English Emma Blooms

One of the most essential parts of the mom adventure is making mom friends wherever you go...My mom friend and I came up with the great idea that we would take turns taking care of each other’s kids once a week after school. Today (Tuesday) was the first day enacting our plan, and it was my turn to take Mira home with us. While Joel was at school, I opened all the windows, vacuumed, dusted, and arranged the toys in attractive configurations. I planned our lunch, preheated the oven, and prepared the craft. At 11:15, I headed out on my bike to pick up the kids. As I pedaled, I listened to the kids talk excitedly in the bike trailer. We got to our front door and they waited impatiently while I looked for my keys and… looked for my keys… and looked for my keys… No keys. No cell phone. No keys…. Suddenly I remembered the windows! Standing on an upended garbage can, I hoisted myself up to Joel's bedroom window where I remembered the fly screen was loose. I jacked it out,...

typing is painful, so I hope you appreciate my dedication. I unsuccessfully cut off my finger. drama san diego update later.

A week in the life of Joel. Joel has a new hectic schedule. The week started out well, but he ran out of energy at the end of the week and revolted. For posterity I recorded it: Sunday was the big soccer game. No one is sure which team won. Joel was the smallest kid. He played with a smile the whole time so we feel sure that he liked it. Of course, Joel was very happy that his heart-throb, five year old Molly, is on the team, Gymnastics on Monday morning. His teacher commented on his improvement. When I told Joel his teacher's compliment, he said " because I didn't kiss any girls or blow in their hair?" Tuesday back to school (on the bike - thus my rolled up pants) and then to Yats for chili cheese etoufee (Joel's favorite) for lunch. Tuesday night soccer practice went a bit awry when Joel decided the cones were fun to play with and convinced the other kids to join him. I saw the words on my own report card blazing in my mind "Emma is immature and leads ...

The yummie mummies stayed up way past their bedtime and went to see mammamia. Mamma mia was unselfconsciously bad enough to be good. Good for ladies. If you want to punish your man, tie him the the sofa, force feed him chocolate covered coffee beans, and then make him watch mammamia at full volume. Earlier that day I went roller skating with Jamia, Joel, and Jermini. What was I thinking! I am aching today. In the morning I went to book club while Aaron and Joel went to the zoo. After midnight I crawled into bed next to my wonderful snoring husband and gave him a big kick to let him know I was home.

Last year I got Joel a bunch of school clothes that would make him look respectable and all he wanted to wear was the tie-dyed Bob Marley shirt I had made for him. This year I did not waste any money and made his wardrobe myself! I have never had such a grateful recipient of my tie-dye efforts! Nothing, not even sober looking duds, can distract from the fact that Joel is a naughty monkey.

spent with me... ha ha! I think I have spent every one of Jamia's birthdays with her since 2002 when I was sick and came to the free dinner but not the comedy club. Maybe one day I'll make a cheesy scrap book for her! Anyway... this year Jamia was 29! Next year is the big 3-0. I had the very tasty "roadkill" for dinner. how could I resist. Here is Jamia's happy crew: joel's picture he made just for Jamia These pictures commemorate the year David gave Jamia a card and a gift! Happy Birthday Jamia (again and again and many more)

I realize from looking at my blog that Joel and I make the same facial expressions! Did I teach them to him or is it just genetic? VERY SCARY either way. I will have to watch myself.

At the moment I can only do one thing at a time. Tomorrow is the first day of MOPS for the 2008-2009 year. I have been working on our newsletter and making 45 copies of that and the handbook. Phew! That is over. Now I am turning my attention to our trip to San Diego. Starting Sunday Joel's fall schedule goes into full swing. Soccer games on Sunday afternoons, gymnastics monday mornings, preschool tuesday and thursday mornings, soccer tuesday nights, soccer wednesday mornings, and MOPS on every other friday! It is very manageable.I prefer being busy. One person's stress is another person's stimulation. In this case it is my stress and Joel's stimulation. Just kidding! That is not what I meant at all. What did I mean, though? Aaron has his schedule too, which we are all adjusting to. As the wife and mother I get blown about by the wind of Joel and Aaron. Not that kind of wind! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIA!

Labor day was our last day swimming. Here we are dealing with the sad news that the pool was closing Aaron looking dapper me getting ready to break the news to Joel I love it here! is the pool really closing? yes, but we'll go get some ice cream here, have some cheesecake ice cream! okay. the dialogue was not scintillating but it was a hard time for everyone