Poker runs

Al and I rode in a poker run on Saturday. It was super fun but SUPER hot! We got caught in a small shower on the way home and it honestly felt wonderful. I will admit - I'm really starting to enjoy this motorcycle more and more! :) I keep teasing Al that I'm going to get one. He laughs.

But I'm not really teasing. I will have one of my own. Just as soon as our cars are paid for. :) I'm leaning towards a trike right now - something nice and comfy. But we'll see....I may change my mind.

When Hermit Crabs attack.....

Sounds like a new TV series that should be on TruTV doesn't it?  Ha ha! 

The kids came home with hermit crabs from their vacation at the beach.  I honestly expected the darn things to be dead by now.  Cooper probably feels the same way now. 

The kids have done GREAT taking care of these things - I've been really impressed to be honest.  I mean, his fish didn't make it 2 weeks after his birthday so I sort of expected to have to care for myself.  Nope - I haven't touch the nasty things.  Which is completely FINE with me!  Ha ha!  The kids play with their crabs, Harley and Davidson, like they are kittens or puppies.  But according to the Internet (which is always true right??) hermit crabs are social creatures and love the interaction.  Supposedly they will get use to you and even let you pet their little heads.  I still find it gross. 

Anyways, last night Cooper was playing with O's larger hermit crab, Harley, and unfortunately, got pinched.  On the thumb.  On the fatty part near the tip -- you know, where it REALLY hurts.  He screamed.  And screamed.  And screamed.  We tried water to get it off, no luck.  We tried pulling it off.  No luck.  Finally Al wedged a stick between Cooper's thumb and mean ass crab and got it to let go.  It broke skin people! 

I was ready to kill the stupid thing for hurting my baby, but the kids wouldn't let me.  Cooper wouldn't have anything to do with them after that, and even this morning, he was bitter.  He holds grudges just as well as I do, so I figure it'll be a few days before he ventures to play with Harley again.  Funny thing about this - Harley is O's crab but she always plays with his small one, Davidson.  I think she knows her crab has a major 'tude. 

You got to love that look.  He was mad, not only at Harley but at me for the fact I didn't have any other band aides other than Hello Kitty!



Happy Father's Day!

I hope all the daddies out there had a wonderful day!

The kids always treat Al and I to breakfast in bed on our special days. Today they woke Al up with a breakfast of salad, dry cereal and a Mello Yellow. Haha! I must admit, they are improving. :)

Rain and more rain

I swear it has rained almost daily for the last two weeks.

We may need to build an ark soon.  

Our First Poker Run

Al and I participated in our first poker run on the bike. We had a blast! My dad, Uncle Mitchel, and Al's friend rode with us. I honestly can't wait to ride in another one! We didn't meet anyone new to ride with - this crowd was a little "tough" for us. Haha!

The Poker Run was for a good cause and Al even won a door prize. The proceeds went to benefit SC Make a Wish Foundation.  The ride was in honor of Shane Saverance - this is the 3rd year they've had it.  I think we'll probably ride in it again next year if they hold it again. We both ended up with sun burnt heads but it was worth it. Oh and if anyone sees a chrome horn cover on 403 going towards Lamar - Al lost his. Haha! It was a very memorable first ride, I can tell you that!


Here's some pictures:

First stop was in the middle of BFE - Al's bike is right next to the wall. 

Al got his bike all nice and shiny.  Too bad we ended up going down a few dirt roads!

"Friendliest Bar in Town" = scariest place I've seen!

Al, Jason and Jamie during our second stop.  Pam's Restaurant, next to where we live.

Very cool woman's bike.  It was very pretty up close!

Love how Pam's actually has "The Back Door" on their back door.  Very clever.

Hello June!

As promised, I am working diligently to keep this blog up to date and post more often.  :) 

It's already June - (can we say Hello Christmas in no time!) and summer has officially started.  The kids are all done with school and now enjoying lazy summer days.  They headed down to the beach with my parents for the week so Al and I are getting our own little vacation it seems.  I know that by the end of the week, Nana and Poppy are going to be ready to mail those two monsters back to me.  I'd go get them right now if they wanted to come home - my house is too empty and quiet without them.  Funny how they drive you ape shit crazy and yet you miss it.  It can't be explained folks.....

So while the kids are off working on their tans (and maybe, just maybe Cooper will learn to swim and stop having near death experiences every time he's in water), Al and I are home alone.  The house has been clean for TWO days straight.  That hasn't happened since 4/2/03.....ha ha!  We went grocery shopping and thought "Hey, it's just the two of us so it won't be too expensive!"  WRONG!!!!!  It was still $100 for the two of us.  I swear to all things mighty, I may have to start a garden to save some money.  And get a cow and milk it every morning.  And some chickens to get eggs from.  Hell, Al and I might as well buy a dang farm.  Gas prices are going down but food is on the rise.  Maybe I can lose weight when I can't afford to eat anymore.  :)~

We also spent Saturday and Sunday on the Harley.  It was nice to get up and do whatever and then jump on the bike and ride wherever and for however long we wanted.  We rode so much this weekend, that by Sunday afternoon, my knees were seriously hurting from the vibration of the bike.  Ha!  But I still didn't want to get off - it was so fun.  I never thought I'd love riding on a motorcycle so much.  I can say that Al's bike is by far my most favorite purchase EVER. 

So, we get one week every year (usually) where we get to feel young and free.....it's nice, don't get me wrong, but I miss my monsters like mad.  I enjoy the time with just Al a lot, but we're a family and this week feels like it'll take forever before I see that one smiling face (Coop of course) and that one "I don't care that I'm back" face (OGG, you got it!). 

What am I going to do when they go to college?  

Memorial Day!

I meant to get on here Monday and wish everyone a very happy Memorial Day!  But I was home, in bed, sick as a dog, with a stomach bug.  Not a fun way to spend a day off from work.  Boo.

We did celebrate some on Sunday with my in-laws.  We grilled out hamburgers and let the kids run wild.  They loved it.  Al and I went riding on the Harley and guess what?  We got caught in the rain! 

I can tell you right now, riding a motorcycle in the rain is NOT FUN.  Rain feels like tiny, ninja like knives trying to cut you to pieces.  I know people passing by were laughing at us.  I would be laughing if I were in my car!  Ha ha!  Heck - I WAS laughing at us!  Thankfully we were close to home so we didn't get too, too wet.  Ok, that's a lie - we were close to home but we still got soaked.  I guess you can say I'm a true rider.  :)~

I hope all you guys had a wonderful Memorial Day and took time to say thanks to all the men and women who serve our country.  Our freedoms aren't free and if it weren't for those people, the United States wouldn't be the what it is today. 

Oh, and Happy 40th anniversary to my parents!!!  In today's society the fact they've made it this long is exceptional.  They are such an inspiration to Al and I and I hope to see them celebrate many, many, many more!  I love you Mom and Dad!  Hope you have a great anniversary!

School's out for Summer

Cooper's last day of school is today.

Olivia's is tomorrow.

Then it's summer break baby!

They are ssssooo ready for summer break - and Mama is too!  I am so tired of drop offs, $5 for this, $2 for that, $30 for a yearbook (for ELEMENTARY KIDS!!! WHAT!), etc I could scream.  I know I'm going to miss the closeness of THA, but I'm really looking forward to the new journey the kids are going on with new schools.  (Specifically earlier drop offs!)

We don't have many plans for the summer.  A few trips to the beach are planned of course, maybe a camp here and there at the YMCA.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll let them stay up late every night and wear their PJs over to Nana's in the mornings.  Does it matter?  Nah, of course not.  I do have some weekend ideas planned.....especially since sports are over and we can relax and do whatever we're in the mood for.  I want an ACTIVE summer - not two kids playing the Wii all day, every day.  (which would make both of my kids happy I'm afraid)

So, expect to read about hikes, bike rides (oh yeah, Al doesn't know about these yet, he hates to ride bikes), golf cart rides, swims,etc all summer long!  We have a family membership to the Y, so I plan on using it up this summer.  COOPER WILL LEARN TO SWIM IF IT KILLS ME!  I have tried *everything* to teach that boy to swim - and trust me, just throwing him in and saying "sink or swim" isn't effective anymore.  He sank.  I jumped in.  He just looked at me like "WTH Mommy?"  I felt like the biggest toad to ever walk the earth.  Maybe swim lessons for the 100th time....who knows.  He will learn though!

OLIVIA WILL LEARN TO TIE HER SHOES!  This one will probably happen before Coop learns to swim.  She already knows *kind of* how to tie her shoes, she's just not consistent at all.  But I refuse to let her enter 4th grade without knowing.  Any suggestions will be appreciated.  She is a stubborn, stubborn child and hates to be told how to do anything.  Because she already knows how, you know? 

Anyways, it's summer time and I'm happy!  Too bad I don't get a summer break.  :(  

Full of sugar

He is so open with his love.  I love him for that.

I love my kids!  O is so much like me it's not even funny.  I mean, sometimes I honestly feel like I'm having de ja vu with that girl.  She is a sweet, big hearted 9 year old - but her love and affection comes on HER terms.  I've tried to change that with her - but honestly, I understand.  I was the same way until 4/4/03!  :) 

Cooper, on the other hand - is my kid that just lets his love pour out.  He wears his emotions on his sleeve and doesn't mind giving hugs and kisses.  He'll openly tell me he loves me and misses me.  It absolutely melts my heart.  I'm not sure where he get this from.  Al is  shy and private with his emotions.  But I'm glad Cooper is so loving.  I have no doubt it'll make him a wonderful husband and father one day.  :)

In the picture above, he had made cards for his teachers.  How sweet is that?  He couldn't wait to take them to school today and give them out.  He'll be going to a new school next year and said he wanted them to know how he felt.  How could you NOT love a kid like that?  

Happy Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!  I know I did - I woke up Sunday morning to two little faces peering down at me.  My little monsters had made me breakfast in bed.  I had Doritos, a brownie, and boiled peanuts.  And a glass of sweet tea to wash it down.  They know their Mama all too well folks! 

How sweet is that though?  It's days like Sunday that make me feel 100 times thankful I became a mom.  There was a time in my life when I was younger when I wasn't so sure it was what I wanted.  Of course now - well now I know that it's what I ever wanted and more!

I hope you told your Mama's Happy Day!  I know I learned from the best - I have one of the best moms in the world.  Now we prepare for Father's Day.......:)

Just Call me Chef Mandy

If you're a regular on my blog, you know that Al is the cook of the house.  I get grief about this from time to time, but mostly everyone is jealous that my man cooks.  :) 

You should be.  He's one good cook! 

But lately for some odd reason, probably thanks to Pinterest, I've got the "cooking" bug.  I mean, like planning a menu out for the week so I can cook EVERY night type of cooking bug.  I have to admit, I am rather enjoying myself.  I've found some great recipes on Pinterest.com - if you're not a member, join. Seriously - it's not just food - you can find just about anything on there and some really good ideas.  And I've found some quick, easy meals that I had forgotten about.   I've found that I really don't mind cooking as long as the recipe isn't complicated and it doesn't take too long.  Anything else and I lose my interest fast.  Call me lazy, but after working all day and coming home, if I can't make it within an hour, I'm out. 

Pudding Hole Cake - was sssooo good!

Shrimp Boil Kebabs - ssssooo good and easy.

The pictures are only of two things I've cooked - I made that awesome cookie/Oreo/brownie dessert from a recipe on Pinterest.  I've found crock pot chicken and dumplings (which are like the easiest thing to make EVER), breakfast casserole, diet strawberry cupcakes, chicken bog, bacon wrapped hot dogs - all from that wonderful site that has changed my life.  Ha ha!  (Don't forget my homemade laundry detergent - got that from there too!)

And don't worry - Al still cooks too.  :) 

Finally...the Tooth Fairy has arrived!

Cooper finally lost his first tooth and he couldn't be more excited.

He won't stop smiling!

The year is almost over!

School year, that is!

And I'm not sure who's more excited - the kids or me.  (I'm pretty sure it's the kids!)

It's hard to believe the year is almost up.  O made straight A's this year.....she's the smartest 3rd grader I know.  Cooper is finishing up 5K - he's actually doing testing right now.  He comes home every day and says "I did so good on my test today Mommy!" I'm not sure how he knows since it's not graded until later and then the results are mailed to us.  I have no doubt he's doing well though - he may not be the student O is, but he's a very smart little boy!

It's also a sad time since the year is almost over.  The kids have LOVED THA but we just can't afford to keep sending them.  I have nothing against public schools, I just liked the fact they were at the same school, it was small, and the classes were smaller.  Now I'm facing two different school drop offs every morning.  That kind of blows.  O and Coop are looking forward to going to a new school though, so that makes me feel better.  Cooper is REALLY excited about being somewhere OTHER than where O is - I do believe THA was just too small to contain both of my kids. 

Hey - maybe since they will see less of each other, they will stop fighting ALL THE TIME?

Yeah, I doubt it too.



Dessert Theater

THA held their 2nd annual dessert theater last night. Of course, O and Coop wanted to go for the free desserts. Haha.

(This Mommy bought her dessert the morning of at the store!)

Cooper's class wasn't in it but the rest of the school was! O dressed as Charles Goodyear aka white lab coat and safety goggles. Ha! She looked fabulous though. Al and I were do proud of her.

And wouldn't you know, my camera ran out of battery about 20 seconds before her ONE line. Argh!!!!!

Soccer has started

It's Upward Soccer time at our house!  Every Saturday for the next two months will be spent out on a soccer field.  Cooper LOVES soccer - and he's actually pretty good at it too.  He's got crazy speed.  O, on the other hand, enjoys it but only when she's playing certain positions.  Ha ha - she's a trooper though, and I'm proud that she keeps at it.

Al and I are coaching O's team this year - which is funny since neither us know what we're doing.  But, I can tell you, (and I'm sure Al would agree) we are having a GREAT time coaching these girls.  I honestly wasn't sure what I was getting us into (yes, I volunteered Al - ha ha!) but I'm glad I did it.  We are by far not the best team out there, but that's ok.  The girls get along and seem to be having a good time.  I had offered to help coach Cooper's team but with their practices at the same time on the same day and games at the same time some this season, I won't really get to help.  I promised him that I would make it up to him and volunteer to coach his team next season.  He'll be moving up out of the kindergarten/co-ed teams and into an all boys team.  Talk about interesting!  Ha ha!

We had our first game on Saturday - my team got stomped.  No, STOMPED.  Those girls on the other team showed no mercy whatsoever to my girls.  I guess that's a good lesson to my team, but it would have been nice if the other team had eased up a little before the last 6 minutes of the game.  We had no substitutions so the girls had to play the entire game and they got wore out.  I think the game this weekend will be better though since they now know what to expect.  At least that's what I'm hoping/praying/doing a dance for - I hope the first game isn't going to be a hint on how all our games will be going.  That might make for a long season!  Ha ha!  Seriously though, the girls are doing great and I'm super proud of them. 

Super Cooper before Sissy's game.  He's too cool ya'll.

My O - ready to play!

Wish us luck on Saturday!  :)  

Tooth Fairy is Playing Favorites

Cooper probably thinks the Tooth Fairy is playing favorites or just doesn't like him at all.  He's 6 1/2 years old and doesn't have ONE single loose tooth yet.  His baby teeth are perfect.  I kid you not - he's got the prettiest little baby teeth I've ever seen.  He wants a loose tooth so bad I'm surprised Al and I haven't found him knocking his head against the wall or something.

Olivia, on the other hand, has lost more teeth than I can keep count.  I don't know how many teeth you're supposed to have, but I swear to all things mighty this girl has lost about 100.  When she had her first loose tooth, the Tooth Fairy was ELATED.  But then she kept losing them and the Tooth Fairy had to take out a small loan to keep up. 

Luckily, we had a dry spell after that.  The Tooth Fairy was able to pay off her loan AND save up for future lost teeth.  All was right in the world.  Olivia didn't lose one single tooth last year.  Not ONE. 

Then a few days ago she mentions a tooth was hurting and was loose.  I joked that it was probably a permanent tooth and it was falling out because she doesn't brush her teeth well enough.  But no, it's ANOTHER FRIGGING BABY TOOTH (which is good I know, but seriously, aren't they all out already?)  The Tooth Fairy started to get nervous because O's record is not to lose just one, but several.  Finally the tooth came out last night and the Tooth Fairy was able to scrounge up a few dollars to put under her pillow.  (Tooth Fairy has an online shopping problem and always short on cash.) 

Cooper was mad this morning.  I mean, I had to force the boy to brush his teeth because he's now on  a mission to just let his baby teeth rot out.  *sigh*  I locked the garage door because I fear he may sneak in some pliers and try to pull a few out.   I even explained to him that the Tooth Fairy liked him and his sister equally, it just wasn't time for him to lose any teeth.

He's still not a happy camper.  And honestly, pulled teeth kind of grosses this Tooth Fairy out. 

Happy Easter!!!

Getting our eggs DID.

I had totally forgotten how fun dyeing eggs could be. We had a blast. And I didn't even care about the mess. That says a lot.

We did some at home and some at Nana's. So tomorrow should be very fun and interesting when the egg hunt commences. :)

Happy Birthday Olivia

Happy nine years Olivia!!! I am so blessed to have you as my daughter. I hope I celebrate 100 more birthdays with you.

Last day at eight

Can you believe my girl will be NINE years old tomorrow? Neither can I.

She's a great kid. Her heart is big and she's smarter than her Daddy and I combined. She loves her little "bother" but still argues with him about *everything*. She asks a million questions watching movies or tv. She will drive you insane with her stubbornness.

At nine years old Olivia loves:
CSI:Miami
Skirts
Basketball
Painting her toenails
Blue NOT pink
Harry Potter
Peace signs
Clemson
Lala loopsy
Calling me "mom" instead of mommy

Can it really be nine years?