I am a Mother of a Teenager

Times flies way too fast. Justin started high school last week. This is crazy he just turned 13 and started the 7th grade. All that comes to mind is Wow, He is growing up from a little baby 

who wanted me to hold him 24/7 to a kid who wanted to do everything on his own. 

He didn't want my help at all to a teenager who now says "Mom, Can you walk me to class?"

He made me cry when he asked last week on his first day. I didn't walk him hubby thought it would be bad to start the year with your mom walking you to class. I gave him a hug he crossed the street at that moment I realized that up to this point he was my baby still is . Now this part this moment is when things start to change. We have raised a great young smart man. Who will start to make big decisions on his own. He will need his Mom and Dad more now then he ever did before even if he doesn't show it. Justin has always been out spoken a little shy when expressing his self but always honest. I hope he stays True to who he is going into the next chapter of his life. I think he will I have faith that this far as parents we have done a great job raising an outstanding young man. It makes me sad he is growing up. He already tried out for Basketball. He loves school. When I picked him up from his first day he couldn't wait to tell me how he's day went. He talked non stop for the last three days. He makes me a proud Momma here. I'm so exited to see what this new year will bring.

Working Out as a Family

 I love taking the kids to the gym, running and teaching them the importance of staying fit. 

 It's hard but well worth the time hubby and I spend on making dinner together. This summer Justin and Christopher are learning on how to cook meals. It's a great teaching skill to have since it won't be too long when they both decide it's time to move out. I know they are still young but time flies by. I want them to be confident in themselves to be able to take care of themselves without any help. We look up recipes plan out the week. It takes time you only have one body and it's the only place you will live in for the rest of your life. Mind as well take care of it.

 

Weight lifting Justin is finding hard to do because muscles don't appear over night like he wants them to. It's a long road ahead. As long as we  keep our family on track we will continue to be a fit family. We have a lot of fun with it. We join races track our steps we compete with each other. It never seems like we have to do it. We want to. With kids it can be hard to change eating habits, TV time ect. We limit two hours a day to the web and TV. I think the hardest part for people when trying to change their lifestyle is being happy no matter what. When you change your mind your way of thinking anything is possible in LIFE. Just keep smiling you are worth it.

Mother and Son

 We went to the gym to workout. 

We did some hanging legs raises played some basketball. Now my son can run a mile in seven minutes. It's all in keeping in mind what you want in life. He is taking one day at a time with his fitness. I'm so very proud of him with staying with it. He never gives up it keeps me going when I see him no matter how hard it gets he stays with it.   Now, That my little man isn't so little anymore. Growing into a teen. 

Getting ready for another race next Saturday. I can't wait I get to run it with him. I just hope I can keep up with my son. 

He is taller than me it's so weird having to look up to him to talk to. These are my mommy moments. What are yours? 

It's been awhile

I'm simply astounded by Justin's new found family he has in his wrestling team. They are a group of very talented young men in the making. They support each other. They never give up on themselves or the team. The Vipers are a family.

This is by far the cheapest sport Justin has ever played since he was four years old. The kicker is  he loves it. Which is great no matter the price of any sport. We have always encourage him to follow his heart. I just think now he has found something he really likes.

I was a little concern for Justin since he is not aggressive person by nature. He is a happy go lucky all sunshine and rainbows kind of person. He still is that way even with wrestling but I think he has found his place. I can't tell you how much that makes me happy now excited that these boys on his team are so nice. Talking to his Coach and wife the team is really a family. They look out for each other. They have help a few boys coming into the high school showing them around even sticking up for them with bullies. Most of all that just blows me away with this group of young men is they so young full of life. They won't let anyone fall. I hope they stay that way as life throws bricks in their way. I do wish more of the parents were involved with their kids life. They are really good at their craft. 

Justin did very well on his first tournament he won. 

All the boys did great. I have some learning to do since I have no idea how they keep score. Palm Bay is Saturday. We are looking forward to it win or lose I don't care as long as he has fun doing whatever he wants. If it brings a smile like the above picture I'm all for it. Even if I have to smell body odor that makes me hold my breath. 

Busy Bees

Wow, It has been a two weeks. There are not enough words to describe how proud I am of my boys. Justin just started wrestling last week. He is getting toss around like a rag doll. The funny part he loves it. Justin is a kind hearted person not aggressive at all. It's not in his nature. He  weighs 106. He is at the right weight to compete right now. Daddy is beyond excited to help his little boy. I couldn't be happier to be apart of this exciting experience we all get to have as a family. With our martial arts experience we can show our son something we grew up doing as a child ourselves. I forgot how bad a high school gym smells. It's horrible I mean body odor galore. It's  hot and sticky. It's straight down nasty a little scary when I hear one of the boys had ring worm. Yuck, I was sitting there listening to him tell the other kid he just wrestled it's okay he is fine now. I told Justin to scrub his body really good. Oh man that is gross. I looked it up online just to show Justin what ringworm looked like just so he knows what to look for.
  

Justin is getting the hang of falling down to where he doesn't hurt himself. Last night at practice was one of the best he was able to throw someone now. The best part he sleeps very well at night. I love it!  As a mother it's a little scary seeing your son get toss around. It's funny Justin tells me he is fine. With both boys busy everyday of the week we are busy bees now including Saturdays with games. T-ball and Wrestling is a lot of work.  I love my kids! I don't mind being busy. It's not anything new Justin has never really had downtime since he was four. As long as school comes first he can be as busy as he wants. He knows he can stop anytime. I won't force anything on him.  His only job is going to school getting good grades and being Happy. Nothing else matters to me but my kids mental and physical health. How do you keep you kids healthy? 

We are going to Mars

http://www.nasa.gov/

We are going to space well our names are.

 The Needham family names are being sent to Mars. Justin thought he was really going. If he could he would. He is fascinated with space. 

Right now NASA has a way to get people there not home yet. It's a one way trip. Yesterday was the last day to send your name. Justin thought is was the coolest thing ever. Only after I explained that he his self was not actually going. 

We have our boarding pass. I'm going to print these off and frame them to put in the boys room. We are in the process of changing Justin's room around. He is twelve now which he informed me he needs a little older style. I'm not sure what that means but we will find out. Justin missed space camp last summer. We were out of town. I can't wait to sign him up next summer. He will put his space knowledge to work. 

I love how much my son is interested in the stars and planets. I think it's cool. Interstellar the movie is his favorite. He wants to be able to visit all the planets someday. In his time he just might get that chance. 

Lovely night

The night before my son turns twelve. Twelve years ago I held him in my arms at 8:17 pm so many things have changed. He made me a mother over time. I didn't know that holding a tiny little baby would change my whole reason to exist. Life was extremely complicated back then. Looking back he saved me as a person. Jay is a handful at times always on the go. Even now he is older that part hasn't changed. He is excellent at anything he does. If he has a difficult time he stays at it until he gets it. He amazes me with how quickly he catches on to things. My little boy is twelve where did the time go? I'm proud to say I'm his mom. He is a future astronaut who wants to join the military. He says "He wants to have a challenge in his life!" I think he will be. No matter what he does I will support him. In a few short years he will be driving and graduate from High School . I'm not really ready for that yet. He is my baby boy my first born my heart and soul. So many things from his first word that was mommy. To his first steps or run into the kitchen when he was seven months old. I didn't know that was possible at such a young age. He did it then the baby gates and rearranging the furniture came into play. It didn't matter if it was blocking his way he found a way over it under it anyway he could. I admire his heart to want to help and change the way people see the world. He is so full of life. I hope he never changes. These summer vacations we have went on since he was eight has kept that close family bond we all have. I love talking to him because I get to see the world through his eyes. Something rare to do with children. We joke around we share some of the same interests like going on nature hikes playing card games and the interest in learning anything we can. I guess being a parent is like being a kid again. Happy Birthday my darling boy. I hope you have a great day. 

Zombie Games

I hear screaming coming from Justin's bedroom. Christopher comes hauling out of the room runs right into Justin.

"I saw something!" He says His eyes are big and wide.

"What? Jay ask

"It's under the bed." Christopher yells

They both bend down to take a look under the bed. I'm peeking around the corner I hear Christopher say "It's okay Jay It's a dryer sheet."

They both go back pretending to shoot each other and zombies. Children imagination are wonderful even with the age gap between my boys. It's breathtaking to see how close they are. Their brotherly bond is strong. They fight like hell sometimes but never hold a grudge. They do just about everything together. They are growing up just thinking in two weeks Justin will be twelve years old going into six grade in August. Christopher will start preschool as well. My boys will always be my babies. They are my heart and soul. I'm a very proud momma. Even if my nest is slowly emptying.

Mommy travel moments

I don't know how it can be sunny and raining with hail at the sametime.  I thought it was going to break my windshield. It's a beautiful scenic route driving through Louisiana,Texas and now we're in New Mexico still 5 hours to go. We're taking a family trip to four corners. Justin and I seen on TV that a lot of alien activity happens there so we decided to take a trip. I really hope we don't see any green aliens I can go for illegal aliens long as they mind their own business. Last year we just drove through Roswell. We are meeting up with my hubby and Father. They went ahead to bond and gamble a pre Father's Day gift. 

My mommy travel moment with Christopher. 

We stopped to get gas in Louisiana.

Christopher asked "Mommy why do those guy's look so rough? Did they just come back from Naked and Afraid? " 

I couldn't help but laugh as I didn't answer him till we got back in the car. 

"No, Christopher I don't think so." 

He looked confused and didn't say anything so I left it as that. By the way if you don't know Naked and Afraid is a TV show. There are two people who have to survive in the wilderness for 21 days.

Yes, There is a cat under there. The seat is on the sun is shining and Godzilla is in cat heaven.  He is warm and sleeping.  Until the storm rolled in he just had to look out the window.  This is his first trip with us. Everything is new to him. I do have to say he is a lot more active than Mickey the cat. She just hides.  Godzilla tried to steal my grapes incognito with the blanket over him. Like I wouldn't see him. 

We are still working on the whole meowing in the middle of the night as he trys to get the squirrel that's in the window.  Not to mention trying to escape from the hotel room. He is still learning. 

Traveling with my kids & cats

It's never a dull moment traveling in this family.  We seen a battleship coming through Alabama that the boys were absolutely amazed by. The cats were fine hiding in the back until the last two hours when they roamed the car. They had the boys laughing on top of meowing.  It was time to stop. Justin and I had a wonderful conversation about what he wants to do when he grows up.  I enjoyed our talk very much. He wants to join the military and become a scientist /astronaut. He would like to go to outer space.  He has a set of goals with a backup plan in sports or vice versa. We ended up stopping in Mississippi. I was having a hard time parking because the cars were not in the right spot I actually had a guy come out and fix his car. That was really nice there are still nice people in the world. We get inside our hotel room Christopher sets his backpack down throws his hands up in the air like he's going to lay back on the bed. Which is way too tall for him by the way. He falls flat on the ground at the same time
Justin turns around and says "What are you doing?"

Christopher's laying on the floor I'm waiting for a cry instead he answered Justin.
"I was trying to lay on the bed."

Justin says "It's too big!"

Christopher "Well it works at home!"

Justin helps him up off the floor. We all start laughing.  I love these mommy moment's. It's been a long day driving all I want to do is go to sleep.  Godzilla and Mickey think it's time to talk. I mean they were having a pretty heavy conversation until like 3 a.m. Thank God I brought my BCAAS from Shredz to give me that little extra boost today while driving I'm going to need it. I see many rest stops along the way to New Mexico.  First day down wish me luck on our trip. Summer has just started.

Justin and Rain

He started his bucket list. Only a week out of school and he's bored. It started raining cats and dogs today its Florida it's going to every day now. Justin thought it would be a good idea to go wash the car in the pouring rain. The mom in me started to say no. Then I realize I have to take advantage of the situation he's wanting to watch the car and it's one less thing I have to do before our trip. I let him took pictures and videos. He was laughing the whole time. He was a little bummed out because he still had to go get the hose to rinse off the car because it stopped raining so hard. Christopher opt out of it he didn't find it to be funny or exciting. The things we do to stay entertained in the time of boredom. After Justin wash the car and rinsed it. I pulled into the garage dried it then did the interior. I even vacuumed it I just have to keep it that way over the weekend.

I love these moments because we might not have them again. I love being a mommy!  

School year comes to an end

 I'm so proud of Justin. His music concert went very well. All three elementary schools sounded great. He made the Honor Roll received an award for respect and perfect attendance. He was one day away from getting perfect attendance for the whole year. He set a goal for next year. I love that about my son he is always setting goals to meet big or small. He kept his dedication to playing the violin all year. At first he thought he would be great then he was a little discourage that he wasn't.  For some reason he thought he would sound like the people on the radio. After we took time day after day to sit with him to read the music. Most important hubby and I gave our time to listen to him. In the beginning he gave us a fight. After a while he came to us to tell us he really enjoyed it. Justin sounds awesome. I hope he will take it up next year. He has music in his soul. He has taken a huge interest in classical music one of the things we all share in common as a family. That's now where his piano lessons come in at. He likes it so far and now understands to be better he has to keep at it.  With Justin once he sets his mind to something he will be great!

 

Soccer season is over. Justin absolutely loves this sport above anything else. His team Blue Thunder won a handful of games. Christopher liked his second season a little better now that he likes the sport. We went out everyday for the last eight weeks to play in the backyard. No matter how hot it was we where outside. Big brother started showing him how to pass the ball, stop it and run for it. Christopher thought he was being mean if he took the ball. Then he would get upset during the game because the other kids took the ball. They weren't sharing. However his last game he was off in his own little world with a teammate. I had to tell her mom "That's it we can't be friends anymore!" We both laugh but really this is where True love starts at four!

 

Now you see why. Oh no this is way too early for anything like this. The rule in our house is that both boys have to have a job before they can even start to think about dating. They have to be able to support her. Have both parents permission to date. Funny thing is I think I might have to worry about Christopher with the ladies more then my oldest. Looks like extra sports are needed to keep him occupied. Both boys will not have time for girls until after college. I did ask Christopher what they were talking about. He said" Mom we were just chit chatting about our day!" I know the picture is adorable. I give it that but no more.  Overall I can't wait to see what the next school year brings. My boys are my world. Growing up way to fast but I couldn't be more proud to see them grow.

 

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie

This is a hilarious book. It's written by a 12 year old Zombie if you follow the books Diary of a Wimpy Kid these books follow the same mindset just in Minecraft. It starts off as a diary on a Monday he doesn't understand why his mom makes him go scare the villagers. Zombies can't go out during the day he thinks it would be easier if he had human parents because they're probably nice. He has to go to scare School to learn how to scare the villagers. It's extremely cute if you or your children are obsessed with Minecraft this series is definitely for you. We started reading the book yesterday and haven't been able to put it down. It's a silly book that will make you laugh. Now, I have to order the whole set from Amazon. They run about $3.99 or so it varies. Learning how to play is hard but a lot of fun when my directions come from a four year old.  Happy Reading!  

Paintball and Brothers

My boys are always good to each other. Christopher sat with me for three hours while his big brother played with his friends shooting paintballs at each other. Christopher was bored out of his mind. We talked played tag a lady gave him pizza because he was cute. It was in the 90's Justin was covered from head to toe in sweat, dirt and paint. Justin seems to like to play right now. If he keeps it up Daddy has talked me into letting him buy a paintball gun for him. He wants all the gear. Some more Father and Son bonding time where they can be crazy together. I love it! I really do love how close they are. It melts my heart. Here is what Justin was looking at to get.

When Justin would come off the field Christopher would make sure he had his water to drink. He even helped refill his brother's gun with paintballs. Kept a handful to step on I guessed he figured it was his payment for waiting. Justin didn't care it made Christopher happy. Justin took some good hits that left marks on him. Christopher was all concern we needed to get ice packs for him on the way home. It was too cute to see how much he cares. Christopher was the only one yelling "Go Jay Go Jay!" That was one of the times Justin took a hit because of Christopher. I felt bad it looked like it hurt. Christopher tells him later "You should look next time big Bro!" I had to laugh because he is to little to understand right now.

  

 

Christopher can't play until he turns eight years old but he like this gun as well. The Combat Zone is the place to go if you are looking to try it out. They have three fields right now. The Ref's are great and work off tips so make sure you tip them. They keep it running smooth. I was a little worried about Justin getting ambush by being in there by himself. That won't happen here or at least what I see they are really strict by how the fields are run. It's a lot of fun make sure you bring water.  

Brothers Forever

 

Justin even clean the oven for me to say thank you for taking him to play. Justin is growing up so fast. Time sure goes by really fast. I know I have said it before but it really does.

Stuff you do for your kid's

Today is a nice sunny day to get shot! To lay on the ground get dirty come out full of paint and pain. Today is the day to come out and have fun with the kids!

Justin wanted to go have fun and shoot paintball guns he's doing good so far and having a blast! Christopher can't play until he's seven. He's a little upset but we talked the ref into letting him shoot just a few by himself. I never seen my boys so excited to shoot Daddy. I have to admit now our boys are getting older they want daddy more. It makes me have mix feelings I both love it and sad at the same time. Nothing sexier than a father playing with his boys. I love him more and more with each new day. Children will melt your heart if you let them. We live to make them smile. Smiling is all they did Sunday now that's the new thing that has taken over our house. Checking EBay for paintball guns and equipment planning the next time. I love it! I love the relationship my hubby has with our boys. I can't believe that this summer Justin will be 12 years old. He is growing up so fast Christopher is in the fast lane as well. I'm very proud of the boys we are shaping into young men. It shows in how we live our lives. We don't live in the past we live for today! Being a parent takes time to mold a little person into who they are not what you want them to be. We live to make them Smile!

 

My Husband the Dad

 

He is a father that takes his time to love with his whole heart. NO matter what the day will bring or how long he had to work. He is there to listen to love. His gives advice shows his kids it's okay to make a mistake. No one is perfect it's a life of learning step by step. His time is all about the kids. Nothing takes away from that. They come first and foremost even before me. That's okay I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm amazed by how much he has grown into the Father he was meant to be. The kids did that with a little help from me. The most important part is that I didn't try to control how he became a father. I didn't tell him he was doing it wrong. To me there is no wrong way to be a parent as long as you give your children time nothing else matters. Time is the one thing you won't get back. My Husband the Dad is doing a great job!

Getting fit runs in our family!

Getting fit runs in our family. This morning we made it to circuit taining.  Justin made the first round.  I'm so proud he tried. He kept asking what I did twice a week.  Today he found out.  He had a lot of fun!

He keeps asking to run a 5k because he enjoys it. Takes me back when he was in kindergarten asking why his school didn't have a track team. He makes me laugh. I don't know too many five year olds who run track. We are looking into it. The only problem we keep running into is his age. A parent has to run with him. Not that I mind but I'm not carrying his brother.  No way that would be interesting!  

Justin was amazing today! He had a smile on his face the whole time.  

We are also at

 Day 21: 200 side bends and 35 burpees.  I set Justin at 25 for each. 

He has a little six pack. His voice is changing. He has a mustache.  My little boy is growing up.  He is taller than me. Now I feel short and bad when I have to raise my voice. Which isn't often. I have to look up to him to do it. I find it funny that he still goes back and fourth with his brother.  Like age doesn't matter. Despite the large age gap they have a wonderful relationship. I have a video of today on Facebook. Don't mind it being shaky I was a little worn out. 

Good news

One of Christopher's favorite books

 

 

I'm really excited to tell everyone that my Popsicle can read this book. He does skip over a word or two but for the most part he can recognize the words. I have to tell you I didn't have faith in that reading program when Justin was his age. You know My baby can read program on TV.

Justin had way to much energy to sit and read. I ended up walking around the house reading a book to him or listing to audio books.

I just thought why not buy books your child likes and read. That's what they want anyways is time spent with you. Justin was on the move all the time. One problem we seemed to have with his Teachers they didn't have time for that. Which made school hard but at the same time I made it easy for him to understand that it was okay. I think the biggest mistake parents can do is talk about problems in front of their kids when it comes to school. I always tell my boys if it didn't work the first time, it's okay that is just one way that didn't work. There are a hundred more ways to try. If it takes a hundred ways I will be there for all of them working with you until we find a way that works for you. Justin now is out shinning everyone in his class. It's awesome that he can show others his age it's okay to fail that doesn't make them stupid. It means you try now try again. That is one thing his Teacher's love  about about him. Christopher is strongly taking a liking to reading. I love it. It's our cuddle time at the end of the night as a family. We sit and read like clock work. We even act out the book to make it fun. I laugh at what he comes up with when it's his time to act out the page. Just a little milestone I wanted to brag about. It's never to late to read with your child. Start today you might enjoy it.

 

A Child who laughs hysterically!

Kids are crazy!  It doesn't matter what happens my son laughs when he gets hurt. 

He was running away from his brother hit his leg on here then dropped to the floor. I go running up to him thinking the worst his leg is broke he is bleeding something horrible.  Nope he is laughing out of control. 

Here he is laughing. I will never know if he is truly hurt unless he is dragging a leg over his shoulder.  I'm sure he will be laughing saying " Look what I did!"

He isn't a serious kid at all. 

A New Job

Justin has a new job. He is an Assistant Coach for flag football.  He amazes me!

 

I'm extremely happy for my son! He is very helpful with the children. The kids look up to him and listen.  They call him Coach Jay! It's adorable.  I guess it's different when you are a kid getting

directions from a kid. I think this will be a great experience for him to see the game from another view. I think it will make him a better player at any sport. The most important part is that he has fun. No matter what Justin does he seems to always have fun. Yes, I'm bragging about my son. I think he has found his job for right now besides school of course. He forever talks about the kids on his team. I can't remember all the names but he does. He gets really excited when he has to go to practice and games. This Saturday is his last game he will take up Basketball once again in November for his self.

 

My baby is growing up I don't know what to say but we are proud parents. He is turning out to be an amazing young man all on his own. My hubby and I are so happy we get to see him grow into this caring person. It's nice to know we had a little help in making this little person who he is today. I couldn't be more proud of my son than I am now. His report card was great he is learning the violin. Which took us by surprise now I'm on the hunt for a violin for popsicle.  He follows in his Big brother footsteps in everything. Let your kids be themselves they will surprise you with what they have listen too.

Indian river Festival

Florida isn't really that bad once the season of really hot decides to show up. You have to find things to do like this art fair/ whatever festival shows up. It had a little bit of everything there. It was great bounce houses, games, food trucks a gator guy named gator bill. He talked about snakes which made my skin crawl but had a few good points about snakes that I didn't know. Sometimes I have no ideal where my kids get their sense of adventure at for example.

This picture above was a big giant octopus kite that Justin wanted to climb on and then slide down the legs. It was a kite and insisted that he could do it no problem it wasn't even a ride. He just wanted my okay before in the future he wanted to try it. We had a twenty minute conversation about it which made me laugh he sounded just like his daddy. He weighed out the pro and cons with me then finally said "Life isn't worth living unless you take chances Mom!"

He couldn't make a mother more proud then when he uses my own words against me. He is an amazing kid. I'm so happy I get to be his mother.  I tried to go donate blood and he sound like his father again. 

"Mom, Only a few people have your blood you need to keep it!" 

I have AB- blood the red cross calls me all the time to donate. Then we had another talk about blood types my boys are B positive and hubby is O positive explaining all that lead into a baby talk thank god we ran into someone who we knew which cut that talk in half. 

I love when my son has his mind set to something he doesn't give up at all. Determination is the key for whatever you set your mind to. It was a blast my son had an amazing time. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out including Coach Mike who helped watch Justin while he tried the wall a dozen times. Justin completed the kids one but got really mad when they refused to let him finish the adult course and be timed.

GO JUSTIN!!!

 

He didn't fall I guess his pull ups at home have worked out. 

THE RUN!!

 ALMOST THERE

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!

My son is AWESOME!!!

We will go back next year.