RaptorSource.com
Other/Off-Topic => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Colorado700R on August 10, 2009, 10:56:44 AM
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Well, My family and I have had an amazing last few days. After many years of drama with his mother, I finally have my eldest son Ethan (16 this month) here with us.
Ethan is my son from my High School girlfriend, and has lived most of his life in North Carolina with his mom and step dad. Because of her and my loathing for each other, I've had very limited contact with Ethan for the last 10 years.
This has been a scar I've worn in shame for many years, letting personal differences between his mother and I effect my relationship with my son. To the point that back in 2001, I received a phone call from Ethan (obviously prepared by his mother) asking me to let his stepdad adopt him.
Let me be the first to say that no knife could cut me so deeply as that simple phone call. An 8 year old son's plea to have a single family with a single last name cannot be ignored.
After allot of conversation with Ethan (8 years old at that time), all he wanted was what I thought (at that time) all kids should have, one mom, one dad, and a sister with the same last name as one complete family.
Grudgingly, I conceded to my son's request and allowed his stepfather to adopt him. A decision that has haunted my heart ever since.
The one shimmer of hope was given to me by Ethan during the court hearing for the adoption, when Ethan said to me and the court “Dad, I love you, and you will always be my Dad”
As you can imagine, even after promises of continued communications between Ethan and I, his mom effectively severed all communications between us.
I was, and have been devastated ever since.
Then, last year, something changed….
Ethan was in contact with my parents, and was living in my hometown in WI with his mother's mom. It seems Ethan was being to defiant for his parents, so they shipped him off to grandma for a year. (This is not the beginning of the trend they have of shipping their troubles of on others).
Through Ethan's Grandmother and my own parents, I resumed contact with Ethan. Email, Phone calls, whatever I could. He was struggling with school, and was quite obviously not doing well being shipped out as a “problem child” by his folks.
So, for roughly the last year I had contact with my son again, and I could at least be an ear for him to bend to listen to his problems.
Then, in July….it ended again. He went back to his folks in NC, and I was out of the picture one more time.
Thursday, August 6th 2009, I'm at work when an Email arrives from my mother. It says that she had just talked to Ethan's stepdad and they are considering sending Ethan to a state run foster home, but thought my parents might want him instead. My mother responded instantly and said, that yes they would take him, but I was the right answer for this.
Unbelievably, he and Ethan's mother agreed.
After I received the Email from my mother, I instantly called his stepdad, and discussed the problems, frustrations, and solutions I could provide for Ethan here in Colorado Springs.
Well, it worked. Ethan's mother and stepdad are signing all parental rights and responsibility over to me 100%.
Ethan arrived in Colorado Springs from NC, on Saturday, August 8th at 1:35pm.
I have my boy back, and he is home. He will never have to worry about being sent away again.
I am currently researching the legal requirements, and protocol to adopt Ethan back officially. And it should be fairly painless (besides the obvious legal costs) to accomplish because his parents are consenting.
As for Ethan's problems, we will tackle them together and with the professional help he should have had years ago, and without the emotional abuse he took with his mother. Day by day, step by step we will get through it together.
Without Nikki's love, my parents support, and my younger son Cole teaching me patients, none of this would be possible.
Attached is a picture of Ethan and I from yesterday morning. The first thing I chose to teach him now that he's home, is how a small amount of horsepower and dirt can clear your mind and give you a vacation from the stresses life can exert.
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Aww Hunny! I love you and I am so happy we have this opportunity to have Ethan with us, it is truly a blessing!
:kiss:
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:cheers:
congrats man sucks it took so long.but in the end im glad it worked out
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That is awesome Aaron! No lies, he looks a lot like you. I wish the very best for you guys for rebuilding a friendship between father and son.
Look forward to some day meeting Ethan. :thumbs:
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Wow brother congrats. I teared up for a second thinking about my sons having that happen to them! Never. I would be a mess! Don't care what they say, A son needs a Dad. And a Dad needs their son. :thumbs:
Bring him to LS. ;)
(instead of Lady) :lol:
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STFU Peels!!!! :bird:
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WOW, congrats Aaron. I'm glad everything worked out well in the end.
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Alright! Congrats and best of luck to you! :thumbs:
Good thing you have that trailer now, I see anther quad on it in the future.
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STFU Peels!!!! :bird:
I said nice things first :lol:
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looks like Nikki is losing her quad..
once that young little stud sinks his teeth into that 450..
sorry L4F... you are losing your ride hun!
Congrats Aaron..
don't let the past haunt ya..
look to the future!
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looks like Nikki is losing her quad..
once that young little stud sinks his teeth into that 450..
sorry L4F... you are losing your ride hun!
Congrats Aaron..
don't let the past haunt ya..
look to the future!
Nope that quad is mine, but I will share until he gets his own. It's MY QUAD I tell you!!!
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looks like Nikki is losing her quad..
once that young little stud sinks his teeth into that 450..
sorry L4F... you are losing your ride hun!
Congrats Aaron..
don't let the past haunt ya..
look to the future!
Nope that quad is mine, but I will share until he gets his own. It's MY QUAD I tell you!!!
you mean he will share untill you get your own
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2 things that 16 year old boys do...
ride quads and... um... well... just stock up on Jergens and tissue..k?
point.. you are not getting your quad back
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2 things that 16 year old boys do...
ride quads and... um... well... just stock up on Jergens and tissue..k?
point.. you are not getting your quad back
Obviously you don't know how much of a possessive bitch I am... the quad is mine unless I get a brand new yfz. :nod:
Jergen's and tissue... check! ;)
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Congrats man! That is awesome! :thumbs:
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2 things that 16 year old boys do...
ride quads and... um... well... just stock up on Jergens and tissue..k?
point.. you are not getting your quad back
Obviously you don't know how much of a possessive bitch I am... the quad is mine unless I get a brand new yfz. :nod:
Jergen's and tissue... check! ;)
:rofl:
:rofl:
Just put a bottle in his room and ask no questions when he asks for more. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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:lol: Make sure you get the fragrance free type. ;)
Okay, this was a great clean wholesome thread, and we destroyed it. I blame Hefe. :lol:
Really, Aaron. It must be a proud but trying time for you. Probably a little tough for the boy right now, but better for both of you in the long run. :thumbs:
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Obviously you don't know how much of a possessive bitch I am... the quad is mine unless I get a brand new yfzR. :nod:
Jergen's and tissue... check! ;)
fixed it for ya!
YFZR!!!
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Damn, I'm having a hard time finding the words to say. This story really chokes me up as a father. I am so happy for you Aaron and I can't wait to have you and your boys here for a weekend. I know you've been distant for awhile and now I can see why with everything going on. I'm sure trying times are ahead but I have all the faith in the world that you will be the best father for him. Keep us posted on how things are going and make sure to let me know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help.
Randy...you have the shirts still. HOOK THAT BOY UP! Just let us know his size Aaron.
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:thumbs:
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Thanks guys, He wears a medium :thumbs:
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Wow! That's awesome! I am so excited that you and you son are back together. Sounds like you both really need each other & he's lucky to have a dad who cares so much about him. If there's anything you need, let me know. You're also extremely lucky to have such an awesome and understanding woman around. Nikki you're awesome!!
Aww... thanks GIR! :thumbs:
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Thanks Gir, and yes she is amazing.
Please keep your Ears open for a Z400, 400EX, or 660 Raptor for him.
Money is really tight but, he needs a quad.
Aaron
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Congrats again (missed this thread somehow)...I got a line on a 660 Raptor down here but I think it'd be quite a bit to ship it to CO from FL...If I get ahold of it I'll shoot you a line and we can work something out.
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I got a quote for shipping a raptor from florida to minnesota, it wasn't terrible. Got quoted $250 :)
uship.com :thumbs:
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Get him ready for the rally!!! :thumbs: Oh and Congrats Dad. :clap:
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thanks guys
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Thanks Gir, and yes she is amazing.
Please keep your Ears open for a Z400, 400EX, or 660 Raptor for him.
Money is really tight but, he needs a quad.
Aaron
I have a trailer queen that he would like, and SERIOUSLY congrats on gettin your son back that is truly an awesome story and goes to show that good things always work out in the end...And Lady4fiddy :thumbs: to you for being the true person you are to stand behind him the whole time and to help him thru this, you are what they call a Hidden Angel and just so happens Aaron has found that Angel... Again Congrats and Thanks for making my wife ball she read the story over my shoulder and the flood gates opened ;)
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That's great Colorado. The kid will pull through great with a good role model in his life now. :thumbs:
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That's great Colorado. The kid will pull through great with a good role model in his life now. :thumbs:
and... who would that be? :lol:
jk
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Thanks Gir, and yes she is amazing.
Please keep your Ears open for a Z400, 400EX, or 660 Raptor for him.
Money is really tight but, he needs a quad.
Aaron
I have a trailer queen that he would like, and SERIOUSLY congrats on gettin your son back that is truly an awesome story and goes to show that good things always work out in the end...And Lady4fiddy :thumbs: to you for being the true person you are to stand behind him the whole time and to help him thru this, you are what they call a Hidden Angel and just so happens Aaron has found that Angel... Again Congrats and Thanks for making my wife ball she read the story over my shoulder and the flood gates opened ;)
Aww... thanks Temptation! Now my flood gates are about to open :'( Aaron and I are a great team and we both feel so blessed with what we have been given. :swinger:
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Hows everything been going in this whole transition?
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Well here are some Pics of Our Amazing Family.
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm47/nikkibrizal/Family/FamilyPics8-09004.jpg)
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm47/nikkibrizal/Family/FamilyPics8-09007.jpg)
Here is what it is really like... :hair:
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm47/nikkibrizal/Family/FamilyPics8-09026.jpg)
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm47/nikkibrizal/Family/FamilyPics8-09027.jpg)
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:lol:
reminds me of my family. My dad likes to show me and my bro, that even though he's gettin older, he's still the boss :lol:
Awesome. Damn huge family you're gonna have. Just tell me he doesn't like NASCAR Aaron...... :lol:
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Hows everything been going in this whole transition?
It's been pretty good, Ethan is a great kid and he has been very helpful around here.
It's been somewhat chaotic with all the kids but I am trying to keep things in order and adjust myself.
But we are doing great everyone is pulling together as a team so we are adapting well. :thumbs:
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Hows everything been going in this whole transition?
It's been pretty good, Ethan is a great kid and he has been very helpful around here.
It's been somewhat chaotic with all the kids but I am trying to keep things in order and adjust myself.
But we are doing great everyone is pulling together as a team so we are adapting well. :thumbs:
If there was no chaos I'd really be worried... :lol:
I'm glad it's working out for you guys. I'm really looking forward to meeting the bunch some day. :thumbs:
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Hows everything been going in this whole transition?
It's been pretty good, Ethan is a great kid and he has been very helpful around here.
It's been somewhat chaotic with all the kids but I am trying to keep things in order and adjust myself.
But we are doing great everyone is pulling together as a team so we are adapting well. :thumbs:
If there was no chaos I'd really be worried... :lol:
I'm glad it's working out for you guys. I'm really looking forward to meeting the bunch some day. :thumbs:
Someday Randy... Someday. ;)
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the 1st pic the little guy guy on the left looks like he is trying to strangle himself ???
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the 1st pic the little guy guy on the left looks like he is trying to strangle himself ???
That's what happens to people that live with us... :rofl:
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Well, the whole fam damily went riding today (-1, the youngest Micheal was at his Dad's)
Left to right, Ethan (16), Lizzy (7), Cole (4), Ariel (4), and Nikki 20 something :lol:
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/Cololrado700R/Photo0055.jpg)
My boys were wore out after jamming on the trails
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/Cololrado700R/Photo0059.jpg)
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Well, the whole fam damily went riding today (-1, the youngest Micheal was at his Dad's)
Left to right, Ethan (16), Lizzy (7), Cole (4), Ariel (4), and Nikki 20 something :lol:
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/Cololrado700R/Photo0055.jpg)
My boys were wore out after jamming on the trails
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/Cololrado700R/Photo0059.jpg)
I like the little dude in the greens riding gear :rofl:
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yeah, he was hot :lol:
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looks like an awesome time. Makes this hobby even better by being able to take the family. Won't be long until my wife and boys will be going on all my riding adventures with me. :clap:
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congrats man. that's great you got him back. :thumbs:
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:(
I want a kid w/ a mini quad.
I can't wait to do this with my family some day!!!!
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:(
I want a kid w/ a mini quad.
I can't wait to do this with my family some day!!!!
you gotta get laid first silly. :lol: Keep tryin' :lol:
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I'll just steal my nephew for a bit. :lol:
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you'd rather just stael your nephew than get laid.
What a guy. :lol:
context fail
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If I have my own, I have to wait 3 years :lol:
my nephews ready to go right now!
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:(
I want a kid w/ a mini quad.
I can't wait to do this with my family some day!!!!
you gotta get laid first silly. :lol: Keep tryin' :lol:
It's too expensive for him :(
Hookers usually charge double for lesbian action :lol:
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F*ck... and you.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Looks like you'all had a great time! Congrats again :thumbs:
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Update....,
my son Ethan(Ductape660) has been living with me full time for awhile now. And everything is going very well (passing all his classes with nearly a B average). And considering he failed most of his classes since 8th grade, this is a huge improvement.
Well, with help from Dan (Phucker) we got him a 660 in need of some TLC.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/Cololrado700R/Photo0198.jpg)
Got some new Case Gaskets from Scott (xxnightraven73xx) and got them installed this weekend.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/Cololrado700R/Photo0199.jpg)
Got the clutch linkage set-up and engaging properly.
I want to say a big thank you for the help so far from Dan and Scott on this project. The boy has been doing very well, and were proud of him, and you guys stepped up to help us reward him. :thumbs:
If anyone has left over parts in the garage taking up space let me know.
Here's a short list of what I know it needs so far.
Key & ignition
Start/kill/headlight switch assembly
Skid plates (Motor & Swingarm)
tank Cover
headlights
front bumper
grab bar
right (Brake side) heel guard
Airbox with intake tubes
airbox end carb boots (2)
PS...I just took the boy for his first driving lesson in my truck....BBL...gotta go ice my neck :lol:
Aaron
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Sounds great Aayron! :lol: I have been doing some cleaning in the shop again and all I have left (I think ???) is the stock plastic piece that goes over the handle bars that holds the key and the 3 indicator lights. Lemme no.
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Yes we are very proud of Ethan, the turn around he has made is quite impressive. :jaw:
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ooh..... it's an '01 even...memories.... :nod:
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just work on his interweb spelling skillz. :lol:
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Update: Ethan is finishing his Junior year with a 3.2 GPA with very little influence from Nikki or I. :jaw:
And ..................the 660 is alive and well ;)
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who's he paying? ???
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kudos to the "dassler slump" grading curve. :lol:
JK good news.
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Update: Ethan graduates monday with a 3.1 gpa. Tomorrow he is heading to Denver to sign his paperwork to become a united states army intel specialist! He will ship out to fort sill oklahoma for basic on veterans day (nov. 11), then on to fort hauchuka,az for intel school.
We are so proud of him and the man he has become.
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Big congrats to Ethan, and to you and Nikki as well on a job very well done. If you would, tell him we are proud of him. :thumbs: :thumbs:
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That's awesome! If I could, I'd flying monkey tackle his ass :lol:
Congrats Ethan :thumbs:
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Great news, congrats to everyone as this was clearly a family effort.
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:clap: awesome. I think It was all the cheese and crackers he stole from me at the dunes :lol:
Seriously though...not always an easy thing to raise a respectful, responsible kid these days....it seems like it's the exception, instead of the rule...
:thumbs:
excellent job Ethan...now get your Dad to get you a quad that works :lol: so I dont have to tow your rattlebox around
:rofl:
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(http://www.pczplus.net/images/ethan_pancake.jpg)
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SO...I just read the first post again Aaron...
very nearly shed a tear.. :thumbs:
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SO...I just read the first post again Aaron...
very nearly shed a tear.. :thumbs:
Just went back to re-read it.. It's kind of funny how life seems to throw these curve balls our way.. But if you keep trudging through the bullshit.. It usually ends up coming out for the better.
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Great success story guys! loved reading the whole thread. Beautiful family Aaron and Nikki!
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Thanks guys
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Sold the 660.
Replaced with this.
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green Yamaha... ???
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guys in the background hiding weed to smuggle?
nice quad...hope it runs nice for him.
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Sorry Peels, his days of riding with a tow rope are done, now we'll just pack it in case of you :lol:
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Sorry Peels, his days of riding with a tow rope are done, now we'll just pack it in case of you :lol:
much obliged :rofl: :thumbs:
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although I think I'll buy a hundred footer, then we can clothes line MD when needed :lol:
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:clap:
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wow, very cool, Aaron.
kids growin up.
tell him he still owes me some cheese and crackers!
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:thumbs:
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yeah, he's grown up a lot. I'll still come at him like a dam spider monkey!
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That's the same kid with the pancake on his head? :thumbs:
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Good for him! Thats one way to make a proud poppa.
I always wanted to join the military, but with astama that was no bueno :(
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US Army Paratrooper Ductape660, Intel analyst with the 82nd airborne
8)
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wow!!!
awesome
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What a stud. I'll still come at him like a spider monkey.. I may not win anymore.. but that's okay. :lol:
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good for him, but he's still nothing but wheat thin thief. :mad:
and yes, I over emphasized the "WH" sound :rofl: :rofl:
:thumbs: thats awesome Aaron.....