A mother-son trip to Rock Star Tattoo

Payton has been asking about tattoos since he was about three years old. Matt and I both have tattoos and we've already come up with our policy on tattoos for our boys.

They may have one when
1) They can present an idea and design that means something to them.
2) They want the same design for more than 1 year.
AND
3) They may NOT have any cartoon character or person's name other than a relative.

I guess we're trying to ensure mature tattoo making decisions. If that's possible. My parents outlawed all tattoos and therefore, as soon as I turned 18, I had one.

Today at school, one of Payton's classmates gave out temporary tattoos for their birthday. Payton, knowing that real tattoos hurt, has always been hesitant about even the temporary kind. When I picked him up, he gave it to me and said he didn't want it. Through a few questions I found out he thought it was "the hurting kind".

I decided the only way to solve this problem was to visit a real tattoo store. Right now. Before I forgot (I do that a lot). So, we went straight from school to Rock Star Tattoo, not far from our house. As we pulled in, he again asked if it was going to hurt. I promised I wouldn't let anyone hurt him and he FIRMLY took my hand and we entered the shop.

Thankfully, it was a very nice and clean store. There wasn't anything a five year old shouldn't see hanging on the walls and the man behind the counter seemed as "clean cut" as a tattoo artist can be. Cezar introduced himself and, inquisitively, asked if he could help us. I'm sure he was curious as to why I was bringing my five year old into the shop.

I explained our problem and he asked Payton if he'd like to see a tattoo machine. Payton said "yes" right away and Cezar laughed and took us to his tattoo room. He held the little machine in his hand and explained where the tube and needle went and how it plugged in. He showed Payton all the ink colors and then showed him a book of (thankfully, appropriate) tattoos that he had done.

When Payton was satisfied, Cezar, still laughing, asked if he'd like to see a tattoo being done. Payton, again, agreed. He kindly asked permission from the recipient in the next room and we went in to see her receiving a tattoo of a heart and star on her lower back. Payton asked a few questions about why it hurt and why she was bleeding, but didn't seem scared at all.

When Payton was again satisfied with the process, Cezar led us out of the room back to the lobby and handed Payton a business card. He said he should hold onto that until he was grownup and wanted to get a tattoo. We left the shop and Payton said he was VERY happy to know "sticker tattoos don't hurt" and he "can get a grownup tattoo when he's bigger".

Cezar was still laughing when we left the store. I'm sure our visit isn't the norm. When we got home, Payton wanted his sticker tattoo on after all.

Playing Catch-Up

This week, we've been trying to get back into the routine of the week. I keep thinking it's earlier in the week, not Thursday night already. Three-day weekends always throw me off.

Tuesday we got home, spent time with Matt and settled in. About midnight, I realized that Wednesday Payton had to be at school at 8:15am. Ugh. We don't do well with mornings. But we all managed to be up by 7:40am, dressed and at school by 8:15am. Not too shabby.

Payton's class and the other 4-year-old class sang a few songs for the school chapel that all the students attend once a week. They did a great job and Maxwell loved dancing in the back row while the kids sang.

Afterwards, we had just enough time to make it to Payton's new school for next year. The building is completely gutted and being reworked, in addition to a new gymnasium being bulit at the end. He was very excited to see it and I think it gave him a sense of where he'll be.

Then, the fun began. I've been trying to wean Maxwell from breastfeeding for about a week. We've had some issues and it was just time. He was fine with it when we were at my parents, but when we got home and settled in to our normal routine, he wanted to nurse all the time. I was already five days into the weaning, so I didn't give it, but instead called my inlaws and asked if they could take the monster for the weekend. They gladly accepted and too him today (Thursday) through Sunday. I'm hoping he'll come back a changed baby with little interest in nursing. Pray for me. LOL

Tonight, I had my Forza class. Our instructor, Cliff, came around and did some critiques on everyone through our routines. I was the only one he didn't make some suggestions to and instead told me "You're doing great. Keep it up." That'll make any girl giddy!! It's become such a great time for me and I'm disappointed that I won't be able to continue it in the summer. I hope they offer it again in the Fall so that I can pick it up again. It's such a great change of pace from my typical workout.

This weekend, since it's just Payton and Matt and me, we're going to do some garden work. Payton also really wants to do some letterboxing, so I think we'll work that in, as well as possibly plant our very first letterbox. I'm excited to spend so much time with just Payton. He has his first tball practice tomorrow (Friday) night. I'll post about how that goes tomorrow!

Weekend, Cont. (Sunday-Monday)

So...SUNDAY! We had the morning to do some finishing details on my parents yard and gardens. Man, do they look amazing. Most of the work was done by my brother, Loren, while I just manage the kids and run errands.


Sunday afternoon, my Uncle Don, who's be recently reunited with our family, came over for a BBQ. I did most of the food prep and let my brother do they grilling. Some of you know my phobia of raw meat. I overcame it. Amazingly well. I knew that I needed to get it done. I stared at the two pounds of raw beef in the containers for about 5 minutes before I decided I could do it. And I would do it. Just for my mom. I covered the counter in plastic wrap (yeah, it's that bad) and washed my hands about 20 times through the process, but I managed to measure, pattie, season and plate 12 hamburgers. Wow. I haven't done that since high school. Might not seem like much to you, but it was huge to me. I actually did a little dance after my first one I was so proud of myself.


So anyway, we ate the yummy burgers with corn, German potato salad (*drool*) and deviled eggs. Now, I'm not much of a deviled egg fan, but Payton is. I had no idea, but Maxwell is too. He got one bite from my mom and then disappeared. Three or four minutes later, I found him sitting at the food table pulling eggs off the tray and eating them. He has a new found love.

It was a really nice BBQ and my uncle stayed awhile with my parents, my oldest and youngest brother (one brother missing) and me and the boys. After my uncle left, I managed to twist my dad's arm ;) to go letterboxing with me and my boys. (You can read his blog First Sergeant listed in my sidebar on the left).

There is a really cool letterboxing series in Berea, Ohio that pertains to the "names" of the notes on the music scale. You know...do, ra, me, fa, so, la, te, do? Well, the location for the boxing happens to be the same place my oldest brother and his wife got married, called the Music Mound. It's an old outdoor ampitheater built from nature's beauty. It was really cool to be back there and Payton learned all the names. It was a great hunt and we had a really fun time.

Across the street from the Music Mound is a small waterfall that we used the play around when we were kids. Of course, rules have changed and now we're not allowed to even climb down the slope to the river, but it was cool to show Payton where I used the play in the summers when I was young. Maxwell just liked the rushing sound of the water.

Finally, I got them home and to bed and then I took my parents' dog, Quinn, for a long walk/run. She only gets walked when I'm home so she was VERY excited when I put on my tennis shoes and pulled out the leash. We were out about 45 minutes and that was all she could take. I'm sure she's still recovering, being 11 years old now, she's not used to that.

Monday, we woke up and got ready for the annual Berea Memorial Day Parade. Nothing like what I've become accustomed to up here in Michigan, but it was a nice small town parade. I did find it ironic that the only three times the crowd clapped were 1) for the American Flag 2) the group of veterans and 3) for the horse who pooped in the middle of the road. Weird. I wonder how the all equate.

Monday afternoon, we just hung out with my parents mostly. We did go play Putt-Putt/Mini Golf with my baby brother, Damon, who Payton adores. We had a good time and manage to not get rained on. Maxwell was very happy just sitting in the stroller watching us hit tiny colored balls all over the place.

When we returned from that, I gladly accepted a pair of *nice* seats at the Indians game from my parents. They are season ticket holders and couldn't go, so I told them if they wanted to stay with the boys, I'd go. Turns out, they were fine with that. The game ended disappointingly in the 11th inning with a 6-3 win for the Chicago White Sox. There were fireworks after and then I went to Perkins with my friend for a late night snack. It's nice to be an adult once in awhile and not always a mom.

Tuesday morning, we left and made another uneventful trip back to Michigan. We've returned to life as normal early this morning, but that will be in tomorrow's blog. Ugh. I think I'll catch up by the end of the week...but that's only 2 days away. I feel like today is Monday.

Thanks for reading thus far. Sorry it's so long, but I just had such a great time and wanted to share all the details and pictures with you. XO

Oh, the weekend... (Friday-Saturday)

MAN, it's been a long time since I've been here. I've missed you all. I hope you missed me too. *kisses*

We're home. Finally home. Home SWEET home! And let me tell you, it's nice to be here. Matt had done quite a bit to get the house "ready" for us when we arrived. We came home to a fairly clean and organized place. It's always easier to unpack and get settled when I don't have clean up to do around it.

Anyway, The boys and I left Friday morning instead of Friday afternoon because Payton decided he didn't want to go to school. Perfectly fine with me!! It meant that I could drive during the afternoon instead of later in the evening when everyone else was trying to travel. We had a good trip down. It really was calm and relaxed and no emergency bathroom trips on the side of the freeway! That's a good trip in my book.

Friday evening, we went to the Rib Cook Off in my hometown. Granted, not on my approved list of foods, but DANG were they good. If you ever get the chance to eat ribs from some place called Armadillo Ribs, do it!! I ate 4 bones worth and a few potato chips (the real kind) and called it quits. Good thing too...I had a weekend of non-approved foods ahead of me.

My brother, Loren, from Delaware was in town as well for the weekend, so we had a great time all together. I only get to see him about 4-5 times a year, so it was really nice. He had brought Payton's birthday present with him (so the birthday *wasn't* over last weekend afterall!). Payton opened the box to find a REALLY cool Radio Flyer Scooter. It has a wide base and two wheels on the front for better balance. We took it outside right away and he did pretty well with it. However, I think Maxwell likes it more. He screamed everytime I put it away.




















That night, after the boys were in bed, Loren and my younger brother, Damon, and I went to see the new Indiana Jones movie. It was really funny. They did a good job of keeping Indy pretty true to his age. A good flick for sure.

Saturday, we all spent time helping my parents with their backyard and gardening areas. It's our yearly tradition for Mother's Day. Since they are approaching their seventies, it's a great help to them. Wouldn't you know though, as soon as I got ready to mow the backyard, the lawnmower was out of gas! So, by the time I get back and get it all filled and ready, I only mowed 3 lines and Maxwell woke from his nap. Well, everyone else was busy and the yard needed done... Thank goodness for my Ergo backpack. I loaded Max on my back and mowed the lawn for 45 minutes. Great workout!! I might even do it again sometime.

Well, I have more stories and the best of the weekend (with pictures) is to come. So tune in Wednesday for the good/cute stuff.

And again...

I feel like we just got home from the birthday party in Ohio and now we're on our way back Friday afternoon. I feel like it hasn't stopped for weeks it seems.

Wednesday, Matt and I worked in the backyard cleaning up winter's mess from the trees. It looks great and I can't wait to have people over for outside playdates! I even climbed our huge tree and took down some dead branches. I felt like a kid again.

Thursday, I am hosting our weekly playgroup of 4 mommas and 8 kids. Luckily I had to go to the grocery store anyway, so we're having BLTs and Tortilla Soup. Hopefully it goes over well. After they leave, it's a mad dash to clean the house and pack up the boys' clothes and necessities for our holiday weekend in Ohio. At 6:30pm we have to leave the house to go to Forza class. Then home, bath, bed.

We'll leave on Friday to my parents' place. Matt has to work and is staying home. I think the boys and I, with my dad, will do some letterboxing and see the Memorial Day Parade in my home town. I'm anxious to be home for awhile. I have some old friends who will be home as well, so I hope to catch up with some of them.

We'll stay there until Tuesday and then come home and try to resume normal life for awhile. I'll try to update this blog throughout the weekend, but no guarantees. Have a GREAT holiday weekend and be sure to take time to remember those who have died to give us our freedoms.

Rockin' It!

I'm back and bad as ever, baby! I've hit my stride at the gym and today pushed myself extra hard. I'm on the cusp of a new weight goal that I'm dying to reach. I just keep reminding myself that I can do this and I will survive. And I will be FI-NE!!! when it's all said and done!

GO ME!