Just Because.

Can I just say that I’m Thankful for my feather pillow.  It served me so well last night I feel asleep before I got my Thankful post in.

Thankful for a teenage son who washes the dinner dishes, Even when it wasn’t his turn, and even when he wasn’t even asked too.  Just Because.  Thanks Abner!  And No – He wasn’t trying to butter mom up to get something.  He was being nice – Just because that’s who he is.

I also have to add that I’m Thankful for 1/2 price days at the local thrift store. Pretty soon I’m going to have some fun re-purposed items to show you.  Tomorrow I’ll be practicing some of my mad sewing skills.  Wish me luck.  Maybe I’ll have some fun things to show you tomorrow.

My Son Won What???

What do you get when you send a son to the Biggest Nerdy Geek fest (Techonology Student Association) this side of the Atlantic Ocean? One Rootin' Tootin', proud Mama.

So Abner won this little On-Demand Video Contest in our State a couple of months ago which sent him, his friend Candyman and others from their school to Nationals. I was a pretty proud mama with that but thought that it was a one time lucky gig. I mean we are talking Nationals. He'd be going up against seasoned Hollywood film-maker kids or genius mini-Spielbergs from some private Tech school. 71 different teams competed in all from all across the U.S.A. and even Germany.

Requirements include two props (a key card & pamplet) and one dialog line. 'I told you not to do that.' which they recieved when they arrived on location. They then had 48 Hours to write, film and edit a film of exactly 1 minute. Abner was the camera man and Candyman was the main actor. Other's from their school also participated.

You're not going to believe what they came up with this time... (Beware it's rated PG.)

Want to view it in better definition and on a larger screen, then you could try it HERE on YouTube.

Apparently, I've birthed a talented little Camera Man.

Out of 71 competing teams. Guess What???

They won 2nd Place!

At Nationals!

Out of 71 Teams!

Did I say they won SECOND PLACE!

Scream! I'm so excited!!!!! WOW!!!

I should have seen it coming from his very first little video of Soap Opera Lightsaber a couple of years ago. To his crazy Theron's Branch. To his Music Video Competition (which we are still waiting to hear the results from). My baby's come a long way.

And then she blinked…

Once upon a time one blessed mommy had a very happy and beautiful son named Abner.  He had such wise old soul he knew how to be happy from his very first moments on Earth.  Abner was her first baby and she treasured him from the moment she felt him inside her.  This mommy could feel with every fiber of her being that Abner was a very special spirit.

And before you knew it the mommy was chasing the little boy around fields of imaginations.

Taking him for adventures in lands of pioneers, magic, space and oceans.

 

And he was taking her on adventures of his own too.   They often would visit pirate ships and have sword or saber fights.

 

Soon it was evident that the little boys wise old soul was beyond anything she thought possible.  He even taught himself to play chess at four years old, by watching his Pompa and Princely Dad play.

 

Then before she knew it she was crying as her little blue-eyed boy went to school and she could no longer play the day with him.

and the mom blinked and before she knew what had happened her snuggly little boy had grown…

and grown…

and grown….

so tall that he didn’t quite fit inside his mother’s arms…

well kind of didn’t fit.

Dear sweet little boy Abner.  Your mommy is so proud of you as you graduate High School and can’t wait to see what direction you take as you begin this next grand adventure in your life. 

   

Love you, my sweet pirate, wise soul of a son!

Your Mommy,

Fawndear

Music Video Debut

Vote for Abner.  It’s worth it – Trust me.

So my son Abner is at the movie making thing again.  He made his first ever music video for a contest by the musician Matt Brouwer and, like his mom, he waited until the last second to do it.  He used our ancient video camera and dinosaur of a computer to make this little here ditty.  Now comes the mom part.  I want him to win the contest.  Not because I’m his mom (although that may make me biased), but because I think it’s the more creative of the two videos.  And of course I’d love it if he could get the money – you know- less out of my empty pocket to pay for college and all.  So check out his first ever music video and if you feel so inclined vote for him or rate him by picking how many stars you feel he deserves. 

Click on the picture then select the video ‘Come Back Around Music Video’, by abner.

Yep that’s Prince Erik and Hope.  Abner used them as his little actors because that’s all he had available since he waited until the last minute to film.  I think Hope’s awesome.  Makes me want to go play at the park with her. 

Regardless he made this video, recording, editing, special effects and all in around 8 hours.  The boys a genius (mom’s opinion again).  I can’t imagine how awesome his movies could be if he actually put more time in them.

I think my blog slump is about over.  I’ve got oodles and fun posts waiting to pop out for you.  Just have to charge my camera batteries first.  See you soon.

Toodles,

Fawndear

I plead insanity.

Maybe my good mood left when I packed up the wee folks. 

Maybe it’s because my stupid tremors are back, courtesy of the stupid weight gain of the past couple of months.

Maybe it flew out the door as Abner raced to earn his eagle. 

With only two days until his 18th birthday they finally approved his efforts.  He made it, in typical Fawndear procrastination style.  My son is flying.

 

His project was to clear a trail, remove fallen tree’s and make and replace 23 plant identification signs.

That alone kept my mind whirling that I totally spaced his birthday.  So what do you get a son turning 18 that has more in his checking account than you do?     Who on a daily basis proves his is more mature than his mom.

That’s it?  Yeah, he likes pirate stuff and all but this is one exceptional boy.  And that’s all he gets?  He has never in all his years once sassed me,  raised his voice to me, threw a temper tantrum in any form what-so-ever since he was maybe 3 or 4. 

This is the one in a million kid that when he see’s that I need help, he volunteers to help without being asked. 

Of all the kids in the state we live in he qualified for Nationals in two events at TSA.  He taught himself how to play chess at the age of four by just watching his Pompa and Dad play.  He is exceptional.

So how does his mother mark his passage into adulthood - with a lousy water bottle.  You’ve got to be kidding me.

I truly was sick to my stomach that this special day snuck up on me and I’d planned nothing, no party, no special commemorative gifts.  Maybe my sub-conscience was trying to trick me into thinking if I didn’t celebrate his birthday he wouldn’t get any older.  He wouldn’t soon be taking his amazing example and leaving the nest.  Regardless of my pathetic excuses, I was a mental mess on his birthday.  Still am, but that’s nothing new.

He even offered to help decorate his own birthday cake.

I was able to get a couple of his friends to come over at the last minute and play rock band with him.   It wasn’t a total loss.  And dad brought him home a computer gadget.  So he didn’t walk away with only one thing.

 

But, I’m feeling like a stinking, horrible mom right now, and deserve to be taken to the woodshed.  Well that’s where I’ve taken myself.  He hasn’t complained a lick about the lack of attention.  He never has.  He always steps back and let’s the kids who bellow and whine take all my focus. 

So help me – how can I make this up to him?  Other than making him an Eagle quilt or something.  Material things aren’t going to cut it.  How do I let him know just how much he means to me?  I can’t believe my baby is 18!!!!!

High School Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Horror 101...

Be afraid... Be very Afraid. This is the future of our country folks. So what are your kids doing during school hours? Abner and Candyman made another little movie ditty during one period of school this week. Remember their lightsaber Soap Opera during an afternoon of 'What do I do when I'm a bored teenager?'

I can't complain about these kids though. There are a lot worse things they could be doing. And if they are the future leaders of our country at least we'll have something to smile at. Hey Abner - start lifting weights will you - loveable beanpole - you? Maybe someday you can be as ripped as Candyman. Nice on the scary ending part.

So without further adieu - I now present - Less than 59 seconds long and The Finest in High School Creativity (filmed and compiled in less than one period), this side of Geekville, USA. Fantasy, Sci-Fi Lovers, Eat your Heart out (Na - never mind). But do enjoy...

Soap Opera With Lightsabers

Here by popular demand is Abner's mini-movie that he made with his friend Candyman way last summer.

Three hours impromptu filming, 24 hours straight editing, 2 minutes, 18 seconds of pure teenage boy campy fun.

ENNNNJJOOOOOYYYYYY!!!!