Get Off Your Phone!

We were at Costco today when The Lime had to use the bathroom. On our way out, we passed the break room for the employees and I caught a glimpse inside before the door shut. Every single person had their nose in their phone.

It's not uncommon to see people on their phones at church, especially since most people have their scriptures/hymns/lessons on their devices. But I'm a bit confused as to when Facebook became part of the church's curriculum.

As a protective mother, I'm appalled as to how many people drive with their eyes pointed at their laps. We know what you're doing. And since your eyes are on your phone, they're not on the road. I am on the road, with my precious boys, and you're putting us at risk as well as yourself. That angers me.

Please, put your phones down!

Who am I to talk about this topic and suggest to people what they do? I am pleased to say I don't have a phone that grasps me by my clothing and refuses to let go. I do have an iPad but I rarely take it out in public (only long car trips for The Lime and to Target for my coupons).

I hate (I know, strong word, but it's how I feel about this topic) that everyone always has their phone with them. Life will go on if someone doesn't get a hold of you right.this.second. It's called a message.

I hate that I have to listen to strangers' phone calls and FaceTime conversations in the grocery store.

I hate that social media is more important than playing with your kids.

I hate that finding the right song or replying to a text message or e-mail is more important than being safe.

I hate that society has become so dependent on this stupid rectangle that the world seems to be ending if it's lost or cracked or a signal isn't strong enough. Heaven forbid we have conversations face to face, or we don't check our "friends'" status every two minutes (really, who has 2,500 friends?), or we open an actual book to read, or we (like mentioned above) have to call someone back.

Even though I only use my phone to contact people, some of my most freeing moments are when I forget my phone at home. No temptation to be distracted (like deleting old texts or photos to free up storage space), no way to get a hold of me in real time (great way to teach someone patience). Just the ability to live in the moment and be able to focus on whatever's at hand.

Don't let your device bind you. Put it down.

The Tongue: Part 2

Three years ago, I wrote a post about The Lime's tongue and the constant sticking it out that he inherited from my Omi.

Last week was his last week of t-ball as well as his end of the season party.  They had a poster up with several action shots of each child.  At the end of the party, the team mom gave me a stack of photos and in almost all of them, his tongue was sticking out.  His coach even made a comment about the tongue.

I couldn't stop giggling as I went through them. It fascinates me how certain traits can skip generations and I love that he shares something quirky like ths with his great grandma.

On a related note, we can't believe t-ball is over. The Lime had so much fun participating this year and is already talking about next season. He improved in so many ways over the last four months. He's had a slight hindrance to his batting, and we have to remind him often that just because so-and-so bats a certain way doesn't mean we have to (we've been watching as much baseball as possible to show him that everyone bats different), but that's why we have eight months until baseball starts up again. We'll get lots of practice in between now and then.

Let It [Grow]

I've been growing my bangs out for almost a year (minus a slight trim in October). Someone at church yesterday said they hardly recognize me anymore without my bangs. I told them I don't recognize myself without bangs. I miss them all the time, until the wind blows, or it's raining, or I need to get ready quickly. Then I'm thankful for the change I've made.

If it isn't apparent, I won't be participating in the Avon Walk this year. I signed up, paid the registration fee, assumed Doodlebug would be a little less clingy, but he isn't. He's not as bad, that's for sure, but he still nurses often and and I've already done a walk where I pumped along the route...not doing that again. So, we'll shoot for next year.

In the meantime, I still feel the need to help those affected by cancer. I've always wanted to grow my hair out and donate it, but didn't have the patience to do so. Until now. I don't remember the last real haircut I got. I've trimmed it two or three times since we moved here (over two years) and I don't think my hair has been this long since I was in high school.

LaVor loves the length, and Doodlebug loves playing with (and pulling) it. I will admit, while it's a pain to wash and dry, I have loved the different styles I've figured out how to do.

 

I try and do something different each day, mainly because I get bored with ponytails.  Most of the time, I just start twisting or braiding, and then pin to my heart's desire.  Sometimes it works, sometimes I get frustrated and resort to the dreaded ponytail or bun.  

 

With summer just around the corner, I'm enjoying hairstyles where I don't have to sit under the hot hairdryer or use a scalding curling iron. The more I get my hair off my neck and out of my face, the happier (and cooler) I am.

(I promise I wear more than just black and gray...although it appears different.)

LaVor is nervous that when I cut it to donate it, I'll be left with short hair. So I'm trying to hold out and grow it a bit longer so I have a little big of length when the deed is done. We'll see how far I can push my limits.

Garden Update

LaVor has been faithful in posting pictures on Facebook about our bountiful garden.  It's seriously out.of.control.  In a good way, though. We've gone from this, to the following.

We're picking, on average, three zucchini a day, our tomato plants are officially taller than me, the strawberries are super sweet, we picked our first carrot Thursday night and our first two cucumbers this morning, our cantaloupe literally doubled in size in one day, our peppers are going to weigh the poor plant down (there's so many of them), and we can't keep up with our basil.

We also got a new garden pet this week; a lizard.  We hope he stops pooping in the soil but continues to eat the bad bugs.

The bad boy that was a peanut when LaVor left for work yesterday

More carrots just about ready to be picked

Tiny watermelon

Just a fraction of what's to come

The Lime asked when we were going to have pickles

We're just about over zucchini bread - time for new recipes

There's about 4 more peppers growing on this poor plant

Jalapeños...just for Daddy

It's taken lots of work (primarily from LaVor...I just water and pollinate in the mornings) but it's been a joy to watch our plants thrive and grow. It's been an even greater joy to partake of the fruits of our labor! Our neighbors are reaping the benefits, too, as we can't eat everything we pick.

And it's only going to get more abundant.

Memorial Day

Our Memorial Day was your stereotypical one; picnic for lunch (in our front yard, under our huge plum/cherry tree), swimming at the community pool (we got in for free because we got there 45 minutes before it closed), s'mores made over an open fire, and camping (in the backyard).

All of this was done with the brave men and women who selflessly gave their lives to defend our freedom, on our minds and in our hearts. Their sacrifice does not go unnoticed around here.

Speaking of which, I took the boys to visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall today. LaVor and I were blessed with the opportunity to see the actual wall six years ago, during our trip back East. Since I don't know when our boys will have a chance to see the real thing, and I want to instill in them an appreciation for such things, I wanted to share this experience with them.

On our way out of the park, we stopped at the playground for The Lime to play for a little bit. I sat on a bench next to two veterans and thanked them for their service. They were both gracious and said they appreciated it, especially since they received much less than that after coming home from serving in Vietnam. "We were yelled at, cursed at, spat on, had things thrown at us. It was awful," they said. Thankfully I had my sunglasses on because tears began to fill my eyes, as I thanked them again for their willingness to fight for those who did not support or appreciate them, especially because they were fighting for those peoples' free speech. We chatted for a couple more minutes before their legs were rested enough to finish the walk back to their car.

I'm forever indebted to my parents for being great examples of how to treat veterans, how to honor our flag and country, how to show gratitude for all we've been blessed with.  I hope I can provide that same example for The Lime and Doodlebug.

Today was the perfect ending of our Memorial Day week, remembering those who gave up everything so we can enjoy our lives in this great land.

Celebrating Doodlebug

A year ago, we were introducing Doodlebug to the outdoors.

Today, he got to go bowling for the first time (aka I held him and we pushed the ball down the lane together). We were originally going to go swimming but the weather wasn't hot enough, so we utilized a Groupon that was just about to expire.

The group was small for this birthday, just the four of us, as other family members had previous commitments and illness that popped up. Just like on Monday, Doodlebug didn't know what was going on and was content with what we had to work with. Like this hat I made out of newspaper for him on Monday night. Simple, free, but festive.

The Lime won the first game and LaVor and I tied for the second one. When The Lime hit a bunch of pins, he got this serious/proud look on his face. When he missed, he was visibly disappointed. Doodlebug clapped for everyone no matter what. Love his positive attitude.

Sometimes I feel bad for my kids that they don't get these over-the-top parties but then I see how much fun we're able to have and the memories we're able to make, sans the foofoo, and my guilt disappears. Maybe I'll change my tune when they fully understand what's happening but until then, I'm enjoying the stress free birthdays.

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I finally got off my rear and made the poor boy a birthday cake after Sunday dinner (5/24).  I was going to feed it to him but LaVor thought letting him go all out would be better.  Much to my dismay, he won and Doodlebug had a field day with the chocolate zucchini cake (I'm trying to sneak that stuff into anything I can!).

Our home teachers came over while this was happening so we scooted Doodlebug, still in his seat, out into the living room with us and he continued stuffing his face. He had so much fun and loved every second of it. I loved when he came out of the bath, all clean, and all the chocolate cake crumbs were picked up off the ground :)

Sportsmanship

It wasn't too far into baseball season when things got ugly. First, the Oakland A's and Kansas City Royals had a tiff.


(Does it make anyone else sick how the KC fans stand up and cheer?)

Shortly after that, the Chicago White Sox got into it with the Kansas City Royals (notice a common denominator?).



With The Lime playing t-ball, I cringe when situations like the above mentioned happen. I understand people get upset but to resort to violence, what message is that sending?

Last Saturday, the A's played the White Sox. Dan Otero was pitching and Jose Abreu was at bat when he got hit by a pitch. The ball bounced off of him and hit the catcher, Stephen Vogt. Jose Abreu turned around to make sure Stephen Vogt was okay, Dan Otero apologized, and Jose Abreu gave him an "it's okay" gesture as he walked to first base.

That, my friends, is how it's supposed to work. I was pleased that The Lime was watching and I made it a point to show him the situation and how all parties reacted.  That is good sportsmanship.

In fact, I was so impressed, I had to take a few moments and write notes of gratitude to Dan Otero and Jose Abreu.  I wanted to let them know that, although they probably didn't think two seconds about how they reacted, it made a lasting impression on me and hopefully thousands of other fans, especially little ones, who look up to these guys.  These aren't just lessons that can be implemented on the field but in our daily lives, and how we treat those that we come in contact with.