A kick to the face!

These two just keep the entertainment coming.  We got home today and the boys started playing soccer, in the living room (not a good idea).  I asked them to go outside - ok asked might be a nice why of saying "Get out, go outside if you are going to play soccer!" Followed calmly by "Please."  They were outside for all of 3 minutes when Ryun comes through the door screaming. 

Before I can see him our conversation goes something like this:
Me: Are you missing an eye?
Ry: Noooooo
Me: Are you bleeding?  Are you bleeding badly?
Ry: Nooooooooo
Me: Is anything broken?
Ry: Nooooooooooooo, OOOOUUUUCCCHHHH!
Me: Why are you crying?
Ry: Arun kicked me in the face!!!
Me: And you're not bleeding?
Ry: Nooooooo
Me: Come here, I'm sure Arun didn't mean to do it (I'll admit my fingers were crossed on that one).
Ry: (In an oddly calm voice) Does this mean I can watch a movie even though it's a school night?
Me: Noooooooooooooo
Ry: Aghhh, OOOUUUUCCCHHHH, but Arun kicked me in the face with the ball and it hurt.

At this time Ryun comes into view, mind you he looks just fine.  Comes over crying and climbs into my lap, looks up at me with the BINK-BINK eyes and

Ry: Mommy it really hurt, and I love you, so can I please watch a movie?
Me: Oh Ry, it is a good thing you used those eyes on me from the very start because you have used up all their power and I'm am now imune to your little game.
Ry: So NO movie, but we can play a game?
Me: Ry, go back outside and play with your brother...and next time when the ball is coming at your face...DUCK!
Ry: Where is the duck, in the backyard?
Me: Ry, just go outside.
Ry: Ok mommy, I'll tell Arun to help me look for the duck.

I'm telling you, the hits just keep com'in.

I'm sorry, I didn't know...

Arun was so upset at mass this morning.  We walked into the church and he had to leave he was crying so hard.  He was upset because today was his very first Cub Scout meeting after mass and he wasn't wearing a uniform.  Truth be told, I didn't know what uniform he needed since he hadn't gone to a meeting yet; this didn't stop the verbal attacks throughout the mass.  I heard "See mommy, XXXXXX, is wearing his uniform."  "Even, XXXXX, has his uniform and this is just his first meeting too." The larger issue is that Arun failed to realize that both of the boys he pointed out had attended last year.  Ugh...I just didn't know!  So there I am in church trying to explain to an upset 8 year old that he will need to wait until his den leader tells me what he needs for his uniform - what a fun day at mass!  Now the funny side of this whole thing is that Ryun wasn't fazed a bit.  He was so excited because now every Sunday morning daddy and Arun will be there and "we get to do fun stuff, just the two of us by ourselves, right mommy?"  "Absolutely!" (Until daddy decides that it's mommy's turn to go, but I wasn't saying a word.  I had already gotten enough grief from Arun to last the day.)

The Trade Off

I made the choice to become the household red hat (in Notre Dame country that makes me the play caller of the house, aka a stay-at-home mom).  After years of working in a demanding job with lots of travel away from home, I decided that I really wanted to spend more time with my boys.  They are still young and want to have me around...I know this doesn't last forever.  In order to make this adjustment it meant a few trade offs needed to take place.  I had a very nice job that paid well it was great stable income; now that is gone.  We made this all happen by cashing in some investments; using the money to pay off ALL our outstanding debt (except the mortgage).  This means eating out will now be a real treat, and fast food night will depend on who has the "kids eat free" special.  I gladly traded my beautiful 2011 (yep, 2011) Honda Pilot for my "New" 2009 Subaru Forrester.  I must say while that is a big adjustment, it was well worth it in my eyes.  To make a little extra money each month I will sub teaching at several schools in the local area during the school year.  This is the beginning of a big change in our household.  BTW, I'm a happily married mom with 2 boys (ages 8 & 5 as of Oct. 2011).  I really love my new job!!!