Wham Bam See Ya Later, Man!!!!!

The boys wrestled at the Coral Springs Seahorse Invitational last weekend. Maxwell was 2-1 and got second place in his weight class. I got Maxwell's 2nd match on video and boy was it great. Maxwell was on fire and whooped this kid good. Normally, Maxwell is very stoic but you can tell by the way he pushes himself to his feet afterward that he's excited. Well, as his father, I can tell so take my word for it.

Smackdown!

Maxwell is starting to show real improvement this year. He and Trevor participated in a tournament at Coral Glades High School. Maxwell went 2-2 with all four matches ending in pins.Trevor got 2nd place in the 171 pound class but there was only one other opponent in that class. We all thought that was kind of funny and Trevor was happy to claim his silver medal.

I like to video all of the matches but usually get so excited I forget that I'm recording, hence that bad video at times. I did catch what I consider to Maxwell's best round which ended in his opponent getting pinned. Winning isn't everything but it sure is fun.

Brotherhood Defined

The boys had a wrestling tournament today called the Calvary Call Out. It is basically a practice tournament where the wrestlers wrestle as many matches as they can with other boys in their same weight class. Maxwell (16) sat out because he's recovering from a minor concussion incurred in practice this week. Trevor participated and went 0-5. That's what happens when your a 6'2" lanky 14 year old who has to wrestle more physically mature 17-18 year old young men.

Just before Trevor's last match, I heard big brother Maxwell offering Trevor some pre-match advice and quickly snapped a photo of the two brothers practicing together. This is what sports, teamwork and brotherhood is all about. The older boys helping the younger boys. I'll stop there because I can't  articulate it any where near as well as this picture does.

These are my boys, Trevor and Maxwell. Boy, do they make me proud.

Alpha Male No More

If there was one thing I could always count on with my children, it was my physical superiority. Whenever my boys tried to take on the old man, I could easily prove that I was alpha male of our little pack by crushing either child in an arm wrestling match.

Alas, things have changed. Maxwell challenged me to an arm wrestling match tonight while we were waiting for our pizza. I've been working out like a demon so I gladly accepted the challenge. I was confident I would crush the foolish child and show him who was king. Well, I don't know what hurt worse. Was it the fact that Maxwell beat me so easily or that he laughed all the way through the ordeal. Thank God I can still beat Trevor...I think.

Lovey & Sweetie

I picked up Trevor and Maxwell this morning for the weekend. Their mother has two of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. Trevor (left) is holding the Shiatsu, Lovey Dovey. and Maxwell (right) is holding the Chihuahua, Sweetie Petey.

Lovey was delighted when Sweetie was recently introduced into the family and more than happy to let Sweetie assume the alpha role. They've already worn an oval track in the back yard where they play lion chasing gazelle for hours. I always have to stop for a quick pick-me-up when I get the boys. If you're feeling down, these guys will always lift your spirits. My handsome sons aren't too bad either.

Note: Trevor (14), aka Young Frankenstein, was pleased to inform me that he recently surpassed Maxwell in stature when he reached the 6'2" mark. Maxwell quickly countered that he is much stronger, has a 6-pack, and can do one armed push ups. Trevor is the same size I was at that age but about 30 pounds heavier. Food donations are appreciated.

Guns, Guns, and More Guns

Big brother, Ryan, moved back from Chi Town and is staying with us for a while. This gives Ryan some quality time with his little...er...I mean younger brothers, Maxwell and Trevor while he looks for work. Naturally, the economy took a dive just as he began his job hunt. However, after pounding the pavement for a few months, Ryan landed his dream job selling firearms for Tropical Firearms in Davie, Florida.

Ryan's always had a keen interest in firearms and has become an expert through self-study and his training in the Marine Corp. This knowledge has helped him become the top salesman at Tropical within two weeks of working there. If you're looking to buy a firearm and need some expert advice, look up Ryan and let him help you make a smart purchase.

Back Flip

This is just a short video of Max doing the perfect back flip. We hung out for the afternoon with our friend's, Adrian and Teresa, and played in their pool. Max is ripped and in perfect shape (I'm jealous).

Scar

This is my scar 9 days after the triple bypass. Although it was physically and emotionally traumatizing, I can't believe I feel so good so quickly. I had what they call a left-sided failure because one of my ventricles was completely clogged. Most people with this condition die from a heart attack before they even discover they have a problem and according to the doctors, the Grim Reaper has been holding my hand for a few months now. Fortunately, I was in the best shape of my life and recognized something was wrong when I started having shortness of breath. My cardiologist got me into surgery before I had a stroke or heart attack or worse and added 25 years to my life with my remodeled healthy heart. He also tells me that I will be better, faster and stronger than before once I fully recover. The way I look at it, this scar is more a symbol of my good fortune than anything. Many thanks to my family, friends and wonderful girlfriend for their love and support.

Max & Cats

Our cats, Mr. Liger and Baby Bell, love to chill with Maxwell. Of course, Maxwell is wearing my clothes because it is easier than doing his laundry.

Oh Shit!

So when I drive up behind Leroy, I have to slow to an immediate crawl because he is driving the company van at 20 mph. Meanwhile, little Bobby, in the car behind me, decides to toss his Power Ranger out the window. Mommy turns around and starts chastising little Bobby. Unfortunately, Mommy forgets that she is driving a car going 65 mph. I hear tires squealing and look in my rear view mirror. Mommy's and my eyes lock. We both mouth, "Oh Shit!" in perfect unison.

Never let the 10 year old drive

My son, Maxwell (10), and I took an ATV ride in December 2004 during a trip to South Carolina. I made the mistake of letting Maxwell drive.

Memories

I found a bunch of digital photos on an old computer and I've been rummaging through them finding treasure after treasure.

Maxwell & Freddy

Maxwell (15) gives Freddy Marfort, our Muay Thai instructor, a front kick and right jab. Trevor (14) looks on from the background in hope that Freddy will give big brother Maxwell some much deserved payback.

Muay Thai (Revised)

This is a repost of the picture I posted a few days ago. Scroll down if you want to see the original. I used some photo retouching to turn a blurry picture taken with my iPhone into a cool artsy picture of my sons going at it. I like the picture because it shows their personalities. You've got athletic big brother Maxwell (15) preparing to attack with a sidekick (always the alpha male) while little Trevor (14) stands his ground in a proper fighting stance he learned in class. Trevor may lack some natural skill but he makes up for it with attitude and effort.

Trevor

Here's Trevor (14) striking a fighting pose and trying to look bad. Don't be fooled though. This kid is full of sugar and quick to apologize if he catches you with a right cross.

Friday Night Fights

Posed for a picture with my boys after we finished Muay Thai practice tonight. I get the boys every other Friday and since it's not a school night we start the weekend doing what we love.

Muay Thai

The latest passion at the Stroup household is Muay Thai kickboxing. Trevor 14 (blue shirt) is in his fighting stance as Maxwell 15 (white shirt) prepares a loving round-house kick. We train at the World Championship Martian Arts Center in Coral Springs, Florida with instructors Jeff Liotta and Freddie Marfort. This place is totally kick ass.

An Officer and a Gentleman

Maxwell got to wear his new JROTC uniform to school for the first time today. Although Maxwell is smiling in this picture, I have 47 photos I took at home where he is scowling and frowning. As Maxwell marched off to school this morning he was grousing that he felt like a total dork and that his gay-looking patent leather shoes were too tight (he was wearing size 10½ which his instructor immediately exchanged for a size 14 - OUCH!!!!). When Max returned home after school, I asked him if the other kids gave him a lot of flack about the uniform and he immediately gave me a coy grin. Evidently, the girls were whistling at him and telling him that he was looking spiffy and that they just loved a man in uniform. Earlier this evening, I caught Maxwell in his bedroom ironing his shirt and polishing those patent leathers and boy-oh-boy did he have a big smile on his face.

(Editors Note: JROTC is fine for now but there ain't a chance in hell I will I let my son enlist in the military)

The Cardio Kids

Cardio isn't much fun but I love it when the boys join me at LA Fitness. Max and Trev love to work out but I also reward their exercise with a little Xbox time. For example, on Saturday the boys took an hour long Pilates class and then knocked out 30 minutes of cardio and another 30 minutes of general exercises including weights, lunges, push-ups, etc. For their efforts, they earned 2 hours on the Xbox and I don't feel guilty when I see them sitting on the sofa killing their friends. I'm quite pleased to admit, they are looking very fit.

All Choked Up

The boys try their handiwork at making short films using their camera phones. They made 6 films in all, pretty much in the same genre, that is Trevor getting smacked around by Big Brother Maxwell. At the end of each film, Trevor gives us the Thumbs-Up to assure us that he is alright.

The Freshman

Maxwell attended Freshman Orientation at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas (MSD) today in preparation for classes which commence next week. When I look at this 6'1", 175 lbs, gauky teenager in his boat-like size 13 shoes, I can't believe that I used to hold him in my hands when he was an infant while he mewed like a kitten and tried to nurse on my fingers. Then I blinked and he turned into a man.

Pump It

Since my boys are totally into physical fitness, I gave them each a session with my personal trainer so they could see how hard their old man works out. My trainer, Cesar Chilmaza, specializes in functional training and can make a 45 minute session seem like eternity. You really work your butt off but it is worth every agonizing second. Here, Cesar helps Trevor pump out an inhumane number of push ups right before he introduces him to the dreaded lunges.

Wiped Out

Let me just say that snorkeling is one of the most exhausting sports there is. Maxwell crashed immediately when he got back on the boat. Trevor found a spot on the bow. Dad stayed awake to enjoy the scenery.

2 Coconuts

Our dear friends the Flanigans invited us to their beach house in The Keys for the weekend. Barry Flanigan took us about 6 miles offshore to do some snorkeling in the lovely turquoise waters. The boys look like a couple of German Shepherd pups with their oversized fuzzy heads.

Guts

When you wrestle, matches are determined by weight class. They don't pair you up by age or strength or physical maturity. For a 165 lbs, almost 6' boy going into the 8th grade, this can be a problem. In Trevor's case, he has to wrestle guys going into their junior or senior year of high school. He doesn't get to wrestle the human-sized boys his own age. However, Trevor keeps going out on the mat. He never complains or shows fear but always gives 100%. "I'm getting good experience Dad," he'll pant after the match. As far as I'm concerned, Trevor wins every match through his demonstration of guts. It makes a father proud. I have to admit though, when I caught up with this punk choking Trevor, I stuck his head in a toilet.