It makes me sad

It makes me so very sad to see parents arguing with their children. Yes, it is one thing to disagree as well as to put kids on point when they mess up. I am referring to no holds barred yelling and fighting.

This morning on my way to work I passed a car with a father and young daugher just outside of Nathan and Matthew's school. We were running just on time so by the time I saw them I am sure they were late. The father was yelling at what looked like the top of his lungs at his daughter. She was younger than Matthew so I am guessing she is at the elementary school next door. Poor thing was in tears. I can only imagine how her school day has gone this morning.

Then just a little bit further down the road I was at a stop light and looked across the intersection to see another car with a mother/daughter argument in process. The mom was on her cell phone AND was yelling then reached over and hit her daughter three times. And it was not just a light tap either. The daughter looked to be high school age and had a look on her face like this was business as usual.

I know we all get frustrated as parents. I know I certainly had my days. However, I simply cannot imagine having a KNOCK DOWN DRAG OUT in the car (much less on a cell phone and driving) on my way to school with my kids.

And we wonder why some kids are not doing well in school...

This bothered me all the way to work. Made me sad. Thankfully I have a very good relationship with my boys. I pray it stays that way.

P.S. Yes, I guess I could look at it from the other side. Maybe the kids did something to get on their parent's last nerve. Maybe the highschooler did drugs or wrecked the car...but still, do you really have to SCREAM and HIT?

Goofing Around

Today was work in the yard day.

Nathan blew leaves off the pool deck but poor guy was having a tough time with his allergies so I gave him my bandanna to help ward off the pollen. Uhm...yes....the boy needs a haircut!


Matthew came out and wanted to learn how to drive the lawnmower. He had a good time meandering all around the back yard. He grew bored quickly so I finished. I think when he realizes that allowance is tied to mowing the yard he may not get bored so fast. :)

Basketball Tourney

Matthew's first AAU tourney was in Lexington, SC this weekend. (AAU is a competitive league across the US.) His team had one game Friday night and two Saturday. Unfortunately they lost all three games. Two of the teams they played have been playing together for some time and this is only the second tournament Matthew's team has played together.

Matthew played well and scored 8 points over 3 games. He played consistently and made his free throws. I think he finally realizes he is going to have to play more aggressively and drive to the goal. When he did that yesterday he was drawing fouls which is just fine.

Game 1 - Lost (3 points)
Game 2 vs B-L Phantoms - Lost 50 - 67 (3 points)
Game 3 vs White Knoll - Lost 57-64 (2 points)

Next tournament is in two weeks here in Spartanburg. By the way, his team is the Spartanburg Bucks.

Here are a few pics from Saturday.

(Before the first game on Saturday with Dave and Trey.)


(After the first game on Saturday..not so happy...)


(At Zaxby's after the first game with David and Trey.)


(All four boys were snoozing on the way back home....)

Fall Out Boy

Nathan and I had a great time at the Fall Out Boy concert in Charlotte Friday night. There were 3 other good bands to watch. 50 Cent was also there but Nathan was not interested so he ventured out to meet a friend that was also there.

We thought it was odd that 50 Cent was performing at a rock concert.

Fall Out Boy put on a good show. We saw some interesting people there including this one young lady in black tights and a pink and orange tutu. What is up with that? Very odd.

I enjoy hanging out with Nathan and he seems to think I am a "cool Mom." That warms my heart....

Weekend

Whew! Busy weekend ahead.

Friday Nathan and I are headed to Charlotte to see Fall Out Boy. It is the second time we have seen them. Looking forward to rocking with Nate Daddy.

Matthew plays bball Friday with his new AAU team and again two games Saturday. I am looking forward to road tripping with him and his buddy Trey on Saturday to the hot town of Columbia.

Good luck Mafffoooo. I will miss your first game but looking forward to cheering you on Saturday! Huggers.

My new ride!

As part of moving forward in life, I got a new ride. Yep, here it is! tee hee

I managed to mow all the lovely weeds and I think the yard turned out pretty nice. : )

I just love this time of year with the dogwoods and azaleas blooming.

More Home Improvements

Updated the powder room with Shelly's help. She is quite the HGTV guru. We replaced the light, mirror and the towel and tp holders. I painted the darker blue a few weeks ago.

I am saving money to replace the commode. Evidently it is a mismatched colored lid. I can see it now with the darker wall color. I am also thinking of replacing the entire sink cabinet. They are actually fairly reasonably priced at Lowe's.

I will post more of mine and Shelly's HGTV work later.... THANKS SHELLY!!

New "Puppers"

This was last Saturday when we brought the puppy home from Whittier, NC. It was a long day due to the rain but this little "puppers" is too cute and fitting in nicely. We named her Gracie.

She and Sophie are getting along despite a few bites and growls when they play too hard.

She is learning about "going outside" and "potty." Let's hope she learns potty sooner than later! The boys and Gracie start puppy training this week.