I Do Accomplish Things

My days aren't all about eating bon bons in afternoon I can actually accomplish a thing or two. Lately, although I've been guilt of blog neglect here and there, I have been doing some scrapping. I entered the So You Think You Can Scrap contest hosted by After 5 Designs and The Shabby Pickle. I'm not good enough to win anything, if you check out some of the layout designs that have been chosen you can see the competition is extreme.

Even though I don't stand a chance of winning, it has been fun and I've completed some layouts that I am really happy with. A few I have to share here simply because I want someone to oooh over them and make me feel like I don't really suck at this. Which honestly usually leaves me feeling after contests which is why Mr. Man hates when I participate in them.



I absolutely love this one and Hannah is thrilled with it. This is totally out of my style and something I wouldn't have normally done if it weren't for the contest.



The challenge for the week when I completed this one was to choose a favorite photo that we took. I went through hundreds of pictures and nothing really stood out to me. It is like asking me what kids is my favorite when you get down to it. But than I realized that this photo was the last one I ever took of my mother. So odd that something so simple and mundane at the moment would impact me so much latter on. Close to three years latter and this picture, this moment in time, impacted me in a way I doubt I would ever think of when I took it.



This challenge was about 'flash back' years that have long past and it sent me digging in old pictures. That is me and my brother when we were small, I had to be about 5-6 at the time and I'm sure it was on a Sunday because those are church clothes. We match, it is cute right? My mother made everything she could. I think the only thing she didn't make were shoes, but she made slippers, knitted ones that sent us flying around the kitchen. I had to laugh looking at these pictures. Sadly I'm not as crafty as my mother, but I try.



An all about me challenge of course, not contest is complete without one. I don't take pictures of myself, in fact I hate to be photographed. It is the whole self conscious body image thing that way too many women have. It isn't that I think I'm ugly, I just don't think the camera captures the real me. There is some jinni in the camera I think, that plays tricks and what appears is the boy of a woman I'm not. I feel thinner, younger, and more beautiful than what the foul jinni produces in the camera! What is funny about the "ME" challenge is that this was supposed to be an anonymous contest. That was quickly blown out of the door when people were posting full pictures of themselves on the first week.



This was for the last week and quite honestly I gave up caring about the contest. I couldn't figure out what the judges were looking for. Was it how we rolled with the challenge? Was it about design? Was it about how we used a kit? Was it more graphic orientated (graphic extractions are all the rage now in the digi scrapping world. I can't really figure out why)? Or did the look for realistic shadowing (which is a whole pet peeve of mine) and more of a traditional feel? To many unknowns so I gave up because the pictures being picked as the top 10 each week had no cohesiveness to it, not that the picks weren't wonderful it just left me questioning what I was scrapping way to much.

The challenge for the week I entered this one was what you could do to a picture after you took it. But than one of the contest hosts said that what you did to the picture really didn't matter it wasn't what they were looking for. Add in that some ladies use stock photos which I'm so against personally and forget it. I'm not even sure if I'm going to enter this weeks, it is due tomorrow.



This one I just love. Not part of the official judging rounds of the contest and it is so simple it wouldn't stand a chance to be picked. But I just love it. The simplicity of the design along with the simplicity of the picture works well. I just smile when I look at it.

All of those pictures are click-able and it will take you to a larger version with credits for the products I used. Also if your interested take a look around the contest galleries on the different websites there is some amazing layouts in there.

I'm not all digital I do have projects flooding my table and as other crafty gals can relate to I keep adding to it. Since Ikea opened in Khobar it has been worse because I have that many more craft ideas. I just completed this for Hannah today.





This was a bare DIY wooden mirror frame that I picked up for like 25SR. I painted the edges with paint from Jarirs and than added the scrapbook paper. I belong to I Am a Scrapaholic, which is a monthly paper scrapbook kit where I get a load of goodies that I generally stock pile. I used the papers for the base, as well as the chipboard pieces for the bird from the club. The ribbon, felt (wing on the bird) and flowers were from my stock I purchased from Ebay a few years ago. The letters are wooden which I found in a local craft store in Saudi that I painted and used glitter (another Ebay find) on. And a small rub on that were the perfect color which I found in the Bahrain scrapbook store was the final touch.

This is really easy to do and I completed it in a few hours complete with interruptions from kids and Mr. Man.

Get OUT!

Having multiple children in a car who are all around the same age can get absolutely nerve wracking. I'll be the first to admit I can completely understand the feelings of this mom however where we will strongly depart in our treatment towards our children is that I would never actually leave them. Putting them out of the car is one thing leaving them out of your sight on the side of the road is a whole other deal that I don't agree with. And while I totally get that bickering siblings is enough to make any dictator of an oppressive country crumble I do hold that a mother is the parent the one who is supposed to be better equipped to making responsible decisions.

I admit it I have physically pulled one screaming child and left her on the curb at my front door. It was Leyna and as sweet as that girl can look on this blog she has a deafening scream that can bring anyone to their knees. She doesn't show it to everyone in fact she saves the very best for her family who would rather go without such a sight. And there was one day in the car that I had reached my limit. I know the driver thought I lost it but I was about to beat anyone down that uttered anything of higher enlightenment. I took her and physically brought her out of the car, sat her on the curb and ran back to the car as quickly as my big butt could move and left her there screaming. She woke the dead but she wasn't hurt, she was safe at her home, and under no threat to the dangers of strangers in the world.

I would never have left her on a street and took off, although I may say it to do it is a whole other deal. Jihad has tested my willingness to kick him out of the car after being under threat for a number of years. Usually it was his twin defender Hannah who would scream if I had the car stopped and opened the door telling him to "GET OUT!!". I would of course never have given him the boot on the street corner but he didn't know that and Hannah sure enough believed it. He would surrender and act like a decent child at least until we made it home where his tail would start to show.

Now that Jihad is older and more of a smart mouth than ever he has decided to test how far I'm willing to take it. One day not that long ago the boy was picking on his sisters non stop and it was a long 30 minute drive home from school and I was sitting in the middle of traffic on a road under construction. I was annoyed and tired "GET OUT" he was told if he couldn't behave. "Alright I WILL" he answered back "Go on then" was my reply. "I will" he sad boldly "I know my way home" his threat was set. "Then get going see ya when you get there!" No way would he get out and walk home. Than it happened he opened the door. "Boy you better shut that!!" He won and it is a threat that doesn't work with him anymore.

A threat something all parents do.."if you don't... I will..." and the more extreme of threats are empty ones. We know it when the words pass our lips and we might even laugh at ourselves thinking "I'm such an idiot". Parents are human, we are faulty, and we say and do things we can regret at some point. And in frustration we can say some strange things but being parents we can claim a higher status so we don't have to explain it all. In the moment it all makes sense and we are allowed those times which we turn to ourselves and ask "Did I just say that?".

I'm a parent that believes that at times children need to learn the hard way. I will walk away from tantrums in a market and even make it to the next isle before a little one is sullenly reunited with me minus whatever it is he/she wanted in the first place. I don't give into the stomping of feet, screams, cries, or whines. I will walk away like I don't know you and have been known to leave my children in a store at the mall. I give full warning "I'm leaving NOW!" and walk out. I've even gone so far as to hide from a safe distance and have enjoyed the look of a child thinking "I shouldn't have done that"when they figure out I'm gone.

Not once however has my child gone out of my sight willingly. Sure they like to play games I did it to my own mother who had to lock down a department store because I was hiding in a clothes rack. I hid well and totally aged her a few years that afternoon of shopping. I am of course paying for it now with Mariam who makes my heart stop beating on a consistent basis while we are in a store. She hides in between clothes and says nothing. I can scream and yell and she'll sit quietly. But to willingly loose sight of her inside of my home doesn't happen often let alone outside where she is subject to the potential horrors of other peoples evil beings.

This woman crossed the line when she drove around the block a block that was evidently busy because it was enough time for someone to walk off with her ten year old. I have two ten year olds neither of whom I would leave and go around a block. Her child was in no way mature enough to be left alone as is evident with her walking off with a stranger to get ice cream. That is a predators dream and something that should make every parent (or decent human beings) stop and think of the possible perversion that could have victimised that young girl.

But perhaps it is me, I am same woman who will watch other peoples children when they are without a parent and should be. I will follow along a young crying child even at a distance to ensure he/she is safe. I see that not all do this for some other strangers just walk on by but I would hope that more often than not that people would linger and watch keeping a close eye, although unseen to the child at the moment, to ensure his/her safety. It is sad that this mother, although educated, can make such a stupid decision and not extend to her child the same watchful eye many of us would for a child that isn't our own.

Yes my threats will continue and I'll follow through on some. But I will not go as far as this woman and allow my eyes to willingly leave my child and potentially subject them to the horrors that are in our world. My hope is that this mother will be punished is some way and that her daughter will be safe under the watchful eyes of strangers if her mother is unwilling to do it herself.

I'm A Shameless Woman

Because I have no shame I'll admit that I'm a shameless woman and I'll do so proudly just to annoy others who think I couldn't stoop any further. I took my shameless self early this morning after dropping off the kiddos at school to work out. Yuppers I went to curves and I sweat with no shame for my stinky-ness and panted like an 80 year old because I haven't gone for two weeks.

Upon my return from Curves I did no housework really. I played with my boy, took a shower, and got on the computer. At one point I manage to take the recyclables down the street, buy milk, and return the rental videos (mind you all this is done in Bahrain) and I'm thawing meat for dinner.

I'm shameless really I am.

I love this quote "Women should be housewives, there is no need for them to engage in sports. Such practices don't serve society."

So women should just stay at home, get fat and unhealthy and deplete the medical resources available in Saudi society with a long list of chronic illnesses associated with unhealthy living. That makes perfect sense, to the non thinking of course.

I should mention that Mr. Man has no shame either. He not only paid for my yearly membership fees to Curves, but also paid for Hannah to be a member for three months. He also, having no shame, asks about my workouts and even wants his mother to get moving some more because she doesn't live healthy. We are raising shameless kids too and I hope that their shameless little lives encourages others to be shameless like them.

So ladies go on be shameless!

Pudgy Baby Feet

This is a post not many men will understand and not all women who aren't mothers will really get It is something I promised Umm Muhammad though and I know there are other mothers out there who will understand it. We have the feet group, the hands group, and the tush group, I'm normally part of the the latter but with Umar it's all of the above.







I think you might be able to see some of the features of DS here. One that his toes are shorter and a bit fatter and two is his sandal foot. Although not prominent really just a slight separation between his big toe and the rest. Many of the images of physical traits for DS when you look for them on the web are so over done that it is not realistic.

Since I'm posting pics thought I would share how quick this boy can be.




Umar loves to be outside he especially loves to check out the grass. He is very tactile so the different feel of things between his fingers and toes is quite amusing to him. But there is nothing real innocent about this because he already spotted what he wanted.



This is phase one of the plan, to reach out closer and get on the grass some more. The next phase involves the move of sitting up and than moving his butt right on top of mama. It is a classic Umar move he will sit right on top of you if you happen to be in his way and the tush is wide. So I had to move and reposition myself to get the next shot as he sat up again.



That quick!




Me uttering "Oh Crap!!" realizing I'm not quick enough.

My Boys Are Back

They both came in last night and both were walking around half the night unable to sleep. I kicked Jihad out of the room twice and sent him to go sleep with Mariam. Mr. Man was up at 3am and than Leyna was up looking for him. Add in I have a stomach flu and I'm about to send everyone away so I can be alone. Yea it is nice having everyone home.

The home yes I know that is what you all want to see. There are a few of you who will be plotting to see if I have enough room when you come and visit (and I expect some of you to visit or I'll... do something!!)




This is the lot where we will squeeze into. Not exactly the few acres of land I was hoping for but considering there are parks surrounding us we won't have any shortage of places to venture off to. See there is my neighbor watering on the left, she has no idea what is coming. At first neighbors might think, oh nice they have kids. And then the find out it is five and they are noisy and their mother is loud than it becomes Oh my GOD they have KIDS!! At least it is only a few months out of the year.



This is the model home of our house minus the garage being an office of course. I don't have any more pics to show because I'm having difficulties getting Mr. Mans memory card to read right. I do like the kitchen it is a nice size with a center island and he negotiated two large bay windows one with a walk out, that let in a lot of light. The master bedroom has a walk in closet, double sinks, and a separate bath and shower. There is one bathroom up, simple American style which the kiddos will have to learn to share the only one that will bother is Hannah who has her own bathroom right now. The bedrooms are nice sizes and as I said the facilities sound really great.

It is a bit out of our original budget range which is ok it is still doable I just have to be restricted on my spending. Not that I really spend on myself so much but we won't be eating out like we used to in fact I've decided to feed everyone less. Good for the gut and the wallet!

In other news my little man is moving along at a pace some don't expect.



Yes my little man has taking a liking to pulling himself up different places. The couch is a good spot to find some goodies and he gets the bonus addition of being encouraged. I think this is common in many households with children who have delays that when progress is made we will ignore or encourage some things we normally wouldn't. For instance if you have a child with a severe speech delay a clear cuss word is exciting! With Umar since he has physical delays he is encouraged to climb up the couch after the remote control or cell phones. I have decided that if I find my domestic help talking on their phones too much I'll use their cell phones to get Umar pulling himself up.


His physical development seems to be progressing quite well. Bayzura (Physical therapist in Saudi) is very pleased with his progress. He is even giving her a work out, she struggles to get him into some positions and I told her within a few months I know she is going to come to me and say she can't handle him and I'll need to move on to a man. But this is a good thing in a sad sort of way. His therapist here in Bahrain doesn't think she should really worry about him walking before he is two, but honestly I think he may just surprise her all together and run past her sooner than she expects.

We will be working on sign language more now not that Umar seems to be co-operating with it. He just grunts and screams when he wants something. On Friday doing our grocery shopping I was feeding him (yea I'm one of those parents that feed kids in a food store) and signing eat. I would sign he would scream, Leyna would sign and he would scream, it was sort of fun in a torture your kid sort of way. Leyna got annoyed "Oh he is driving me crazy" and at some point decided that the ten kids she wanted before was just too much, I agree.



Personally I would have said four was best at least it was my limit. But when I look down and see my little man giving me such a face even with drool falling from his mouth I think five is just perfect and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Tourism In Saudi?

Can I ask what in the world would a tourist do in Saudi? This is totally besides Mekkah and Madinah, we can understand that millions of Muslims would come to these areas. But I can't help but choke on the word 'tourism' in relation to Saudi. What in the world will they see?

The wonderful zoos? oh sorry there aren't any
Water parks? uhhh nope wrong country none in Saudi
The wonderful oceans and the included activities? uhhhh only if you include garbage and more garbage and limited activities especially for women. But you can scuba dive in Jeddah.
The big grand amusement parks? well the ones they have are emergency room visits waiting to happen.
The green luscious lands? oh sorry wrong country
Movies? Nope sorry
Museums? not exactly
Wildlife? only thing that comes close to wildlife are kids

ohhhh Malls yes plenty of those closed until 4pm but life as a night walker is good in a mall a/c, lights, too many people on the weekends. Yea I would fly to another country for a good mall (ok that is a lie)


And than what? Dunno but it will be employing 900,000 people. Honestly I think that is a typo on Arab News' part.

They Accepted The Offer

Come a closing date in August we will be the new owners of a 4 bedroom home in MO. It is a new build and I'll have to pick out cabinets and some other things at a latter date. I haven't seen it, only floor plans but Mr. Man and Jihad are very excited about it. Jihad assured me that it has a big kitchen like a want and the development will have a community pool, playground and tennis courts and we will be within distance to four parks. Alhamdulillah all looks well although over budget so I'll be severely restricted budget wise. But it matters not we will own a home, a new home, in a great school district that has a school for children with special needs if Umar needs it.

On A whole other note I received a message from Mr. Man today "Jihad is knocked out he is talking in his sleep I took him to the batting cages yesterday he batted 595 times"

For two hours straight he swung at balls pitched to him at a batting cage. Two hours, so if soccer star falls through I'm thinking baseball might be an option.

It Was Fun

After writing my post about "I wonder..." I tried something out today and let me tell you it felt good. I was in Saad hospital again, yes the dreaded Saad hospital. Umar had his day of torture with Bayzura and he also had an appointment to catch up on his shots. So I take him to see the Dr and we straighten out what shots I want for him and what ones I don't. Of course I am told to wait until they straighten everything out. A nurse comes out "take this paper to the cashier and see if your insurance covers the shots" Yes most insurances do not cover children immunizations here.

I go to the cashier/receptionist and she hands the paper back to me "You have to go downstairs to see if the insurance covers it"

"The insurance does cover it and I'm not going downstairs" I respond

"You must go downstairs..." I cut her off

"No I will not go downstairs. I am here on the 2nd floor for the Dr and shots you should have someone up here. " I am so sick of running from one place to another at this hospital so today I decided to find out what would happened if I simply refused.

She was confused so she went to another woman who came to me and said "You need to go downstairs to see if the insurance covers this" and tries to hand me the paper

"No I'm not going downstairs I'm staying right here. You can call down and see if it is covered" I have Umar on my hip and Leyna climbing up the receptionist station I'm not angry just matter of fact.

"But we don't have a stamp here." she says

"Not my problem. I'm still not going downstairs. You should have all of these things up here I'm not running around this hospital."

She leaves and comes back with patient relations who goes on to explain to me again "you need to go downstairs..." I cut her off

"I understand English so I have no problems with what she is telling me. What I'm saying is that I'm not going. I'm here on the 2nd floor for a service and it is up to the hospital to be prepared. I'm not going downstairs, go find one of the dozens of nurses who just wonder around this hospital and send them. You're over staffed and yet you want me to run all over the hospital I'm not. I'll be right here when you figure it out." man she was confused they started speaking in Arabic and one had an attitude

"Look I understand neither of you make the rules but I'm sick of the stupid set up. Every time I come here I'm running to one floor to cash out because where I have my appointment doesn't have a span machine. Or I have to go run to six different places for change, an appointment or whatever it is. I am not going to do it. I'll sit right here and you can find one of the nurses or do it yourself if you want I'm not doing it."

She understood so did the one with the attitude they even laughed. But I sat down and waited for them to run around and the one girl did. She was nice, it was covered by insurance and when she took care of it I thanked her with a smile. I had made use of my time with making a bathroom run and just had to wait for the one of a few dozen nurses to prepare for two shots for the little man.

So I say next time you think "I wonder..." just go give it a try it might be just as fun for you as it was for me. And I've decided to continue to refuse to run from one place to another at Saad maybe someone will wake up and figure out how stupid it is.

Arrived Safely

"Mama?"

"Yes my boy"

"Everyone here is so nice"

"Really?? You like it?"

"Yea and Baba talked to the head of the army he is going to join."

"What?"


"He talked to the head of the army he is filling out the application."

"He is not!"

"He is too!"

"Put your Baba on the phone!"

Turns out no Mr. Man is not joining the US Army but he met someone on the plane as he always did and exchanged business cards. The man used to be some higher up in the Army I don't know I don't keep up with names at all.

Next morning 10:30 am Saudi time

"Mama did you get my message?"

"No I'm not even out of bed yet what are you doing up?"

"We went to bed early and now I can't sleep"

"Watch some TV they have good shows in America"

"Ok we are"

read the message:

I saw a fat woman and you could see her stomach sticking out and it was funny

Fat ladies please if my son giggles at you consider two things 1. He is used to women in abyas covering their fat 2. perhaps you shouldn't wear a stomach exposing shirt

According to Mr. Man the economy is a hard hit in St. Louis, it is depressing for him to see all that he remembered changed so much in such a short time. One area we were considering looking at St. Peter he was told is not a good place anymore. That it has a lot of crime and the economy has hit them hard as well. Shame it is an area filled with parks, lakes, and many things to do. I know a few people who will be happy to see me come the summer because I plan on shopping till I drop literally not that this comforts Mr. Man any.

Wondering ...

The next time I see someone blatantly through trash out of their car window while stopped at a red light if I get out, pick it up, knock on their windows and hand it back to them stating "you dropped this" they would get how wrong it is.

How fun it would be the next time I'm in a large store with security guards in Saudi that are wearing sandals, flip flops, or have the heels of their feet hanging out the back of their shoes I make them chase an imaginary villain around the store. Or maybe it would be more fun if I made them chase me and the kids around the store.

If a pulled out a magic marker and proceeded to correct the spelling errors on all government signs posted in Bahrain and Saudi. I figure if you can pay the money it takes to put the signs up at least spell it right. And that I catch the spelling errors means a whole lot. Even I know "where'll" isn't a word.

How fun it would be to get in front of these student drivers who insist on going 40 kmph in a 100 kmph zone on the highways and go 20 kmph to see how they like it.

If I banged on the window and asked the parent driving "Do you even love your kids at all??" when I see the kids climbing all over the seats in their parents expensive cars. And than order the kid to sit the down and buckle up.

If I take one of the umbrellas that these Filipino maids have when I go to pick up my kids from school and beat them in the head with it someone would understand how dangerous they can be. Dodging people smaller than me with big umbrellas that can poke my eye out makes me unfriendly.

The next time my hired help disappears outside talking on the phone, sitting in the grass basking in the sun, or simply walking off when things need to be done I lock them out of the house completely. Think they would get the message because talking to them is as good as talking to a wall.

The next time Mr. Man complains about how much money I'm spending on groceries each week I just go drop off all five kids to his office at dinner time and tell him to feed them yourself. And than refuse to give him the ATM card!

When heading to a check out line a get a complete idiot who can't seem to handle checking out my items one by one without major screw up after another. I get behind the counter and do it myself if I could get my groceries for free.


Anything you been wondering lately?

Big Foot Monster Truck in Bahrain

Last month I read in the Bahrain Gulf Daily News that there was going to be a monster truck exhibition at the race track in Bahrain. I thought what a great idea and won't Jihad be so excited. The boy always had a love of cars that continues till this day and monster trucks were a part of that love. I had bought him monster truck books, monster truck videos, and one trip to the US Mr. Man brought him back a monster truck t-shirt. With his love of anything animal related, monster trucks, and fishing he is going to fit in well in the mid-west.

We all planned this day out of big intended excitement of a real live monster truck putting on a show. Car crushing action packed adventure that would be sure to woo the crowd who are surely not used to such cars. The gates opened at 12 and we were one of the first there, the entire family with the addition of one of Jihad's friends. The track was to open at 12:30 for open racing of some sort and than at 1pm the monster truck show was to take place. There was also a schedule for a dirt bike show at 2pm and I was ready for a full day out in the brisk cool wet air which was fine with me, better than dry hot and baking under the sun.

12:30 the announcement for the track opening for cars and that is what you hear, the racing. But we were not in the stands the monster truck had a smallish area to perform with old cars already laid out in the center. The truck was there and so was the driver and what I'll assume was his wife.

I gave the kids a snack and Jihad's friend who came with money got all sugared up. I wish parents wouldn't send their children out with money when they are invited with a friend. I never do because I expect that if you invite them you'll provide. The only time this rule is broken if I know the family is struggling and such outings were a rare event but would have difficult time telling a child no you can't have it. Jihad's friend proved my rule to be a good one, his next outing with us I will tell his mother to ensure he keeps his money at home because he had way too much sugar but hard for me to stop him when he sneaks off buying candy, caramel popcorn and sodas.

Needless to say at 1pm I was more than ready for the show to begin. With six kids, one hyped up, the smallest not wanting to be in his stroller, and three girls complaining "when is it going to start" I was getting impatient. 1:15 still no show, Mr. Man finally asks the woman announcer who I couldn't understand a single thing she said into the microphone what the deal was. "Already announced they won't start until 2". Why? mechanical failure with the truck? No truck is fine? Weather? No besides a drizzle there wasn't an issue. Missing something for the show? As we found out latter, no that wasn't it either. "I told you they always start at least an hour late for everything for no reason" Mr. Man says. He doesn't go to the formula 1 races there anymore because he is aggravated by their constant delays.

So we sat 45 minutes more, impatiently, with 2 hyper boys stomping on each others feet, 1 infant who kept wanting to be held, three girls who complained of being cold, hungry, bored, tired of waiting, butt hurts from sitting on the ground, legs hurt from standing and a the while sneaking from the confiscated bag of caramel popcorn. 2pm rolled around and the entire crowd is ready so it begins, well sort of.

After a few tries the truck starts and the engines roar. Umar's face quickly turns to a pout and he cries only Mama's arms will due but these are the same arms that will be taking pictures of the events. But I'm a super mama who can hold a baby and take some half decent pictures. They move the monster truck out on the arena and he starts by chasing what I'll assume is the owner who has too much money, in an over the top club cart.

A couple of laps around the track with waves to the long waiting audience.

Of course I'm moaning to move it on let us see some action. But no, he stops completely, turns the truck off comes out and gives an interview to the big boobed girl that I can't understand anything she says into the mic. Than I felt like I was in the middle of a Peanuts cartoon with the teacher saying "wonk wonk wonk". This did give me a slight break from holding Umar in my arms and allowed me to get situated and squeeze in some other kids up to the front so they could see (not mine). Finally he began!

Over he drove over the old cars sitting in the middle of the arena. Slowly he reved his engine and went over. Once

Twice...

Three times...

Couple of donuts complete with smoke from those big tires.... and..... Finished!!! Yes a whole whopping 15 minutes from the start, when he had trouble starting to the truck, to the circles of the arena complete with waves, the unintelligible interview, three times over the cars, going in circles and finished. I stood there asking "Is that IT???" I couldn't believe it "Someone tell me this is a joke! I feel so cheated!!"

Yup not going to anymore of their shows. There we were all hyped up looking forward to this big bad monster truck and we were left all asking "What???". So we took a walk so the boys could be boys checking out cars.. oh the male brain and a car I just don't get it.

I was ordered to take pictures by the boys. "OHHHHH look at the side of this car!!" How do 10 and 11 year old boys know so much about cars? If Jihad had tests on cars, animals or sports he would be a straight A student.

Evidently the above car is some big deal. A Bugatti, which should mean something to me but it doesn't.

This picture in no way captures truly how ugly this car is. Jet black and I mean not a sparkling black that shines like the night but a dull black kind of like mud. If your going to spend so much money on a car it should look good. After I took a dozen shots of cars that these boys were raving about I went and drooled over the car I'm convincing Mr. Man I should have.

Yes that is a picture of the Hyundai H1. Hey if you had five kids to cart around this would be your dream car too!! Love this color, yup convincing Mr. Man may not be till next year but I can wait.

After this it was just nice to walk along and look at different cars. The kids thought it was fun and being the family we are we shoved them all in a Maserati to take a picture.

All that outdoor air knocked my little man he didn't even wake up for dinner at Apple Bees