Halfway

It's hard to believe that summer is already halfway over.  In about a month, the kids both start new schools.  They are excited and nervous at the same time. 

I hope being at different schools will be good for them - they've been together at such a small school for so long that it's like the teachers saw them as one, instead of individuals.  And since they have such different personalities, I think they'll enjoy the space to be themselves without worrying about being compared to their sibling.

Kind of makes me glad there's 4 years between my older brother and myself.  He was usually leaving school when I started the school.  Until we got to college, then he slowed down a bit.  :) 

I am anxious about the new transition.  It's because right now I just don't know specifics about their schools - are they riding the bus, how early can I drop them off, how big are the classes, does O have to wear certain colors, etc.  I'll be more relaxed once school starts but right now I just feel on edge about not knowing.  I knew what to expect at THA, so this is new for me. 

But for now we'll just enjoy the rest of our summer and worry about the details later.  One thing I know, my kids are adaptors and they will do great.  School isn't even on their minds yet.  Swimming in the pool and going to the zoo are our major concerns for now.

How are you spending the rest of your summer break?

Believe....

I had a conversation today with a friend about the Tooth Fairy.  We both have kids the same age, same sex, and both had lost teeth around the same time - what else are mothers supposed to talk about? 

She doesn't allow her kids to believe in anything - Tooth Fairy, Santa, Easter Bunny, you name it.  No money under the pillow, no presents from Santa (they do gifts of course) and no Easter baskets.  Honestly, I felt sorry for her kids.  I'm sure they are happy, she's a great mom, but I just wonder if they have any idea on what they are missing out on.  And you know, that's fine if that's what you choose - but for me and my kids, I want them to believe.  Haven't you watched The Polar Express?

Honestly, what does it hurt? 

Have you or anyone you know EVER been hurt so deeply they never recovered from finding out Mom and Dad was Santa all along?  Or Mom and Dad was the Easter Bunny?  Or Mom and Dad had mad ninja skills and put that money under their pillow WITHOUT waking them up?  I don't and I bet you don't either.

The way I see it is this - kids are kids.  When you're a kid, you should be carefree, innocent, and full of belief and wonder.  It's a part of childhood.  Why let your kids in on the secret that when you grow up, you have all kinds of crazy responsibilities.  What's wrong with letting kids believe in Santa?  They won't believe forever - trust me.....so why not give them that time? 

Of course, I'm not saying that kids should be totally oblivious to dangers in the world, etc.  Do you have any idea how much joy it brings me to watch my kids find a dollar under their pillow and a tooth gone?  It's like watching someone perform magic for the first time.  The happiness on my kids faces is priceless.  Same for Santa and the Easter Bunny.  O is nine and Cooper is almost seven, so I know I don't have much longer to hold on to these type memories.  I plan on allowing them to believe for as long as they want. 

So - is there a Tooth Fairy at your house?

Happy 4th - two days ago!

I know I'm a few days late but I hope everyone had a great fourth of July! It's so hot here that popping fireworks was almost miserable. Almost.

Ok, it was miserable for the adults but the kids didn't mind at all! We even started with sparklers while the sun was still out. Little hands just couldn't wait until dark. We had a blast!

Thank you to all our service men and women - those who are willing to serve for my freedoms are my heros!

Oliver Twist

Is it me or does he remind you of Oliver Twist in this picture?

Or Annie.....except he's a boy and not a red head.

He makes me giggle. Sweet, sweet Cooper. And his strange love for mopping.

HOT

I've lived in SC my entire life and I swear it didn't get this hot when I was younger.  It can get up to a 106 degrees today and tomorrow!

Are you kidding me? 

I am so thankful for A/C - I would absolutely die if I lived back in the day before it was invented.  I kid you not.  I honestly get pukey and sick whenever I get overheated.  I wouldn't last a day.

I am going to stay inside all weekend.  If I even step outside, I may rush to Wal-Mart and buy a pool.  And that would be a horrible "spur of the moment" buy.  Sure I'd love it for awhile, but once it cooled down or I realized I was the only one cleaning it, I'd curse myself for buying the stupid thing. 

Stupid heat wave. 

On the other hand, you should see O and Cooper's tans.  They are all coco colored.  I'm jealous, but not jealous enough to melt in the sun to copy them.  

Hunting like a country girl

O is currently obsessed with hunting.  I have no idea why.  No one in our family hunts, none of my brother in laws hunt, NO ONE.  She claims she is not a "girly girl" but a  "country girl."  She sports my dad's old John Deere hat whenever she can (as if this PROVES to the world that she's a country girl) and hates pink now.  Have I mentioned we just painted her room pink last year?  Blue is now her favorite color.  And she loves tractors.  And horses although she's never been on one in her nine years on this planet.  Because that's what country girls like. 

But hunting - she will not give up on hunting.  Here's a conversation we had last night.

O:  Mom, I want to go hunting.

Me:  Well, no one we know hunts.

O:  Daddy can take me.  Or Poppy.

Me:  Poppy went hunting once and Daddy has never been.  Plus, you don't have a gun.

O:  I'll use your gun.

Me:  Hmmm, no.  You will never touch my gun.  And it's not a hunting gun.

O:  *big sigh*  Just buy me a gun then!

Me:  Olivia Grace, you are not going hunting.

O:  But MOM!!!!  I can bring home DINNER!!!

Is that not the funniest thing ever?  I told her that if groceries got so high that we couldn't afford meat, I'd buy her a gun and she could go hunting. 



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!!!!!