A Gift for the Boys

A friend of mine bought the boys a Ginger Bread House for Christmas. I wouldn't let them get into it until I was able to take some pictures. Before I took the pictures, I had some housework to do. It was like three hours that it just sat there. They begged me to eat it. It only took 60 seconds for them to dismantle it...

So, here's the pictures.

Halloween, Carribean Style

I think this may become a tradition. The boys had a blast at the water park. I went down the yellow slide a few times and tried the blue slide once. I thought they were just pulling my leg when they said how scary it was....they weren't joking. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Yes, they are nerds.

He beat me.

Always the last to get up!!!

Isn't he a darling??

Do we have to sit next to each other?

He is my navigator???

First Nine Weeks Was Great

Well, the first nine weeks is over....whoooo. All the boys did well on their report cards. Parent Teacher conferences went well. Marching Band is well underway. They have already qualified for Regional. Field trip are happening almost weekly. Reggie says he thinks Middle School should come with a warning of grants/loans/scholarships needed. Brevin asks each morning for money. The reasons are always different.

Rylee played flag football. I think they may have had 6 games. I only made it to one of them. He was the player who ran the ball and made touchdowns ~ I don't know the proper name for the position. He says his name was in the paper four times. I never saw it, but then I wouldn't even know where to look. Brian says he cut out copies for me.

We are still on course for our trip later this month. I think we are all ready for time away.

I have pretty much succumb to the fact that I don't and probably won't take the time to post on here often. I was a great thought...but I am a slacker I suppose.

Until next time!!! Ta~Ta

School Started TODAY!!!

Well, we are into another school year. I dropped my baby off at high school...I almost cried. Brevin got up extra early to "get ready". He hadn't worn his banana smoothie lotion all summer...it was quite refreshing to smell that smell in the morning. He is so particular about his clothing...he has his outfits set out for the week...including shoes to match. I have no idea where he got that trait....wink, wink. Tiernon and Rylee thought nothing of school...they just wanted to know when lunch was.

It has been hard for me today. Part of me wishes I were going to school also. But then, part of me is thankful for the choices I have made.

McKayle is Going to High School

We got McKayle enrolled in high school. His orientation was Wednesday. It was cool to walk the hallways of my old high school. Not much has changed. The art hallway is still the art hallway, english ~ still english, science ~ still science.

We got his schedule and his locker assignment. His locker is in no mans land. I can't see how he will be able to use it and still get to class on time. Most of his classes are on the second floor and his locker is by the gym....way more than a 4 minute walk.

All the girls were swooning over him. Even mothers of girls were telling me how special and cute he is. I said, "oh, he is special all right." Gueessshhh....now I know why he didn't get good grades in middle school...it was a social affair. he assures me this year will be different.

He is taking a history class, health, algebra, english, SRP (study hall), biology, Choir and Band. I don't worry much about band and choir because those teachers have dealt with McKayle for years...I pretty much give them free reign to do what they want with him. His SRP teacher is the varsity basketball coach...he thinks he wants to go out for the team. I don't really know the other teachers...I know I have met them before. I will get a chance to meet them on Monday. That is organization day for teachers and board members.

I don't know how I am fairing about this situation...in 4 years my baby won't be a baby any longer....ugh! The cool thing is I will get to be a part of his graduation. I will be sitting on the stage when he walks across. That is sweet.

I May Have an Alernative to Spring Break

In my last posting I told you I had to go to a conference in San Diego over the boys' Spring Break. Well, still going...but I have devised an action plan. Winter Break...Taaa Daaa!!! I talked with my brother (Jason ~ {Happy Birthday}) and since my niece is like 4 years old and I have yet to see her. The boys and I are going to Texas for Winter Break. I thought of driving...yes, yes...stop laughing (I believe I am a good driver...you believe what you want). Then, I on second thought, Indiana snow and driving are not a good combination for anyone. So, we are flying. T.T. is a bit sceptical about the whole idea of flying. Brevin and McKayle are like "whatever". Rylee will be with Brian. And Reg has to stay here and to the "retail" gig. Never time off during the holidays.

We plan to leave on Dec. 18th and return home on the 23rd. I have checked into some fun family activities we can do...there is the Alamo, Riverwalk, and Six Flags. I am sure my brother can help plan some fun events.

I figure the trip will cost about 2 grand. How am I financing it do you ask? I am only divulging this info because my family is at odds about this particular venture of mine. I have taken on a midnight job. Nothing to strenuous. It should only last about six weeks or so (I am guessing). Really, it is only an extra 18 hrs a week....a cake walk. I am needing as much support as I can muster on this...so tell my family I am doing it for them...wink, wink.

Side Note: School starts in 7 days!!!!

Rain, Confusion, and Pappy Went Boom!!!

Well, yesterday was a bust. I had the evening time out to the minute. After work, I had to get the kids registered for school, get Rylee to football practice, and be at the high school in time to see McKayle perform.

As life often happens (to me)...my well sculpted plan took a drastic turn the moment I walk into Elwood Haynes to register the boys. I was soooo glad to see my former students...I almost cried. One little girl thought I was going to be at school this year because I was there. Sadly, I had to tell her (and her parents) I was only there to register my boys. I spent time talking to teachers, secretaries, and the principal. In the midst of talking, it started to rain. Reggie was in route to take Rylee to practice. Of course, it was cancelled. I stayed at EH wayyyyy to long. I had to rush to Central to enroll Brevin. Well, I got to talking there also. Imagine that!!! We made it to the high school right at 7:30pm. Driving up we started to wonder if we had the right time. There were hardly any cars in the lot. Once in the building, there were students, but no parents. I found an adult and asked where we should go. He replied,"Go for what?" I knew right then I was going to kick McKayle in the butt. I saw McKayle across the room and he shrugs his shoulders. I shook my head. Once he could get to me, he said he had the wrong night and it was tomorrow night. Great!!! So we left and I went to the gym with a friend.

As for Pappy, he really did it this time. The other night he was checking his pumpkins and lost his balance. He went tumbling down the hill and landed on his elbow. The fall caused him to tear his rotater cuff (cup??). He spent the evening at the hospital. They were able to schedule his surgery for next Wednesday. Can you believe he tried to work the next day. Of course my mom talked him out of it...but doesn't that sound like my dad. He is a trip. In hindsight, I would have lost my bladder to see him rolling down the hill. I still wonder how he got back up. Those DARN pumpkins.

We Are Taking a Small Vacation

I wanted to take the boys somewhere before school started. But that just isn't possible. Looking at the calendar, the only time that jumped off the page was Halloween. We are out of school on the 31st, and it is a Friday. So the plan is to go to Caribbean Cove, it is a indoor water park. Pics below.





I also want to take them to the annual Haunted House at the Children's Museum. If we can get down there in time, the Children's Museum is hosting a dinner with witches and warlocks...which would be cool. I mentioned it to Rylee last night and he said sheepishly, "Are they real?" I didn't have the heart to scare him, so I told him they were just actors. He said, "I knew that." Right Rylee....I thought,

This weekend is really Brian's weekend, but he is letting Rylee stay with me. He mentioned taking a cruise over Christmas...which would be cool for Rylee. I think this would be cruise # 6 and he is 7 years old. Not spoiled in the least is he?

Reggie may actually go with us...I know, I hope you were setting down. He never goes anywhere with us.

Hopefully I can plan another trip in Nov. If it has to wait until Jan, Feb...that is fine. Spring break is a bust for the family. I have to go to San Diego for a conference. But, I will get to see Gina.

Time Is NOT On My Side

I did it again, I let a month pass before writing. Bad mommy. Baseball is over, summer school is over and marching band is underway. Tiernon increased in his reading by a 10th of a percent...which brings him up to 4.88 reading level. In English that means he is reading at almost a 5th grade reading level. I am stoked about his progress. Math he is at a 6th grade level (if my memory serves me correctly)... The magic number next year is 429. That is the number he has to have to pass the English portion on the ISTEP. I am so glad teachers are telling students what they need to pass. I can remember taking that test and never getting to know my score...like it was some big secret.

MaKayle is liking Marching Band. He takes Mr. Thornbury yelling at him with stride. Which, I guess he is use too (not that I yell a lot or anything). I was so proud when I heard he telling a band member, "He yells at me because he wants me to be a better player." Am I teaching my kid something, or what. It is cool to see him carrying that clunky instrument. I need to get some pictures. The only thing he isn't liking about camp is the sack lunch. With me and Reg working so many hours no one can bring him lunch. Oh, well...he won't starve.

Brevin has had a kush summer. He is getting a little lazy. He has been a great help around the house. Keeping his room clean and even helping with laundry. I can't believe I am giving up control of the laundry...but he has the black hanger and white hanger system down. What more can I ask for?

Rylee went to Vacation Bible School...but not for the reasons you may think. But then again, it is Rylee we are talking about. Yep, he got candy. You are feeling me...lol. Rylee is a mess. He is ready for football to start. Brian signed him up the other day. We talked Tiernon out of playing this year. He would be playing senior tackle. He only weights 65lbs soaking wet...those boys are hoss'. They would kill my baby. I think McKayle is going to try out for the Basketball team. I went down to the park and watched him the other day. He has some skills. I don't know how basketball with interact with band and choir...we'll see.

My life is crazy as ever. The board position is going well. Many decisions to be made. I like our new superintedent and the board is getting along just fine. I have to admit I thought there would be some major personality conflicts, but we are doing well. Or are we still in the "honeymoon stage"...lol.

And to think, I thought I could be a stay-at-home mom...lol...that is too funny. I would have gone stir crazy by now. Reggie would have booted me out the door.

I promise to add pictures the next time I write.

Rylee's Bunt Won the Game

Rylee's team decided to enter a tourney at another ball park. I had to work and it was Brian's weekend so I didn't worry about trying to get there, I knew he had someone there to watch him. However, I hear it was a good game. The coach called me afterwards to say Rylee's bunt won the game.

This is funny because Rylee HATES to bunt. He is aiming for the fence...lol. From what I heard they began the inning down by 5. This is nothing new for this team. They are so young and for many this is the first time they have played organized ball. Ball of any kind, I think. Anyhow, Rylee says he batted in two people to win 8-7. So now they play tonight. I get off at 4pm so I am make this one.

Needless to say, he is untouchable right now...lol. He has talked my head off about this game and it is only 7:30 in the morning. He wants a trophy REALLY BAD!!!!

Keep ya posted!!!

Where Does Time Go?

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month. Well, to catch you all up, the regular baseball season is over. Hammer's (TT & Brevin's team) won the league championship but lost in the first round of the city tourney. They both made all-stars. I am soooo happy ~ NOT!!! This means one more month of baseball. UGGGG!! Rylee finally came out of his hitting slump. His team won one game all season, but they improved leaps and bounds from the beginning of the season. This season as a whole was a wet one...the younger kids didn't practice as much as normal because of the weather. I am thankful it is almost over. I am not going to play Mom's Ball this year...that is a story in itself.

Why, you ask am I not playing ball....Well, (covering ears from hearing the "I told ya."'s. I took a full time job. Well, more than full time ~ about 80-90 hours a week. Yeah,yeah...I know what happened to the "stay at home" mom thing. All I can say is "maybe one day." I really like the lady I am working for. She is a very talented artist and a wonderful gardener. Her disability is not allowing her to continue painting or working in the yard but her stories are great to listen to. I enjoy spending time with her. She has friends and family that visit often and I love talking with them as well.

Some other things the boys are doing this summer is band and summer school. Tiernon has started playing the trumpet this summer. It sounds like noise now but I like hearing him talk about the notes and timing. It is cute. He started summer school yesterday. Today he told me it was fun. I am glad he is enjoying himself. Brevin is participating in summer band but isn't stoked on playing in the marching band next year. McKayle is probably the most busy of them all. He is taking a high-school computer class to make room for choir during the school year. He is doing well. I have drilled it into his head that now classes count FOREVER!!! He is going to college if I have to sit on the doorstep of a college and beg for someone to accept him..lol. After summer school he has a few hours then he goes to marching band camp. He is there until 9pm. Tonight they are staying until 10:30pm. He seems to like it pretty well. Rylee has been the lucky one...he just chills with Nanny while she drives everyone around.

So that is the jest of the last month. I hope I don't let that much time pass before writing again. Thanks to all of you who read what we are up to...it is great to know people care. See ya!!!

I Won the Election!!!

It was a close one, but I won. I had just got home from our T-ball game. It was about 8:20. The polls had been close for about 2.5 hours so I thought all precincts had reported. We couldn't find it anywhere on TV or the web. Then, I remembered I had seen passed results on the clerk's web-page. We finally found it. I was down by 12 votes. I thought it was over. I sighed and said, "oh darn, maybe next time." My mom, the fighter she is, asked if I was going to contest it. I said no, if he won, let him have it. Then she went to click off the page and hit the refresh button. She looked again, and I was up by three votes. The race was far from over. Twenty six of thirty eight precincts had reported. We had twelve more to wait on. Each time she clicked refresh I was up more and more. I started to get nervous. I wasn't sure which precincts I would be strong in and which were my weak ones. I kept a humble mind...I knew he could come back ~ stranger things have happened.

I later found out there was a glitch in the counting and they decided to count them by hand. The final count had me winning by 271 votes. 51% to 49% ~ How close can you get!!! But that is how I wanted. I didn't want to win by a landslide. I am very happy with the outcome. My opponent is a very sincere fella with a heart as gold. I hope he remains active in the school system.

I take office the first of July. In a few weeks we have an orientation in Indy. I am very excited to start.

What a Game!!!

Well, we won tonight. Honestly, we didn't deserve it. It went into the seventh inning. Finally score ~ 3-4. Brevin got a good hit then was sent by the first base coach and tagged out at second. I am so proud of him for being a good sport. Other kids would have huffed and puffed, placed blame...but not Brevin. He took the out with stride. He played left field and first base tonight. He made an error at first that cost us a run. He was taken out of the game after the 4th inning.

Tiernon played well, he had a good hit. They ended the inning with him on second. He played left field. I don't think any hits were hit to him.

I try to keep my mouth shut about this one player...we will call him JOE. Joe has a smart mouth to his parents and coaches ~ pure disrespect!!! He never comes to practice and Tiernon saw him smoking in the bathroom. All the adults are aware that he smokes but nothing is being done. Well, this kid has quit the team yet tonight he played every minute even after not making any of the practices this week. What message is being sent to the kids that show up with good attitudes and work hard? I really don't even know how to explain it to my kids. I try to defend the coach and say he is giving him (Joe) another chance. I explain how people should be given second chance and be forgiven. BUT...it is getting harder and harder to come up with excuses. I don't want my children to give up because some nit-wit is ruining the system. OH SPORTS!!! Can't live with them, can't play them by yourself!!!

We left the ball park at 11:00pm and have to be back tomorrow at 11:00am...we play the same team.

I got a tattoo!!!!

I've been talking about it for years. I could never find anyone to do it, because of where I wanted it~ on the palm of my right hand. Many artists had their reasons, some were ~ the palm is to hard to retain color, I didn't have any other tattoos and they wouldn't put it in plain view, it would hurt too bad. Well, I finally found someone who understood me. Imagine that...lol. Anyhow, my original idea was to get the globe and have the words "she's got the whole world in her hands." Well, my hand just wasn't' that big...so I settled for just the globe. The saying is so universal everyone knows its meaning. It is kinda hard to see the blue and the green because the picture was taken about 2 hrs. after I got it done. Today the colors are setting more and you can see a distinction. He said I would have to come back and get it touched up from now and then...which is cool.

I was very nervous. I even wore Depends "underwear for the incontinent". I thought it was going to hurt like a B**ch!!! I thought I would cry. Funny thing, he thought I would too. To my surprise, and his, it didn't hurt at all...not even a little. In fact, it kinda felt good. I know, my mom said I was sick and twisted. For now this is all I want...but people say they are addicting...so we'll see. I'll keep you updated. I'll post another picture when it heals up.

Vacation Pictures

Over Spring Break I took the boys to Chicago. On the way there we missed our exit due to road construction. It took me about 45 mins. out of the way. We have an hours difference with Indiana so we started our an hour ahead anyhow. So we could afford to lose those 45 mins. Once in Chicago we settled in the hotel. They just had to go swimming the moment we arrived. I figured out how to get to the theater while they played in the pool. They want a hot-tub now...(ME TOO).

Before the show we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Friday's...luckily it was on the hotel property...can you say "EASY". I am so glad because driving in Chicago could drive a person to drink!!! I took a picture of the boys at the restaurant. Why do they always have to give me the "prison pose"? Especially Tiernon...they really nerves me.

We had to wait in the lobby for about 45 minutes. They had PVC pipes and laundry vent tube with other tubing all around the lobby. They used it as megaphones. You could talk to someone clear on the other side of the lobby. It was cool. The boys had lots of fun. Once in the theater you couldn't take pictures, but I got a quick one of them coming out. Tiernon looks so tired...lol. The white stuff around their heads was a time waster...they passed it out so the Blue Men could change sets...and people could stand...there was no intermission. The plastic ponchos were to protect our clothing. We were in the fourth row.


These two pictures were taken after the show. The one with the blue man was cute, McKayle ~ the clown he is ~ tried to get him to talk...but he didn't break character. The lady in the other picture was an audience member who did a skit with the Blue Men...she was so good everyone thought she was an actress. Her facial expressions were priceless. The Blue Men were worth the money...(still keeping that price a secret from Reggie...SHHHH!)

That was the end of our first day. We got back to the hotel around 11:30pm. We got up the next day and went downtown. I will write about that tomorrow. It is getting late. Good Night!!

Rylee's Trip to the ER

Well, I was fixin to watch HGTV's Kitchens and Baths 2008...then a shriek comes in the door accompanied with tears and dirt. I got it out of McKayle that Rylee fell off the slide down at the park. He busted his lip open and blood was spewing out. I didn't think it was that bad until about 45 minutes later when he could stick his tongue in it. I figured I had better been a good mommy and take him to get a stitch or two. I have pictures for you. He was calm...we watched a little tv and went for a slushy at Frozen Custard afterwards.

Later I found out that he was indeed using the slide WRONG!! He tried to fib, but I called him a liar (in fun) and he started to laugh. I asked if he learned his lesson and it was a hesitated yes. So, I am sure we will see the ER again this summer...UGGGHHH.

Obama & Me

Obama was here in Kokomo on Friday. We had a game, so I couldn't go see him. BOY, did I want to....he is soooo fine!! Anyhow I am wondering if I can get a blank ballot after our primary. I want to frame it since it will have his name and mine on the same "official" paper...heheheeh!!!

I have such mixed emotions about this election. Locally, not Nationally. I really want to be elected...I know I have what it takes to do the job. But, yeah there is a But. I know this is lame...but I worry about my opponent. His health isn't very good and I am afraid of taking maybe the one thing that keeps him going. That would crush me. People tell me I shouldn't think of it that way...but I do.


I haven't done much campaigning. I am letting God take control. If it was meant to be, it will happen. If not, I can try later in life. I am not going to be devastated if I don't get elected. I guess I figure when the time is right I will know what I need to know (people & platforms)and get the job done.

I think now I am content in finding who the new me is. I am loving my life, my weight, my children, and Reggie and I are happy. I also think (knock on wood) my mom is going to need my soon. Her health is not good and normally I would say she was just being a hypo....but I'm not so sure now. Some of the things I see are really worrying me. Please pray for her.

New Happenings

I am glad to hear people think we are interesting. I hadn't posted for a week or two and people are e-mailing me asking when I will post again. About the same time I posted here I joined Cafemom. Much like MySpace, but just for moms. I have been spending so much time there I sorta let this one go. Then I wanted to put pictures on here from our vacation but haven't found the time.

Lots of things have happened. The lady I started to take care of for the 18 hrs a week pasted away while I was on vacation. But the day after I got home Sherry (the owner of the careteam) called and asked if I would take care of a 98 year old lady. I said I would meet the family and if we gelled then I would. Well, I ended up knowing one of the daughters...in fact I worked with her at Elwood Haynes. Needless to say, I said yes. The family was just wonderful. And that has really been where I have been for the past two weeks. I worked from 7am to 4pm. Then I would come home and rush the boys off to practices or games.

Speaking of games. Brevin hit his first home run the other night. He also pitched a 3 inning no-hitter. You ought to have seen him when all the team meet him at the home plate. They tried to pick him up, but he wasn't having that. He was uneasy about them touching him. Then he said later, after nearly the whole park said "Congratulations", that was awkward...We just laughed. Reggie was pretty upset that he wasn't there to see it. He was working. Tomorrow he is going to pitch again, at least that is the plan. But I heard the weather was going to be in the 40 with a high chance of rain...so we'll see!!

Tomorrow will be my first day at home alone!!! NO BOYS, NO REGGIE...just me and Deano!!! I am going to go to the YMCA and clean the house. I want to organize Reggie's closet and get rid of some of his nasty t-shirts and hole-y socks. I swear if I didn't check, he would wear something until it was hung together by one string.

I guess I didn't mention why I get the day to myself. My lady passed away on Friday night. But I guess another family wants me starting on May 4th. But it is here in Kokomo (the other was in Peru). She has blood clots but is coherent and I hear funny. So, I am sorta looking forward to it.

I hope to get our vacation pictures on here real soon.

Someone Won the Pool

Well, the ladies at school started a pool to see how long I would go without working. I lasted less than 24 hours. Hospice called and asked if I would take a client. It is just three days a week for 6 hours. Of course I said yes. I started today. Nice lady, can't tell you about her (confidentiality). I had some feelings I wasn't quite ready for. I thought about Imogene all day. I really missed her today. I kinda feel guilty. I know it sounds silly. I know she would not want me to feel this way. I think about her every day. Having Deano makes the hurt less...but it doesn't take it away. I don't want to get close to a client again...I know the reality of why I am there...they are dying. But I was just blind-sided when Imogene passed. We had so many plans, ball-games to go to, tv shows to watch. I guess I was the only one who refused to see her health deteriorating. (side thought~what I am writing has nothing to do with the title I gave this post...oh well.)

The boys had practice today. Tiernon is wearing that thumb guard again...his thumb is swollen from jamming it in the practice game last night. I am going to see if the swelling goes down on it's own. Really, there is nothing the Dr. can do about a broken thumb...except put it in the guard again.

Chicago is only a few days away. I am getting kinda nervous about the drive. We all know I hate to drive. I hope the hotel is nice. I know the boys will use the pool.

Oh, a young girl was shot and killed last night here in town. She was only 18. It happened around 3-something am. I know the family, but I didn't know the girl. I remember Reggie's grandma saying the only things that are open at 3am are legs and hospitals...I get it now...she was saying that nothing good can come from being out at that time of night. It is sad that she lost her life...but it makes me think about "choice". We all make the choice to be where we are. I know everything happens for a reason, I just hope someone learned something from this experience.

Talking way to much tonight. Going to bed. Goodnight

My Last Day of Work

Well, the day has finally come. My desk looks funny empty. Reggie has taken my last few boxes. I still have a lamp and my chair. My dad will be picking that up. I have e-mailed a few co-workers and choked up a little. The bell just rang and the kids are in the halls. I am sorta afraid to go out into the hall. I don't want to start crying so early. I'll wait until they come to me.

In the large scheme of things I don't see why I am getting emotional. It isn't like I am going far...and my children will still go to this school. I just won't be here everyday. I guess most of all I am going to miss how important they make me feel. They all treat me with just respect. They know I am cool, but strict. My own kids know all my faults and aren't afraid to tell me about them. The kids at school put me on a pedestal and it is kinda nice to be looked up too like that. I think back to how long I have known some of these kids and in some cases it is pre-k.

Last night I said we were going to the Circus. Ever heard the saying,"Wanna make God laugh, make a plan" That was my night. Donny called mandatory batting practice at 5pm. The boys didn't come strolling in until 8:00pm. I had made Taco Salad because Rylee and Reggie were hungry. By 8:20pm the boys had devoured the rest of the Taco Salad. Mind you, the Circus started at 7:30 so we had missed it by a long shot. Rylee asked if we could go swimming. That was an option, but the pool closed at 8:30pm. By the time we got to the Y it would have been closing. So Rylee cried and said,"I never get to do anything." Poor Rylee....he is leaving tomorrow for Florida with Brian...but he never gets to do anything.

Mom and John are taking McKayle to see Aunt Toni in Tennessee. I guess they are leaving tonight and will be home on Tuesday. I was tripping when I first heard they were going because I thought they were staying longer. I had plans to leave for Chicago on Wednesday. Come to find out they are coming home on Tuesday. So all is well.

I ended the night watching The Mist can I just say, "WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!!!" That was a horrible movie with a more horrible ending. I was so mad that I sat and watched that movie.

That's all for now.

Still Thursday

Posting again today. I canceled practice for tonight, it is just too cold for 4,5,and 6 year olds to be outdoors. The older boys have a mandatory batting practice. Which, after last night's game I can see why. Still planning on taking the boys to the Circus tonight.

Not getting much accomplished at school. I share a room with the PTO and they are getting ready for Carnival. For some strange reason the smell of cotton candy and popcorn takes kids attention away from writing 5 paragraph essays. Imagine that???

I am letting the school use my camera tonight, so I won't be taking any pictures of the Circus. Only one more hour left of school and then I have seven hours tomorrow and then I am DONE!!!

One More Day Closer!!!

Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is my last day of work. I am taking the boys to the Circus tonight if their practice game finishes in time. Last night the game took FOREVER!!! It was pretty boring, no one was hitting and the fielding was so/so. Reggie didn't have to work so he, Deano and I watched from the car. I tried to take his picture but he got perturbed with me, so I took pictures of me and Deano on my cell phone. That's the way I entertained myself. I hopped in the car with my mom for awhile but that was boring too. I went up to talk with my brother's friend Day (Mike Day) everyone calls him Day. Anyhow, it was a nice chat. He was telling me he talked to my brother a few weeks ago. That reminds me, I need to call him. I am not very good at staying in contact with my family. Note to self~ when I am not working (YEAHHH) I need to spend more time talking with my extended family.

I was thinking last night I should learn how to use YouTube. That would be fun. I could talk about much of nothing. That could become quite intersting.

Anyhow, I am at school now. The bell is going to ring soon and the kidos will be coming down to see me. So Ta~Ta for now!!!

Hump Day

It's Wednesday. We are having Elwood Haynes Idol this morning. I haven't had a hand in it this year, but I hear the talent is excellent. I have spent the morning packing up my desk and talking with the younger boys about how school will be without me here. They seems to be taking it pretty well. They aren't stoked about riding the bus everyday but it is something they will get use to.

Tomorrow is the school Carnival, but we have made plans to go to the Circus. That is if practice games are over. It seems weird not planning the Carnival. The ladies who have taken over the PTO are doing a great job of getting everything in place for Carnival.

Two more days!!! (with a big smile) I heard yesterday that the YMCA woman's center will be closed over Spring Break to fix the whirlpool. I'm thinking that is a good thing since I plan on spending a good portion of my day relaxing at the Y when school is back in session.

Rylee will be going to Florida with Brian over Spring Break. He is always a hoot to see after he goes to a sunny location. He tans beautifully, like the Coppertone baby. I hope we have good Chicago weather. I would like to take the boys on a walk through the city. We have to go to Nike Town.

Well, the bell is about to ring. We have a practice game tonight for the Hammers. I'll let you all know how the boys did.

Cristi

Three More Days, Counting Down

Today was a hard day. My co-workers threw me a goodbye breakfast. It was hard to hold back the tears especially when they started reading off all of the accomplishment I have attained over the years. A few people asked if I was ready to change my mind and stay. Being April 1st, I started to give them all an April-fools joke and say "I've changed my mind, I'm staying." But I knew they would take me seriously and not let me leave.

Having kids in class has been hard because they are all asking me why am I leaving them. I reassure them they will see me often, I just have to figure some things out. I boast about how I am going to love having the day time to myself. In reality, I am kinda scared. What will I do with all of that time, I can only organize so much, and I can only exercise for so long. I don't want to get into the habit of shopping for much of nothing. Wow, now I have anxiety...lol. I could take a class or two. That might be fun, or I could take a dance class...I could learn to belly dance, or tango. Now that would be fun. I could take up pottery, or stain-glass making, or learn to garden. Ok, the anxiety is subsiding.

Honestly, summer is right around the corner and the boys will be home to occupy my time. I am sure we will be getting season passes to the pool. That will be fun.

Still, three more days until I am a Stay at Home Mom.

Four More Days Until Freedom

People keep asking me what my plans are after leaving my position with the school system. I keep generically saying "Nothing, I am not doing a thing." No one believes me. And they are right. I will take a few days to sleep in, another few days daydreaming about all the things I could be doing. I may go out to lunch with a few friends to catch up. But then, I will get the itch to help an organization or get involved in a cause. I know myself just as well as others know me.

Yeah, I think I am having some mid-life crisis thingy. I have spent so much time in this ambitious frenzy that I have forgotten who I am and what makes me happy. I know I want to use my life to make a difference in the lives who are lost souls. Sometimes I feel like I am pushing and pulling to make a difference. At some point I think it should just happen. I have so much creative energy just waiting for a purpose.

I need to be listening to that inner voice that tells you which path to follow. What is it I am meant for, where do I belong, how should I use my voice. Should I take some time and stay dormant, or should I bellow out to the universe my concerns, predictions, stresses? Where do I go from here?

For the next four days I will coast...live my days as the person I am now. Saturday starts a new chapter in my life. It will remain to be seen what I do with my time and my voice until then. Spring is coming but I may hibernate.

First Practice Game

The major league boys had their first practice game. Actually a double header. It was pretty chilly so Nanny, Deano (the dog) and I stayed in the car to watch. Brevin was the starting pitcher. That was a treat. I wasn't really nervous for him. Unlike my mother was when my brother pitched. Luckily he didn't hit anyone. He only pitched one inning. In fact, all the pitchers only pitched one inning. He had some good throws. No one got a good hit off of him. Tiernon played Right Field. He got a few good catches. Tiernon's batting was on fire. His first at bat against a live pitcher and he got a single. He was walked a few times and in the second game he hit a triple. Brevin walked a few times and was grazed by a ball. He took his base and was forced out on a pickle. I couldn't tell you who won either game because no one was manning the score board. We have 4 or 5 more practice games before the season opens on April 19th.

Spring Break is 4 days away. I am taking the boys to Chicago to see the Blue Man Group. Can't wait to tell you all about it.

Cristi

Starting a New Season in the Brewer-Allen Home

Spring is here. Baseball has started. The boys are so excited. We will be watching 4 different teams this year. McKayle is playing Babe Ruth for the Braves. Brevin and Tiernon are playing for Hammers in Major League. Rylee is in Rookie League playing for Premiere Printing. Reggie and I are coaching our little ole' t-ball team, the Braves. We just couldn't give it up!!! As I was organizing my Baseball Schedule it seems we will get to enjoy 8 glorious days AWAY from the ballpark in the month of May. Yes, I am being sarcastic, we love it. However, while other people lose weight in the summer I pack the pounds on because of baseball nachos and hot dogs. I am going to have to keep a stash of healthy snacks in my car this season.

So much more has been happening at our house. I have decided to resign from my position at school to stay home and be more domestic. Hey, don't fall off that chair!!!! My last day is April 4th. It only seemed natural to leave as we went to Spring Break. I am taking the boys to Chicago for 3 days. We have poncho seats to see the Bluemen Group. That is going to be a blast. We are also going to enjoy a night at Midevil Times. The rest of the time we are going to sight see and shop. It has been so long since I have been able to chill out with the boys. I think I am more excited than they are.

We recently inherited a doggie. He belonged to a special lady that I took care of for almost 10 months. She recently passed away and wanted me to take care of her Deano. He is 13 years old, but you would never notice it the way he plays with the boys. We were so lucky to be given Deano. He is a blessing to our family. I hope to add pictures soon. On Easter we are going to hide eggs for him. He may even come dressed as Peter Rabbit himself!!!