You're Ruining my Life!

Those are the words Little C uttered to me on the way to school today.The good news is, now we know I'm officially succeeding as a mother! There is almost no greater joy. I'm so relieved! Like, for real.
Here's the tragic tale of his teenage life:
(back story - whenever it's time to pray in this household, which is often, I like to flow a little M.C. Hammer, "We got to pray just to make it today" except those are the only lyrics of the song I know... but I was eight when it was released so I feel validated... anyway....) This morning I drove Little C to school, and asked him if he'd said his prayer for the day, he answered no. So, you've guessed it, M.C. Hammer rap came out.  Well, he was bugged, didn't want to pray, but finally rolled his eyes and obliged, saying a quick prayer in his head. Meanwhile I pulled up M.C. Hammer's "Pray" song on YouTube, plugged our vintage cassette adapter (you better believe it!) into my phone and let the music fly. All while doing a pretty incredible mom hip hop dance. We worked together, each taking a turn turning up and down the volume. Until he proclaimed, "You're ruining my life!" To which I responded while pulling up to the front of the school (with a little help from M.C. Hammer's "Can't Touch This") -
"Yo sound the bells
school is in sucker
You can't touch this"
And I thought it was super funny and creative but now I'm having regrets. What if his life is over? What if he has zero successes and I'm the one to blame? All because of my love for the finer things of the nineties.

But, rest assured, he'll be fine. And how do I know? Because he kept trying to hide his embarrassed smile during my masterful performance and still told me he loved me twice before getting out of the car. Man, he's a keeper and I love him mucho gusto! You're cool bud!

I Went on a Date.

With this kid.

What a guy. 

I'm going to keep him forever!

Ruckus chose to go shopping and then see the movie, Max Steel. He is lovin' the emoji lately so that was the surprise he picked out before we caught our flick.

Posing with his angry emoji. 

We're ready for the movie!

He wanted a picture with the scary scenery behind us.

What a fun night of chatting with my handsome seven year old! Also, who knew I'd be a Max Steel fan? Two thumbs up. The best part of the movie though was when Ruckus asked if he could sit on my lap. This lap of mine is a hot commodity, and when you're #3 of six children, lap time availability is hard to find. :( I was so happy I could cuddle him on my lap for two hours without interruptions. I love this boy. I love that he is mine! Thanks for the date kiddo!

We'll end with a few pictures Ruckus has edited. This is his jam.

Baby Hulk

Ruckus at the corn maze, laying in corn seed.

Cool Ruckus:

 Scary Moo -

Summer Passport #8 - Fishing

Well, some of us fished. Some of us were tired and decided to snack on the dock instead. I love this cute girl.

Shannon and I asked our dad if he was up for a day of fishing with the grand kids and he kindly obliged. Considering he's the expert fisher man, this was a huge task, but he did great! Thanks Papa!

And Little C found his calling in life. He caught fish,

 After fish,

After fish,

 After fish.

The rest of us had to bide our time.

Ruckus

Papa, Dre, and Lou.

 

Dre eyeballing his fish, not sure if he wants to pick it up.

Ruckus caught one!

Teach 'em young.

Moo and Papa, investigating the waters.

 She looks like a fisherman, but I know a secret.

 She is not a fan of worming her hook.

Don't worry, I've got your back Sista!

 Looky, looky!

Little Moo was the only one who didn't catch a fish. :( But, just you wait until the next fishing post. Progress is made. Lou was the first to reel one in, but why wasn't this picture crazed mom on the ball? 
The good news is, I think we're a family of fisherman. 
This may be our niche, or it may be the phenomenal $2 kids fishing poles I scored on Craigslist. But, it's probably us.

Summer Passport #7 - Swim, Swim, Swim!!!

Having a neighborhood pool is the good life!! Oh, how we cherished this sweet luxury last summer.

There are also some photos of swim lessons. 

P.S. I know the best business to take swim lessons from. It's true. Let me know if you want me to name drop. Those cool toys my kids are playing on at the end of the post - those are at swim lessons. They have a place for your children to play who aren't enrolled, plus they have an ice cream shack, and bunnies. Bunnies! Need I say more.

Sweetrotten. 

Little C and The Baby.

Ruckus.

Lou

Moo

Little C - taking a selfie.

Lou at swim lessons.

Ruckus and Little C.

Moo and Sweetrotten.

 

We Can Handle It!

70 degree weather in November?! Bring it on! 

(But can it snow in the mountains please? They're calling my name.)

Ruckus pushing Sweetrotten. What a good brother!