Happy Birthday, Mark

Dear Mark: Eight years ago today at 2:47 pm you joined our family. I was overwhelmed with the thought that I was to be a mom to four kids. You haven't been the easiest of our "gang" but you have brought such joy to our lives. You definately keep us on our toes. Hope you have a great birthday.


Love,
Mom

OH HAPPY DAY

Two posts in one day! Mark and I returned from his annual allergy check up. He has been allergic to eggs and peanuts since was a baby. Unfortunately, we learned the hard way. Since he was 11 months old, we have been carrying around epi-pens. Each time he gets tested, his reactions are "better". Well this year we had good news and bad news. The good news---he outgrew his egg allergy. The bad news--he is still allergic to peanuts. So, we still have to have that dreaded pen. It's going to take me awhile to actually feed him eggs. He has never tasted a fried, scrambled or any kind of egg since that horrible day back in 2001. I even told the doctor that this will be something I have to "ease into". Just within the last year, we've been "introducing" him to baked goods with eggs and he has been able to tolerate them. We celebrated with McDonald's milkshakes and a call to dad telling him "what a good job" he did and never even cried. Oh Happy Day!!!

Is this a good idea?

With the Fourth of July approaching, it's time to set up the fireworks tents here. I was coming home and one of the first ones that I saw is sitting in the parking lot of the Shell gas station. Is this a good idea? Later............

COLLEGE LIFE

Last night, Elizabeth and I along with her friend, Heather and her mom, went dorm room shopping. Liz and Heather will be suite mates at UF. They both have different favorite colors and taste. Elizabeth wanted something brown and Heather likes pink. We searched and searched. We started off having dinner at Panera. Then we hit Linens and Things. As soon as the girls saw this set, they fell in love with it. It's perfect. It's a bed in a bag (also called Express kit) and has everything--sheets, towls, rug, throw. We will have to buy different sheets because the beds in the dorm are twin/long. Better yet, when I used all my coupons and Liz had one gift card, I was able to get out of there under $100. We also went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and they each got a pink trash can. It was really fun picking all the stuff out. We still have a lot to do before they leave in August but getting this was a big start. Heather leaves in two weeks to study in Mexico for six weeks. By the time she gets back, they would only have two weeks to get stuff. It's going to be so weird moving her out.

We are still in desperate need of rain. We had a little on Sunday and it hasn't rained since. It seems like it has rained everywhere except over us. As I type this, I can hear thunder in the distance but the sun is out here. We so need the rain!!!!

Today has been a real lazy day for a change. Other than running Mark to swimming lessons and the YMCA and a quick trip to Publix, I've been lazy. Mark and I got in the pool and were swimming until we heard the thunder and the skies (all around us) got dark. Now I'm in my comfy, stretchy pants relaxing. I have some laundry to fold and then I am going to scrap away the rest of the night. Quick and easy dinner--baked potatoes and salad. YUM.....

IT RAINED! Finally, yesterday it rained. After months of no rain, we finally got some here at our house in New Tampa. What's even better, it's supposed to rain again this afternoon. YIPPEE. Even the possibility of severe storms isn't phasing me. We just need rain!

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at our friends house "hanging out". They live on a lake so the boys had a blast tubing. I personally enjoyed watching from the side especially after Kate told me that they have had a few gators come onto their "beach". NOPE. Not for me. Even a few dads got out their and had some fun. It was so cool watching the storm clouds move in. It was pretty but once the thunder started rolling in and we saw lightening bolts, we moved the get together inside. You don't mess with lightening in Florida.

Last night I got to watch the new season of Army Wives. I really enjoyed watching that show last season but I was somewhat disappointed in last night's show. They didn't have to kill her off. I won't say who so I won't spoil it for anyone. Also, Kim Delaney had "some work" done on her lips. I thought she looked awful. I know they had her made up to look injured, but you could tell her lips were different! So, I will probably watch it next week and then decide if I will keep watching. I don't want to get hooked to a "depressing/sad drama".

Got up this morning and took Greg to his first physical therapy session. Today they just took measurements and he will probably start on Wednesday. I hope this works. He's too young (16) to have back problems. They commented on how "fit" he is. He does work hard and keeps in shape. He just made that one play in a baseball game that tweaked his back. He did get the out though!

Not much else going on here in our house today. This afternoon, I'm taking Liz to the bank and get her all set up with her own checking account and everything that goes with it. I've known this day was coming. We go up in two weeks to Parent Preview at UF and we can't wait. It's just here and I and I personally am looking forward to two nights from home! One of those nights, she has to stay in the dorms so I have a the hotel room all to myself. She will get registered for all her classes while we are there. I'm still taking this all in. I have a college student!!!!!!

It's time to tackle Mt. Washmore and get my day started. Have a wonderful Monday!

In less than four hours, summer vacation will officially start here in our house. I am thrilled that the kids will be getting some much needed sleep (they've been a wee bit cranky and moody lately). However, I am not thrilled that they will be home with me all day! The job market is horrible so Elizabeth and Greg are struggling to find jobs. Elizabeth has some babysitting gigs lined up but she still needs more hours. Greg started Legion ball so my next 6 weeks still involve going to baseball games. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love baseball but not in Florida in June!!! Can you say "hot, hot, hot". Em's the outgoing one so I am sure she will be running around with her friends. Mark I hope to sign up for some more swimming lessons or find a swim team. That really seems to be what he likes. He never followed in Greg's footsteps and liked all the sports. He needs the constant "movement" to keep his attention so swimming is right up his alley. As for me, I just want some sleep. Before I know it, school will be back in session. I was able to talk to our school counselor and Greg and Em have some really tough schedules next year. I'm still taking it in that Em will be in high school! I'm not a big fan of middle school so I am anxious for her to enter high school. Sadly, her bff won't be going to the same high school. She's going to the other high school here in town. But, I told her that it will only make their friendship stronger. They won't be in each other's "drama" and when they get together, it will be much "funner" because they don't see each other all the time every day. I won't miss the "drama" of middle school. There are a lot of mean girls in middle school. Hopefully, in high school they "will get it". They will be the "freshman" and put in their place. I've been lucky that my kids have nice friends and stay out of trouble.

So, today is just a "veg" and "relax" day. Em is having some friends come over after school (they get out 1/2 day). They are going to swim and order a pizza. Her one friend is leaving for Italy for the summer so they want to spend some time with her before she leaves. It will probably drive Greg nuts that there are "girls" running around but I'm sure he will find somewhere to go. :)

Not much else planned for the rest of the week. Liz goes tomorrow for her "college" physical and shots. It still seems so weird to say that. We go at the end of the month for parent orientation and she will sign up for her classes. She got her dorm assignment and she is rooming with her friend. They also got their first choice in their dorm. So they were thrilled. They've already been out and about looking for bedding and stuff.

Well, it's time to get this day started. Before I know it, everyone will be home and I will be complaining how they are driving me nuts! hehe. Have a great Wednesday.

Kim

WHAT A WEEKEND

What a great Saturday it was here for "me". Yes, I say me. Being a mom of 4, it's very rare that I have a "me" day. My friend, Barb, scored some free tickets to a private showing of Sex In the City. What a great movie!!!! I used to watch the show when we would get free HBO. I've also been able to catch it in reruns. The movie did not disappoint. I went with my friends Barb & Terri and there was an extra ticket so Elizabeth (my daugther in college--which is so weird saying) went. I loved it and will definately purchase it when it comes out on DVD to add to my "chick flick" collection. There was some sex scenes and some language after all it was an "R" rated movie. Stuff like that doesn't bother me though. I would have been disappointed if they didn't have it in there. After all, it's Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte! Charlotte is still my favorite character. She is so funny. I even learned that there really is a website where you can rent designer purses. How funny is that????

Later that evening, we had tickets to the Tampa Bay Rays verses Chicago White Sox. I am a baseball fan. I love going to baseball games. Unfortunately, the Rays stadium is not close at all--it takes about 1.5 hours to get to their stadium. However, after Saturday nights game, Trace Adkins sang. So, for Mother's Day, Steve had purchased tickets for our entire family to go. Elizabeth wasn't able to make it because of all her graduation parties. So, Greg took a buddy. Oh my heck, can Trace Adkins put on a good show! He is one of my all time favorite singers (George Strait is my other favorite). It was awesome. I still think he deserved to win The Apprentice. As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, he played for a charity that really affects my own family. His daughter suffers from food allergies and he played for a charity that raises awareness of how severe allergies can be. Marks suffers from an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts and eggs. Hopefully, there will be a cure for these allergies some day. Thanks, Trace.

Yesterday, after a quick trip to Wally World, I just relaxed. I did some laundry and watched a very disappointig NASCAR race. I eventually turned it off because I didn't want to see a certain racer win--which he did. Bleck. I spent last night sorting my photos so that I can start doing what I love--SCRAPBOOKING! With school out on Wednesday, I can finally relax and actually get a few pages completed.

Today, is just a typical Monday. When I woke up this morning, I couldn't even remember what day it was. For some reason, I have it in my head that today is Tuesday. DUH. Greg is home today since he exempted his exams. So, I have not one but two teenagers laying around. But, they have a nice "to do" list. The others go a half day on Wednesday and then they are all home for the summer. Let's hope it's a good one.

Have a wonderful Monday!