WOW!!!

GOSH!  I knew I hadn't posted in a while.  I think of it often and then just run out of time or neglect it all together. 
Sooo.....Hmmm....September was busy.  What month isn't for us!?!?  Dylan started playing football this year. We didn't expect him to play much since it's his first year, but....he's been playing a LOT!  Every single game, most of the game!  So therefore, we go to every game.  Kayla has band practice, Dylan has football practice, Saturdays were band competitions AND cross country meets (because Dylan didn't want to give that up just because he was playing football), Thursdays are the middle school games and then of course Fridays are the high school games.  We have only went to the home ones this year.  Since Alex graduated - even though the band plays - we don't travel for that anymore. 
Mondays are boy scouts, but Tim usually takes him to that.  I do A LOT of running! 
Here's the rundown:
* Dylan *
M & T - Dylan has practice from after school til 5:30
Wed - football til 5:00
Thurs - game
Fri - off
Sat - Cross Country meet

* Kayla*
M & W - practice after school til 5
T & Th - she comes home from school and has to go back to school at 5 for practice from 5-7
Friday - football game (if they go, there have been some they have skipped)
Sat - Band Competition

Throw in Boy Scouts which is on Monday evenings, my book club which is the first Thurs of each month and the church ladies meeting which is the second Tuesday of each month and that's a pretty full schedule!!!   I do manage to cook every day, except when Dylan's Thursday game is away.  That day we eat out.   Whew!  I'm tired just typing and reading this!!!!   I wouldn't have it any other way though.
One day, all too soon, this will all be done and I'll be home all evening every day and I'll be bored out of my mind.  :)

Alex is doing well at college.  Don't have any grades yet, but he seems to be doing fine and not having any trouble.  Does his homework, etc.  Loves track.  Comes home quite a bit, but that is fine by me!

I guess I'll sign off for now and try not to wait so long til next time.  Cade is getting impatient, needs changed and the washer just stopped.  Life calls!!!!
See ya!

Monday.....again?!

     The second day of school went better for Kayla.  Turns out the test wasn't for a grade.  Still worried though.  She has already talked to the NICE teacher that does tutoring and she's going to start staying one day a week right now until band practice is over, then she will stay two days a week after school.  I don't think she charges anything, so she will be getting a NICE Christmas present from me if she can get Kayla through this class!
    Alex came in this past weekend for a fellow scouts Eagle Ceremony.  Austin Redd.  Very nice ceremony.  Touching moment by Tina.  I cried. 
     Saturday we went to see Lee Daniels The Butler.  It was VERY good!!!  Loved it.  Then went out to dinner at La Roca.  Mom and dad went with us.  Nice evening.  Yesterday was church and I fixed a big lunch before Alex headed back to school.  Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, peas and hot fudge cake for dessert! 
     Today, not much going on.  Laundry, a little cleaning up and praying for Rachel Martin.  She is Kayla's age and we've known her since kindergarten.  They are in Pittsburgh right now to see specialists about her heart.  She may have to have open heart surgery!  Crazy!  I pray there is another answer.  I pray she's okay and makes a complete recovery.
     Better run.....washer kicked off and it's time for mine and Cade's walk!
     Have a great Monday!

UGH!!

Well the first day of school went well for Dylan, but Kayla....not so much.  I was worried about her English class because she had the same teacher last year and she was awful.  Turns out...the bigger problem is probably going to be her Algebra II teacher.  He's awful.  Always has been.  Been there for over 25 years.  Nobody can do anything with him.  Here are a few things that he told her class yesterday....1) I'm not gonna stand up here and teach.  You have a laptop, your textbook is online and if you have a question, watch the tutorial on there.  2) If you don't pass my class with an A or a B, you might as well forget college.  3) Test tomorrow on everything you know.  And it's for a grade.    Now....I understand giving them a test to see what they know, BUT some of these kids haven't had Algebra in two years!!!  No review and nothing to study!!!!  I am SOOOO MAD!!!  Kayla was in tears at dinner.  She's so stressed.  Math isn't her strong suit anyway and now this idiot is slamming them down before they ever get started!!!!  I really, really had to talk myself out of making a call or sending an email.  I prayed about it.  Asked for some advice.  Then decided against doing anything right now except getting her a tutor right away!  This goes against my nature and my first instincts, but Kayla insists (and Tim agreed) that if I cause a stink it will only make it worse for her in class.  I know this is true, but what he's doing is WRONG!  However, he's been doing it for so long and no one can do anything about it.  I've heard others have tried.  Basically we have to put up with it the best we can.  It's sad.  Pathetic.  But...I'm resolving to keep my mouth shut for her sake. For now.......

2013 First Day

     Today is the first day of school!!!  I used to be so excited for this day!  This year (and last year too, actually) not so much.  It seems we didn't hardly have a summer.  We didn't go on vacation because of the cruise we took over spring break.  Dylan had practices off and on all summer.  Kayla had band all summer.  I was constantly running them from here to there and back again.  Of course I had Cade, so there was no sleeping in. 
     Anywhoooo....now I officially have a college freshman,  A high school sophomore and a 7th grader.  I just can't believe it!  Craziness!  Well...the craziness is just beginning.  LOL  I have put all the schedules on the calendar now and what a mess!  Between Thursday night middle school football games, Friday night football games (home only since I'll just be going to see the band now), Saturday morning cross country meets and Saturday afternoon band competitions we're going to be VERY busy!!!  Oh and Alex has decided to run indoor track in college.  Hmmm....not even sure when that is or where or anything yet! 
     Well, enough "talking" I guess I better get moving.  Gotta go get the camera ready for the "first day" pics. 
     Later!!!

He's gone.....

     Saturday the 17th of August, 2013 was the day that we dropped our boy at college.  I am officially the parent of a college student.  How did THAT happen!?!?  I was actually fine with it.  I think it was because it wasn't the first time he'd been away from home.  He's been gone 5-6 weeks every summer for the past three years.  So I wasn't worried about him being away.  He's very social and will talk to anyone, so I wasn't worried about that either. 
     We got him moved in, got the parking pass, paid the tuition, got the mailbox, went to the welcome meeting, went to the welcome BBQ and left him there confidently.  His roommate hadn't shown up by the time we left, so we figured he must not be a freshman, since that's all that came on that day.   Next day....still no roommate.  This bothered me a little because I felt like he was lonely. Next day was long for him and he ate meals alone.  Okay now I'm REALLY bothered.  My poor social boy was lonely and I hated it!!!   I think yesterday was somewhat better because he started classes, but he still doesn't have a roommate.  I sort of think it could be a good thing (no roommate problems if you don't have one!), but also....he isn't getting the interaction.  Soooo....this momma is a lil worried.  Feeling sorry for my boy.  :(   
     He started his classes yesterday and he texted after the first class which was English (and not his favorite subject).   He said it was 95% athletes, so he thinks it may not be a hard class!  LOL   Okay in all of them, but is a little concerned with Biology.  I can't wait for him to come home on Friday!  He wouldn't be coming home so soon, but a friend is having his Eagle Scout Ceremony Friday night and he wants to be here for that.  I'm glad. 
     Now....what kind of treat can I make him to cheer him up???    :)

Cleaning Machine!

     I knew it had been a while since I posted!  Didn't realize exactly how long though.  I'm still doing better than I have in the past.  lol  
    Well here I sit at 4:45 am because I am wide awake.  This is getting old.  Really old, really fast.  Okay, maybe not so fast...it's been going on for years, but I get good sleep randomly sometimes. Lately...not so much.  Decided to change up the meds last night because I've been having more trouble than usual lately, but that definitely didn't work.  I've slept about 2 1/2 hours all night.  Grrr....
     Okay, so what have I been up to?   This week, lots and lots of cleaning!  I found out last Thursday when Shannon came to pick up Cade, that they were going to the beach and I wouldn't have him all this week.  Yay! I've the little bugger, but it's nice to get some time off and get to sleep in a little! 
So....have I been relaxing by the pool?  Shopping every day?  Laying in bed and leisurely reading?  NO!  I've been a cleaning machine!!!  I decided to use this time "off" by getting some big cleaning things done that are harder to do when he's around.  The kids rooms were a mess and I needed them to go through all their clothes before school starts anyway, so I sent them off to their rooms.  What we've ended up doing is:  Going through all drawers and closets to weed out all clothing that doesn't fit, is worn out or they just don't wear.  By the way...FIVE large trash bags went to Goodwill.  Then I made them clean everything!  I rearranged furniture, vacuumed behind, under, etc.  Washed all bedding, including comforters, dust ruffles, etc!  Dylan and Kayla's rooms are done.  Alex is still working on his.  He had a lot of crap to go through.  He's a bit of a hoarder!  LOL  He still had books, papers, etc from as far back as elementary school in his room!  He's done really well trashing things, but it just takes him SO long!  Today is day 4 of this process for him!  Kayla's was done in one day and Dylan's was done in a couple of hours!    Anywhooo....I've also managed to clean out and scrub down the pantry.  Cleaned out the coat closet.  Cleaned my closet - which was no small feat.  Today, I'm planning to get caught up on the rest of the house.  The regular stuff I haven't done this week because of all the deep cleaning.  So today's schedule will be:  cleaning all bathrooms, cleaning kitchen, vacuuming, swiffering, dusting and then stripping my room and washing all bedding. 
     As for what I've cooked this week....let's see....Monday was BBQ's and sweet potato fries.  Tuesday, manicotti and garlic bread.  Wednesday, taco meatloaf, roasted potatoes and mixed steamed veggies.  Today...not sure yet. 
     Well, I think I'll get off here and get started on a few things.  Maybe I'll get tired and can go back to bed!
   

Good Morning!

I actually hate mornings!  The ones when I have to get up early anyway.  I love Cade and I miss him when he's gone, but man I miss sleeping in!  Anyway....What have I been up to?  Let's see:
Alex came on last Sunday!!!  I'm so happy to have him home for a while.  :)   I like having all my chicks in the nest, under my wings.  I'm really going to miss him when he leaves for school.  I think I've gotten "most" of what he needs.  "Dorm" stuff.  Comforter, sheets, towels, washrags, stocked up on toiletries, a few snacks, laundry detergent, fabric softener, first aid stuff, etc.  I even bought cough drops, Motrin, Zicam, etc for when he starts to feel a cold coming on.  OH and hand wash!  LOL  Those that know me, know how important that is!  I'm under no illusion that he'll use it though.  :)

In other news....hmm....not much going on.  Band camp started this week for Kayla so she's gone from 9-2 every day.  Alex and Dylan have been hanging out some.  Alex even took him to the pool with him on Monday!  Last night they had their cousins spend the night.  Swam.  Rented movies.  They're still sleeping right now. Cade's been pretty quiet this morning, so he hasn't woken them up....yet! 

As for me...well...I'm still trying to lose ten more pounds.  I lost it all last summer and around four months ago I gained 10-12 back and I cannot get it to move!  It's making me so mad!  I'm eating terrible. IF I snack at all it's something I'm "allowed" to have or if it's not, I skip something else to make up for it.  AND....I've been walking!  Grrr......
Dinners this week, so far have consisted of:  Monday- scout cook out here, so it was hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad and desserts.  Tuesday- Breakfast casserole, biscuits and gravy.  Today- BBQ meatballs, mashed potatoes and fresh corn on the cob a friend gave us yesterday. 

I guess I'm signing off for now.  I need to wake up Kayla to get ready for band, walk my mile with Cade, clean bathrooms and FORCE myself to do the dreaded bills that I keep putting off.

See ya!

No Cade today!

     I have today off from babysitting and I always have Fridays off, so welcome four day weekend!  Today I'm finishing making the zucchini bread.  I'll have nine loaves in the freezer (5 regular and 4 chocolate) and we will have consumed three.  LOL  Not me!  I've had two or three pieces over three days and the rest have been the kids and Tim!
     I need to clean these wood floors really bad, so when the last loaves come out of the oven, I'm steam mopping!  I think I can make time to lay out and read a little today too.  Yay me!  Oh, and of course laundry!  Last load is in now.  See ya!

Wednesday

Wow.  Didn't realize it had been several days already since I'd posted.  Busy, busy, busy.  Let's see.....since I last posted, can I even remember what I did?  Last Friday the kids and I went to the Wave Pool with Cathy and her kids.  A great time as always.  Man I miss having her around.  Wish she still lived here. 
Saturday we spent the day working around outside.  Tim and Kayla did the mowing and trimming here and at the church.  Kayla and I cleaned the church.  Dylan and I cleaned out the inside of the van and washed it.  Dylan pulled leaves and raked grass. (He needed to EARN some money for the fair this week).  Dropped the kids at the fair that evening and Tim and I went out to dinner. 
Sunday was lazy.  Yay!
Monday, Cade was back of course.  I did a little cleaning, Kayla and I played in the pool with Cade for a while, laundry, cooked dinner, then dropped the kids plus cousin at the fair again. 
Tuesday I was exhausted.  I've been trying to walk every day, but not sleeping is really wearing me down!  Skipped the walk today, but managed to make 6 loaves of zucchini bread out of the giant zucchini someone left on my porch last week along with some huge cucumbers.  I suspect it was my next door neighbor, but haven't seen him to ask.  Dropped the kids plus Jake and Bailey at the fair again, then they spent the night. 
Today:  Leaving the boys at home and taking Kayla for her orthodontist appointment with Bailey and Cade in tow.  Then we head to the  mall.  (See why the boys are staying home!?  lol)  Later, I'm sure I'll be dropping multiple people off at the fair! 
I think I'll list what I have cooked for dinner this week so far.....Mon- BBQ chicken on the grill, potato casserole and green beans.  Tues- Taco Ring and salsa rice.  Today- Roast in gravy, mashed potatoes and corn. 
So excited for Alex to come home this weekend!  He'll be home sometime Sunday.  I've missed that boy!  I have to enjoy the next four weeks because then....it will never be the same.  My life will be forever changed because he leaves for college.  Hmmm.....I think I'll do a post on that at a later time.
See ya!

Thursday

Sleepy!!!  Didn't sleep that great and now I'm getting ready to take a lil nap.  Cade is sleeping, so I'm going to take advantage of that today.  I've already gotten my walk in for the day and I have a full list after I get up from naptime.  Book Club is tonight and I'm ready!  Love those ladies and love my downtime with them.  I'm bringing snacks tonight, so I'm making cinnamon roll ups and chocolate fudge! 

Had a Great time with my best friend for life, Cathy, who is in from NC.  I miss her so much!  We only get to see each other a couple of times a year. We met at Fat Patty's for dinner last night and spent a good long time talking.  Miss that! 

Today, I hope to get the snacks made for Book Club, do a load of regular laundry, strip beds, wash sheets and put on clean ones and working a little in Dylan's room.  He's been at camp and comes home this evening.  I wanted to do a "semi" deep clean of his room while he was gone, but I haven't gotten it done yet. 

Tomorrow:  The Wave Pool with Cathy and her kids!!!!  Yay!

Until next time.........

Hello World!

Well here I go again.  I've tried many times to create a blog and I just never keep up with it.
 It's summer, so I would like to say I'm not as busy as usual, buuuut......It seems like it never stops anymore!  Alex is on week five at Boy Scout camp and this week Dylan is there too.  Kayla has been to California with FBLA this summer and has had some sleepovers too.  They've been to the pool, had friends over, Kayla's had band and next week the fair starts.  For the first time I bought the kids fair passes.  So I guess I'll be running every evening dropping and picking up next week! 
I guess that's all for now.  I was just trying to come up with some things to say to test this out.  Hope to be back soon!!!!