Last week I quoted my dad a couple different times. Dad always said "the poorest use of your money is on a speeding ticket. You get NOTHING for your money." Well, well, well. I carefully abide by that logic and agree, but sometimes unfortunate events happen......
Jess' flight from Little Rock was canceled on Sat pm. So she had to wait and fly out early Sun am. (She has a super nice landlord/friend John who got up at 5 am and took her to LR). I left in plenty of time to go get her, then she calls and says her plane hasn't left Memphis left, technical difficulties. I SHOULD have kept driving to the airport, but I didn't. I took a new way home. It seemed shorter and less traffic so I took it when she called and said they were on their way. The Blackburn moms told me last year about a speed trap there. Hmmm, I should have remembered that. I passed one car and thought M's Intrepid was a nice drive. I wasn't sure where to get on the interstate and wasn't paying attention AND you guessed it.....WHOOP WHOOP. I saw the cop too late. Unfortunately he was at the marker for 45 MPH, so he got me for 20 over the speed limit. So Jess's free plane ticket ended up costing $105--yikes!! On the good side, I talked the lady at the Northwest counter into giving Jess a later flight next Sun since her early flight was hard to find a ride home. Always an adventure when Jess is involved. :)
It has been fun having her big ole laugh around here. She thinks it's weird to be here, home, yet not home and college isn't home, just all weird.
We just hung out over the long weekend. We got to cook out. We went to a BBQ at some friends on Sat nite--all fun times. We worked out at the park a couple times, Mark, the little girls and me--yay us!
H went to freshman camp today for band. She will be learning how to march this week and tryout for her percussion instrument tomorrow. Can't believe I'm not freaking out about her being in high school. Plenty of time for that.
I'm beginning the mental packing that is involved in taking this group on a week long camping trip. YIKES!! Have to have H's birthday first and 6 ballgames, plus weekend company--our buddy guy, CT from JC is coming this weekend. We are so excited! We have tickets to the T-Bones (our minor league BB team). We haven't been, can't wait!! Always something going on here!!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
School's out for SUMMER!!
I was so down and dumpy about the end of school this year. Usually I am ready and excited, but not this time. Well, low and behold, the kids had barely set down their backpacks and they are out the door. All 4 went swimming down at Ben's. I have been ALONE in the house, very dangerous. I plan to scoop off the kitchen table and eliminate as many "treasures" as I can from the backpacks.
I was telling Em this am as we watched the bus leave that it was my last day alone with her. She informed me that I had lots of days left because she won't go "back to school" until the girls go back in many days. I have enjoyed having her to myself so much. I remember how much I enjoyed Hannah when she was the only one home and Jess was in school. Then I enjoyed Kat for a few months alone before Abby came in Dec. Hope Abby never figures out that she was the only one that I never had all to myself. It may make some of her puzzle pieces come together, but not dwelling on that now.
Kat and Ab both found out who their teachers for next year will be. Kat is excited to have a new to our school teacher. Abby didn't get the one she wanted, but has some of her favorite girl friends in there and the cutest boy in 2nd grade according to her (she is right, but I don't tell her that). It is such a relief to have that drama over instead of wondering all summer, like Emily is wondering......
The girls played ball last night at the same time. H went and cheered for the team that I wasn't watching. I missed Kat lay down her first bunt ever, She got an RBI and a run. She also got called out on a 2 out, bases loaded, tied score. She looked safe, but ran outside the baseline, b/c the first baseman was in the lane. The umps told our coaches that Kat was supposed to "run her over". Kind of a bummer to end up with a tie on a bad call/bad rule. Abby got a couple hits, did some nice designs in the dirt---argh!!
Two new facts I am swirling around in my busy brain. Am I the last one in the world to just find out that Anderson Cooper, of CNN, is the son of Gloria Vanderbuilt?? I was amazed to learn that last week and still can't get over it. I also can't get over that one of the ladies at church who has grandchildren the age of Em and Ab is only 18 months older than ME!!!!! I thought she was nearer to Marks' age. It is blowing my mind to think about having a 30 year old daughter. It doesn't matter, I still like this lady very much, but WOW!! I have only accepted those at least 20 years younger as potential kids (my favorite son--DMitchell). Not fascinating to most, but what can I say.
The last new item around here replaces my 18 year old Electrolux. We broke down and bought a new vacuum. It is amazing what a vacuum with suction can do!! On that pleasant note, I'm off to check the laundry.
I was telling Em this am as we watched the bus leave that it was my last day alone with her. She informed me that I had lots of days left because she won't go "back to school" until the girls go back in many days. I have enjoyed having her to myself so much. I remember how much I enjoyed Hannah when she was the only one home and Jess was in school. Then I enjoyed Kat for a few months alone before Abby came in Dec. Hope Abby never figures out that she was the only one that I never had all to myself. It may make some of her puzzle pieces come together, but not dwelling on that now.
Kat and Ab both found out who their teachers for next year will be. Kat is excited to have a new to our school teacher. Abby didn't get the one she wanted, but has some of her favorite girl friends in there and the cutest boy in 2nd grade according to her (she is right, but I don't tell her that). It is such a relief to have that drama over instead of wondering all summer, like Emily is wondering......
The girls played ball last night at the same time. H went and cheered for the team that I wasn't watching. I missed Kat lay down her first bunt ever, She got an RBI and a run. She also got called out on a 2 out, bases loaded, tied score. She looked safe, but ran outside the baseline, b/c the first baseman was in the lane. The umps told our coaches that Kat was supposed to "run her over". Kind of a bummer to end up with a tie on a bad call/bad rule. Abby got a couple hits, did some nice designs in the dirt---argh!!
Two new facts I am swirling around in my busy brain. Am I the last one in the world to just find out that Anderson Cooper, of CNN, is the son of Gloria Vanderbuilt?? I was amazed to learn that last week and still can't get over it. I also can't get over that one of the ladies at church who has grandchildren the age of Em and Ab is only 18 months older than ME!!!!! I thought she was nearer to Marks' age. It is blowing my mind to think about having a 30 year old daughter. It doesn't matter, I still like this lady very much, but WOW!! I have only accepted those at least 20 years younger as potential kids (my favorite son--DMitchell). Not fascinating to most, but what can I say.
The last new item around here replaces my 18 year old Electrolux. We broke down and bought a new vacuum. It is amazing what a vacuum with suction can do!! On that pleasant note, I'm off to check the laundry.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Celebration weekend
Well, well, well. It turned out to be a good weekend. Mark did a bang up job celebrating our anniversary. I am easily wooed by Italian food, cheesecake and jewelry. The Intrepid makes a much nicer "date" vehicle than the 91 Dodge Dakota truck. :) We ended up at Old Tyme Pottery and Hy-Vee. Do we know how to party in "Cowtown"? Yea, baby!!
Mother's Day was lovely. M cooked burgers on the grill--always tasty. The girls showered me with all the good smells from Bath and Body works--as suggested by a coupon. We had Domino's for supper with our Survivor party. A really nice day.
Jess called early and then I couldn't get her later. Then when she called yesterday, poor kid. You know it's a "bummer call" when she's laughing and says, "I'm ok, really I am." She was taking the van back to Tammy--after trying to move into the rent house and then get to her first class on time, when a guy ran into her. Luckily they were right by the Academy and could walk in and get Tam. The guy was a son of some long time friends of all of us so at least he wasn't beligerent. Neither one was hurt, and Tam's van has a banged up door. Of course, she was worried about Jess and I was worried about their van, but 25 years of friendship works these things out. I totally appreciate them for letting Jess use their van and not shooting her for getting in an accident. Bless all their hearts. Jess must have recovered quickly, as she called M twice yesterday trying to hook up her computer and once from Wal-Mart, buying a cable to hook up her computer. A necessary link to the outside world or at least Illinois. :)
As I was jogging yesterday (I didn't want to go, already had my face and hair done--but my legs worked anyway--and I still have a face.) I figured out the Survivor ending. Skip this part if you're not a Survivor groupie. Terry should have voted Danielle off and kept Cirie in hopes of winning the last challenge. He could have beaten her since Shane and Courtney were still mad at Cirie. All so easy to see AFTER it's all over--and what does it really matter anyway?
Abby had her first softball game last night. It was cold and rainy. Mark and I were wishing for a hot, humid night--at least he was. Abby got a hit both times at bat---last year we went hitless about the first 4 games. She was catcher--did ok, and outfiled---played in the dirt, and was pitcher. In machine pitch, the pitcher is just on the mound, but still supposed to field the ball. She has a LONG way to go. Argh! Kat and Ab play at the same park on the same nights, several times at the same time. I'll be bummed to miss Kat play to watch Abby play in the dirt. ARGH!!! She was thrilled that M came to the game--she told M a ton of times how happy she was he came and told me that I HAD to come to all her games. How does a little squirt like her know what's what? lol
Off to the races this am. I'm enjoying Miss Emily every moment as our last days of only the 2 of us grow to a close. It's been fun and I'll miss her so.
Mother's Day was lovely. M cooked burgers on the grill--always tasty. The girls showered me with all the good smells from Bath and Body works--as suggested by a coupon. We had Domino's for supper with our Survivor party. A really nice day.
Jess called early and then I couldn't get her later. Then when she called yesterday, poor kid. You know it's a "bummer call" when she's laughing and says, "I'm ok, really I am." She was taking the van back to Tammy--after trying to move into the rent house and then get to her first class on time, when a guy ran into her. Luckily they were right by the Academy and could walk in and get Tam. The guy was a son of some long time friends of all of us so at least he wasn't beligerent. Neither one was hurt, and Tam's van has a banged up door. Of course, she was worried about Jess and I was worried about their van, but 25 years of friendship works these things out. I totally appreciate them for letting Jess use their van and not shooting her for getting in an accident. Bless all their hearts. Jess must have recovered quickly, as she called M twice yesterday trying to hook up her computer and once from Wal-Mart, buying a cable to hook up her computer. A necessary link to the outside world or at least Illinois. :)
As I was jogging yesterday (I didn't want to go, already had my face and hair done--but my legs worked anyway--and I still have a face.) I figured out the Survivor ending. Skip this part if you're not a Survivor groupie. Terry should have voted Danielle off and kept Cirie in hopes of winning the last challenge. He could have beaten her since Shane and Courtney were still mad at Cirie. All so easy to see AFTER it's all over--and what does it really matter anyway?
Abby had her first softball game last night. It was cold and rainy. Mark and I were wishing for a hot, humid night--at least he was. Abby got a hit both times at bat---last year we went hitless about the first 4 games. She was catcher--did ok, and outfiled---played in the dirt, and was pitcher. In machine pitch, the pitcher is just on the mound, but still supposed to field the ball. She has a LONG way to go. Argh! Kat and Ab play at the same park on the same nights, several times at the same time. I'll be bummed to miss Kat play to watch Abby play in the dirt. ARGH!!! She was thrilled that M came to the game--she told M a ton of times how happy she was he came and told me that I HAD to come to all her games. How does a little squirt like her know what's what? lol
Off to the races this am. I'm enjoying Miss Emily every moment as our last days of only the 2 of us grow to a close. It's been fun and I'll miss her so.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Blog-Jog
I realize this am as I was jogging around the trail at the park that I blog in my head as I jog. I also pray and sometimes they get mixed up together, but that's ok. The Lord understands and I'll try to blog appropriately--as usual.
I haven't been on the jogging trail lately. I was detained by a busy life of Student Council elections. (Kat lost by 19 votes-- a character building experience, says Mark. I think he was talking about mine. I was so bummed.) Then we had a ton of rain. Last weekend we went to the hoots and hollars of SE MO to a youth retreat. It took a lot to recover from that, so I was lazy and didn't go to the park. But I'm back in the game now and it feels good!!
The youth retreat was so FUN!!! Mark spoke--did an awesome job. If anyone needs a meeting on Grace, he's the Man!! So excellent!! It was fun to see so many old friends from JC. The kids were great, the food was wonderful. We stayed at a lovely facility called Camp Allen. If anyone needs a good reunion, retreat, camping with nice bathrooms etc.... Camp Allen is it! Our little girls got to stay by themselves at Grandma and Grandpa's overnight. A rare treat!! Abby got her picture in the SE Missourian with her cousin, Savannah, when Joy K took them to the Art show. Fun! We took our big kids with us to the retreat. Kat played football in the rain with the teenagers. Everytime I looked out, she had the ball and was scoring. H ended up having fun even tho she didn't mean to---argh!! Another LONG lesson in my endless book on"Parenting Teenage Girls--the cyanide Years--give it or take it?" We did enjoy our van, the ac and the dvd player both were appreciated! :) Getting a small visit in with the folks was good. We have the CUTEST baby nephew--Amy and Eric's Joshua is totally adorable. We are used to cute girls--all our cousins are adorable, but this baby boy this is a novelty.
We came home to softball, band concert, track awards banquet, Abby's luau and laundry. Kat's team won their 1st game--amazing! Kat got to be the lead off batter, got a stand up double and made the first score of the season! She played first base all game and got a couple outs. Mark got to see all of it. I was at the 8th grade Track banquet. I knew H would get a participation award, but didn't know her relay team set the school record. (This is the 1st year for the Middle School so many events had the school record.) Her name will be on the wall until it's broken, so that's cool. Abby's grade had their big luau yesterday. They do a 45 min program about Hawaii. Abby looked so sweet up there with her long hair and pink flowered lei, made me teary eyed. In 10 short years it will be graduation time. I'm trying to store up so many memories in my heart and not let it all whiz past in a blur. Jess is done with her first year of college. She is taking a 2 week class (Sociology) and then comes home for a week and then goes back to take Anatomy and Physiology. Sure am ready to see my big girl. Hence my emotions seeing Abby in her program probably.
Mark has all the girls out shopping for Mother's Day. I'm going to find the vacuum and seize the opportunity to spruce up the place without the usual round of questions, "who's coming over? Are we having company?' You'd think they'd never seen me vacuum. argh!!! Anyway, the girls have a birthday party tonight. M and I are going out to eat to celebrate our 25th anniversary that got overshadowed (ignored) by the youth retreat. (Will refrain from whining about that publicly--tho I didn't suffer in silence to be sure). This week is full, but not as full---maybe. As my brother used to tell me, "Time marches on---your face. "
I haven't been on the jogging trail lately. I was detained by a busy life of Student Council elections. (Kat lost by 19 votes-- a character building experience, says Mark. I think he was talking about mine. I was so bummed.) Then we had a ton of rain. Last weekend we went to the hoots and hollars of SE MO to a youth retreat. It took a lot to recover from that, so I was lazy and didn't go to the park. But I'm back in the game now and it feels good!!
The youth retreat was so FUN!!! Mark spoke--did an awesome job. If anyone needs a meeting on Grace, he's the Man!! So excellent!! It was fun to see so many old friends from JC. The kids were great, the food was wonderful. We stayed at a lovely facility called Camp Allen. If anyone needs a good reunion, retreat, camping with nice bathrooms etc.... Camp Allen is it! Our little girls got to stay by themselves at Grandma and Grandpa's overnight. A rare treat!! Abby got her picture in the SE Missourian with her cousin, Savannah, when Joy K took them to the Art show. Fun! We took our big kids with us to the retreat. Kat played football in the rain with the teenagers. Everytime I looked out, she had the ball and was scoring. H ended up having fun even tho she didn't mean to---argh!! Another LONG lesson in my endless book on"Parenting Teenage Girls--the cyanide Years--give it or take it?" We did enjoy our van, the ac and the dvd player both were appreciated! :) Getting a small visit in with the folks was good. We have the CUTEST baby nephew--Amy and Eric's Joshua is totally adorable. We are used to cute girls--all our cousins are adorable, but this baby boy this is a novelty.
We came home to softball, band concert, track awards banquet, Abby's luau and laundry. Kat's team won their 1st game--amazing! Kat got to be the lead off batter, got a stand up double and made the first score of the season! She played first base all game and got a couple outs. Mark got to see all of it. I was at the 8th grade Track banquet. I knew H would get a participation award, but didn't know her relay team set the school record. (This is the 1st year for the Middle School so many events had the school record.) Her name will be on the wall until it's broken, so that's cool. Abby's grade had their big luau yesterday. They do a 45 min program about Hawaii. Abby looked so sweet up there with her long hair and pink flowered lei, made me teary eyed. In 10 short years it will be graduation time. I'm trying to store up so many memories in my heart and not let it all whiz past in a blur. Jess is done with her first year of college. She is taking a 2 week class (Sociology) and then comes home for a week and then goes back to take Anatomy and Physiology. Sure am ready to see my big girl. Hence my emotions seeing Abby in her program probably.
Mark has all the girls out shopping for Mother's Day. I'm going to find the vacuum and seize the opportunity to spruce up the place without the usual round of questions, "who's coming over? Are we having company?' You'd think they'd never seen me vacuum. argh!!! Anyway, the girls have a birthday party tonight. M and I are going out to eat to celebrate our 25th anniversary that got overshadowed (ignored) by the youth retreat. (Will refrain from whining about that publicly--tho I didn't suffer in silence to be sure). This week is full, but not as full---maybe. As my brother used to tell me, "Time marches on---your face. "
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
No time today
Just a quick post. This is my only am at home in who knows when. Everyday is full of some major activity and then the other stuff is there too. I have caught up on laundry and that is amazing. I saw a bit of the the Today show as I was getting ready this am. They were caluculating how much a stay at home mom would earn if there was someone to pay her. What a concept and who really feels better knowing they are worth $125,000+ ($86,000 for moms who work full time--but that is added to their take home so it's all good) and there is no one to pay. Who can calculate the value of reading a nap time story everyday for 15 years? or did they calculate the value on being able to bring the forgotten lunch box. gym clothes, library book etc? What about being home after school when they get here to get the day's news first hand and the kisses that go with it. I think not. One can't price those things. Think I'll go back and read all this everyday as I'm running around doing all the field trips, awards banquets, kindergarten screenings, etc.... :)
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