For the next four days, I am going to get a "little taste" of what it will be like to only have 3 kids in the house. Elizabeth left for a journalism convention in South Carolina called SIPA. She is not only going on behalf of her school's newspaper RevolutionNewspaper.com - Home she also was Vice President and helped organize and plan it. So, hopefully the newspaper will do very well this year again. The only down side to her being gone is that her car is in the driveway. When I leave to take Mark to school, I just back out! Well, guess what I did this morning?? Yep. I "tapped" her car. I cannot even tell if I left those scratches or if they were left over from the last time I "tapped" it. So, because I felt so bad, off to the Autoparts store I went and got some good "buffing stuff" and "wax". Could I be any more dumb?

The weather here is finally cold! I'm even tempted to turn on my furnace but I am trying to save a few $. I just got an email that Greg's game was cancelled for tonight due to the wet field conditions from the other nights rain. I had absolutely NO plans to go sit in the cold and watch that game.

I finally got my Canon Rebel last week. I just haven't had a chance to play with it yet. So, hopefully I can get some shots next week at Greg's game when it warms up. His game last Saturday was in the rain so I dared not bring it out.

Anyone watching American Idol? This season is okay. There's a few I like but I haven't narrowed it down to just one favorite yet. How about Big Brother?? I watched the first show and that's it. It's horrible. I was flipping the other night between that and Idol and I had to just not watch anymore. It's just all fighting and bickering (and lots of boobs) this season. AND not meant for anyone over 25! Maybe someday they should have a "senior" Big Brother for us older "more mature" adults. hehe.

Well, time to tackle Mt. Washmore (as Jolene calls it). Pretty soon I'm going to need climbing gear to walk through that room. Why my kids can't put their laundry in their hampers instead of my floor I will never know.

Happy Thursday................................Make it a great one.

I was tagged today by Benita. This is the first time I have ever been tagged. :)

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.

C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then go to their blogs and leave them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: I was settling in to our first Winter in West Jordan, Utah. I was overwhelmed by all the snow. I was a "Cincinnati" gal. If it snows an inch, you stay inside and most of the time the schools were closed or delayed. Not in Utah. The kids went to school across the valley in Sandy and I remember driving them up the bench to school. The kids were 7, 5 & 3. Mark wasn't even a thought! I had just celebrated my 30th birthday earlier. I had met a mom at the school who sold Creative Memories and invited me to a crop. I had not idea what a crop was. So, I went with another mom I had just met and the rest is history. Once a month on a Friday night I made the trip to Draper and scrapped, scrapped, and scrapped.

Things on my to-do list today: Well, since it's almost 8:30 at night, I plan to spend the rest of my night doing what else? Scrapbooking. Tomorrow on my agenda is to make a run to BJ's and get laundry caught up. Then the NASCAR race is on and I will watch it.

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: Pay off all my debts. Then I would make sure that my kids are all set up for college and not have to worry whether we qualify for financial aid. I definately would make some charitable donations. I also would trade in my mini van and get my dream car--a BMW. I could go on and on.

3 of my bad habits: When I get extremely stressed, I bite off my nails. I am the biggest procrastinator. I put things off until the last minute. I am also horrible about writing things down. I also have a nice new treadmill in my bedroom that is collecting dust. But, I swear I'm going to use it!

3 places I have lived: Cincinnati, Ohio; West Jordan/Sandy (we moved after two years WJ), Utah; Tampa, Florida.

5 jobs that I have had: My first job was at McDonalds (it's where I met hubby). I worked as an Administrative Assistant at a Steel Company. I worked in the traffic department tracking drug shipments at a pharmaceutical company (my favorite job). I was a Client Services Manager for an Estate Planning Company. I had to leave that great paying job because I was having baby #2 and was able to go part time. I left there and went to work for a large insurance company in their Marketing Department. But, the most important job I've had is being able to stay at home for the last 14 years with my kiddoes.

5 things people don't know about me: I HATE SNAKES. I am terrified of them. Unfortunately, Florida is full of them. I hate tomatoes--they make me gag. I would love to go back to school. But, with the kids all in high school, they get to go first. I'm awesome with directions. I think I inherited that from my dad. Who needs a map? I love to read Harlequin Romances. I have tons of them and every time I hit Target or Walmart, I have to pick one up. The library here doesn't have a section like all the other libraries I've been to. So I have to buy them! I especially love ones with cowboys (this was even before I found Pioneer Woman's blog). My dream is to go to New York City at Christmas time. I dream of riding through Central Park and taking in a Broadway show. Someday!

Okay, that's it. So, I tag:

Cindi
Liane
Sue.

Have a wonderful Saturday evening.

Wow. What a week it has been. After having a horrible week the week before, it was such a nice change to have a lot of good happen. First, Mark passed his Hillsborough writes. What does that mean? He can advance onto 3rd grade. He is an excellent student but struggles when it comes to "putting it down onto paper". He was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder last summer. Basically, he processes information at a slower rate. He is as smart as the next kid but moves a little slower to absorb the information and write it down. We got word that he passed. Yeah. Then, Elizabeth getting into her first choice college was the icing on the cake. What a whirlwind of a week. A lot of stress has just been released. Now we can enjoy the rest of the school year.......................

Today is a clean, clean, clean day. The weather is absolutely beautiful. It's a little cool right now but is supposed to get into the mid 70's. I have all the windows open airing out the house. I have a few Yankee Candles burning so hopefully the house will smell yummy.

I finally ordered my Canon Rebel. They were out of the one I wanted at Circuit City so they had to order. They even gave me the online sale price. Life is good right now. I can't wait to get my hands on it. My camera is several years old and doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the new smaller ones have now. It has served it's purpose and I probably will keep it. But it has never taken good "action" shots. All of Greg's baseball pictures aren't very good. So, I am looking forward to getting some great action shots and having a telephoto lens.

Well, I better get a move on. I confiscated the TV remote and told the kids that I didn't want to listen to the TV on all day. So, I have my satellite radio on listening to some Country tunes (much to the eye rolls of the kids).

Have a great Saturday.........................

It's official. We are officially a "Gator Family". We got word that Elizabeth got accepted. Woo Hoo. It's finally hit me that she's going off to college this Fall.

Here you go, Liane. My stash from QVC. I am usually not into a lot of embellishments on my scrapbook pages. When the kids were younger scrapbooking wasn't that big. I just had an "average" 35 mm camera. By the time I had Emily, I was "tired". I didn't take that many pictures anymore (she will be the first one to tell you that there aren't many pictures of her). So, for her album, I use more embellishments to make up for the lack of pictures. I am so into the Heidi Swapp bling. They really ad some pizazz to any page. I've uses Prima flowers before but some of these flowers are huge and will fill in a page nicely. :)

{2.13.08}

It's "hump day". Yeah. Not only that, but we yet another three day weekend ahead of us.

I finally got out all my QVC goodies and took a picture. Guess what? Blogger must be having some problems and the image won't upload. So stay tuned...........I'll try and post it later.

Woke up this morning to sunshine. Is that a bad thing you ask? Well, when you went to bed under a tornado watch until 7 am. and the threat of 2 inches of rain and severe thunderstorms possible and the weather guessers telling you that the morning commute is going to be treacherous, it's a good thing. I was actually looking forward to a much needed rainy day though. My plan was to lounge in my "fat pants" and bum around the house. Not going to happen now. Nope. Gotta get out there and do my errands and knock off some of that "to do" list. They really, really blew the forecast yet again.

Today's errands consist of finding a picture frame for MIL. When they were here for Xmas it was the first time the whole family had been together since Mark was one. I took a picture of all the grandkids for her and was going to frame it and send it to her for Valentines Day. There are six grandkids total--my four and Steve's sisters two boys. Jeff is now 23 and an engineer and Ryan is 22 and is finishing up college at the University of Dayton. Right now he is applying to medical schools. So, who knows when "the kids" will be together again. I know MIL will cherish this photo. She is an awesome Grandma. I think they get the "Best Grandparents" award. Even though they live in Cincy and we are down here in Tampa, we see them quite often. Even when we lived in Utah, we saw them at least 4 times a year.

Well, off to tackle that "to do" list. With tomorrow being Valentines Day, I need to grab my kiddos some goodies. Oh and Liane, as soon as blogger fixes it's problem, I promise to upload my QVC goodies!

{2.12.08}

Has it really been a week since my last post? This week is definately starting off better. Even Mark staying home from school yesterday sick didn't even bother me.

My car is all fixed and "running great". My friend Barb's hubby owns a shop and he took good care of us. If you ever have car trouble in Tampa, give Glen a call. RUNNING GREAT AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES OF TAMPA FLORIDA

My computer is back up and running as well. It was a bad CD drive. We got all our taxes done. Yeah.

I got my first of two orders from QVC yesterday. I can't wait until the "Build a Flowers" come. I got all my Heidi Swapp bling. Now if I would just take the time to actually sit down and scrapbook. I will post a picture of my new "goodies" when they all get here.

Today my day consists of running, running, running. I get to spend my afternoon on my favorite road--the dreaded BBD. One trip to the Elementary school for afternoon pick up, then on to the High School for a pick up, back home to drop off, up to Huntington and back to the High School for another pick up. Breath. Pick up from Huntington. Maybe get a quick bite of a dinner which I have no clue what it will be and then drop off to another High School and pick up after game. ACK. Keep in mind that tonight Idol is in Hollywood. It makes me really appreciate the small town that I grew up in where you walked everywhere. Rain or shine, cold or hot..........Speaking of where I grew up, they are getting hammered with snow and ice. They even closed the schools. It must be bad. They rarely closed the schools since we were a "walking district".

We are supposed to get some much needed rain. Maybe even some thunderstorms later tonight. I can live with the rain but not the thunder and lightening. If it rains, I can cross off baseball practice and a game. Less running. So, I have some errands to run this morning so I can stay home tomorrow. That being said, I really should get off the computer and get out of here.

Happy Tuesday................................

I really should watch what I post. Remember my last post how I said nothing was happening in our house? Well, duh on me for saying that. I should have known it would blow up in my face.

First, my computer. We tried installing Turbo Tax on it and it would not load. We tried other things and the CD drive wouldn't read anything. No problem. Sounds like a need a new CD drive. I wake up Monday morning get the kids off and take the computer to the "computer store". I make yet another trip up the BBD. Guess what. The computer store is closed, gone, out of business. Out of desperation (because we are on some serious college application deadlines and I NEED that computer), I take it to Circuit City. I swore I would never use them again (a whole other post). They were so extremely nice. He said they could get to the computer ASAP because they had openings. Turns out, it wasn't the CD drive but some programming issues. By 1:00 I already had the computer back and hooked up. I do my usual car pool runs. I have a small window to install some software before I head back out. Guess what? The computer not's fixed. I called Circuit City and the guy tells me to bring it in. It's on my way so I drop it back off on the way to taking Greg to baseball. As I was getting back into my car to leave, my battery is dead. Car doesn't start. I call Steve and throw a "40 year old temper tantrum" and he leaves work to come rescue me. Luckily, Elizabeth is home so she packs up Mark and comes to get us. We drop Greg off. By the time Steve comes home (now in a mood) we go to "jump" the van. Don't need to. The darn thing started right up. So, I refuse to drive it at this point (another tantrum). We drop it off yesterday and sure enough the battery was bad and a few other things were going on. I must say, I really enjoy driving a new car (I confiscated Steve's). I really could get used to it. "Out of the question" I am informed by my hubby. Can't take on another car payment at this time. So, today is my last day to drive his nice car and tomorrow it's back to the mini van. My computer is also back and running. After all it DID need a new CD drive. At least they didn't charge me any additional labor.

Today I'm back off to the dentist. Two weeks ago, I got a crown put on a cracked tooth. It still hurts. I still can't chew on that side of my mouth. If I do, the pain shoots up into my jaw. I've been living on Aleve and I finally found time for me to go and get it looked at.

Man, I really didn't mean to rant on an on. Hopefully, the worst is behind me for awhile. Today is a beautiful sunny day and going to be in the low 80s. So, I'm out of here for awhile.

On a happy note, I spent Monday at home watching QVC. I got a few things and I can't wait to get them. I also snuck off yesterday to my local scrapbook store The Scrapbook Shoppe - Home I had to take Steve to work yesterday so since I was that close, I stopped by. I can't wait to actually use the stuff. Maybe tonight I will close myself in my room and work. I haven't even missed all the TV shows not being on due to the strike. I've gotton a lot done and the TV in our house is off more.

Well, off to finish getting ready to see the dentist. Keep your fingers crossed it's something simple. I have this nagging feeling he's going to tell me I need a root canal.

One more thing....................11 more days until the Daytona 500. Woo Hoo.

BE BACK SOON

I will be offline for a few days (hopefully not that long). My poor computer needs to go "to the computer doctor". Hopefully, when I get it back I will have something to post. It's been kind of slow and boring here in our house.

See you soon.................

GO AWAY

I live in a deed restricted community (it has it good points and it's bad). On the sign into our neighborhood there is a nice yellow sign that says NO SOLICITING. So, why won't the men who are going door to door trying to sell meat/food leave? They have come around twice now and knocked and rang the door bell. They know I am home because they saw me pull in. Can't they take a hint? Not interested. GO AWAY. Okay, done venting...........................................

Is it Monday already? Where did the weekend go. Mostly spent the weekend at home. Saturday was kind of a dreary day. Sunday was perfect.

Mark came home from school on Friday and was "Star Student". Woo Hoo. He was so excited. He had a great week at school last week. Hopefully the trend continues. We celebrated by all of us going to lunch on Saturday to Steak and Shake. It's very rare that the kids are all home at the same time. I can't tell you the last time we went out as a family. We figured going out to lunch would be better than trying to go out on a Saturday night. There aren't many restaurants to choose from so you can wait forever to get a table. So we chose Steak and Shake. That way everyone would be happy.

We finally got a date nailed down for Mark's First Communion. Yeah. So, Mark will make his First Communion on Sunday, May 4, Greg will get Confirmed on May 8th and Elizabeth graduates May 28th. Busy May ahead. It's just going to be hard to celebrate all these special events with our families since they all live so far away. How do they choose which one to attend? I dunno. I guess I will leave it all up to them.

We are anxiously couting down to February 15th. That is the day the University of Florida announces who gets in. Please keep your fingers (and toes) crossed that Liz gets accepted. I think she will be so devastated if she doesn't get in to her first choice.

Well, I better get a move on. Mt. Washmore needs to be tackled and before I know it, it will be time to head out for my afternoon runs. All I have tonight is to pick up Mark and Greg from school, come home, turn around and take Greg back to school for baseball and then get Emily to and from Church for her CCD class. By 7:30 my running should be over and then I can just wait for the call from Greg to pick him up. Unfortunately, he has no set time when practice is over. They are done when the coaches are.

Have a great Monday. Make it a good one......................

Hmmmn

Last night at approximately 12:14 am, I came to a realization. I'm not "mommy" anymore. I am just mom. Let me explain--bear with me.

I grew up in the Midwest (Cincinnati, Ohio). I was used to cold (very cold) winters and hot, humid summers (we had no air conditioning so I would appreciate a good rain to cool things down). In 1997, we packed up our kids and moved to Salt Lake City. I remember how dry it was. No more humidity. My hair would actually hold a curl. Then when our first winter rolled around, I remember it snowing 11 inches. Snow day! Nope. It's business as usual. An inch of snow in the Cincinnati area would pretty much cripple the commute and schools were closed or delayed. The summers are hot and dry, but bearable. It would rain, but nothing like what we were used to in Ohio. Then in 2003, we packed up our family and moved to Tampa--the lightening capital of the world. Afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common. The lightening is incredible. But, what amazed me the most was how it could pour over our house, and be sunny just down the road. The kids would come running to me in a storm because they were scared. Hurricanes became my biggest fear. Our second summer here, there was Hurricanes Charlie, Jeanne, and others. I began to loathe the weather here. I began to be afraid of storms. Something which I never was. But, I can't show fear in front of the kids. I am their protector!

So, last night at 12:14, a thunderstorm rolled in. It was so loud. I jumped out of bed. It was pouring rain and the lightening was right above us. As I lay there wondering if the pool was going to overflow (yep, it's done it before), if the lightening was going to fry my computer router (which it did twice recently) or if the basketball hoop would fall over onto one of the cars (which it has). I kept waiting to hear the pitter patter of feet running across the tile floor and feeling a seven year old jump into our bed and say "he was scared". That moment never came. It was a first. I laid there forcing myself to stay awake just in case. Still no sign or sound of Mark. As I lay there, it dawned on me. He's not coming. He doesn't need mommy to assure him that the storm is outside. That it will just blow over. He's not my "baby" anymore but a boy. Now, I'm just "mom" Mom who will drive you where you need to go, mom who will give you a few dollars to go out, or mom who will make sure you are fed, your clothes are clean. I miss being "mommy". My little man is Mr. Independent. Someone forgot to tell me that when the kids get older, the feeling that overwhelms you when you aren't "mommy". I'm not ready to give up that title yet. I have four months until Elizabeth graduates high school. Pretty soon, she will go off to college and I will experience the feeling of only have 3 children. I'm not ready. How does one prepare for that?

So, tonight, when Greg and Emily kiss me goodnight and give me a hug (yes, they still do that), I will appreciate it. I will hug a little longer and squeeze a little tighter. When I tuck Mark into bed and turn on his music, I will appreciate it. I will stand there and maybe listen to one of the songs with him, maybe even sing one or two just like the old days.

Anyone who has read this post, I thank you for sticking it out. I didn't mean to ramble on and on. Some of you with older children may know what I am feeling. For those whose kids are still young, keep those hugs coming. For us with older kids, hug them. Hug them tight. They are never too old for hugs and kisses (except in public of course).

Have a great Wednesday. Make it a good one.

Hugs,
Kim

As promised, here are the pictures of Mark learning to ride his bike. Only in Florida can you be learning to ride your bike in shorts in January. The reason he is wearing the long sleeve shirt is that he was trying to be like his older brother and wearing Under Armour. My camera is old so I was thrilled that the pictures turned out clear and not blurry with him moving. Can't wait to get these pictures in my scrapbook. They are the first pictures of 2008!

Woo Hoo

I thought I had uploaded the pictures onto the computer but I didn't and I've already started typing up this post. Anyway, Mark finally learned how to ride his bike without his training wheels. Yippee. He loves, loves, loves to ride his bike. So, when his birthday rolls around in June, we can upgrade him to a bigger bike. We want him to get used to it first. Oh happy day! I will post the pictures as soon as I get them off my camera. Best of all, I get to scrap a new theme. I wasn't into scrapping when the older kids learned how to ride their bikes. I didn't even take pictures.

I FOUND THEM

I went into "panic mode" earlier. Mark got $75 in Target gift cards for Xmas and I had put them up so he wouldn't lose them--plus one of them was a "musical" card and he kept playing it over and over. Talk about getting on someone's nerves. So, I put them up. I couldn't for the life of me remember where I put them! I finally found them. DUH. But, guess what I am going to do today? Clean off the top of my fridge. When I was looking for the gift cards up there----YUCK.

CAN YOU HEAR IT????

The silence that is.........................Today after 2 weeks and 1 day, my kiddos went back to school. As much as I enjoyed sleeping in and not doing carpools, I was ready for them to go back. The background noises of SpongeBob, Playstation 2 and Taylor Swift all at the same time were just grating on my nerves. They day is mine again. At least until 1:45 when my day kicks into full gear and it's time to start rounding them up. Of course, I don't get to slowly ease back into it, I get to jump in at full speed.

Every town has one of those roads where you just cringe having to drive on it. It seems like the whole entire town is on it at the same time all day long. Well that road is Bruce B. Downs to me. No matter what time of day it is, it's jam packed. Basically, it's rush hour traffic ALL DAY LONG. I spend many hours a week on that road. All three of our schools are off that road. Two of the schools are right next to each other and the High School is several miles down the road. What normally would take 10 minutes to get to the high school from the elementary school can take 20-30 minutes. I thought that having Elizabeth driving would help me out and save on my trips to the high school. NOPE. She and Greg are on different schedules so 4/5 days I still have to make the high school run. Today, Elizabeth has to rush home to go to the dentist. So, I have to drive up the "BBD" and get Mark, rush home, wait for Liz and then cross over the BBD (a whole 'nother adventure) and go to our new dentist. Luckily, the dentist is right next to Huntington where Mark has to be at 4. Then I have to rush up to the high school and get Greg after baseball. Drop him off at home and then head back out to get Mark. So, my afternoon consists of driving, wait no crawling, through traffic. Tomorrow after school, I get to do it all over again--Greg has an orthodontist appointment. Sadly, my poor car is paying the price. It's been making this weird noise when I turn the wheel. I knew that it was "seriously ill". I finally dropped her off at the mechanic and the poor thing needed $1,400 worth of work. I had some serious issues with the steering and two tires that needed replaced. I guess the fine citizens of New Tampa are happy that it didn't break down on the "BBD". Boy, that would really back it up.

Well, with a new year comes new resolutions. I stopped making resolutions. I can't keep them. I took Ali Edwards challenge . My word for 2008 is to "focus". Focus on the here and now and what's in front of me. Don't worry about what needs to get done or what I didn't get done but to "focus" on the task in front of me here and now.

I've also decided to really be a better blogger. Some people's blogs have become part of my morning routine with my cup of coffee. Even know I've never met some of these people, I feel like I have known them for years. I also love reading blogs that involve scrapbooking and card making. Some people are just so inspiring and I love seeing their work.

Well, it's time to tackle my "to do" list for the day. Before I know, it will be time to start rounding up the "gang". Have a wonderful Tuesday.

"If you want to go somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to go somewhere far, go together."

Author unknown

Feeling Creative

I've been trying to get my creativity and scrapbooking mojo back. The other night, I shut myself into my scrapbook room and put these little composition notebooks together. They are the little mini notebooks. I made one for my niece, Avery, who is seven and for my niece, Lyric, who is 10. I'm trying to use up "my stash" of stuff. The sassy notebook I just put together and will probably give it to one of my girls to give as a Xmas gift. My favorite colors together are hot pink and orange. So, I really had a blast creating these. The circles and rub ons are Heidi Swapp. I love her "bling". I went back to Wally world today and of course I can't find the mini composition notebooks. I also checked Walgreens and Target. No luck. So I have a few big composition notebooks I can alter too. I finally broke out my crop-o-dile and used it to set the eyelets. I bought the girls lipgloss too and will put them in a caboodle box that I got from Target. To finish it off, I will put in a glitter, gel pen. I'm so pleased with how they turned out.


It finally cooled down here in the Sunshine state. I finally got to turn off the A/C. I'm kind of jealous of all the snow that the north and midwest got. I really miss a good snowstorm--that's only if I don't have to shovel it or drive in it, of course.


Christmas decorations and shopping are coming along. We still don't have the outside lights out. I gave hubby until this weekend to put them up or don't bother. By the time he gets home at night it's dark and he worked last Saturday and then on Sunday he took the girls to the Nutcracker. This upcoming weekend is our only weekend off. The following weekend we go see the Rockettes---love them. I highly recommend the show. We saw them several years ago. They are awesome.


Well, time to start rounding the kids up. Only two more to have to pick up then I can "jamify" and go back to "being creative".

TGIF

Finally. I have been waiting for this day since Monday! It's so hard to believe that today is the last day of November already. Where did the month go?

My plan today is to get my butt in gear and get the Xmas decorations out. I still have the Thanksgiving ones on my porch. Oops. We finished painting the living room and patching the windows. I remember when we bought this house thinking how exciting it is to own a new home (this one was built in 1999). We are the second owners. Having a newer home isn't at all that great. Our first house was built in the 1950's and it was solid and sturdy. This one they must have slapped together. We've already replaced the A/C two years ago, the pool has been resurfaced, one of the bathrooms needed a complete shower remodel, and the windows are leaking (we have no idea why). Steve spent all last week, chiseling out the damage and redoing them. The he recaulked outside and inside. So, if this doesn't work, we give up. We are slowly prioritizing what we have to redo. Next on the agenda is to paint the exterior and new some new tile. I have a tile entry that has these fine hairline cracks. A few weeks ago, I was sitting here at my computer and I could hear them cracking. At first I was considering replacing the carpet with hardwood, but who knows what will be under the carpet when we pull it up. I may have to stick with carpeting and just have them focus on correcting the problem of why the tiles are cracking. They are also cracking in my kitchen and master bathroom. You can even hear the hollow spots under the tile.

Two weeks from today, we head off to our annual Very Merry Christmas party at Walt Disney World. Woo Hoo. I so need to get out of Tampa for the day. I just need a break. Unfortunately, we are only going for the party. The schools changed their schedule so the kids this year go all the way up to December 21. Last year they got out December 15. There was some big deal about "Christmas" and "Holiday" breaks with some groups so the district just did away with them. So, we are only going up Friday night and coming home on Saturday. The kids start their exams on Monday.

I've been slowly getting my Christmas shopping started. It's not so fun now that the kids are older. I miss buying them toys and clothes. I don't even attempt to buy them clothes. So, I've picked up a few things and they will just get gift cards. Elizabeth loves Starbucks so she will get one of those, Greg loves Moe's (it's a Mexcian restaurant and he and his friend always go there), and Emily will get a gift card to the movie theatre down the street. They'll still get other things too. I do still get to buy toys for Mark. He loves Spongebob so I have gotton him a few Spongebob items.

Well, off to get my day started. One more kid to get out the door. Have a great Friday.

Yeah. They won! I have been a avid Dancing With the Stars fan since the very first season. I love that show!!! I was so happy that they won last night. I would have been happy with Mel B. winning too but I think Helio was the man! He was so fun to watch and evolve each week. My problem now is whatever will I watch on Monday and Tuesday nights? I am anxiously awaiting the next season and to see who will be strapping on their dancing shoes.

Can I have a "do over" Monday? You would think after long holiday weekend, I would be up and ready to go. I just want today to be over!!!!

First, woke up this morning to the smoke alarm "chirping". It's never done that before (it's ADT). Recently Emily set it off cooking a grilled cheese. It definately works. They (ADT) even called to make sure everything was okay. Steve thought maybe the battery needed check so he got up on the ladder before work to check. It's hard wired. So, I call ADT. Ray tells me there is nothing wrong with our system and that we must have an "independant" smoke detector in the house that is sending a signal to the smoke detector that is beeping. After I thought about it, t there is no way we have an "independant' smoke dectector. I called back and Cathy walked me through checking the system. She recommended that I get up on a ladder and blow it out with the hair dryer. Sometimes, dust can do that. I did it and reset the alarm. After 20 minutes of peace and quiet, it starts chirping at me again. I called back time #3. This time, I get the "it's not our alarm. Our alarms don't chirp. " Now I am mad. Don't tell me that the alarm is not beeping. I am standing right undereath it! So, I got to Lowes (I had to pick up some stuff anyway). I thought maybe I will just get a can of air and blast the heck out of the thing before I rip it out. The beeping is getting on my last nerve. They are out of air. So, I tell the guy what's wrong and he asks me if I checked the battery. I tell him it's hard wired. He says all smoke detectors have a battery back up. So, I buy some batteries and come home. Get up on the ladder and son of a gun, there is a battery compartment. It's flush with the system. You really had to be looking for it to see it. So, I change the battery, problem solved. LESSON LEARNED: Even though the smoke detector is hard wired, there is a battery in there. I understand that now but why in the world did the ADT people not know that??????? I wasn't some dumb customer who didn't know what she was talking about. Don't tell me that it wasn't making a noise when I was standing under it and it was! Geesh.......

Fast forward to picking Mark up from school. He gets in the car and tells me that he got a "red" in his folder. Red is bad! Green is good. Yellow okay. I asked him why he got red? In his folder is a note from the teacher. I didn't initial his folder from last Tuesday. I did sign and return all the papers but I forgot to initial the folder. He also didn't bring his libary book back. He was using the library book for a book-it report which isn't due until Friday. We weren't done with the book. He also had a note to bring in the report. It clearly says due November 30. He also had a check for talking (which would have only put him on yellow). But since I forgot to initial his folder and he didn't bring a book in that he is still using he got a red. Do I get mad at him? After I spoke to him about talking, I decided to just let the red mark go. I volunteer in the classroom tomorrow morning so I will set it straight with his teacher. So, I just want to crawl into bed and start another day.

Older kids will be rolling in soon. ugh. Who knows what problems/dilemnas they will bring home. It's always something.

Well, off to enjoy the last few minutes of peace and quiet. Hope you all had a better Monday than me.

Happy Day after Thanksgiving! I wanted to post yesterday, but it got totally chaotic. We had a great day. It was just us this year. After dinner was over, we all sat and played two games of Disney trivia. I love that game. Even Mark can answer questions.


Today, I'm locking myself in my scrapbook room and cleaning and organizing it. I've decided to go back to my simple way of doing things. I was just getting so overwhelmed by all the layouts in the magazines with all their embellishments and lack of pictures, that I went into a slump. So, I'm going through all my stuff and keeping/organizing/pitching stuff I just won't use. I've participated in swaps over the years and just have stuff I won't use. I still love my brads and primas. I've recently fallen in love with buttons. I take alot of pictures so I was just stressing myself out when I would see one photo per page and sooooooooooo much other stuff. So, I am hoping to get some pages completed. What's the best part of it all? ABC Family is showing sappy Christmas movies all day. So, today there will be no cooking, cleaning, laundry, or driving kids around. I even joked that I'm not even putting make up on. That's a scary thought in itself but I am taking the day off.

Have a great Friday.

Childhood Memories

Joe Nuxhall

1928-2007

Do you have a childhood memory that will forever be "etched" in your mind? When I was growing up, my dad would listen to the Reds game on the radio. We weren't allowed to watch a lot of TV so the radio was on a lot. I remember being outside while my dad worked in the yard or on his car and he would listen to the Joe Nuxall and Marty Brenneman call the game. There was something special about this duo and their voices were so unique. Even while living here in Florida, we would listen to them on the satellite radio. If we are lucky enough to get a Reds game on TV, we will turn down the sound and listen to Marty and Joe. Everytime we go home to Cincy, we try to go to a game. We look for the broadcast booth so we can catch up glimse of them. Sadly Joe lost his battle with cancer last night. Joe would always end a broadcast with his famous quote "This is the old left-hander, rounding third and heading for home," Rest in peace, Joe. Thanks for the great memories.

TGIF---Yeah. It's been a very long (yet somewhat fast) week! Baseball is officially over. WOO HOO is all I have to say about that. Even though the weather has finally cooled down and making the games "pleasant", I was done. You can only watch so many baseball games. We have 2 months off and then we start back up in February--assuming Greg makes the team again. So, now he can focus on his school work and conditioning.


My to do list is actually pretty simple today. The grocery store, BJ's (for the best pumpkin pies) and Pier One. Then I need to tackle Mt. Washmore again. Everytime I get all caught up I keep telling myself that if I just do a load a day I can keep up with it. But for some reason, that isn't working for me. I'm always on the run.


One month from today we will be heading over to Walt Disney World for our annual Christmas at Disney celebration. We love it there. This may be our last year all together since Elizabeth will be off to college next year. Hopefully, it won't. She loves Disney. So, maybe she will surprise us and make it work. There is nothing more spectacular than seeing Disney World all decked out for Christmas. I need to start working on my Christmas cards. Jolene George you have inspired me with all your Christmas cards. They are beautiful.


It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here! Where did the month of November go? It's just us this year. Usually my friend Patti comes down but it just didn't work out this year. Bummer. We'll miss you Patti, Krissy, Megan & Hayleigh. Maybe next year. I went ahead and bought a HUGE turkey this year. I decided I want leftovers this year. I'm going to try my luck with some kind of casserole or soup. Usually we have enough leftovers for another meal but I decided to try something new this year. So, if anyone has any leftover recipes they would like to share, please do. Put them on your blogs! Maybe we can get lots of good recipes. I don't know about anyone else, but I love reading blogs with recipes.


Well, time to get my Friday started. Before you know it, the kids will roll in and the "quiet" will be over. Happy Friday, everyone!

Interview Over

Well, Elizabeth's interview is a thing of the past! Cindi guessed the person after only two clues. In case you didn't read the comments, Elizabeth interviewed Jenna Bush. She woke up yesterday a bundle of nerves. She looked so "professional". She wore her black slacks, a new shirt (In my day, we called them blouses) and she swept her hair up. She wore her black heels. She looked so good! (I am biased though). First thing she did when she got home from school was loose the heels. She claimed her feet were killing her. The school campus is huge so she had to talk all over the place. She's a flip flop gal. She didn't take her camera. "Her photographer" from the newspaper got to go in with her and took all the pictures. He has promised us copies of all the pictures he took. Elizabeth said Jenna was super nice and made her so comfortable. She also met Jenna's friend who was the photographer for the book. Even she took pictures. Liz said she made such an impact on her with her work with UNICEF that somehow she wants to help. I'm so proud of her. I think this will be an experience that she will remember always.

It's finally Fall here in Florida. We are in the high 70's during the day and 50's at night. It's wonderful. My AC has been off for a week now. Yesterday, I treated myself (which I NEVER do) to a small shopping spree and got some warmer clothes. I got 2 pairs of jeans, 2 shirts and a new purse. I'm a purse junkie. I have more purses than I have jeans! Thank you Lisa. I blame her.

Thank goodness the weekend is finally here. Yeah. As of now, no baseball game tomorrow. That doesn't mean we won't get an email at 10 tonight but I sure am enjoying the fact that tomorrow is my "day off". Hopefully I can get Steve started on my "Honey Do" list. We still haven't finished painting. The living room and dining room need to be done. So, I told him that we won't be putting our Xmas tree up until it gets done. (It's been since January that we started this project). Since it's HIS family coming down for Xmas and not mine, maybe it will get done. He's been out of town the last couple of days so I am sure when I ask him to work on the list, he will say he has to go into the office since he's been away. That's what he usually does. He was raised that you call a repair man or handy man to fix everything. Well, we can't afford that. I was raised the opposite. My dad could fix anything. Repair men weren't allowed in our house. But, he tries when he can. How hard can it be though to hang vertical blinds? They've been sitting in the garage for almost a month and a half. The ones up over the sliding door have been broken for years! Yes I said years. So, hopefully, I will have nice working vertical blinds hung this weekend.

Today, I'm off to volunteer in Mark's classroom. Yippee. After doing it all this years I think I'm burned out on it. BUT, I did it for the other kids, and I will do it for him.

Cindi, I will get your goodie package out to you this weekend. I'm pretty sure I have your address. If not, I will email you to get it.

Time to get my day started. Have a wonderful Friday!

WOW. Cindi guessed it! How in the world did you figure that out after only 2 very vague clues? I'm so impressed.

Tomorrow morning, Elizabeth will be interviewing Jenna Bush (aka the President's daughter). It's not a political interview. She's interviewing her about the book she wrote.

Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope by Jenna Bush, Illustrated by Mia Baxter

How cool is that? She is coming tomorrow morning to the high school to talk to the kids about this book. Elizabeth scored the only interview. She read the book and she said it was awesome. She recommends that everyone read it. Politics aside, you have to admit that this is a great opportunity for my future journalist. She is just thrilled and has been working on her interview questions. We went shopping and she has her "interview" outfit all ready to go. I'm so proud of Liz and what a memory she will have as she enters the next phase of her life.

So, hopefully tomorrow I will have more to share--hopefully some pictures too.

Mystery Interview

CLUE #2 This person recently became engaged. Maybe "famous" is not the correct word to describer her but "important" is a better word (depends on who you ask).

I know the clues aren't very helpful, but if I give the ones I really want to, then people will guess her pretty quickly. So, on Thursday morning, after she has her interview, I will post the clues that will give it away.

Good guess, Cindi, but it's not Jessica Simpson. (EDITED--Jessica does have somthing in common with her though)

Happy guessing!

GUESS WHO GAME

I've given it some thought (and Cindi also suggested it), and I want to see if anyone can guess who Elizabeth will interview this coming Thursday morning. I will post one clue a day and I will send a small scrapbooking "goodie envelope" to the first person to guess correctly.

CLUE #1 It's a young "twenty something" female.

Good Luck..............

WOO HOO

Just a real quick entry. This is pretty mean of me to post and not give out all the details. BUT, I don't want to jinx it for Elizabeth. I will post all the details and hopefully a picture next Thursday night. BUT, I can tell you this. Elizabeth is one of the editors of her high school newspaper (there are 2). The newspaper is rated #1 in the state by SIPA. She is a senior and plans to take Journalism in college. She has already applied to the University of Florida. She has a few other applications that she is working on as well. Anyway, her high school has a "famous" person coming to speak next week. Elizabeth scored the interview! She is the only person to be granted an interview. Not even the local media gets to interview this person. The scrapbooking mom in me wants to be there with camera in had so bad but even I don't get to go. So, we are all still floating on cloud nine. We are going shopping this weekend for a new "interview" outfit.

So, I told you that this was mean of me. But, I don't want to blow this. You never know who's out there in cyber space. I promise to give out all the details one week from tonight. So stay tuned...............................

THIS AND THAT

It's been awhile since I've blogged. I've just been so busy with the kids and all the daily stuff that I have to do. I cannot remember for the life of me what I did with all my time before I had kids.

So, last week I turned 40 (gasp). It wasn't all that bad. I thought I would be more depressed about it but I wasn't. (I think I was just to busy hehe). We started off by going to breakfast with the kids on their way to school (McDonald's). My friend Sheri gave me some candles, hand lotition, a pumpkin soap dispenser and pumpkin scented hand soap. We didn't our "friends" there from a few weeks earlier when we went for Sheri's birthday. It's kind of a tradition now. I got the coolest gift in the mail from my friend, Lisa. Lisa moved back to S. Bend Indiana two years ago. She was my lunch, scrapping, stamping, just hanging around buddy. We did a lot together. Anyway, she sent me a box with 40 wrapped presents. It was so cool. I took a picture but it's still on my camera so I will post it later. What a creative gift. Lots of scrapping stuff, an altered composition notebook (my favorite), candles, magnets. It was so creative. She even sent me some candy from the 80's. Remember pop rocks? The candy cigarettes? Too fun. Remember how we were told that if we ate the pop rocks and drank coca cola our stomach's would explode? My friend, Kate, stopped by and gave me an awesome orange/pink scrap tote filled with scrapping goodies (orange & pink--my favorite colors). Then I spent the evening working at the concession stand at the Homecoming football game. IT WAS HOT. It was miserable. However, I did a good thing for the baseball team (they get the proceeds). It didn't help that Florida is in a heatwave. On a happy note, our team FINALLY won. They have won a game yet this year and they won in triple overtime! Yeah. Go Patriots. I came home and showered and just crashed. So, overall I had a great birthday. Oh yeah, I got a new dishwasher finally last week so Steve counted that as my birthday gift. He was off the hook.

We survived our last Homecoming. Elizabeth was beautiful. It's hard to believe that this was her last one. I don't know why the picture went to the top of the post. I don't know what I am doing wrong. She was stunning (well, I am biased). She had a blast.

Well, I guess I should get my day started. Kind of a boring blog entry. I have more to tell but I need to hit the shower and get my errands started. There is a HomeGoods store that just opened. I need to go check it out. I also need to tackle Mt. Washmore.

Have a great Thursday.

Happy Fall Y'all

It's so hard to believe that Fall is here. That means Thanksgiving and Christmas is right behind. I was in BJ's the other day and they had their Christmas tree displays up! It will be here before you know it.

Our house has been totally chaotic. Having three teenagers and one seven year old is just physically and mentally draining. Baseball season is in full swing--three nights of practice and Saturday games. Volleyball season is halfway over. Homecoming is two weeks away....the list goes on. We have a dress, we have our hair appointment set. Yesterday I realized I still have to order her boyfriend buttoneire (soory don't know how to spell it). Her dress is so pretty. It's more formal than she has ever worn and it's plum. I will definately post pictures when the big day arrives.

Yesterday was our 20th wedding anniversary. The years have just flown by.........I would love to say they were perfect but hey we aren't perfect and have had our many obstacles. We've live in 3 states, moved 4 times so to say they have been stress free would be a fib. But, I wouldn't change any of it. Here's to 20 more.

This morning I took my friend Sheri to breakfast before we dropped the kids off to school. Her two children went, her little cousin, Anna (4), myself and Emily. We only went to McDonalds because we had to watch the time. Anyway, we sat in the play area so little Anna could play. There were these 3 other people in there (I am guessing 20ish). Anyway, they were climbing and playing in the play toy. Um. It clearly states ages 3-12. So as we are sitting there, we heard the f bomb and other curse words. Sheri politely asked them if they could watch their language since there were kids around. NOPE. The one mouthed off to Sheri so she went and notified the manager. He came in (he looks about 18) and asked them to watch their language. He left. THey continued to "play" in the big toy to where little Anna couldn't go in. They kept calling us "snitches". We continued to have our breakfast while the kids played the computer games and air hockey. I told Sheri I've been called worse than a snitch. We ignored them and had a nice breakfast. As they were leaving, they put their trash away and then proceeded to call us "bitches"--sorry for the language. Again, we just shook our heads and ignored them. It's Sheri's birthday and I wasn't going to let a bunch of inmature kids ruin our morning out. As they were leaving through the doors, they flipped us off! Finally, the gentleman who is always there and such a nice guy came in and wished Sheri a Happy Birthday. We told him what they said and he commented that he remembers faces and the next time they come in he will "take care of them". He apologized and said he wished we would have come back and said something. So, that is how my day started.

Well, off to tackle Mt. Laundry and check Mark out of school early. Went for his 6 month cleaning and has a cavity which needs filled ASAP. So, I am not looking forward to that. He's a a trooper though. He's the only one of my kids that have had cavities so young. The girls were much older when they got their one and only cavity. I didn't have to "baby" them like I do Mark. He just gets himself so worked up and analyzes EVERYTHING.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Roughing It

We been "roughing" it lately. Okay, not really. But if you ask my kids, we are. You see our dishwasher broke. It's a cheap "builder quality" dishwasher that was installed when our house was built (we are not the original owners). When they slapped the new houses up, they put in the cheapest and generic quality of everything. So, our house was built in 1999 and so far, we have replaced the a/c, garage door opener, resurfaced the pool and now the dishwasher. We brought our own refridgerator with us so I know that should last awhile. Anyways, getting back on the topic, the dishwasher broke. I could have spent more money than it's worth to fix it. But, I thought no. I will wait until we could afford the one I really wanted--one that actually cleans the dishes! Each week, the kids alternate cleaning up the dishes. Call Children's Services. I am violating child labor laws here (my kids version). They have been having to wash and dry the dishes. Everynight, I hear the complaints. "When are you going to get the dishwasher fixed?". They are just mad at me because I have to literally stand over them while they do the dishes. I have to constantly remind them that you have to put water and soap in the sink to wash them. Enter my "darling" hubby. He had been out of town for a week. It was late the other night and Emily snuck off to bed without doing the dishes (I was too busy to have even noticed that I let that one slide). So he offers to do the dishes. He did the dishes! After climbing into bed and having our usual "how was your day" "what did you do" conversation, he asks "What's on the agenda for the weekend?" Well, lets see--the usual. Volleball game, baseball practice, yada yada yada.. "Why?" His response "I thought we could go and get a new dishwasher". What??? After only one night of doing dishes???? WOW. I am not going to argue that one but I reminded him that my plan was to wait until we could replace all the appliances at one time so I could get the color and styles that I really want. So, now I am in a dilemna. Do I get a black one like I want and now have 3 different color appliances, or stay with the off-white and just have 2 colors. The kitchen is scheduled for 2009 remodel. Just for record, I grew up not having a dishwasher. My parents still live in the same house and just "modernized" their kitchen minus a dishwasher. They say they don't need one. So, mom. I am not the one who caved in. You should be proud.

It's finally Friday! What a busy week. Before Steve left for work this morning, I told him that we have absolutely NOTHING going on tonight. Once upon a time, I remember how uncool it was to stay home on a Friday night. Now I live for it! We had conferences last night at the High School. They went well. Greg is starting to slack off a little so I told him this morning before he left for school that he would be spending the evening doing his Chemistry. If he wanted to go to baseball, he had to do his chemistry. I got the "It's not due until Wednesday" speech. Well, bubba, your chemistry teacher showed us what's due and even told us it would take several days to do it. BUSTED. His teacher's ratted him out. Does he think we were born yesterday? So, we have to be a little "harder" on him. His grades are good but the "C" could be an "A" if he just would turn in his homework!

Mark had his big end of summer reading party at Huntington Learning Center last week. He broke the family curse of us never winning anything. He won the overall prize of either a $50 gift certificate to Circuit City or Learning Express (toy store). So, he chose the Learning Express. So tomorrow we are off to spend $50 in a toy store!!! He was so excited. "I'm a winner" he tells everyone. So cute.

4 more days until Dancing With the Stars. Woo Hoo. That is one of my favorite reality shows. I haven't missed an episode yet. I am addicted to that show.

Well, time to get my Friday started. Lots and lots of laundry today. Have a wonderful Friday.

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!

Taking a trip down memory lane

Jennifer Stewart posted on her blog a fun You Tube video from a wedding reception. It got me all nostalgic looking back at my own wedding and reception. So, just for fun, let's reminisce. How long have you been married? What song did you dance to? What were your wedding colors? Anything memorable from your reception? I have been married for 19 years (20 on October 3). My wedding colors were mauve and grey. I wore an Ivory dress (I couldn't find one I liked in white) and Steve wore a gray tux. We danced to a song called "Nothing's Going to Change My Love For You" by one-hit wonder Glen Maderios. The wedding party danced to songs from Top Gun (who didn't love that movie). I am a more soft-rocker/country gal and Steve is Rock and Roll. We had a DJ and the music was all over the place. I remember everyone dancing to "Walk Like an Egyptian" and laying on the floor to "Shout" (from Animal House). One of my favorite memorable songs from when I was really little was by Donna Fargo called "I'm the Happiest Girl". So, I had the DJ play that song. Steve got teased and so much crap from his buddies. He asked me "what the "heck" is that song. I really think I embarassed him. However, he had fun playing the "air guitar" with his groomsmen. I have all this in pictures! And to everyone who said "it won't last" or "we were too young". Haha (I was 19 and he was 22). So, four kids and 20 years later, we are still going strong. We have our ups and downs but I look forward to the next 20+ years! What a trip down memory lane. Thanks for posting that video, Jennifer.

Tomorrow marks the 20 days until school starts countdown. I am so excited to have the kids going back to school. If they hadn't changed the school year calendar, they would have been going back next week! Thanks Florida. I really enjoyed going early (it's too hot to do anything anyway) and I liked getting out earlier than other states. They also took away our long Christmas break--oh wait. I should be PC and say "Winter Break". So instead of getting out mid December, we get out on December 22. Oh well. We are slowly getting all the much needed school supplies and clothes. Mark's is easy. He wears uniforms. I still have last years so he doesn't need much except new shoes, socks and underwear. Now the girls are going to break me. I am glad they are finally at an age where they have "slowed" down in their growth and can still wear last years clothes--except for Emily's who's feet just took off. She now wears the same size as Elizabeth. But, do you think they can share the fashionable shoes? NOPE. Ah, the joys of teenage girls. Greg is easy, basketball shorts and T's. I so wish he would wear the plaid shorts that all the boys are wearing. I love that look! I can occasionally get him to wear khaki shorts and a three button but not very often.

Well, it's raining again here in Florida. I love these gloomy days. I seem to get much needed housework done because I don't want to go anywhere in the rain. So, I'm tackling the cabinet on top of the fridge--you know, the one you need a ladder to get to. I also cleaned off the top of the fridge. I got to throw away a lot of junk. I love these kind of cleaning frenzies! I dug out my planner and almost have it organized for all my back to school stuff. These next three weeks aer going to fly by.

Have a great Tuesday!

I'm back!

In cyber space that is. Last Monday we had a terrible thunderstorm roll through (one of the many joys of living in Florida). I thought the house got struck by lightening but apparently it was pretty close. It zapped my router to the computer. We finally got a new router put in on Friday morning. The nice guy didn't even charge us for a new one. We just had a new one installed back in May when we went to FIOS on the TV. When he plugged it in, he put it into an outlet and not the surge protector that the computer is plugged into. So we are totally lucky it didn't zap the computer or any other appliance. We have so many thunderstorms lately that I am beginning to be afraid of them. We have had enough rain that we have had to drain some of the water out of the pool twice in the past two weeks. I am not complaining about the rain though, I know so many areas need the rain. I remember living in Utah where it was so dry and we would watch the mountains burn. I just wish we could just "share" some of it :)

27 days and counting until school starts. A part of me is sad but a part of me is so happy. I will miss sleeping in until 7 (that's my sleeping in). However, I won't miss the TVs being on, the kids bored because they can't do anything because of all the thunderstorms.

I have really been organizing and sorting through all my scrapbook items. I am donating a lot of stuff that I just don't use to a fellow blogger Stefanie Hamilton. Stefanie was diagnosed with cancer last year and part of her "giving back" is to teach fellow cancer patients to scrapbook journals. The program she is teaching through is called LifeSpring. I have never met Stefanie and I can't even remember how I came across her blog. Having lost my mom to cancer when I was four, I am a huge supporter of any cancer program. Unfortunately, there were no programs back then. I do believe that if they knew about cancer back then, then maybe my mom would be here. Sadly, I don't remember her. How I would have loved to read a journal she kept. So, this is my way of giving back. I have a nice box started to send to her.

As I am updating my blog, Steve and Elizabeth are up at the University of Florida taking a tour. I can't believe how the time has flown (I know I say that alot). Tomorrow she gets her senior portraits taken.

Well, better wrap this up. I have a mountain of laundry to tackle. Steve is on vacation this week so I am hoping to get some stuff done around the house. We are planning on going to the beach at some point-hopefully Friday. I can't believe it's almost August and we haven't been to the beach. That's how busy our summer has been. We only live less than an hour away (mostly traffic).

Have a great Monday!

This and That

It's been awile since I have blogged. Not much to blog about. Life is kind of chaotic now. Having not one, two but three teenagers is physically and mentally draining. I'm tired!

Mark finally lost his first tooth. He turned seven in June and was so bummed that he didn't get his name on the "lost tooth" chart in the classroom. So, we made a big deal out of it. He was officially diagnosed with CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Disorder). Not a big deal. He's extremely smart but moves at a much slower pace and needs to "be kept on track". He is easily distracted. Now we can get the IEP and he can get some help from the school--which they wouldn't do because we didn't have the IEP. The audiologist doesn't test them for CAPD until they are at least 7. So, one week after his seventh birthday, we got the testing done. Hopefully, 2nd grade will be much smoother than first. Next week he goes in for his allergy testing. Keeping our fingers crossed that he outgrows the egg allergy. Doubt he will ever outgrow the peanuts and tree nuts!

Greg finally finished baseball. I love baseball, but I can only take so much. Living in Florida, there are 3 seasons--Fall, Spring and Legion. At least we have a couple weeks off before he starts conditioning for Fall ball. He's working on getting his driver's permit. Not quite sure I am ready for that!

Emily is having a lazy summer. Not much going on with her. Her BFF is moving away and she is extremely bummed. The good news is that it's only across town and not out of state.

Elizabeth is continuing taking her online summer course-Economics. Yuck. She is also working on her college application to the University of Florida. I can't believe that she will be going away to college next year. We just got her appointment card in the mail and she gets her Senior pictures taken next week. It just makes me so very sad that she has grown up so fast. It seems like just yesterday she was my baby. Now she's driving a car!

Well, it's Saturday which means cleaning and laundry. The good news is that the kids are home and they are going to help me. Yeah. I told them that the TV was to stay off until the family room was dusted, swept, and cushions vacuumed. It looks like it might rain--which I hope it does. Then maybe we can have a lazy rainy day. Steve is golfing over in Orlando so who knows what time he will be home. It's kind of quiet today............