Look at that great penmanship and precision of the letters...

I love public school!

I can't believe I have a 6 year old now. I was just reading over the entry from Mo's birthday last year. It truly does go by quickly.

Our lives have undergone major transformations since last year and I'm amazed and inspired by Mo's ability to adapt to a new environment as well as lifestyle changes.

Mo reminds me so much of myself. I see so much of me in him. Sure, he's good looking, funny, and smart. Those are the obvious similarities:-)

But he's very compassionate, a perfectionist, and a competitor til the end. He thrives on making others happy even if it means he has to sacrifice. And he's a little stubborn and hot tempered too :)

As a parent, it makes me proud to watch my son grow into such a loving and kind young man. Sure he curses on occasion, farts, and karate chops my neck, but what else could a mom ask for?

Happy Birthday Mo!

So, having 2 boys, I run into all kind of situations that are foreign to me. Obviously, because I'm not a boy.

Most recently, tennis shoes.

Here are Morris's tennis shoes after 2 months of wear:

Here are my tennis shoes, same name brand and style, however I have had mine for 7 YEARS:

Having boys is just gonna take some time getting use to.

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” Washington Irving

“A mother understands what a child does not say.”

It seems that 5 year olds are obsessed with Star Wars. We went to a Star Wars theme birthday party. Upon arrival, the kids were given a choice of Star Wars character masks. I knew Mo would pick Yoda, he did. So, you can imagine my surprise when I turned around 5 minutes later and saw this:

WTH?!?!?!?!?!? is that my child?

Well, at least I have an idea of what my kids with Brett Favre might look like.

Here's what Mo really looks like, holding an.....umm lightsaber?

Wow, this was some party!!!!!!!

I've mentioned before how much I love the book "Eat This, Not That! For Kids!" by David Zinczenko. 

It's an easy read with great nutritional info and food alternatives. The book understands that kids are kids and want chicken nuggets, sweet cereal, and McDonald's. The best part is that it offers the best places/choices for these things and doesn't try to force feed your kid green leafy veggies.

One good tidbit is The 20 Worst Kids' Foods in America. I giggled a little when I realized 3 of the top 4 things had been consumed by me at some point. Lets see how you fare:

4. WORST DRINK:

Baskin-Robbins' Heath Shake 990 calories, 46 g fat, 113 g sugar

It has 73 ingredients and almost as many calories as 5 Heath bars. 

Honestly, I've had this probably 4 times. Heath is my favorite candy bar, and this shake is damn good! However, I'm glad the boys are content with a single scoop or sorbet.

3. WORST CHINESE ENTREE:

P.F Changs's Chicken Lo Mein 1,198 calories, 67 g fat

There is more fat in this dish than 5 chocolate Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Wow, I just had both last week! And so did the boys. Bad mom.

2. WORST APPETIZER:

T.G.I. Friday's Potato Skins (1/2 order) 1,430 calories

This contains 80% of a 9-year old's daily caloric intake.

I really thought this was a healthy choice because it's a potato, right?

1. WORST KIDS' MEAL IN AMERICA

Chili's Pepper Pals' Country Fried Chicken Crispers with ranch dressing and homestyle fries

1.110 calories, 82 g fat, 1.980 mg sodium, 56 g carbs

I think this one is self explanatory. 

I am proud to say me or the boys have never had this (probably only because we don't have Chili's here, but at least I know not to get it...or at least not to eat all the fries)

So, how did you do?

I have been really busy lately. You probably can tell since I haven't written a blog entry in a couple weeks. Don't take it personally. I really did miss you.

A video was shot at Mo's elementary school to raise awareness about the insane budget cuts in public schools in California. They used 5th grade students, the principal, and parents from our school community.

Unfortunately, I was so busy, I was unable to attend and support this great cause. I was however, thrilled that they chose Transformer actress Megan Fox to portray me. Awesome, right? (I was thinking more along the lines of Mariah Carey, Roselyn Sanchez, Brooke Burke, even Vanessa Hudgens, but hey....I'm not complaining).

Seriously, my 5 year old attends the public school this PSA was filmed at. California public schools, and schools across America are experiencing gigantic budget cuts which will greatly affect our kids and ultimately our future.

I attended public school from Kindergarten up to college. Aren't I shining example of what public education produces.

Please watch the video and sign the online petition to help support our children's education.

Mo is really into money.

He sleeps with his wallet. He hustles anyone that will listen. He works hard to earn an allowance. 

Lately he's been collecting change. I was FLOORED when I saw how much the quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies added up to.

Parents, you better start checking your sofa cushions. It all adds up!

Note the empty apple juice containers on the floor. Those are Mo's banks.

YES! $644.47! I'm taking Mo to Vegas!!!!!!

Sometimes going to extreme measures with kids is necessary. On occasion, simple answers carry very little weight. Kids need a detailed dramatic picture to get through their hard heads.

Example:

Me: Mo, please don't put those legos in your mouth.

Mo: Why?

Me: Because I asked you not to....(he takes it out but does it again 2 minutes later)

Me: Mo, please don't put those legos in your mouth.

Mo: Why?

Me: I don't want you to choke...(he takes it out but does it again 2 minutes later)

Me: Mo, please don't put those legos in your mouth.

Mo: Why?

Me: Because they can get stuck in your throat, close off your esophagus, put a strain on your bronchial tubes, then I have to call 911, find a babysitter for your brother while we rush you to the hospital, spend hours driving in circles trying to find a parking place. Then you will have to get numerous painful shots, you will probably start bleeding, blood will gush out everywhere, ruining your new favorite Star Wars shirt, get all gross in your hair, we'd have to wash your hair (and I know how much you hate that) and you could DIE!!!!!!

He spits the legos out and hasn't put one in his mouth since.

Sometimes you have to go to extreme measures. 

Since I have 2 boys, people are always asking if they have similar personalities. Yes and no.

They are both Gemini. They have a 4 year age difference, but their birthdays are 2 weeks apart.

The easiest way to put it into perspective is this:

Mo (Morris) has the same bday as Naomi Campbell.

B (Bronson) has the same bday as Angelina Jolie.

Mo: Very intense and emotional. He's meticulous and an extreme perfectionist. He is ultra competitive in everything he does and doesn't like to be 2nd best in anything. When he's happy, it's almost as if he's drunk. When he's angry, his jugular vein bulges. He needs attention, but doesn't neccesarily have to be the center of attention at gatherings. He has a quiet confidence and always surveys a situation or circumstance before taking action. Gets bored easily, especially when he's not challenged. He's very protective of people he loves and has a passion for fighting and being physical, although he is rarely the aggressor. Loves the ladies, girls, females, etc...

B: Very carefree and laid back. He adapts well to change and goes along for the ride easily. He loves to laugh and play, often times just by himself. He is extremely independent and does the best when he's just left alone to do his own thing. His favorite activity is eating. He always has food in his hand or mouth. He loves to laugh and thinks everything is funny. He will sit down quietly and read books or do puzzles. He has a pretty good attention span and doesn't get bored with repetivie tasks. Very sweet, fun loving, and happy among loved ones, but cautious and quiet around unfamiliar faces.

We'll see what happens over the next few years. Otherwise, I'm content with my little Naomi and little Angelina. :-)