Were in the Army Now!

OK, so not the Army- but I didn't know a Navy slogan-Bryce joined the Navy! He was sworn in this week. How is it even possible that my first born is in the Navy? He was just born.

It is a dream of his that he has always talked about- and now that he is a Senior he was able to do it. He passed all the tests and his physical and he signed up for 8 years! He will ship out on June 26, 2012.

We are so very proud of him, it was a very emotional day for Jen and I- to sign over custody of him to the Government- but he is so happy.

Happy Birthday Bryce!

Today, 17 years ago, all of my dreams came true. I wanted to be a Mom my whole life and on this day, my Bryce Jordan was born!

He was three weeks late- it was not like we miscalculated or anything- so it was so hard to let the days pass, and not meet him. It was like Christmas but with no presents.

I was induced and 56- yes I said 56 hours later- Bryce was born. It was the most emotional thing- he was perfect. I remember how warm he was when they laid him on my tummy.

I was such an emotional Mama Bear from day one- not sure where all that comes from- but it was overwhelming to love someone so much.

He was my first, we struggled through it together, nursing, diaper blow outs, no sleep- but it was an amazing journey that I would never trade for a minute.

17 years later- I still enjoy being with this kid. He has changed so much, his body is turning into a young man- and this Mom still sees her baby who needs help with his Pokemon Cards, and learning to swim.

I love you Bryce, I love being with you, talking to you, laughing with you, listening to your ideas and thoughts. I am anxious to see the man you will become. Thank you for sharing this journey with me that only you could.

Happy 17Th Birthday- my First Born!

One ends, another begins!

Bryce is finally eligible to play football! Due to bad grades last Spring- he had to sit out for 6 games! I gotta hand it to him, he still went to practice and busted his butt even though he could not play- and now he is back in the game. Number 47! These teenage years are killing me!

Toby's team won the Championship on Saturday with 2 more TD's from Toby! So his season is over for 7th grade!

First Job!

I promised Bryce I would not post his picture on Facebook- but I said nothing about my blog! Hee Hee. So he got his first job at McDonald's! He has these grand illusions that he will be making $400 a week- I am so glad the real world is going to slap him in the face soon. It is hard to grow up! Proud of him for getting a job- I am still not letting him get his license until his grades are better- and it is a very sore spot with him- but that is my job to teach him responsibility! I really hope he enjoys his job- as much as one can enjoy a job at McDonald's.

So disappointed

Well Bryce is giving me a run for my money- Overall I have to admit he is a pretty good kid. Respectful, we are close- he tells me most things- and I still enjoy him. I know teenage years are supposed to be heard- but I am so not ready.


He has always gotten bad grades- he does have a bit of a learning problem- but I am not kidding myself- he never applies himself- does homework and will never be a scholar. My rule for his Driver's License is he has to have "C" grades or better- not a "C" average. Mind you- when I was a kid there is no way in H*ll that "C' grades would have gotten my my license- but I cut him some slack. So- Bryce is 16 and still has his permit- his grades just came out and he has 2 F's and a D- so no licence. Bottom line. I am the cruelest Mother though because all his friends can drive. Oh well.


Let's not forget the other night when he could not sleep and he steals the truck- he premeditated this because we have a driveway alarm and he muted it- I did not even know it muted!

He is dating a college girl and I KNOW things are going on that I do not approve of. I can't be with him all the time- but it is just unsettling to know that he is growing up too fast!

I don't get it- I am a SAHM, I am so involved in their lives, have lunch with them at school, on the PTO, am a face everyone knows because I am involved in everything from sports, to class teacher. I don't drink, do drugs, abuse them, I have a great relationship with my spouse- and the problem kids are doing great- win all the awards at school- my son is flunking classes and stealing cars? I don't get it- should I start drinking?

Stop this parent ride I want to get off.

Happy Birthday Bryce!

Oh how is it possible that I have a 16 year old? I swear it was yesterday that I decided to start IVF for him. He was just born, I was just in labor for 56 LONG hours. How can my baby be 16 already?

I love you Bryce, I love the young man you are becoming, your personality, humor, and joy your bring to my life. I am proud to be your Mom- and so glad you have made my life better- by being my son! Happy Birthday!

Teenagers!

So I figure it is time for a post about Bryce! He will be 16 in April. He is a good kid most of the time. Although he does not apply himself at school, and I worry about what he will do to support himself as an adult... I was alot more work for my parents- did bad things, snuck out of the house, and oh so much more.

Here are my latest issues. I found Snus in his room over Christmas break- for those of you like myself that do not know what this is- it is chewing tobacco in little packets that you suck on. I also found a can of chew. So I kept digging. I know some of you would not agree with this- and say I have no right to look on his room- but I figure I need to be an informed parent- so I kept looking! I also found a box of condoms- all three were still there- but he had them just the same.

Now I was calm and I talked to him about these things- he said he has done some experimenting with chew but did not really like it and that the cans were expired if I looked closely at them- this was true. Then I bit the bullet and asked about the condoms- he said he bought them- he has a little girlfriend. So I said he must be thinking about sex- he said he was a teenager that is all he thinks about- I did not laugh!

I really struggled with this- I do not want to condone sex at all- but at 15 I was doing it- so am I a hypocrite to not want him to do it? I should be glad he thought about protection, right?- but I don't want him to do it at all. So I prayed about it- and I came to the conclusion that it is not my decision to make when he has sex. I got to make my decision- now he needs to make his. But do not get my wrong- I will limit every opportunity I can for him to be in a situation to have to make this decision! :)

So the teen years have hit- his girlfriend posts disturbing things on Facebook indicating she is still interested in other boys- I just try to open Bryce's mind to what is going on- but who knows how much gets in. I just hate when he gets hurt by girls- we are so cruel!

On a side note I am attaching pictures of Bryce's ingrown toenail that he just had cut out for a third time. This time he was not quit numb and he almost passed out from the pain- he went white and they had to get him some juice- it was horrible. I just want him to be little again so I can protect him from this hurt and pain in the big wide world! The scary thing is- I still have 4 more kids to go!

Owwwwww!!!!!!

Homecoming Take II

Bryce went to Homecoming in another town this last Saturday with a good friend of mines daughter. She was not going to go because her friends all had dates- so Bryce was cute and asked me if it was weird if he asked her to go to her own Homecoming. I told him I thought it would be nice. It was her first "date" so poor Bryce got the lecture from her dad- her dad said he had been waiting 15 years to tell a boy the lecture and my son was the one who got it.

They had fun so that is all that matters- and they make a great couple. I am so glad he is not serious with any one girl- I think it is great that he has a bunch of friends that he enjoys spending time with.

I have made it one week without my honey. This weekend was really rough. Toby woke up this morning and asked me if I ever sleep anymore. lol



Bryce and Amalia


Amalia's flowers

What a cute pair

Meanest Mother award

The teenager saga continues- quick recap- I won't let Bryce get his permit until he has "C's" or better- he struggles with school- won't do his homework, is lazy and does not have his priorities in order- he is capable and has been on the "B" honor role before. I don't think I am asking for the impossible but he does. So bottom line- the grades are no better and his birthday came and went with out a permit. You have to have your permit for 12 months before you can get you licence- so at this point he will be over 16 when he gets his license- to a 15 year old- END OF THE WORLD!

So things have been going OK considering- now and again Bryce will make a snide remark about driving- but no major blow ups.

Life goes on and my best friend graduated as an RN last Saturday- Congratulations Ann! So there was a graduation party next door, friends, food, and alcohol. We stayed for awhile and then left because I was on call and had to check on a woman in shelter. Bryce continued to ride dirt bike's with Ann's son, Phil.

About 8:00 I get a text from Bryce that says: "Mom, I need to ask you something, please say yes"- OK as a parent you already know this is not going to be good. :)

So I am ask him "what?"

He replies: "Can I please play beer pong? Everyone else is doing it even Phil and Nathan- (who are 15 and 16), Please Mom"

Okay- what planet is my son on? I personally do not drink- I am not opposed to people who drink- I just don't choose it for myself- not to say I have never had a drink or anything- I just would rather have a Dr. Pepper- it tastes better. Bryce is 15- now many of you probably drank at 15- but I am the same Mother who would not let him see a PG13 movie until he was really 13- and I still don't let him see rated R movies, although we all know he has snuck and seen a few.

I really think he thought I was going to say "sure son, I have a rule about not getting your permit until you have decent grades- but go ahead and drink with your buddies at 15!"

I of course had him come right home, I told him I was proud of him for asking me if he could drink and that I was sorry he was put in that position. It of course turned into I am the strictest parent, he looked stupid having to come home when everyone else got to stay and drink, and I won't let him get his permit because I am so mean. One of the other kids drinking has a parent who is in law enforcement and he was allowed to drink. I told him that I can't control what other parents do- but that I made the right decision- I am certain it did not help his bruised ego though.

So if you watch the TV show the world's Strictest parents, according to Bryce, I should be on it- so watch for my episode. :)

He was however the first of my kids to tell me Happy Mother's Day and he still tells me he loves me at least twice a day-so there is still hope. :)

Ok- the inevitable....

I am sad and proud I guess to say that my son is officially taller then me. For the past year he has stood on his toes in pictures to try his hardest to be taller then his Mom- now he doesn't have to- he is also taller then his best friend.

He has been taller then Jen for awhile- but now I am stepping up to the plate and admitting defeat.

Wow I have a 15 year old!

Bryce turned 15- I cannot believe that I have a 15 year old! We had dinner at pizza hut- and he spent most of the day riding his new dirt bike.

Bryce is not a big cake fan- even as a child he wanted strawberries and cool whip brought to his class instead of cupcakes. This was the first year he wanted me to make him a cake- white cake with German Choc frosting- an interesting combination- but he liked it.

He has not said anything more about his permit- but hopefully he knows me pretty well that I won't give in until he has C's or better.

However, the inevitable has come- I will make you hold out until tomorrow to know what it is....

My how things change

Growing up- I had parents that would NEVER let us get on a dirt bike, moped, 4-wheeler, motorcycle, motorized anything. I once snuck and rode on a friends moped around the block and I got caught- I was grounded for a month! I am sure they had their reasons- but it instilled a fear in me of anything motorized except a car. I have still never been on a motorcycle.

When we moved to the country I caved and Jen and I bought the kids 4-wheelers- they love them. Then we bought one for us, and soon Bryce got a motorcycle for his birthday. The other boys have gotten bigger and faster 4-wheelers- and then I saw Bryce riding his motorcycle the other day and it is so little under him because he is getting so tall. So I knew it was time.

His birthday is April 19th- so yesterday we went and got him a new dirt bike. He got a YZ250- a few years ago this would mean nothing to me- now I kind of understand it.

Here are some pictures of him on his new bike and one with his best friend on his bike. The smile on his face was sure a great sight to see! Happy early Birthday Bryce- I love you!

Teenager for sale- cheap!

Well I gotta tell you about my day yesterday. UG!

I got a call from the school nurse that Bryce was hurt- so I rushed to the school- well he was very hurt- he has a broken nose and was sitting in a face full of blood when I got there.

Apparently- before school he was shinning a laser light into a boys face- teasing him- the boy had enough and walked over to Bryce and took his hat off and threw it.

Bryce stood up and puffed out his chest- like teenagers do- and the fight was on. The other kid threw the first punch and about 10 more, including slamming Bryce's face into the lunch table.

Bryce has no clue how to fight- so lets just say he got the worse end of the deal.

Suspended for 3 days and a ticket for bridge of peace. He has NEVER been in any trouble- welcome to High School- his brains have just gone out the window.

I am not sure what is happening with this child of mine. Tell me if I am wrong here- I understand that Bryce should not have been shinning the light in the kids face- I get that- he was provoking him- but punching Bryce in the face and breaking his nose seems a little like excess force- or am I just being the Mom of the kid that got beat up?

Does he look gay?

So today was Bryce's first track meet- I have no idea why he wanted to do track but he did. So he was pole vaulting. It is interesting to watch- and a fatty like me could never make it up as high as he does, but he has a lot of work to do if he plans to support Jen and I with this career choice.

He did keep asking me if he looked "gay" in his track outfit? Now- what does he have against looking gay? I am so offended. He would be so lucky to be in our club- not to mention the new toaster oven Jen and I would get from our leaders for recruiting one still in High School. :)

Tomorrow the kids have a wrestling tournament- ALL DAY LONG. Last week Toby- who weighs 120.9 pounds was put in heavy weight and had to wrestle a kid that was 202- what is that about? I hate that. I have to help at the booths- sure do love that.

The pups are doing great- keeping our fingers crossed. They should be leaving soon.

Came home tonight from the movies and Bryce was setting off fireworks. I swear it is a brain fart that he is suffering with.

I just want him to be safe and happy.

We went to see Friday the 13th- ok stupid- not gory at all- and a waste of time- so don't bother.

Well, my son hates me

So my terrific son Bryce just posted on My Space his mood is pissed of and he hates his Mom.

Here is the story. Thursday we went to parent teacher conferences- just a reminder he is in 9th grade. He had an A- in PE, 2 F's and 4 D's. Impressed? So he was supposed to start Drivers Ed in 2 weeks and I said no- my rule is C's or better- not a C average but C's or better. He will miss this class but he can take it next month if his grades are better according to my rules. However he won't get his permit when he turns 15- it will be delayed because of missing this class so he may be 16 and a month when he gets his licence- or two months depending on how long he needs to get his priorities together. Last I checked no one died from not having their permit on time. I know a month seems like an eternity to a 14 year old. But come on- meet me in the middle, show me you have drive. In math he has not even taken the time to turn in the last 12 assignments so that shows he doesn't care, and is not trying very hard.

I remember fighting with my own parents about this- I never got my licence until after I turned 18, because I was a difficult child and did not think I should follow my parents rules. Bryce seems to think I am only doing this because it was done to me. He says nothing is ever good enough for me. So I am at a loss. He did get 1 F up to a D- but he has one job- to go to school and do a good job, and D's and F's don't cut it with me. I am trying to be reasonable by asking for C's or better. My Dad wanted A's.

So what do I do?- talking to him does not help, I have lectured him, talked to him, threatened him, told him I am disappointed,we have taken his phone away, told him he will be home while we are on vacation because he will go to summer school. Jen handled the My Space comment well and made him remove it and told him he will not write things about me lie that. My best friend is the one that saw it- and called Jen. I am grateful he does not dabble in worse- but every day is a new day. I don't want to be a bitch- I feel like I am not over reacting, I want the best for him and a permit is not important right now, school is. I know all kids and parents go through this so it is my turn- I just hate it. I love Bryce and I want him to be happy- but I also want him to be successful. I totally understand my dreams for him are not his dreams- and I am OK with that but he needs to get his grades up.

On a brighter front- the construction guys showed up and got a little work done- poured some concrete in the new Styrofoam walls- it is supposed to be the "green" way to build. The walls are 8 inches thick- so it is interesting to watch. I am guessing they will be done in July.

Putting cement in the new foam walls


Messy job

Man my yard is a mess- but there is progress

Not for the faint at heart

Does this gross anyone out as much as it does me? Bryce keeps getting the same toenail ingrown and the poor kid has to get it cut out. It is the most painful thing to watch. they actually put shots under his toenail to numb it up. Then they cut into the toenail to remove the part causing the pain. How do they do this you ask? Imagine the pain of having one side of the scissors shoved under your toe nail in order to cut it all the way down? Oh it just makes me want to pee a little. Then they clamp and yank the toenail out.

We take him to a local Dr. to have this done- and he is a funny Dr. He hums while he is inflicting this pain on my son- as he is giving the numbing shots he says things like, "I can make you talk." He really tries to make it not so bad. Bryce was saying, "Oh God" because of the pain and the DR. SAYS, "YES?"

Much to my surprise they say it has nothing to do with how the nail is cut- it has to do with how the bone grows. This is his second removal in 6 months- the next time they will kill the toe nail so it can't grow again.

The worst part of this whole thing is- he has track tomorrow and he wants to go. Last time he had football and continued playing. he is so much braver than I am. I would be at home, on pain pills, with my foot on a pillow- asking Jen to bring things to me because no way would I walk on this baby. Owwwweeeee!

I have a big surprise to show you all tomorrow- I was going to show you today- but then the toe issue happened and I knew it was my duty to gross everyone out!

First Love...

I knew this day was coming- from the bottom of my toes to the tip of my head I dreaded it.

Over Christmas Bryce started Dating. Now dating is a loose term- but he got serious with a girl and they decided to only date each other. It has been interesting to watch him change. He wants to be with her all the time, thinks about doing things with her, they hold hands and kiss.

They text each other ALL THE TIME! He had over 5000 text messages last month. So we had the talk again about sex- just a refresher course. He assured me that I am crazy. I knowing how teen hormones run- just asked him to humor me.

The pictures below are of a dance they went to- Vanessa goes to another school- so she came over, got ready, and they went to dinner...at Dairy Queen, and to the dance and then home. I appreciate the fact that her family is as freaky as I am about not leaving them alone to get into trouble.

Over Christmas break break Bryce begged me over and over again to let him transfer to her school. I of course, said no- and in his teenage mind I am certain he thinks I am trying to ruin his life. He went on and on about it like kids do when they get a crazy idea that they think will work. He was under the false assumption that he might be able to wear me down- little does he know that I wrote the book on teenage manipulation!

Things have been going well with Bryce and Vanessa- they are more serious then I would have wanted at this age- but it is a different world.

Then the bomb dropped. Out of the blue she texts him and uses the old line "let's just be friends." My son was crushed. It was heart breaking to see him sad and moping. Nothing hurts like your first love. I told him he gets a little easier once you get a few under your belt, but they all hurt. He is doing great- but as a Mother it crushes me to see him hurt- I want him to live in a bubble where mean girls that break hearts can't be near him.

Now we will wait until the next girl comes along and does the same thing, and so the pattern of the dating ritual begins.

Bryce and Vanessa before the dance All ready for the dance

I am so proud of my oldest son, Bryce

So this was Bryce's first year of high school. School does not come easy to him, he struggles to get his assignments done- and has always struggled with reading and spelling. Most years when he goes out for a sport he misses some games because of his grades.

This year he went out for high school football. Now you have to know I HATE football. I have never liked it, I do not understand it. It is always cold to sit and watch it. I would much rather have a root canal then go watch football.

They would practice twice a day, for hours on end. They started in August before school was in session. He played on the Freshman team and the JV team and when that season ended, he was asked to stay join the Varsity team.

He missed a lot of school to go to away games. We live in the country in a small town so to go to any game is at least an hour and a half drive. He was eligible the entire season. He never missed a game. He made up his work and really had to focus on school- he wanted to be part of this football team so bad.

The Varsity team ended up winning the Tri-Valley Championship and went to state- where they lost their only game this season, but Bryce got to be a part of the whole thing. he also lettered in football- so he is very excited to get to wear his new letter jacket for 4 years.

To some kids this came easy, but I know, as Bryce's Mom, how hard he worked for this. He went to bed early because his body was so tired, he sat on uncomfortable buses for hours on end, he stood in the freezing rain to cheer on his fellow team mates, he went to weight lifting at the crack of dawn. He never complained once.

I just wanted to say how proud I am. I love you son.

Bryce's team wins a game

Bryce with his letter and patches

The back of his new coat

The front of his new coat- is he happy or what?

What a stud!