Bet y'all thought this was going to be about the Farm Kings since they were on tonight, huh? Probably tomorrow. The show falls when I'm getting Princess Bear (PB) ready for bed and it's just chaotic. I know I miss some stuff so I'm glad I DVR'd it. Check tomorrow for Farm Kings musings.




Tonight might just be one of those random things. Me going off a bit. My home page is aol news. I catch up on what is going on so it's usually a good thing but not always. Tonight there was a story about a feud between new American Idol judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. I've never been an Idol fan so I can't say I care much other than get over it ladies!



Then there was the blurb about Jason Aldean cheating on his wife. Seriously, dude? You had played it right. Stuck with the high school sweetheart who stuck by you. You have a couple of kids together- just exactly what were you thinking? I guess I'm at a stage in my life in which I have no tolerance for cheating. Get the fuck out if you can't control yourself. OK enough on that.



What about the 14 year old that gave birth at home and then strangled the child while it was still attached to her via cord? I can understand that she was probably frightened as all get out. My mom made it known from a very young age to my sister & me that if we were ever to get pregnant before we were 18 that she would be taking us for an abortion and she'd deal with my father afterwards. Alrighty then. Not quite sure that's how I want to deal with things with PB. It did leave a lasting impression in mind but still didn't really deter anything if you will. Thankfully it never became an issue. My sister and her husband were both waiting for marriage and somehow I was never pregnant until my pregnancy with PB (I was 28 then). So based on how my mom reacted and how other friends mom's reacted I can see how this 14 year old was terrified. I have a friend who did get pregnant in high school and her mom forced her to have an abortion. It is something that is still a very hard thing for her to deal with. I have another friend who became pregnant in high school and hid the pregnancy for a long time. Her parents sent her to a home for unwed Catholic girls when they found out. She had the baby and gave it up for adoption. We're facebook friends now and I've often wondered if Raven (the name she gave the baby) has contacted her. If the experience has played into the fact that she doesn't have any kids now. It's a messed up situation no matter how you look or deal with it. I'm not sure how I would deal with it if PB came to me at 14 and told me she was pregnant. All that said how in the bloody hell did this child kill her child? I think that has to go beyond any amount of fear possible. I hope for her sake that someone is getting this child some really good therapy.



Oh! One last thing I caught on aol news this week. An article that addresses the question of the realities of having sex 300 times in a year. Please feel free to check it out HERE. I have to admit that my immediate reaction was "Um no! Why is this even a question?" Now maybe I'm off base about it but I really hope not. Frankly in my very honest opinion at this point in my life one of the only legitimate reasons to be in a relationship is to be with someone that you like and want to have sex with on a very regular basis. We’re not even talking once a day here. For the most part I’m thinking if I’m with someone I care about and am attracted to that once a day really isn’t that much. Now I’m not talking about each and every time being the swinging from the chandeliers, tearing the sheets off the bed and waking everyone in a 2 mile radius kind of sex. There is something to be said for the occasional quickie. There is something to be said for the wake up in the middle of the night sex that you need to think about the next morning to make sure it really happened. I understand that in all relationships the sexual component goes through variations. And while this might be too much information I also understand that per more than one ex I have an “unusual” sex drive (we’ll leave it at that). I understand that when you are with someone and you’re at that third date or whenever you decide it’s the right time to sleep with them that things are initially very hot and usually more frequent than they are later. What I’m not really liking is the fact that per the survey a fair amount of people were thoroughly convinced that 300 times annual was just not going to happen. Now some of them were older but not all. And I’m really hoping that as I age I still have an interest in sex because it would just royally suck not to. I’d ask for opinions on the matter but I really don’t think anyone would so I won’t. And on that note I’m going to sign off for now. Have a good one!

Life as we know it

   

OK I will admit that most of the above things are true and what isn't I'm working on.  That being becoming a gun owner.  I talked with Kristy's husband John this past weekend and he suggested a few guns I should try.  Now since I'm such a space case I need to ask again.  I remember a glock was one but can't remember the other.  Kristy assured me that there are some really excellent gun safes out there that even my Houdini of a daughter couldn't get into.  That was my big reason for not wanting to have one in the house before.  Princess Bear (PB) has always had a way of getting into whatever it is that she isn't supposed to.   The rest of the above are pretty damn accurate.  I wouldn't say that I'm a Bible banging person and am aware that I need to work on my faith only in that I feel it is a shortcoming for me.  Flag waving?  Absolutely.  Troop Supporting?  Beyond any shadow of a doubt.  Standing with Israel?  110% Anti-Abortion is a mixed one for me.  Do I believe in it?  Absolutely not.  Couldn't do it.  Do I believe that people should have the right?  Honestly I really don't know.  Perhaps in cases of rape and incest.  That pretty much is it in my mind.  I know too many people who use it as a convenient form of birth control.  To say that it isn't a person yet is crazy.  Any woman that has looked at a sonogram machine or  listened to a Doppler of their child's heartbeat can't say it isn't a person.  Constitutional? Completely. I think that is one of the biggest problems we have in the country right now.  The Constitution isn't a recommendation.  It is the law of the land.  If you don't like it please feel free to leave. The fact that Obama has absolutely no regard for the Constitution is my biggest problem with him.  Christian Conservative?  I suppose so.  I don't think if you would have asked me a decade ago if I would ever agree to that statement I would have laughed at you.  I remember one time Wayne (the ex-fiancee) and I were discussing politics.  He was a Republican and I was a pretty die hard Democrat.  It was an interesting conversation. I would not identify as a Republican now.  I am a Libertarian. 

 

What brought about this little rant? I think tonight's Presidential debate.  I am so completely sick and tired of hearing about it.  I'd really rather watch Criminal Minds thank you very much! That said I'm also pretty disgusted with this race as a whole.  Neither candidate is that different from the other when you really think about it.  Frankly the only difference it will be made by whomever is elected is how quickly the shit hits the fan (SHTF) in the country.  Obama is re-elected and SHTF is going to happen before people even realize what has happened.  Romney is elected it might take a few years before people see that the country is still in trouble. 

 

I really wish politics and politicians could be wiped out. Clean the slate and start over.  No more lobbyist.  No more super pacs.  No more cronyism.  People who understand and respect the Constitution and want to see it work.  I could go off some more but frankly I doubt anyone has made it this far.  Another time I'll discuss why Obamacare isn't the answer.  For now I hear Barnes and Nobel calling my name.  I haven't done anything for myself for my birthday and I believe that there is some Joel Salatin and Storey Publishing books in my future!

WooHoo! It's Tim's post day!

Ok, it might be a good idea if I actually get some real sleep sometime soon but then again while loopy I'm having fun figuring out what I'm going to post on.  So here I sit completely exhausted but in a great mood listening to slacker radio and have decided that today is the day.  The day to detail why it is that I think that Tim King is just the hottest, sexiest man living on this G-d's green earth.  So if this doesn't work for you feel free not to read any further and just check back tomorrow but Tim's post is what's going down today.  Today is going to be a figurative show and tell of why I think Tim King is just too hot and a really great person (as far as anyone can tell from reading and watching someone on TV).  Why anytime I see a pic or he shows up on screen I have 2 almost simultaneous thoughts.  The first being: "OMG is he hot!  I want to ______________ him!"  Followed by "Oh and I really want to ______________ him!"  Bet you thought I was actually going to put it all out there.  Now what kind of fun is that?  That and the small fact that my mom told me to always be very careful about what I put in writing (some of her better advice).  SO, if by any off chance that Tim is reading this I'm sure that you're 30 shades of red right now.  Sorry about that (could someone take a pic of that and email it??)  If you really want to know go listen to some really old school Nelly songs and there is one song that is almost exactly what I'm thinking.  So, I've been having way too much fun playing on Smilebox not to do an all Tim slide show so without further ado:

Now since for some people the pics aren't enough to show why I think Tim is just HOT! I'll also explain why from what I've seen on Farm Kings and read as well that at least in my oh so very humble opinion makes Tim just 9.5 (because really even he has his faults I'm sure. Right?) The first thing that really made it so it he stood out from his brothers is the fact that he's described as the farmer.  Anyone who knows me and what I like knows that growing things in my garden is a huge part of what is important to me.  The fact that I would give my eyeteeth to have a couple of acres somewhere that PB and I could really grow most of what we need.  So here is this guy that is basically in charge of all of the planting that goes on at Freedom Farms.  There is nothing cooler than watching seeds you've planted germinate and thrive. He does this on a very large scale and is taking a lot of responsibility for his families welfare on his shoulders. SO there is the fact that he gets to do something I love on a very large scale.  There is also the fact that he is very responsible and goal oriented.  Something that most of the men I have or do know are not.  He has such a huge sense of family.  Not only is he ensuring that Freedom Farms has the seedlings and plants they need to have the best year possible he is all about showing and explaining to his younger brothers the why and how of things.  When he asked Ben to grab a couple of flats of plants they were getting ready to transplant he asked Ben if he noticed that they were smaller.  If he was just trying to get things done he wouldn't have bothered to mention to Ben what the difference was.  He's giving Ben some knowledge that can help him in the future.  Tim has talked about the fact that he wants to teach his brothers things and if they pursue farming when they grow up he'll be very proud of them.  The sense that he's already proud of them but is also putting the time into helping plan a future for them at least in a way that he's capable of helping them with is awesome.  It goes to the general sense of family that all of the Kings have.  The fact that he wants to show and share his knowledge with his brothers.  You never get the sense they he feels that he has to but that he wants to do it.  I loved it when they were going hunting for the groundhogs and Tim was talking about showing his brothers things and detailing which brother is similar to another brother. Then he talks about Sam being a great shot and that he's right behind him.  He said it laughing and in a way that you felt that he was proud of Sam and  not jealous of the fact that Sam is better than he is.  That's sexy.  He's willing to say I'm good but not the best but by the same token he also has his fair share of confidence in his abilities.  When he shoots into the groundhog hole and Pete asks if he got it and can't believed it worked.  Tim was  absolutely laughing saying he knew it'd work.  So he's very sure where his skills do lie. 

 

One of the biggest things I thought made Tim just incredible was how he talked about Ben.  Ben is the youngest King that was born with Down syndrome. Now I have to give a huge amount of kudos to all of the Kings in their attitude towards Ben and their willingness to accept Ben as he is and fight for him.  I can't tell you how many families I've seen that try to make a child with different abilities fit into a mold that works for the family instead of the family working with the child. Kids with special needs have enough to do without having to conform to what their families think they should do or be.  The Kings are such an awesome loving example of how to embrace a special needs individual.  So when Tim is talking about the perspective Ben gives him I complete can relate.  The fact that as a sibling he and all of his siblings are so in touch with Ben is just incredible.  I loved it when Elizabeth talked about how they had fought for Ben's educational opportunities.  SO I'm not saying this is just something that Tim has over his siblings it just added to the sex appeal already there.  I also loved it when Tim was arm wrestling with Ben and Ben won.  Of course Tim let him win but Ben doesn't know that and the smile on Ben's face made it all worth it.  I also read that Tim is the one who often shoulders the responsibility of taking Ben to the hospital when he needs to go.  Another thing I can really relate to.  Whereas I'm doing it as a parent he's doing as a sibling.  So yeah its another case of "damn this is one hell of a guy".  I've spent more time in the ER with PB than I ever thought was imaginable and I'm sure Tim feels like that at times yet he does it. I guess I'm also looking at it from the side of the few men I have been involved with since Pb's birth that couldn't cope with the fact that PB always came first and that meant a lot of medical issues that couldn't hang but then you have a sibling shouldering this just amazes me.   Hey Tim- a bit of advice.  Actually 2 pieces of advice.  Have an ER go bag.  Something that can pass time for you & Ben that only comes out when you go to the ER.  Also a smart phone with a Kindle app is awesome for passing the time.  The fact that he is obviously a guys guy and kind of tough in his own accord his hot.  The whole tattoo on the inner arm thing is just hot.  I can't stand when guys won't do an entire band yet this guy has an entire piece on his inner arm.  So the fact that I have always liked guys that have some ink the way he has done his ink is also a point in his favor.  Renee & I were talking about the fact that we both like bigger guys this past weekend.  Now Renee is tall so in her case it makes total sense but I'm all of 5'3" on a good day.  I just love big guys.  One of the biggest reasons is that I have a tendency to run off my mouth.  I want to be with a guy that could back up my shit or get me the hell out of dodge when my mouth has gotten me into trouble....again.  So the fact that Tim is a big guy that willing to deal with pain for something he wants helps fit him into my pic of a perfect guy (also before I get some hate mail yes I know there is no such thing as a perfect guy). 

So yes Tim is oh my G-d physically good looking.  Not what I'm usually typically into but nonetheless he is hot as all get out.  Then you add the above traits and characteristics to it and he's just damn near what I imagine the perfect man to be.  Tada!  Now that you have an explanation for the Tim King infatuation don't you just feel all kinds of better? 

A few answers

OK, I've received a few questions and thought this would be an easier way to address the topics.

1) Why do you always refer to your daughter as Princess Bear (PB)?
My daughters name is rather unique.  A direct effort resulting from me having a rather common name.  Her name is actually on the slide show in today's earlier post. I just don't want anyone that googles her name to hit upon this blog. Her bio father bailed within weeks of my telling him about my pregnancy and has never shown any interest.  At 9 years of age she has never shown any interest in him either. Since that seems to work I really don't want him to be able to read the blog and be able to peek into our lives. 


2) Why do you blog?
It's a great outlet and gives me something to focus on. I never really expected to have any sort of real following but it is nice to receive comments or questions.  I have noticed when I drop my blogging for awhile that I have lost a great coping mechanism.  So that's why I blog.

3) How do I get in touch with you?
There is a cute little bear graphic and when you click on that it will set up an email form. Easy peasy.  My email is SarahRose_914@yahoo.com btw.  Or you can leave a comment.  Most of the times I do publish comments (most).

4) Where do you live?
It's mentioned in my description that I live in Central IL.  Peoria to be exact.  Home of Catepillar.  Actually we're quite the Catepillar family.  My nephews can tell you the proper name of any Cat machine as soon as they lay eyes on it.  My sister and bil met while working there and my dad works there as well.  Just wondering why this is even a question. 

OK, so there are a few questions answered. Feel free to drop a line or comment if you have more.

Sarah

Busy weekend!

We had pretty busy weekend but fun was had by all.  On Friday evening I took Princess Bear to Portrait Innovations to (finally) get her First Communion pics taken.  The child is a complete ham when it comes to getting her picture taken. I kept on telling the photographer that I only planned on buying the special.  The bummer is that you can't purchase the CD with all the images unless you spend at least $100.  Yeah really didn't have that kind of money. I'll try to scan in the pics later.  They really did turn out incredibly well. I forget how photogenic she is.  The photographer did a great job of getting pics that didn't show her craniofacial anomalies.  I told PB that we could go back for Christmas pics and she could go crazy picking out pics then. 

Saturday morning was kind of a bumming around morning.  Pretty nice actually.  We tried to go to the Fine Arts Fair that morning but the riverfront was crammed so we decided to go back later. PB & I hit the  grocery store and then went home. My mom was having one of her moments because she thought I'd misplaced her credit card.  We went back down to the Fine Arts Fair and it was nice. I didn't get to actually look at anything which was kind of a bummer.  PB had a blast in the kids art section. It was $5 and they had face painting, origami, mask making,decorating your own tote bag, painting on wood and doing a dried been mosaic. The only thing she didn't get to do was the bean mosaic and we can do that at home sometime.  The face painting was the smash success. She was beyond mad when I made her take it off at bath time.  I promised her that she could do it again at Halloween.  We had to get home because my mom & PB both started overheating.  Here are some pics from the Fine Arts Fair Kids Fair:



Create your own free picture collage

After the Fine Arts Fair everyone took a nap or vegged. My parents are sick as all get out and it seems as though I'm not too successfully fighting it off. PB and I baked Peanut butter bars. I was entirely too PMS not to indulge in peanut butter & chocolate. I forget that baking with my daughter extends the task A LOT. I have to keep on reminding myself that she needs the experience so she can start to learn baking and cooking for herself soon. My precocious daughter also decided to use 90% of the brand new body wash in the shower that night. I hate when she does stuff like that just to do! My mom made the mistake of telling PB that Aladdin was on TV so bedtime pretty much went out the window. (Note to self: buy Aladdin for Christmas). I think I finally got her down about 10pm. My insomnia is in full force so my happy a$$ didn't go to bed until after 2am. Needless to say 9am mass was just a bit on the rough side. Thank goodness Susie was there for me to talk to during PB's Sunday school otherwise I would have fallen asleep in the hallway waiting for PB to finish up. PB & I got home around 11am. It was time to watch the Fox pregame show. PB gets very grumpy since most of the TVs are tuned into the pregame show and then football for the rest of the day. After the pregame show I completely fell out for a few hours. At that point I wasn't sure if I was going to make the drive to Kristy's or take a pass. The sleep worked so PB & I were on our way around 3:30pm. Kristy said it should take about an hour. Unfortunately I could get lost inside a cardboard box. My dad called at one point to see where we were and I told him. At that point I also started thinking I could have turned the wrong way in Bradford. I voxered Kristy (LOVE that app!) and found out that indeed I had gone the wrong way. Thankfully it was a completely gorgeous day for a drive out in the country! We finally got back on track and went through Bradford the right direction. That town has some seriously great older houses! Bradford was the last town before getting to Kristy's but there was about 20-25 minutes of driving between the 2 points. PB had a wonderful time seeing the different farms and animals. She loved seeing the tractors in the fields. I'm sure I would have too if I hadn't been sneezing so much! You also know that you're in the country when the directions are based on things like the grain bins on the right and the pine grove on the left. In spite getting lost it really was a great drive and helped solidify that I want to get out to the country as soon as possible. My dad insisted that I drive his car. I'm SO not used to a 4 cylinder but was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO in love with having the XM radio. It was 80's and 90's music the entire time. Kristy and John have a gorgeous log home. I would absolutely give my eyeteeth to have a log home. They have 13 acres and it's just so peaceful. They're having a party in 2 weeks with a Misfits tribute band. As Kristy said if you don't like tattoos and mohawks you probably shouldn't come. Seeing as those things cause no blips on my radar I'd love to go especially since I haven't camped out in G-d only knows how long. The downside is that I don't think I have a snowballs chance in hell of my parents watching PB for that kind of time. If I did I'd work on getting the other Sarah's ass down here and we could really have a Sig Lam reunion. It was so wonderful to see Kristy and meet her husband for the first time. Renee and I were chatting about our children's biological fathers as well as our exes. It seems as though Renee and I have some real similarities in those departments. John was listening to us and at one point interjected that not all men are like what Renee and I have experienced. I'm sure he's right but they are so few and far between its just not even worth looking for anymore. PB was in heaven because they had 5 cats that she got to terrorize. Kristy's daughter Mollie was also there which was great for PB since she needs every opportunity to socialize. I also had nice time meeting the new people there and having an adult conversation. PB wanted to know how soon she could come back and play. I guess Mollie's bed has a slide and it just doesn't get much cooler than that. I did learn that I need to have a small light so PB can read in the car. She brought a ton of books, coloring supplies and animals but the way back was very dark so she had little to do other than talk to me and listen to the radio. My parents kept on calling to see if we'd left yet, where we were and so on. After about the 3 call PB asked why they kept calling. I tried explaining that her grandparents were just worried about her and wanted her home. Her response was "They need to relax. I'm with my mama and we're just fine!" I do love the child! I took today off babysitting the boys since I really am feeling like crude. I miss the boys and would have loved to see them but I think I need some rest and getting them sick would just suck. I do need to go to Gymboree since I have Gymbucks to use but that might even wait until tomorrow. 3 hours of sleep when you're fighting off something is just not a good thing. I'm off to drink some tea and hope to grab some sleep. OH! ONE LAST THING! I read last night that Abercrombie & Fitch have offered Pete and Dan King some print work if they'd like the opportunity. WooHoo! Congrats to Pete & Dan. Now Abercrombie & Fitch I'm SURE it was just a small oversight but WHAT ABOUT TIM????????????????????? You know this hotter than sin guy:

 

Renee and I were talking about the Farm Kings last night and how they sure as heck don't have guys like that in Illinois or Iowa. I was saying that Tim pretty much would have the ability to make the word "no" fall out of my vocabulary. SO, Abercrombie you might want to fix this mistake ASAP, ok?

 Sarah

Farm Kings or Random Musings?



Just a small warning.  Actually have you ever thought about the random warning labels people might have if that was done?  I'm thinking this is most definitely mine. PB's would be "Do NOT add sugar or chocolate under ANY circumstances".   A variation on runs with scissors or doesn't play well with others.  I was going to do some more random blogging today about a few things such as:

-once again being pissed at PB's teacher
-the fact that really I should not ever under any circumstances be dealt with between the hours of 2am and 7am.  It's just not a good idea.
-more on what I want to do with my life when I grow up

BUT while some of that really was winning out I just re watched last night's premiere episode of the Farm Kings.  My former roommate and one of my dearest friends pointed out on Facebook that I am obsessed.  Um- ya think?  At least its a safe cheap obsession!  I could do much worse!  Another friend who checked out the first Farm Kings post dropped me a line asking what the thing is about Tim since its pretty much not what I've ever said my kind of guy is.  I'll go into in more when I do Tim's own post (because you know it has to be done, right?).  To say she's absolutely right is true.  My type has always been the tall (at least 6'), blonde, blue eyed military type.  No facial hair and not a lot of chest hair.  She wondered how I'd gone from that to this:

Yeah I'm not too sure either but it is most definitely working for me.  Maybe the rotten luck with the past military men?  Who knows but yeah this would pretty much be the definition of what makes me want to do some very wicked albeit fun things!  I think I've just crossed over into Tim's post again. 

Alright so last night Princess Bear's (PB) piano lesson was cancelled because her teacher was in the hospital.  So we hurried through dinner, piano practice and all of her homework.  She kept on asking how much time there was until the farmers were on.  It was kind of cute.  My dad finally was like "What the hell farmers is she talking about?"  So PB was being a pretty good kiddo last night because she wanted to watch the farmers too.  I gave her a pass and let her watch some TV and extended bedtime a little bit.  I'm such a nice mom! Anyway she was looking at the greenhouses and the show and went running into the family room where my parents were watching their own stuff screaming "Quick!  Put on the Farmers!  Mommy needs one of those so she won't grow seeds in the house next spring!".  My dad was not amused but it was great watching her trying to convince him a greenhouse was needed!  I let PB watch the first half of the show and then scooted her off to bed.  The show was a lot from the intro episode with some new things interspersed.  I goes a bit more into what what everyone does and every one's personalities.  I've got to say that after watching last nights episode that I feel kind of sorry for Dan.  I can totally relate to how he feels when he says that no one listens to him.  It is also not a fun place to be when your employer is your family as well.  It has a great side to it but it can also suck.  I'm kind of interested to see where Dan decides to carve a niche for himself.  I guess personality wise I'm a bit like Dan too in the not sticking with things but once I've made up my mind its done. 

I didn't catch the last 15 minutes of the episode last night and was kind of glad I DVRd it.  SO, if I had any doubt as to whether I'd watch the show or not I can say I'm a fan.  And its not just about the eye candy.  Actually it's a fun show.  I love watching the family dynamics at play.  It also has some funny moments and isn't that really why you watch TV?  As an escape.  It was great watching mom Lisa fuss over the cow and her calf.  It was damn cute and a reason why I should never go to something like that either.  I don't know why but the part that really fascinates me and makes me want to watch it more is the whole family dynamics thing.  Maybe it's because its so unknown to me.  In my family and extended family we don't have that or anything like that.  I loved when they talked about not holding grudges.  People do that?  Ok yes I'm kidding but it is completely foreign to my family.  Hell- my mom is still pissed about stuff that happened when I was 9.  She has the memory of an elephant!  It was also nice to see them let loose and have fun together when the played paintball.  The family celebrating Pete's birthday was also fun but seriously the suit t-shirt Pete??????  C'mon! :) 

So all in all I still give the show a thumbs up and now its based on content and not just the view.  Speaking of the view though can anyone tell me what the tattoos on Tim's chest are???????????  Thanks!          

    

OK, I'm out for now.  I think it's time to conquer the house. Not sure if I'll be around this weekend.  We're doing family time and taking PB to the Fine Arts Festival tomorrow.  Sunday is the day I have plans for.  So looking forward to seeing Kristy & meeting her new husband as well as everyone else.  They're planning on doing some shooting.  I wonder if I can get anyone to teach me?  Scary thought!  So not sure when I'll post again.  Monday at the latest hopefully.  Have a great weekend!

Sarah

I love my nephews!

Today was mainly a Lukie and Aunt Sarah day which was alright by me.  I love when I get to spend one on one time with the boys!  I think we're going to have to start the Farm and Fleet adventures soon as well as the pumpkin farm.  Yesterday I introduced the boys to Jimmy Buffett.  Tyler loved it because the youtube video I picked for Volcano was from a show at Wrigley.  Anything that has to do with his Cubbies is ok in his book.  The fact that it was about a volcano was also cool with him.  Cheeseburger in Paradise didn't go over so well.  What can you do?  Today Luke wanted to keep on watching the same Wubzy (?) Halloween video again and again and again and again and again and again  (you're getting the point here right?).  Finally Aunt Sarah had enough and decided it was time to once again further his music education.  He was completely loving Marley which is not a big surprise since most kids do.  Princess Bear (PB) loves listening to the lion man.  I have no idea why she calls Marley the lion man but she has ever since she was little.  When I totaled the car a few years ago I had to go get everything out of it.  I thought I was done and went on my merry little way.  I got home and PB asked to listen to Marley.  Oh shit!  It was still in the cars player.  They hadn't demolished the car yet so Marley was saved.  So Lukie and I chilled with Bob Marley for awhile.  After that I introduced him to the Specials.  We were listening to Message to you Rudy and I asked him what he thought.  He looked at me and then looked down at the ipad again and turns back to me "pretty cool".  I love that he actually was thinking about and listening to the music.  I also didn't know that Amy Winehouse covered the song.  The things you'll learn on youtube!  After that we listened to some Sublime, Alan Jackson and The Clash.  It'll take some time but I'm sure that I will have the child broken out of my sister and brother in laws little music mold!  Don't get me wrong I love my sister and brother in law and think that they are great parents.  I also think that my sister and brother in law are as straight possible.  I think in their little world their boys will be perfect little kids and go to school and get straight A's, never buck them or the system and go on to school to become Doctors or lawyers.  My sister declared from the time that Tyler was an infant that her kids would never be allowed to play football in school.  Also once they were in college my sister and brother in law would only help financially if they were studying an approved career option.  Now since I'm the one living with my daughter at my parents maybe I shouldn't say anything except for the fact that PB and I are here because it's better for her and long ago my parents decided that they didn't want me to work but concentrate on raising PB.  Probably one of the biggest mistakes I've made overall but that's a different post.  The bottom line is that PB is a secure, happy little girl that is doing amazingly well and has made huge progress despite what the Dr's told me was possible.  Ok so back to my nephews and I guess PB as well.  I've always said that PB and the boys were more like siblings than cousins.  They fight like siblings and love like siblings.  I think at times my sister and bil being the straight laced ones will help all three of the kiddos.  There is also times that have a free spirit rebellious mom/ Aunt is a good thing.  I think it will all balance out in the end.  I'm also so grateful that I have my nephews and that they are going to be spending a few more years here before Cat transfers my brother in law.  It's been so nice to have an active part the lives of two little kids that don't have the complicated medical needs.  I wouldn't trade my daughter for anything in the world and she's taught me more than I could have ever imagined.  She's more of a blessing than I deserve.  I also know that I'm human and every once in awhile I want to know why or what if.  I get that you can't live your life doing what ifs and I really do try not to visit there often.  I remember around PB's first birthday I added up how many days she'd spent in the hospital in her first year.  Now what?  I never did that again.  I also know that living in land of whys and what ifs isn't a way to help yourself.  My family never understood why I was willing to have more kids after PB was born.  Why not?  First and foremost PB's diagnosis is not a genetic issue.  It is for her but it wasn't a passed down issue.  Then there is the obvious that if I was to have ever had another the DNA was going to be 50% different since her father and I parted ways long ago.  To me it was never even an issue of how could I have another child which is how my entire family felt but why wouldn't I.   I've always said that PB is an only that never wanted to be an only.  Another reason that I'm so glad that she and my nephews are close.  Even as recently as a year ago my uncle was hassling me that I would even consider having another child and how it would be so unfair to PB and yada yada yada.  Since I'm now at the point where having kids is pretty much a moot point I would really like to give the various family members who've given me a hard time about it a bitch slap.  Wow I'm in another post.  All about the dysfunction of my family and lack of boundaries.  It's kind of like my mom's brother and sister not like PB's name and giving her a nickname before she was even born.  Although I hated that my sister wouldn't tell us the kids names before they were born I get it.  OK so there it is.  A rundown on today along with a lot of rambling.  I'm now off to make dinner.  Once again my daughter is already bitching about my menu choice.  10 bucks says she eats like a starving child and begs for more.  Then its time to get the house picked up because Farm Kings is on tonight!