Changes......................

I hope this doesn't turn out to be a "bummer" post but today was a "turning point" for me. As the kids get older and college is getting closer and closet the bills and expenses of having teens mount. I have been a SAHM since Greg was 1--he's now 15. I never really minded working before but having two young ones, it was time for me to stay at home. Then along came Emily, then came Mark. I have no regrets staying home--I have enjoyed every minute of it (okay, there were times I was ready to throw in the towel). So, today we met with our insurance agent to go over everything. Our car insurance has skyrocketed now that we have Elizabeth driving "full time" and a third car. Having sent Mark to Huntington Learning Center was "brutal". It is sooooooooooooo expensive. But, as parents we have to do things for our children. I have no regets sending him there. They have helped him so much and I have seen his confidence come back. He lost that. He kept telling me that he wasn't as smart as the other kids and that he was "stupid". That was heart wrenching to hear a six year old say that. He hated school. Didn't want to go. Now he is enjoying it again. I am happy for him. So, after crunching numbers, I have decided it's time for me to get back into the work force. I have been making calls and "net working". I may never find what I want. I am picky about hours. I can only work while my kids are in school. I cannot put Mark in after care. I would lose money if I did that. So, for my kiddos (above), I am willing to go to work to help pay for the "extras". Elizabeth has even told me that she wants to get a small part time job to help pay for her gas and get some "experience". We have never brought up her getting a job because school is most important. But, if she wants to start paying for stuff by herself, she will get no argument from me. My first job was when I was 16 and I worked at McDonald's. I ended up staying there for 3 very long years. Even Greg is saying that he would love to work at Publix (our grocery store). I told them that I would support them and help them in any way if they want to work as long as it doesn't interfere with school work. So wish me luck that I can find something that will work for me. I am actually getting excited at the idea of getting out of the house and "mingling" with other adults and bringing in a paycheck again.

Well, as I am typing this, a thunderstorm is rolling in. I better get off the computer as I am on router #3 since May--all thanks to our wonderful Florida storms and their lightening. Off to log off.......................................

Look out! Another driver in our family. Yesterday I took Greg to get his driver's permit. So, now I have not one, but two teenage drivers. He hasn't driven yet so he is itching to get behind the wheel. We finally broke down last weekend and purchased a third car. Ouch. Elizabeth was thrilled because this now means she can driver herself (and Greg) to school. I have to admit it is nice because it was taking me 1 hour and 15 minutes to pick them up at the high school (which is only 3 miles away). Traffic and pick up line was horrific. Keep in mind that I already had been sitting in the pick up line at the elementary school for 40 minutes. So, as much as a financial hit it is having 3 cars, it's wonderful and gives me the much needed time to do other things. Steve gets to drive the "new car" though. I am still stuck with my mini van (which is okay but he says I can drive his car one day a week). We got a 2006 red Toyota Camry. It's pretty neat. We are not car people. We drive cars until they don't go anymore. So, getting a new "used" car is a real thrill for me.

We are in our 2nd week of school now. It's so quiet in the house. I LOVE IT. I was so ready for the kids to go back to school. Everyone likes their teachers and classes. Poor Greg is stuck in a portable classroom right now with NO Air Conditioning. He says it's just downright miserable. Everyone is cranky. Plus, I am sure it stinks having 30 high school kids stuck in a little room. I grew up in a school with no AC so I don't have a whole lot of sympathy for him BUT I didn't go to school in Florida either.

Well, better get a move on tackling "Mt. Laundry". Before I know it, everyone will start rolling in and I won't be able to get anything done. I used to not mind doing the laundry but now I absolutely despise doing it. It never ends.......................................

Ramblings

I wish I could figure out how to put music in the background. I would put "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Visualize that old Staples commercial (a classic IMO) where the dad is running through the store with his cart full of school supplies while the kids look on. Well that is how I am feeling right now. I went to my first Open House yesterday at the middle school and got Emily all situated. Today, I have to visit the Elementary school (Mark) and the High School (Liz and Greg). Unfortunately, they are at the same time and Steve is MIA (business trip). After the open houses, I have to rush to the airport and pick up Steve (he left his car for Liz to drive to help me out while he was gone). But, come Monday, this will be all behind me and I will be celebrating with a pedicure and lunch with a friend. It was an extremely long summer this year. Greg was the worst. He spent all of June and the first part of July playing baseball so when the season was over all I hear was "I'm bored. There's nothing to do". He got grounded this week for mouthing off to me so he is deliberately being annoying so that I will let him off the hook. NOPE. So, in 4 more days, he will be out of here and his schedule is so hard that he won't have time to say that (I called his counselor to make sure his schedule was correct. She commented that he will be busy). Last year they scheduled him for "weight lifting" as a course and when I called his counselor I pulled him out and put him in a history class.

My computer router got fried again over the weekend in a thunderstorm. Man, I thought the house got struck by lightening. That's two routers in two months. Luckily, they've replaced them for free. Looks like we will miss that Hurricane Dean that's out there. Unfortunately, it looks like it's heading for Texas or Mexico. The gulf temps are so high right now it's just not helping "fizzle" it out. It's been hot! Our pool temp right now is 89 degrees. It's like bath water. Even our cold tap water is coming out warm! I'm looking forward to the temperatures cooling down.

Well, that's about all that's been going on here. Hopefully, next week I can get started on a routine and have "me" time again. My goal is to do more scrapbooking. This is Elizabeth's last year of high school and I have lots to catch up on so I can finish her album. Next year, I will get to start one for Emily! YIKES. As one is graduating, another one is starting. I feel old.........................

Have a great Thursday!