We're Done...

It's Monday! Happy Memorial Day!

We had our annual Strawberry Festival this past weekend and it went off without a hitch. I was in charge of crafters this year (This means I got to the park at 5:50am on Saturday - yup it's early...) 50 arrived, set up, sold their wares, and generally had a successful weekend. One crafter complained about his spot to my friend and co-worker, G. It seems he didn't like spot #01. Well, he was given spot #10. All were very well marked in large numbers on the ground. Last time I looked #10 was between #11 and #9 not between 1B and 2. We got that all straightened out and he was much nicer after that. The mistake was his... not ours. We can't help it if you can't count!!

The children spent the two days helping to run the various children's games like sack races, tug of war, milk bottle toss, etc. They jumped in and did extra shifts when other kids didn't show up, they both went above and beyond the call of duty and worked both days almost all day. (They were only required to work 2 shifts a day.) They did a great job and I received many many compliments on their work ethic and their stamina. They are both generally pooped out today. LLB has been flopped on the couch since she got up this morning. She's going to her friend A's this afternoon for a swim. I certainly hope she has enough energy to keep herself afloat... Poor #1 has 3 projects due in the next two weeks. He started his science project this morning, but has a lot more to do. He'd rather have spent the morning in front of a TV, I'm sure.

I worked the hayride and the front gate yesterday. Both spots are fun. You get to meet a lot of nice people and enjoy the beautiful weather. The only issue I have with working the gate is people who think that $20 a carload for a day of entertainment is too much. Deliver me! You can't go to the movies for $20... And you drove all the way out here... You saw the info in the Post and on TV... The price hasn't changed... If I was pocketing that $20, you could have a fit, but it all goes to charity... Heck, write it off on your taxes as a charitable contribution...

Mr was Captain Strawberry this year. He took over for a dear man who died suddenly this week. Mr. had big shoes to fill, but fill them he did! He ran the Strawberry tent like a pro. I bet Mr. gets to do it again next year, too.

I did a little bit of shopping at my crafters' booths... I got a gorgeous basket from the basket guy. I got a ladybug collar for Zebbie. I also got the yummiest dog cookies for my Zeb. He spent the weekend curled up at home... No fun for him. I wanted to go back and get a couple of other things, but I got busy... Next year...

#1 and Mr. ran in the 5K race yesterday. They both improved their times. Mr. actually beat #1, but because of the age thing and the number of runners in each age group, #1 got a medal and Mr. got a pat on the back for a job well done. Did you know that there are more runners in the 50-59 age group than there are in any other group? Me neither...

It was a long, but fun two days...
Now we get a couple weeks off before we start to plan for next year...

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Name a sound you like to hear.
My children laughing

Soup
What is your favorite kind of cheese?
Oooohhh... that's hard! I like all kinds of cheese. Feta, bleu, swiss, cheddar, colby, gouda...

Salad
Do you sleep late on Saturday mornings? Why or why not?
Hah! I'm too busy to sleep in.

Main Course
When was the last time you forgot something? What was it, and how long did it take to remember it?
Last night - I forgot to bring the DVDs to the ballet studio. I remembered when I walked in.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I notice that I remember license plate numbers when I drive. I don't know if it is a gift or a curse. :-)

Thursday 13

Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today 1. My handbell concert went great yesterday! My kids nailed their pieces and were very proud of themselves. 2. My children had their band concert last night. 3. The 6th grade played first. My LLB had a solo. She played it perfectly. 4. LLB received the Band Student of the Year for the 6th grade. 5. She was so happy! 6. The 8th grade played last. 7. #1 had a solo as well - a jazz solo. He nailed it! He really is a terrific sax player!! 8. The 8th graders did superlatives. #1 got most talented and biggest workaholic!! 9. #1 received the Band Student of the Year award for the 8th grade. 10. He got this award 3 years in a row. 11. To get the Band Student of the Year award you need to have the highest score throughout the year. LLB had a score of 112. #1 had a score of 104. 12. LLB beat her rival, Kay, by 10 points. I hate to be a totally competitive parent, but... YIPPEEE!!! 13. Oh... and the slide show... it was pretty darned good! I have some requests for copies - I bet I get more in my email today... 8. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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Where does the time go?

I can't believe it's Tuesday already...

I am frantically getting the slide show ready for tomorrow's concert. Every time I think I'm done, I get another batch of pictures in my email. I love that these parents are sending pictures, but I really needed them a month ago. I have 3 more coming today. Someone sent in photos. The band teacher is scanning them in for me.

My handbell concert is tomorrow afternoon. My kids are ready. Their music is good. Their costumes - I'll let you know. We are playing Under The Sea from Mermaid. They are going to bring sun glasses, leis, and hawaiian shirts. I hope they can pull it off! I've got my hawaiian shirt ready... We are playing other songs, too - but UTS is the most fun.

This coming weekend is the big strawberry festival our church puts on. I'm in charge of crafters. That means that I am still receiving calls from people who want to sell their stuff. Umm... It's a little late, don't cha think?? One lady called me and wanted her same spot from last year. You can't call the week of the fair and get your spot! You get the remnants if there are any. Needless to say, I haven't received her check and I'm virtually full.

I re-joined Jazzercise last week. I feel great. I'm losing some of my plumpness and I'm re-toning what used to be toned. I don't think it will take all that long to get back into shape - I can still do a gazillion sit-ups and not ache for days on end. We'll see what's sore after Momma K gets through with me today. I'm off to her class for the first time today. Last week I could only go MW... This week it's MTW. If I can still move on Thursday, life will be good.

LLB is still not herself. Yesterday morning, I called the doctor's office (Did I mention that they put me on hold for over 20 min. and lost me. I had to call back 3 times to get a human!) and told the nurse the symptoms. They said they'd speak with the doc. and call me back. The nurse called me at dinner time. That's convenient - NOT! She didn't even have the results right! Now, she wants LLB to do another strep test. Hmmm... I need to think about this. Every time I go, I pay big $$ and I have to sit with other sick kids. Eeeww.

I think I might change doc's offices. When we started with them, the office was small and we always saw our doc. He called back. He got the results. Now they over book, we wait forever, the nurses call back with incorrect information. I hate it. I still love the pediatrician. He is wonderful... once you get to him. Maybe I'll call today and ask to have him call me back. If he calls. I stay. If he doesn't... I'm looking for another doctor... That sounds rational... kinda... sorta.

Sickies and Slides on Saturday

It seems like it's been so long since Thursday.

LLB stayed home from school sick yesterday. I thought she had strep - she had all the symptoms, but the doctor said no. I thought she'd be back to her normal bubbly self this morning. Alas, she is not. Her tummy hurts and she looks really crappy. I don't do sick children! I like my children healthy, happy, and driving me crazy...

Needless to say, LLB will not be at her ballet rehearsal this afternoon unless she makes an amazing recovery. She's currently curled up on the couch with her cat and her dog watching cartoons.

#1 had a banner day yesterday - he went to Kings Dominion for the 8th grade field trip. They were studying the physics of roller coasters - yeah, right... (I'm so glad they told me I couldn't go. It was cold and it showered all day.) He rode almost all the coasters, had a great time, and learned nothing. It was the perfect field trip!! He rode some really scary rides. I think it was best I wasn't there to watch.

I am almost finished creating the powerpoint slide show for the middle school band. Their concert is Wednesday. I have about 290 slides. The show will run while the kids are playing. (When my sister was younger, her high school band teacher did this sort of thing. It was such a sweet gesture. And, it so nice to see what the kids were up to all year. The teacher included pictures from when they were elementary instrumental students.) I only have pictures from last year and a few from when #1 was a 6th grader. I will have the whole thing down by the time LLB is an 8th grader.

Do you think parents would want to purchase a copy of my oh so wonderful slide show? I was thinking a $5 or $10 donation to the band gets you a copy. I know that I would want a copy. (I wish I had a copy of Auntie's from when she was younger.)

Since I have had such a great time creating this slide show, I think I'll have to get myself a new digital camera. I have a 35mm film camera, but I've spent a blasted fortune in film processing this spring... I think a new camera will cost a pretty penny, but I think I'll save the cost of the camera in film processing the first year. :-)

I have a Canon rebel. I think I'll go for the Canon rebel digital. I can use the lens I have and just purchase the body. Well, then I can get a bigger lens. It's all about the closeups, you know...

Well, I've rambled on and on... I know you are all waiting for pix of the makeover. I'll try to take some pictures today and get them up over the weekend.

Thursday 13

Thursday 13

Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today 1. Jackie Davis came and made our houses look like something out of BH&G. 2. Well, she made Gram's house look like Pottery Barn. 3. I got the paint colors, fabric swatches, rug sizes, and a few tidbits... 4. I gotta get that hideous blue floral and ribbon wallpaper off our bedroom walls... It's just sooo attractive. 5. Then we need to paint the walls, get some pictures, put up some crown molding, and find some nifty new bedding. 6. LLB got her curio back in her room. She's very happy to have her teacups and her perfume bottles to look at whenever she wants. 7. I don't even miss them. 8. Grambug is down to one guest room. It was a little too froo froo, so she's on the prowl for new bedding and pictures. 9. It's funny how in the old house, that guest room didn't look froo froo. It was also a little bit bigger. Maybe bigger rooms can be more froo froo.... 10. Her second guest room is now a gorgeous TV room in the loft. #1 ran a chair up there for us and when he returned his comment was, "Wow, that room is wicked cool! It looks great up there." 11. I told Jackie, "You know you've hit a home run when a 14 year old boy likes what you've done!!" 12. On another note, #1 has been nominated for the Champion of Excellence Award at school. 13. He is excited about the possibility of winning - he's up against 5 other kids. I think he has the highest GPA, but there's more to it than that. The application is due next week... Then, we wait... Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Bloggerwave

I'm trying this new thing. I heard about it from Jane over at Cozy Reader. This new thing is called Bloggerwave. It seems you can make money - not a lot mind you, but enough for a quick lunch now and then - by writing your opinion. You all know how I can be opinionated... I'll tell you if I like something. I'll tell you if I don't. Well, right now, I'm thinking that I like this thing. Why don't you all see if this Bloggerwave is something you might like to try.

Bloggerwave

We're Gettin' Fixed Up!

So tomorrow is the big day! Grambug and I have been waiting - for what seems an eternity - for tomorrow to come...

Jackie Davis - the lady who does re-designs on HGTV - is coming to our house. We've known her for years - and we adore her. She designed my family room in our old house and she also got the Grandbug's house ready for sale up north.

SHE is the ONLY person who can tell us what to keep and what to toss. We trust her - more importantly, Grambug trusts her. I have been busy de-cluttering. I don't need her to tell me that the pile on top of my file cabinet is unacceptable... I DO need her to tell me what pictures to hang where, what to do with our bedroom (besides take down the 80's wallpaper), and what to do with our craft room/office/pass-through room.

I'll take some before and after pix and you can tell me if you like what she does.

Mothers' Day Laughs

A dear friend sent me this. I had to share because the whole thing made me laugh.
Happy Mothers' Day!!


The Ellen Show was on and she read this submission to a contest
from a viewer:

So, we had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently
died. Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around and sit on him
and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this
mat in our bathroom.

Well, we have 3 kids and at the time of this story they were 4
years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves
chapstick. LOVES IT. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So
finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how
he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the
drawer when he was done.

Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around
and try to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two
boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my
little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a
mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to
honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.

We finally have the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I
am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere and I finally round the corner
to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my chapstick very
carefully to Jack's . . . rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said
"chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right--their little butts do
look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. And the only
question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time
Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth.

And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds
us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures,
there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your
chapstick on the cat's butt.

Wordless Wednesday

I found the cable to the camera!!

First Grandpa mows the grass. He loves the tractor - it sure beats a push mower!!
We - okay Grandpa - planted some plants. Aren't they pretty?
Grandpa even grew these:
Grandpa is quite the gardener! He's the only person I know who can plant twisties and grow solar lights!

Monday Memory

We were at Hershey.
The kids were still very damp.
LLB was particularly snitty - it seems she doesn't like to walk around in wet jeans.
Nothing anyone said to her was going to make her happy.
HP came over to me and said, "What did I do?"
"Nothing."
"But, she's mad at me and I don't know why."
"It's a girl thing."
"Huh?"
"It's a girl thing. Ignore her. Give her 20 minutes and she'll be fine."
"Really?"
"Yup."
"Huh..."
He turns and walks away in thought/confusion.
The thought bubble over his head read, "I don't get it. They're all nuts!"

We went off to the buses to change clothes.
After LLB had dry pants on, she turned back into the sweet thing she usually is.
"Mom, I'm really sorry I was in such a bad mood. I just couldn't stand wearing wet jeans."
"You really should apologize to HP."
"Oh. Yeah. I really was pissy."
She turns to HP who is across the aisle and says, "HP. I'm sorry."
She grins at him.
He grins back.
He glances over at me. I smile. I nod. (As if to say, "See..."
He gives me a slight nod back.
All is, once again, right with the world.
Life is good. Life is very good.

Hershey!

We'll we're back and it was really fun!

We got up at 3:00am. Yes, that's mighty early. We left the house at about 3:30 and arrived at school at 3:47. The buses were there and some of the kids were already on them. Yup - their parents ditched 'em for the day and they ditched 'em early!!

We arrived with breakfast for 112 of our closest band colleagues. My car smelled like sweet danishes and muffins. If that wasn't enough to want to make me want ti hurl at that hour, I don't know what is. We put all the goodies on the buses and checked in.

The kids loaded their instruments and we headed out on time. All present and accounted for.

3 hours later we arrived at Hershey Middle School for our competition. The bus driver we had was a great guy, but he had no sense of direction. He thought he'd missed a turn - we hadn't even arrived in Hershey yet!! I saw a sign and told the band director that it said Hershey that way - you know, the other way - back that way...

The kids were nervous this time. Maybe it was the early hour. Maybe it was the anticipation of a day at the park. I dunno. #1 was not himself - he didn't feel well, he has a cold... He was nervous and a little bit bus sick. I told him a tylenol would be ready for him when he came off the stage. I could do nothing at that moment - he'd have to deal and the did - he sucked it up and dealt. The kids played their hearts out! They did a terrific job. There were no blatant errors, no catastrophic percussion mishaps, no fainting, no hurling, no nothing. It was beautiful! I won't tell you it was a perfect performance, and the kids won't tell you that either. It was a very very good performance - nothing more and nothing less. (I've heard them play better, but given that they just got off a bus and had had very little sleep the night before - it was terrific!)

From there we headed to the park. Again, our bus driver was clueless - totally directionally challenged! The sign said, Hershey Park to the right. He went left. He got so turned around that it took us 40 minutes to go 4 miles. LOL!! The kids were great, though. They didn't harp, complain, or even tease the poor man.

Once at the park we were on our own until the Awards Ceremony at 4:30. Grambug, Mr and I had LLB, her friend R, and HP as our charges. Grandpa took of with #1 to ride coasters. Our three didn't want to do the big coasters, so we did other stuff. We rode a bunch of rides including the carousel, the whip, the music thing, the ferris wheel (From the top, we could see the new water park that opens this summer and wow! We all want to go to that!!). We took pictures with the candy people. We took in a show. We even ate lunch - did you know that you could get a Greek Gyro in the Old West? Me neither, but it was yummy! The kids did a couple turns on one of the water rides and then, at about 3:00 they decided that they wanted to ride the Tidal Wave ride. We knew they'd get soaked, but thought it would be best for them to get wet when the sun was shining - so they could dry out.

They got on the ride. We watched them go to the top. I took pix of the whole thing (with my film camera). They started down. I could hear LLB screaming the whole way down!! When they got to the bottom and they made the biggest splash I have ever seen. Mr. and I booked it out of the splash zone and we still got wet! The kids were soaked to the bone. We bought them each a towel (don't ask how much they cost, you don't want to know!) while they poured water out of their shoes and wrung out their socks! We laid the children, their shoes, and their socks in the sun for about 40 min. until it was time to head over to the awards venue. They were a little bit dryer, but not much.

We got to the awards venue with the other bands - it was a sea of band kids all in their school's t-shirts. Our kids have polos and I have to say, they looked the best! There weren't that many in our awards group. Most divisions only had one band competing. Nothing like guaranteeing 1st place with a mediocre performance. Whatever... Our kids came in second with an Excellent rating. The rating was fair, but I thought they should have won. :-) Of course I did!! The kids cheered and hooted, but we knew that they were disappointed that they didn't win. Alas, you can't win 'em all...

From there, we headed off to the bus to get pants changed while #1 switched groups to be with his girlfriend (that left Grandpa free to hang with us). R and LLB had extra clothes. Poor HP did not, but he was pretty dry at that point. We decided to take the factory tour. We hopped on the ride and just after the roasting chamber the ride stopped... dead... We were all escorted off the ride to behind the scenes and out the back door. It was cool. And we still got our chocolate treat at the end. We got kissables this time. LLB loves them!!

We thought we might eat since it was late and we were tired. We chowed down on pizza (HP and Me), pasta (R), and a PA Dutch chicken thing in a bread bowl (LLB and the rest of them). It was yummy! While we were eating, we decided to give the factory tour one more try. So.. we hopped back on it and this time, we made it all the way through. Yes, we got another package of kissables.

After that, we thought we'd head back into the park to finish up the parts we'd missed like the flume, the kissing tower, the bumper cars and other fun things. We even took an extra turn on the carousel on the way out.

We boarded the buses and watched the fireworks from the comfort and safety of the bus... As we started to roll out of the parking lot, the teacher popped in a movie. The kids were quiet... they all conked out. Most of them didn't see the end of the movie. Once the movie was finished, we just turned off the TV's. It was so quiet - just road noise, a light snore now and then... but oh so blissfully quiet.

It was a terrific trip. The weather was gorgeous - 70 and sunny. Not a cloud in the sky. The kids were great! The music was wonderful. This is the stuff that memories are made of.

It's Finally Friday

It's early. I'm typing while listening to LLB's iPod shuffle. This thing is awesome! I might have to get one for myself. Hers is hot pink and the sound is phenomenal! I type a whole lot faster when I'm listening to techno, by the way... Yup, she likes techno -- so do I. I'm cool, you know.

I have another busy day today. It started out as not so busy, but you know how it goes...

It seems the children have a dance this afternoon sponsored by the Drama Club. LLB was supposed to sell tickets on Wednesday during her lunch period with her parter K. The principal told them they couldn't do it without an adult present.

LLB was fine with that until she realized that no tickets would be sold on Wednesday because no adults were present to help them. No adults were present because the Drama teacher didn't schedule any of us -- and we didn't know that he hadn't done that. It appears that no adults were present during yesterday's 6th grade lunch, either.

According to the children, they are going to sell tix this morning before school, but they need an adult. Guess where I'll be? I'll be in the school lobby selling tix if you need me between 8 and 8:30.

After that, I am off to Costco to get the breakfast items for 112 of my closest band friends for tomorrow's trip to Hershey. Grambug is going to come with me. She needs a couple of things and we are going to get a berry smoothie when we finish. It's all about the treat at the end. :-)

Upon arrival home, I will try to con - ummm... I mean convince - Mr. to take Zebbie to the kennel for me. Zebbie is going on vacation while we go to Hershey. He's a great dog, but he'd be alone here too long. He'd also have all 4 legs crossed and double crossed by the time we get home. He's going to go play with his friends.

After a few other things this afternoon, we will all come home and be in bed early because tomorrow morning - early - we are off to Hershey. Wish us luck! The kids sound great - they had a rehearsal after school yesterday and the band teacher is thrilled with them. I think the teacher is the reason these kids are so good. They work hard because he expects nothing but their best. I know my two have worked their tails - umm... I mean lips - off to get the music right.

So, after they play their music, we'll be on the coasters and eating chocolate. Because, like I said before -- it's all about the treat at the end!!


And now for my Friday Feast:
Appetizer
Name something you would not want to own. An iguana.

Soup
Describe your hair (texture, color, length, etc.). Brown with gray accents, wavy, shoulder length... it's all the same length and I part it on the side.

Salad
Finish this sentence: I’ll never forget ___________. Whatshisname

Main Course
Which famous person would you like to be for one day? Why? I really don't want to be anyone famous. I'm happy being myself.

Dessert
Write one sentence about yourself that includes one thing that is true and another thing that is not.
I play the flute and I'm really really good at it.

Yet another Wordy Wednesday

So I still haven't found the cable to our camera. It's around. I'll find it. I think Mr. might have it tucked away someplace safe...

I don't have a green thumb. Heck - it's not even light green. It's black. I am not good with plants - not at all. But, since Grandpa is here and he does have a very green thumb, I thought I'd get some plants. I'll get them and he can plant them. I like that little scenario. Grambug and I are going to hit the plant sale at the elementary school today. They have great plants for little cash. This is perfect for someone like me - I can pick what I like and if they don't make it, it's not big deal -- I've made a lovely donation to the school. :-)

You know what else I might do today (besides laundry)? I might paint my front door. I know I just painted it red last year, but I don't think I like it. It's too... I dunno... red. I'm going for black this time. How does that sound?