Sisters, Spirits and uhhh, spirits...

Relaxing on a Sunday. It's been a busy and exciting one!!! My sis is home for a short time, but is on duty so not a whole lot of down time. She's been on TV a lot with press conferences and interviews, so even though we haven't seen her in person it has still been nice to see her in the flesh and state side. We'll see her this coming weekend, her first period of down time. Fortunately she is able to spend her nightly down time with her boys. I'm sure her boys are in 7th heaven with mom home!!! The local Civic Theater had a beautiful memorial for my cousin today, we were all in both stitches and tears by turn, all of us feeling not only Paul's presence but His presence...it was simple, pure and a true reflection of Paul the man and the actor. We were very touched. You know that cell phone I didn't like...well I replaced it with a newer, more techno model, but I can use it more easily AND I saved $35 (once I get the rebate back!) so all is right with the world. Ok, my world...and since this IS my world, that makes it right! Most of you know we attend 2 different churches (me being Catholic and Jeff not). It's very rare that one, let alone both services are stellar services. Usually one seems a bit slow or I just don't get it (me not being the sharpest tool in the shed). Today, both were totally excellent, better than good, better than wonderful--stellar was a good word to use. Fr. Tony, a visiting Father, had us all holding our sides with laughter and tearful at different points of the Homily. Both services, Fr's. Steve and Tony and Pastor Scott were very insightful and right on the money for pretty much the whole of both congregations. It was really neat to see how the Word or the Spirit (what ever you want to call it) works among the people. I know, I went all religious on you, it's just Religion and the Lord are such big parts of my life, it's hard for it not to take over every once in a while. I guess it was just one of those days that I wished everyone was right along there with me, the whole time...even now. It's been a marvelous day. As the day winds down, it's just nice to be here with the family. These are my favorite parts of life. Down time with the fam, a good bottle of wine and fun. Time to p/u the kids from Youth Groups and get on to family time (Don't worry!! The wine comes after the drive). The only way to top it would be if you all were here with us enjoying it!!! TTFN

Screaming Reptiles!!!

Ok, I'm a jerk. I screamed first, asked questions later. To my chagrin and deep embarrassment, I was wrong. First off, I hate being wrong, second off, I hate yelling and especially at a kid inappropriately. In the end, I had reason to be upset, but not for the reason I had screamed at the kids for. I'm still a jerk and hope the kids can forgive me (sorry!). They are good kids (although busted in a minor lie to another parent), but nothing that should have evoked my wrath (Tator assisted in wording, for the record, not the kid in trouble this time--and he is REALLY happy that someone else got screamed at). Ok, beyond that, an update...New Janet Evanovich book out. Was laughing by the end of page one!!! Looking forward to the rest of it (yes, I'm beyond page one but not done with the book yet). It is very cool and distracting me from my bad mommy experience. Attic wiring blew up, over-head lights are tenuous at best (on and off and I'm scared to use them!!!). Jeff will be having fun soon, I guess! We lost at Regionals, but the first 3 quarters were excellent. The phone was out for a couple of hours and then all of a sudden back on. The other phone here never had an issue so that was kind of strange. Lizard's team received all silvers on the dances. The girls both have been having a good run with their b-ball experiences, some wins and some losses. Jeff was asked to coach either a girls or boys summer league ball, they really need him with boys baseball but he won't have a kid who is young enough to play that league (is this where I say yeah, they're finally growing up!!!) Sammers is wanting to take off for California...HELLOOOO has he read about the flooding and the mud??? Wake up son, it may not be such a great time to make the trip. I think the idea of a road trip at his age is just the thing. I know I did it and so did his dad. We'll see. It's such a crazy world out there. Joaners is wonderful as usual, but a little frustrated with one of the roommates friends. It will all be good soon. That's my life, seems kind of tame right now, better enjoy it while I can. Off to CSS' for the college kids, scheduling for the high schoolers and planning for the junior higher. Sounds like fun, huh? TTFN

A Bottle, a Ball and Good Times

Having a good time in life right now. Kids are totally excellent, husband and friends too. So, I can say life is good!!! Basketball Regionals are this weekend, but I miss them d/t Lizards competition and a visit with my sister...Both of which will be totally excellent, I'm pretty psyched, a tiny bit disappointed but that's ok. Saturday night also brings the start of the Harry Potter Club at the book store. Kids and I are going to check it out, so it will be a busy weekend. Thankfully no basketball practice for the girls and I have a 4 day weekend (yeah!!!). All day I was making a mental list of things that annoy me (always remembering those I love there, they do nothing to annoy me and make it worth coming to work--would have been gone long ago without them!!!) but for some reason as soon as I left and was looking forward to evening at home with loved ones, the list was gone and long forgotten. Now I feel like a Julie Andrews happiness song, thinking of all of my favorite things! SOME OF THEM ARE: husband kids my friends (in person, on the phone or e-mail) God books pizza (the gooier and cheesier the better) cold water my pets animals blue skies the color black all bright and happy colors (except yellow--I like that pale and soft) a clean house rainy, dismal days by the fire place candle light peaceful baths smiles hugs kindness phone calls from my girls kids sports a good bottle of wine to share with those I love music visits with my family my niece and nephew visiting the change of seasons honesty, hmmm, I could keep going but I'll spare you...I must be feeling nostalgic Life is good, no it's great! I love my time away from the office!!! Y'all take care!!! The kids hate it when I say that, so I say it often. TTFN

Excitement Comes in ALL Kinds of Packages

It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring (no, really, he is) but I don't even care...WE GOIN'TO REGINALS!!! Great game, down to the buzzer and the crowd has gone wild! Have some awesome shots (maybe I will keep this new camera phone afterall) was going to add them in but I suffer from technodonhavaclue disease and can't figure it out. Hopefully there's a cure because it really is starting to suck. I think I was the only adult in the student section (but they are way more fun to be with--they actually scream and yell their heads off too and I don't look nearly as dumb!). I might have put a damper on the crowd, but if I did, I couldn't tell. Lemme see, I went with my kiddo's best friend and her boyfriend (her parents crapped out on us, too tired 'cause of work), made plans with one of my other kids friends for tomorrow afternoon. I guess it does sound kind of strange now that I think of it, but, hey, we have fun! For the record, tomorrows plan's involve writing applications for scholarships 'cause the kids parents have never done it. And also for the record, the kid's a blast and hugely funny. Very sharp and very bright, keeps me on my toes. Hmmm, well, maybe he's not snoring anymore...think I'll have to investigate. You gotta smell this cologne people, I'm telling you. Mmm, mmm, mmm...TTFN

Car theives and children...

I know I say this all of the time...but man does time fly! I was talking to a friend about kid stories and it got me thinking. We all know that is dangerous. I read today about a 4 year old who stole his parents care and it brought back both panicked and humorous memories. It seems like just yesterday when Tater was stealing our car keys and then our cars (usually for a joy ride in the field or many trips up and down the driveway, I think he only left the drive and drove on the roads a couple of times). I just remember having to have my keys in my hands at all times the kid was awake. He just has this fascination with driving. This one time we were at Grandma's house and I was down the basement cleaning, Jeff and his folks and the 2 older kids visiting while the younger ones were on the top story napping. I hear the doorbell, turn down the music and perked up an ear to see who it was when I hear this panicked voice trying to sound calm and asking if the little blonde boy was supposed to be going up and down the driveway alone. When Jeff said he'd look into it because our kids were napping followed by a loud explicative and thumping feet, I was out there...just in time to see my in-laws neighbor jump in front of the car moving in the driveway. Fortunately the little boy at the wheel braked and swerved to avoid hitting her, unfortunately he hit the garage. I don't think I have ever seen such a young driver number one and number two a miniature of myself (not in looks in road manners) yelling at the idiot who got in the way. I can hear it now. "Wad'ya think your doin', you're nuts...my grampa's gonna be mad at you...I hope" one hand on his hip, standing up on the seat, shaking his fist with his head out the window. I have to admit there was nothing I could do but hide and laugh. No one saw me shoot out from the basement door, they were all busy yelling, but the people were all right, so my panic subsided quickly. Then I was seeing where the kid was coming from. What kind of idiot would jump in front of a moving car, with a 2 year old behind the wheel, thinking that their tiny 100 pound frame could stand up against an Olds sedan??? Helloooo! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the neighbor telling us, especially since it was the hubby and not me who had been watching the babies (meaning I didn't have to take all the blame, right?) but how dumb can you be. The driveway is covered in snow and ice, there is 2 year old at the wheel who has to keep getting off and on the seat to change gears to go backwards and then forward (I have to admit I was impressed with his driving skills). I might add that the car started out on the street. I still have several unanswered questions...like how did 3 adult people miss a 2 year old sneaking outside in the middle of the winter WHEN THEY WERE SITTING BETWEEN BOTH DOORS TO THE MAIN FLOOR, how did he get the keys, and how the heck did he know what he was doing because apparently he was in the driveway for quite some time before the neighbor noticed and so on. I might add that was the last time I didn't have the boy with me when he wasn't sleeping!! For an update, he hasn't stolen a car in years and he is patiently waiting to get his license in a couple of years and we are hoping his wildness is behind him!!!

Apron strings

I really have nothing to write...well, my brain doesn't seem to come up with anything and there is so much to report. It's all kiddy stuff... Talking to friend about brain cells. She apparently has several of them where I feel I may possible have one. If I just had a second one, maybe they could bounce off each other and the friction could cause some energy or a thought or something...anything...PLEASE??? Hmmmmm nuttin going on up there! Joaners made the Deans list and is busy performing at a convention this week, way across the nation. One of her friends who moved far away several years is going to be out there as well and they'll get to see each other! It's pretty cool. The others are doing very in school and having fun in the snow...some more than others! Got to see a couple of sisters this weekend and that was great! We can never see enough of each other (ok, well maybe--but we don't talk about those times, do we!) Ok, I just glanced down and I still have my apron on from dinner, like from several hours ago. Reminds me of the last time I forgot it was on and went to several places in town (dropped Liz off, to the store, to a MEETING, and then to pick up Liz, the whole time not one person told me and I never noticed!). It wasn't until I was at my last stop (and I might add the second time I stopped into the same location) when it was pointed out to me that I had it on. DUH! Ok, seemed funnier as I remembered it... Ok, have to rush kids to here and there (like as in showers and bed), gotta play the mean mom. G'nite