I don't really have any news

I wish I could write something witty and interesting today. But, I've had a very "mom" week. Helping kids with homework and keeping up the house (ha, ha - maybe I let it slide a bit this week) is important work - so I hear. But, it doesn't make for interesting blogging. So, I'm going to fudge a bit on the truth.
Today my husband came home from work early and brought a babysitter. He then gave me a single red rose attached to a big box tied in a red ribbon. When I opened the box I saw a ball gown (size 0 of course) that was custom made for my rock hard, yet feminine body. We then jetted off to Rome in the school district's private jet for some delicious Italian food. After dancing all night he brought me home where I slept 12 hours without any children coming in my room. When I woke up I felt so refreshed that I decided I could do another day of motherhood. Yeah, that sounds about right.

The Weekend

I'm about to go get some hot chocolate on this chilly, wet night. For the first official day of autumn, Utah really did it right. It seems cozy and safe in my home right now as I listen to the wind howl outside. We're not talking freezing - but I justify hot chocolate for even a bit nippy.

Today was the primary program. Oh, my. What cute kids I have. No really - some of the cutest. When Scotty's class went up to sing "I am Like A Star Shining Brightly" I had to fight the tears. Such a cute kid - until the teacher had to stop him from picking on the little girl next to him. Seriously, pulling her hair and tugging at the tulle on her fancy little dress. And Garrett sung his little heart out like he was all alone and not surrounded by 175 little kids around him. Of course I could barely see Ben's mouth move during the songs because he's way too cool to sing Primary songs now. But, even that made me smile.

Tonight we did a stellar job of keeping the Sabbath Day holy by watching the Dallas Cowboys game. I know, I know. How can someone who is so amazing at following every single rule justify football on Sunday? I guess it must be his Achilles' heel. I'm okay with it because I'm kind of tired of being the one who screws up all the time.:) Anyway, Cowboys won. That, on top of BYU's win over Air Force has made this house of boys a happy house. Make that a happy, cozy house.

The #@*% Dog!

I love my dog. I really do. She cuddles up with me when I watch t.v. She gets so excited that her whole body goes into wiggly convulsions when I come home. Even better, she was house trained fairly quickly (with some accidents every now and then). But, today, I'm ready to sell her for cheap. In one morning, that dog made me fall TWICE! The first one was no big deal - she was hanging off my pajama pants and I tripped and fell. The second time Jake had let her out and I had chased her all around the dang neighborhood. At one point I slipped on some wet grass and seriously went airborn for a second and fell flat on my back. She must have sensed some trouble because she came right to me. But now I am sore and bitter. She better do some good cuddling today or she's looking a grumpy owner.

Funny kid related story - The first time she made me fall Scotty was there and said - "See, that's why we should have got a cat." (Poor grammar just to keep the story true )

The second time I was telling Jake that he couldn't open the door to let her out. He said - "Oh don it --- Gwacie"

My baby sister - who knew?

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Thanks to Jennifer T. for the fun idea. Susie - you've gotta show me some of those moves.

Insomnia

I've always been somewhat of an insomniac. I can remember being a little girl staring at the clock and watching it turn to 2 and 3 in the morning. So, I shouldn't be surprised when I can't sleep. But, what is surprising is the fact that my insomnia has changed. Instead of not going to sleep at night, I've been waking up early in the morning. Well, actually, it's both. I can't go to sleep AND I wake up early. So, Saturday I woke up at 4:20 and today I woke up at 5:45. And when I say I can't sleep, it means I can't even lie in bed. Both mornings I've gotten up and worked out. I even cleaned the whole basement on Saturday. While it feels great at the time to be up and moving, by mid morning I'm ready for a nap. Poor me. Any advice?

BYU lost again on Saturday. Not a good weekend in the Tillman house - until Dallas won. Then the gloom turned to smiles. We've ordered the boys' halloween costumes. They are all going to be Dallas Cowboy football players. They are really excited. Tom's going to be a ref and I'm going to be a cheerleader. That part is a blatant lie. Can you imagine a 31 year old mother of 4 in one of those skimpy costumes? Should not be done.

A Good Argument for Child Supervision

I should know better. After spending the day yesterday chasing Jake around and cleaning one mess after another, I should understand that he is NOT to be left alone. But, my daily (kinda) workout was calling my name, so I thought I'd let the tv be his babysitter. That was a mistake. Somewhere between my my ab workout and my behind workout (gotta round that thing out), Jake decided he was hungry. Why don't I learn? Note the very happy and satisfied puppy under the table. That's why you get a dog.

The Short Road to Obesity

Chocolate covered cinnamon bears. . . yum.

DON'T Get Me Started!

Oh, man - I'm furious. Ever so furious. I have so many issues running through my mind, that I don't even know where to start.

#1 - Media's slant is not always the accurate one. I have been burned before and I am now wiser than I was. I've learned that any study can be skewed to go pro or against any issue. I've learned that they think we are dumbed up enough to take their words as solid truth. I trust nobody who gets paid to put makeup on and stand in front of the camera and tell a story according to the angle he/she has chosen to look.

#2 - I think Tim Hartford is a moron. I just read an article entitled "Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails - There's finally proof that boys DO ruin school for girls". Here's a snippet from his article.
Boys pollute the educational system, it seems, for a number of unmysterious reasons: They wear down teachers, disrupt classes, and ruin the atmosphere for everyone. And more boys are worse than fewer boys, not because they egg each other on but simply because more of them can cause more trouble in total.

I like girls. I AM a girl. I think that females have historically been oppressed. But, that doesn't mean that I think that females have to rise in ranks at the expense of males. In my fantasy world, people will be looked at as individuals, not genders - and rise according to merit and competency.
As a mother all boys I have a different perspective on this whole gender issues thing. I see a backlash coming from female oppression. Instead of improving the problem by looking at individuals instead of genders, I see males becoming oppressed - which doesn't solve the problem, just changes it.
Looking back at my education, the boys were the ones who got in trouble more often. But not ALL of the boys - just a couple a year. So, take it out on the boys who need to be parented better - or medicated. Don't lump all of them in one disruptive group.
And - why is it that they can be more disruptive? Instead of focussing on the fact that boys are generally more boisterous and demanding - think about why they are. Teachers think of it as being disrespectful, disruptive, etc. I think of it as character traits that can either be molded negatively or positively. As a mother, I'm going to teach my Garrett that his boldness needs to be used appropriately - or that Ben's sense of humor can be used respectfully. But, please don't tell me that my boys, who have stayed at the very top of their classes throughout their schooling, are a drain on girls. And parents of those cute little girls whom I love and respect - please don't blame schooling issues on my boys. Look at your child's characteristics and help her use them to her benefit - that's the best way she'll thrive in her education.
And, by the way - if girls are going to be running the world - Great. I think we have a lot to offer and a different perspective. But I also think that our combined perspectives would be more beneficial than anything.

Gotta love Jake

Conversation while I'm taking a shower this morning.
Jake - MOM!
me- Yes, Jake.
Jake - Done?
Me - Not yet, almost.
Jake - Almost?
Me - Yes, Jake, almost.
Jake - Oh, no. Darn it, darn it, darn it.

Then, when I am done, he's ready with my deodorant and lotion. He knows my routine and knows exactly which lotion I like after my showers. This is a very exciting conversation because, for those of you who know Jake, he's been a very slow talker. He has gotten by by yelling and screaming so that I just give in instead of dealing with his tantrums. I know, good mother. But, when you have three other noise makers in the house, too - you have to slide somewhere.

So sad

Today is the first day of preschool for my little Scotty. He's been waiting ever so impatiently ever since his brothers started school a few weeks ago. So, he got up and got ready as early as possible and looked so cute. He even got his backpack on and watched tv. Jake wanted to join in the fun, so I got him in his new shoes and gave him a backpack, too. They were really cute together, watching tv on the same chair with matching backpacks. Anyway, preschool time finally came. We took pictures and off we went. I took Scotty to the door and he went in with all the confidence in the world. I was so proud. Then, Jake went in with all the confidence in the world. Poor kid - he thought he was going to be a big boy and go to preschool, too. I took him home kicking and screaming where he stayed in the front yard for twenty minutes crying. He's better now because he has a friend to play with. But, it stinks being the littlest. I wouldn't know because I was one of the oldest. But, poor kid. He just wants to go to school like his older brothers. I don't know what was up with my camera and why we had such dark pictures. I'll have to do some fiddling to see what the settings were.

Swing Kids

Tom was talking about the next Batman film coming out next year and was wondering about Christian Bale. Now, lucky him - he just happened to find a Christian Bale fan (fan meaning I heart Christian). I really haven't seen very many of his films - everything seems to be rated R. But, the ones I do see, well - let's just say I like to watch him. I mentioned Swing Kids from my high school days. He had never seen it because he thought it was a silly swing dancing movie. So, I rented it to prove him wrong. Of course, he liked it. It's a great show - with just enough dancing to make it fun but more personal/social conflict to make it interesting. So, I was thinking that I don't spend nearly enough time in the center aisles at Hollywood Video. I usually peruse the wall "new release" movies and then go home if nothing catches my fancy. Last week we rented "To Catch a Thief" with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. That one was predictable and silly - but she was gorgeous. Anyway, I'm trying to remember any '90s films that I need to revisit. So, if you have any ideas, let me know. Remember my PG-13 and below rule. And, while you're at it, go rent Swing Kids - it's a good one.