Again... not about the boys

If you want to know about my kids, don't read this. I just found this poem from Chad and Eric. Disgustingly sweet.


The sweet smell wafting to my nose
Is that of Staton, Leah Rose.
You smell like pie, and fresh cut grass
Your loving eyes, they kick my ass.
They twinkle like a shining star
Your elbows are like a brand new car.
They bend so well and look real neat.
Now let us go on to your feet.
Good for walking and jumping, too.
Now we'll talk of how you poo.
Sitting, pushing, grunting, groaning
Sometimes, even hear you moaning.
Okay, We're sorry, that was gross.
We'll let you pinch us in the noce.
We're your friends and love you dear.
Your 21, it's time for... fear.
A scary age, you're on your own.
Just remember, you're not alone.
You know your friends are always here
To hook you up with some... cheer.
We'll make you happy, there is no doubt.
Even when you've got the gout.
This poem is long, it's end is near.
One last word that rhymes?
BEER!

Love, Chad and Eric

School Winter Music Program

Cal had his school winter music program last night. It was a riot. The kids were running around everywhere. Sammy started singing the ABCs at the top of his lungs in the middle of another song. Cal yelled that he had to go potty at one point. It was great. My camera battery lasted for one picture, so the rest of these were taken by Jess (thank you!). Lisa has some of the program on video which you can see by clicking on the "McCowen Family" to the left (thank you!).

Richard, how do I link? I wanted to write, "... which you can see here" and the have the word "here" in a different color.

I've Still Got It

Sarah and I had a little too much fun today. It started off with music and instruments for the boys, but... well, I'm not sure what happened.

In Jump-o-lene

Cal in Heels

This doesn't fly when Eric's home.

Harry Potter

Cal got some Harry Potter glasses for Christmas. I have been saying the name with an accent and since Cal has never seen or heard of HP before, he actually says his name "Hurry Porta."

Friends

Lisa with her crew and Jess with her crew came over to play today. It's amazing how many kids we have altogether. I couldn't get a good picture.

Foam

Grandma Barb and Grandpa Steve put all this foam in the boys' stockings. It's been
a huge help to get Cal in the tub.

Jump-o-lene

We finally got the jump-o-lene moved to the basement. It's a huge hit with all our young friends. Thanks, Grandma Hazel and Grandpa Bob!



I asked Cal, "Can you make a face for the camera?" And, no kidding, this is what he did.

Afros

In a matter of seconds...

I wouldn't let him have the camera.

Ear

I took Cal to urgent care yesterday and he has his very first ear infection. After 3 years and 4 months. Isn't that unheard of (until now)?

He's doing great, though.

Elmo

Cal and I went to Cal's first musical last night: "When Elmo Grows Up" It was crazy, but fun. Cal got pink cotton candy (pink is close to red) and I got licorice, although Cal liked my candy better and had four pieces (and then I cut him off). He was totally antsy, crawling all over the stadium seats that "closed by themselves!" After the show, we were driving out of the parking garage and I said, "Cal, what do you say to me for taking you to that awesome Elmo show?"
Cal said, "It was pretty good, but I'm a little bored. I need to watch some TV."

Finally some Xmas photos

After the pictures I added some commentary. The pictures are in threes. I can't get it to look right. I realize this is confusing, so don't read it if you can't handle it.

This is how the evening started out. Both kids were dressed and happy.



3 (meaning third picture in this series). Becky and Cheryl got me this crazy hat.

1. Becky wearing her matching crazy hat and Harry Potter glasses.

2. Richard and Kari (looking thrilled with all her gifts)

1. Becky and Cheryl
2. Cal wearing the pirate set that the girls got him. I put this picture in because I like how Becky looks in the background. So stylish.
3. Isaac is now shirtless. Every time he got mad, I would strip him.

1. Ike and Uncle Scott
3. Brother Jason (and Aunt Stef)

1. Cal was like this after about 3 presents. He couldn't take it.
3. Cheryl got two awesome vests.

1. We all pitched in and got my mom and Tom an ipod and a ... um, what's that called again?
2. I'm not sure why Isaac's lips look so swollen. Ha.
3. Our last attempt to make Isaac happy. Naked and eating.


Next year, I propose that we let the kids open their presents and then after they go to bed, we get to have some fun.

PS. Barb, I still need some pictures from you!

Another Letter I Found [written in 1993]

Dear Family,

I'm writing this letter to let you know I no longer have an address you can write to. Actually, I no longer have a home. Rebecca, Johanna and I went to Kentucky last weekend to the horseraces. I was too scared to tell you on the phone but I lost all of my money. It was before I paid for school, so yesterday was my last day. Today I'm beginning my long journey home. I sold my car to win back my money but I lost all that too. I tried to get a job but even Plantum Gold wouldn't hire me. When I had to dance and strip, they saw my scar so they wouldn't hire me. I'll be hitch hiking home so I hope I'll make it.

I might as well tell you now- I got arrested last week. I was working for a guy they call Black Dice. The cops arrested me on the corner of Broadway and 7th St. After they brought me to the station for prostitution, they found marijuana I was trying to sell. That was when Rebecca and Johanna sold my computer for bail.

I don't know how I'm going to support my baby. Jermain left me after I lost all my money. Dad, you were right. I should never have told anybody about the money.

I love you all dearly and hope to see you soon.

Your daughter (if you'll still let me be),

Rebecca

Blessings in 2007

The moms at my church have been encouraged to look back on 2007 and remember how God has challenged or blessed us. Here's my short (because I'm not a naturally reflective person) list:

* God has given us community at Hiawatha Church and I can't really express how amazing this is to me.
* God has challenged me to let the little things go (particularly with Eric).
* God gave my extended family an amazing vacation without any arguments.
* God has answered much prayer with my brother- who is excited about being sober, loving life with the Lord and is looking forward to what He has in store for his life.
* Although this happened yesterday and not in 2007, God encouraged me while I was going through my memory bin and finding all sorts of cool things that reminded me of his faithfulness and goodness.
* Every day, I thank God for blessing me with two amazing, healthy boys and a wonderful, encouraging and sexy sexy husband who has nearly completed our basement.

Welcome Dietrich (late)

Dietrich Johannsen was born December 19th (right, Sarah?) and I never welcomed him into the world. We are happy that she, Brad, Atticus and now Dietrich are a part of our lives.

Memories

This has nothing to do with my boys, but I went through my memory bin yesterday and found this poem written by Tanya Hutton (now Blumenfield) in 1995. I can only hope that my poems back to her were half as awesome.

The tears you shed bring life up on the prolipitory glands in your eyes.
You're an inspiration to birds with your graceful dances (especially when you get an A on an Algebra Test!)
Please, shout forth your great wisdom
And make use of the vocal box in your larynx!
Sing about the beauty of your earlobe
Let not the trouble of the Algebra section 9.2 dismay you.
Stand up and rise, for you are tall (I can't see over your head, please move).
And let these closing words remain forever engraved in your mind-
"Call me tonight."

Your friend 4 -->,
T for Tanya

Little Helper

I have to work double-time when I empty the dishwasher because this is what Isaac does. He went to the mug cabinet (I know! It's weird to have it on the bottom, but we don't have good cupboard space) and started putting the mugs one-by-one in the dishwasher.

Saturday

Calvin is always telling me (and others) his birthday is on Saturday. I correct him- it's in September. Last night, I told him, "Guess what you're doing tomorrow? It's Saturday-" Cal's eyes lit up and he squealed "Saturday?! My birthday is on Saturday!" I felt so bad for him when I reminded him of the truth. Only 8 more months...

Weirdest Thing Ever

I was helping Calvin do headstands on the couch. He was loving it and yelled, "I'm like a racecar that has run out of gas and went home!" I asked, "Why is the racecar upside down?" He responded, "It wasn't. My head is the tire."

What a weirdo.

I don't have any xmas pictures. My camera wasn't charged and so I'm waiting anxiously for my family to send me some pictures.

Isaac is running around and doesn't look like such a meatwad anymore. He's very persistent, hits me when he's mad, and is starting to scream/cry/yell when he doesn't get his way. He's much different than Cal already.