Signs of Aging

This morning we woke up early to drop off our car at the mechanic's for the annual mandatory inspection before tag renewal. Since we've been on holiday schedule, my brain was not cooperating with my body in responding to the alarm and getting ready. Somehow my body managed to get up, take a shower, and put clothes on while the brain hit the snooze button laying on the pillow warm and fast asleep as we left the house.

Jonathan, being the 11 year old independent that he is, has taken to modifying his store bought clothing to express his unique style by cutting holes in his long sleeve shirts at the inside wrists so he can slip his thumbs through. At this point you're wondering whether I've mistakenly combined two posts and confirmed the title in an unintentional way. No, this is all very intentional.

As we are pulling into the mechanics I notice my sleeves are unusually short. Yet another layering tee lost to dryer shrinkage. But wait, what are these holes in the sleeves?


















People! I can fit my son's clothes! Now I feel old and old!

But I think he may be onto something with these sleeve holes. It's like having gloves connected to your shirt. Hmmm....

From Johnny to Grandpa: "Let's have a jam session when I come to visit!"

Johnny's New Guitar from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Gonads, Vulva, and Nematodes! Now that I have your attention....

Earlier this week I got to visit my friend, Jeanyoung, at her office. She is a geneticist currently working in cancer research. She is one of those people who is humbly brilliant. Regular people need to have a dictionary and scientific thesaurus to reference while in a conversation with her. Not pretentious, just super smart. What is common knowledge to her is rocket science to me so I ask a lot of questions. And when I feel too dumb to ask anymore questions I just smile and nod.

We spent a few hours looking under the microscopes at the tiny worms she is currently working with. They are barely visible to the human eye. Maybe the size of a tiny piece of lint and she dissects them to look at their gonads! (I know you were wondering when I would get to that part.) Does this seem crazy to anyone else? DISSECTING WORMS THE SIZE OF LINT???? How do you make tools that small or microscopes that powerful? How do you keep your hands steady enough to make precision cuts? And more importantly, what do worm gonads have to do with cancer? I don't have the answers to any of these questions yet. I'm sure Jeanyoung explained it to me but I used my smile and nod technique. I did get a lesson in the anatomy and sexuality of these worms which I found to be just as fascinating.












I came away from my field trip more in awe of God's complex design even down to a single cell. Just as the universe is infinitely vast in the realms of outer space, so it is on the genetic level. In addition, I'm blown away at how He created us humans in His image! I see that fact expressed in a new light when I look at scientists. Insatiable curiosity to discover and understand. Persistent pursuit of new innovations. We humans are unique in this way.

Out of the mouths of underclassmen...

Manny speaks in the public schools on abstinence where he is affectionately known to the students as "the sex guy". They send Manny notes after his presentation and they're always fun to read. Here are some of my favorites as written, without grammar or spelling corrections, from the last batch he received:

Dear Mr. Collazo,

"I'm the blonde girl that screamed out penis when no one else would. Yeah, you remember me. that was probably the best health class Ive had. I just want to say your son was cute....just kidding...or was I??? Anyway, Thank You!"

"Dude you are the first person I met that made the "sex" talk fun!"

"Thankyou so! much! Your speech was informational and freaking hiloriouse! It was real, not just some over used speach about how sex is bad and blah, blah, blah...P.S. sorry about the spelling."

"...You know how those annoying Jonas Brothers continue to rant about their great abstinence and purity rings, you need to show a few things to those Jonas Brothers plus your extremely funny, how come your not on tv?"

"...I shall remember what you implanted in my brain about hands off, clothes on, and don't lay down."

Milestones

Manny (Jr.) was going over the list of legal and cultural age markers which spurred a game of sorts; what are the privileges (debatable) of different ages?
This is what we came up with:

5 years- start school
under 12 years- order off the kids menu, cheaper movie tix, and cheaper admission prices
14 years- get a job
16 years- drivers license
18 years- vote and smoke
21 years- chug a beer
25 years- rent a car (without the extra fee) and run for a seat in the House of Reps
30 years- run for the Senate
35 years- run for President
55 years- Senior discounts
65 years- collect Social Security

Can you think of any others?

Family Pics

Here's a look at some of our favorite pics from the photo session the other day. I can't believe how old the boys look. Little Manny REALLY wanted to wear that vest because he said it made him feel like a rockstar (the hairstyle and heart-throb smile also contributed) so I had to take in the sides with safety pins since he still doesn't quite fill out a men's size small. I am not worried about it, though, because he just bought a pair of shoes the SAME SIZE AS HIS FATHER!!!!! If we do the ski vacation we planned this year I think we'll be able to save some money on ski rentals for him... oh the awkward stages of adolescence.

The Fall Phenomenon

The past 2 weeks have been packed with Airborne and pumpkin spice lattes. Both are tell tale signs that autumn has arrived. Jonathan introduced our household to the swine flu which came and went pretty uneventfully compared to the hype in the news. I went to Ga. again to play at CC McDonough and say hello to my little brother who was in town on a business trip. I came back in time to pack our bags and move to a hotel so the hazmat team could tear our kitchen apart. After a week in a hotel doing school in the lobby and P.E at the pool, we are back at home with an almost completed kitchen remodel, piles of construction dust, and mountains of dirty laundry. Tomorrow Manny is heading to Ga. for 10 days with Little Manny to speak in Gwinnett county schools. Jonathan and I will stay here to tackle the dusting and laundry. In the Collazo household we measure how busy we are by loads dirty of laundry. I'm on the 3rd load and maybe halfway done...

The Good, The Bad, and the Moldy

The Bad: We have to move out of our house for a week because the owner has to tear up the kitchen to repair a leak.

The Moldy: Our kitchen because of a slow leak which has permeated the wall under the sink and the sub flooring.

The Good: We get to stay in a nice hotel and pretend we're on vacation AND we get a new kitchen before Thanksgiving at no expense to us!

I Vote For a Monthly "Wear Jammies All Day" Holiday...Or On Any Rainy Day- Who's With Me!?

7:00am REE!REE!REE! Wake up to alarm, hit snooze.
7:09am REE!REE!REE! Hit snooze.
7:18am REE!REE!REE! Hit snooze.
7:27am REE!REE!REE! Fine! I'll get up!

I roll out of bed, put my socks, shoes, and sports bra on. I would like to kiss whoever invented comfy pants and t-shirt giveaways- so versatile- but I should brush my teeth first. Hair? Ponytail, bobby pin the bangs, and I'm ready for the day!

"Time to wake up, Johnny. Put your shoes on."

(Groggily)"Why? Where are we going?"

"Don't worry about it, just do what I said." (I've learned not to bother with trying to explain myself to an 11 year old incoherent boy.)

Car Keys? Check. Wallet? Check. Favorite over-sized towel with the hole in the corner? Check.

"Let's go, Johnny."

"Where are we going?"

"Just get in the car."

8:00am We stop at Dunkin' Donuts for carbs and caffeine and head to Yorktown Beach. His science lesson for today is on "Tides". Since Johnny is a tactile and visual learner, I figure the beach is the best place for this class.

While Jonathan digs holes in the sand and stabs dead jellyfish, I talk through the lesson with him. Visuals are plentiful. Who knew shells could stand in for the earth, moon, and sun?

"...gravitational pull creates high tides...blahblahblahblahblahblah..."

"LOOK! AT THE PIER! I THINK THAT GUY JUST CAUGHT A FISH!" (Oh, the attention span of an 11 yea....)

"You're right! Excuse me, sir, what kind of fish is that?"

Fisherman #1: "Eetsuh Spaht--you kin tale bah the spaht jus abuv the geel. They bin bitin' all mornin'. Mus' be the blud werms Ahm usin' fer bayt " (This is how I write a Louisiana or possibly Mississippi accent.)


So, the lesson on tides didn't work out as I planned but Johnny met another fisherman who had an extra pole and took it upon himself to teach Jonathan the secrets of fishin' the briny. Apparently in the Fisherman's Code of Ethics it is standard for the seasoned veterans to show the amateurs the ropes because every fisherman we saw was ready to give advice on places to cast, what bait to use, even where sunken ships are. He did learn that at high tide bigger fish come closer to the shore to feed so not all was lost.


In answer to why that title? We got home at 10:30am and I stayed in my jammies all day! I think there will be comfy pants in Heaven. For sure.

Conjoined Bananas

The boys really wanted to post this on the blog...

Conjoined Bananas from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

T-Wolves...

Jonathan's team this year is the Tidewater Wolves. So far, they are undefeated. In fact, I don't think anyone has scored a touchdown on them... Here is Jonathan making a tackle. He's #4.

Johnny's Tackle from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Stalactites and Stalagmites

We went on a family "fieldtrip" to Luray Caverns. They are the largest caves in VA. It was AMAZING to see the spectacular mineral formations hidden underground. You'd never suspect that driving through the sleepy town of Luray such magnificence is lurking just beneath the surface of the mountain.


Some curious geniuses discovered that each stalactite (those mineral icicle thingees on the ceiling) produces it's own unique tone when struck with a mallet. They then decided to construct an organ out of them. Here's the video where you can hear the song playing... Those are ROCKS! SINGING! Gives new meaning to "even the rocks will cry out."

Untitled from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Proud Mama

Manny is filling in playing bass on the worship team for a month. He's doing great. The audio doesn't do the song justice because of the microphone on my camera...

Manny Playing on Worship Team from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

With a face like that he can do no wrong

Is there something on my face?

We went out for ice cream for family night where Jonathan decided on the neon blue cotton candy. As evidenced by this picture we are convinced that Jonathan doesn't have nerve endings around his mouth. I thought it was just something that he'd grow out of but as long as he's been feeding himself this occurrence happens every meal. Well actually, every time food is near his face. It's like an explosion happens and he's left with shrapnel around ground zero.

He's oblivious. We ask him if he can feel it and of course he says he can't. So we send him to look in the mirror and he always comes out surprised like, "This is crazy! How in the world did that get there?" To his credit, he has been trying to self correct. During bites, he'll ask us to watch to see if any gets on his face. This photo is his attempt at self awareness when he states, "I think I feel something right here!"

More Adventures in Newport News

We are enjoying getting to know the area and have been surprised by all of the family and budget friendly opportunities there are. Here are a few snapshots with descriptions.

City Center is this cool upscale shopping area. They have a 5 acre fountain in the center where they have free concerts on the weekends.

Yorktown Beach is just 15 minutes away and reminds me of Lover's Point. (Jonathan thought that sailboat was a pirate ship)

Another great find: Newport News Park

We were driving around and this place looked promising for family picnics, nature walks and even some fishing. So, we stopped to check it out and 3 miles later decided we liked it.

***Can I just say how glad I am to have boys? When they need to "go" in the middle of the forest, no problem! Side of the road? No problem! Playing in the backyard and too lazy to come inside? No problem!

Buckroe Beach

We enjoyed a day of exploring one of the beaches in the Chesapeake Bay only 20 minutes away. We'll definitely be back with our suits & sunscreen!

Day 3- made it to VA!

We made it to Newport News on Monday and settled into our temporary housing. Manny started work at the church today. Unfortunately, web access is sporadic so, I don't know when I'll be able to update. Once we get our PC at home set up, I'll post the pics.

Day 2

Made it to Chapel Hill for a visit with Rachel & the Marini family. Heading up to VA this afternoon.

VA or BUST!

We're taking our time getting to Newport News. Hanging out with friends and enjoying the scenery. Our first stop is Charlotte where we are hangin' with Roger & Chrissy.

Happy....Birthday, Birthday, Birthday, Anniversary,and... Father's Day!

June is a month filled with family holidays for us so we decided to host a combined celebration at our favorite B&B; Maison LaVigne. Great night with the fam.

He's extreme. I know.

7 Guys + 1 Bike = A flat tire and kink-in-the-fork

But not before they showed off their mad skilz.

Parker and his amazing bike skills from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Manny's Last Message At CCMcD

Yesterday was Manny's last day "behind the pulpit" at Calvary McDonough. It was a great message out of Acts (where Paul is saying goodbye to the Ephesians) which transitioned nicely to the announcement of his successor. We are thankful that the Lord has answered our prayers for the fellowship in providing a great man to take Manny's place.

What does a young boy do when his xbox breaks down, there's no cable tv, and all his things are packed in boxes?

Use packing boxes, paint cans and painter's tape to make a robot, of course!

The Graduate

He took one last walk through the middle schools halls at "Pride Walk". Apparently he left his hands in his locker. I'll have to see if we can get those back before summer's over.

Combined birthday party for the boys

It's hard to believe...

...11 years have gone by. Jonathan was awakened by a birthday serenade from mom, dad, and brother. We finished it with a family dinner of his choosing (homemade pizza, cheese puffs and soda). The funnest gift was the "grill" auntie Christine sent him.

The Amazing Lazy Eye!

My boys are multi-talented. Here's a show Manny put on at the local Fuddruckers in Newport News. I know what you're thinking: "They really should go on the road with that act."

The Amazing Lazy Eye! from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Bold

After shewing this pigeon as he tried entering my house through the front door twice, I found him comfortably nesting in one of our moving boxes. (I think he was trying to hitch a ride to VA)

Imposter!

I went to lunch at Mellow Mushroom Pizza last weekend with friend and had the most delicious Veggie Pizza ever. My mouth is watering as I write this. I tried to recreate it at home and it was good but not the same... It's all about the crust.

Moms and Muffins at Jonathan's school

Note To Self:

When moving a mattress by yourself downstairs, don't let go. They're slippery.

Pastor's Conference

Refreshing and inspiring to be reminded why we're in ministry: passionately pursuing God's glory by making disciples. I loved one of the messages on the "certainty of uncertainty". We are so certainly there and lovin' it.

They still exist...

...and since there was no cell phone reception you can bet it got lots of use at the women's retreat.

Mommy probably doesn't appreciate this but....

Baylie and the finger from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Cali Trip

Mmmmm...

Excited to go, sad to leave

After several months of prayer and seeking God's direction, we are making a move to Newport News to serve at Calvary Chapel Newport News. Manny will be an assistant pastor serving the youth. Most of you already know this but I thought I'd make it official since he announced it to Calvary McDonough on Sunday. Please pray with us as the board searches for his replacement and for all of the details that are involved in preparing for the move. I'll give more details as they unfold...

Some of the Easter Festivities

Homemade Potato Launcher from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.




Potato Launcher 2 from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.



















Microwaved peeps

While driving home last night...

Jonathan randomly states, "Well, if you're not going to have any more kids, why don't we just adopt one?"

Which begs the question, "Jonathan, why do you want another sister or brother?"

"Because I want to be a big brother!"

More Studio Work

Josh has been working hard in the studio. We've got about 80% of the recording done. I'm laying down some vocals this week and getting ready to sing at a wedding this weekend and then , of course, Easter songs! Southern women unite! Get out your pastel polyester suits, floral dresses and frilly hats!

Spring Cleaning Discovery

I happened upon this old picture of Jonathan (right) while cleaning out the office. Last week he brought his school pictures (left) home so they were on the desk too. I miss that smile (although it can be coaxed out of hiding).

Help A Sista Out

We are creating a website for my music and I need some help testing the temp page. Here's what I need you to do:
1. Go to denisecollazo.com
2. Fill in the contact fields and click "submit"
3. Wait for a reply
4. If you haven't received a reply within 5 days, place a comment on this post

If it works then, congratulations! You're the first official fans on my mailing list!

What a difference a day makes...actually 7

Last Sunday we're building snowmen and this Sunday: grillin' out and playing frisbee in a warm 73 degrees. It seems as though the weather has split personalities. I like the warm one better. We've been suffering from spring fever.

Snow Day!

About every 4 years we get a couple inches of snowfall here in GA. That's just enough to close school and send everyone to the store in a panic for bread & milk. Also, just enough for a snowball fight, sledding down a hill on plastic garbage can lids, and making a snowman(or snowgirl...). Manny found a bag of give away clothes in the garage and dressed our snow...person.

Update on the recording project...

We started in Jan. and are steadily making progress. Drums and bass tracks are done. I'm blown away at the giftedness of the guys involved. They're able to bring things out of my songs that I wouldn't have imagined. It's gonna be great! My dad's lending his mad guitar chops to at least one of the songs. We're also working on a website. I'll keep you posted but for now the target date for completion is June.

Drumroll please......

Highlight of Manny's big debut in Aladdin. It's a long clip but he sings at the end...If you don't hear from me for a while it's because I went to jail for making a bootleg copy. They told us recording was strictly prohibited but my maternal pride won out- hardened criminal that I am.


Manny's Play from Denise Collazo on Vimeo.

Back from the vacay

We finally cashed in on the family Christmas present-a Disney Cruise. This is by far my most recommended vacation since there is no planning involved- just pay and show up! I'll let the pics do most of the talking...

14 Years and counting...

On February 4th Manny and I celebrated our 14th anniversary. Strange how you feel like you've known someone forever and yet at the same time feel like "it was just yesterday" when... well anyway, I've heard it said that every 7 years relationships change shape. That seems to be the case with us. With children becoming more self sufficient (Little Manny's counting the days until his 14th b-day when he can legally get a job) and roots gripping tight to this Georgia clay, the new focus is on re-discovering each other. 

Manny: I look forward to another 14 years by your side trying to figure this whole "2 become 1" thing out.

Science Fair Projects & Google

Manny's science teacher required everyone to enter the science fair this year. He announced to us that he wanted to build a hovercraft. Not wanting to discourage him, I held my tongue but the look on my face revealed my doubt as to whether that was a realistic endeavor. I mean, when I was Manny's age (okay I sound like my dad already) science fair projects consisted of paper mache volcanoes and rock candy. 

Apparently things have changed. Today going to a science fair is like cramming 50 episodes of Mythbusters into an auditorium. With the click of a button, Manny and his project partner, Brandon, found instructions on how to build a hovercraft, went to the garage in search of supplies, and made a call to Uncle Ryan for power tools and expertise. 1 piece of plywood, 1 shower curtain, 1 leaf blower and lots and lots of duct tape later, they had a bonafide hovercraft!

This vehicle actually withstood the weight of a 5'10" teen with no problem. Manny came home from school a proud young man telling us of his presentation and all the attention his project received.  We were proud, surprised, and impressed parents.

Evening Ride

Jonathan and I went for a bike ride around the neighborhood tonight.  I realized that I might be taking this "capture the moment on camera for the blog" enthusiasm too far when I whipped out the camera (the one that's as big as a brick) and with one hand turned it on and opened the lens cover while the other tried to steer and brake at the same moment we reached a downhill point. I had a choice to make. A. take the picture while gaining speed and risk flying head over bike if I tried to brake or B. Try to put the camera back in my pocket and minimize the risk of injury to myself or old faithful (my camera). I chose option "B" but not before snapping one for good measure. The blur down the side walk is Jonathan. He likes to race.

Hypothetically Speaking

What would happen if someone neglected to read the whitening strips box that said leave on for 5 minutes and left them on for 30?

Perspective: Ridiculous!

I go to put on my make-up and discover someone has been in my drawer. My eyeshadow has distinct gouges in the pressed powder and the drawer is in disarray.  If I had toddlers this would be understandable but the youngest in the house is 10 YEARS OLD! Aren't we over this yet? (HUFF!) 

"JONATHAN! GET UP HERE NOW!"

"Yeah, mom."

"Did you touch my make-up and make this mess?"

"Yes."

(HUUUUFFFF!) "Jonathan, you know you're not supposed to touch this now CLEAN IT UP! And unless you have the money to replace what you destroy, DON'T TOUCH IT AGAIN! You're too old for this! When are you going to learn? What are you smiling about? This isn't funny! "

As he leaves, I glance in the mirror.  I didn't realize this before in my anger and frustration but somehow I'd managed to get charcoal gray shadow on my nose. RIDICULOUS! 

Life Lesson: Look in the mirror before you go off on someone.

Connecting the Dots (A look inside of an ADD brain)

I was hangin' out with my friend Stacia on my day off and it occurred to me, I finally have a label for her unique talent of retaining all kinds of seemingly useless information. I say seemingly because it becomes invaluable when I'm deciding on which brand of MP3 player to buy and where to find the best price. I call HER cause she's like a walking, talking, breathing Consumer Reports Magazine and without a blink of an eye she retrieves the 

information out of her enormous database of a brain... The label? "Market Maven".

Where did I discover this term? From a book I'm reading called Tipping Point about how social epidemics occur and the 3 key types of people who influence them. One of those types is called a Market Maven.  I happened upon this book because my husband was reading it and I have a nasty habit of reading other people's books (that they're not through with).

Where did he get the book? From my sister and bro-in-law for his birthday which was on Jan. 2nd. We celebrated with a low key family dinner at home. His gift was motorcycle riding lessons from me and the boys. I am especially proud of this gift because I am notorious for practical, "frugal" (a nice term for chintzy) and not-so-fun gifts like underwear & socks (hey, he needed them!). I think he was a little shocked that I thought of it all by myself! Now I have this recurring daydream of me gripping tightly around his waist with the wind whipping through my hair as we speed through the North Georgia Mountains to a secluded cabin for a weekend getaway on his new bike (no, he didn't get a bike- lessons first).

Happy New Year!!!

We spent the evening with friends at home ushering in the New Year by stuffing our faces (before we have to start those "resolutions"), playing 007 and Catch Phrase, and watching the peach drop as we sprayed silly string and blew our noise makers. Manny only lasted until 10pm because he was out on a 24 hour transport and got home earlier this evening. I guess I'll get my New Year's kiss in the morning. Here's to a blessed 2009!

Jonathan dressed up to greet our friends by stuffing his shirt with balloon muscles and putting on his Ramses mask. He waited anxiously by the door at 7:30pm for their arrival scheduled after 8:30. A long enough wait for him to fall asleep only to be discovered because Manny and I went in search of the strange, rhythmic squeaky sound that turned out to be a result of the balloons rubbing together when he inhaled.