Army of Mom

Sic 'em, Bears!

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:46:00 +0000

My beloved Mean Green and Army of Dad's Gators both lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. But, we did get to watch both games (most of the Gators game and its double OT) and all of the Mean Green. That was really exciting. The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed our time in OKC.

Now, AoD and I are enjoying our early anniversary weekend getaway. We fished the day away on Friday on Lake Conroe and had a buffet breakfast this morning. I got a massage *yea* and now we're heading over the cocktail emporium of the resort. Tonight? We get to dine at "crown jewel" of the resort at its lakeside restaurant.

Sunday, its back to reality and back home. Yuck. But, the past few days have been great!

Cheering on my Baylor Bears today in hopes they make the Sweet 16.

Ninja-in-Training

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:52:00 +0000

My little karate champion advanced to a junior second degree purple belt last week.

It is funny to see her belt under her gi. Little silly girl.

The whole bowing thing is too cute when she does it. Of course, I think pretty much all she does is cute.

Going to OKC

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:27:00 +0000

Sunday, we spent a few hours hanging out at the Pourhouse in Denton with the most avid Mean Green basketball team fans. Everyone was waiting anxiously to see if UNT would play in Oklahoma City or New Orleans. Anywhere else and there wouldn't be too many fans going to The Dance. The players were waiting anxiously as the tournament announcements started.

The coaches and athletic director were a little anxious, too.

Scrappy, of course, is good for our nerves. He's actually featured in an ESPN News commercial for March Madness. They had a shot of him making a "snow angel" with the confetti during the SBC championship celebration.

Little Bit amidst the pretty girls.

And, the team gets the news they're going to OKC to face No. 2 seed Kansas State.

My favorite player and his wonderful parents. These are some of the sweetest people I've met. And, they're such a good looking family. I mean, like cover of Family Living good looking. Gees.
And, he's going to kill me for this. He refuses to smile for pictures, but when Little Bit picked up a camera to take his photo, he couldn't help but smile for her. I love it. Soooo cute. And, I got the bonus farewell - a hug from both Mangrum men at the same time. My heart almost stopped beating. Army of Dad told me to wipe the drool off my chin. :)

And, yeah, I made him laugh. Maybe not as much as Army of Dad's taunts and jeers at the refs. Collin admitted that he has to fight a chuckle when AoD goes to town on the refs and other teams.

And, the family pic with our favorite Eagle. We were missing Pickle. :(

Welcome home, SBC Champs!

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:06:00 +0000

This picture came from the local paper. I love the celebration shots. These guys are sooo happy. But, the best part to me is that Collin is smiling in a photograph! The man won't smile to save his life in a picture even though he's so damned cute it gives me cavities. I can't help but grin and blush when I look at that boy. But, this picture just makes my heart swell with pride for these guys who have worked so hard and come so far - to the Dance. Can't wait for the NCAA announcement on Sunday. I really want to go to a game. We're hoping they get Oklahoma City or New Orleans for a location to play.
Another shot of Collin smiling as he gets off the bus to the greeting from teammate Kedrick Hogans, who I guess didn't make the trip because of his injuries this season. What a shame. He's such a big part of the team.

This is such a precious picture. You can just see the affection Coach Jones has for his superstar and how much Josh wants to crawl under a rock like "aww, coach, come on, stop rubbing my head."

I love Hot Rod's expression in this one. He could not believe how tall George Odufuwa is. There is a reason why he's such a good rebounder, kiddo!

George getting interviewed by local ABC sports guy, George Riba.

Collin getting interviewed by the DRC. He is the only member of this team who played in the 2007 NCAA tournament when he was a freshman (he was red-shirted last year because of injuries). I still can't figure out how this reporter took notes holding his notebook that hight. I mean, wouldnt' your pen run out of ink? And, the reporter must be pretty tall, too, since Collin is like 6'5. Yeahhhh, 6 feet and 5 inches of beautiful young man with those pouty lips ... tousled hair blowing in the wind ... wait, what was I saying again? Yes, yes. He played back in 2007 when the team faced Memphis (which was ranked No. 1 or 2 at the time). UNT hung with them really well in the first half, but couldn't keep it up. But, they made a great showing. We welcomed them team back home then, too.

The spirited maintenance guy (at least I think thats his job) at the Super Pit. He was always fun at the basketball games doing the moonwalk with Scrappy.

UNT star point guard Josh White with the kids. Yeahhhh, he's 5'10. Uh-huh. Pickle is 5'2. So, yeahhhh. *winking* He's 5'10. But, you know what? Doesn't friggin' matter. The dude is awesome with the rock.

Pickle, Scrappy and the self-choking guy (seriously, he looks like he having some sort of issue back there).

And, fan favorite Collin Mangrum. Every time he does something awesome, the radio guys and the local DRC reporter will call him "Fan Favorite Collin Mangrum." And, he is. The crowd loves it when the white boy steals the ball, makes a fast break and slams it down or lays it up gently. He was sweet to stop for a second and talk to the kids and give his Cougar Crush the thrill of her day. I didn't get just one, but TWO Mangrum hugs. Oh yeah, uh-huh, *dancing a little jig.* Yep. I can cross that one off my to-do list now. The hug, that is. *wink*

Sunday, we'll be at the Pourhouse (or wherever they finally decide it will be) for the NCAA announcement watching party.

P.S. Little Bit has her Flat Stanley in all the pics, too. She wanted sooo badly for Collin to hold her Flat Stanley for a photo. And, Hot Rod's hero worship for him continues to grow. I still think he grew his hair out so he could toss it like Collin while he runs down the court.

SUN BELT CONFERENCE CHAMPS!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:15:00 +0000

WOO HOO!!! Mean Green wins the Sun Belt Conference Championship! What a game!!! *pic stolen from MeanGreenSports*

We're going to the dance baby!!!!

Please NCAA, let them play Thursday March 18 in OKC. We can make that game!!!

Mean Green MoJo

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:27:00 +0000

Photo is courtesy of MeanGreenSports. But, its Collin dunking. *sigh* I love everything you hear on the radio or read on the DRC blog - they call him a "fan favorite." He really is for more people than just me and my Cougar Crush. Seriously. My family think he's da bomb. :) The kids love watching him. I think Hot Rod wants to be just like him. Cracks me up to watch Hot Rod crash the boards and do the Collin Mangrum signature flick-the-hair-out-of-my-eyes move. Good grief. He really does it like his idol. :) And, the fans do go wild when he does something spectacular. We've been watching this guy for three (he was red-shirted one year) years playing his heart out. Hustle from start to finish. We've watched him battle injuries and keep on going out there and doing his best. In his truly first healthy season, it is excitement. This guy gets on the court and you can see how badly he wants it in his eyes. He is instant energy. I've wanted to pull Coach Jones aside from time to time and tell him to put Collin in for some momentum change. The boy will MAKE things happen when he hits the court. He is instant energy on the court.

Ok, enough enough enough. I can't wait for 6 p.m. to get here. C'mon Mean Green!!! Beat Troy and make another trip to the NCAA tournament!!!!

Go MEAN GREEN!

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:18:00 +0000

UNT won and they play in the Sun Belt Conference championship game tonight at 6 p.m. (I think on ESPN 2) If they win - NCAA Tournament bound!!!! I'm working today in a green button-down with my UNT earrings! Gotta keep the mojo going.

C'mon guys!!!

Beyond Offensive

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:54:00 +0000

I'm all about dark humor. I mean, tomorrow The Boondock Saints' All Saints Day comes out. That is a black comedy/action/adventure type movie and the premise is pretty dark - two brothers kill bad guys in a righteous effort to rid the world of these criminals. Ok, killing in the name of God and then saying a prayer when you execute someone - dark. Yes. Funny? Oh hell yes. (pun intended)

But, when I see Abe the Aborted Fetus trade paperback book, I thought I was going to throw up. That is beyond distasteful. It is obscene.

"Obscene" speech is "unprotected" speech as ruled by the Supreme Court. "Unprotected speech," means speech that does not enjoy First Amendment protection and may even be criminal to express. In 1964, Justice Potter Stewart tried to explain "hard-core" pornography, or what is obscene, by saying, "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced . . . [b]ut I know it when I see it . . . "

This quote, and the intent behind it, is well known as summarizing the irony and difficulty in trying to define obscenity. For at least fifty years, the Supreme Court has been struggling with defining what speech is obscene, according to Judith Silver at CoolLawyer.com.

For me, it is offensive, obscene, disgusting - you name it. They're poking fun at a baby created by two people and then tossed away like the day's supper leftovers down the garbage disposal.

I'm appalled and sickened and very angry at Facebook for thinking this would be an ad that I would be interested by. It actually popped up on my Facebook profile page in the ads on the side. "Resistance is fetal" the headline read. Really? You're going to use my beloved Star Trek to promote your disgusting effort to entertainment? What-the-eff-ever. I almost didn't write this post because I don't want to give this piece of crap any publicity, but it deserves to be ridiculed and exhibited for its twisted efforts. Gross, guys. And, let me just say that karma is a bitch. I'm not sure how this will turn around and bite you on the ass, but let me assure you, it will. Just the way the world works. I firmly believe when we do something stupid like this, it comes back at you ten-fold. I almost feel sorry for these creator-schmucks.

I said, almost.

How 'bout those Eagles?

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +0000

OMG! OMG! OMG!

Mean Green wins! Mean Green wins! I can't freaking believe it!!! Come from behind. We had to close the door not to wake the kids up with our screams during the game!!!

Oh gees. I am not sure how long it will take me to relax before I can crash for the night! WOW!!!!! They play again Monday night. I think that game will be on TV. Oh gees. I'm sooooo excited!!!!

C'mon Mean Green

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:11:00 +0000

Aw man, not far into the game and UNT isn't starting off too well. C'mon guys! You can listen on KNTU and watch live stats on the Mean Green blog.

Score: Mom, 0, Kid, 1

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:23:00 +0000

Came home this afternoon from picking up the kids after school and we see that the next door neighbor is getting a new roof put on. One of the roofers was standing on top of the house watching us as we pulled into our driveway.

Hot Rod: Why is he staring at us?

AoM: *joking* Maybe he thinks your mom is hot.

Hot Rod: No, that can't be it.

Kata Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:08:00 +0000

Pickle won his first kata competition Sunday after several years of trying. He did a great job and was really proud of himself.

Of course, with the exception of a time or two when he messed up and had to start over, I've always thought he did a good job.

But, this was the first time he didn't have this one judge (who has obviously not been one of Pickle's best fans). I think it made the difference in him going from finishing in the bottom of the group to being the top winner.

He was judged fairly and he stepped up. I am very proud of him. I think this is what he needed to get him fired up about karate again. He's been doing it since he was about 9 or 10 and I think he was getting a little burned out. So, maybe this will encourage him.

His siblings were excited for him and were cheering loudly.

And, that smile couldn't get much bigger. Neither could the trophy!

Sparring Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:51:00 +0000

Little Bit won another karate tournament on Saturday. She is a spitfire. I love her feet off the ground here.

She knocked her opponent off her feet twice. It was sort of sad.

They were pretty evenly matched, but Little Bit's go-get-'em attitude won out, I think.

And, this picture broke my heart. Her opponent looks so dejected here. Bless her little heart. Stinkerbelle was very happy to win, but felt sort of bad for the gal she beat, especially after she saw the picture. Although it didn't make her less glad she won. :)

Collin Gets His Groove Back

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:46:00 +0000

Not that I ever thought he lost it, but I know he was on a dry spell for a while. Looks like he picked a good time to find his stroke (stop it, people, you know what I mean!) again.

I didn't realize it was 20 on 20 in this shot when I took it. Interesting. But, Army of Dad gets the hat tip for finding this audio clip

of Collin's steal and slam dunk last week. I almost wet my pants I was jumping up and down so much. Totally friggin' awesome. I have better pics of the hot dude, but just grabbed a few to create this blog post and then I have to get back to what pays the bills - writing for my actual boss and all. :) But, congrats to the UNT Mean Green for winning the Western Division. I'm still trying to talk Army of Dad into hauling all of us to Hot Springs, Ark., for the game on March 7. But, its at 8:45 p.m. Not sure we can make that happen or not with work and school. *sigh*

additional note: The UNT Green Gang blog gave Tristan Thompson a flip camera to document the last road trip. This is good stuff. I've always wanted to be in the Mean Green locker room *fanning self*

Hangin' in DC

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Army of Dad came home last night after a long weekend in DC with his Army buddies. I'm sure DC will never be the same.

Here he is in his Valentine's gift from me outside the White House. Yep, my sentiments exactly. If you want one of these shirts, here ya go. You're welcome.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Or more appropriately, hair today, gone today. There is the hairdresser measuring my ponytail. The shortest layer was 10 inches and the longest was 11. Minimum needed was 10.

There I am looking greatly pained as he snipped off my ponytail.

and, trying not to look like I'm going to cry with my ponytail. It doesn't look like much when its just in your hand. Looks like some poor dog's cropped tail in that stumpy little ponytail.
The back after the ponytail cut, but before the good haircut that came later.
And, the sassy little swing bob.

Sunny Days

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Little Bit Weathergal had a ball on her field trip today. She loved having mama all to herself. Ok, she had to share me with a few classmates, but it was all good.

Five kids for me. That is a good size and this teacher didn't give me a hellion to wrangle. Has to be the first time I chaperoned on a field trip when I wasn't given the class troublemaker to watch.

They were loving the sculpture of the scientist. I love Blondie's pose. Too cute.

And, the pensive face of Little Bit. She was still a bit bummed about one of the boys demolishing her block creation earlier. I just thought this was so cute. She looks like my baby here and not such a big girl. I like that.

And, me, pre-haircut. Pickle took this of me tonight. Come mid-morning Friday, 10 inches of hair is coming off for Locks of Love. I'm nervous!!!!

Exciting and beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Yes, I do like my blog title for this one. These pics are exciting and beautiful (ok, at least TO ME if no one else.) They feature Collin Mangrum, UNT's tastiest athlete. And, THANK GOD, he found his groove last night. I had taken the kids to a movie (The Princess and the Frog - very cute, highly recommended. That is one I'll be buying. Loved it.) and we got in the car to hear the pre-game for the UNT basketball game. The kids asked me: are we going to be late? I had to giggle and say, yes, children. The game is in Houston, I don't think we're going to make it. That earned me lots of giggles and many transportation jokes. But, I digress.

I was so happy to listen to the game and hear Collin found his groove and sank two three-pointers. Woo hoo! I've been debating offering him advice (we noticed his shots were just a little short; he needed more arch - but I could also see his confidence was a little down leading to the short shots. *shrug* I was just glad to see him keep on plugging away. Some players get in a funk and just pass and won't keep trying. He's a plucky player, though, and I'm glad because he's got a pretty shot. And, stop it Army of Dad, I know he has many other "pretty" things, too, but his shot is definitely one of them. I'm trying to remember if he drew the charge foul on this play or not. He should have, if he didn't, because he was planted, as you can tell (even in my shadowy shot).

At least one obligatory butt shot. I love to watch him pass because of the fab arm muscles. Mmmm.

Beautiful is here. Ok, a little above, too. But, my darling little girl and her BFF with Scrappy. Would you believe these girls are just one month apart in age? Crazy. This Saturday is the second to last home game and we'll only be able to attend the first half. :( Hot Rod has a game at 4:30 and the UNT tip off is 3 p.m. Totally bites for us. I thought Little Bit was going to cry when I told her we would only be there for the first half. Trust me, child; mom feels the same way.

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Today will make it 12 incredible Valentine's Days that I have spent with my wonderful husband. This one should be no different. Just some 'us' time. I can't wait.

I love you, Valentine.

So long snow

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:24:00 +0000

The snow is melting away today and I'm ok with that. Its been fun, but I'm ready to go to back to 50s for a Texas winter day. Here is Little Bit with her Snow-fireman that she built in the neighbor's yard with the help of the teenager there. Little Bit did the head and decoraction and her friend did the body.

She was working hard.

Our back yard with all the snow.

And, our front yard. Amazing, isn't it?

February

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:16:00 +0000

It may be the month of love with all that Valentine's Day nonsense, but February will always be a month of sadness for me.

It was on a Friday evening in February 1995 when many lives were impacted by evil incarnate. His name was Henry Lopez Ortiz. Fortunately (or not depending upon your point of view), he died a few years ago. No loss to the world IMHO.

Feb. 10, 1995. My baby was a few days away from being 5 months old. It was my weekend to work the evening shifts at the newspaper. We rotated who had to cover weekends. And, I got the call from the PD PIO. There was a murder.

Worse yet. It was a child. Ohmigod. It was a child.

Abuse, we usually thought. Some poor kid who had been smacked around and finally mom or dad lost it and put the poor kid out of his or her misery. Nope, not even close.

A beautiful little red-haired 10-year-old girl was murdered by her downstairs neighbor - Henry Lopez Ortiz. Her name was Julianne Powell. She was a latchkey child of a single mother.

Her mother had an early afternoon off and decided to treat herself to a matinee. Brad Pitt and Legends of the Fall. Julianne would get home a little after 3. The movie would end around 4; it would be fine.

Only it wasn't on Friday afternoon Feb. 10, 1995. Julianne wasn't home when she arrived. She knew she should be there. She called her friends, she searched the apartment complex. One of her friends said the man downstairs had knocked on Julianne's door while she was on the phone with her.

Julianne's mom - Lynn Fisher - knocked on his door to see if he had seen her. Disheveled and with a scratch on his face when he answered the door, she knew something was terribly wrong.

The police immediately honed in on him, too. After getting a search warrant, they found Julianne's raped and murdered body in Ortiz's laundry hamper that evening.

I was at the apartment complex when Lynn got the news. I still remember hearing her cries. I was out in the courtyard and I heard the wails of a mother who was just told that her sweet little angel was dead. I can still hear that anguish when I think of it.

On Wednesday, I kept thinking there was something I was forgetting. What was I forgetting on Feb. 10? No birthdays of relatives; they're all at the end of the month. What was it? I couldn't put my finger on it. I thought about Lynn, but she crosses my mind upon occasion, as does Julianne.

I covered the court system at the time of the Julianne's death and I followed everything about her case. I was there from the start. I became a part of all of it.

And, I formed a friendship with her mother. The experience hit me much harder than it would have even a year before - because now I was a mother, too. The idea of being in her situation - it left me heartsick. God, how could it happen? Why would YOU LET THIS HAPPEN?

But, like so many wonderful women I've had only passing friendships with in my life - I found her comforting me. She was and is one of the strongest women I've ever encountered in my life. She didn't give up. She didn't crawl under a rock and hide from the world. No. She fought for justice for her daughter's killer. She and I embraced after he was found guilty. That trial was moved from Midland to Amarillo because of pre-trial publicity (well, ok, it wasn't ALL me. The TV stations played a role, too!) But, I can remember many weekends caravanning back and forth following the judge in the trial and Lynn. Our three cars drove home together.

And, I forgot Feb. 10 this year. I knew something was missing. And, I forgot. How could I forget?

And, tonight, I got an email from Lynn. It was just a forwarded email. One we all get routinely from friends. But, you know, from this woman - this email - it really meant something. This is it:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that
Person..

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need
You have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
Guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an
End.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand..

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
Fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

*Normally, I would get an email like this and not think twice. Yes, it is sweet when my son's former second grade teacher sends me this. Or when a high school classmate sends it. But, from Lynn, it takes on a whole other meaning. I would like to think that she has a special place for me in her memories like I have for her. And, for Julianne. I truly believe Julianne came to me in my dreams during her trial. And, I wanted to honor her and her memory. I think she'd be 26 this coming August. I think about the boyfriends she never had. The proms she never attended. The babies she'll never have.

But, she will live on in my heart. And, I'll tell people about the sweet little red-haired girl who impacted my life without ever meeting me. And, I'll tell people about her strong mother who didn't let the most horrible thing that could happen to her cause her to shut down. I don't think I have that kind of strength.

I'm not sure why I've been blessed with so many incredible women in my life. Some are there for only a season - and some are ones I've only had the most fleeting of contact with - but they have left me changed. And, I hope, improved.

God love you, Lynn. Thank you. My email response to her: I was thinking of you this week.

What else can you say?

Another Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:28:00 +0000

The kids loved missing school and getting out to play in the snow.

Of course, many snowballs were part of the morning's festivities.
And, retaliation was the name of the game.

A Texas-sized snowman isn't big like everything else in Texas. We like ours to be wee. Well, cuz, that is usually all we can do with them.

The snowbabies.

And, Hot Rod's creation. He worked hard for this one.

Call me

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Now I'm singing that Blondie song from all those years ago.

But, I was thinking about ring tones and how fun they can be. For the longest time, my ring tones included White & Nerdy by Weird Al and Milkshake by Kelis.

Now, here is what I have:

main ring tone - The Kill by 30 Seconds to Mars

my mom & dad - Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

my ex - Bound for the Floor by Local H (copacetic was one of his favorite words)

message tone - Boom Boom Pow by Black-eyed Peas or Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield (depends on my mood)

Pickle - the Mario Brothers game music

Home - When I'm Gone by Three Doors Down

My BFF - Hottie by Toby Keith

Army of Dad - Addicted by Saving Abel

My MIL - Gator cheer (yep, Florida Gators in-laws through and through)

One of my good friends - I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry (what can I say? its funny when she calls)

Yes, I do have THREE children

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Nope, not mine. Nooooo way. This is NOT why I've been absent and not why my ass is so big. Nope, is the baby of one of AoD's old Army buddies who came to see us Sunday.

And, buddy's bride. Very sweet gal.

Don't these kids look like they love the baby? And, look, there is my third child. The teenager does exist! But, only when he wants to surface from his occasional emo-ness.

I love the baby's face - help me! You, tall one with the glasses - please rescue me from these two children!

Fun Filled Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Army of Mom) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:37:00 +0000

Maybe I'll start blogging about things again. Fill you up with my opinions on gun control, President Obama *shuddering, I feel dirty just saying the man's name, eww* or any variety of other things. In the meantime, you get the weekend of fun. Here is Little Bit at a friend's bday party.

Cheering on Saturday.

And, post-board break at the

At the Pirate Ninja Camp on Sunday. Too much fun. She even got to karate chop a board in half.

Hot Rod taking the point again.

Looking for an outlet.

And, pulling the Collin Mangrum hair toss. Yes, Collin has a Mini-Me and his name is Hot Rod.

Not a hair toss by Collin, but hair in motion. I have a few shots doing the hair toss, but I don't want to take the time to go search for it. But, you get the point.

When I see this, I really think I missed my calling in professions. Maybe I'll go back to school and become a trainer, kiniesologist, whatever it is. Looks like a good job. Except when they have to spray that squirt bottle to clean up blood on a uniform. Eww.

Yep. Muscles. Cute boy. *sigh*

I just like the look on his face here. We had a lot of fun jacking with the players at this game. I was a little more animated in my heckling than usual. Paid off, I think. Got a wink from the hecklee (is that what you'd call him?)

Now, if only I could get a wink from Collin. I'd probably turn 14 shades of red and crawl under my seat. Speaking of turning red - I can't remember the last time I've blushed. Ok, yeah I can, when I ran into Collin after he found out about the blog AND I realized he recognized me. Oh good Lord. I wanted to die right then and there. Especially with that Cheshire cat grin he gave me. *shaking my head* But, Army of Dad made me blush like a school girl on Saturday night. We took the kids to Braum's for an ice cream. I treated myself to one, too, and it started to drip on my chest. I had the cone in one hand and my money in the other. I asked Army of Dad to get the ice cream off of me (thinking he'd get a napkin) but instead he reaches over and licks it off my chest! Right there in the check-out line! In front of the clerk! I instantly felt my face flush. I never blush either. Army of Dad cracked up - and so did the clerk!!!

NBA All-Star weekend in Dallas starts tomorrow. Wish I could go. I love the skills challenges.