First day of school

Today is the first day of school. It's been the hardest first day of school EVER. Both kids are at new schools - separate schools - for the first time. Needless to say, I was as nervous as they were!

I'm hoping for a good report from both of them. I know O is nervous she won't make new friends, even if she won't admit it. I know she will but she doesn't think I know what I'm talking about. :)

Coop went into school like a champ. I am so thankful he doesn't shy away from new things. He's like his Daddy that way. Here's some pics:

Drawing Near

That time is coming up on us fast folks!  It's back to school time! 

O and I are heading out today to meet her teachers and drop off her school supplies.  I think she's a little nervous.  Both kids are heading into new schools but I have no doubt my little social butterfly will make tons of friends.  Cooper goes Friday to meet his teacher and he's beyond excited. 

Let's hope this excitement keeps up.  :)  Can you believe I have a fourth grader and a first grader now?  Seriously, how did they grow up so fast?  

My "Not a Harley" of my own!

I have motorcycle fever. 

I didn't see it coming, Al didn't see it coming - NO ONE saw it coming.  But I got it.  Riding passenger on Al's Fatboy is SO.MUCH.FUN. Seriously, I can't tell you if I enjoy it more or if Al does! 

So I decided to get one of my own and learn to ride.  :)  We looked at about 6 different bikes.  I was sold on the Honda Rebel for awhile because it was light, great for beginners, and *cheap.* Al wasn't convinced I would be happy with it though, so we looked at a 883 Sportster (which scared me to death just sitting on) and a couple different Honda Shadows. 

Al found the perfect fit Honda Shadow for me. He knew it was perfect, and when I sat on it and felt how comfortable I was on it, I knew he was right. So I got it.  I had my first lesson yesterday afternoon and I did pretty good.  I stalled a few times but finally got the hang of what to do to prevent that.  Once I got use to it, it wasn't scary or anything.  Of course, I was going straight up and down a road.  I haven't practiced turns yet.  :)  Wish me luck!  I had a ball yesterday riding.  I will be going to get my permit in a week or so and I plan on taking my time getting comfy with the bike before I try for the test. 

It screams "Mandy!"



Registration!

Yikes!  Registration is TOMORROW!!!!! 

School starts on the 20th. 

*doing happy Mandy dance*  

My View

My view on the whole Chic-Fil-A issue?

Love is LOVE.  Every human being deserves the same rights.  There are no grey areas here.  Equality is for all or it's not equality at all. 

I believe in freedom of speech.  I do not believe in hiding behind freedom of speech in order to diminish a person's value as a citizen or to treat someone differently just because of who they love. Or who they are.  Do you know that some of the best people I know are gay?  People that I can honestly say are BETTER people than I am.  I don't spend a lot of time in church, so I can't quote verses like some of my friends.  But I know enough to realize my God loves all sinners; and forgives them too. 

I also know enough to realize that when someone says "Tolerance is a two way street" - well no it's not.  Because the person supporting CFA walks away as a model citizen whereas people I love walk away still being treated as a 2nd class citizen.  You, CFA supporter, walk away with all your rights whereas the gay cashier taking your order does not.  He/She walks away feeling like they are less worthy than everyone else.

This isn't an issue of freedom of speech - and we all know it. 

I support equal rights.  Because when I look at someone, I see a human being.  Not a straight person or a gay person.  Our world would be a better place if everyone could do the same.  

Sleep Walker

We have a sleepwalker.  And it's not fun at all.

Cooper had night terrors when he was smaller - those were KILLER.  He'd wake us up crying, looking at us all wild eyed but if you tried to touch him or talk to him, he'd crank up louder.  After about 10 to 30 minutes of *that* sweet noise, he'd simply lay down and go back to sleep.  I never got use to it. It was completely unnerving.   I was so relieved when he finally outgrew them.

But now he sleepwalks.  Sometimes he'll sleepwalk to the bathroom, use it, then go back to bed.  Last night though, he tried to open the back door that leads into the garage.  Poor O woke up and saw him first messing with the door and saying "Why won't this open?" over and over.  Al had to lead him back to bed and sleep with him to make sure he stayed put.  He doesn't remember a thing from last night and the poor fella is super tired this morning.  I can't imagine why?  He probably didn't sleep any better than we did. 

I can't wait for him to outgrow this too.  Thank goodness O is a hard sleeper.  

Snaffle Tooth

Cooper's new nickname is "Snaggle Tooth" or as he says it with three missing teeth "Snaffle Tooth."

He's still the cutest ever.

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!