Take a deep breath in and tell me what you smell. I know what I smell... SCHOOL! In just a few short days all will be right in the world, or at least in my little world. We've purchased the new supplies, shoes, and attire and I'm quite posed and ready for my sanity to return. Yea, yea, I really only expect half of my sanity to return, as I'm not an unrealistic optimist or just plain delusional.
Although the warm weather continues to permiate throughout, one can sense the arrival of fall soon to come. Like the aniticpation of an expected vacation, however, the days just prior can seem to take forever to pass. I just cannot wait for the blessed ariival of the lovely gold colored bus that will take my energetic eight year old away for 7 hours of sheer bliss. Unfortunately not even the start of soccer could make the time go by any faster. But, I hung on knowing I was ever close to that elusive finish line.
My patience had paid off. I was now Labor Day weekend and we had some fun things planned. The three of us plus the dog ventured to my mom's house for a family reunion camp out in their backyard. Everything started out great with nice weather, the kids having fun on the homemade slip-n-slide and all the dogs were playing so nicely with each other in the open space. It wasn't until dinner when it all started to go wrong, as it likely does for us.
During the dinner feast, Lani had got a hold of some chicken bones which is not good for dogs, therefore Matt ended up having to take her to our emergency vet located about an hour and a half's drive away. Matt didn't return that night, leaving Colin and myself to camp for ourselves and leaving me to get no sleep what so ever. First it was the neighborhood dogs howling unitl 1am, then my step-brother-n-law's massive snore fest throughout the night and then finally the roosters crowing at 4am. At roughly 5am I went into the house to sleep on the couch, but my mother had awoken by that time thus my day had officially begun. I cannot seem to buy a break.
Much to my relief, we were only staying one night, so I knew that I'd be getting caught up on my sleep Sunday night. The last 24 hours of the long weekend were much more restful and low key. With every passing hour I was getting closer and closer to my goal. Then finally... it was officially a school night.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Camping That Would Never Be
Our family loves to camp in the summer time. When Colin was just 18 months old, we purchased a tent trailer from the Seattle RV show and we've been camping in style ever since. Normally the three of us will venture out into the wilderness, or to the comfort of a well-equipped state park, about 3-4 times during the season. This year it was not meant to be.
During the winter I had made reservations for various spots at some primo campgrounds, first securing a place for Memorial Day weekend and second, a site at the always hard to get into Lake Chelan State Park. Everybody was psyched to go. We even bought a pet tent for our dog Lani in order for her to experience camping first hand. Lani loves to go camping with us, as she get so much fresh air and exercise. Even Lani would have her hopes dashed.
Our first disappointment came on the three-day holiday weekend when Matt's Grandma got sick and we had to ditch our plans to camp on Whidbey Island. Our next failed attempt at camping came when I realized I had made reservations for the same weekend a good friend from college was getting married. We cancelled our third trip to the great outdoors when we were told that Matt's Grandfather was dying. Finally, we were forced to bail out on camping up north when we learned my truck developed a rear differential problem making it unsafe to tow the trailer. Not sure why, but someone of authority did not want the Woodwards to go camping.
So, what do you do when life hands you lemons? You make sour lemonade! Sour, of course, because I'd be kidding myself if I thought life would freely hand me the needed sugar to make it sweet. Since we kept having problems syncing our schedules with every one's health and nuptials, we decided to bring the camping experience, not only to a weekday, but to somewhere close by and doesn't require advanced reservations - our backyard. Hey, it even has a lot of mosquitoes to make it feel more authentic.
Matt & Colin pitched our seldom used tent and we adults both took turns spending one night a piece with Colin, since the tent only sleeps two comfortably. I probably could have squeezed in, except that Miss Lani, weighing in at about 75 pounds, wanted a piece of the action. Fortunately the warm night made it quite nice to sleep outside and no one needed the usual outer layer to keep warm. I didn't even wake up at the crack of dawn as a usually do when camping, and even Colin slept in until 9am. Good times!
During the winter I had made reservations for various spots at some primo campgrounds, first securing a place for Memorial Day weekend and second, a site at the always hard to get into Lake Chelan State Park. Everybody was psyched to go. We even bought a pet tent for our dog Lani in order for her to experience camping first hand. Lani loves to go camping with us, as she get so much fresh air and exercise. Even Lani would have her hopes dashed.
Our first disappointment came on the three-day holiday weekend when Matt's Grandma got sick and we had to ditch our plans to camp on Whidbey Island. Our next failed attempt at camping came when I realized I had made reservations for the same weekend a good friend from college was getting married. We cancelled our third trip to the great outdoors when we were told that Matt's Grandfather was dying. Finally, we were forced to bail out on camping up north when we learned my truck developed a rear differential problem making it unsafe to tow the trailer. Not sure why, but someone of authority did not want the Woodwards to go camping.
So, what do you do when life hands you lemons? You make sour lemonade! Sour, of course, because I'd be kidding myself if I thought life would freely hand me the needed sugar to make it sweet. Since we kept having problems syncing our schedules with every one's health and nuptials, we decided to bring the camping experience, not only to a weekday, but to somewhere close by and doesn't require advanced reservations - our backyard. Hey, it even has a lot of mosquitoes to make it feel more authentic.
Matt & Colin pitched our seldom used tent and we adults both took turns spending one night a piece with Colin, since the tent only sleeps two comfortably. I probably could have squeezed in, except that Miss Lani, weighing in at about 75 pounds, wanted a piece of the action. Fortunately the warm night made it quite nice to sleep outside and no one needed the usual outer layer to keep warm. I didn't even wake up at the crack of dawn as a usually do when camping, and even Colin slept in until 9am. Good times!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Summer's Almost Gone
Looking back at the end of June, I couldn't wait for summer to be over, dreading all that time alone during the day with child. Now, we're at the second week of August, and I really want to hit the breaks. I can't believe seven weeks has gone by like that! Don't get me wrong, I sill want school to start. However, there are a few things I'd like savor before the party's over, like the nice weather, swimming at the pool, BBQ'ing with friends, baseball games, golf and golf camp, sleeping in, campfires in the backyard, flip flops, drive-in movies, farmer's markets... I think I'm getting carried away!
One measure that we use to know that summer's end is drawing near is Seafair, Seattle's annual summertime festival held during the first full weekend of August. It is here that they host the hydroplane races on Lake Washington, but more importantly, the show we never miss, the Blue Angels.
Not only do we watch them perform on the weekend during the official airshow, Colin and I will also head down to Boeing Field during the week and watch their practices. Always a thrill to watch with their precision and prowess, my favorite maneuver being when either of the solo pilots does a low altitude fly-by which makes your whole body buzz with adrenaline. Colin and I have recently found favor with Fat Albert, the C-130 Hercules that opens the Blue Angels show with it's impressive JATO-Jet Assisted Take-Off. Fat Albert's engines are propeller, except that it has four rocket boosters strapped to each side of the fuselage, so when ignited the plane can climb over 1,000 feet in all of 4 seconds or so. It is so impressive to watch.
Only three more weeks of summer vacation left. The perfect amount of time to yet savor and not too much more to endure until school starts. I hope I can make it!
One measure that we use to know that summer's end is drawing near is Seafair, Seattle's annual summertime festival held during the first full weekend of August. It is here that they host the hydroplane races on Lake Washington, but more importantly, the show we never miss, the Blue Angels.
Not only do we watch them perform on the weekend during the official airshow, Colin and I will also head down to Boeing Field during the week and watch their practices. Always a thrill to watch with their precision and prowess, my favorite maneuver being when either of the solo pilots does a low altitude fly-by which makes your whole body buzz with adrenaline. Colin and I have recently found favor with Fat Albert, the C-130 Hercules that opens the Blue Angels show with it's impressive JATO-Jet Assisted Take-Off. Fat Albert's engines are propeller, except that it has four rocket boosters strapped to each side of the fuselage, so when ignited the plane can climb over 1,000 feet in all of 4 seconds or so. It is so impressive to watch.
Only three more weeks of summer vacation left. The perfect amount of time to yet savor and not too much more to endure until school starts. I hope I can make it!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Grandpa's Passing
The summer of emanate drama continues as we were recently dealt a low blow, not one that we weren't expecting, but one that still gave us that empty sinking feeling in the pit of our stomachs. Matt's Mom had called to let us know that Matt's Grandpa Jones passed away during the middle of the night. As much as it was a blessing, since in the past week he went down hill becoming gravely ill, we were still very saddened that his life was over. No more sweet laughs when Colin would do or say something funny or Saturday afternoon lunch of burgers and frosty's at Wendy's. He was such a good man, one that would immediately befriend you and shower you with great tales from both past and present.
Battling multiple myaloma for the last few years had taken it's toll, but Grandpa fought hard to keep active right up to the last few weeks of his life. Even after being offered hospice care and morphine, he did not want to leave this world still insisting that he not lie in bed all day. Despite that he had lived a full rich life, watched 3 great grandchildren grow up even seein one of them graduate high school, and knew his loving wife was impatiently waiting for him at the pearly gates, he stubbornly held on. His amazing zest for life and positive nature at 87 is a trait I long to have at 37.
Colin has done very well in accepting Grandpa's passing, possibly because we've been preparing him for this, but more likely it's due to his well grounded personality. For Matt, on the other hand, it hasn't been easy. Grandpa's death has hit him hard. Despite Matt living across the country, he and his Grandpa were very close, looking up to him as a role model in selflessness and humility. It also didn't help matters any that we just returned from his paternal grandmother's funeral in Kentucky in June. Now, like me, Matt has no grandparents left, one of those sobering and scary crossroads we come to in life.
Grandpa's Memorial - Tahoma National Cemetery Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
Since Grandpa served in the Army and fought in World War II, he was entitled to a memorial placard and military funeral service at Tahoma National Cemetery. This service was extremely memorable and quite moving reminding me of the importance of honoring all those who served our country regardless of politics and opinion. At the service they had three members of the VFW officiate and I was taken back by their inclusion of Gramps as a fellow comrade and their insistence of not forgetting the sacrifice he made.
Half way through the 30 minute ceremony, a 4 member color guard from the US Army folded the flag while the ever emotional Taps was played and then one of the guards presented it to Diana. A 21 gun salute was performed where 7 retired veterans shot 3 times, and we all got to keep a spent shell as a souvenir. The noise from the guns made me jump a mile high. I don't think I've ever been that close to riffles being fired. Fortunately, they prepared us in advance, so we could cover our ears if necessary.
Colin handled the service exceptionally well, not even doing his anxious breathing once. He came up with the idea to wear his Cub Scout uniform in order to honor Grandpa as a veteran. It was an incredibly heartwarming gesture and he looked absolutely handsome, enough to make his momma and his papa very proud indeed. I think everyone else who attended was just as impressed.
What a wonderful way to tribute such a beautiful person. I'm so glad the family was able to do this for Grandpa and it will be so nice to visit his memorial here, even though his ashes are to be buried by Grandma in Ohio. We will also be able to attend the special programs they have at the cemetery for both Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, and it will now have special meaning for us. Godspeed, Grandpa Jones! We love you!
Battling multiple myaloma for the last few years had taken it's toll, but Grandpa fought hard to keep active right up to the last few weeks of his life. Even after being offered hospice care and morphine, he did not want to leave this world still insisting that he not lie in bed all day. Despite that he had lived a full rich life, watched 3 great grandchildren grow up even seein one of them graduate high school, and knew his loving wife was impatiently waiting for him at the pearly gates, he stubbornly held on. His amazing zest for life and positive nature at 87 is a trait I long to have at 37.
Colin has done very well in accepting Grandpa's passing, possibly because we've been preparing him for this, but more likely it's due to his well grounded personality. For Matt, on the other hand, it hasn't been easy. Grandpa's death has hit him hard. Despite Matt living across the country, he and his Grandpa were very close, looking up to him as a role model in selflessness and humility. It also didn't help matters any that we just returned from his paternal grandmother's funeral in Kentucky in June. Now, like me, Matt has no grandparents left, one of those sobering and scary crossroads we come to in life.
Grandpa's Memorial - Tahoma National Cemetery Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
Since Grandpa served in the Army and fought in World War II, he was entitled to a memorial placard and military funeral service at Tahoma National Cemetery. This service was extremely memorable and quite moving reminding me of the importance of honoring all those who served our country regardless of politics and opinion. At the service they had three members of the VFW officiate and I was taken back by their inclusion of Gramps as a fellow comrade and their insistence of not forgetting the sacrifice he made.
Half way through the 30 minute ceremony, a 4 member color guard from the US Army folded the flag while the ever emotional Taps was played and then one of the guards presented it to Diana. A 21 gun salute was performed where 7 retired veterans shot 3 times, and we all got to keep a spent shell as a souvenir. The noise from the guns made me jump a mile high. I don't think I've ever been that close to riffles being fired. Fortunately, they prepared us in advance, so we could cover our ears if necessary.
Colin handled the service exceptionally well, not even doing his anxious breathing once. He came up with the idea to wear his Cub Scout uniform in order to honor Grandpa as a veteran. It was an incredibly heartwarming gesture and he looked absolutely handsome, enough to make his momma and his papa very proud indeed. I think everyone else who attended was just as impressed.
What a wonderful way to tribute such a beautiful person. I'm so glad the family was able to do this for Grandpa and it will be so nice to visit his memorial here, even though his ashes are to be buried by Grandma in Ohio. We will also be able to attend the special programs they have at the cemetery for both Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, and it will now have special meaning for us. Godspeed, Grandpa Jones! We love you!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
A Red Hat Wedding
My Father, divorced for almost 20 years from my mother, got married today. I still am trying to fathom that he's an old married fart, as I had told him earlier. He actually married one of my mom's best friends from high school. It does sound awkward, doesn't it? However, it seemed more comforting really, since we all knew each other, even if it was from a long time ago.
As a kid I remember playing with Anita's sons when she and my dad were married to their X's. Our family would visit Anita and her family often when we came to see my grandparents and other relatives. It is really wonderful they found each other in this way and catching up with old friends turned step brothers was a thrill, especially with meeting their wives and kids. Even Colin enjoyed hanging out with his new cousins, despite them being girls.
The wedding was quite different, but sweet. Anita is a member of the Red Hat Society, so the colors were red and purple, with the wedding party wearing purple. It was a challenge to find a purple matron of honor dress for me and a purple shirt and tie for Colin who was the ring bearer. Not really knowing what exact shade of purple they had picked, Colin and I did pretty well with matching everyone else. Colin's tie coordinated wonderfully with the girls' flower girl dresses.
I was a little nervous before the ceremony, as I have never been a matron of honor. And, if I wasn't worried enough about tripping head over heals down the aisle, I came to find out the local newspaper was there to do a feature on the wedding because it was a red hatter's production. I kid you not... there was a reporter and a photographer at my dad's wedding! Fortunately the reporter never cornered me for an interview, but I caught sight of her asking Steph and Sophie how they felt about their grandma getting married. I'll be really curious to see how the article turns out when it appears in Monday's paper.
The ceremony itself went off without a hitch. No one tripped, passed out, or otherwise got cold feet and Colin did a fabulous job at the ring bearer position, with a little help from Matt in the first pew. The nuptuals were quite speedy thankfully, and by 5:45 we were all feasting on a huge buffet spread complete with yummmy punch that the kids couldn't get enough of. In between cake cutting, toasting, and certificate signing, we got to catch up with friends and family that we hadn't seen in ahwile and meet oodles of people on the brides side of the family. Even a cousin and aunt of my mom's came although not too surprising since they stayed close with my dad.
Once everyone left the reception and the red hat ladies started cleaning up, a bunch of us headed to my dad's house for the after party at their new house. The adults drank beer and shot the poop, while the kids had a good time "relaxing" in my dad's hot tub. A good time everyone was having, however by midnight most of us started to hit the wall, mostly Colin, so we called it a night. And, now I can add three stepbrothers, three stepsisters-in-law, and three step neices and one stepmom to my ever growing immediate family. Mazeltov!
As a kid I remember playing with Anita's sons when she and my dad were married to their X's. Our family would visit Anita and her family often when we came to see my grandparents and other relatives. It is really wonderful they found each other in this way and catching up with old friends turned step brothers was a thrill, especially with meeting their wives and kids. Even Colin enjoyed hanging out with his new cousins, despite them being girls.
The wedding was quite different, but sweet. Anita is a member of the Red Hat Society, so the colors were red and purple, with the wedding party wearing purple. It was a challenge to find a purple matron of honor dress for me and a purple shirt and tie for Colin who was the ring bearer. Not really knowing what exact shade of purple they had picked, Colin and I did pretty well with matching everyone else. Colin's tie coordinated wonderfully with the girls' flower girl dresses.
I was a little nervous before the ceremony, as I have never been a matron of honor. And, if I wasn't worried enough about tripping head over heals down the aisle, I came to find out the local newspaper was there to do a feature on the wedding because it was a red hatter's production. I kid you not... there was a reporter and a photographer at my dad's wedding! Fortunately the reporter never cornered me for an interview, but I caught sight of her asking Steph and Sophie how they felt about their grandma getting married. I'll be really curious to see how the article turns out when it appears in Monday's paper.
The ceremony itself went off without a hitch. No one tripped, passed out, or otherwise got cold feet and Colin did a fabulous job at the ring bearer position, with a little help from Matt in the first pew. The nuptuals were quite speedy thankfully, and by 5:45 we were all feasting on a huge buffet spread complete with yummmy punch that the kids couldn't get enough of. In between cake cutting, toasting, and certificate signing, we got to catch up with friends and family that we hadn't seen in ahwile and meet oodles of people on the brides side of the family. Even a cousin and aunt of my mom's came although not too surprising since they stayed close with my dad.
Once everyone left the reception and the red hat ladies started cleaning up, a bunch of us headed to my dad's house for the after party at their new house. The adults drank beer and shot the poop, while the kids had a good time "relaxing" in my dad's hot tub. A good time everyone was having, however by midnight most of us started to hit the wall, mostly Colin, so we called it a night. And, now I can add three stepbrothers, three stepsisters-in-law, and three step neices and one stepmom to my ever growing immediate family. Mazeltov!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Saturday, July 21 ~ 2007; 12:02AM PST
It's official! We own Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! Man, I so wanted to start reading it. Unfortunately we are still on book 5. I really need to know who dies! At Matt's insistence I am resisting all urges. We'll likely find out what happens anyway, in the next few weeks, unless of course, we all go live in a hole.
All three of us have been looking forward to this for months now. Colin wanted to dress up in his Harry Potter costume from Halloween and I was going to don my fantastic Professor McGonagall get up. Matt came up with the creative idea of dressing up as a muggle. We also had planned to go with our good friends who were dressing up as well to the Barnes and Noble, where we've had our beloved copy reserved since April. What we hadn't planned for was the fact that we weren't even going to be in town the day it came out, rather we were going to be in Wenatchee for my father's wedding.
Blimey! I hadn't put the two dates together until the week before. Colin was truly disappointed that he wasn't going to party at midnight with his friend Alec, but I did call a bookstore at the mall where we'd be and the clerk told me there would be plenty of copies for us to buy. Whew! My bum was saved! We would just have to pack our costumers and take them to go.
The night finally came, and at 10:30 pm we all got dolled up. Matt's muggle outfit was simply amazing. When we got to the Waldenbooks, they asked us if we had a reservation and I told them no because I had called the store last week and the clerk told me that I wouldn't need a reservation. The snippy little teeny-bopper proceeded to tell me that they only have enough copies for the people who reserved one. Oh, bloody hell, you mean we got dressed up in these ridiculous outfits for nothing? The kid told us to check either Hastings or Wal-Mart. OK, fine!
We drive to Hastings on the other side of town and once we got there, we see a massive gathering of fellow book seekers. As we got into the store, another smart-ass punk teenager asks me if I've reserved a copy. Are you for real? Is there no extra copy of Harry Potter 7 in this flippin' town?! Just about as I am about to tell this clown to sod off, Matt tells me there is a line at the other end of the store for people who do not have a reservation. And, to think that we can't even start reading the book right away because we are still on bloody book 5. Why am I here?
We enter the store at the other entrance to see that the cafe' register has a sign that says "Unreserved". This looks like a good place to be, not to mention that Colin and I feel a bit more comfortable here since there is a few more characters in costume, inlcuding a supurb Dumbledore. The two ladies in line next to us took a picture with me and Colin as though we were really Harry and Minerva. That made me smile, thus putting me into a better mood that I had been in earlier.
We stood in line to get drinks at the cafe' and not five minutes later saw two employees bring in a cart full of books hot off of the press, park the cart right next to the cafe' register and announce that these were the unreserved copies. Holy cow! A nano-second had passed before all of us realized that we are now officially second in line to buy a copy of the book and at 12:02 the book was ours. All those poor saps who had reserved a copy were still waiting in the line to purchase their copies. What a wonderful turn of events. We were back home and ready for bed by 12:30! I guess all is well that ends well. And, Harry I sure hope you don't get it in the end!
All three of us have been looking forward to this for months now. Colin wanted to dress up in his Harry Potter costume from Halloween and I was going to don my fantastic Professor McGonagall get up. Matt came up with the creative idea of dressing up as a muggle. We also had planned to go with our good friends who were dressing up as well to the Barnes and Noble, where we've had our beloved copy reserved since April. What we hadn't planned for was the fact that we weren't even going to be in town the day it came out, rather we were going to be in Wenatchee for my father's wedding.
Blimey! I hadn't put the two dates together until the week before. Colin was truly disappointed that he wasn't going to party at midnight with his friend Alec, but I did call a bookstore at the mall where we'd be and the clerk told me there would be plenty of copies for us to buy. Whew! My bum was saved! We would just have to pack our costumers and take them to go.
The night finally came, and at 10:30 pm we all got dolled up. Matt's muggle outfit was simply amazing. When we got to the Waldenbooks, they asked us if we had a reservation and I told them no because I had called the store last week and the clerk told me that I wouldn't need a reservation. The snippy little teeny-bopper proceeded to tell me that they only have enough copies for the people who reserved one. Oh, bloody hell, you mean we got dressed up in these ridiculous outfits for nothing? The kid told us to check either Hastings or Wal-Mart. OK, fine!
We drive to Hastings on the other side of town and once we got there, we see a massive gathering of fellow book seekers. As we got into the store, another smart-ass punk teenager asks me if I've reserved a copy. Are you for real? Is there no extra copy of Harry Potter 7 in this flippin' town?! Just about as I am about to tell this clown to sod off, Matt tells me there is a line at the other end of the store for people who do not have a reservation. And, to think that we can't even start reading the book right away because we are still on bloody book 5. Why am I here?
We enter the store at the other entrance to see that the cafe' register has a sign that says "Unreserved". This looks like a good place to be, not to mention that Colin and I feel a bit more comfortable here since there is a few more characters in costume, inlcuding a supurb Dumbledore. The two ladies in line next to us took a picture with me and Colin as though we were really Harry and Minerva. That made me smile, thus putting me into a better mood that I had been in earlier.
We stood in line to get drinks at the cafe' and not five minutes later saw two employees bring in a cart full of books hot off of the press, park the cart right next to the cafe' register and announce that these were the unreserved copies. Holy cow! A nano-second had passed before all of us realized that we are now officially second in line to buy a copy of the book and at 12:02 the book was ours. All those poor saps who had reserved a copy were still waiting in the line to purchase their copies. What a wonderful turn of events. We were back home and ready for bed by 12:30! I guess all is well that ends well. And, Harry I sure hope you don't get it in the end!
Friday, July 20, 2007
A Day in the Life of a Cub Scout Mom
I knew that various camps for Colin this summer would help keep my sanity intact. What I failed to realize is that for Cub Scouts day camp, I would have to volunteer to help. This didn't really scare me when I signed up for the job. I figured I'd work the one day required and get the other three days free. What I didn't realize was how much I would have to pay on my one day of work.
The week before we had record setting heat with temperatures in the 100s. The week of camp, of course, it decides to pour rain and heat up to a scorching 60 degrees. Lovely! It rained solid the day I helped from 8:30 to 2:30 and when it did finally stop, the sun started to peek out just enough to make the field steamy and gross. I was absolutely miserable!
What cheesed me the most was that everyone else who was doing a craft or learning activity had either a shelter or an open tent set up to keep them dry. Oh no, not me! I had to play a game in the grass with absolutely no cover whatsoever. By about 10am my REI rain anorak was soaked and I looked like I had just stepped out of the shower with my clothes on. People offered me umbrellas, but how am I suppose to manage that while trying to bounce and catch a ball? Hello! I'm pretty sure I am on someone's bad side since I got put in this detail.
What's worse than being outside all day in the drenching rain with seven different groups of cub scouts? Being outside all day in the drenching rain with seven different groups of cub scouts when the game you're playing is quite stupid and boring. Be sure that if an adult thinks a game is quite stupid and boring, the kids are surely going to think it's even more stupid and more boring. Moreover, we have this side of eternity, or 40 minutes, per group to keep them interested. Oh yea, this will work! I sure would like to meet with the person who thought that it was a good activity.
Somehow we managed to get through the day, mostly because we made up other, much more fun games to play with each den. Boy howdy, was I tired at 3:40 when we were all done. I could hardly collect my things, including my son, in order to go home to pass out. Once we got home, I ordered pizza and both of us to take baths to wash all of day camp down the drain. Neither Colin nor myself made it past 9pm that night! I think I'm either too old or too out of shape (or both) for this type of work. How come I couldn't get a sit down type of craft? My only saving grace was that I didn't have to go back for another day. Thank You, Jesus!
The week before we had record setting heat with temperatures in the 100s. The week of camp, of course, it decides to pour rain and heat up to a scorching 60 degrees. Lovely! It rained solid the day I helped from 8:30 to 2:30 and when it did finally stop, the sun started to peek out just enough to make the field steamy and gross. I was absolutely miserable!
What cheesed me the most was that everyone else who was doing a craft or learning activity had either a shelter or an open tent set up to keep them dry. Oh no, not me! I had to play a game in the grass with absolutely no cover whatsoever. By about 10am my REI rain anorak was soaked and I looked like I had just stepped out of the shower with my clothes on. People offered me umbrellas, but how am I suppose to manage that while trying to bounce and catch a ball? Hello! I'm pretty sure I am on someone's bad side since I got put in this detail.
What's worse than being outside all day in the drenching rain with seven different groups of cub scouts? Being outside all day in the drenching rain with seven different groups of cub scouts when the game you're playing is quite stupid and boring. Be sure that if an adult thinks a game is quite stupid and boring, the kids are surely going to think it's even more stupid and more boring. Moreover, we have this side of eternity, or 40 minutes, per group to keep them interested. Oh yea, this will work! I sure would like to meet with the person who thought that it was a good activity.
Somehow we managed to get through the day, mostly because we made up other, much more fun games to play with each den. Boy howdy, was I tired at 3:40 when we were all done. I could hardly collect my things, including my son, in order to go home to pass out. Once we got home, I ordered pizza and both of us to take baths to wash all of day camp down the drain. Neither Colin nor myself made it past 9pm that night! I think I'm either too old or too out of shape (or both) for this type of work. How come I couldn't get a sit down type of craft? My only saving grace was that I didn't have to go back for another day. Thank You, Jesus!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Week #3
This week has kicked my patooty! It really shouldn't have, since Colin had attended Vacation Bible School from 9-noon each day. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to have a couple hours a day to hear my own thoughts. It was the rest of the time that threatened to send me to the loony bin.
The week started off with a bang, since Matt had to travel to Denver for the first three days, During the school year, business travel isn't such a hardship. However, in the summer it's a
B-I-T-C-H, with a capital B. I am Manager On Duty 24/7. And, of course, everything goes wrong while the man of the house is absent, including the shed door and the downstairs toilet.
You would think, being a smart woman, I would lay as low as possible since I had no one to help. But, no, not me! On Monday, Colin had a friend over all day and then spends the night. Another friend comes over on Tuesday. On Wednesday, in addition to shuttling four children to and from VBS, we have Monday's friend over again. Friday I had to finally call for a "friend-over moratorium" because Thursday did me in when two very rowdy and rambunctious neighbor kids came over and made huge mess in my front yard after engaging Colin in a massive water fight.
Have I mentioned that on Wednesday this week the mercury topped 100 degrees at my house? No? Well, it was freakin' hot! So hot you could have fried an egg... on my forehead! The only saving graces were that for one, it was a dry heat, and two, we have air conditioning in our house. Then, to add insult to injury, when it did finally cool down we had thunderstorms that made the humidity very high.
Friday seem to give promise of better days with cooler weather and fun times playing mini-golf with Colin. However, it turned out to be a short respite of good in another wise crappy week. When picking up Lani from doggy daycare, the owner told me that she had gotten into a scuffle with another dog, a first-time Dalmatian. My precious little Lani, in a fight? Never! But, she does have a couple bite wounds and a quarter inch tear on her ear.
Apparently during a game of tag, Lani's space was violated sho she growled and the Dalmatian took it the wrong way and the scuffle ensued. I guess the other dog got it worse. This is so weird because Lani has never had any issues with any other dogs and submits to anything that moves. She's an angel at daycare and everybody who works at the kennel knows her and loves her - she is on the front cover of the daycare brochure, for gosh sakes! All I can say is that it had to have been something with the other dog. I've never really like Dalmatians - too high strung. I can only hope that it won't come back for a second time.
Luckily the week is now over and I have made it to the weekend. Even one better is that Matt is taking Colin to Table Mountain for the annual star party for Saturday and Sunday and leaving me and Muhammed Ali (Lani) all by ourselves. Ahhh... 36 hours to rest, renew and regenerate before heading into week #4 of summer vacation. Can't wait to see what's in store for me next week!
The week started off with a bang, since Matt had to travel to Denver for the first three days, During the school year, business travel isn't such a hardship. However, in the summer it's a
B-I-T-C-H, with a capital B. I am Manager On Duty 24/7. And, of course, everything goes wrong while the man of the house is absent, including the shed door and the downstairs toilet.
You would think, being a smart woman, I would lay as low as possible since I had no one to help. But, no, not me! On Monday, Colin had a friend over all day and then spends the night. Another friend comes over on Tuesday. On Wednesday, in addition to shuttling four children to and from VBS, we have Monday's friend over again. Friday I had to finally call for a "friend-over moratorium" because Thursday did me in when two very rowdy and rambunctious neighbor kids came over and made huge mess in my front yard after engaging Colin in a massive water fight.
Have I mentioned that on Wednesday this week the mercury topped 100 degrees at my house? No? Well, it was freakin' hot! So hot you could have fried an egg... on my forehead! The only saving graces were that for one, it was a dry heat, and two, we have air conditioning in our house. Then, to add insult to injury, when it did finally cool down we had thunderstorms that made the humidity very high.
Friday seem to give promise of better days with cooler weather and fun times playing mini-golf with Colin. However, it turned out to be a short respite of good in another wise crappy week. When picking up Lani from doggy daycare, the owner told me that she had gotten into a scuffle with another dog, a first-time Dalmatian. My precious little Lani, in a fight? Never! But, she does have a couple bite wounds and a quarter inch tear on her ear.
Apparently during a game of tag, Lani's space was violated sho she growled and the Dalmatian took it the wrong way and the scuffle ensued. I guess the other dog got it worse. This is so weird because Lani has never had any issues with any other dogs and submits to anything that moves. She's an angel at daycare and everybody who works at the kennel knows her and loves her - she is on the front cover of the daycare brochure, for gosh sakes! All I can say is that it had to have been something with the other dog. I've never really like Dalmatians - too high strung. I can only hope that it won't come back for a second time.
Luckily the week is now over and I have made it to the weekend. Even one better is that Matt is taking Colin to Table Mountain for the annual star party for Saturday and Sunday and leaving me and Muhammed Ali (Lani) all by ourselves. Ahhh... 36 hours to rest, renew and regenerate before heading into week #4 of summer vacation. Can't wait to see what's in store for me next week!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy July Fourth?
Although I’m most grateful that I live in the land of the free and home of the brave and I truly honor and respect all those in harms way fighting for those freedoms, I’m just not feeling patriotic this year because of all the stupidity that’s being wavered by our government across this great land of ours. It’s also hard to get excited about America, when we as a country turn our backs to the many countries that don’t even enjoy basic human rights. But, I suppose that I can’t change the world in one day, and I do love a good BBQ with friends and a spectacular display of fireworks.
Sporting my very unpatriotic outfit of black and pink and armored with a few good bottles of wine and apple pie, I happily venture over to some very dear friends house with Colin and Matt in tow. They had a fantastic spread of appetizers, corn on the cob, salads, cornbread and wonderfully BBQ’d ribs. Good company too, with lots of fellow Cub Scout families and other nice neighbors we met. It was shaping up to be a nice mellow celebration, just what I was in the mood for.
The kids were so excited to get started on fireworks and since we had a huge stash of ammunition that was going to last a long time, we finally broke down and let that part of the evening start around 9pm. Smoke bombs, sparklers, roman candles, some pretty mortar shells, all lovely, safe and sane. Just towards the end of our fireworks fest as we were enjoying what we dubbed our grand finale, things started to turn. A different neighbor that was not part of our group decides to light off a big box type charge that was supposed to shoot mortars into the sky. After he lit the fuse, the box tipped over so it shot the fireworks out the side. One charge went straight toward another house, one barely missed our friend and host, and some others landed underneath the cars that were parked in the driveway. Everyone started screaming and running for either cover or for their children.
Once we determined that no one was hurt, we immediately hosed down the truck that the shells had landed under. As the crisis was unfolding and I was trying to process what was happening, I had envisioned vehicles blowing up much like I've seen in the movies. It was terrifying! Everyone was pretty shaken up.
After a few minutes and a few deep breaths, we collected our thoughts, said our prayers, changed our underwear and resumed the festivities. Then, the unthinkable happened. That same neighbor lit another one of the same type of firework that went crazy, and that one did the very same thing, only this time it caused injuries along with the panic. I couldn’t believe it when it started shooting shells into the group of kids. I was running to find Colin and all I heard was Matt yelling at the top of his lungs to turn the water on. Luckily I had collected some sense and was near the water faucet. Immediately after that I found Matt dowsing Colin’s forearm with water and I could see a powder burn mark. Now, I’m freaking out, so much that I don’t even realize that Lillan, 6 years old, got burned on her shoulder, and Kelcie, 12 years old, got burned right next to her eye.
I was trying so hard not to panic and help Colin control his panic attack. (Getting hit by fireworks is not good for kids with generalized anxiety disorder.) However, all my mind could see was 3rd degree burns and paramedics, not to mention cars blowing up again. Matt, bless his heart, was the cool, calm and collect parent and later I appreciated his taking control although not before wanting to wring his neck for not wanting to take Colin to the ER. I was not the only mother that went into maternal panic, as Ellen wanted seriously to call the Fire Dept or Police or somebody, for goodness sake!
Three ice packs and a few rounds of Ibuprofen later, we realized that the burns weren’t serious and that they would heal just fine. Now whether all of our psyches would heal or not still remained a question. And, I think it’s going to take some time because afterwards we all would jump every time we saw fireworks being set off. Colin also repeated many times that he now hated fireworks and that he was never going to do them again as long as he lived. Now, granted it was a bit dramatic, but I couldn’t agree with him more. I’m now convinced to leaving the firework launching to the professionals.
What’s even more amazing was that Kelcie ended up getting hit again with another firework when everybody was cleaning up and going home. She was helping one of the ladies pack her van with some of the baby things she had brought and she got hit with a wayward bottle rocket. We have no idea where it came from or who was still shooting off fireworks because everyone in their cul-de-sac was done and sweeping up the carnage. Poor girl! Her nerves were completely shattered after that.
So, Happy Fourth of July? I think not! I say Happy Fifth of July! Thank God the Fourth is over!
Sporting my very unpatriotic outfit of black and pink and armored with a few good bottles of wine and apple pie, I happily venture over to some very dear friends house with Colin and Matt in tow. They had a fantastic spread of appetizers, corn on the cob, salads, cornbread and wonderfully BBQ’d ribs. Good company too, with lots of fellow Cub Scout families and other nice neighbors we met. It was shaping up to be a nice mellow celebration, just what I was in the mood for.
The kids were so excited to get started on fireworks and since we had a huge stash of ammunition that was going to last a long time, we finally broke down and let that part of the evening start around 9pm. Smoke bombs, sparklers, roman candles, some pretty mortar shells, all lovely, safe and sane. Just towards the end of our fireworks fest as we were enjoying what we dubbed our grand finale, things started to turn. A different neighbor that was not part of our group decides to light off a big box type charge that was supposed to shoot mortars into the sky. After he lit the fuse, the box tipped over so it shot the fireworks out the side. One charge went straight toward another house, one barely missed our friend and host, and some others landed underneath the cars that were parked in the driveway. Everyone started screaming and running for either cover or for their children.
Once we determined that no one was hurt, we immediately hosed down the truck that the shells had landed under. As the crisis was unfolding and I was trying to process what was happening, I had envisioned vehicles blowing up much like I've seen in the movies. It was terrifying! Everyone was pretty shaken up.
After a few minutes and a few deep breaths, we collected our thoughts, said our prayers, changed our underwear and resumed the festivities. Then, the unthinkable happened. That same neighbor lit another one of the same type of firework that went crazy, and that one did the very same thing, only this time it caused injuries along with the panic. I couldn’t believe it when it started shooting shells into the group of kids. I was running to find Colin and all I heard was Matt yelling at the top of his lungs to turn the water on. Luckily I had collected some sense and was near the water faucet. Immediately after that I found Matt dowsing Colin’s forearm with water and I could see a powder burn mark. Now, I’m freaking out, so much that I don’t even realize that Lillan, 6 years old, got burned on her shoulder, and Kelcie, 12 years old, got burned right next to her eye.
I was trying so hard not to panic and help Colin control his panic attack. (Getting hit by fireworks is not good for kids with generalized anxiety disorder.) However, all my mind could see was 3rd degree burns and paramedics, not to mention cars blowing up again. Matt, bless his heart, was the cool, calm and collect parent and later I appreciated his taking control although not before wanting to wring his neck for not wanting to take Colin to the ER. I was not the only mother that went into maternal panic, as Ellen wanted seriously to call the Fire Dept or Police or somebody, for goodness sake!
Three ice packs and a few rounds of Ibuprofen later, we realized that the burns weren’t serious and that they would heal just fine. Now whether all of our psyches would heal or not still remained a question. And, I think it’s going to take some time because afterwards we all would jump every time we saw fireworks being set off. Colin also repeated many times that he now hated fireworks and that he was never going to do them again as long as he lived. Now, granted it was a bit dramatic, but I couldn’t agree with him more. I’m now convinced to leaving the firework launching to the professionals.
What’s even more amazing was that Kelcie ended up getting hit again with another firework when everybody was cleaning up and going home. She was helping one of the ladies pack her van with some of the baby things she had brought and she got hit with a wayward bottle rocket. We have no idea where it came from or who was still shooting off fireworks because everyone in their cul-de-sac was done and sweeping up the carnage. Poor girl! Her nerves were completely shattered after that.
So, Happy Fourth of July? I think not! I say Happy Fifth of July! Thank God the Fourth is over!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Day Six - Eleven
Only six days after school let out, we find ourselves taking our first road trip of the summer. We packed the people and the dog into the overloaded SUV and headed for the ocean for a couple of days of R&R. We had a fabulous time! The weather on the first day was horrible. But after one stormy day, the sunshine and warm weather returned and we all took full advantage.
Since I had never been up to the Westport lighthouse, Colin demanded that I accompany him & Matt on their adventure. We rode our bikes the quarter mile it takes to get there, and hiked up the 100+ steps to the top. Walking up wasn't a problem, it was coming down that sent me for a loop. I don't like heights when I'm on stairs, as it gives me the willy nillys. But, I tredged down very slowly working through being weak in the knees. I will say that it was worth the trouble. The view from a top is fantastic!
One of my favorite things to do at the beach is when all three of us play fetch with Lani in the waves. Colin will play his usual chase and run away from the waves, although in the summer he's more flexible with letting the waves get him. Matt will throw a tennis ball into the water and Lani will leap and bound with great abandon into the surf to bring the ball back to him. Sometimes I'll participate in these activities, however mostly I just love watch and treasure the moment. It also depends on how cold the water is.
There wasn't too much wind while the weather was nice. The boys were able to get the kites in the air at one point. The lack of wind made excellent conditions for having a campfire on the beach and roasting marshmallows to make s'mores, my second favorite thing to do. While we waited for the appropriate roasting coals to emerge, we were treated to the most beautiful sunset I've seen in Westport. I was completely mesmorized.
Other activities we did that rounded out a perfect summer retreat were swimming in the very nicely heated pool, my third favorite thing to do, and BBQ'ing on the deck. At the insistance of Colin, we went bowling and ate pizza at the local bowling alley. One day we had a lovely picnic lunch and afterward tried to build a replica of Windsor castle out of sand, which by the way, failed miserably. I guess we won't be entering in the next local sand castle competition anytime soon.
Matt took the opportunity to do his favorite new beach hobby - surfing. He tried to get Colin to come surf with him as he has done before, but Colin wasn't in the mood for squeezing into a wetsuit. Who could blame him! Hanging ten is not on my list of favorite things to do, so I more wisely chose to work on my scrapbook instead. With scrapbooking, I can enjoy the view and not worry too much about, well... injury or death.
All too soon our time at the beach had come to an end. We had such a nice time that I did not want to leave. Of course, I usually never want to leave the beach. This instance was worse than usual. Perhaps it is because I knew the summer break chaos that awaits me upon my return.
Since I had never been up to the Westport lighthouse, Colin demanded that I accompany him & Matt on their adventure. We rode our bikes the quarter mile it takes to get there, and hiked up the 100+ steps to the top. Walking up wasn't a problem, it was coming down that sent me for a loop. I don't like heights when I'm on stairs, as it gives me the willy nillys. But, I tredged down very slowly working through being weak in the knees. I will say that it was worth the trouble. The view from a top is fantastic!
One of my favorite things to do at the beach is when all three of us play fetch with Lani in the waves. Colin will play his usual chase and run away from the waves, although in the summer he's more flexible with letting the waves get him. Matt will throw a tennis ball into the water and Lani will leap and bound with great abandon into the surf to bring the ball back to him. Sometimes I'll participate in these activities, however mostly I just love watch and treasure the moment. It also depends on how cold the water is.
There wasn't too much wind while the weather was nice. The boys were able to get the kites in the air at one point. The lack of wind made excellent conditions for having a campfire on the beach and roasting marshmallows to make s'mores, my second favorite thing to do. While we waited for the appropriate roasting coals to emerge, we were treated to the most beautiful sunset I've seen in Westport. I was completely mesmorized.
Other activities we did that rounded out a perfect summer retreat were swimming in the very nicely heated pool, my third favorite thing to do, and BBQ'ing on the deck. At the insistance of Colin, we went bowling and ate pizza at the local bowling alley. One day we had a lovely picnic lunch and afterward tried to build a replica of Windsor castle out of sand, which by the way, failed miserably. I guess we won't be entering in the next local sand castle competition anytime soon.
Matt took the opportunity to do his favorite new beach hobby - surfing. He tried to get Colin to come surf with him as he has done before, but Colin wasn't in the mood for squeezing into a wetsuit. Who could blame him! Hanging ten is not on my list of favorite things to do, so I more wisely chose to work on my scrapbook instead. With scrapbooking, I can enjoy the view and not worry too much about, well... injury or death.
All too soon our time at the beach had come to an end. We had such a nice time that I did not want to leave. Of course, I usually never want to leave the beach. This instance was worse than usual. Perhaps it is because I knew the summer break chaos that awaits me upon my return.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Days Two and Three
Ahhhh - The Weekend
Weekends in the summer take on a whole new meaning... they mean, I have help. Although Colin was still his usual high energy self this weekend, I think the novelty of the last day of school had wore off. Thank goodness! Plus, I think we tired him out by taking him to the drive-in movies Friday to see Pirates of the Caribbean, and thus making him stay up late. Since the movie didn't start until it was dark around 9:30pm, it was super late when we got home. He fell asleep in the back of the car before the movie had finished. I couldn't figure out if it was that he was tired or that the movie was stupid. I mean really stupid!
Saturday night, the three of us went to the wedding of a dear friend from college. She finally got hitched! Actually, I'm thrilled she waited all this time, because it seems like she landed a pretty nice guy. Colin didn't really appreciate being invited to wedding. Go figure! I guess there was no Yu-Gi-Oh! theme happening. He did rather enjoy the quite lovely portable toilet trailer parked outside the reception hall at the golf course, as he kept asking to go outside to use the bathroom. He did also enjoy the berry infused punch that they were serving and made many trips to refill. Hmmm...
Sunday started out pretty low-key. Colin went to a friend's birthday party down at the park by the lake where they got to play some baseball. He had a fabulous time. Shortly thereafter things got a little wild. We had a thunderstorm roll through our area that rivaled a good storm from back east. (And, I know, cause I was just back there!) It got very dark & windy, and the rain & hail was coming down in sheets. The thunder and lightening were right on top of us and you could see the lightning bolts right in front of you striking all the way to the ground. They even issued a severe thunderstorm warning on the radio, which I have never heard before for our area. Everybody was like, "cool!" Apparently we northwesterners are very easily entertained.
Later that evening Colin went to spend the night at his friend's house for his very first sleepover! Wow! Matt & I are left with much time to ourselves. Whatever shall we do! Party! Our idea of a party, you ask? Watching three, count 'em three, DVD's at home. I know, all too crazy! Honestly, it was shear bliss not to be interrupted or have to wait until after Colin's bedtime. We watched Stranger Than Fiction - good, The Queen - excellent, & Casino Royale - OK.
Ok, I get it! Lots of sleepovers... I just might survive this summer after all. Of course, the key is to remain sane when the gang sleeps over at my house.
Weekends in the summer take on a whole new meaning... they mean, I have help. Although Colin was still his usual high energy self this weekend, I think the novelty of the last day of school had wore off. Thank goodness! Plus, I think we tired him out by taking him to the drive-in movies Friday to see Pirates of the Caribbean, and thus making him stay up late. Since the movie didn't start until it was dark around 9:30pm, it was super late when we got home. He fell asleep in the back of the car before the movie had finished. I couldn't figure out if it was that he was tired or that the movie was stupid. I mean really stupid!
Saturday night, the three of us went to the wedding of a dear friend from college. She finally got hitched! Actually, I'm thrilled she waited all this time, because it seems like she landed a pretty nice guy. Colin didn't really appreciate being invited to wedding. Go figure! I guess there was no Yu-Gi-Oh! theme happening. He did rather enjoy the quite lovely portable toilet trailer parked outside the reception hall at the golf course, as he kept asking to go outside to use the bathroom. He did also enjoy the berry infused punch that they were serving and made many trips to refill. Hmmm...
Sunday started out pretty low-key. Colin went to a friend's birthday party down at the park by the lake where they got to play some baseball. He had a fabulous time. Shortly thereafter things got a little wild. We had a thunderstorm roll through our area that rivaled a good storm from back east. (And, I know, cause I was just back there!) It got very dark & windy, and the rain & hail was coming down in sheets. The thunder and lightening were right on top of us and you could see the lightning bolts right in front of you striking all the way to the ground. They even issued a severe thunderstorm warning on the radio, which I have never heard before for our area. Everybody was like, "cool!" Apparently we northwesterners are very easily entertained.
Later that evening Colin went to spend the night at his friend's house for his very first sleepover! Wow! Matt & I are left with much time to ourselves. Whatever shall we do! Party! Our idea of a party, you ask? Watching three, count 'em three, DVD's at home. I know, all too crazy! Honestly, it was shear bliss not to be interrupted or have to wait until after Colin's bedtime. We watched Stranger Than Fiction - good, The Queen - excellent, & Casino Royale - OK.
Ok, I get it! Lots of sleepovers... I just might survive this summer after all. Of course, the key is to remain sane when the gang sleeps over at my house.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Day One
Today is the last day of school for the year or otherwise known as the last day of sanity as I have known it for the past 10 months. Even at that, it was only a half a day of sanity since the kids got out of school at 12:30. They didn’t even serve them lunch! My guess is the teachers are set and ready to boot them out the door, as the moms are most likely grabbing for that extra dose of valium as we speak.
What’s most funny is that you wouldn’t even need to look at the calendar to see that it’s the last day of school. Just watching these little crazy monkey people from mars expend enough energy to power an entire city is making me dread the next ten weeks. Summer camps… oh how I love thee.
Somehow I have had the pleasure of hosting the ad-hoc end of the year hyper fest. First it started with one neighbor boy coming over to the house. Then the doorbell rings with another friend wanting to play. Three’s a crowd in my smaller-sized house without a basement, so I sent them outside. Now there’s a crowd of 10+ neighbor kids hanging out in front of my driveway, all fighting over some game they’ve made up using a toy stomp rocket. Even the home-school kids are on fire! Have I mentioned yet that I’m the only mom out here?
As I am sitting on my porch planning my 5pm cocktail, I’m noticing that the gang of five 8 year olds that live in and around the cul-de-sac have taken up a gentle round of "smack the heck out of each other with light sabers". Something tells me this should end well. (if no one ends up in the ER!) Yep, first casualty has run into his house crying. Glass of wine or maybe I’ll just open up that bottle of Kentucky Bourbon.
What’s most funny is that you wouldn’t even need to look at the calendar to see that it’s the last day of school. Just watching these little crazy monkey people from mars expend enough energy to power an entire city is making me dread the next ten weeks. Summer camps… oh how I love thee.
Somehow I have had the pleasure of hosting the ad-hoc end of the year hyper fest. First it started with one neighbor boy coming over to the house. Then the doorbell rings with another friend wanting to play. Three’s a crowd in my smaller-sized house without a basement, so I sent them outside. Now there’s a crowd of 10+ neighbor kids hanging out in front of my driveway, all fighting over some game they’ve made up using a toy stomp rocket. Even the home-school kids are on fire! Have I mentioned yet that I’m the only mom out here?
As I am sitting on my porch planning my 5pm cocktail, I’m noticing that the gang of five 8 year olds that live in and around the cul-de-sac have taken up a gentle round of "smack the heck out of each other with light sabers". Something tells me this should end well. (if no one ends up in the ER!) Yep, first casualty has run into his house crying. Glass of wine or maybe I’ll just open up that bottle of Kentucky Bourbon.
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