{120 Minutes}

With the summer comes heat, and if you live in Arizona, that means lots of heat. "It's a dry heat" is something I have heard a million times and probably said it a few times too but let's be honest here --- that saying is TOTALLY over-rated. When you are talking about a 114 degree day, it is hot no matter what the humidity is. So what do the little Valles' do when it is this hot out? Sometimes that takes some creative thinking. This year I introduced the boys to "Summer Fun Mommy", yeah that is me. That is when I get to take them places and do activities with them that I wouldn't normally get to during the school year. As quick as she comes, she can go away too. If children of Summer Fun Mommy do not listen and follow directions, she is gone. If they are sassy, or give her guff, say adios. Basically I told them that it is in both of our best interests that she stick around for awhile. So far so good.

In an attempt to keep the kids active and limit the hours of screen time (television, computer and video games combined), I thought it would be a good idea to sign the boys up for summer school! The fact that I get 2 hours of quiet time is just a bonus! I do try not to squeel my tires as I leave the parking lot though! And 2 hours is really not that much time if you think about it. Refocus... Diego is taking Things That Fly, a class devoted to exploration of planes, kites and rockets. As a bonus, he learned to juggle in class too. His other class is Writing Mastery (no he didn't pick this one, I did). He has written an autobiography, a fan letter to Kurt Warner and a paper about his family. My favorite is his closing sentence on the one about his brother, "Sometimes we just want to choke each other out, but Aidan is my brother and we do really love each other." The honesty of a 9 year old! Aidan is taking two classes as well. He is taking Fundations, a phonics and spelling program. He was very excited because it was going to be like kindergarten! Selling him on this class was not that hard, however, sometimes he "gets tired of talking about letters". His second class is Creative Cooking and boy does he love this class. He has made ice cream volcanos, cowboy cookies, trail mix and other fun things. What I love about this class is that the lesson begins with a book and then they work on a math, reading, or language skill and then cook. He is learning about measurement and all kinds of fun stuff! He wants to cook dinners at home and will put on his apron and take out his cutting board. His enthusiasm is awesome.

So for 16 days the boys are in summer school for 120 minutes that is 1,920 minutes in all. Doesn't sound like much, but this busy mom will take what she can get!

{Let's Play Ball}

This morning was officially the kickoff to baseball season. Let the games begin. Yes, one mom and one dad with TWO boys in baseball. That is two boys each with practices two times a week (at two different fields) and each with two games a week (at two different fields). I know that this has been done many times in the past and for many it may not seem like a big deal. The big deal for me is that there are times when I will not be able to see one play because I am watching the other play at another field. What if it is his first home run and I am not there to cheer him on? What if he gets hurt and I am not there? What if he makes an amazing catch and I miss it? I know this is bound to happen and I must just learn to deal with it. There will be things in their life that I will miss. Maybe it is time that we all (or maybe just me) realize this.

After the opening ceremonies, Aidan had his first game. Yup, the Giants were taking on the Diamondbacks. A tough battle on the field, good thing it was tee-ball. My Aidan, number 7 in his ill fitting pants and baggie shirt, walks up to the plate and takes a swing at the tee. The first one, was called a foul. The second one, however, after Aidan quietly says "haaaii-yaaahh" he knocks the ball out past the pitcher and runs to first base. Good thing there is a coach there telling him which way to run! There I am, cheering on my little slugger and thanking God that neither Sam or I had to miss Aidan's first game ever.

After the hit, well things got a bit boring for the rookie. I think I counted 7 yawns, 3 glove removals and twice fiddling with the hat. Once he even left the field to tell me that he was sweaty and wondered if I could do something about it. Umm, this is Arizona and it is March. I couldn't tell him that this was probably the coolest weather he would play in. Instead I gave him a piece of gum. Nice one mom, something else to distract him. After two innings, the game was over and Aidan excitedly asked me if he won. I told him that I thought they were both winners. His reply? Yeah mom, but we are the better winners. I am going to love baseball season.

So the other day I was asked, "So why do you want to create a blog anyway?" As I was thinking about this I began to wonder, why do I? Do I want to create more work for myself? Do I want to feel a slave to the computer and be sure to post regularly? Why do I want to do this? Will it cause stress? Things have been fine so far without a blog. Yet here I am, writing my very first post. I am not sure what I expect to get from this or who I expect to read this, if anyone but I am committed.