A Diamond in the Rough

We took the kids last night to see "The Blind Side". A great movie that moves the heart and reminds us all the power of a little loving. That great things can come, especially from those still in there youth, that have simply just not had the opportunity or security to thrive. I love the human heart and how it can compel people to take a chance, see a need and do what they can themselves to fill it! I wonder how many diamonds in the rough are still waiting to be discovered.

This movie, while PG-13, was suitable for our kids at 9 and almost 11. A few language moments and a few statements that were over their heads -but a movie worth the exposure for youths who have much. Karly and Kyle gained much hearing the story and now both hope to read the book.

Did You Know 2.0

Saw this recently at a technology session for our school district. Thought you'd find it facinating as well. Also facinating.....already this is outdated as well.

Orange and Black Day

Here's some pics from the kids Orange and Black Day at school. They are not allowed to wear costumes, but they do embrace some harvest style fun and traditions. Karly's class did Fall crossword puzzles and had carmel apples and goodies. Kyle's class did Pumpkin math (weighing and measuring their own individual pumpkin-creating a chart) and enjoyed some extra recess and cupcakes.




I am blessed to be able to be there and spend some time watching the fun!

So TRUE!

It's so TRUE....at least I'm thinking so today. The more you do, the less you do well. There is just not enough brain power in any day to get it all done, check off all the lists and make sure you don't miss something in the middle. So many little things lately that I forget to do-literally five minutes later. Little stupid mistakes that drive me nuts and I'm sure I could have avoided had I taken a few more minutes. But that's assuming that I have a few more minutes. HA! It's a wild ride this year and I'm guessing things will stay at this kind of crazy pace for a while with the kids and their upcoming items. Busy days they are, I often feel like I'm in a pressure cooker, but I know the outcome is all worth it!

Disappointed

I am so disappointed with our Governor. Harvey Milk Day, REALLY? I would love to know when the last time any of these bill writing folks tried to explain the birds and the bees to a pre-teen? As if things are not complicated enough? I don't need them hearing about Harvey Milk before I've even really covered the whole sex talk myself! We have slowly tried to build through the past five years or so discussion with our children (9 and 10.5) about our bodies, changes that come, relationships, etc. Parents have been told by experts from a variety of professions that it's best to start young with these discussions and offer them age appropriate information that builds slowly. How can a parent follow this "normal" progression if we are chop blocked as early as age five in our classrooms?

I realize that my children need to understand the gay and lesbian lifestyle and influences in our culture. It is the time they are growing up in and I will continue to teach my children to respect people of all race, religion and creed. Regardless of anyone's choices, whether I agree with them or not, they are people on their own journey for the pursuit of happiness. It is their right to do so. But I also believe that as parents we should be the one deciding when and how these conversations are broached. This is a delicate time and a vital issue in a pre-teens life. It's already confusing, scary and intimidating. Throwing too many things at them, especially before they may be ready for the process emotionally and intellectually especially is just ridiculous. Again, I ask...when was the last time one of these lawmakers sat down with a 9-10 year old to explain any of sex education with a child they are vested in! It is NOT easy!!!!!

Heads up. This state is a mess and again we are tempted to flee. Sure it's not just this issue, but again, I don't see much good, other than the weather and family, keeping us here. We won't burry our heads, but we will seek best. Isn't that why so many love their Hondas and Toyotas? Any vehicle will get you there....but.......

FOOTBALL!!

Our Thursdays and Saturday evenings are now filled with football. Kent is an assistant coach and Kyle is loving his positions as QB, WR and DB. So far he's had his share of successful plays and is really enjoying his team and serving as a leader. Of course his height is an advantage and has served him well with a few interceptions. Kyle is really enjoying his football experience. Yesterday we were out for a drive and I drove past my old High School football field. Kyle says, "I wish I were older, I so want to play on a field like that". It was cute.

In flag football it's all about pulling flags, great throws and speed. Kyle has a few pals on his team that can run downfield without much contest. After a touch down, they always go for two. There is no kicking. Two 20 minute halves and we're always wishing for a longer game!


Kyle's first touchdown of the season! Score-VIKINGS!

Playing some defense! Gotta get that flag! That turf isn't easy on the knees, but he wants it BAD.

Coupons-meeting people where they are at!

Part of my goal as PTC president this year is meeting people where they are at. So this year instead of $8 wrapping paper and guacamole bowls, we're selling Entertainment Books for our Fall fundraiser. Coupons -who doesn't like a coupon. Our local book has $20 in coupons at Safeway, so that's for sure something our community will use. The movie coupons we will use for sure as well. Buy 1 get 1.

One friend mentioned the idea of a coupon exchange. You can trade in the coupons you won't use....say golf.....for the ones you would use.....museums or a favorite restaurant. Cool idea, but I need another thing to plan like a hole in the head!

Fundraisers are not my favorite thing, but they are the real deal when you raise 50k for a school. Crossing my fingers these books sell and looking forward to my own coupons! Let me know if you are interested. The books are $40 in most areas and can even ordered for other areas and shipped there!

He'll be a Vike!

Got our phone call last night. Kyle was drafted....his team....VIKINGS! We couldn't be more pleased. Even Karly was excited and Kent is pulling out his Viking hats for all the coaches to use! Practice starts soon and games in a few weeks-looking forward to it here!

Now if only we could put in our order for Kyle to be a Cardinal for little league season....that would be perfect!

Back to the Bells

The Kern kids went back to school this week- one with elation and one with reservation. Karly was more than excited to return as the big girl on campus-this will be her last year at Blue Oaks. Kyle is still trying to figure out how he can avoid the next nine years of schooling. Staying home to watch the little league world series was his desire. Nonetheless, the kids were out the door early, wearing smiles and backpacks the first day of school. Both Karly and Kyle like their teachers and I think once routine sets in maybe even Kyle will be won over to loving a little learning.

As for Gilligan, he's depressed I think. When I come back from dropping the kids, it's like he doesn't know what to do. His pals are gone and the house is oh so quiet. That quiet is now a gift though for this busy Mama who is knee deep in PTC craziness and volleyball season. The last few weeks have been really hectic and I look forward to next week as things should begin to slow down just a little.

Still can't believe the kids are so big and so great! Thankful to be a Mama!

Remembering 10 years!

Ten years ago we stood before the judge and promised to love our Karly Corn! Brainiac child. Lover of books. Theater queen. Creative wonder. Daddy's princess. Mama's pal. Brobber's sissy. Our sweets and baby girl! Can't imagine life without her. WHAT A GIFT!!!!

Sorry!

Just had to stop in and say sorry for the lack of updates! We have a fabulous movie of our vacation at Almanor, but I can't seem to get it to load. Then life just got VERY crazy. I miss blogging and miss the writing....I do hope that once I get life into routine again with school starting I can keep you updated once again.

I"m sorry. Eventually, there will be life after late summer craziness!

Addicted!!!

These kids are addicted. No kidding, 2-4 hours a day of this!

Karly is reading through the Harry Potter series for the third time now. Sometimes two books in one day. She's a huge Emma Watson fan and boasts of the talents of J K Rowling. She's made a list of the characters, their talents and studied them well. She is spending her own money to complete her hardback collection, she wants nothing to do with paperback. Book snob she is.

As for Kyle, we're researching winter ball for the boy and he's well versed now in visiting the neighbors to request his baseballs that bounced over the fence from the pitch back. We need to find Kyle a new friend who shares his passion as he's long worn out his Daddy. Kyle's first words when Kent comes home are asking him to play ball. Gilligan tries, but he's truly more of a hinderance than a help-eating the balls all the time.
Mama is amazed at the differences between the two kids and trying to help both lead balanced lives. But such passions are not easily parted with, even when reasoning asks of it.

More 4th Fun!

With so many community events canceled or overcrowded this year the Fourth of July came with creativity. Trying to mix things up from the past and celebrate in grand independent fashion.

The highlight of the evening? Picture scavenger hunt. Ann had taken pictures around the neighborhood and we sent the kids out with the goal of finding the item and taking a picture with it. To keep them safe and together, they had to have three of the four in the pic with the item. The fourth naturally had to take the pic. The kids had a blast! Figured them all out and they ran around the neighborhood expelling energy for a good hour and a little more! Definitely something we'll do again!
The joke hat. To light a sparkler, you had to tell jokes first.

Kyle hamming it up!
This year, having talked quite a bit lately with the kids about awareness of the economy, we decided not to purchase a great group of fireworks. "Like burning $$," we said. The kids were totally cool about it and I think the fun that we had with the few fireworks we did have proved creative and plenty of entertainment. No one felt like they missed out at all.

Karly and McKenna in their firework protection gear. Silly girls!
. This is a raft that Kyle and Owen built last year. A perfect launch pad.
After all the fireworks were exhausted, we told the kids they could swim in the clothes. They looked at us. Paused. And Kent pushed Karly in-which she loved. It was too funny and they had a great time swimming in their clothes, with the pool light on, way past bedtime. Spontaneous, casual and silly. Karly said it was the best 4th ever.

Independence Day

Probably one of my favorite holidays thanks to the food, vibrant colors, casual style and outdoor fun! Mind you of course that I love US history and relevance of the holiday and believe it is also something to be taken seriously as well. I am in awe of the passionate founding fathers, their families and those who fought for the cause of "America". I am afraid we take it all too often for granted. Celebrating Independence is a bandwagon I am happy to jump on even if it does just sell fireworks, hot dogs and fixin's for homemade ice cream!

Auntie Janell is fabulous to host Grandpa's birthday BBQ. Both kids spent some great time in the pool. Karly is always a fish. The water could be mountain cold and she'd be swimming. Kyle as usual thought the water was too cold to swim until he found...the trampoline. Suddenly his quest for thrill and sport brought his temperature to a reasonable level. After a few hot dogs, baked beans and good old watermelon, we san Grandpa Happy 73 years and retreated home for an afternoon nap before the evening festivities began.

What to do?

What does one do with a 108 degree day?

Ball Game Birthday

Kyle is clearly all about baseball these days, so a trip to the Rivercats game with a few friends was the perfect fit. Only problem? Mama didn't realize until afterwards that the date was Father's Day. So, we kinda missed out on the Father's Day celebrations and had a few extra crowds to deal with at the game, but these boys still had a great time. Great game. Rivercats won in the bottom of the ninth! After the game we came back to the house for cake and ice cream. The boys then enjoyed some Wii fun, dome hockey and a good old fashion game of hide and seek. A great day for a great kid!

Put Me In Coach!!!!!!!!!

This picture about sums it all up. If he gets it, it's his. 'Nough said.

Slippin & Slidin

Summer Saturdays and nothing but fun to be had! It's great to see how these kids have grown up together and remain so close even now. They used to play in the sandbox in nothing but diapers, now they put together a slip and slide all by themselves! Each one had an active part in the assembly and they managed to figure it out!