1st day of School!!

All set and ready to go!!




Each year, on the first day of school, I spring from my bed and cheerfully sing (at the top of my lungs) "It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year". Yesterday was a bit different for me. My baby girl, who just turned 4 on the 4th mind you, was starting preschool. In the past, with my other children, I had sent them to a half day preschool when they were 2 and 3 years old. But with Maeve, I have never put her anywhere. No mothers morning out, no day care, no half day thing at all. She has been with me. 24/7. And now she was leaving me. I know it's my job as their mom to make sure they are kind, caring and smart kids, and I think I've done a pretty good job at making sure they all are. I know that Maeve is ready for this. She was walking down the hall announcing to everyone that she was there to go to preschool and showing her new lunchbox to anyone who would give her the time of day. She walked into her new classroom without a care in the world, waved to the other kids, and claimed her place at the computer with the teacher. She didn't cling to my leg, cry or beg me not to leave her. Did I do a bad job in raising her this far so that she WANTS to leave me? Isn't she supposed to cry and ask to stay home for another year? Maeve is ready for this. I am not.

Maeve and her teacher.




Declan has been looking forward to going back to school. While he might not admit that out loud, I can tell. He wants to play with kids his own age. He likes learning new things. He certainly didn't want to be home with me any longer than he had to. Getting up early is another story. Here he is with his new teacher.



Aidan and Aislinn were looking forward to school, too. They started a brand new middle school this year! Aidan was excited because at least 7 kids from his class last year and in his class this year. Aislinn has no girls in her class from last year, so she was a little more nervous about the whole thing. There is a couple boys in her class that she knows, but they are boys and, to her, are a waste of time and air! Ha!! Anyhow, as I was pulling up to the school, she made a comment about not wanting to go. So I asked them if they wanted me to park and walk them in. Well, my goodness. Aidan screamed "NO!!" as if someone were trying to snatch him from the park! Humph. Anyhow, Aislinn just said no and got out of the car. Neither of them looked back. How did they get to be so big so fast?

Happy Birthday, Maeve!!

confidential to Maeve:
Wow! Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday I was heading to the hospital to have you. You have grown so quickly, it almost makes me sad. I love watching you each day grow into the little girl I love so much. In just 2 days you will be starting preschool. *Yikes!* It's one thing to have the other kids go to school, but you are my youngest, my baby. You have already asked me several times if I would go to school with you, just to make sure it's fun. Not only that, but you tell me at least once a week that you are never moving away from me. I hope you don't. I love you more, my sweet girl. Please, don't grow up too fast.


Today we went to Wild Animal Safari for my daughter's birthday. It's one of the few drive through, feed-the-wild-animals- right-from-your-car, kind of places. She loves it there. All the kids do. Even Aidan, although he sits in the middle of the back seat so he doesn't get slobbered on! He doesn't like to get dirty! Yes, I am counting my blessings. After that, we went to lunch at B. Merrill's. Of course, we came home to have cake and watch Maeve open her gifts. She's really into Littlest Pet Shop right now and was pleased as punch to get a whole mess of them! After getting all the kids showered, we went to our "Meet the Teacher" at school. God knows we needed to shower first! Can you imagine the teacher's first impression of you, and you smelling like buffalo? YUCK! Anyhow, we had a busy day today, but managed to squeeze it all in. I did take bunches of pictures, which I will try and post tomorrow. I also got some of the cute little puppy our neighbors just got. For some reason he likes it at our house! How long do you think it will be before he moves in with us?

1 year, 100 posts later.....

and I'm still here! This is my 100th post. Can you believe it?! Of course, I just went back to the beginning and noticed that it took me a just over a year (July 11th) to get here. It's funny to go back and read all the things my kids have said or done since then. That's why I love to scrapbook. Cause I tend to forget things and it's great to have something to fall back on.

Anyhow, since my last post we have been busy, as usual. Yesterday and today we have been cleaning out the garage so I can bring in more stuff from the house! Our neighborhood is having a garage sale next weekend and we are participating. We have several years worth of crap, um, I mean, stuff, that has accumulated. My kids are even helping out! Of course, I had to tell them that Santa can't bring anything new because he can't even see the floor of their rooms due to all the toys they already have. Whatever. It's working. See what it looks like in there:



Do you see anything that you are just dying to have? That's not even half of it! Anything that does not sell is not even coming back into the house. I mean it. Really, I do. This garage sale could not have come at a better time either. My kids start back to school on the 6th and I plan to clean, paint, etc. to fill my time. Now I will have even less to clean. Aaaaah! Feels so good.

Friday, Joe took off from work. We went over to the Montgomery Zoo in Alabama. It's only about an hour and a half away, so not too bad. Aislinn has never been. They all enjoyed it. Aidan acts like the flamingos. That boy is talented I tell ya!



Maeve's favorite is the jackalope.



At least I was able to get 3 of them to sit next to each other!



Finally a picture of me and Joe that I like. It's only of our heads! No stomach at all!! Woo Hoo!!



We left just as it was getting unbearable outside with the heat. On our way home, we stopped at Red Robin and had an early dinner. I love that place. Awesome salads!

What else? Oh yeah! Declan went to Swamp camp over at CSU. He liked it, except for the fact that it lasted all day. (Just wail until school starts buddy!) He would start the day at home by asking if he could stay home! Who's kid is this that does not want to go to camp? By the time I picked him up, he was glad he went. I stayed with him for a few hours on a Wednesday and took some pictures. I can't wait to scrap these. Here he is with his snake made from newspaper. It almost makes me wish I got to go!!



We also went out to the Outback one night. I love that place!! I could eat just the cheesy fries if given the chance. And no one was watching me!! How good do they look?? Don't answer that, I already know!



Then, of course, Declan was stung by a hornet. He was playing at another boys' house down the street when it happened. Naturally, when he came home to show me, I got my camera! Then an onion to get the stinger out. Boy, have I got MY priorities straight! Don't judge me!



I think I'll end here. After all, it's 1am. I probably should get some sleep!!
Have a great night. :)

Which one are You?

CAPRICORN The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Patient and wise. Practical and rigid.. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times.. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want.
AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality... Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.
PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive.. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.
ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19)
Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous... Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.
TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20)
Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways.. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard -- passionate. Expresses themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined.. Indulges themselves often. Very generous.
GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20)
Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express them selves. Argumentative and outspoken.. Like change... Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally.
CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22)
Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.
LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22)
Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos . Attractive.. 13 years of bad luck if you do not forward.
VIRGO - The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Dominant In relationships. Conservative.. Always wants the last word.. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic..
LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible. .
SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive.. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional..
SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up ( Peter Pan Syndrome ). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing.. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

Random things I like about Summer

Early this morning, while I lie awake in bed, I was listening to the birds chirping right outside my window. It's such a nice sound to wake up to, and for a brief moment, made me glad to be living in the country. Then my mind started wandering to what else I liked. More specifically, about summertime. This list is not in any particular order. I enjoy sleeping in; swimming with the family; eating ice cream *guilt free* every day; getting pedicures and wearing flip flops; watching the birds in the feeders; summer camp; the smell of freshly cut grass; having the sun stay out a little bit longer; driving down the road with the windows down; letting the kids stay up late; iced coffee, and food that's been cooked on the grill. I'm sure there is more. I know that there's a lot I like about the fall/winter also. I'll post about that in about 6 months! What do you like about summer?

6 months

Oh my goodness!! There is only 6 months to go until the Disney marathon! What did I get myself into?? Can it be undone? No, I don't want to back out. I really need to get moving.

Happy 4th of July!!

Yes, I know it's technically the 9th. I like to be fashionably late. This year for the 4th, I drove down to Florida to pick up my two oldest kids who were staying at their grandparents' houses. I made great time driving there. I mean, there was NO ONE on the roads! It was great and I actually enjoy driving by myself. I can have the radio up as loud as I want, sing without anyone telling me to stop, etc.
Anyhow, I picked up my son, visited with my MIL for an hour, then got back in the car for the hour and half ride to my parents house. They live at the beach, so we get a great view of the fireworks over the ocean. Instead of going up to the roof like in prior years, we went to the beach instead. It was amazing!! I found a fireworks setting on my camera (thanks, mom!) and got about 100 pictures. Some were good, some were not. Here's me and my kids. It's starting to get dark and the wind was blowing.



My parents. I am sure they are thrilled to have their house back to themselves. Pretty soon they will be heading up to Cape Cod for a month. I wish I was going, too!!



Some fireworks. They were going off all over the place. It was hard to know where to look!







After everything ended, we had a nice downpour! Fortunately, we made it back to the condo right before the rain started. Naturally, I stayed up too late talking, and was really tired in church Sunday morning. Luckily, I managed to stay awake the entire drive home, which this time was LOADED with traffic. Figures.