She Calls Me CrazyLady!!!

2011-02-06T01:38:00.002-05:00

Whoa...I haven't blogged since 2009! I guess life with 3 teenagers (I do consider Garrett a teenager - he is advanced, ya know? :) really does blow by with the force and speed of a tornado.

As always, there is never a dull moment with the three spawns. In the past year and a half, we have experienced a knee injury (including a year and a half of physical therapy and eventually surgery, a fractured skull (from not wearing a helmet while skating - lesson learned), a broken knuckle that required surgery (thanks to a neighborhood scuffle over a sled), two pneumonias, two monos, a pending divorce, a move in with the parents, a new full time job...that just made me dizzy to type all of that!

Of course everything isn't so stressful...a lot of exciting things have happened too. Kaylee turned 16 and now drives (soo scary, but soo helpful!), Garrett is now in middle school (half a year with only one ISS - lol), and Lana has found a new love for distance running (and as MVP, she's quite talented).

As I lay here tonight reading my own blog and reliving so many sweet times, I am vowing to make a conscious effort to post at least once a month...and hopefully more. Not only do I find it a therapeutic release, it is my own personal scrapbook and diary. Preservation of memories. I will do it! :)

Starting again...I promise!!!

2009-08-19T08:45:00.004-04:00

So...I made a vow to start my daily blogging again, and true to my nature, I procrastinated and the entire summer passed by with nary a post. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I have now added blogging into my schedule on the Blackberry (yayz!! I finally got one for Valentine's day =).

I will recap some of our summer activities over the upcoming weeks - and there are a lot to share: 4th of July in Florida, Kaylee's 15th birthday, the passing of her permit test (eventually!), and lots of plain ole fun! It has been such an exciting and eventful summer, that I couldn't begin to cover it all in one catch-up post. And besides, there's so much happening in our life right now, that I don't want to miss that either.

We are approaching the end of summer vacation - 6 days away, in fact - and anyone who knows us well knows that we never stay still for long. Last year, in September, we finally moved out of our temporary living situation into a more permanent home....or so we thought. After a year, we realized that there were some aspects of the house that weren't working. The main issues have centered around the yard, or lack of usable space...as well as the absence of a fenced in yard for the giant dog. Add to that no central air, and quite frankly, just a bad feeling in the house, and we realized that we should possibly look into our moving options.

As luck would have it, the neighbors down the street just moved out, leaving us with a possible option. After calling the landlord, meeting with him, and giving the house a once-over, we realized that this would be a better option for us. Of the amenities that we like, the kids would probably about out that their favorite is the half-finished tree house in the backyard. This isn't some kid-built rickety old tree house, either. The guy who started building it must have had an awesome set of plans and imagination...it is amazing! Garrett and Robbie will be finishing it out with the walls and roof soon...and it will be camp out and air soft war ready! Kaylee and Lana are particularly excited about a covered patio area - that they have already mentally landscaped and decorated for parties/get-togethers. And I am thrilled with the clean yard and fenced-in back for the dogs...and CENTRAL AC!!! Other than that, the house is pretty much the same layout as where we are now. Amazing how what can seem so minor makes all the difference in the world =)

We are set to move on September 15...follow along and see if I can really hold it all together as they start school!! IT should be an eventful next 3 weeks! Follow along for our progress and pics!!

Atlanta Braves!!!

2009-06-01T10:19:00.006-04:00

Each year the ACRMS 8th grade class travels to Atlanta for their farewell field trip. Along with the educational activities including CNN, the aquarium, and the zoo...there is also the Atlanta Braves game where the 8th Reynold's singers perform the National Anthem. An incredible opportunity for sure!! And one that I couldn't allow myself or Lana and Garrett to miss. Yet again...we packed up and headed to watch my oldest baby sing at our first MLB game - how awesome!!

April 2009...and Spring Break!!!

2009-06-01T09:11:00.005-04:00

April has probably been the funnest (yea, I know...not a word =) and most exciting month thus far. In the midst of track meets, high school cheerleading tryouts started. Kaylee spent a week eating, drinking, sleeping, and breathing cheerleading. It was so bad, that we would even hear Garrett chanting in his sleep, "Reynold's Rockets, the green, gold, and white..." It was hysterical...we all feel full of ACRHS pep!! The hard work paid off when she made the JV team!! I honestly don't think there's been a happier moment for Kaylee...ever. After almost 2 years of trying to get adjusted to a new school, town, and environment, she is finally doing what she was meant to do!!

Next...FINALLY...came spring break!!! Originally, we had planned on staying in town, hanging out around the house, and maybe hitting some local tourist spots, and relaxing. But as we sat at Garrett's ballgame on a warm and pretty day, he lure of the beach was just too much for us to handle. So at 5pm, we packed whatever clean clothes we could find, grabbed Athena, and headed for Daytona Beach!! Although we only stayed 3 days, it was full of sun and surf...and Brandon!! After we were beached out, we headed home so the kids could spend time with friends (read: Kaylee could see the boyfriend - LOL) and check out some of the local attractions and events. The kids enjoyed Blowing Rock and Linville Falls but the highlight of all highlights came when we saw the ACC All-Stars (including Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green!!) play with Crossfire ministries. So we never got our quiet and relaxing spring break, but in the end...it was SOOO worth it!! Check out the highlights of the week =)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Catching up!!!

2009-05-31T10:22:00.004-04:00

I suppose the only way to start back blogging is to, as briefly as I can, catch up on our life over the past 6 months...covering all the missed milestones month-by-month. Here goes =)

January 2009:

What better way to ring in the new year than with Guitar Hero Mania!! After playing Garrett's Christmas gift on PS2, we all decided we needed the games for the Wii...and what a great investment! Great music and fun for family and friends!

Garrett hit the big double digits - 10...a very happy, but hectic birthday!! He had a small sleepover with some neighborhood boys - complete with pizza and cheesecake. They did whatever it is that little boys do at that age...LOL...staying in his room where we heard a lot of banging and scuffling. It wasn't until we smelled the burning that we became a bit concerned...and how right we were to be concerned. They had taken apart a DVD player, and were using pliers to create sparks of electricity! GEEZ!!! Will I make it through Garrett's teenage years??!!

School started back after Christmas break, and Lana made the switch to Reynold's Middle. After a few difficult days, and friendship from a very sweet McKenna, she made the transition smoothly, and is proud to be a Rocket!!

All in all, January showed us a promising 2009...sure to be full of adventure an excitement!

February 2009:

February was full of ups and downs. Valentine's Day brought lots of ♥...and a new Blackberry for me!! The girls and I all succumbed to the flu, giving us a week of rest at home...while poor Garrett tried ever-so-hard to stay away. His tactic must have worked, because he stayed amazingly healthy. Kaylee tried out for and made the track team, had a breakup, then a reconciliation. And Lana continued to thrive at her new school. I will admit, though, that we were glad to see February come to an end =)

March 2009:

March gave us eh promise of spring! We were all excited to have a few warm weekends mixed in with the lingering cold...allowing us to go on some awesome hikes. It was exciting to see the early signs of spring change daily. Because 6th graders aren't allowed to play school sports, Lana became a manager for the girls' soccer team, Garrett's baseball season began, and track meets started. As always, spring made sure that our schedules were as busy as ever! Probably the most significant event of the month was the dreaded high school registration. Kaylee and I sat through numerous meetings, pored over class listings, and finally registered her for a full schedule of honors academics. The sadness set in as I realized that my baby is slowly, but surely, growing up!!

The beginning of 2009 was just a preview of excitement and craziness to come...

Reminiscing with Sweet Memories

2009-05-31T10:03:00.004-04:00

As I sit here reminiscing on a lazy Sunday morning, I have realized just how special keeping this blog can be. What a wonderful way to keep a history of our normal (or not-so-normal) daily life. I find myself wondering when life became so busy and hectic that I completely neglected capturing sweet memories. As the school year comes to a end, and the carefree days of summer begin, I am making blogging my first daily priority. Here's to creating our new memories, and adding to our old!! ♥

25 Random Things...

2009-01-29T05:40:00.002-05:00

Recently I was tagged on Facebook to list 25 random things about me. Thought I'd include it here as well....

1. I adore my kids...and their friends - I actually enjoy having them around :)
2. I regularly allow my children to take "personal days" off from school.
3. I bungee jumped 2 months after giving birth (proving that I wasn't washed up - just yet...lol)
4. I am a horrible procrastinator...and allow the kids to be too (bad mom!).
5. I'm terrified of sickness and hospitals...more than terrified - it's a phobia.
6. I love to drive around aimlessly.
7. Sometimes I stay in my pajamas all day - hahahaha!
8. I'm a die-hard Democrat!
9. I give in to my kids way too much...daily, in fact.
10. I HATE to cook, but I'm pretty good at it when I do.
11. Ice cream has been dinner before (see above :).
12. I love baseball!!
13. I don't love NASCAR.
14. Sometimes I forget to eat.
15. Sometimes I forget to feed the dogs and cat...
16. and I have even forgotten to feed my children - lmbo!
17. I have texted while driving before...but finally pulled over because it was too hard.
18. I love Jimi Hendrix...
19. and Clay Aiken - BWAAHH!!
20. Wild Wings' bleu cheese sticks are my favorite food.
21. I have a bad - really bad - temper.
22. I don't handle my own money well.
23. I pray for snow days in the winter...and used to pray for hurricane days in the fall.
24. I coached gymnastics.
25. I do these lists/surveys when I don't wanna work!!!

Too long...

2009-01-28T11:43:00.002-05:00

With the chaos of the holidays, I neglected my blogging duties (along with a few other duties). So...here's my attempt to catch up =)

Our Christmas break was completely full of family, friends, fun, and gifts...Lana and Garrett's birthday parties, numerous sleepovers, Nana coming to visit, 3am bedtimes, and oh yea...there was the actual Christmas celebrations. The kids were most excited about their main present. They finally have their own cell phones!!! And believe me, they have been put to good use - LOL. They were also able to extend the spirit of receiving with their numerous gift cards. I think we shopped for 2 weeks straight! Robbie is now the proud owner of a Blackberry (which he still learning to use =), and I am still the proud owner of a Great Dane.

I think this year was the best Christmas ever...life really is exciting and fun as the kids get older and older. Check out the memories from the last few weeks.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Are you stealing my Christmas list???!!!

2008-12-15T19:35:00.003-05:00

So...I posted last week, my desires for Christmas this year. In the #1 spot, was the one thing I have wanted for the past 2 years - a Blackberry. Robbie has always argued that he doesn't see the point in these smartphones. We just need phones that dial and receive calls - blah, blah, blah. What a poopie head! Oh, but it gets better...Saturday, he calls me to ask about eh Blackberry. My heart jumped for just a minute - until I realized that he was asking for his own interest. Yup, that's right. Mr Ionlyneedaphonetocall is now getting a Blackberry. WTH??!!! Okay, okay....I'm really not mad (disappointed a tad maybe). After all, he does so much for us - including allowing me to get a monstrous dog. He deserves it...and we're excited to see him enter the new millennium!

He was ready for change...

2008-12-15T19:25:00.004-05:00

You know....my life doesn't have enough chaos, or so it seems. Today we added a third school to the mix. Garrett has been unhappy at his charter school this year, and decided to chck out our zoned elementary school. Initially this morning, we stopped by for a tour to aid in out final decision about switching - after the winter break. The school must have an incredible marketing campaign for the kiddos, because by the time we finished, Garrett had his bookbag and was heading into his new classroom!! I don't tink I have seen him this happy and "sparkly" since w moved here. I'm hoping for an incredible remainder of 4th grade. If this afternoon was any indication, it should reach far beyond our expectations. Garrett had his homework completed before I even got home from picking up the girls! Kinda makes it worth the added chaos - time crunchd schedules, volunteer time, etc.

All I Want for Christmas is....

2008-12-06T06:22:00.003-05:00

I'm taking on a new strategy this year for my Christmas list. I figure if I blog my Christmas list...and my kids see it, they can nag at Robbie and make sure that I get something other than candles this year :). So here goes....

Blackberry
Rainbow boots (if you haven't seen them, but they are the boot version of the flip flops - sooo comfy!!)
Sterling silver "peace sign" necklace
Steam cleaner for floors
Ski weekend for the family
New cord for my laptop
Planet Earth DVD box set
Toe socks (so if I don't get the boots, I can still wear my Rainbows!! ;)

So this is a start...with gifts in many price ranges. Everyone print out their own copy to pass along to Robbie. Pleeeeaaaseee, NO MORE CANDLES!!!!

Happy Birthday LuLu!!!

2008-11-30T05:26:00.004-05:00

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Lana,
Happy birthday to you!

Today is the day...my baby girl is 12! We started the celebration with a lunch with the grandparents yesterday...today we shall shop. Having girls is a blast!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T21:05:00.003-05:00

On this eve of Thanksgiving, I relect on all the blessings in my life...

* I have an amazing husband who works harder than one should - so that I can be home with the kids.

* And those 3 kids are happy, healthy, beautiful, bright, and successful.

* I live close to my family and am able to see them on a regular basis...and can watch the nephews grow up <3.

* We have a home, heat, and food (although I do complain about cooking it :)

* I (this is not a we - LOL) have 2 cool dogs (well...Athena is cool when she's not using the kitchen as her personal bathroom - or sticking her nose in the pots on the stove!) and a sweet kitty.

* I walk outside every morning amazed by the beauty the mountains that I am so lucky to live in.

* I have wonderful friends.

* Our country has an promising new leader!

In troubling or stressful times, it can be difficult to remember that there is so much good in life...but everyday really is a Thanksgiving.

Christmas, Christmas Time is Here...

2008-11-23T18:23:00.002-05:00

We are embarking on my favorite time of year. The holidays are met with happiness - it's the season of family and giving and great tv Christmas classics. Although all of things warm my heart, my real reason for loving this time is much more calculated and cynical than that. Simply put, my kids are on extra-good behavior. With the promise of Santa and loot, they tiptoe around kissing bootie...in hopes of getting more and more and more. This year, the gift of choice is cell phones. Quite the biggie in our home - as I have fought the purely materialistic want for years. As the kiddos get older and branch out away from me on a regular basis, I am actually considering the idea. Here's my proposal: If they housebreak Athena, cook dinner every night, do all the laundry, and massage my feet...they just might be texting a Merry Christmas to all!

**Hey guys, read this carefully - especially the last sentence, okay??
Love ya all!

10 things you don't know (and probably don't want to know) about me...

2008-11-19T20:15:00.004-05:00

1. I was born in Honolulu, HI.

2. A policeman had to bring me home when I was 3 for playing in the middle of the street (and we wonder where Garrett gets it from???).

3. I once told my little brother that he flushed our baby sister down the toilet.

4. I was once blamed for peeing on the floor of the bathroom that I shared with my 3year old brother.

5. I cheated ONCE on a biology test...and felt so bad that I told on myself.

6. I had a summer job as a California Raisin - complete with costume and dancing.

7. I pawned my roommates tv (while she was out of town) to fund a trip to the beach...and yeah, she was ticked!

8. I was a radio DJ.

9. Robbie and I got married 3 months after we met.

10. I love Clay Aiken (and have seen him in concert...twice!!!).

Crazy or Not...I'm AWESOME!!

2008-11-12T18:03:00.003-05:00

Inspired by one of my favorite daily blog reads, I decided to make my top 10 list of why I'm so incredibly, wonderfully, awesomely, crazily AWESOME!! Check it out...and then make your list...why do you rock?!

1. I am known as the cool mom with my 14 year old daughter's friends!!
2. I must have done something right with my kids - they are always respectful and kind (outside of the home ;)
3. I'm smart enough to understand 8th grade math and algebra.
4. I can get up multiple times in the middle of the night with the Great Dane puppy, and still love her in the morning.
5. I am the queen of pulling it all off in the last minute - all while no one is the wiser.
6. I can fight hard for something - when it's important...
7. I can let it go when it's not.
8. I have awesome taste in music!
9. I have awesome taste in friends!
10. And last, but not least...I have awesome taste in blogs!!! Check out my fave:

Cutting for a Cause

2008-11-10T06:31:00.005-05:00

So....last night Kaylee and Lana were in their room doing girlie stuff, when they came out and told me that Lana had finally made a decision. About her hair, that is. She was ready to cut it for Locks of Love. She has been discussing this for a year...and it seemed like the right time. I'm so proud of her!

Check out the before and after:

Fun in the Leaves

2008-11-08T12:05:00.004-05:00

Our task at hand today is reaking leaves. In a rare moment of kindness, the kids offered to help. I was so excited for the help...but then I realized this is what I was getting. What can I say? Kids will be kids - they had a blast!

Natural Beauty

2008-11-07T08:38:00.007-05:00

Lana's class took a field trip to Grovestone Quarry and Nature Trail yesterday - to learn about rocks. As interesting as the presentation was (note the sarcasm ;o), I was more interested in taking pictures of our surroundings.

Breakfast Celebration!!!

2008-11-05T07:53:00.001-05:00

Excited? Oh yeah....

Change is Coming....

2008-11-05T06:24:00.004-05:00

What an eventful night we had last night...democracy at its finest. I must admit that my need for sleep prevented me from staying awake to watch election results, but never fear...Athena to the rescue. She woke me up with her whining around midnight for a bathroom break. Since I fall asleep with the tv on, I noticed Obama giving a speech - what type of speech, I couldn't determine in my sleepy stupor. Concerned, I headed straight for the computer, and there it was on my home page....Obama wins, McCain concedes! A victory (HA to you Robbie!!). Change is finally on its way!

2008-11-02T07:11:00.005-05:00

What happens when you take five 6th grade girls, load them up on sugar, and drop them at back to back Halloween parties? They morph into this:

Pre Halloween costume...my cute little Pippi Longstocking

Post Halloween (party #2) costume...Strippi Longstocking - a mother can be so proud!!

Boredom

2008-11-01T14:08:00.005-04:00

This is what boredom looks like...Nothing to do, no where to go, no money to spend, and a sister who's gone. Poor, poor, pitiful girl. (Actually, she is enjoying this!! ;)

**In case you're wondering...she's watching Hannah Montana 3D - YUCK!!

Happy Halloween???

2008-11-01T08:52:00.006-04:00

It could be because of the cold, the fact that the kids are getting older, or that Lana wasn't home, but last night turned out to be an anti climatic Halloween. Kaylee, Garrett and I started the night at the church's Hallowest festival. As we walked up to the festivities, Garrett pulled his costume off realizing that it was crowded - with a lot of adorably costumed children...young children. Garrett played on a few inflatables while Kaylee and I hung out in the cold looking for a familiar face (never found one :). After 45 minutes or so, we decided to try for a change of pace and went to the bf's baseball game. Another bitter cold activity. Kaylee and I finally succumbed to mother nature and joined the bf's parents in the car to watch, while Garrett claimed his stake at the concession stand - 1/2 price on everything! Garrett played for a couple of hours, we chatted and watched. Then the game ended, we went home, and the kids fell into bed. The end. No trick-or-treating, no candy, no major excitement. Is this what Halloween is for us now?

Happy (or not) Halloween...as promised here are the pics of Lana and Garrett's costumes. Kaylee was too dignified to dress up (LOL)

2008-10-31T10:45:00.003-04:00

After the daily nagging phone calls, I was worn down and finally voted today. It's not that I am disinterested in politics (quite the contrary) or that I didn't want to do my civil duty...it was actually a result of pure laziness this past year. We have been in Asheville for over a year, and moved once since here, but neither Robbie or I have changed our drivers licenses - which means that we never updated our voter registration. As I missed the deadline, I accepted the fact that I wouldn't be able to vote. Then came the daily calls...the incessant nagging from the parents insisting that I find a way to vote. So, I did. And you know what? It was incredibly simple. One-stop registration and voting. Not only did I get to update my registration and vote, I voted early...and was in and out in 20 minutes. I must say that the volunteers working made the process a breeze. Let this be my nagging to all out there...GO VOTE!

**Disclaimer: Potential voters who are leaning towards or are planning to vote anything other than the Obama/Biden ticket need not register, change registration, nor take part in this general election (LOL...just kidding - unless you're my dear hubby who kept getting misinformation on how to change his registration. Don't know how that could have happened - OOPS!!).

Wanna Play?

2008-10-30T06:36:00.001-04:00

Put The Big Red Button on your site

ARGGGGGHHHH!!!!

2008-10-29T19:31:00.003-04:00

What do 2 dirty dogs, one sick teenager, loads of makeup work, a 6th grade essay, and a bored 9 year old boy, have in common? THEY ARE ALL DRIVING ME CRAZY!!!

More Snow!!

2008-10-28T09:16:00.004-04:00

I find it totally appropriate to post again about the snow. YAY!!!! Although we didn't get any more than a dusting in our neighborhood, check out what they got down from Lana and Garrett's school (about 5 miles east of home).

BTW...that is a bull eating in the background...can't explain how it came to be, but the kids and I drive by on a regular basis to give a big shout-out (literally, out the car windows) to the bulls. We like to think of them as our pets - LOL, maybe that's why she calls me CrazyLady!!!

It Snowed Last Night!!!

2008-10-28T05:28:00.003-04:00

Okay...just a little flurry dusting on the car, but still...IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!!! (and it's only October ;o)

Halloween Is On Its Way!!!

2008-10-26T21:05:00.004-04:00

If there is an upside to being sick, I found it today. With the pounding head and blah feeling, I had no gusto to clean or straighten up...allowing me more time to spend with my kids - talking. After a much needed nap, we have planned out Halloween costumes without stress. Amazing how it can take wiping you out to get you to stop and smell the roses.

So, without the normal concern for the dishes piled up in the sink, we had the time to scour for the internet for some cute ideas. As for now, I'm not allowed to share, but rest assured, pictures will be posted soon!

Field Day

2008-10-26T07:07:00.004-04:00

I have officially succumbed to this sickness. Now, please don't think that means that I am laying around or resting in bed...only dads get to do that!! No, I continue with life - I just get to feel terrible while I do it.

Yesterday, Garrett had his field/awards day for fall baseball. After 6 Advil and numerous breaks in the car to get warm, it proved to be a fun day for all!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Valuable Lesson

2008-10-24T20:16:00.004-04:00

I learned a lesson today - one, like most, that would have been so valuable a long time ago. It began with Garrett reminding me about the birthday party (that we had both forgotten!) tomorrow night. So began the panic in deciding what gift to buy. No fear - Garrett to the rescue...a Bakugan. I know, don't ask me. It's a cross between Yugi-O and Pokemon, and evidently one of the hottest boy toys around - and reasonably priced (YAY!!). As we were heading to Target, Garrett told me that all of the discount stores were out of them. I felt a severe anxiety attack coming on, because this could mean only one thing....Toys R Us!

I haven't been there in quite a few years (actually since Garrett was a toddler) for a reason - taking my 3 kids there was a living nightmare. If you've been around my kiddos long enough, you have seen that they are quite adept at the tag team effort. The premise behind it is if they beg, whine, run around crazy - one after another, then they will wear me down enough to give in. Sometimes I was strong. Sometimes not. It was enough to send anyone over the edge. Right as the stress peaked, the Toys R Us in Rocky Mount closed...allowing me to keep what remained of my sanity. Never, ever again would I have to go to Toys R Us....until tonight.

Through breaths in the paper bag, I gave Garrett (and the girls) a run-down on my expectations. I will buy the gift with a $10 limit, and you each may have $5 to spend on yourselves (no doubt that $5 would cause an issue - when's the last thing you've seen a toy that cheap?). We walked around the store for about an hour...browsing and looking at prospective Christmas gifts. The shock of all shocks? All 3 kids were amazingly well behaved. There was no running, riding the bikes, playing with the balls, or begging. The girls didn't find anything, and decided to save their money until tomorrow, Garrett chose the gift and his toy, and we were on our merry little way. Nothing short of a miracle!! The lesson learned? Kids under 9-10 years of age should not be in Toys R Us. Waiting until less than half of the store appeals to them cuts down on what they actually want to ask for. Sounds almost like common sense now. If only I had waited...it would have saved a whole lot of crying (mine!).

The Crud

2008-10-24T12:50:00.003-04:00

Crud season is officially here! Not that I would know firsthand or anything, because Mom's are not allowed to get sick - under any circumstances. I have fought the urge to share with my children that I have felt a little under the weather for the past week. Why? Because once I show my weakness, the hell begins. With the 3, it usually happens in this order: #1 says she's not feeling too great either (a ploy to sleep in and miss school? I think so) #3 realizes that it's PARTY TIME!! Mom will never have the energy to fight him when she's down (and I must admit, he's right). #2 usually comes to my rescue and keeps the home running somewhat smoothly (a sweet gesture that ultimately drains her and lands her in the sick bed). Add to that the fact that life will not stop - there is still school, homework, activities, and the dogs (especially the puppy) - which means that sick or not, I still have to get up and function like every other day.

So for now, I will cowboy up, go to the baseball awards, help with projects, and amuse the kiddos - while they are utterly clueless, and hope that they are in "sweet mode," which just might give me a chance to rest this off.

2008-10-20T20:46:00.003-04:00

I find myself wondering who it was that insisted that we get a Great Dane. I mean really...couldn't they foresee the amount of pee and poop that could come out of a dog (even a puppy) of that magnitude! And then I am reminded by Robbie that it was indeed me that begged, pleaded, and cried for months for this dog. To which I must respond...since when do you start giving me my way?! Wimp!! (Love ya anyways, though ;o)

Pee and poop aside, Athena is here to stay. And she is darn cute...especially her love affair with Frank.

Ballgame!

2008-10-19T19:49:00.006-04:00

Just as the umpire calls the end of the game, we bid adieu to the baseball season. It's official...it's over. It's a bittersweet time. I must admit some relief that our weekday afternoons and evenings (and Saturdays) are now free for homework, old-fashioned playing, and earlier bedtimes. But I will miss the fun, excitement, and social outlet that Little League games bring.

As we figure out what to do with our new free-time, take a look at some highlights of Garrett's 2008 fall season....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2008-10-18T06:26:00.003-04:00

Just like the Red Sox Thursday night, the 2A Astros came back from 7-2 in the last inning to win the game. An exciting feat, and the best part? Garrett had the tying and winning RBI's. Looks like he's back!! After last week's triple (a real one - not because of an error on the other team) and a close slide under the tag to steal home, Garrett's mojo is back!! Now if he can just keep it until spring....WTG Garrett!!!

PS...Don't you wish you had stayed 5 more minutes? LOL

These nights must end soon, right? Right?!!?

2008-10-18T04:43:00.004-04:00

Puppy life has proved to be nothing less than eventful. Athena is settling in and making herself comfortable...with Frankie watching over her each and every move. He has become quite protective over his new baby - actually growling and nipping at Kaylee and Garrett for getting too close to Athena. He is never far from her side...when she sleeps, he lies beside her watching her breathe. Sweet, but maybe a little obsessive - LOL.

The first 2 nights home were sleepless - for me, that is. I have had puppies before, and crate trained them successfully, knowing that at first they might whine and bark for a few minutes before they quiet down. Not Athena! She would bark all night (and I mean literally all night) long. Yesterday I put her in the crate, and she barked for 4 hours straight!! Not wanting to start a feud with our new neighborhood, I knew I had to find an alternative. So, to the ballgame she went, where she was played with and gawked at for 2 hours, and then I brought her home, fed her, and put her and Frankie in the kitchen with the gate. They seem to be getting along well, so I assumed that they would be safe left alone together - and they were. Just short of a miracle, they both stayed quiet until 4:30am...quite the feat considering that Thursday night, I was up at 1:00am and finally 3:00am for the day. It is amazing how good 6 hours of sleep feels. Today I am totally refreshed - and ready for a couple of ballgames. Here's hoping that we have broken the no-sleep habit....

It's a Girl!!!

2008-10-16T05:31:00.003-04:00

It's official...we added a new member to our family. A 4-legged one. We are now proudly owned by a 7 week old Great Dane, Athena. Isn't she sweet?

She's Baaaack!!!

2008-10-06T13:05:00.005-04:00

Lana has returned from the Green River Preserve GRITS camp. The weather was pleasant - warm days and only slightly cold nights, the surroundings were gorgeous, the food was good (with an entire vegetarian menu option each meal), and the girls were happy...what an awesome first camp experience!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Change We Can Believe In...

2008-10-06T12:57:00.003-04:00

Garrett was blessed to have the opportunity to see Senator (and future President ;o) Barack Obama at a rally yesterday. Thanks to my lil bro and his wife, Garrett stood in line for 5 hours to watch history being made....

The future of America...that really is "Change we can believe in."

My baby's gone...

2008-10-03T23:26:00.003-04:00

So, I had plans to blog about dropping Lana off at her weekend camping trip - complete with pics of all the girls, but as I am still learning, the best laid plans can change ;o).

We started the afternoon off with dropping Garrett off with the grandparents, and headed out for the drive to Green River Preserve. Being perpetually early, we arrived with 30+ minutes to spare. No problem, Lana and her friends ran off to play while they waited for the teachers and chaperones. As the masses of girls arrived, we found out that Lana was set to bunk with a group of campers from the other school attending - none of which she knew. For some kids, this could be seen as an adventure, but for Lana (who until this morning wasn't completely sure she would go) it was a disaster. After talking to every adult at the campsite, to find out that they weren't the ones who could fix it, we found the right teachers. Problem solved. Lana was allowed to choose one girl and they put her in that cabin. WHEW! That one had me a little concerned. So, after hugs and kisses, Kaylee and I hit the trail (literally - it's 4 miles of windy dirt road), and headed home sans photos. Here's hoping to some good ones when Lana returns...

FRIDAY IS MY LAST DAY!!!!

2008-10-01T20:48:00.003-04:00

(Nothing else to say ;o)

Our New BFF...

2008-10-01T08:25:00.006-04:00

Maybe you've heard of him...

On the way home from the baseball game last night, Garrett took control of the radio (a rare twist since it's normally Kaylee's domain) and landed on "Faction," a punk-ish channel on Sirius. Tony Hawk was doing a call-in show, and Garrett, being the extrovert that he is, decided to call. He actually got through!! The convo went something like this:

DJ: Thanks for calling, what's your name?
Garrett: Garrett
DJ: What's that?
Garrett: Garrett

(This actually went on several times...guess it's the southern accent LOL)

DJ: What? Can you spell it?
Garrett: G A R R E T T
DJ: Oooohhh, Garrett. Okay What do you want to ask Tony?
Garrett: I just wanna tell him he's awesome.
DJ: But, what's your question?
Garrett: Nothing...just telling him that he's awesome.
DJ: You gotta better chance of talking to him if you have a question...
Garrett: Okay (thinking quickly), where does he get his boards.
DJ: Hang on...where are you calling from?
Garrett: NC

Screams from the kids (okay, actually all of us ;o)...OMG!!

Tony Hawk: Hi - gotta question for me?
Garrett: Where do you get your boards?
Tony Hawk: Birdhouse
Garrett: Um, okay...I should go to a website or something?
Lana: (interrupting) OMIGOISH!! TONY HAWK!!
Tony Hawk: (Kinda laughing) Yeah, you can go to the website...or a skateshop.
Garrett: Cool, thanks.
Tony Hawk: Thanks for calling.
Kaylee and Lana: NO WAY!! GARRETT JUST TALKED TO TONY HAWK!! (followed by screeching screams)

How cool is that...aside from the fact that Birdhouse is Tony Hawk's own company, and we probably should've known that's the boards he uses LOL.

Remembering Rinnie

2008-09-30T06:16:00.007-04:00

A few months ago, Kaylee received an e-mail asking for prayers for a former classmate and friend of hers. Rinnie, a 13 year old girl, had just been diagnosed with a tumor.

Sunday night, at 13, Rinnie lost her battle with cancer and died....a reminder that life can be so short and end so quickly. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers as they try to make sense of the last 5 months.

Visit Rinnie's website and her mom's blog for more on this sweet girl...

Free at last, free at last....

2008-09-27T21:15:00.003-04:00

So after a month of trying this working thing while fitting in all of the kiddos' activities and appointments, Robbie and I realized that it just wasn't working. Somehow, waking every morning at 4am and running straight through until 11pm, was causing some (okay, a lot!) of stress. After breaking the news to my director, I shared the joy with the kiddos. I was so happy to be reminded of just how much they love me and want me around <3

Now...I can finish (FINALLY) unpacking, I can blog again, I can clean my house, and most importantly, I can sleep! Even though I will miss the kids at preschool, I still have to sing with a smile on my face, "Free at last, free at last. I'm so glad to be free at last!"

Moving Stinks....

2008-09-14T07:17:00.004-04:00

So it's been a way long time since my last blog. I would love to say that I have been too busy coming up with a plan for world peace or a cure for cancer, but the truth is that I am still trying to unpack from our move. I have to wonder how a mere 3 mile move (to a much larger place at that) can create such havoc.

The plan seemed so simple. Move everything into the respective rooms, unpack, and voila - done. What I forgot to account for was hours of Garrett's baseball games, Lana's GRITS and piano, Kaylee's music, too many dental appointments to count Oh- and work, too (whose idea was it for me to get a job?!). Tack on the extra child (Kaylee's bf), and it's a wonder that anything gets accomplished.

After cutting back some weekly activities - yes, we mourn that we might not have a rock star in the family, after all - I plan on starting this week in an organized and calm fashion. The to-do list is made, and I am starting to attempt tackling it. Have faith that by 2009, I might actually have it semi-together.

Now...off to groom Franken-mutt!

Garrett is Soup!

2008-08-29T05:50:00.006-04:00

Dear Mr. Peck,

I write this letter thanking you immensely for your series of Soup stories that are so endearing - and appropriate for young boys. I do have one small suggestion, though. Might you consider adding a disclaimer for all the parents of your potential readers? Oh sure, most readers will distinguish the fine line between humorous fiction and reality, but there is always one child (boy?) in the mix that will read your novels as a "how-to" book.

Case in point: Whipping apples sounds like great fun - especially in an open field. Whipping apples is not, however, appropriate when aiming at a sister's head, or when aiming at the windows of the construction company behind the back yard. (Oh, and did I mention that the disclaimer should apply to grandmothers as well as little boys?)

Tying little old ladies up is another example of the secret desire of many a lad. However actually tying up an older lady (or more specifically an older sister) is just the act that could land that young lad in a heap of trouble - especially when retaliation takes place.

And last, but not least, while I appreciate your love of nature and acorns, I fear that using said nuts to make a pipe might actually lead some children to think that smoking that pipe is acceptable, and in turn could very well be cause for CPS to launch an investigation.

I thank you for your consideration in the matter. While I understand that all of these examples are likely extreme, I do assure you that they are relevant - if only for a lone, 9 year old boy. And while I know that this little boy would most likely find much of this mischief on his own, I am not sure that we should offer a handbook. After all it could likely drive his mother to the insane asylum.

Sincerely,
Crazy(even more so now ;o)Lady

PS...Even in light of the potential trouble, your books will continue to be a favorite in our home. After all, it is you that instilled a love of reading in my son...and for that, YOU ROCK!!.

Hallelujah!!

2008-08-23T20:01:00.005-04:00

The heavens have opened up....Garrett has found an author and series of books that he likes - actually loves - he can't put them down. Anyone who knows my little bundle of testosterone knows that he can be a little stubborn (understatement of the year?) especially when it comes to reading. I don't remember it being quite so difficult with my girls...they have had so many wonderful options (American Girl, Little House on the Prairie, etc). Now I know that you are thinking that boys can read and enjoy some of those as well, but in our house, if one of the girls does it, it is automatically classified as a girl thing...and Garrett will not touch it.

So today, we finally made an attempt at his weekly homework that is due on Monday (did I mention that he is a horrible procrastinator, too?) which includes 80 minutes of reading. Worried that he would never accomplish that feat, I started racking my brain and tried to remember Mrs. Quigley's 4th grade reading list. That brought us to the Soup series by Robert Newton Peck. He might like it.

The series includes real life stories based upon two best friends, Mr. Peck (Rob) and "Soup." Let me assure you that it includes the mischief that my son so heartily understands. Picture two adolescent boys breaking the stained glass church windows while whipping apples - or the boys tying up (yes, I said tying up) an old neighborhood lady so she wouldn't tell. To some boys, it would seem a great work of fiction - an escape of sorts, but to Garrett and those of us who know him so well, it represents reality.

If you happen to have a little monster like mine, and need to instill a love of reading, run to your nearest library and check out Soup. No disappointments...

Thank you Mr. Peck. Knowing that you made it into adulthood in one piece and became a successful author makes you my new hero!

10 Simple Rules (from Daddy ;o)

2008-08-22T16:56:00.004-04:00

I found this earlier today - how relevant it is...

10 Simple Rules for dating my daughter

Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this
compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate: when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: In order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter:
- Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than an Ogden stool.
- Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns within eyesight.
- Places where there is darkness.
- Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness.
- Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka zipped up to her throat.
- Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which feature chainsaws are okay.
- Hockey games are okay.
- Old Folks Homes are better.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a pot-bellied, balding, middle-aged, dim-witted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy outside of Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you roll into the driveway you should exit your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car; there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

My little activist...

2008-08-21T10:33:00.007-04:00

Okay, so I'm typically not very controversial, but....

The girls and I are animal rights veg-heads. The great thing about Asheville is a)there is a great vegetarian vibe and community (not to mention awesome restaurants ;o) and b)if someone is not vegetarian, they tend to at least be accepting and accommodating. We couldn't ask for more, right? Not in the schools, it seems.

It started with Lana coming home from 6th grade telling us that the class will be dissecting in science this year. Nope- not gonna happen...so I made a casual mention to the teacher yesterday, thinking that she would be most accepting (especially since Lana and Garrett attend a charter school that has a somewhat more liberal outlook). I was a little surprised when the teacher gave her schpill about how it's only a body part, and the animal was already dead, blah, blah, blah...and that this was 6th grade - "they'll be fine." You gotta be kidding me! So because the animal is already dead, that makes it less inhumane? Nope..not in my (and definitely not in Lana's) book. When we left, I told Lana that the decision was in her hands, but I would support her and fight for her. What did my little princess do? She came home and ordered a bunch of these for her classmates and friends:

What a little activist she is becoming...I'm so proud!

Mom rocks the Keds....

2008-08-20T20:12:00.004-04:00

So...as I was showing Devil (oops, I mean Angel ;o) Daughter the old 80's pics, we came across this one:

Her comment? Oh yeah Mommy - rocking those Keds! Hey, what can I say? Keds were rad...HAHAHAHA

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog...

2008-08-20T12:04:00.012-04:00

for a BLAST FROM THE PAST - gotta love the 80's!!

We thought we were so cool...(though we could've used a flatiron ;o)

Love ya girlie!

Little did we know that real life was just around the corner...

It makes me CrazyLady!

2008-08-20T11:44:00.004-04:00

I remember an old office/school supply commercial (Staples, maybe?) that would play in August and September. A father would dance down the aisle with his shopping cart to the tune of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." My kids were 4, 2, and newborn back then, and school seemed so exciting and fun...oh yeah, and having a 6 hour break sounded like heaven!! ;o)

Fast forward to 9 years later, and that appeal of the school year starting is gone. With a bang, the first day of school starts our high-speed train of homework, activities, and schedules (did I mention homework?). 3 kids, "real" homework (the kind I can't help with ;o), dinner, showers, and plain ole veg time...and a hubby who is gone all the time...ARRRRGGGHHH. Why don't I ever see how nice and simple summer is?

Here's to hoping I figure this one out :o)

It's official...

2008-08-17T09:24:00.005-04:00

WOO-HOO!!! We are finally moving out of what was supposed to be a very temporary carriage house/garage apartment. More than a year later, we have found the right house...including 2 bathrooms and a dishwasher - both of which can be described as a rarity in western NC - and a playroom (or now that the kiddos are older, should we call it a rec room? ;o). AND...the landlord is pet friendly!! I see a new, big (Great Dane?) dog in our near future. The excitement abounds!

Now begins the real work...cleaning and packing - in 2 weeks, so can have it all done before I start my new job (and the kids start their list of activities) on September 2. Feel free to offer help (haha), I am sure that Robbie will need it!

Wanna be a rock star?

2008-08-16T16:37:00.010-04:00

I recently started teaching preschool in a program run by the Asheville Arts Center. I knew that I was excited about not only being back in preschool, but to have the opportunity in such a cool environment. But until last night, I had no idea just how cool of an environment it really is.

Last night was the open House for the Arts Center - a chance for the community to check out the programs offered - dance, music, drama, preschool. I was there to work, but had also planned on signing the girls up for lessons. We started out by signing Lana up for piano, and Kaylee for classical voice, and we thought we were done - until we saw this...

Rock U is the class, and it has to be one of the awesomest things I have ever seen!! 3 hours a week these kids practice and jam...stage presence, song writing, it's all covered - and they play real gigs! Remember the old Jack Black movie, School of Rock? This is Asheville's version....and Kaylee is psyched! Watch out Hannah Montana, she wants to be a rock star... (geez - now I'll have that silly song stuck in my head!)

EDITED TO ADD: The Hannah Montana reference is my attempt (not Kaylee's thoughts ;o) to be cleverly funny (HAHA).

TGIF!!

2008-08-16T15:57:00.005-04:00

Whew! We made it through a horribly hectic week, and none-too-soon. We started off in the beginning of the week putting together a last minute small party for Kaylee's birthday. She invited a few girls to join her at the pool to celebrate with cupcakes and swimming. Sounds like a good plan, right? Well, it would've been if someone had called the pool to verify that they would be open normal hours. As we stood at the gate waiting for the giddy gals to be dropped off, a pool employee came out and told us that the pool would be closed all week. WHAT?!!!! He explained that it had been on the city schedule that was mailed out at the beginning of the summer. You gotta be kidding me...I was supposed to actually read that? So, we trekked back down to the car, cupcakes in hand, while we quickly tried to come up with a back up plan. Bringing them home wouldn't work - the house was covered with layers of dirty laundry and dishes. There really was no where else to take a bunch of girls in bathing suits, so we cancelled out and promised to have a re-do soon. (Kaylee did meet one of the girls at the mall for an afternoon of shopping, so all was not lost :o)

The next day, Lana and Garrett started school...leaving me to wallow in the fact that my babies are in 4th grade (real school) and 6th grade (middle school EEK!). All went well with the exception of new lockers. It's a hereditary disability with the females in our family - opening lockers. For some reason they present an almost insurmountable challenge to my girls. Kaylee has learned to compensate...she leaves hers unlocked all year. But when Lana was faced with the same issue on that first day, she was terribly upset that she couldn't figure it out. In a rare moment of nurturing, Garrett offered to meet Lana at her locker to open it for her (awwww <3). The idea of her younger brother saving her at school did NOT set well with Lana, but she did allow him to loan her his combination lock to practice on. She was determined to master the skill. She fell asleep with the lock in her hand...and woke up still working on it. Finally, she got it...and was ready to give the one at school a try. Success...problem solved!

Kaylee had the luxury of waiting until Thursday to start school, meaning a few more sleep-in mornings. Maybe too many, because when Thursday arrived, it did so with a bang. The short version (and the one I'm allowed to share ;o) is that the first 2 days were really, really - I mean REALLY- difficult for Kaylee. She made it through - and even got in the car with a smile on Friday - so it is looking better.

So, with relief, I can say we did it! We made it through! And hope for an uneventful and easy remainder of the school year.

Pics

2008-08-13T18:44:00.014-04:00

As promised, here are some pics from our adventure at Paddle Inn Rafting Co...I wanted to take more on the raft, but it was a little hard to do while I was freaking out - LOL.

The happy family (I had no idea what was coming :)

Garrett and Kaylee

Lana

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you....

2008-08-11T05:52:00.009-04:00

happy birthday dear Kaylee....happy birthday to you!

It is official - my baby is 14!! She gets the last day of fun and party, before school starts, all about her. The difference about today is that the siblings will be okay that the day is all about her (as compared to the other days that are not her birthday LOL).

The celebration started yesterday with a white water rafting trip at Paddle Inn Rafting Company. With all of the excitement and chaos surrounding baby Jude, our family pool party (originally scheduled for yesterday) was postponed, so we woke up yesterday to Daddy's brilliant idea of a family rafting trip. The hour and half drive went fairly smoothly thanks to our new Sirius Satellite radio! Amazing what Radio Disney for 90 minutes straight can do for a person. For the kiddos - it couldn't get any better! For the adults - it's a trade off of having to hear the Jonas Brothers (for what feels like nonstop) instead of the "questionable" pop music played on regular radio stations (one listen to "Lollipop" and you'll get what I mean). So anyways, we arrived at the rafting hut, and registered for what we lovingly referred to as the "poor man's special." For $34, all 5 of us could take the raft on the short run that lasts about an hour. The kiddos were disappointed when they realized that we wouldn't get to go through some of the more adventurous spots (and I admit I was, too), but frugality (is that a word?) won out. Blah, blah, blah...we listened to the guide give us instructions before sending us on our merry little way. I mean, how hard can it be? The river didn't look that rough from the road. Next we boarded an old converted school bus (bringing back many Junior High memories - eek!) and hung on for dear life as Paddle Boat Petty raced down the little windy road - enough to make even the best NASCAR driver green with envy (or at least motion sickness). He let us out with our 600 pound raft and bid farewell!

After some logistical trials and errors, all 5 of us finally got the raft to the river. Off we go!!! Now, did I mention that Robbie was the only one that had ever done this before? Great! Who needs a guide...we have our own experienced rafter acting as captain. Oh, but wait, did I mention that it had been over 20 years ago? And that he didn't remember a whole lot at first? No? Well, neither did he (LOL). As we pushed off, immediately, we went the wrong way - down a little canal, backwards. Luckily for us we made it (although barely) back out into the river. It was then that I saw the white caps. Wait a minute! Where is the calm, flat water that we were going to float over? Isn't it like the lazy river at Wet N Wild? You mean that we have to ride over those waves (more like jump), and get wet (in 46 degree water), and still use the paddles to try and avoid the rocks? You mean the kids and I have to paddle too? Okay, so let it be known, that this is not a "sport" that I like....in fact, I despise it. Sitting up on the blow-up bench, not able to reach all 3 of my kids, and not having enough hands - thanks to that darn paddle. I just knew that Garrett as going to fall out (probably because he told me that he was going to fall out intentionally), and we would never be able to get him back into the raft. What if Kaylee or Lana fell out too? What if Robbie fell out? I remember when the kids were little, and I would take them out alone, worried that I only had two hands. I haven't felt that way in a looooong time - until yesterday. Every bump and rock and wave we rode over I tried ever so hard to grab all 3 and keep them in the raft - infuriating them all. I was really scared, and showing a weakness like that with my kids is never good. Garrett jumped up and down, the girls laughed, and I cried...and Robbie told me to stop looking so terrified. That was all with in the first 15 minutes! So miserably, we continued the run. We only got stuck on a rock once, and were so very lucky to be rescued by another rafting group as they rammed into us head on to free us. The time went quickly, and since he had been so patient (well not really, but he didn't disobey), we let Garrett accidentally on purpose fall out of the raft at the beach. So, as a huge relief for me, our adventure had come to an end. We dried off, got in the car, and headed home...all the while listening to the accounts told by the kids (that just means that they gave me a really hard time and made huge fun of me on the way home). The final consensus was that everyone loved it (except me!), and next time I am not allowed to go - which is fine with me. I'll stick to the pool (which is exactly what we are doing today!).

Pictures will follow...we took a waterproof camera on the raft, and Kaylee is saving some film for underwater pool pics today!

The coolest birthday party idea ever....

2008-08-09T20:52:00.004-04:00

We have found the coolest, most awesome tween/teen party ever!! Kaylee was invited to the 14th birthday of a school friend. When I dropped her off, the mom told me that the girls were going to go on the 360 Party Bus. For those of you who don't know, the 360 Party Bus is this radical bus/motor coach that you can rent out, complete with a drive - to drive around and party. For the kids, they had music (really loud!), dancing, and pizza - while they cruised around Asheville. I'm not sure if I should be proud, or what....but she was quite excited to tell me that the bus had a "strip pole." OMG!!! Garrett summed it up the best by saying, "Hey Mom, we watch Law and Order. We have seen those things on tv." Stripper pole aside, the 360 Party Bus was a huge hit with the kids. Lana and Garrett are planning their upcoming birthday parties on the bus - and I am super excited since it means no cleaning up for me :o).

On another, more serious note, Jude is staying an extra night in the hospital. Since his birth, his breathing has been off and shallow, and he is a bit jaundiced. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers....we really want him home soon!!

Hey Jude....

2008-08-08T18:34:00.013-04:00

It's official. Baby has a name...and his own song ;o)

Make a Smilebox postcard

I'm an aunt...again!!

2008-08-08T05:23:00.021-04:00

After a long couple of weeks, the latest addition to the family has arrived! Lil bro's wifey has been having the contractions - the real thing - yesterday. Finally last night around 10pm, they drove to the hospital (30 minutes away) for a labor check. No go....progressing, but not ready. Disappointed, they headed home to wait longer. That was 11:30pm.

At 3:00am this morning, I received the anticipated call. Not only were they at the hospital - ready to have this baby, but they barely made it...the baby was crowning!! For the first time of their lives, my kiddos woke up with a smile and we raced to the hospital. We had just walked in the waiting room, when Grandma came out...are you ready? IT'S A BOY!! 8 pounds 4 ounces. Baby is named Baby for now, while Mom and Dad think about boy names (told y'all it was a boy! ;o), and all are resting comfortably.

Congratulations guys!! We're so happy for you <3

The happy family of 4!!

Garrett and "Baby"

Lana and "Baby"

Kaylee and "Baby"

A Baby is coming....We think!!

2008-08-07T21:59:00.004-04:00

My baby bro and his wife are headed to the hospital after a long day of some pretty intense contractions. Could they be one of the lucky ones with a baby born on 8/8/08? Could it be at 8:08? SIL say HECCCKKKK NO!! She's ready for this kid, already!

Now the waiting begins...

Top 10 Signs You're Addicted to Blogging

2008-08-07T15:03:00.012-04:00

1) A snack sized bag of Dorito's is a well-rounded meal - for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2) 2 hours of sleep a night.

3) There's no clean laundry.

4) There's no clean family members.

5) The kiddos are sporting a "dirt-tan" and dreadlocks.

6) There's no need for clean laundry.

7) The kiddos are begging for vegetables to supplement their Ramen.

8) The kiddos are begging for clean dishes in which to eat their Ramen.

9) The kiddos are begging for someone (anyone!) else too cook their Ramen.

10) The pets have resorted to eating Ramen crumbs off the floor.

And finally....you might want to seek treatment when your kids resort to eating Ramen crumbs off the floor.

My name is CrazyLady, and I'm a blogaholic.

Last day of summer...UPDATE!!!

2008-08-06T18:26:00.009-04:00

I am so proud of myself!!! After my last post, the kiddos were really begging to continue with our original plans. Lana's Tylenol kicked in bringing her fever completely down, and she promised that she felt fine...and really, I mean really wanted to go. So we packed a few things, and hit the road!

Quick recap: Sliding Rock was extremely cold and had long lines so the kids only went down twice - except for Garrett. Somehow he managed to go down about 10 times by sliding down the edge right by the where the line was formed. He didn't want to leave when it was time to go (go figure ;o), but he finally succumbed to threats of having the park rangers ban him forever (okay, so not my best moment of parenting...but certainly not my worst - LOL). Next we stopped at Looking Glass Falls, and it was packed! There was a large church youth group from Texas - as well as the regular tourists. The water wasn't quite as cold as Sliding Rock, but still registered as cold on my feet. The kids swam around, explored the bottom with their goggles, played under the falls, and Garrett watched people climbing up a very steep and narrow (dangerous) path right by the falls. He thought about it (he later told me), but decided it probably was a bad idea. Kaylee fell and twisted her leg (she's okay now) and we left. We stopped for a nutritious lunch of Doritos's and headed home. Check out the pics from what turned out to be a pretty fun last day of summer.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Last day of summer....

2008-08-06T11:29:00.009-04:00

Today is what we consider our last day of summer - I have to work the next two days, Kaylee has a friend's birthday party on Saturday, her family party is on Sunday, and Monday is not only her "Big Day," but Lana and Garrett have their mandatory open house as well. Oh...and we have to buy the mountains of school supplies, get the school clothes pressed and ready, and make sure that there is school lunch food in the house - somewhere during the weekend, too. So it is the final day of laziness - no responsibilities and no place to be.

I had big plans for today - Sliding Rock (it's a really cool natural rock water slide about an hour from us) and Looking Glass Falls(awesome waterfall that you can swim under). So I woke up early to accomplish all of those mundane tasks like laundry, dishes, and cleaning so we could head out for fun. Lana woke up about an hour after me complaining of a headache. Thinking it was just that morning exhaustion, I gave her Tylenol and a kiss, and went about my business. Awhile later, I noticed that she seemed a little pale - and just looked like she felt awful. After taking her tempey (101.0), it hit me! A side effect from her 6th grade immunizations yesterday. How quickly one forgets. With three kids and numerous shots, I don't ever remember side-effects. Maybe it's the mommy filters (you know, the thing that makes you forget how painful labor was ;o), but no one I have asked seems to remember. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't handle sickness (ie:fevers) well. Okay, so that's an understatement...I am totally freaked out!! No going out today. No water fun. Instead, Lana will lay on the couch with Powerade and goldfish, watching movies (how relieved I was to find that The Spiderwick Chronicles is finally on-demand). She will answer me with annoyance each and every time I ask her if she is okay. Garrett will be extra-nice (as this only happens when someone is sick), and Kaylee will be extra-grouchy (as she is extra-bored).

Not necessarily the best way to spend the last day of summer, but hopefully, this will pass quickly, and we can squeeze some real fun in the next few days.

Bele Chere 2008 - Karaoke

2008-08-05T07:38:00.019-04:00

It's taken a while, but I was finally able to upload the karaoke videos from the desktop. Check out the kiddos singing karaoke!!

Bele Chere video #1:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=40090438

Bele Chere video #2:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=40111113

Reminiscing - Summer 2008

2008-08-04T19:33:00.008-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Back to school

2008-08-04T12:41:00.007-04:00

It's a bittersweet time of year - back to school time. There is excitement since summer has grown increasingly boring (thanks to staying home because of high gas prices), and the kids are missing their friends. We don't live in a neighborhood with many children, so the 3 have had to be playmates with each other - a lot more than they care to. There's the excitement of school supplies and new clothes...and seeing how everyone has changed over the summer.

But, then there is the part of having to go to bed early, and even worse, having to wake up early. This one concerns me, as Kaylee is still sleeping as I type, and it's 1:25 pm!!! There is homework and strict schedules. And finally, there is the fact that I will miss my kids being home all day with me.

But, alas, we will all adjust, and this year will fly by - giving me the harsh but realistic reminder that my kids will be gone before I know it. I will savor this next week, because they will never be 9, 11, and 13 again.