Friday, October 30, 2009

Wanted: House Elf

My house is upside down - 2 teenagers wreak havoc on my house - especially when they have half days like they did yesterday...  They don't mean to make a mess, they just do...  I need time to get it picked up - but there's little time today...
Yikes!  I need a house elf! 

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Uniforms, etc.

Today my goal is to get to the cleaners and pick up the band uniforms - if they are done.  If they aren't done, I've got to resort to plan b which has yet to be drawn up.

Once we have the uniforms, we need to put them all back together and have them ready to be loaded on the bus on Saturday... This doesn't take all that long, but it does take time.  I'm more than fortunate to have a BFF who will help me do this. She is a godsend, because getting them to the cleaners is easy, but getting them all back together and ready for the kids is the hard part. 

I also have to be at the private school where I teach to go over the chimes - it seems we are sending a few back for repair or replacement. They need to go. For example: the clapper head flies across the room when you play the A5... it's really quite entertaining!

Tomorrow I'm subbing for middle school strings. I have no idea what wire instruments are all about, but I can count to 4, so we're good.  She asked me if I'd be willing to make them play... LOL! Of course! I also have to help Mr. H with a spreadsheet I made for him last year. He says there are no formulas - I think he may have blown them away... Fortunately, for him I am a spreadsheet master! I can create formulas in my sleep! Bwahahaha!!!

Tonight we have bell rehearsal. Last night while we were chatting at swimming, R reminded me that we are playing this Sunday - we have competition on Saturday in Salem - that's far! And we won't be home until the wee hours of Sunday morning. This is when R and I are glad that the music we've been assigned to play isn't overly complicated... LLB, on the other hand, plays 4 in hand and needs to be focused.  I wonder if the 4 of us who are affected can play with our eyes closed... We'll find out on Sunday!

Mini Kitty just had a humongous tick on her. I took it off. I may just hurl... eeeewww!!!

On that note... have a lovely day... I'm off to shudder now...

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Disney on Ice


We went to see Disney on Ice last week - a big thanks to Mom Central and Feld Entertainment. It was a terrific evening out.

We arrived and found our seats - they were pretty high up, but we could see everything just fine.  It was not until the next day that we realized that we'd gone 5 rows too far, but it all worked out. We were virtually alone up there - no one was coughing or sneezing behind us. We're not totally germ-phobic, but right now, we're all so busy that none of us can afford to get sick.


There were two young mothers and their children in front of us. Their kids were little - about 3 or 4 years old. They were well behaved and were enjoying the show. As soon as Ariel came out, one of the mothers got all excited, said very loudly, "Oh, it's Ariel!!", and started dancing in her seat. Those two little kids gave her a look and then promptly pretended that they didn't know her. It was hysterical! Isn't it usually the other way around?  I wish I could have gotten a picture of the whole thing, but I was too busy laughing!


There was enough Mickey and Minnie to keep the younger set entertained.
The skating was terrific - we still don't know how they skate with those costumes on!  Speaking of costumes - they were amazing! Check out this Troll Doll from Toy Story:



The skaters must have done 5 or 6 costume changes... They even had skate covers for the skates that made their feet look like they had shoes or sandals on. See? Look at the shoes:


We are still in awe over the costumes... They were that gorgeous!

So - if you have a chance to go to Disney on Ice - Do it! You'll be glad you did.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Life

is good. And life is busy...

Today, though, I have a little break because I don't have to teach my handbell class. It's parent/teacher meetings or something like that. I am considering returning to my toasty warm bed for another hour or two of much needed sleep.

My desk is a disaster - and I would like you to know that most of the mess isn't mine. It belongs to my children who have been doing homework here.  I need a house elf...

The cookbook needs to be submitted today. I need one signature and then I can check that little job off my list. Hopefully, I'll get that tonight at pickup.  The recipes are phenomenal. I can't wait to try some of them - and I don't cook!!  If you want a copy of the cookbook, please let me know!  They are $5 and support the band. Any pre-orders are gladly accepted...

We only have a couple more weeks of marching season left. Swimming starts right after that, but that's only for an hour after school... We'll gain some much needed time at home - time for homework, time to get some bedrooms cleaned up, and time to be home as a family.

Tonight I have bells. I get to tell them how proud I am of each and every one of them for ringing so beautifully yesterday. They rang the piece perfectly. I got goosebumps...  I still get goosebumps when I think about it... 

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Another Year

My #1 turned 17 yesterday. The kids had a band competition, so we brought birthday cake for their dessert to celebrate. He enjoyed his very long day very much... 

It was a rainy - as in pouring rain - day, but by the time they walked onto the field, the weather had cleared.  (Unfortunately, the kids had unloaded the buses in the rain and were more than a little bit damp. The only saving grace was that it was a warm rain and not a cold rain.)

I got him an "airgram" that was announced over the loudspeaker before the band went on. He told me I could say anything I wanted... (silly boy!) I had them say: #1, Happy Birthday! Mommy loves you.  (That got an awww from the crowd.)

They scored higher than they ever have, they had 6 or 7 kids missing, and they did it with just one drum major! He had a good day with his friends. It was a little soggy, but he'll never forget it. He enjoyed every single minute of it.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Packer - thy name is Mud.

I went to C*stc* today to get 3 cakes and a bunch of other stuff on our list. The main reason I went was to get 2 cakes for #1's birthday celebration at the competition tomorrow and 1 cake because the Bishop is coming to our church to confirm two people.  The cake for the Bishop's reception needs to be "just so", you know?  The writing on the cake had to say what it had to say because there are rules, you know? Anyway... I get to the store. I head for the bakery. They have the birthday cakes which I promptly put on that shelf underneath the cart.  I got the church cake and asked them to write the words. They did a beautiful job - it's fall colors. The words are a lovely shade of autumn red... It is "just so".
I very carefully load the cart with all my other goodies during my jaunt up and down the aisles. I am intense about this cake... Nothing can touch the box. There can be nothing but soft items near the box... I'm a bit anal about this cake. I get to the checkout and put all my stuff up on the belt. I put the cake on LAST.  (this is a very important sentence... I put it on LAST!!! Dead. LAST.)
I pay the lady and go to take my cart which the "packer" has packed.
MY CAKE for the BISHOP's RECEPTION IS UNDER the 3 POUNDS of chips.
He RUINED my cake! He SMOOSHED my cake!!
I was so upset!!
They told me that they would replace it or fix it. As I was talking to the register manager, one of the other boxes the packer packed slid off and onto the floor.
My stuff went in every direction... It was like a scene from a bad comedy...
Could this get any worse? or any more surreal?
I took my cake and walked toward the bakery. I figured they'd at least commiserate.
When I arrived at the bakery, the lady remembered me.
"What happened?"
"They ruined my cake!!!"
"Who? The packers?"
"Yes! He smooshed it!!! He put a huge bag of chips on top of it!"
"Don't worry - we'll fix it. And, we'll deal with him!" Her eyes turned into little slits and her upper lip twitched. I'm sure Mr. Packer will be wishing he'd paid more attention in packer training class...
As she took my wounded cake back to the decorator she told each and every person working in the bakery about the incompetence of Mr. Packer...
Yes, Mr. Packer... thy name is mud in the bakery. Those ladies in the bakery who work really hard to make beautiful creations for your customers - they aren't too thrilled with you...
She brought back my cake - as good as new.
I made it home without incident.
The cake is currently in my fridge - top shelf - all by itself.
If anyone even considers breathing near it, there will be consequences...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Parents...

I teach at a school with a small middle school bell program. I have kids in there with all kinds of learning issues - one who can't track, one who can't hear, one who is ADD... the list goes on. And there are only 9 in my class.
I have a bell student who will NOT ring. She stands there. If I go over and point, she will move the bell a little bit, but no sound comes out. I told her yesterday that her goal for the day was to ring loud enough for me to hear.  She did a little better. Believe me I don't care if there is a wrong note. I'd rather have something than nothing. My attitude is that if you TRY to ring, but you miss half your notes, it doesn't matter.  But she won't try. She just stands there. It's beyond frustrating.
I emailed the mom to find out if she had an IEP or if I was missing something. It turns out that the child has never ever seen a note. Okay then. Well, now I know what I'm working with.
The mother is totally freaking and wants her out of my class. She's afraid the child will be singled out. Can you say "over reacting"?  The other class is full of 6th grade boys. Like she'd be happy in there??? NOT!!  Besides, they are not graded on how well they play. They are graded on if they try. All I am asking is that this kid try.
I have asked the mom to leave her in the class and let me teach her.
I'm waiting for a response.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Ever have...



One of those days??

Listerine Oral Care Challenge


So this arrived in the mail and started our Listerine Oral Care Challenge. We doled out the loot and everyone has been brushing and flossing and swishing like crazy.

It comes down to this: They like the toothbrushes. They like the mouthwash. They don't like the smart rinse so much because it shows what they missed... Mr. loves the Total Care mouthwash. It has great flavor and isn't too spicy.  The kids are using the Cool Blue - they like the bubble gum flavor.  It's not my thing, but it's what they like.  The Reach flosser things are great! You can floss and not leave all that gooey floss all over the bathroom. There is something to be said for that! 

The kit came with charts and stickers, but my kids - now high school students - are past that, so we skipped that part. If you have younger kids, definitely consider the sticker charts.   My kids thought that if they were younger, that would have been great.

If you and yours want to take the Listerine Oral Care Challenge, just click Listerine or Listerine Kids.  Once you get there, take the time to check out the websites! They are terrific. The Listerine Kids web site is full of excellent information and tips for keeping your kids' mouths healthy and clean at any age.  Oh, by the way, if you need more incentive - Listerine Kids also has $1 off coupon for their products. Saving and brushing go a long way!!

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Listerine and Reach and received Listerine and Reach products for the Oral Care Challenge and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate."

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

He's Metro-sexual Like That...

I've been married to Mr. almost 20 years. There is very little that surprises me anymore. This weekend he woke up and declared that he had an ear hair that was poking him all night.
My response was: Blink... blink... (The crickets were chirping, too.)
LB, you've got to find that hair and clip it off.
I yessed him and figured once he got up, he'd let it go.
I was incorrect in that assumption.
Later that day, he came down with one of those little nose/ear hair trimmer things and plopped himself on the couch.
LB, you've got to find that hair and trim it. It's driving me crazy. It's sticking up! Can you see it?
(I really should have taken my glasses off to see that teeny tiny irritant, because to be honest I never did see it.)
Do you have any idea how hard it is to trim someone's ear hair when you've got the giggles?
While I was desperately trying to please my man and trim his ear hair, he went on and on telling me how much ear hair makes him crazy. He can't stand little old men who let their ear hair get longer than the hair on their heads or their eyebrows for that matter. The statement that put me over the edge was when he said, (and I quote) "I'm just metro-sexual like that."
That did it for me - the giggles turned into all out hysterical laughter complete with tears.
Yes, he is very lucky he can still hear and that he still has an ear on the left side of his head.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Big Doings...

#1 made National Honor Society!
He is thrilled that his hard work paid off. We got the forms to fill out last week - they were intense! When I was in National Honor Society, I didn't have to fill out forms or anything. I got a note that said to show up to be inducted. Yes, I know.. I'm old. Things have changed.

Tomorrow night, #1 is off to a VMI orientation evening. He is totally psyched! Right now VMI is his first choice for college. I am pretty sure he can get in with his grades, community service, class rank, and extracurricular activities. I just hope they have funds available for him, as I do not.

On Thursday we are off to Disney on Ice - Celebrations! The female population in this house is very excited to be going. Needless to say, #1 has decided that homework is far more his style and he'll be staying home to do it. No surprise there!

This weekend brings another competition and #1's 17th birthday. He will spend his day with his friends marching, hauling equipment, eating cake, and generally having a good time. And - No - I cannot believe that I have a 17 year old thankyouverymuch.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

A Bad Day...

Ever wondered what happens when Hallmark writers are having a bad day?

My tire was thumping.
I thought it was flat
When I looked at the tire...
I noticed your cat.
Sorry!

_______________________________

Heard your wife left you,
How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it...
She moved in with me.
_______________________________

Looking back over the years
that we've been together,
I can't help but wonder...
'What the hell was I thinking?'
_______________________________

Congratulations on your wedding day!
Too bad no one likes your husband.
_______________________________

How could two people as beautiful as you
Have such an ugly baby?
_______________________________

I've always wanted to have
someone to hold,
someone to love.
After having met you ..
I've changed my mind.
_______________________________

I must admit, you brought Religion into my life.
I never believed in Hell until I met you.
_______________________________

As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...
That you're not here to ruin it for me.
_______________________________

Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go...
Would you like to take this knife out of my back?
You'll probably need it again.
_______________________________

Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!
(Available only in Tennessee , Kentucky & West Virginia )
_______________________________

Happy birthday! You look great for your age.
Almost Lifelike!
_______________________________

When we were together,
you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up,
I think it's time you kept your promise...
_______________________________

We have been friends for a very long time --
let's say we stop?
_______________________________

I'm so miserable without you
it's almost like you're here.
_______________________________

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
Did you ever find out who the father was?
_______________________________

Your friends and I wanted to do
something special for your birthday.
So we're having you put to sleep.

_______________________________

So your daughter's a hooker,
and it spoiled your day.
Look at the bright side,
it's really good pay

Friday, October 16, 2009

Busy

I'm busy today - I've got to make cookies and package them for the band kids, finish up the handbell scrapbook that I got absolutely nowhere with yesterday, get my rear end to an afternoon/evening meeting for noon, and finally get back out to the high school for 7pm. Wish me luck.

It is rainy and gray today. It is homecoming. The combination kinda stinks. According the principal, the show will go on as long as there isn't any lightning or downpours. LLB went out with a winter coat (with down insert), scarf, gloves, and extra socks. That child will NOT be cold tonight. Her band hat will protect her head and keep her hair dry. #1 went out with his band jacket... It's a really good thing that boy runs hot!

This kind of weather is really hard on the woodwinds. I'm glad we only have one woodwind in this house! The brass can handle the water, but the sax's pads can get ruined in the rain. Fortunately, the band director is a kind and frugal man. He'll have them play the Star Spangled Banner and put the woodwinds away. The brass and percussion will play for the rest of the evening...

Well, tonight will be fun - rain or not.
I'd best put an umbrella in the car...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tying up the loose ends

Today will be spent finishing up projects and getting a bunch of stuff off my desk (and my counter). I'm working on typing in the final few recipes for the cookbook, sending out our handbell festival registration for the springtime, gathering my receipts and other goodies for my meeting tomorrow, getting my act together for this afternoon's meeting, doing a bit of laundry, and getting the handbell scrapbook updated. That certainly doesn't sound like much, but if you could see my desk and my counter you'd think otherwise... It's wild!

LLB finished her English project yesterday - the remnants of that project were put away, but just doing the project created a giant mess out of everything else I had going. Just know that her project turned out really cute. I should have taken a picture of it - she made a shoe box scene of Romeo and Juliette "redneck style". Romeo had curly hair and wore overalls and no shoes. Juliette had ponytails and wore a denim jumper and a little apron. The scene was in an apple orchard (with one apple tree) at night. It was all made out of paper. (I have a die cutter and dies - Lord knows nobody in this house can draw!) The hardest part? Getting it all to stand up. She has these great ideas, but implementing them is almost impossible.

This weekend is homecoming and the weather isn't looking very promising. We are hoping the rain holds off for the football game on Friday... It's supposed to be cold and rainy until Sunday. The kids are hoping for the best.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

He'll be wearing

an awesome outfit to Homecoming.
I found exactly what he wanted and it was all on sale... Not as on sale as I would have liked - but it's okay.
While I was shopping, I was debating between two awesome red ties. One was a little more formal, and the other was a little more on the wilder side. I heard a couple walk by talking about a little girl who had just puked all over the floor. I decided right then that both ties were in order and I left. It was the fastest tie decision I've ever made!
FYI: He liked the wilder one for Homecoming. He's going to wear the other one when we go to the VMI orientation next week. (I was going to return the second one, but he wants to keep it. A guy can never have too many ties!)

Monday, October 12, 2009

Homecoming...

The Homecoming dance is coming up - as you all already know. LLB has her dress. #1 doesn't have an "outfit" so to speak. Today I may have to go shopping for said "outfit". The theme for the evening is Mardi Gras. He has given me specific instructions about what he wants - he wants all black with a red tie. Why? He wants to look tall?

LLB and her friend B are going together. She was faceb**king with him yesterday and he said something about not going. She fixed that. She just asked him to go with her - just as friends. It seems to me that she may have played right into his hand... He's a slick one, that B. I think he may have been plotting this for a quite a while.

#1 has two girls he's meeting at the dance. One who isn't allowed to date and one who is a friend of LLB's. (So many girls.. so little time..) He'll be a dancing fool!

Shopping anyone?

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Blog Traffic

Isn't it interesting that if you post something controversial, your traffic explodes? What is even more fascinating is when you go back to posting what you normally talk about, your traffic goes back to the same 20 readers you've had since the beginning?

Yeah... I thought so, too.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

A Saturday Funny

Does this sound like your priest?? Hmmm...

A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak.

After mass he asked the monsignor how he had done.

The monsignor replied, 'When I am worried about getting nervous on the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip.'

So next Sunday he took the monsignor's advice.

At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous and took a drink.

He proceeded to talk up a storm.

Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door:

1) Sip the vodka, don't gulp.

2) There are 10 commandments, not 12.

3) There are 12 disciples, not 10.

4) Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.

5) Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass.

6) We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C.

7) The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as Big Daddy, Junior and the spook.

8) David slew Goliath; he did not kick the shit out of him.

9) When David was hit by a rock and was knocked off his donkey, don't say he was stoned off his ass.

10) We do not refer to the cross as the 'Big T.'

11) When Jesus broke the bread at the last supper he said, 'Take this and eat it for it is my body.' He did not say 'Eat me.'

12) The Virgin Mary is not called 'Mary with the Cherry.'

13) The recommended grace before a meal is not: Rub-A-Dub-Dub thanks for the grub, Yeah God.

14) Next Sunday there will be a taffy pulling contest at St. Peter's not a peter pulling contest at St.Taffy's.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Music for Soldiers

LLB is part of the brass ensemble at school. She and that group went to play for some of the soldiers from Walter Reed at an event yesterday. The kids did a great job and the soldiers really appreciated their efforts. Some even came over and thanked them - which seemed a little bit backwards... you know?

When the kids were getting ready to go, they changed into appropriate outfits. LLB wore a lovely dress and a sweater. When she came out of the changing room, the boys were shocked. It seems they forgot that behind that trumpet, is a girl - a real girly girl. In their defense, she normally wears jeans or shorts to school. One of her trumpet-mates said, "Wow, LLB. You're a girl! You look great!"

I'll giggle about that one all day!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Ch... Ch... Changes...

The biggest change around here is the doors - they are finished. They are gorgeous! The difference in the light coming into the spaces is amazing! My foyer is now light and airy. What a difference a white door with a window in it makes! The old door was a solid door with blue paint on the inside (to match all the "lovely" blue trim in this house) - it made the foyer sooo dark!!

The old front door is off to the high school to become the door to the band's storage area today. I'm glad it can be put to good use - it has a lot of life in it, but it ain't going to be living it here at The Crossing. I am borrowing Grandpa's car to get it down to the school. The door is just to big for my sweet CRV. We tried to stuff it in there yesterday and it was pretty funny!! We could have made it fit, but driving 20 miles with a steel door smooshed over your head isn't really all that safe - you know?

Since my "behavior" post got so much nasty traffic, I've moved it to a different blog. One where I can vent and not worry that people will take offense. The point of a blog is to write - to work through things - it's a journal so to speak. It's a place to say what you think. It isn't so this person can squeal to that person that they think I've written about someone else -- which is exactly what happened. Want to see my rants? Let me know. I don't rant often - probably about once a quarter. If you scroll through here, there are a few rants, but it's mostly happiness and light about my kids -- which I'm sure you all find almost nauseating!

So, what other changes do we have happening around here? Well, I'm going to be pricing hardwood flooring for upstairs and the stairs. That 1986 carpet has definitely seen a better day. I'm hoping that it isn't too expensive, because I don't know how much longer we can put up with what we have. Vile is a really good description...

I've had some changes of opinion about a couple of people this week - and that's not a good thing. I'm keeping those opinions to myself, but those who know me well will notice a huge change in certain settings. I even sent an email to a dear friend telling her that she was absolutely right about those individuals and that I was sorry to have doubted her. So - If you're looking for me, I'm with my family, the band or with my church bells. I'm busy there and I'll be busy there for quite a while.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Random Dozen

I borrowed this from Melli because it looked fun.

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?
I'd say once a quarter...

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? I made a scarf and then proceeded to lose it... classic!

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?
My little house in the country is just the right size. I'm working on getting it just right for us.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?
Swinging in the hammock or sitting by the fire - does that count?.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?
No way. Eeewww!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?
Drive - I'm the world's worst passenger and I'm not afraid to admit it.

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?
Writing on my blog - although venting on my blog became a huge deal because someone made a snowball and gave it to someone else to throw... you know?

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?
I have slept through many a movie. As for books - if I'm not into it by page 150, I'll flip to the end to see if I might want to finish it.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?
I love many songs that the rest of the world hates... it matters not. I like music that makes me happy.

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?
5.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?
No - but I do prefer diet coke over diet pepsi.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?
I'd like to control the clutter in my house, but that's not working! I control no one, but people sure like to try to control me. One wants to control what I say and write when. Another gets upset when I speak with the principal as a parent - not as an officer. There are others who think I should keep quiet about a lot of things. BUT, my friends accept me and love me for who I am - a fiercely loyal, but quirky person who says what everyone else wishes they did.

New Doors

The doors are in!
I was going to post a a picture of the front of the house until it loaded onto my screen. The door is lovely, but all I saw was the hedge that needs to be trimmed, the messy front stoop, and the trim that now needs to be painted white. So...anyway, here's the door. Ignore the ugly blue paint and picture it white...
Now I need to accessorize the front stoop and get the hedges trimmed up - maybe I'll start with that this morning. That will make the place look so much better. I didn't want to do it until all the construction was finished... I'm just lazy like that.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

It's MY blog...

And I'll write what I want.

What I write here is my opinion. If I don't like the way you act, talk, eat, fart, or drive - that's my opinion. If you give me blog fodder, I'm going to use it.

Ever notice that when you speak the truth and it stings a little bit, people don't like it? This is what has happened here. I never ever use names (or even faces for that matter) - but if you read something that makes you think that it could be you... maybe you need to make a change or think about the situation next time it arises. If you don't think I'm right - push the little red x up there in the corner. That's what it's for.

This little blog of mine is my own. I will NOT be censored. No one will tell me what to post and what to take down. I will not apologize for my opinion. It's MINE.

If my words wield the kind of power I've been told they do, then I should be Queen of the Universe. Alas, I'm just a busy mom who has a mountain of laundry and an opinion or two.

Basically it comes down to this:
If you don't like what I write - Don't read. Go away.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Holy Cow!

I can't believe it's been this long since I last posted. Let me try to catch you all up on our busy life...

We've had a birthday - mine. Yes, I'm still 29. I celebrated with my friends at lunch time - I was blessed with cards, flowers, ladybug stuff, a video game, and ice cream. I celebrated with the family at dinner - more video games, gift cards, and a brother ptouch. They think they can get me organized.... LOL!!!

We've had another band competition. The kids scored better than they did the first competition, but ended up 1 point behind 1st place. This is a good thing, though... as they get cocky when they win and now - since second place is not as wonderful as first, they are working harder than ever to get that 1st place back.

I've uploaded and distributed over 300 pictures to the families of our band students. I take pix of all the kids during the competitions. I want the families who can't or don't attend to feel like they are part of it. I know that when #1 was a freshman and I couldn't be there, I felt like I was missing out. This way, the parents are included and their scrapbooks are complete.

I'm in the midst of getting the band cookbook ready to go to press. I've got 69 recipes and am waiting for a bunch more. They will sell for $5 and the recipes I've received are phenomenal!! I've typed them all in and wow! I was gettin' mighty hungry while I was typin'. The recipes are easy and yummy! Want a cookbook? Let me know. I'll tell how you can order it online and have it shipped right to you. These things are going to be collectors items... and the recipes are family faves! This is one cookbook you'll use all the time!

LLB is working on 2 projects - one for Science and one for English. She worked for a few hours yesterday afternoon and that Science project is coming along - it's a paper and a Powerpoint. She's quite a Powerpoint weenie... I'm impressed!

We took #1 to the first college fair of the year last week. He has his sights set on VMI right now. They have 2 music scholarships as well as academic scholarships for which he can apply. VMI will give him the structure he wants and needs without having to do all that Math that the USNA requires... (Of course while we were walking around the college fair, he mentioned something about majoring in Math. I ignored that statement.) VMI invited him to an orientation in October and an overnight in the spring. The recruiter did a great job! #1's hooked. :-)

This week brings a mountain of laundry left over from last week as well as dishes and all the running around I usually do. My goal is to get it all done and keep it caught up... Yeah, right! So anyway - maybe just making sure everyone has clean sheets and clean underwear is going to have to be good enough.