so now we want to backtrack just a little and STEAL THE BALL BACK.  It must be very confusing, and Grady just kind of lost interest.  It was all I could do to keep him on the field, let alone kick the ball.  But, we've trucked along, sticking it out, and being part of the team.  Today, we had a breakthrough.  Grady STAYED ON THE FIELD THE ENTIRE GAME!  Not only that, he KICKED THE BALL!! TWICE!!!  It was amazing.  He was so proud of himself, and ran off the field into my arms saying "I did so good Mommy!"  And he really, really did.  :)

I'm already concentrating on two things...

"I'm watching TV AND eating this ice cream.  You want me to concentrate on THREE things by also listening to you."

-guess

So, I've hit a lull

Over there at Mom's the Word.  Any ideas out there for me to ramble on and on about?  Send 'em my way.  I might even give you credit.  :)

Almost there...

Todd's been in Washington DC since Saturday VERY EARLY IN the morning, so I've been single-momming it, and even though I'm a little scared to say it, it hasn't been that bad.  I guess the kids are getting a little easier.  Who knew?

Since we are on the topic of DC, I have to share a story about my nerdy kids.  Their response to hearing where Todd would be for 4 days:  "No fair!!!  When can we go to DC???"  I tried to explain that there is a LOT of walking when vacationing in DC, but they were up to the challenge.  They BEGGED to go this summer.  So I put it up to them:  DC or Disney.  In unison:  "DC!!!!  The PRESIDENT lives there!!  and CONGRESS!!! and the WASHINGTON MONUMENT!!!  Can we please please please go???"

Todd wiped a tear from his eye after this proud proud moment.

Cake Walks are hard.

Today, our church had a little Fall Fest. There was a subdued extravaganza of authentic Mexican Food, a bounce house, a kiddie train, a jail, basketball, a gift walk, and a cake walk. Just your basic church Fellowship with Flu Shots on the side. :) Anyway, Grady and Tanner were pumped about the cake walk. PUMPED. Tanner won a lovely chocolate number with sprinkles right off the bat. However, Grady lost again. and again. and again. And there were tears. and more tears. and more tears. I tried to explain that it was a GAMBLE, that not EVERYONE could win every time, but I guess gambling is lost on the 3 year old types. He finally gave up, saying that the Cake Walk was just "too hard." Poor guy, first the other soccer team doesn't share the ball, and now losing at walking for cake. Life. It can suck for sure, but so far he's got the best smile goin' for him.

A Lesson in Photography

Our entire life together, I've been coaching Todd on smiling for a picture. It started because he'd give the mug shot face (no smiling whatsoever) in every single picture, and then he just started trying too hard. We actually practiced in front of mirrors for our wedding pictures. I know, it sounds shallow, but you really should see some of the things he tried to pass off as smiles. But, my friends, I give you the new Todd. Not only has he graduated from smiling lessons in general, it seems I have a full blown underwear model to-be on my hands.

I give you super-serious-I'm-too-sexy-for-my-shirt Todd: