Fleming Swagger

urban Dictionary definition:
Swagger is to move with confidence, sophistication and to be cool.

Swagger is to conduct yourself in a way that would automatically earn respect.
To dress in a very stylish and quirky fashionable way would suggest one is swagger.

Let me tell you, if there was one boy who walked onto the school campus this morning with Swagger - it was Thomas Fleming!

You see, today was the first day of school for Thomas. He was so excited that he woke up early and got himself dressed (this included 3 wardrobe changes) and then he had the desire to put on deodorant! Isn't that what the big kids do? Seriously!

He got his hair combed, teeth brushed, and then he asked to leave an HOUR early so he could check out his classroom. The whole family took Thomas to school and this is what you would have seen if you joined us...

1st Grade excitement!

He has arrived in all of his swagger!

Fear the Fang or Fear the Fleming that thinks he is Mr. Cool.

Thrilled that we can all share this special day.

Mrs. Hoffman's class!

Thomas is ready to take on the day.

Now you know where he gets his SWAGGER!

We hope all the kids had a wonderful start to a new school year. What are your favorite school days memories???

Fleming Friday Folly

Beauty School Drop Out?

Every few weeks, I take the kids to get their haircut. Lauren loves to get her hair trimmed regardless of the salon and Thomas only likes his haircut by (her name shall remain anonymous) at The Haircutters. After several salon visits based upon the latest coupon the 4FLEMZ receive in the mail I soon realized it was best to stick with (her name shall remain anonymous) at The Haircutters since the kids started asking for her when they were notified it was haircut time.

(Her name shall remain anonymous) is always excited when the kids come through the door at the salon. She is quick to mention how much they have changed since the last visit only a few weeks ago and let's them pick out a candy before they hop in her chair. She then engages the kids in a non-stop conversation regarding school, activities and movies. Now you know why the kids love her!

Alright, now I am going to cut to the chase. On our last visit, after Lauren was all trimmed up I thought I would ask her to teach me how to french braid since Lauren's hair is getting longer. She quickly replied, "I don't know how to french braid." I am sure I had a look on my face like WTH? Maybe I needed to clarify with her that I did not ask if she knew how to make french bread, but then I heard her shout out to another stylist in the salon, (her name shall remain anonymous too) - "Do you know how to french braid?" and then I heard the response, "NO!"

Seriously? Seriously! Isn't french braiding a requirement before you graduate beauty school? Maybe this is how Frenchie got her name from Grease?
Happy Friday!

The kids are feeling a little hoarse...

Isn't Reece beautiful?! Our children are in love.

I can't get him to brush his teeth, but he will brush his horse!

Lauren cleaning and picking Reece's hoof (frog)

Getting Reece's saddle ready

Getting Reece acclimated to the riding ring.

 

Tommy's first ride on Reece!

Lauren's first ride on Reece!

 I guess soccer mom is out and horse mom is in.

If Hay is for Horses, than Horses are for the 4Flemz!

Fleming Friday Folly

The trials and tribulations of summer camp...

Thomas went on an excursion to Wild Rivers this week, which left us a little nervous since he is not a great swimmer. The night before he was due to leave we spoke to him about following all the rules and staying with the his group leader. The next morning, he woke up with a pep in his step and was ready to conquer the unknown territory of the local water park. Later that afternoon when he returned home, we asked him how his field trip went. He notified us that he had a great time and that he did not go down the TOILET BOWL!

In my head I am thinking about 10 six year olds in the bathroom with little supervision and I quickly responded, "What happened in the restroom? Why would you try and go down the TOILET BOWL?"
Thomas then shared the look...the look that I will probably see more than once in our lives...the come on mom - get a life - don't you know look. The TOILET BOWL is a ride!

Pheeew. Happy Friday!

Back in the Saddle

Summer is upon us! Since school is officially out we have found plenty to keep the 4FLEMZ busy.
The kids are having a blast at summer camp at TLC and TutorTime, hanging out at the local watering hole (our association pool) and saddling up to ride off into the sunset...

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you!

Out two little rodeo clowns are learning horsemanship and eventually will be riding on the back of their new best friend, Reece!

Although we have heard some rumblings that we live in no man's land, there is a fond appreciation that the 4FLEMZ have for what surrounds us. We are very thankful that all of us get to enjoy the beauty of living close to the canyon. For all you city slickers you may want to mosey on over for the afternoon - if you can stomach the LONG drive! Get off your ass (I meant mule) and smell the fresh air and enjoy Arroyo Trabuco, O'Neill Regional Park and Starr Ranch Sanctuary. You may even get to see a replay of the showdown at the OK Corral if you step through our front door!

What type of summer activities or adventures are you headed out to do?

Fleming Friday Folly

Kids say the darndest things...

My recollection of a conversation between Brian and I (while we are folding and putting away laundry) with Thomas in the room.

Brian: Lis - I will set up my bluetooth in the car so you can use it with your phone too.

Me: OK. My phone is in my purse downstairs.

Thomas: DAD, YOU HAVE A BLUE TOOTH! Can I see what it looks like in your mouth?

Gotta love that kid!
On a side note - you gotta love the guy who is willing to fold and put away laundry with you too!

Happy Friday!

Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

The 4FLEMZ have not abandoned you!

We have been extremely busy this past week and I finally have a little time to sit down and blog. The Flemings have been on the go in between a work trip, a dance recital, a school project, a visit to the Macare house, a sleepover, and an evening at the lake. All of this before Memorial day! So, instead of a written account of each event I have posted some photos for you to make up your own story of what may have happened during these last few days while we have been away...

How did you spend your week? Do you feel back in touch with the 4FLEMZ?

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service!

Today I picked up two of the 4FLEMZ from school and on our way home we had an interesting conversation. We were sitting at a stop light and two high school aged boys were running with their shirts off down the street. Thomas immediately noticed the boys and said, "Mom, is that really appropriate for them to be without shirts?" Yes, he used the word, 'appropriate.' I had to explain to him that they were local high school boys who were obviously on the cross country track team at RSMCHS and that it was OK for them to run with their shirts off. Of course the next question from Thomas was, "so girls can run like that too?" Ummmmm, my response to him was that it is not appropriate for girls to run with their shirts off. Tommy then gestures toward his chest and says, "is it because of these?" (You can now picture what he was gesturing)
By this time the light had turned green and we were headed in the direction of the local Jack in the Box. Upon approach, we see the boys that were running. They had stopped off at Jack in the Box and proceeded to put their shirts that were tucked in the back of their shorts on before entering the fine establishment. Now Thomas wants to know why they put their shirts on! Ahhhh.  A million questions from the inquisitive six year old. Oddly enough, I love it!
Would any of you like to explain to him why there is a policy of NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, NO SERVICE?

Bieber Fever

Our 'babies' have Bieber Fever! It's the latest epidemic to hit young children around the world!

Be very cautious, it's contagious too!

We hope help is on the way soon, but until then, check out the current symptoms that have taken over one of the 4FLEMZ ...

http://qik.com/video/CA97D9F5B2B74DCDABB0EF860BB9407F

Does your 'BABY' have Bieber Fever?

The Sandlot

We are in full swing of baseball season. This week the 4FLEMZ will be tasked with trying to juggle schedules and make three, yes I said three, baseball games and one skills competition all before the end of the week. On top of it all, our team mom is trying to organize a Friday Night Under the Lights game in May so our team can experience how the major league teams play. One of her requests was to ask each player some personal information so the announcer for the evening could share a little something about each boy. So, this morning I had to pose each question to Tommy that was on the list and capture his response. The conversation went something like this...

Me: Tommy. Tommy! (Now I finally have his attention) What would you like your nickname to be?
Tommy: Sponge Bob.
Me: Are you sure you want the announcer to introduce you as Thomas 'Sponge Bob' Fleming?
Tommy: OK, how about 'Squidward' instead.
Brian: How about 'T.D?' (Of course!)
Me: What about 'Shorty?'
Tommy: Fine, 'T.D.' is fine.
Me: What's your favorite color?
Tommy: Yellow
Me: What's your favorite food?
Tommy: Chicken
Me: (mental thought - isn't he sick of eating chicken?) What do you want to be when you grow up?
Tommy: A baseball player
Me: What's your favorite song?
Tommy: Tick Tock

So, I head into work and shoot off an email to our team mom indicating Tommy's responses. At this point, I have to disclose that his favorite song choice, Tick Tock by Kesha, is all because his mom listens to Top 40 hits in the morning and now realizes that her son is actually paying attention!
Gotta love him! Put him in coach, he's ready to play! 

Tommy would like to know what your favorite baseball movie is?