Bugs in my pie???

Well, for Christmas I made my first-ever pecan pie. Thanks to Tammy for telling me how easy it was (after chuckling first at me thinking it was difficult). It was very good but before we even cut into it Joshua looked at it. And that was it. "Mom, why does that look like it's made of bugs?"

LOL! So, now every time I slice into, or even see or think, of pecan pie - I think, 'bug pie.'

Thank you, Joshua!

Gingerbread Houses 2011

 
Well, they didn't all turn out perfect and pretty - but they sure were tasty! And, we had lots of fun. I'm glad mama and Robbie got to be here with us to make them. It was very messy - but very 'family' fun!

FB response to author's request

I find it very interesting how a single description can appear so very different from person to person. Granted, we might read a description but instead of imagining it to a tee/T (?) we pick and choose the aspects we like and fill in the rest with our own image that 'makes/builds' the look of the character. That is how I got my 13 year old interested in reading when he was only 6. I read to him a paragraph from a book in which the character was described as wearing a red shirt, etc., etc. Then, I asked him to picture that red shirt. I asked, 'in your mind does it have a pocket? Is it a button up shirt, a pullover, a t-shirt, a sweater? Is it long-sleeved or short?' Then, I pointed out that reading can be fun because we can supply our own image with help from the description like making a movie in our heads, and that while we all read the same story - the images will be our own.

This is part of the response I gave on Karen Marie Moning's FB page in which she is/was searching for images of attire that fit a certain character (Barrons) for her comic book. Many of the images were so different than what I had imagined. Then, I got to thinking about it . . . Interesting, huh?

Advice to my eldest son . . .

Be wise,
Set a good example,
Don’t compare,
Learn to forgive,
Take a deep breath.
Listen.
Stop, and think.
Always say something nice,
Bite your tongue before speaking out of turn.
Never assume; have proof.
Don’t retaliate, though it’s okay to defend.
Remember that in the end you will always have your brother, your oldest friend.
When you’re young life seems long and stretched out before you.
But, when you’re older you’ll realize it’s quite short, indeed.
Trust me; I’ve been where you will be.
Don’t roll your eyes, don’t sigh. You’ll be glad you were kind.
Time doesn’t stop. The seconds tick on. Don’t waste good times on anger and tears.
Always –
Be a good brother.

The Polar Express 2011

 
What a wonderful night! I took Joshua to The Polar Express at the National Railroad Museum. We've been three or four times before but boy - has it changed! We arrived just before 6:30. At 6:30 they opened the doors, exchanged paper print-outs for physical tickets for authentic looking souvenirs. We proceeded to find a seat in the beautifully decorated Lenfesty Center. We got prime seating on the inside row so that Joshua could clearly see the projector. He didn't want to sit on the carpet up front which was available for kids so they all could have a good view - of the story & the narrator. Once our seats were saved we walked around to see all the beautiful trees professionally decorated by supporting businesses. It was all very well done and just spiriting to see! Joshua got to play toss the snowball - into the snowman. It was cute. There was at least one other game available, toss the rings on the reindeer's antlers. But, Joshua wanted to wait in line for a tattoo. He ran up to sit in the Big Boy before we finally took our seats. It all began with a wonderful song and dance number by the authentically decked out volunteer staff as conductors - to the tune of Get your Hot Choc - o - lat! It was super-entertaining. Then, we were all served our hot chocolat'. Cups were collected and then, the story began. The narrator was wonderful, the same man from many years ago when we first came to hear The Polar Express. At the end of the story on of the conductors held up his lantern and yelled, "All aboard!" And the crowd swarmed to board the trains. Three laps around the museum grounds - on our first trip our tickets were punched. On the second we received a chocolate coin. And, on the thrid we received our bells - and only those who truly believe - could hear them ring! Before pulling into the station the whole train car sang Rudolf the Red nose Reindeer, Santa's Coming To Town, Frosty the Snowman (in which we learned most folks - only know the chorus - myself included - it was funny), and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It was a marvelous way to ring in the season! Then, we got off the train and headed into the museum to see Santa. We were the last ones in line but Joshua did a fantastic job waiting. Santa was sitting ont the caboose in the drum head gallery - it was, as always, a perfect set-up. When we finally got to Santa Joshua sat on his lap (boy - has he gotten big) and told Santa he wanted a football - and some food. When Santa asked what kind of food Joshua replied, "Red Lobster." LOL! I had to tell Santa in our excitement to get there that evening - I completely forgot to feed my kid! It was funny. Joshua and I departed the museum - Joshua eating his candy cane Santa had given him. We had a wonderful time! I will miss this in just a few short years.

Christmas Kitties

 

Halloween

Well, Justin didn't trick or treat this year. There comes a time when one is too old to do so. However, conversation with another mom (from Bunko) made me realize - what's the harm. At least here we have specified hours - and I will know where he is. So, I think I'll encourage it next year. The other two had fun, as usual - except Joshua got tired of walking after about an hour. We had Justin T. and Blake along with us this year. Scaring candy out of the neighbors is more fun with friends!

Sweet story in Criminal Minds episode I wanted to share

“Bedtime for Baby Star”

Once there was a baby star. He lived up near the sun. And every night at bedtime that baby star wanted to have some fun. He would shine and shine, and fall and shoot and twinkle oh so bright. And he said: "Mommy I´ll run away if you make me say Good Night!"

And then his mommy kissed his sparkly nose and said: "No matter where you go, no matter where you are, no matter how big you grow, and even if you stray far, I’ll love you forever, ‘cause you’ll always be my baby star."

This was ready by JJ on Criminal Minds in the episode There's No Place Like Home. I thought it was super sweet. I've posted the question on whether it's a real book/story or if it was written just for the show. I don't know yet.

Halloween Treats

Here is some Halloween fun - I have orange-o-lanterns, mummies, and Tyler with his carved pumpkin.

Home

I love my blog. Even if no one reads it but me - it feels like Home. There are times when I miss my kids, when they're just at school. Or, there are times when I miss my husband because he's working, or gone from the house 14 hours a day (well, night - but he sleeps all day). And, I can just click on the orange and white 'B' icon, and see all the things that matter most to me: Pictures of my kids, videos that make me laugh, posts that make me feel mushy, and I have connections to other things that matter to me. For example, links to my favorite authors that remind me of specific books that invoke specific feelings. Or, links to other websites such at DYAC.com that crack me up and nearly cause me to 'pee my pants!' Yes, I do love my blog. And, it does feel like 'Home' as silly as it may sound to some.

being candid

My mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas. My reply, "magical things you can only find on TV shows and in movies!" (As she's telling me, "you need to mop.") Then she said I needed to teach the boys. She said, "what did you have kids for?" I said, "I didn't think beyond the baby years." :) I thought that was a cute exchange.

I really like this quote!

Failure Is Not Fatal - Picture Quotes

You can click on the link but here's what is says:

Failure is a Detour, Not a Dead End.

Losing is a part of life that we all encounter and all must learn to cope with. Just because we fail at something at a time in which we thought we would succeed does not at all mean that we cannot obtain success. Truthfully the only way in which one will never be able to obtain success is if they never tried, or stopped trying.

Never give up on your dreams, for their will be times in which you feel like you have done all that you can. The only dead ends in life are those that are on street signs, if you keep pushing through and fighting for what you know you have set in your heart to do, you will accomplish your dreams. Live by the standard that no one will ever see you quit, because quitting shouldn't even be an option to you. Finish in everything you do, finish with a victory!

YYYYYY M C Aa

Is it stuck in your head yet? LOL! Well, I joined. Family plan - which I got them to include my mom and sister since they live in the same house. I'm excited because Justin & Tyler can go by themselves to use the weights, bb court, swim - I don't have to be with them OR in the building with them. That's wonderful! They are going to take a 3 hour class on Wednesday to learn all thing 'Y.' They will really love that. Joshua, it turns out, isn't too old to take advantage of the Kids Korner. They have a room targeted for his age up to eight. I have my info appointment Wednesday as well. If my mom and sis aren't working I'll have them come, too. So, I'm looking forward to it. I hope I can make a go of it - this time. I sign up for stuff like this and Sky rolls his eyes. Not very supportive. But, I'm bound and determined to make it work this time. Me and Kimber will attempt Weight watchers together, too, at some point. I wish she lived closer so she could go to the Y with me. :(

Wish me luck!

Fall

Finally, the weather is cool and crisp! I took the boys to Delzers Pumpkin place out past Pulaski. The price was excellent! Tickets were $5 each and included 4 'punches.' Any tickets that weren't used up could be used toward the purchase of pumpkins. So, for 4 tickets and a total of 6 pumpkins and one Indian tied colored corn decoration I spent $22! But, money aside - it was quite fun. The corn maze was really good. I got lost and at one point happened upon a dead end with a zombie character (on a post) that actually startled me. LOL! We all opted to skip the hay ride because the line was fairly long. Joshua rode the tractor train and had his face painted. We went through the haunted granary and toured the little petting zoo. The boys tried to get me to buy a kitten. Nope. Three is enough! At any rate, we had a good time. It seems like it's been so long since I've done anything fun with my boys. Although, I do wish I had called my friend, Kimber, to come along but I didn't have the forsight to do so before I hit the road. As the kids get older I'm learning I enjoy doing things with them more - with company. They like having friends around. And, of course, when they have friends around the grown-ups get a little left out - so we parents have to hang together! :) In the end - everyone has a great time - together!

A Right Start

So, these past several weeks, since school started, really - have been chaotic; Unorganized, unplanned, and too highly 'eventful.' Even though I've been trying my best to get to bed at a decent time I ruin any good intentions of starting the next day off right - by not getting up, getting showered, and in general - just 'waking up.' I usually face a morning at the computer working (interrupted by kids getting ready for school, having to alternate taking mine and another to cross-country, phone calls, emails, etc.)with nothing to do until later on in the afternoon. But, since Sky is on nights and is sleeping until 2pm - I find I have to be real quiet sneaking in to shower and get dressed, not being able to take my time, relax, and basically - get a good start (regardless of the time of day).

Today is Monday, the 10th of October. I got up at 5am (no snooze for me this morning), showered and shaved my legs - finally (to which Sky replied, "just put the hedge-trimmer back in the garage." LOL!). I got dressed in actual clothes (not lay around the house in too-small of clothes that show off all my splendor). I already blow-dryed my hair and the curling iron is on. Now, I have a moment to kill while wating for the sweat on face to dry to type this little log, blog. :) On my agenda today is a pto executive meeting at 8, results for Tyler's 'brain' testing at 10, a trip to Lane Bryant to pay my bill (only! No shopping. Well, maybe a little.) and to run by B&N with a 20% off coupon. When I come home I have to call around for window replacement quotes - and perhaps - work an hour. Oh - I do have a confirmation call I need to make for work on Wednesday - but I can do that from a paarking lot. :)

I'm on the right track today. And, being on the right track today will make it easier to stay on the right track tomorrow.

But, I'm not the only one with a right start to her day - Both my kids alarms went off at 4:30 am - I'm like 'What the heck, did I change the time on my clock when I set my alarm?' Nope. So, they 'slept in' and finally got up - get this: on time! Haha! Tyler's completely ready to go! Justin's not far behind (but has an extra 30 minutes anyway).

So, here goes. . . Let the day begin!

I can't wait until next week - no worries about this refresher course anymore. That's one burden I can scrape from my over-full plate. Soon, all I will have to worry about is working and this PTO business (which is really driving me insane). Why do people sign up to be a helper or volunteer when they have absolutely no intention of helping out. It's very frustrating.

Last night while getting in missed hours from yesterday (my paid job) I began to feel real - lost and lonely. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with Sky working the outage - and how I will not get to spend time with him until after Christmas. The outage is slated to end just before Christmas - but it rarely ends on time.

Anyway, I'm procrastinating - back to the 'other' computer. If you think it's a breeze to work from home - think again!

Bad Cantaloupes? Sheesh!

I love cantaloupes! Now, I may not eat one for a long, long time!

If money weren't an issue (and we all need $$ - mortgage, loans, bills, etc) I'd grow corn, fruit, etc. We already have chickens (eggs only) - and I could totally be a vegitarian (well, let's say - minus one day per month {LOL}).

Just another desire of mine that prooves I was born in the wrong time & wrong place!

FaMilY TimE

Tonight Sky begins another outage at the nuclear plant. The easiest explanation of the term 'outage' is they stop the unit from producing electricity, discard the spent fuel, make any reapairs/upgrades, and refuel, and bring the unit back online and begin producing electricity again. It's a very long process that requires 'all hands on deck' working non-stop. Well, a nuclear plant requires non-stop work regardless. But, the hours do change and can be hard on families. Sky will be working 4 on, 1 off - which means he'll work 4 days in a row and off one. However, days is misleading - my husband will be working nights. These are 12 hour shifts, of which everyone, in many jobs across the world know that you always arrive early for work - in some jobs, earlier than others. Add that to the fact we chose to live nearly an hour away from his job - and you've got some pretty long days(nights). The routine will be such that he sleeps until anywhere between 2 and 4pm. He will cut out some of his sleep to go work out on this shift because it keeps him energized during long nights. I can understand that. Then, he leaves for work. Know that the big boys (middle school), if they don't have a game or practice, arrive home at 3:30pm and the little guy doesn't get home until 4:20pm. So, they will not see him in the afternoons - the little guy, not at all. The big boys - a few minutes. Then, he'll arrive home in the am around 7:30, maybe a little later and go, almost directly, to bed. The big boys leave at 6:30am and the little guy leaves for the bus at 8am. So, whereas the big boys can see their dad a few minutes in the after noon, the little one gets a few minutes in the am. 4 days? That's not bad. No. except on night shift fo so long you can't come off nights just for one day - it's impossible. So, Sky will remain on this work at night/sleep during the dya schedule until the outage is over - sometime around Christmas but if history repeats itself - well into the new year. During this time the kids get real ansy and frustrated. Soooo - last night we spent a little quality family time with dad. I went and got wings from The Bar, we all ate at the table and had conversations. Then, we cleaned up and all played Yahtzee together - and you know what? It was a whole lot of fun. After that we hooked up SingStar and sang until bed. We didn't go anywhere and managed to have more fun at home. So, I think we'll implement this on the nights that he doesn't have to leave so early for work because he's off. My point of this whole blog post is: If I can manage one out of every two off nights for family time - hopefully that will be enough that all of our minds, attitudes, and frustrations are kept in check. I know though, that occasionally Sky might need to go hang out by himself or have some fun at a bar with 'friends.' It's a tough time of the year we're embarking on. So, wish us luck that we get through it without any major debacles and tears (though the tears would most likely be my own). Sigh. Ready, set, GO!

Small World

Well, I was cooking a frozen entre in the oven the other night - it was on my rectangle Pampered Chef bar stone. About 35 minutes into cooking I heard a shot-gun sound come from my oven. . . Well - it broke.

So, I went to the PC website and submitted my info to have a rep call me. Turns out the rep who called - was my rep from Green Bay back in 2006! It was interesting how we figured that out - by location, description of my home and neighborhood. It was just a lot of fun.

Call me sick. . .

. . .but I kind of enjoy it all. What, you ask? Well, today I had to leave home at 3:30 to go to Tyler's cross-country meet. I love his meets! There is so much excitement and the crowds of moms & dads cheeing their kids on moves me to tears. I wanted to yell, "You're doing great, Tyler" but I was too choked up. I'm really a super-sensitve person. But, after the meet I had to book it to Justin's 1st soccer game of the year. Well, I can't say I enjoy soccer as much. Parents sit in bleachers or on chairs and yell at their kids to do this and do that - it's not like the shouts of encouragement at a cross-country meet. Then, Justin - bless his heart - he just has no interest in soccer - but plays, I think, because he knows how important it is to me - that he be a part of a team or participate in a sport, period. He runs like his legs are made of lead and he's too timid with the ball and contact with other people. Poor guy. If he wanted to pursue the debate team, the yearbook committee, or be on student council - I cheer him on. But, he seems to lack a general excitment for anything. Ever since he discovered Mine Craft on the computer - I think I've lost my real kid! (We do only allow him to play on weekends, tho.) Anyway, after soccer he had to get his instrument for a late band practice with the high school band. Well, the middle school band doors were locked. So, over to the high school we go, got keys from Mr. K, went back to the middle school. Well, the band room is next to entrance #2 but the only open doors are through the pool entrance. So, I had Justin run through the pool entrance to the #2 doors to open them for me. 'Bout that time the other band teacher showed up and I had no use for Mr. K's keys! So, just as we exit door #2 - I asked Justin if he had his lyre. The kid thought we were going home for it! Seriously!???? So, there he goes again through the pool entrance around to the band room to catch the teacher still inside in hopes of finding a lyre he could use. Well, fortunately, she helped him piece one together. Now, instead of having time to eat, I had to drop him off for practice. Me and Tyler got food and sat in the parking lot for over an hour because it just didn't make sense to go home and come back 30 minutes later - when it's 15 minutes to get home and 15 minutes to get back to the school. I'm so dizzy right now my words are blurring together and I really don't know what I'm typing! But, truth be told, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it just a wee bit. :) This is kind of what I pictured when I thought about having kids. Now, just as things settle down and the boys sports are all finished up - Joshua will start basketball. :)

My boys!

 

Something Unexpected. . .

 
We went to lunch at Regatta 220 to celebrate Robbie's 19th birthday. NO. LOL! We did not plan to dress alike!

1st Meet!

 
I got there a little late. I did get to see Tyler cross the finish line. He told me he fell in the woods. :( Oh well. Here are pic's of him and Mitchell stretching after the run.

Playground Time!

 
Joshua & Devon at the playground.

My mom

 
This is my mom. She had an interview today at Pioneer Credit Union. I hope she gets it! She looked great!

My Packer Backers!

 
Robbie and Joshua

Crafty Me. . .

 
This is the raffle bucket I made for the teachers raffle.

1st day of school, 2011

 
Okay, I know I have more pic's of Joshua - but let's face it: It's so much more exciting when they're young. :) I got Justin drinking his coffee (LOL!), and Tyler's back as he and Mitchell are headed to cross-country practice (I had asked them to pose for me ?) Anyway, the school year is off to a great start - for EVERY one! :)

It's ALL mine!! :)

I am typing this post from MY new computer! :) But, unfortunately, there isn't much else to say right now.

UGH! Computers!

Really? . . . . YES!

Well, Tyler & I see a therapist occasionally because we have issues. I'm sure all parents go through this sort of thing with a child or two - and it helps. I don't care if it's normal or not - for us - seeing a therapist helps. One of the things we have discussed over a number of visits (in regards to myself) is the fact that I have a terrible memory. THAT is the reason I take so many pictures and scrap. It's proof, evidence, that I was a good mom and we did things and we had fun. Pictures may not always trigger memories with me but at least I have proof that I was there and we did that! But, there are things for which a picture can't help. That poses a problem when trying to deal with 3 boys arguing and saying, "but you said . . . " and "last time . . . " - etc. It's part of the reason I'm so inconsistent. Anyway, another thing I've brought up is that I can't find the right words to express what I mean. Nothing comes out clearly. It's why I will avoid a confrontation at all possible costs. I'll stand and stutter or mumble things that make no sense. I did tell him that I can sit at the computer and type exactly what I mean. I said that I think faster than I talk and that's part of my problem when dealing with confrontational issues, either with my kids or other folks. But, I can type - REALLY fast!

You wanna know what he told me?????? He said, "That's the ADD." I'm like, "whaaaaaaat?????" LOL! Halleluja! I've said it for YEARS! If it had been as widely known when I was a kid - I'd have been on meds and my life would probably be very different - all good (w/ the execption I might have finished college the first time around and never have met Sky).

So, I would LOVE to be REally tested! And, YES. I'd love to try some meds. I think it'd be neat to feel what a normal person feels like for a change - to have the organization of thought and say what you mean the first time around. Oh - so many things I think of that I could do better if I had a clear head. :)

Jerabek Challenge 4-mile run

Tyler did a great job! Over 600 runners and walkers - and he was 415 (or something like that). He wants to do it again next year and Sky said he'd run with him!

WWII re-enactment @ RRM

This was a lot of fun!

Before, During, and After - Justin getting Braces!

Awww!

Scenes from Evergreen! (minus the fun, naughty ones! LOL!)

You can click on the image and it will enlarge and they you'll be able to see all the pictures clearly. It was a fun camping trip - for the most part. This is the one where the little girl drown - how I wish I could find out her current condition (she didn't die). But, we had a large group. Saturday morning we had omelets and in the evening we had kabobs. I like the community meals. We arrived a day earlier than the rest of the group so we had a day to ourselves. I enjoy camping both ways! I wish we could cram one more in before the end of the season when we have to turn our camper in to be fixed from that accident in TN. Next year - I plan on camping a lot! :)

Just how is a mom NOT to be over-protective???

So, two Friday's ago the kids' friend, not so much - but a child they used to hang out with, was riding his bike and hit by an Escalade. I'm guessing 45/50 mph. Last I heard when I took his mom to the hospital one day was he was in a medically induced coma with a skull fracture, a fracture of T6 and T8, somewhat paralyzed on his left side, will have to learn to walk again and may be slow - I don't know if that was at best or what. It's hard to determine the level of brain damage when in a coma. So, he wasn't wearing a helmet but doc's say even so - at that speed - it might not have done any good anyway. Thing is - I'd never have let my kids ride their bikes on that road, nor many others with speed limits of only 35. So, my paranoia has me demanding my kids now wear helmets. But, because they never did before Sky says we should encourage them, not demand. ????? I see his point but we're the parents. Truth is - Sky is on the fence about helmet use. So, when we went camping he told the kids (Joshua must always wear his - hands down, no argument) that they didn't have to wear them on Thursday but had to the rest of the time we were there. Of course, they complained. Well - not Tyler so much - we bought him a new, "comfy" helmet because his old one was "uncomfy." But, Justin's was so loose - what was the point???? Well, a little girl, 4, at jellystone - not where we were camping - was run over by a vehicle at the campground and had to be airlifted! I read the story to Justin off my phone (thank you wifi). He allowed me to tighten his helmet straps.

But - as if that wasn't enough. . . On Thursday we let all three of the boys go to the pool by themselves and told Justin he was responsible for Joshua - who is 6 1/2. Justin is 13, and Tyler is 11. So, on Friday - at our very campground - a little 7 year old girl drowned! Well, she did drown but last I heard was on life support. CPR was performed for 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived. (Campgrounds are out in the boonies.) Her parents were not at the pool with her but the dad was walking up at some point before he knew of any accident. Hell - me and Sky didn't bother going to the pool on Thursday - where it was less crowded. Now, you'd think that on Friday - being more crowded - someone would have noticed. Well, when we were there on Saturday - it was clear that crowded isn't necessarily better for noticing girls under water, flailing about or not. Anyway, I hope all these children will be okay, though I do have my doubts. I cannot find any info on the news about them to learn their conditions, it' frustrating.

But, tell me - just how am I NOT supposed to be over-protective now?????

Just One Example of How the United States Does NOT Care About Its People

So, the info has been on the Pulaski web page all summer but I just didn't think to look at it - in time. So, we've missed the $20-$25 sports physical screenings that include cardiomyopathy screenings. This is used to detect Sudden Cardiac Death in young people - you know, you hear about athletes dropping dead on the field???

Well, check out this article from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Screening

It describes how this screening is done and why and then compares the use of this screening to other countries and the US. In summary:

Places like Italy require competitive athletes to undergo physiological testing prior to competing. This consists of a history, physical examination, urinalysis, resting and exercise ECG, and pulmonary functioning test conducted by a sports physician. Further screening of echocardiography is required if abnormalities are detected. Studies have shown an 89% decrease in sudden death due to cardiac abnormalities.

United States

To date, there is no national policy for the screening of CVD or sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Most state laws require competitive athletes to undergo a physician-mediated physical examination and history. ECG or echocardiograms are rarely used. A medical history and physical exam have shown to have little sensitivity or power to detect HCM or other risk conditions. The theory behind this lack of national standard is that screening is viewed as an aspiration to identify a rare cardiovascular disease with low incidence in a large population (approximately 2 in 1000 individuals).

First of all - think of your high school populations. Just about all high schools have 1000, if not double or triple that number, with the exception of many rural schools. Then, again in our situation - being rural - our high school has a high population because all the rural areas are coming together in one location. It's as if our government - and our doctors who aren't fighting for this to change - are expecting each high school to lose at least 2 kids every year. And, just because here in the US we can charge out the wazoo something that should be available to all young people. I said 'young people' folks.

So, I will be a nervous wreck as Tyler runs the Jerabek on the 13th - a 4 mile run up and down hills. This is partially my fault. I say partially because screening for anyone doing this kind of activity should be as detailed as in other countries. At any rate - is it appropriate for me to tell him he can't do any physical activites just because????? No. It isn't. So, I'm left 'taking a chance' with my son's life. It scares the piss out of me but I can't hold him back either.

Good-bye, Sunshine.

It's a sad day at the Bryant house. Our very friendly and loveable Sunshine met her demise when, most likely, a hawk found its way into the make-shift chicken coop. When Onyx went missing (w/ no sign of any altercation - no feathers or 'parts' left behind) we suspected a hawk or owl swooped in and took her. After that we got more chicken wire and created a roof on the dog run to protect the rest of the girls. Little did I know the narrow 1 foot high (in the center) opening that tapered on either end would be enough for a hawk to navigate in AND out. This time there was definite evidence of a struggle - feathers and entrails left behind - but no sign of her body. So, Hazel, Phoenix, Amber, and Pearl are sleeping with the big girls in the big girl pen/coop. I just hope Ginger and Emma don't gang up on them and have some chicken for a midnight snack. It's gross, I know. But, possible, I suppose. At any rate, we're down to six in all. Let's hope we have no more mishaps and that ALL my girls grow and give us many eggs over the years.

Polka Days Video of PCMS 2011

Scroll to the very bottom of my blog & you can see a video of the middle school marching in the parade. Justin is in the 2nd row and is 2nd from the left - the one walking extremely straight (stiff) and the only one wearing black socks! LOL!

Scenes from Pulaski Polka Days Parade 2011

This is such a fun affair! Tons of people show up and line the streets. The floats are always very entertaining. This is the first place (last year) I ever saw bands playing on flatbeds pulled by semi's. It's really quite cool and keeps the crowd motivated. Lots of candy, ice pops, and even bottles of water get passed out. The people are so fun - lucky me, I got to sit across from the craziest, good-looking, boys piddling around in kiddie pools with a kiddie basket ball hoop strapped to the top of a pick-up. LOL! What fun! This year the parade was only about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Much better than last years 2 hour(!) parade. That was just too much. Justin marched with the PCMS band and I'll post that video as soon as I can figure out how to load it! :)

I'm old

Not too long back I bought Tyler some Sugar Babies. He's been asking for them ever since. Well, I can't recall where I bought them and I have looked for them everywhere. So, today at Super Ron's (grocery store) I asked the three girls at the checkout where I could find them.

"I haven't heard of those." "Oh, do you mean a Sugar Daddy?" "Are they like the Sour Patch candy?"

How do you make a little smiley that looks like it's rolling its eyes??????

So, I had to explain what Sugar Babies were (and a Sugar Daddy - the kind you eat, harhar!). It looks like I'll be taking a trip to Woodman's soon! And, heaven forbid if I don't find them there!

Advice. . .

Do not be a SAHM when your kids are young. Granted they're at their most loveable then, but it is a much wiser decision to be a SAHM when they're ALL in school. :) Or, at least drop back to part-time.

It's okay to live in the middle of nowhere with no friends for your kids to play with. They will learn to play with each other and you won't have to deal with coniving little brats three doors down corrupting your children! :)

When looking for parking, it's not how close to the store you park but how close you park to a cart return!

Oh, I'm sure there will be more to come. ;)

She will be missed. . .

Well, Onyx flew the coop! My prettiest, most friendly of the little chicks was either stolen by an owl or hawk - or she stuffed herself through a fence opening, which means an owl or hawk probably THEN swooped down and scooped her up. :( Who knows? Maybe she'll turn up in a day or two - unscathed and hungry. I'll feed her bunches!

Zippin Pippen

What a beautiful ride.  Tummy drop feeling as you ride into the sunset.  :-)

My baby girls!

Back from a 15 day vacay in Myrtle Beach, SC. This was our third camping trip there in our 3rd camper (at Pirate Land). I told Sky I never want to go back in another camper. I'm done buying campers. Well - driving through TN: YES! TN! A man fainted behind the wheel and totally ran into the bike rack on the camper. The bikes and rack pushed into the bunk house and the impact bowed the hitch in the back of the truck. The other vehicles occupants were okay, albeit stunned from the impact, airbags deploying, etc. They were okay, that is - until they decided they HAD to get their cat out of the car. It tore them up! At anyrate, our camper will take months to repair at well over $10,000. We'll see. Adjuster to come out this week sometime. AGH! Oh well. At least he hit us. Why? Had he hit another vehicle there would have no doubt been many fatalities. Had they hit no one - they would dead off the side of the mountain. Take it how you see it. But, I find it too hard to be too upset because, we were supposed to come back the day before. Plus, Sky WAS looking at an alternate route. ???????

Love the beach photos. But, the last one is of a group of older people who came out to camp at PirateLand together. They played in the waves - I loved watching them. And, then I came out one day and saw them all sitting in their chairs just watching the ocean and talking and laughing. I hope that will be me someday. How wonderful it is to see older people getting out and having fun and still being young - their skin may wrinkle and hang and their hair may be gray - but they seem so young at heart and full of stamina. They weren't here with grandkids, either and I think that is what set this group apart. Just a bunch of old people, old friends out having a grand time. LOVE IT! :)

Justin & Joshua swimming at the pier, Tyler fishing at the pier, my BeachToes, and a difficult group shot of my boys at the ocean.

Kayaking, Building sandcastles, Sky fishing at the pier, and Putt-Putt.

Eating at Captain George's (OmG! LOVED it! That and Rioz Brazillian Steakhouse). Boardwalk at the Beach for fireworks, and MagiQuest!