My Dilemmas

Heading to Maine soon. Ed thought we should drive up tonight. I thought we should leave in the morning. We haven't decided yet. In the meantime I'm packing and getting ready.

There's a storm a-comin'. The tropical kind with lots of rain and wind. It's coming on the day Ed's brother is getting married. Outside. By the ocean. Not good. I hear that plans have been made to move things inside at the same location. Good, I say. I wasn't looking forward to sitting under a tent with the wind threatening to carry us all away! Supposed to be cold too. YIKES! How to dress? What to pack? These are my dilemmas today.

I've been asked to sub at the girls' school for the first two weeks of the school year. I think I will. I was kind of looking forward to taking some time to go through closets and do some general straightening. But, that can wait! Mom and I have our trip to NYC coming up and Christmas shopping will be starting soon. The extra cash would be fantastic! Plus, I'll be doing lunch/recess with Allison's grade each day. How can I say no to that?! You know how I love to get hugs from my little miss during the school day! I'm hoping I'll run into Becky too! That would make it perfect. The little girl I'd work with is familiar to me and I think it'd be a good gig for a couple of weeks.

I guess I'd better get upstairs to pack. UGH! Still not 100% sure what to wear to the wedding. MOM, HELP! I'll probably end up bringing more clothes for this short trip than I did for the longer trip last time!

Now, go batten down the hatches people!

Tuesday Blah Blah Blah...

I find myself holding on a little tighter to my girls these days. Must be the impending arrival of school. I will miss them. I'll be anxious to hear about their day. I'll be nervous for them as they start this new school year. I don't much like the beginning of the school year. I'm sure I've said that before. At least it's not as bad as last year when I had to send my Little Miss off to kindergarten. THAT was hard.

Right now the girls are upstairs playing together. All three of them. I love when that happens. So far no one is yelling or slamming doors. I think slamming doors is a girl thing. Becky doesn't slam doors but Katie and Allison seem to do it ALOT when they're mad at whoever they're mad at. Becky is pretty mild mannered. She's the most like her dad, personality wise. Allison and Katie are more like me - 'nuf said.

This week marks the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I watched a special on the Weather Channel with Brian Williams the other night. It's still amazing to me how destructive that storm was. But the show was more about the plight of the storm survivors during the days and weeks following the storm. We've all heard the stories, but to hear Brian Williams give his account of those events was pretty wild. If it's on again WATCH.

Happy Tuesday!

Cars...

There was talk today at church about a car show and Allison was determined that she wanted to go. So after lunch Ed brought her over. Apparently she had a great time. She kept commenting on which cars were the fastest, and coolest. "This one's the fastest, right Dad?" Ed said she was so excited that she just kept going from car to car. Here's a few photos of my girl and the cars...

And here's one of Katie...She had to sit in the Mustang of her dreams when we stopped by the Ford dealership one day...

This is our last week off before school. I wonder if Katie is getting nervous about starting high school and being with all those big high school kids. She never lets on. She could be shaking in her size seven shoes and no one would ever know. I admire that about her. Becky isn't nervous at all. She's thrilled with the teacher she got and a bunch of her friends are in her class, so I think she's actually looking forward to it. Allison seems a bit nervous. She keeps saying things like, "When school starts I won't see you all day Mom." or "I will miss you when I'm at school during the day." It makes me sad for her but I know she'll have a blast in first grade! Her teachers are wonderful. I remember that Katie and Becky both thought they had arrived when they got to first grade! They were BIG kids now! I hope Allison has that same feeling. Probably will once she gets a look at those itty bitty kindergartners!

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Becky and Allison had a 'camp out' in my room last night. Basically, we blew up an air mattress and they got to sleep in my room. Allison thinks that's the greatest thing ever. She has made it abundantly clear that she does NOT like to sleep by herself in own room. So, these special times of sleeping in Mom's room or in Becky's room are very dear to her. It worked out to be quite convenient because there was a thunder storm and since they were already in my room Ed and I didn't have our sleep interrupted by fearful girls!

Since I've banned Hannah Montana from our house I've been looking for other shows for the girls to watch. Always a trick to find things that will appeal to all age groups and be appropriate for all age groups! Right now they are watching Endurance on Discovery Kids channel. Seems like a good one. Any suggestions would be GREAT!

Lucy needs to go for her annual vet exam. The reminder card says I need to bring a 'fecal sample'!! EWWWW! That's disgusting! I don't think I want to do that. Maybe I'll just tell the vet that Lucy's poop looks just fine to me!! YUCK. I know, just what you wanted to read about... Sorry.

Lazy Saturday morning around here - but we'll be heading out for some school shopping after lunch - or breakfast, because as of right now (10:37 a.m.) no one has eaten b'fast yet!!

Happy Weekend!

Growing Like A Weed...

Took Allison and Becky for their physicals today. Becky grew FIVE inches since last year!! YIKES! She is 4' 11 1/2" tall!! I can't even believe it. She was the longest of my babies and I'm sure she'll be the tallest of the three girls. Fortunately for my children they do have some height on Ed's side of the family. There aren't as many tall folk on my side. The only one I can really think of is my Uncle Arthur. Ed's family (well, his mom's side anyway) are a little taller than mine. I'm hoping Becky will see ANYTHING over 5'3"! It's true what they say - Growing like weeds!

I've decided that I'm happy. Does that sound strange? I honestly can't think of anything to be UNhappy about so that must make me happy, right? I mean, I have a great husband, great kids, a roof over my head, good health for me and my family, and a God who loves and cares about me - what's NOT to be happy about! I think it can be that simple - just decide to be happy and you can be! At least that's my philosophy for today!

A man at church on Sunday made me sad though. He's a veteran who served our country in three wars. He said that he feels like the sacrifices he and his comrades made for our country weren't worth it. Why? Well, I vowed to keep the Blog POLITIC free, so let me just say that he indicated that the ideals in this country have changed and the things we fought for once are not upheld and respected today. Made me sad. For him and others like him. And for me and others like me who want to believe that the things that made this country great are still the things that make this country great... I'm a patriot what can I say...

Speaking of Patriots - Don't you just love that movie The Patriot with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger? You probably thought I was going to say something about the Patriots football team didn't you? I don't know anything about that. Sorry. But if you haven't see The Patriot you just have to!! Wow, talk about a bunny trail.

The sky is a scary dark gray color at the moment. I should check the Weather Channel to see if it's going to rain. How funny is that!? I could just look out the window to see the current weather but instead I actually get on the computer to check instead. Strange.

Mom and I are going to see the Rockettes in NYC for their Christmas show!! I'm so excited! First of all, I've often wondered what the big deal is with the Rockettes. And secondly, it'll be so fun to do NYC with just my mom and me for the day!!! We're doing it the tourist way where we take a bus trip into the city especially for the show and they leave us enough time to SHOP and EAT then they bring us home - PERFECT. Can't wait!

So, please be impressed that this is my 5th day in a row blogging! I know, one minute I've disappeared off the face of blogger world and the next minute you can't get rid of me!!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Four And counting...

This has been such an uneventful week...The kind of week where we slept late because we had no where to be...The kind where we've just hung around the house...Sometimes this kind of week makes me crazy - we're all bored, the girls are grouchy, etc. But this week has been really nice. Maybe it's because we've had a busy summer. Camp, Ed home for two weeks, camp again, Maine (three times so far!)... It's nice to have a laid back week... :)

Speaking of going to Maine three times -so far... We'll be heading back next week for Ed's brother's wedding. Randy and Christy are getting married at Chop Point - outside. We've been praying for a sunny warm day for them! Unfortunately our trip will be extra short since school starts that next Tuesday and we want to get home and chill for a moment before the busyness of school takes over our lives.

I think this is the problem with blogging on a regular basis...I don't have anything real inspired to write about. You're probably thinking that I NEVER have anything inspired to write about! But I think you know what I mean. Seriously, who cares that I'm vacuuming my floor today or lounging by the pool. The Blog needs MEAT! And I don't have any to offer - sorry... How 'bout them Red Sox...

A New Record...

Three days people - three days!! Go me!!

Got Ed a new car last night. We drove to a dealership an hour from home to look at some things I'd found online. The first place was overpriced and under professional. So we drove down the road to another place and bought a car there. They were extremely professional and competitively priced. The car we got isn't something I would've ever chosen for Ed but he loves it! It definitely has room for all of us, if need be, and it'll be great on gas! And the best part is that we'll pay less for it than the Jeep! So what is it, you ask? It's a 2006 Saab 9-3 sport-combi wagon. It's black and pretty cool. Like I said, Ed loves it. Katie on the other hand HATES it and insists that she'll be taking the bus to school instead of riding with Ed. She refuses to be seen in a wagon!! Too funny, that girl. So, I've been telling her that we were planning on that being her car when she learns to drive - she doesn't see any humor in that...
Shop Talk: I have an idea rolling around in my head for a short article for young readers. It will require a small amount of research and some creativity. I think I'll approach it as if I'm teaching Allison something. Try to use that language and maybe even bounce some ideas off her. That's one advantage of living with my audience.

Today will include some school supply shopping. I don't typically do a ton of clothes shopping before school starts. We just get pants and new shoes mostly. Then we add to the stash a little at a time, sweaters, long sleeves, more pants, more shoes, etc. It works for us.

Happy Wednesday!

Two Days In A Row?!

Don't fall off your chair or anything. I know you're surprised to see me here again today! I can't say how long this daily blogging will last so just enjoy it for today!!

We are definitely in a heat wave! I love it! The girls have been in the pool everyday for most of the day. I've even been joining them - that's how hot it is! To think, I was actually planning to sell the pool at the beginning of the season -- glad that didn't happen! I think we've used the pool more this year than in the past!! Today will surely be another lounge by/in the pool kind of day!! Funny how it makes me SO tired to lounge!! What's up with that!

We sold Ed's Jeep yesterday - Thank you Craigslist!! If you have something - ANYTHING - to sell you've got to try Craigslist. It works people! We sold Ed's boat and Jeep using it and both buyers showed up with cash and took their new possessions with them. Got to love that!!! The only downside to that is we now have only one vehicle until we can find a new one for Ed! If it wasn't summertime that would be a BIG problem. Right now it's not really a big deal. Ed will drop in at lunch time and we'll take him back to work. I think we're going to check out the Toyota Corolla lease specials. The man literally drives to and from work so he just needs a little car (a reliable car) to get him where he needs to go!

You know that whole thing with the bats dying off? And honey bees disappearing? Well I think crickets are quieter than usual this year. It's just my uneducated theory but I honestly haven't noticed the chirp, chirping that usually accompanies August nights. Where are they? Robby? Do you know something!?

I finally purchased some re-usable bags from Stop & Shop! YAY ME! I feel so environmentally responsible!! I bought five and probably should get a couple more for those extra big shopping trips! I love how they fit so much stuff and I can save a little money every time I use them!! I made sure to stick them in the little storage compartment in my car as soon as I was done putting things away! I don't want to get to the store and not have them!

I spent an hour with Goliath's evil twin yesterday morning. Remember Goliath? He's the ginormous spider who terrorized my family for an entire day until Ed smashed him with a 2x4. Remember? Anyway, I was in the garage - cleaning Ed's Jeep - when I saw him crawling up the wall. He taunted me by dropping to the ground and then creeping back up to his preferred vantage point. He did that a couple of times. A smart arachnid, he positioned himself perilously close to the broom knowing full well that that would be my weapon of choice if I wasn't too afraid to grab it! I did my best to ignore him. I couldn't look at him for too long or I'd start to hyperventilate! I finished my cleaning and scooted carefully into the refuge of my house, locking the door behind me! Later, when Ed was home, I bravely went back into the garage. Goliath II was gone. Probably looking for a way into my house!!! UGH!!

Happy Tuesday - it is Tuesday right? Ah, summer...

Miscellaneous Update

Went to see Time Traveler's Wife last night with my friend Natalie. It. Was. So. Good. Read the book if you haven't - then go see the movie! It's a fascinating story about true love under extraordinary circumstances. Natalie and I both thought it stayed true to the book - which sometimes doesn't happen.

I'm planning to teach Allison to tie her shoes today...Now, don't go judging me for not having done it yet... I've been busy... actually I've forgotten all about it! The child lives in flip flops...Flip flops don't tie...It's not like she'll go to college without knowing how... Stop judging me!!... :)

Ed is back to work today after his two weeks off. What a great time we had as a family! It was great just to be together. I miss him today - it's awfully quiet around here!

A man is coming to buy Ed's Jeep today. We don't have a replacement vehicle yet. I guess we'd better get one, huh? He just drives to and from work so we were planning to get him a little car that would be good on gas and cheaper to pay for. We'll see...

My writing submission is due to my critique group today. Being the Queen of Procrastination that I am I have put it off and off and off. It isn't done. It's no where near done. Writing with my children home (and my husband for two weeks) has been pretty near impossible. This has been a struggle for me from the beginning of this writing venture. I think I'll have to fess up to my CG and tell them I'm not ready...

School starts in 15 days. Part of me is looking forward to the routine of it. Part of me is dreading the routine of it. I always feel a bit sad when school starts. The girls look instantly older. Changes are everywhere. Gone are the carefree days of summer with no routines, no bedtimes, and no hurry! I love being home with them - even when they're arguing, or grouchy, or impossible. They like being home too - homebodies, that's what I have - and I love it!

What Do I Know?

So. We're home from our vacation to Maine. Did some touristy things like the beach, Boothbay Harbor, and Sebago for the day. Had a great time. Got to have dinner with my parents - mom made her famous potato salad and cheesy carrots - YUM! Had dinner with the Wheelers - always a good time there and Ed got LOBSTER! And got to see my brother in law's new house - very cute with a fantastic yard! While we were in Boothbay I started thinking about how even though I lived close to the ocean for most of my life there's plenty I don't know about it. You know, not like the folks who are Boothbay natives - the ones who make their living off the sea either through tourist ventures or fishing. They know and understand the sea in a way that I never will. The cry of the seagulls fills the sky all around them all the time. The smell of salt air is waiting for them each time they step out their front door. Fog horns and boat horns, sailboats and fishing boats, lobster and clams and other sea foods, old homes weathered by the salt spray and lobster trap coffee tables - these things fill their lives. I was a bit jealous. Then I started thinking about what I know. I grew up mostly in Maine but I lived lots of other places too. I'm not a native to anywhere. So what do I know in that expert sort of way that native folks know stuff? I guess I know about being a military kid. I hate the term military brat. I was no brat although I knew plenty of them. I know about moving and leaving friends and making new ones. I know about settling into a new home, school, community. I know about the sacrifices that military families make. And about the perks that come with having a navy dad - like meeting the Blue Angels, and getting real McDonald's burgers in the Azores brought in special for us from the Brunswick Naval Air Station. I know that family isn't just the people you're related to, they're the people you can relate to - like when you're stationed miles from your relatives on Thanksgiving and so is everyone else you know and it turns out to be one of your favorite holiday memories. These days I'm a civilian but the military influence in my life is still part of who I am. And seeing the P3's flying over head in Maine this week made me feel right at home...

Allison's Fashion Troubles...

Allison clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Not good. It is nearly 10 a.m. and she is still having a small fit over what she will wear today. Unfortunately all 847 pairs of her jean shorts are in the washing machine and she is left with a mere 629 other pairs to choose from - none of them of the denim variety. This is causing her great amounts of suffering and I am helpless to take this tragedy and make it right for her. At least until the washing machine and dryer have had the opportunity to do their job... Allison's wardrobe seems to be a constant source of contention in our house. The child has more clothes than is humanly necessary (due in part to hand me downs from her sisters) yet she never seems to like ANYTHING that is laid out for her. Even when given the chance to pick her own clothes we seem to still run into issues. UGH! Back to school shopping should be fun, don't you think?

We went to Six Flags the other day. It was so HOT, but not humid which made the heat quite endurable. We were disappointed at first that Allison is about 1 inch too short to ride some of the rides we thought she'd be able to do this year. But then we found a bunch she could ride including a couple of cool roller coasters and she was all set! Becky was quite a bit more adventurous than I thought she'd be! She did Batman and Scream and Flashback and some wet water ride. She can be timid about new things so to see her let loose and give these rides a go was pretty cool. Katie, of course, will ride anything and everything. You should've seen the three of them riding the teacups together. Katie was spinning the thing like a crazy person and Becky and Allison squealed and laughed the whole time! I got nauseous just watching them spin!! It was a really fun day...

Not sure what today will bring. I'll have to check with our tour guide (Ed) and see what he wants to do. Maybe he'll take the girls somewhere for a little while. I really need to get crack a lackin on my writing. I have a deadline of Aug. 15th for my critique group. I haven't started yet... Better get going!!

Boring Blah!

Just sitting by the pool watching Allison swim with her friend. Funny how kids can spend such a long time in the pool- even when their lips are blue and you know they're freezing! Ah, youth...

Today is my dad's birthday -- Happy Birthday Dad! I love you tons!

We took the girls tubing this afternoon. I love when my girls all get along with each other. You know, they seem to like being in each other's company; they laugh and giggle like friends; they help one another and try to be accommodating of the others' needs. I love that. Today was like that. Katie and Becky rode the tube together and laughed and had fun. Then Allison joined them and they both were careful and protective of her. It was nice.

I think we're going to Six Flags New England tomorrow. It's supposed to be hot. The park will be scorching! We'll see.

We are enjoying small samples from our garden these days. I've picked numerous snap peas and we've eaten them in salads or plain with ranch dressing. We are finally starting to gather tomatoes. The grape toms are my favorite! I can't wait til a whole bunch of them are ready at the same time and can put them all in a salad! YUM!

Happy Monday!!