Brody has a mole on his head and was at the dermatologists today.  The doctor said it wasn’t cancerous, but was growing too fast and needed to be removed. 

I hadn’t seen it in a while (it’s under his hair) and called Brody over to look at it as Dayna debriefed me.

As he neared, Dayna ‘sensed’ something in the air and asked ‘Brody! Did you ‘toot’.’

Yes, we say ‘toot’ rather than the many other, more colorful adjectives.  I think as a kid in our house we said ‘tooter’ and I remember think most of my life, why passing gas was associated with the English royal family (tudor).

Anywho…..

Brody, as straight-faced as can be, says ‘No.  It was my tooting-mole’.

You had to be there, but trust me, it was funny!

Brody and Dayna hung out today.  In two different stores, music was playing and in both instances Brody immediately recognized the artists, as they Beatles (different songs too).  Obviously we are teaching him well.  I think it’s time he graduated to Kid Rock.  (Kidding Dayna!)

Tonight, we went out for ice cream (Brody had a painful doc appt) and on the way, Dayna put in the CD I had burned for her good bye dvd at work.  ‘In My Life’, written by the Beatles (well, actually, John and Paul) comes on (though it’s the Ozzy cover version). 

Before we realize it, we’re all singing the song.  Brody has it memorized.

I don’t know why, but it was kinda touching.

In the ‘where do they learn this category’:  DJ-ing and Dancing.

Brody has a cd player-slash-karaoke machine.  He puts the mic in tonight and says, in his best radio disc jockey impersonation….’It’s almost 9 o’clock!  Time to PaRRRR-Taaaa!’

He then puts on his Kidz Bop CD and starts singing along with the music.  Occasionally he’d introduce a song or accompany with his guitar. 

Maura came in for her shift while Brody took over the music.  She too did an incredible job.  We obviously listen to a lot of radio in the car.

So the listen to CD’s and sing.  Brody comes over and invites us to the ‘party’.  We go in and they are now dancing.  Mo has got this perfect little bounce down and Brody….Man, Brody!

It’s a rock song so he moshes; then a rap song comes on and he says ‘Time to Break!’ and he falls on the floor spinning.  Finally, a disco song comes on, and without hesitation he starts doing two Travolta moves; the lower-left/upper-right Saturday Night Fever point and the Bat-Watoosie from Pulp Fiction.  Maura, not to be out done, falls to the floor in a split!

We finally let them know it’s time for bed and they inform us that ‘parties’ go ALL night and that we should just go!?

Something tells me Aunt Danielle has been sending notes to the kids addresses and not telling us! J

Growing up, my brother had fabric issues.  I remember him always finding every shirt ‘itchy’; the slightest tag a major nuisance; and he HAD to have short sleeve ONLY!

Maura is turning out to be the same.  In the last weeks and days, she has confirmed the following preferences:

No buttons in front

No pants

No skirts with tops

No clothing that wouldn’t look at home on top of a wedding cake

No tank tops but YES to sleeveless (I guess there is a distinction)

She always looks great, and does an excellent job picking a matching head band, but I think it’ll be tough meeting her criteria come winter.

This ties to a lot of postings, but an anecdote about our recent trip to a Tiger’s game came up in conversation.

As we entered the city, I saw an opportunity to discuss poverty, reinforce how fortunate we are, and talk about how ‘the man’ keeps us all down.  I also talked a little bit about crime and that how when you are in a situation where you can’t have all the great stuff others have (like us) that they only way to get it is to take it.  Trying to convey my ‘desire is the source of all unhappiness’, be content with what you have, philosophy.

Without missing a beat Brody says, ‘So that is what the King, Baby song is about.’

Took me a second, but he was correct!  He loves Elvis and his #1 cd.  Brody was referring to ‘In the ghetto’.

Brody and I were recently hanging out together and as we were driving from one destination to another, he asked for music and his game boy.

On some topics, we’re pretty honest with the kids, so I took time for a ‘Special Episode’ moment.

I told Brody about ‘Cats in the Cradle.’  It’s one of my favorite old songs (though I will admit my favorite version was done by a band called ‘Ugly Kid Joe.’).  You know the song, so I won’t re-hash, but I told the story to Brod and then said, ‘Hey, we have time now, me and you.  Let’s not be said someday like those two guys in the song.’

To my utter amazement, it got through.  He agreed, cancelled his music and game boy request and we chatted endlessly.

Thanks to Dayna and the kids for a great Father’s Day.  The kids and I picked up the garage in the morning (certainly, a family tradition for all); hit Kensington and their cool new water park at noon; and then the kids and I went out to take pictures of historic Hartland for a kids photo contest.

The kids selected where to take pictures and then used the digital camera.  We then came home and photoshopped them.

Brody was fixated on this old barn across from his latch key.  We took a pic, edited it, and he has (all by himself) titled it ‘Time Warp Barn’ (see below).

Mo’ took several and settled on the Library (below).  She had no catchy name unless you want to go with ‘I like that one.’

One stop was the old cemetery.  Brody, our young ‘student of reason’ continues to try and reconcile the natural world and physics with the spirit world and all that he has learned about spirits/souls/ghosts from old Tom and Jerry cartoons (you know, Tom ‘gets it’ and as his body stiffens holding a lily that appears from nowhere, a robed apparition rises from his body playing the harp and floats in a generally upward direction).  He quite seriously asks, ‘If they put your body in the ground, how does your ghosts get to heaven?’ 

I choose the easy way out this time, seeking not to confirm or deny existence of such a place or theorize on transport but rather state ‘I don’t know.’

He thinks about it for a few moments and decides that the sprits use rockets to propel them out of the body.

I’m not certain where we went wrong with the kids, but Brody and Maura seem to avoid using the rest room until the last possible second.

Brody is a riot, especially if he’s doing something he really enjoys (star wars action figures, legos (making star wars action figures), reading, game boying or simply whining).  His entire lower torso goes into some interpretive free form dance while the focus of a zen master is engaged to keep his upper torso in place for the tasks at hand. 

We’ll say ‘Brody, go to the bathroom.’  As he’s jumping up and down, tap dancing like …. Um, some famous tap dancer person…he continues to protest.

Then with great fanfare, he announces he has to use the rest room as he runs there and back before anything hits the floor.

Mo too has this same issue.  It’s surprising as she pretty much potty trained her self by two, but the behavior is showing up more and more frequently.  Her ‘tell’ is she gets this exaggerated curvature of the spine; her ass sticks out, her upper torso lowers…followed by the denial that she has to go.

We were recently out with the kids, and happened into a pet store.  Maura tends to fixate on what she can touch, so that is usually some poor cat up front; I hang out near the front as well, petting rodents and rabbits; while Dayna and Brody, the most empathetic of our clan, seek to view and visit all inmates, the lion’s share (he he) of the occupants being dogs.

As we left, Brody looked at Dayna and asked ‘When we’re tired of the cats, can we get a dog.’  (the insinuation that the cats would be dismissed form their current positions as family pets (and barfers) was evident).

Days like that, make a Dad proud!

South Lyon has constructed a second High School.  As such, ½ the teachers are going to the new one (creatively named South Lyon High School East) while the other ½ remain.  Dayna is remaining, or a ‘Lostie’ while her long-term and closest friends are moving, and now ‘Others’.

My wife is saddened that she shan’t be joining her friends on the other side of the island and in true sentimental fashion, she has created a slide presentation with pictures of teachers over the years at SLHS Classic (as I call it). 

I’ve been tasked as DJ and am downloading music for her to attach to the presentation.

While searching on sad ballads, I came across many versions of Green Day’s ‘Good Riddance’ (which is more touching than the title would imply) including one for a lullaby CD!

?

Intrigued I visited my favorite store, Amazon.com.

CHECK THIS OUT! 

I know what EVERY person who ever has a baby (for whom some reason mandates a gift) will be getting.  I’m seriously thinking about having another kid just to have a reason to buy all of these!!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1/104-7989104-4157530?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=rockabye%20baby&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Arockabye%20baby&page=1

I mentioned in a previous post that Brody was having problems relating to 50 year old music.  To help him, Dayna got some old footage of the Hollies playing Rocking Robin.

Brody enjoyed it and this morning he was happily practicing without being asked to do so.

However, as you know, the time bandit that is You Tube, is like searching a lucid dream.  You start to find one thing, say a Daily Show clip with John Stewart on a recent book and you end up watching Sailor Moon clips strung together to a Wicked show tune.

Dayna ended up at Muppet Show clips.

It was FAN TAS TIC!

The kids had never seen them and loved them.  Dayna and I grew up watching them and kept saying, ‘Hey, look up that one with (dead celebrity here) and Sweetums!’ 

We do this for far too long when we end up at Schools Out for Summer by Alice Cooper; well timed given the time of year.  (see last one below)

It’s really pretty tame but the kids love it.  Maura especially watches it and says…

“School is dumb.  Can we watch it again?”

No young lady!  Now go study!

Bibliography:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2JCej7WudM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgT_UF3njHA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAHYgEXEQn8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvF4Dq4xhKU

Neighbor was kind enough to give Brody and I tickets to a Detroit Tiger game.  They were great seats and very much appreciated (pink baseball for his daughter was purchased).  I was especially excited as this was Brody’s first Tiger game. 

He was very geeked, and ensured (which is a passive way of saying ‘he hounded my ass and wouldn’t stop nagging!’) that his Tiger t-shirt was clean, his hat available and his glove in the car.

Lots of little stories (I shall only share one momentarily), suffice it to say we had a great time, paid too much for parking, souvenirs, and food…but had a blast.

I think I lived in Detroit for a couple months when born (but not 100%); however, Brody knew Mom and Dad lived there for a while and thus assumes I do as well.  So, whenever a homeless dude would come up, strike up the banter they do before hitting you up, Brody would ask if I knew him. J

Dad and I had a bike trip planned today.  Dad has been just about everywhere in Michigan, yet he had not been to Britton.

So Britton, Michigan it was.

Dad spent a lot of time finding a great route there and back.  One that would have curves, avoid traffic and provide nice scenery.

Off to a good start, we hit roads I pass daily but have never explored, and they are pretty impressive.  I’m also surprised at just how big the GM Proving Grounds are.

As we’re riding, my Dad and I both hear an odd sound.  I can tell it’s coming from me and pull over.  We look at the bike, comment on the odd sound…moments pass…finally Dad notices that the MUFFLER FELL OFF!

Dad takes off to look for it and bursts down the street.  I turn around and there it is in the scruff. 

Upon his return Dad is able to be el numero uno roadside mechanic and gets it back on using weeds, preparation h, a dead squirrel (of which there are many this time of year) and chewing gum! 

(Actually, a couple twist ties and we’re good)  Phew!  That only ate up 10 minutes of our ride….SWEET!

We go another couple miles and I’m taking a right turn like the seasoned pro that I am and the bike goes weird.  I can tell it’s losing power, but simultaneously, the motor is revving like someone put a tool box on a gas pedal.

Pull over………..:(

Alas a throttle cable broke on one side and the return spring snapped on the other.  So the bike is slow but is revving at 7,000 rpm (nice, would be about 2,000). 

Well, that’s two strikes, we’re not pushing it and head home.  I have to ride the bike with my left hand on the clutch and my right hand down in the motor moving the second throttle (it was actually kinda cool!)

I get the great idea to go to the Honda dealer for a repair.  They say they only work on bikes up to ten years old.  Occasionally, they make an exception up to twenty.  I did everything in my power to persuade the service manager to attempt a repair.  I was charming, gracious, but alas he declined (effen wussy!)

We headed home and then to a local diner to drown our sorrows in over easy eggs.  Dad noted his shirt; it was from a bike show of British motorcycles.  It aptly said ‘Battle of the Brits!’

The Britton’s battled to get to Britton but lost.

However, I like anticipation; I enjoy having something to look forward to.  And another ride with my Dad, is just such a thing.

(btw Dad - hows it coming fixing both my bikes?)

Last weekend I promised the kids we could row out to Pirate Island.  For ye land lubbers who think this be legend, let me tell you a yarn shore to curl your beard! 

Pirate island is an island in the lake at Kensington Metropark.  Brody and I have rowed out to it, and when he was younger I had him convinced Pirates had been there…primarily pirates who left behind Pabst cans.

Maura was really looking forward to it.

So last weekend it rained….again….and we couldn’t go.  Brody, facing down a second day trapped in the house asked if we could go to the ‘M’ school. (U of M)

Why I asked.

Well, they have a great museum and Dad, today is a great day to learn.

Seriously, how many seven year olds say something like that, mean it, and are asking to go to a museum at a university!  Yay!

Thanks to Dayna for putting on an awesome birthday party for Maura last weekend.  Maura wanted her friends to come to the house and to have a tea party.

Dayna picked up some cups and saucers at a garage sale, and then through her advanced googling abilities and her own imagination, she came up with some cute crafts.

They decorated their own straw hats with flowers, they painted a purse and some other stuff.  Like a good Dad facing down two hours of frilly, pink stuff I made certain to make a big show of how disappointed I was at missing the event while Taking Brody to our guitar lessons (that didn’t take up the whole two hours, so there were a couple other errands I begrudgingly did as well). J

Brody started to show his strategy for future sister-gatherings: he wanted to stick around and meet the girls.  Not certain if it was to check out the ladies or if it was because the one of the teas available was actually chocolate milk.

Maura asked that they dress up, and most of the girls came in full Cinderella regalia.  Apparently, she’s the princess-of-choice for the four your old set.  They also brought stuffed animals and they sat at their own table with toy food. 

Fortunately I didn’t see any stuffed animal droppings.

Thanks Dayna!

Dayna wasn’t feeling well, so I needed to get Maura and get home a little early yesterday.  I played outside with the kids so she could get some rest in relative quiet, and as they played, decided to mow the lawn.

For those of you not in Michigan, it’s been raining like it is fookin’ Ireland around ‘ere!

I’m glad, for as an environmentalist in training, I refuse to poison our land with fertilized run off or waste water to feed my hungry lawn while others starve (actually it’s because I’m too cheap to pay for a sprinkler system and happy not to have the $300 water bill that comes with it – there’s some fook’d up thinking!  “Hey! I’ll spend two large so I can spend an additional grand a year paying for something the rain god gives me for free!”) 

But as usual, I digress.

As I’m mowing the front yard I look up and can see through the screen door in the front to the screen door in the back that leads to the deck.  I see Brody and he freezes like he’s doing something wrong.  My keen eye (I read Batman you know) notes subtle differences in his appearance…no shirt and no shoes.  He literally stands there, motionless (which believe me would take the sheer will of Gandhi for Brody) till I move out of the line of sight.

I’m indifferent; he can run around in his bare feet (shoes will last longer) without a shirt (he’ll get a tan and a hot girlfriend….joking!....he had sunscreen), it’s summer! 

As I’m preparing to weed whack the most unruly and cagey of grasses (hiding in the corners those bastards), Brody comes running in the garage, jeans only, with a big grin on his face…followed by Maura wearing the exact same look!

Brody loves playing the guitar – he HATES practicing.  I find it frustrating at times (till I remember how much I hated practicing the assorted instruments of my youth).  I’m totally in to practicing, though I believe I may have identified a variable impacting my enjoyment and his lack of enthusiasm.

I know the songs.

I’ve heard ‘Ode to Joy’ (originally written for ‘Die Hard’ I believe), I know the Spanish cockroach song (I can’t spell in English for most postings, I’ll not slaughter another language!), and I can sing Rockin’ Robin.

To me, it’s neat to play these songs.  Brody, who has no internal ipod guiding him…not so much.

I think the authors of the book need to consider that and replace some of those ol’ standards with the theme to Spongebob or at least a pop song included in the Kidz Bop catalog.

Recently went to a multiple-day meeting at work.

Heard the word ‘leverage’ so many times, I honestly don’t even remember what it means any more!

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