Manic Monday

So much for us having a lazy, crazy summer vacation.

William started Football practice today at his new high school, and on Monday, he is starting summer school so he can get a required class out of the way so he's not carrying 6 academic courses in the fall.

Practices start at 3:30 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. SO, here is what I plan on doing.

I've made a list of things I can make for dinner quickly and easily that transport well, and Alex, Johnny and I will eat dinner at around 6 p.m. at the school, and Will can eat at 7 p.m. when he is done. Oh yeah, I forgot to say that I will not be driving back and forth from Redlands during the practices, we are just gonna stay and plan on doing some fun stuff there.

***

We are going to do our reading, math and spelling exercises for one hour, under a lovely tree there, in the shade. We will breathe deeply and enjoy the outdoors during that time.

Then we may head on over to Downtown Redlands for a nice stroll at the shops and who knows, maybe an ice cream some days. Some days we will head over to the Smiley library and sit in the air conditioned peace and quiet of a gorgeous library. I am also going to ask the Police Dept. around the corner to arrange a time for a tour of their facility. One day, I plan on surprising them with a trip over to Color me Mine around the corner from their school and do some painting. In the interim, the back of my car will be filled with puzzles, balls, badmittion, games and activity books.

Sounds like a plan to me. Now I just have to wrap my head around it all, and get it into action.

***

Today, I shopped again, and spent more of my gift certificates. This time it was Bed Bath and Beyond, and I went CRAZY! I got a really cool knife block, a hands free soap dispenser, some kitchen organization stuff, an ingenius new colander, some new 800 thread count sheets, a new bread board, some new hot pad holder thingys, and a new Olive Oil bottle. Whew!

I still have a Michaels, Nordstrom, Itunes and Macy's cards to use! Woo Hoo!

Birthdays are GOOD!

Johnny and I were alone tonight during Will's practice so he was treated to Starbucks and Barnes N Noble. That kid loves books!

***

So, I don't know when we will get to use our cool new patio with all this running around we are gonna do, but at least it'll all stay clean!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

I slept for the first time in 2 days last night.

This mysterious chest congestion is finally subsiding.

Mucinex really works.

***

Well, we took down the fence separating our pool from the patio, in hopes of starting to

put in an outdoor kitchen to rival my indoor kitchen. We spend so much time in our patio 7 months of the year, I want it to be cozy and an extension of our small house.

We have such great dry weather here in CA, and I want to take full advantage of it.

I want it to look like a Moroccan retreat, so I have some gorgeous sheers on their way, and they are in purple, green, butter, orange, and lilac, and they are going to be put on airplane cable that is holding my white ones right now, in varigated patterns to encase the entire patio.

I hope it looks nice and serene and opulent when they blow in the wind.

They arrive within the week, so when they are up, I'll take pictures again.

I already have the entire kitchen in my mind, I just have to go get what I want and wait for Bill to run water lines, and more electrical lines so I can have more appliances and a sink out there.

I want to make it so I never have to go in the house for anything when we entertain outdoors and have all I need out back, in duplicate.

When the boys are older and want to entertain on their own, they can choose either the outside or the inside to do so, and we can take the opposite, and everyone has some semblance of privacy... within reason of course.

***

The boys had that 24 hour practice last night. I was going to attend, but I needed to get some sleep and just as I got to the park, I was hit with overwhelming fatigue, and went home and crashed. I planned on taking pictures and everything, but just couldn't keep my eyes open after cooking all day.

***

At least I'll be better and rested for the games.

I hope...

Saturday Night Congestion

I couldn't get to sleep at all last night (isn't that a song?)

No, not because of my idiot backyard neighbors, they were surprisingly quiet,

and have been all week long...hmmmmm.

I have this weird symptom going on. I don't have a cold, no sore throat, no headaches, no chills, no upset stomach, just a congested chest and I sneeze all the freakin time!

I know it'a allergies, but to what? I have no idea.

I didn't have allergies until I turned 35 or so.

I was up all night trying to breathe!

I took Mucinex and that stuff is a miracle.

But I then, at 3 a.m. and again at 6 a.m. did an Albuterol breathing treatment

on our portable machine. Helped me sleep, so I got to sleep at 6 am and slept until 9:30 am.

***

Last week it was the neighbors, and this week it's this weird congestion thing, is there a new rule I don't know about? Is there some cruel joke that says I am not allowed to sleep on weekends at all? Someone tell me now so I know for next week! I'll plan a party or something so at least I'll have something fun to do instead of clean my kitchen at all hours of the night!

***

WHAT IS WITH THIS ANT THING THIS YEAR! OMG! They are everywhere!

I like to believe that I keep a reasonably tidy home. I never go to bed with dishes in the sink, my counters are wiped down at least 20 times a day, no food is allowed in any room except the tiled room, we sweep every night after dinner whether it needs it or not, I put everything in sealed, locked, airtight containers in my pantry etc...

I don't know where they are coming from. I am a crazy wreck now, washing down my counters every hour making sure there isn't one speck of water or food for them to eat.

Orkin was here last week, and it didn't help!

It is truly ridiculous!

It is easing up since the weather cooled down, but it was bad for a couple of days!

Has anyone else had this problem?

Maybe it's Karma for sending that dumb dumb to jail last week.

Who knows...

For the last 2 days, no ants, but for a couple of days there, yikes!

Have a wonderful Saturday, keep cool and I'll see some of you at the park later!

Friday Frenzy

Had a show tonight!

I have the BEST clients!

I know... I keep saying that.. BUT I DO!

It was a fun night!

I got to use my new portable ice machine. Such fun!

I am going to take it everywhere this summer!

***

So far... Misdemeanor Man hasn't returned. I sure hope he doesn't think we are going to

drop the charges. 'Cause he is sadly mistaken.

***

I have so much cookin' to do for tomorrow's 24 hour practice. Please!

I need to start saying "no" more often. I am usually so good at it!

I must be losin' my touch.

Note to self... Say "NO" more.

***

I had a total, complete, brain fade yesterday... I FORGOT MY KIDS

DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS! Completely!

I remember at 11:00 am this morning! I screamed!

40 is supposed to be FABULOUS... not FORGETFUL!

***

I'm tired... I'm gonna go crash now.

My new Patio!

My newest acquistions! Just got 'em yesterday. FOR A STEAL! This is the couch that needs a bed of needles. That cool coffee table's lid opens for storage!

I am going to have to get some different color sheers to encase our patio. White is a bit to stark with all this dark furniture now. Come over and see it anytime!

More Beach Pics

DUDE... GNARLY!

JUST HANGIN OUT!

TOO POOPED TO POSE!

DIGGING FOR SAND CRABS.

Tuesday stuff

Whew! Another day, more quiet... let's hope it lasts!

***

I baked bread like a fiend today.

Fought ants like Supergirl.

Made dinner like Julia Child.

Did laundry like Martha.

And still, my house is a disaster!

***

My new fountain sprung a leak.

Dang it.

I'm taking it back tomorrow.

I bought a different one online tonight. It'll be here July 1.

Yahoo!

***

My dogs think my new outdoor couch is their new bed.

I'm thinking of installing a bed of needles on it to keep them off.

***

Bill came home a informed me I am chief cook for a 24 hour practice this Saturday at the Park.

I laughed. He stared... I laughed some more.

He's crazy!

***

I need to write Thank you notes for my party.

I want to do it, but I am not short winded... as you well know.

I resolve to write 5 per day.

There I said it out loud. Now I will do it.

***

I can't to hear what my nail guy says when he sees my missing fingernail.

I'll be driving on 9 nails for about a month or so.

Have a great rest of the evening all!

Monday, Monday

It's quiet today... so far.

We had fun today.

While Will was at his weight lifting, we finally went shopping for Johnny's Bday gifts. He got a pair of skates and a power wing scooter. He is still pretty easy to please.

***

Then I went shopping... I spent some of my birthday money. I bought a really cool water fountain for our back patio, and a new wrought iron couch for the patio too.

I'm getting a love seat and a coffee table next week, when they go on sale. I so hate paying full price when I know they are going on sale, (because the sales lady clued me in) (so nice!).

***

So now Bill is out back putting it all together. So exciting!

We are in the planning stages of our outdoor kitchen now. Sketches and plans are soon to follow.

I already know what I want it all to look like. I always do. I am an easy shopper too. I just know what I want, when I find it, I get it. When we were building our kitchen, it took me less than an hour to shop for absolutely everything I wanted. Bill was awestruck. I think he thought I was going to be like most women and lament over color, texture, this or that and be indecisive.

On the contrary... he was the one saying... "Are you sure you don't like this better?" I would just say... "No, let's move on, more things to get."

Our cabinet builder wanted to show me tons of books, he was ready with 5 inch thick books for me to ponder. I opened to a page, pointed to the ones I wanted, chose the color, and asked how long it would be before he could come by to measure. It all took about 2 minutes for me to shop.

He said... "Okay, now what do I do with the hour until my next appointment?"

So I showed him the appliances I wanted, and we were done in about 10 minutes flat.

Sometimes he calls and asks how everything is in the kitchen, (he came by when it was newly finished and took pictures of it for a brochure he was making) and then he tells me how he wishes all his clients were like me. So nice!

I shop like that for everything. Except shoes. Those take time... I love shoes!

***

OH! I forgot to mention that

ALEX MADE ALL STARS!

He was very excited. So are we.

Yahoooo Alex! aka Princess, his team nickname. They all have nicknames.

He actually loves his. So weird. One of his coaches called him that because he always fixes his hair before he bats, just for me, and blows me a kiss.

Dorko.

But I love him. He is hilarious at all times.

I hope they do well. They sure are practicing a lot.

Good luck guys!

Beach Pictures!

Our last hurrah before all the summer stuff starts for school!

He has the whole... moon... in his hands... So does my friend Mari!

How to catch the suns rays...

MMMM... Smores!

Forward girls

Our camping trips used to be so blissfully uneventful.

We would go, hang out, eat meals, light a bonfire, play games and head for bed.

Just us, or our friends who visit us while we are there, no outside interference, interaction or inter anything.

Those days, I am afraid, are apparently OVER!

***

We happened to be camping next a delightful family of three boys. The mom was totally sweet and totally felt my pain, as well as my joy. We bonded instantly and talked a lot during our stay.

She has a three yr. old boy that LOOKS like a 7 year old. He weighed more than Johnny and was almost as tall. I gave his Mom a quizical look when I saw him in a pull up, and she, wearily, told me he just turned 3! I was floored! She has to explain all the time.

He. was. HUGE!, and oh so adorable!

Everything was great until THEY had guests. Yes, their 3 cousins came to camp too, and they were 14, 12 and yep, you guessed it, 8, and they were all girls... aka son stealers.

Needless to say, I was overjoyed... NOT!

***

Within the hour, the oldest girl, Maddie, gave a whisper to Johnny to tell my son Will that she liked him. Johnny, thrilled to be armed with information to torture with later on, RAN to William screaming the information out loud! (Johnny still hasn't grasped the concept of composure) Will responded in kind, with a shrug of his shoulders and a look of

fear at me. I just smiled and continued talking to my friend Andrea from Texas that came to visit. Will decides to delight Maddie with an invitation to playful football with all the rest of the yahoos they met. She accepted the invitation,

BUT NOT WITHOUT DOING A SLOW STRIPTEASE DOWN TO HER ITTY BITTY BIKINI! Her Grandmother was mortified!

I was glad Grandma was, because I was just about to say something. It was VERY suggestive.

That girl jumped on, ran into, grabbed and just about tackled my sons at every opportunity.

It was obvious that William hadn't a clue what she was doing, or even why.

He was there to play football. Alex got the gist of her antics and decided to go back into the water, they all followed suit.

Maddie didn't stop there. She kept jumping on my boys backs like they were some sort of horse for her or something.

When they had enough, Will came up to me and said,

"Hey Mom, isn't there something you need us to do at the motorhome?"

I played dumb and giggled and said "No, I don't think so." Just to see him panic. Then he just opened his eyes and pleaded with me nonverbally. I couldn't do it any more, so I gave in.

We left, to go do "something" at the motorhome.

***

A few short minutes later, there she was, clothed again and panting from running and asking if Will and Alex want to go sit on the sand and listen to her music.

Dummies... they went.

They were back in less than 5 minutes.

Maddie was following Alex everywhere he went, and he ran up to tell me he was taking a nap, and to get rid of her. I told him to speak for himself. He did, and she asked him how long he was going to sleep. He said he didn't know, see ya, and went into the rig.

She plopped her cute little butt right next to me while I was reading and proceeded to chat me up. She asked what I did, how old I was, where my hubby was, if I had any daughters and on and on and on. Then she told me her life story, and how kids in her town were gang bangers and such. Whoa! T.M.I. and no, I didn't answer all of her questions either.

I got one question in, and all you mommies of daughters out there can chastise me if you want..

I don't care, I asked one thing...

I asked her where she got the idea that throwing herself at boys was the way to get them to like her. She didn't even wince. She answered... "My Mom told me I have make myself known, and not play games with guys. I should just go for what I want."

I asked her if her Mom realized she was only 14. She got offended and got up and left.

She, too, was back 5 minutes later asking if Alex had had enough sleep.

I was floored.

I then asked her to kindly go back to her campsite, and if she sees my boys on the sand, fine, but when they are at the site, to please stay away.

So we had dinner, cleaned up, and they went on the beach to play.

Maddie came screaming along the boardwalk on her bike and asked my men if they wanted to join her at her families site for smores.

I just nodded. I figured they hadn't gotten the message quite yet, and they need to make their own mistakes... and I was just a few spaces down and could hear everything.

About 1/2 an hour later, they were all back, mortified.

She had been playing games with Alex and Will all day. I could see it, but they couldn't.

Alex came to me, sat down and told me she kept pressuring him to kiss her.

I said to Alex "I thought she liked William." He said she did, but when he wouldn't take the bait, she switched to me. "Mom, I told her I'm only 11, and she didn't care! She kept saying she wanted to kiss me over and over and over again!"

I said, "Did you?", and he said "No way!"

So Maddie came to the door, again, and I politely asked her to leave, the boys were tired and we were going to hang out by ourselves. She said she would be back in the morning.

***

Morning comes, and there she is, with three letters in her hands. One for each of the boys.

They are leaving that day, and she felt compelled to write letters!

I see a future Fatal Attraction chick in the making here, people!

In the letters, she pledges her undying love and regrets that Alex didn't "do what she wanted him to" but maybe next time! puhleeeze!

She gave them her phone numbers and said that they would have to disguise their voices like girls if they called and that if they called on the 26th she would be a a friends house spending the night! YIKES!

THANK GOD SHE LIVES IN NEVADA!

***

Can you believe that?

Unbelievable!

Is this what I have to look forward to?

I can't put up with girls like that! I won't!

What are some people teaching their kids?

I am floored at the forwardness, and the lack of respect for herself!

So sad.

I sure hope my boys choose quality and can see beyond girls like that, and choose women that will engage their minds and hearts not just their eyes and loins. You know?

I am very proud of my boys for not succoming to that.

I hope it lasts.

We're back!

Whew! We are back from the beach and boy do I wish I was back there!

This heat is UNBEARABLE!

HOLY COW!

It was only 75 at the beach all week! It was perfection!

We all have a bit of sun poisoning today, but we will be all better tomorrow.

***

I tore off my pinky nail yesterday. The entire nail. It. hurts. so. badly!

Letti just left a few moments ago from delivering a huge casserole for us for dinner because of my hurt pinky. Thanks Letti! It is so appreciated! You have no idea!

I have such great people around me!

***

I am typing very slowly. I can't hit the pinky letters, so it's hunt and peck for a few weeks, I'm afraid. Air hurts my finger.

***

I have so much to tell you about our week at the beach!

I just can't bring myself to type that much today.

But let me just tell you it involves son stealers and my boys!

More later!

Summer Fun!

Will and His Basketball coach.

OOps! I musta been cryin' when I took this one. Will getting his History Award from Mr. Harrington. My Man child... William the Frog!

Bill was jealous I only posted ones of the boys. Just joking...

I love making purple mashed potatoes! I buy these at Trader Joes!

Summer Fun in the Sun!

This boy loves the camera!

Johnny's B-day/ school party Summer is HERE! I know... I know!

Jack's "bath"

Yet more B Day Pictures!

More friends!

OMG... there was sooo much food!

More loving friends!

I just love them! ALL!

MY SURPRISE B DAY BASH!!!

My fabulous friends!

More family and friends!

And I got a special phone call from one of my favorite cousins opening up 2 restaurants in Nigeria, Africa! I love you!!

OMG...OMG...OMG...

Did my Husband and My Mama outdo themselves yesterday...

OMG!!!

I THOUGHT I was going out for a day of shopping in a limo with my Mama.

Well, I got into the limo, but we ended up at a fabulous hall in Fontana, my old Lodge the Sons Of Italy, and we were going to "pick my Mama up". Well, she needed "help" and I, like a lamb to slaughter, took the bait and ended up walking into a hall of 120 of my closest friends and relatives yelling SURPRISE!

IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Truly a day I will never, ever forget! To have that many people

I love under the same roof was truly mind blowing!

I recieved such lovely presents... but most of all, I got their presence!

I was sooooooo touched they all took time out of their busy lives for me!

My Mama made all the food. THERE WAS A TON OF FOOD! TONS!!!

11 hors' de ourves

6 main dishes

and 6 different desserts!

MINDBLOWING!

Bill totally got me! He has made up for the last 16 years of not "getting" how much I love my Birthday, and he went above and beyond. I just wanted him to call me in the morning and not forget... and he throws this huge party, just for me!

The party was over at 4 officially, but we stayed and partied until 7. I hadn't seen so many of my cousins in a while, and we just didn't want to let go!

So a huge thank you to my hubby and my Mama for doing so much more than you needed to!

I love you both so very much!

I'll post more pictures in the days to come.

How I will spend my 3,651st day in my 30's.

Friday the 13th.

My very Last Day I will ever be in my 30's.

I can no longer... after today... fill in the blank on applications that ask my demographic age, that says "Are you between the ages 25-39?".

I will now be a member of the 40 club...

AND I AM SOOOOOOO HAPPY ABOUT IT!

I have a clarity at this age, I never had in my twenties or early thirties.

I like who I am more now than I ever have before. I truly wish this type of feeling existed

in the teen years. So many girls could use it.

***

I was outspoken and uninhibited before... but in the last year, it has intensified.

Lots of stuff still bugs me, but not like it used to. I've learned to internalize some things and contemplate more and use other avenues and mediums to express myself.

I've realized it really isn't all about me... and it's okay. In fact... it's better than okay... it is the way it is supposed to be.

This year, I finally understand the "My Mom is my friend" sentence. Don't get me wrong... she's still my Mama, but tomorrow we are going on a luxurious Limosine ride to Victoria Gardens, and when she asked me what friends I wanted with me... I really only wanted her to be with me. She is the reason I'm even here. I, like everyone else did with their Mama, lived in her womb for 9 months and she could have really messed me up... but she didn't.

For the sheer fact that she gave birth to me, for the sheer fact that my Daddy helped make me, uniquely me, I owe them both everything. If they were still married, I would want both of them with me tomorrow.

I remember being in my 20's and thinking I had to voice my opinion about every little thing that came up, at work, at home, with Bill, at school... everything, and everywhere.

My 30's were spent getting my kids brainwashed and safe from the worlds evils, (that job will never, I fear, be finished).

I have a distinct course I would like my 40's to go in.

No, I will not loosen my reigns on my men. Give an inch, take a mile and all that...

but I know that I will have to start letting them spread their wings a little more and test out if the roots Bill and I have tried to give them will make way for lovely new wings.

From 40 - 50 my children will be going from ages 14-24, 12-22, and 9-19. Lots of transitions in those years. I pray they are smooth, lovely, good and true transitions, without too many bumps along the way.

***

I want to learn to enjoy my Husband more. I have been really wrapped up in raising and being "Mama" to our awesome men, and sometimes, Bill gets leftover "me". That's not fair to him, and I am going to spend my 40's reminding Bill how much I love him, and thank God every day for him, and could never ask for a better hubby... even though he SUCKS around my Birthday every single year. One of these days, as a funny post, I am going to write down how he spent my Birthdays, without me, and what he said. NOW, I can look back and laugh, but when I was 27? Nope, no laughter then. None at all.

***

I want to start doing things just for me... too. Joining a work out group, taking some law classes or speech and debate classes. I want to still be able to be an at home Mama too.

I feel like these boys need me more now than they EVER did when they were little.

But I also want to be an entrepeneur, and create my own company.

That has always been a burning passion of mine,

and I feel like now, this time of my life, is the perfect season for it. I feel like I can create , do, conquer,and fulfill whatever I put my mind too!

What a gift!

***

I want to use my 40's wisely, help others that don't feel like this. Teach others to say, do, be who they really are. No, I don't want to be some Oprah-esque guru, just help others... period.

I was all upset that I wasn't going to spend my last day in my 30's with a bang. I was lamenting about not going out in style, and flair, and with a loud, brash send off to my formative years.

Then I realized... I'm 40 now.

I know who I am,

I know who I was,

I know who I will become.

I don't need to do it loud... I don't need to do it brash,

and I don't need to do it at all, if I don't want to!

So I am going to spend it swimming with my boys, and having a fire in our fire pit, and roasting hotdogs over the flames. We will talk, laugh, hang out

and enjoy each others company.

And I will be 39 years old when we make those memories.

Tomorrow begins an entirely new chapter...

But I only have today, so I'm going to spend it with three of the four men I love most in this world. (Daddy has to work tonight)

Happy Evening Everyone.

I love you.

I hope you love you too.

Summer boredom... already!

I am soooo tired this week!

I can't seem to stay awake, unless it's midnight!

My clock is all messed up!

Maybe because my routine is all whacked out with the boys being home... EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

It's been a great past 9 months, here at home with only myself to talk to.

I joke... sort of...

All those cute Mama's last week talking about how excited they are that school is out, and how much fun they are going to have being home with their little darlings... all the activities, crafts,

quality time... blah, blah, blah!!!

Please!

Don't get me wrong... I adore my men. You all know I do... but 24 hours a day?

Well, not at the age they are now... that's for sure!

One adorable Mama walked up to me and gave me a great big hug and said "Aren't you excited about having your cute guys at home with you? I just love your kids! They are always talking about you! What is your favorite thing about summer with them?"

To which I replied...

Uh... sure... (smile) You love 'em? You don't live with 'em! (smile) They talk about me? What, they tell you what a maniac of a Mama I am? Always makin' them do chores and read, and dragging them shopping with me? (smile)

She chuckled... totally thinking I was joking... HA!

Then I lowered the boom...

"My favorite part of summer? Hmmmm... probably September 2, 2008 when I will put on my favorite record of all time, the Christmas song "It's the most wonderful time... of the year!"

get those darlings ready for school at 5 A.M. and I MIGHT stop the car in car pool when I drop them off! (smile).

Again... she laughed and swatted my arm and told me I was silly...

She has no idea...

***

It's been one week, and if I hear... "Mom we have nothing to do" ONE MORE TIME!

I am going to stick my head in the oven... crap... mines electric.

I told them they have scooters, bikes, a swimmimg pool, a park across the street, books, water balloons, bats, soccer balls, sunlight, air, able bodies, youth, no wrinkles, no aches and pains, their whole lives ahead of them...oh, excuse me... having a moment there...

39 is almost over for me.

I think I will threaten them with ballroom dancing lessons unless they find something to do.

I, actually, would love them to take ballroom, who wouldn't love a man than can dance... but not my testosterone laden manly men.

Maybe I'll threaten ballet...

yeah... that'll do it.

Can you just see them??? Hah hahahaha!

William's Exam... again.

One more out of school for the Summer!!!

After his promotion today, Will received Honor Roll, History Award, Fitness Award among other awards, we went to ACA so he could take the Geometry entrance exam.

He aced the Algebra 1 exam by 91%, so they highly recommended he try Geometry in 9th grade, but before he could do that, he needed to take the exam.

HE PASSED!!! He is going to be in Geometry in 9th grade, instead of Algebra 1!

Yeah! William!

I am sooo proud of you!

***

Yesterday, to get his head (literally) ready for Football, I shaved his head!

No, not bald... but super, duper short!

I think he looks cute... he has a really, really round head... It's funny!

It should keep him cool, and now he can forgo the ritual of having some hack shave off his lovely mane. Mama did it for him!

***

So after his exam today, we took a trip to Trader Joes and stocked up on goodies to fight the

"Mom, I'm still hungry" saga that ensues when we swim a lot.

***

Gotta go get ready for a baseball board meeting tonight!

I am SOOOO proud of you William!

Great job!!!

Now go read something!

Quick, before your brain turns to mush!

Prosperity vs. Poverty... you choose.

I really need to get something off my chest...

So here goes...

PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO STOP SPEAKING POVERTY AND START SPEAKING PROSPERITY... NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

There... I said it.

***

I'm not trying to be insensitive to what is happening in the world or with our economy, and I am surely not saying that I have all the money I need, and that the economy isn't affecting our household, because it is...

I just choose to see the positive in it, and I really hate all the scare tactics and doom and gloom talk I hear when I'm out or see on TV or hear on the radio.

Just because all this "stuff" is happening out there, doesn't mean we don't still have choices in our lives.

Yes, gas is stupid high... and yes, I drive a huge SUV. Yes, filling that sucker up costs the budget of an entire third world nation, but I have made that choice consciously. I will not run out and buy a tiny hybrid car when I have a family of 5 and 4 of them do many sports. Not to mention that my 14 yr old is the size of most men now at 5'9" and weighs 160 lbs. Where would I put him in a tiny hybrid... on the roof? Their equipment takes up my entire back of my car.

See, my decision to drive my monster. It's also my decision how much I drive it, where I go in it and etc... There is no sense in complaining about the price of gas for me when I made my choice in what I drive. I just simply have to forgo some creature comforts that I have been used to.

No, this doesn't mean I am rolling over and just being a door mat. We are trying to affect change within our household that will help with the cost of the gas,and will help save our planet at the same time.

We have banished the use of paper plates/paper towels unless absolutely necessary

Only water our garden in the evening.

Only do Laundry every other day

Run all our errands on one day of the week, and rediscover our back yard as a wonderful vacation (staycation) spot.

Collect bottles and cans to free up landfills

No more watering the cement around our pool.

Such a waste. We will use brooms now.

(I find myself cringing now every time I see someone watering their driveway. Cement doesn't grow!)

Wash our cars at car washes, where they use less water, and quite frankly, do a better job.

See? Positive! I never used to do that stuff! I was so behind the times!

Do I hate the state of our economy? Yep. Do I wonder why all of a sudden our gas is ridiculous?

Yep. Do I have a choice to either stay in a state of panic and doom and gloom, or embrace change and affect my own future? Yep!

Make a game of finding inexpensive ways to have fun at home or out. See how much money you can save NOT doing something extravagant and just doing something simple and meaningful!

***

Make collages of your hopes and dreams and post them up behind your cabinets doors, so everytime you see them, it can inspire you.

***

Take lots of pictures of your kids and family in crazy poses and get ups.

***

Have Rock Band or Guitar Hero tournaments with friends and family and have a pot luck!

***

Go camping in the back yard! Sleeping under the stars is heavenly!

***

Make a CHEAP DATE JAR, and put lots of things to do that don't cost a dime in it,

and pull one out every week, and do that with your honey!

***

Okay, I'm outta breath! I'm off my soap box again.

I just get so tired of people running for the hills at the first sign of ANYTHING our gov't

says we are in a "CRISIS". If you have a job, you are ahead of the game.

Be Thankful, Prayerful, and Grateful!

But still have some fun!

Smile!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is yet to come, today is a GIFT!

THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED

THE PRESENT!

Schools out!

Last day of school for 2 of my kidlets!

Yahhooooo! For them anyway.

Gone of my days of being able shop, clean, talk on the phone

and come and go as I please for the next couple of months.

Oh well... C'est La Vie!

Today was the Awards Ceremony and I am happy to report that my boys got Honor Roll, perfect Attendance, Scripture Memorization and Fitness Awards.

Their yearbooks look like the Shaver boys family albums more than their yearbooks.

Plenty of Mom's came to tell me so too. I didn't take one of the pictures either.

Next week it's Will's turn, AND he has weight training camp for football starting at his new High School next week too.

***

To celebrate the awesome grades and the end of the school year, we always go out to lunch and this year's choice went to Johnny and he chose Famous Daves. Yum!

After that, I deserved a little treat too, so I took myself to World Market and bought another Pizza Peel. Yeah, I know... big spender!

***

Now we get to sleep in until 7 a.m. all summer and enjoy our backyard with NO HOMEWORK!

However, each of my boys, every summer are required to read a book a week (my rule, not the school's), so Alex chose two books to read to get him started,

and Johnny is going to work on the entire Hardy Boys Mystery collection.

It's so important to keep those brains moving at all times!

We also play a game in our pool where they don't get to jump into the pool

from the diving board until they either spell a word

I give them or answer a math problem.

They actually love it. They ask to do it all the time.

I pulled out a bunch of white boards I had stored away for no good reason, and we

are going to put them to use also doing spelling words

and longer math problems I will get from

the internet.

I know... it doesn't sound like very much fun, but it's only for about an hour a day,

and when they transition from summer to school in September, they are very prepared.

I also give great rewards that they love, and wouldn't otherwise recieve!

A mind is a terrible thing to waste... don't you agree?

School out for Summer!!!

Hooray for them... Boo Hoo for Mom!

Kids!

My oldest William JUST informed us... at 10:30 p.m., June 5th, that he needs

1000 WATER BALLOONS BY MORNING!

Uh, yeah. Sure... no problem! Let me just run out and buy 1000 water balloons for ya sweetie...

anything for you! Thanks for giving me enough notice!!!

WHY DO KIDS DO THAT?

I have to admit... I did that to my parents too...

BUT STILL!

It's so not cool!

Like, you know... like... I'm sure... like.

Tomorrow is his last official day on Student Council at Packinghouse, and tomorrow the Junior High is having a huge party at the school for a few hours, and Will is in charge of Water Balloons...duh. His promotion is next week.

Oh! I am soooo glad they aren't doing a "Graduation" to 9th! There is only one graduation in K-12 in my book and it is after 12th grade. So many schools "graduate" the kids to death, so that when it comes time for really graduating, it's a little overdone and doesn't seem special.

***

This Mama is pooped today.

This week has been like 2 weeks.

And next week is no better!

I'm outta here!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY JOHNNY!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY JOHNNY!

MY BABY IS 9!

We attended his class swim party today and both classes,

Alex's too, sang a big Birthday song to him and I bought cake.

Then we went out to Chili's for his Birthday dinner,

then to the baseball park for Alex's final baseball game of the regular season.

Johnny was so funny at dinner. He was so concerned that the waiter knew it was his Birthday.

He kept asking us if he knew. I kept telling him "No, of course not, I wouldn't tell them that!"

I know, rotten Mama. What else is new?

He even got up from the table to go tell the Hostess that it was his Birthday.

Holy Cow!

We caught him in time.

He was pretty happy when they all came to sing to him.

That kid... I tell ya.

***

So here is his Birthday Interview...

What is your favorite food ~~~ Pasta

Favorite Color ~~~ Blue

Favorite Vacation ~~~ Beach and time with Family

Favorite thing to do in Summer ~~~ Swim in our pool

Favorite Sport to play ~~~ Soccer

Favorite subject in school ~~~ Math

Favorite animal ~~~ Tiger

Favorite Restaurant ~~~ Mom's Cousin Joe's in New York

What is something you have always wanted to do but haven't been able to ~~~

Have my brothers be my servants and do whatever I say all day.

Describe a perfect day for you ~~~ Eating lots of candy, swimming, nap for 3 hours, have my Mom make cookies for me, and have a huge tree to climb and build a tree house in.

So there I have it. My baby's hopes and dreams forever immortalized on a blog.

Happy Birthday Lefty!

I love you, I love you, I love you!

You can always have Mommy Wuv anytime you want... forever!

Daily Grind

Last night was a fun night.

Our baseball team finally won another game,

Johnny was selling toys to the park kids for our team fundraiser,

and I made the huge mistake of saying I might want to take over the Snack bar next year!

What was I thinking! I definitely had a case of "open mouth insert foot" disease.

I may have to retract my offer and just offer to help in any way I can.

I went from not being on the ballot for next year... to possibly taking on a task like that.

Totally stupid on my part.

But I digress...

***

William starts Football training next week at his new school! Actually, it's the weight training.

So much for having some time off from driving this summer! LOL!

***

Okay... more later... gonna go bake some bread!

***

Okay! OMG! OMG! OMG!

Fed Ex JUST left my...

BLOG BOOK ON MY FRONT DOOR STEP!!!

It looks like a real honest to goodness book!

I have to tell you...

MY HANDS WERE SHAKING AT THE THOUGHT THAT MY WORDS WERE BOUND IN BOOK FORM!

I know now it is truly a dream of mine to be published someday.

The RUSH I felt when I opened that package was unmatchable!

And I have the only copy!

Can you imagine if I wrote a real book someday and it was published what a total basketcase I'd be?

I put it on the table and steal glances at it every few seconds. SO STUPID!

Oooo, there it is! All bright and shiny!

I think I'll sleep with it under my pillow for a few nights!

I have to get my men from school, should I take it with me?

Nah!

Should I?

No, I won't...

Maybe?

Nah...

Ugh! I hope my house doesn't burn down while I'm away.

MY BOOK IS HERE!!!

YAHOOOOOO!

Like, for sure, gag me with a pitchfork!

Like, I don't know about you, like, but I , like, don't know what to think, like, about the

state of the way, like, lots of, like, kids are speaking, like, these days... like.

Like, you know? Like.

***

Have you ever tried having a conversation with or watched some young beautiful teen on TV

speak that way? Does it annoy you as much as it does me?

Today, I desperately needed a "peel", a pizza peel, that is.

So, contrary to my code of NEVER SHOPPING ON WEEKENDS, EVER, I ventured out.

I went to one of my favorite stores, Cost Plus, and found a lovely Olivewood one.

So anyway, I head for the cashier, and a young girl, around 17 or so is on her cell phone, sitting on one of the display couches, and EVERY OTHER WORD SHE USED was LIKE!

She was practically screaming into her phone, completely oblivious to the fact that she was in a public store. She sounded so stupid saying "like" ALL THE TIME! Like she didn't have any education at all!

She even said it three times in a row... for example..

"I know! She like, totally just, like, walked off, like, and like, like, like, she was so dumb for, like, doing that, like!"

Even my kids realized that she sounded completely idiotic.

Where do these kids get this misuse of language!

When we were in Italy a couple of years ago, some of my cousins asked me why they hear American people use that word so much. I didn't know how to answer (not wanting to call my own people stupid in a foreign land) so I jokingly told them we got paid a nickel everytime we used it in a sentence. I think some of my relatives thought I was serious. Oh well, so much for American and Italian relations.

So, like, I'm, like, going to go now, like, good, like night,like.

Like, like, like, like, like, like, like, like, like.