Merry Christmas....

With all I've had to do lately, writing an entry was the last thing on my mind. Then the egg nog kicked in and I thought, what the heck. It's only the 23rd. I've got another day to shop.

Yes, once again I procrastinated to the point where I had to do all of my shopping, baking, and cleaning during the last week of December. Honestly though, it doesn't bother me. I enjoy getting out with all the other cheerful shoppers, ("Excuse me sir, do you see what I see? The sign says 10 items or less....that roll of Lifesavers counts as #11 so move it!) wayward seniors, (Grandma didn't get run over by a reindeer, but the line of traffic she just pulled out in front of), and all of those adorable kids waiting in line to see Santa at the mall ("No Billy, you may not text Santa your list. You have to stand in line if you want to tell him what you want!") All in all it went rather well. I just got home from taking Hayley to finish up her shopping. She is a clever one....she had saved $80 for shopping and every time we went into a store she would say, "Awww, man....I left my wallet in the car!" And every time I'd reply with, "Well, aren't you lucky you have a mom that looks out for you. I just happened to put it in my purse!" She had to buy gifts for her dad and Betsy. She did really well....and afterward we went to lunch together. We had a great time talking and laughing....until the end when I reached for my bag and hit the straw in my half full glass of rootbeer. The look on her face was priceless as we, the table and floor were all drenched. She waited to laugh until I did....lol....and then we couldn't stop. We both walked out of there looking like we hadn't made it to the bathroom in time. Our shorts were soaked....

Yes, I said shorts. It's a balmy 78 degrees here in festive Florida. I'm telling you, it's not easy celebrating Christmas when it's hot and humid. I started baking cookies yesterday and turned the air to 74. It's been overcast and rainy for the past few days, so I just pretend a snow storm is coming and crank up the a/c. However, I will admit that it is much easier shopping without wearing a winter coat, boots, mittens....

As you can see by the pictures, Betsy got a car. She is thrilled with it and wouldn't you know, has managed to keep it in one piece! She graduated last week and is working full time now. She will be going to college in the spring which will be very interesting. They all want to be adults....but let's see what happens when your research paper is due and you have to work till close! Hayley is doing great. She got glasses and says she can finally see in class. I love them....except for the fact that they make her look  so darned mature! I let her pick them out herself....and what an ordeal that was. After about 40 minutes she had it narrowed down to two pairs....the ones I liked and the ones she liked. In the end I told her that she has to wear them, so she needs to choose what she wants. (btw, she chose the ones she liked!). She did really well with them too. Had them an entire week before losing them at church. She did find them a week later in the gymnasium....Twas' a Christmas miracle!!!!

As I sit here I'm thinking of all the things I have yet to do. I've got to wrap everything, finish making the cookies, clean up the mess I made in the kitchen whilst baking said cookies, iron the growing mountain of clothes that are piling up in my already crowded closet (ahhhh yes, my ironing habits haven't changed), and a miriad of other things. I didn't even send cards this year. Then again, I didn't get any either so that pretty much worked itself out. I need to go get my mom's gift (she's in Indiana for the holidays....and here's hoping she doesn't read this), and I also need to get my mother-in-law's gift. I should probably try to squeeze in a trip to the liquor store too....I'm thinking I'm going to need a bottle of "Christmas spirit" to help me make it to Monday.

I suppose that pretty much explains what's been happening around the JBCoupe household this Christmas season. Nothing very interesting....but I wrote about it anyway. Think of this entry as one of those annoying "holiday update" letters people send with their Christmas cards. You know the ones...."Tommy made the honor roll again this grading period. We are so  proud of our perfect little genius. Marcus got that partnership and is now knocking down $500k a year....and as for me, I've had a bit of stress this year. You just wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a size 5 anymore!" You just know that Tommy is cheating, Marcus is going bankrupt, and  the 5 she is referring to is her ring size.

So, to all of my friends and family who may read this, have a very Merry Christmas....and Happy New Year!

 

 

RIP Ananas Comosus....or....why didn't i pick the dang thing last week?

What a sad, sad day in the JBCoupe household. Three years....three long years of waiting, hoping and dreaming have come to a tragic end. Sometime during the early morning hours, our beloved pineapple plant was accosted....leaving nothing but a rotting corpse for me to find this morning. Needless to say, I was in total shock. I went out and surveyed the scene, not sure what to make of it all.

My eyes welled with tears as I sank to my knees, gently cradling my precious fruit. It's sweet smell still hanging in the air like perfume from the heavens. We sat like that for a while....just "piney", as I had grown accustom to calling him, and I. Cuddled together, we sat and I recalled how I had first heard about planting a pineapple top. The day I planted him in my little pot....and the moment he grew too big and I had to move him to the ground. Holding my sweet, tropical friend, I thought back to the day I saw him sprouting for the first time....the excitement I felt. I held him gently and stroked his lifeless fronds as I thought of the past three years, watching him thrive and grow.  Memories came flooding back....and a single tear ran down my cheek as I thought of the things that would never come. No happy day when I would proudly pick him from the plant. Dreams of pineapple upside down cake and fruit salad ripped away before their time. Gingerly, I laid him down and stood beside him. Offering up a small prayer I said my goodbye.

I know it will take time to get over this. My family will have to go without fruit for a while....I just don't think I can bring myself to walk through the produce aisle. The sight of all those ripe, healthy pineapples would just be too much. Driving past farmer's markets will cause my heart to skip a beat. I'm even dreading hearing the Spongebob theme.

I need to move on....I know. And I will. I just pray they catch the ba***rds who did this. I hope they choke on the sweet nectar that undoubtedly spurted out as they ruthlessly clawed at an innocent fruit. I hope their fur is matted beyond repair and it really, really hurts when they try to comb it out. And I hope that for the rest of their lives, they are haunted by the images of my innocentfriend....lying there, his life slipping away like the fructose draining from his cold body.  I have to believe justice will be served....unlike my piney, who will never have the chance to be served on a silver platter, cut into tropical shapes with a dollop of creme fraiche.

RIP Piney. I will miss you.

 

Ahhhh, sweet relief....

"It's the most wonderful tiiiiime of the yeeeeeeeear!!!!" No, I've not gone completely insane, singing Christmas carols in August. However, I am giddy with excitement being that my days are once again my own....I can take a shower without being interrupted 1743 times....and, most importantly, I can vacuume a room and it will stay footprint free for more than 10 seconds. What does this all mean? You guessed it....SCHOOL IS BACK BABY!!!!

I'll admit, I have had a twinge or two of sadness, seeing my baby go to middle school. She, however, loves it. She was a bit nervous that first day, with all of the class changes and such, but she got the hang of it quickly and is having a great time. As a matter of fact, she came home from school yesterday, hopped in the car and said, "I LOVE school!" (Yeah, the pessimist in me says give her two weeks....but I'm gonna bask in the glory of her uber-cheer for as long as it lasts). This is also the year that makeup is allowed. The only makeup she is wearing is a bit of pink on her lips and some gloss over it. One of her little friends is apparently "cosmetically challenged" and Hay said, "Mom, she is wearing way too much!" Atta girl Hay....you have learned the most important rule in facial adornment....less is more.

Betsy is starting her senior year....well, technically half year. She will graduate in December. She loves her classes as well, and was happy to be back. She started a new job too. Well, she started a new job, was released on her third day and hired 10 minutes later at the sandwich shop across the street. How's that for a busy night? She began working at Subway, but soon found out that the oregano on the crusty Italian bread may have been a different kind of herb....apparently half the employees were rolling more than just dough in the back room, and the other half were not snorting King Arthur. After her first night she talked to two other people at school who worked at Subway's in the area and they said the same thing. One girl who is a manager said she had to send someone home who came in high. Hmmmm, I guess we now know how Jared really lost all that weight! Anyway, her best bud works at the sandwich shop across the street and got her an interview. The manager hired her on the spot and she starts next week. She was pretty excited about that....as am I. She still has quite a few payments left on her car repairs!

As for me, I'm enjoying my days blissfully alone. I can sew in peace, clean in peace, do laundry in peace....maaaaaaan, I got the crap end of this deal didn't I? I think a massage is in order, pronto. Or maybe a nice, leisurely walk on the beach. Or perhaps I'll take a pottery class.  Or maybe I'll do what I normally do....spend hours staring at my computer screen, eating vanilla snack packs for lunch with popcicle chasers....

Well hey there!!!!

Wow....long time, no write!

It's been quite the summer. Busy as all heck and coming to a quick end. The girls have but 2 weeks until school begins *enter silent cheer of excitement here*, and I do believe they are looking forward to it. It's certainly going to be strange, having a middle schooler and a senior. Our lives are definitely changing.

Betsy has been looking for a new job recently. She's applied all around town. She needs some better hours for the school year, and more money to pay off her car repairs! I'm happy to report that she has kept the van on all four wheels, and hasn't hit anything as of late. Hayley has been having a great summer. She's been busy almost every week. Tomorrow starts a week of performance art camp. Definitely up her alley. Singing, dancing, acting, puppeteering, even behind the scenes work. I know she will have a great time.

Last night Jb, Betsy and I went to a Jacksonville Suns game. I've never been to the ball park here....a friend from work won 4 tickets on the local radio station, and asked me if I'd like to go, being that I'm a baseball freak! LOL....of course I said yes....then he invited Jb and Betsy as well. We had a great time. The guys talked, and Betsy and I laughed and bonded. We left at the top of the ninth, losing 8-5. I still haven't looked up the score to see who won! It's a beautiful park....I wouldn't mind going back to see another game, preferably when it isn't 99 degrees and humid as all get out! Thankfully we were in the shade, behind the dugout. Of course, around the bottom of the 8th a beautiful breeze started....you could hear the whole crowd sighing. It was pretty funny....it was bobble head night, so we all got one to take home. And when we came out, they were giving away free loaves of SaraLee bread. Now if I can just get tickets to peanut butter night, I'll be set!

Today was "homework day". Jb had a 1400 word paper for Business Law, and I had 3 assignments for my religion class. Boy, I thought that class would be a breeze....WRONG. It was an elective for Jb, and I told him I wouldn't mind doing it. I picked religion because I thought it would be interesting. Well, it's so heavy I have to read things three and four times before I understand it. I have my AOL dictionary open at all times....this week was, "Oasis of the mind....the psychology of religion". I got to learn about Freud's theory, Jung's theory, self actualization....better than last week on Shamanism and what modern religion has gained from it. Dang....here's hoping I pass!

My sister just left after being here for three weeks. She came to babysit London while we were away, then to relax for a few weeks. It was nice having her visit, and I think mom enjoyed the company. She's been kinda quiet since Jody left....I know she is lonely again. Hayley spent the night last night, which helped, and they swam for most of the day today.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer....staying cool and relaxing!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

::enter gif of fireworks here....lol::

Greetings from NC!!!!

We've been here a while now, and I've not been able to get within 2 feet of this computer. My aunt has her stepkids here and let's just say....if you want to keep your fingers, you won't be trying to get the keyboard from them! I have never seen anything like it....they start at noon, setting the timer in half hour intervals, and finish at 3 am. Yes, I said 3 am. Needless to say, the family and I have been doing a lot of sightseeing on our own this time! It has been a wonderful vacation, however, and we've been able to relax quite a bit.

Yesterday we spent the day in Waynesville (I thought of you Martha!!!!), and it was gorgeous. It's the most beautiful mountain town with the greatest little shops. My favorite shop, Old Brick House, has the best smelling candles in the world. Betsy bought me one for my birthday....Creme Brulee....and wow does it smell good! Hayley bought me a wooden carved cross with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, at my favorite Christmas shop. It's beautiful! After we were finished in town, they took me to the Moose Cafe for my birthday dinner. It was delicious! And wouldn't you know, the special that day was turkey and stuffing....my all time favorite! We came home and sat around talking and visiting....and by the time we remembered my birthday pie, it was too late for me to eat....so I'm thinking I may have to have some for breakfast! LOL. I had a great birthday....relaxing yet filled with several exciting moments. I loved it!

I'm not sure what is going on here today....this evening we have a neighborhood party to go to at the clubhouse, and of course, tons of fireworks after that. It should be fun.

Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes!!!! I can't believe you all remembered....heck, at this age I can't believe I remembered it was my birthday! LOL....oh crud....I have to change my "about me" section, don't I? What a coincidence my crs is kicking in right about now!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!!!

 

 

Weekend update....

It's been raining all day here....and not just sprinkles. Hayley had a skating party this afternoon and I couldn't see the road with the rain coming at me horizontally. It has lightened up now, however the rain and heat have produced some pretty thick humidity. I fear I shall not see beautifully straightened hair for the next 5 months....yes, the "good hair days" are officially gone. Sigh....

We got of very cheaply with the van....$595....whew. Well, I suppose I should say that Betsy got off cheap. She was happy to hear this, as now she will only be paying us off until she is 28 instead of 30. The car has been in the shop since Wednesday, and I've been driving my grandmother's 97 Civic lx. Let me tell you, that little thing has some, well, balls! LOL....I've been speeding around town, trying to find somewhere to go every day just so I can drive it. LOL....I'm thinking maybe it's time to trade in the van for something a little faster, and a little sportier. Hmmmm, midlife crisis? Perhaps. Only 8 days until the dreaded "37"....yikes. Of course, I'll be in NC for the occasion, which will make it a tad more bearable.

We are leaving this weekend for a few days in NC. It will be nice to get away for a while. My sister will be staying at our house, taking care of London.  I hate to take her to be boarded (the dog, not Jody), after all the crap we went through with Percy. He came home every time with fleas and ear infections. Lon-Lon will get to stay in the comfort of her own home with my sis, who is a huge animal lover. It'll be fun for both of them.

Hayley is looking forward to our trip....I think Betsy is too. It's the last family vacation that she is "legally" required to go on....being that she has 16 days until she is an official "adult". I can't believe I will have an 18 year old. Where has the time gone? My mom's friend has a daughter that I went to school with. She is a big wig over at CNN and just had her first baby. She told her mom, "I can't believe I just gave birth and Sherry has an 18 year old!" LOL....

Speaking of Mom, she just got home this weekend from spending almost a month in Indiana. It was strange having her gone for so long, and good having her back. We took her out to dinner last night, and today I made her favorite home cooked meal of meatloaf and homemade mashed potatoes. She actually flew to Atlanta on Tuesday with her friend, to meet up with their other friend who lives there. They spent a day together, then drove here and spent two days sight seeing and enjoying one another. These three have been friends ever since I can remember. Their kids and I grew up together, went to school together, etc. Seeing the three of them talking and laughing was such a hoot. They came to my house to see the girls and visit....and sat around the table talking and joking for hours. It was so good to see my mom having fun. It's been a long time since I've seen her enjoy herself....she's finally finding some peace with her life, and learning to live without my dad. It was heart warming to watch these three old friends enjoying time together. It kind of brought back a little of my youth as well....

I've got such a busy week coming up. I have to get ready for our trip, get a load of sewing out, the girls both have dental appointments, I have to do laundry....and I'm sure there will be at least 122 other things that will be dropped into my lap before the week is through.

Alrighty, enough complaining....I'm off to enjoy my last evening of freedom before my busy week begins!

At least she kept all four wheels on the ground this time....

Which law is it that says if anything can go wrong, it will? Ahhhh yes, Murphy's law....

So this evening Betsy was getting ready to leave for work. We bid her farewell, and I continued on making dinner. Two seconds later she walks back into the house and says those four words no parent wants to hear...."I hit the mailbox." Her father responded with, "YOU HIT WHAT????" We went outside and were greeted with the above picture. Now, you see how the van was parked, and where the mailbox is. How she managed to do this is beyond reason. I'm guessing the radio station needed to be changed, or perhaps she got a call on her cell. She swears she was "not doing anything", so I guess we will never know.  She is not even finished with her payments on the new tires and rims....that girl is going to be paying us off for years!

Oh, and here's the kicker....when she got to work she found out they had given her the wrong schedule. She is off tonight. After finding that out, John didn't want the dinner I cooked. He opted for Prilosec and Jack Daniels instead.

And so....tomorrow we will be taking our beloved van to a body shop for an estimate. I'm guessing at least $900 if not more.  She got the bumper, the light and the quarter panel. If nothing else when doing a job, she does it thoroughly!

 

Hey....an update!

I had to post some pics of Hayley's artwork. The class took VanGogh's "Starry Night", and divided it into equal parts. Each child was given a section to paint, and then they put them all together to make the entire painting. I thought that was a really cool idea. Hayley got the bottom corner which included log cabins....which means that my mother, who collects cabins, will be the lucky recipient of this painting. No fair! But....I get the pinch pot....which I absolutely love. She made it to match my kitchen, with yellow(ish) checks and cherries. It's so cute....and honestly, it was the best one out of the class! (No, I'm not too biased!)

As you can see, my leg is healing. I do think the stitches could have been pulled a little tighter....still, it's getting better and doesn't hurt like it used to. Truth be told, the bruise hurt worse than the cut. I'm just glad it's all healing and things are getting back to normal. I can finally walk in the morning without feeling the pull from the stitches. I have to admit though, it is kinda fun going shopping and seeing the looks on little kids faces when they see my leg. More than a few have stopped in awe, coming near enough to touch me. Of course I remind them to stay near the shore at the beach....the sharks are bad this year....I'M KIDDING....kinda....

We have enjoyed four years in this house with no one behind us. We finally have the backyard just the way we want it. Not a blade of grass to be cut, pristine landscaping, perfectly placed perennials....and now the people behind us decide to build a new house wayyyyy back on their property. Alllll the way back to our yard. Well, gee....thanks. It's actually not as far back as our fence, but it will definitely lessen our privacy. I've got construction workers outside my window by 6 am every morning....and unfortunately they are the ones with keggers, not six-packs. Dang, I just can't catch a break! Of course, once they actually start building the house the buff, tanned, hard bodies should arrive. I imagine it would be rather hard keeping your balance on the roof with a belly the size of a beach ball....

I had a picture of the pineapple all ready to go....but it's on my other computer. It hasn't grown very much....the green top has gotten taller, but that's it. We've had a lot of rain, so maybe it'll grow a bit this week. I wonder how big it will get. I almost bought one at the store the other day....$4.99! That's ridiculous. Of course, in three more years I'll have another one....which I suppose technically would make it $2.50. However, I'm not planning on living here in three years, and who knows if the next owners will be partial to pineapple? So, I suppose it's sliced Dole for me from now on....

Tonight we are going to a vbs program at church in which Hayley will be singing and performing. I'm looking forward to it. It's not our church, but Hayley is involved heavily through her little friend. Everyone knows here there, which makes it nice. She has networked more since we've moved here than I have! LOL....

JB is going deep sea fishing Saturday. He geared up today at Walgreens....2 bottles of Propel and a package of Dramamine. I hope he does well....I know I wouldn't. Apparently they go about 20 miles off shore and spend the day on a boat. Not my idea of paradise....that's for sure. I think he's hoping to see a shark....just as long as he doesn't catch it and expect me to clean it!

Time to go fight the traffic and enjoy an evening of off key singing, stale cookies and weak orange kool-aid. Ahhhh, can life get any better than this?*

 

 

Garth Brooks?

 No, I'm not going to go all Garth Brooks on ya...."This is my farewell tour, I'm done!"...."Hey ya'all, I'm back and I've decided to tour again."...."This is it, I'm retiring!"...."Okay, one more album!"....

I have to say I was more than surprised by all of the amazing comments and e-mails I have received. You have all touched my heart in a way that I can't begin to describe. I was truly amazed at the feeling of love and friendship....and I thank you all so very much.

That being said, I think I'm having withdrawls from not posting. I've decided that stopping cold turkey may have not been the way to go....and I've yet to find a "journaling patch" to help with the cravings. As a matter of fact, the pharmacist at Walgreens looked at me rather strangely when I asked.

Soooo, the only thing I can think to do is periodically post, and continue as a small part of this journaling community. I won't pressure myself to crank out an entry a day or even a week....just when the mood strikes. I think that may be the answer....I need my space to vent and feel like someone is actually listening! Therefore....you can keep me "on alert" if you like....

Anyhoo....

Hayley finished up her art camp on Friday. She did a great job and had a great time. This week she is doing vacation bible school every day. I'm telling ya, that kid has a busier schedule than I ever have. She's really been enjoying the summer....without a peep from the three witches. She's been hanging out with the girl downthe street, having sleep overs and playing in the rain. It's been so nice to see her happy and care free....

Betsy is basically sleeping, eating, and working. Oh the life. I don't think I could handle that. I've never seen anyone sleep like she does. If perpetual napping were a career, she'd be tops in her field. Hopefully the work schedule will pick up soon....she's got over half to go on her "tire and rim replacement" payment plan.

My injury is getting better every day. I'm gonna have quite the scar though. I knew that doctor was not pulling the sutures tight enough when he was stitiching me up....and three of them fell out halfway through the healing process. Okay, maybe it was because I shaved a little too close and cut a few....but still! The other ones that I didn't hit came loose. My ten days were up on Sunday, so I decided to perform the removal myself. It was pretty easy....I just snipped and pulled. No one wanted to watch though....wimps.

The weather has been rainy....and the hurricane is weakening. I can't believe it's that season already. I did take advantage of the "no sales tax" offers for hurricane supplies. Yes, Yankee Candles are considered supplies. I mean come on, who wants to be in the midst of 100 mph winds with a generic candle that loses it's scent in the first hour? If my house is going to be destroyed, I'd at least  like to leave a shell smelling of Tropical Mango Passion.

And so, that's the update. I shall continue so that no one is left hanging, wondering....

"Will Betsy be able to keep all four wheels on the pavement this summer...."

"Will Hayley ever get out of the pool...."

And most importantly....

"What about the PINEAPPLE????"

The end....

I'm not quite sure how to start a final entry....

It's been a great ride here in j-land. I've met some spectacular people and have made, what I know to be, lifelong friends. We have become like a family....sharing tears, laughter, joys and hurts. We protect each other's kids like they are our own, and laugh at inside jokes as though we've known each other all our lives. I've learned that online friends are just as true as "real life" friends. I will never forget the outpouring of love from all of you when my father died, and even when we lost our Percy. I have an entire scrapbook of cards and e-mails from people I've met in j-land who cared enough to send their sympathies. Now if that isn't true friendship, I don't know what is. I know so many of the people that read my journal....but there are many that I do not know. I'd like to ask, if you have been reading and never commented, please do now so I know who you are! I want to remember all of my friends....

You know,  there comes a point in which you just need to move on. Lives change, people change, priorities change. Things in my life are changing so rapidly, I can barely keep up. And when it's no longer a joy to write every day, but a chore....it's time to stop. Kinda like Seinfeld....it was a great run but stop at the top of your game, leave 'em with something to laugh about. So that being said....here is what I did on Thursday....

This is the right side of my knee. I had another "golden retriever/laundry basket related injury". The first, if you remember, was back in '99 when while holding a basket of laundry, I tripped over Percy, catching myself on my hands and somehow breaking my elbow severely enough to need surgery and pins. This time I was stepping over the baby gate set up to keep London out of the dining room, whilst trying to miss tripping over the laundry basket I had just set down. Unfortunately, I caught my foot in the plastic squares of the gate, and caught my leg on a metal antique grocery basket (hey, it looks really nice in the dining room!). It started out as a scratch then turned into a scrape....ending up in a 1/4 inch deep by 1/4 inch wide gash.

My mother was over when it happened. We had been in the pool and I suggested we go to lunch. We got out and she left through the garage, at which time I attempted to climb over the gate. I don't remember much....however I found myself on the floor in searing pain. I heard her open the door and ask if I dropped something....she didn't hear me (because I couldn't talk) so she left again. Then she decided she had better recheck....and found me on the floor. She took one look at it and said we had better go to the emergency clinic. So, being the woman you all know I am....I hobbled into the bedroom, changed clothes, did my hair, put on fresh makeup and set out for the doctor's office. Seven stitches and a tetanus shot later, I was all fixed up. Of course, now I have a saucer sized bruise on my left thigh, a bruise on the toe I got caught on the gate, and bruises all up and down my left arm. I'm not sure what I hit on my way down....as it all happened so fast. I'm on antibiotics now, since the metal was old and we don't want an infection. I'm sure I'll be fine but I think I'll be taking the gates down. Today Betsy's boyfriend was over and guess what he did? Yeah....tripped over the gate. I'm also thinking that maybe next time I should go with a different breed of dog....and perhaps hire someone do do my laundry....

 "I'm out baby....I'm out!"

PLEASE say a prayer....

I am sitting here in stunned silence. Please, please say a prayer for Gretchen and her family. Her young son, while waiting at the bus stop for his brother, was hit by a car and killed. I found out via Julie in her journal.

I will be praying for Gretchen and her family....for strength to get through this horrible situation, to know and feel God's protective arms around them, and for peace in their hearts and minds while trying to answer the question "why".

Gretchen, Ben, Caitlin and Justin....you are in our thoughts and prayers. We all love you and are praying for you and your angel Matthew. God bless you all.

 

*Here is a link to the obituary. There is an online guestbook if you would like to leave a message for the family.

And so it ends....

Do you hear that? You know what that sound is???? It's the sound of kids all around here, sleeping in on their first morning of summer vacation! So why, you ask, am I up at this ungodly hour? Because although my children know it's summer vacation, my lil' Lon-Lon does not. Now I know why we paid so much for her....she apparently came with a built in alarm clock. Every morning between (and I've kept track of this) 6:23 and 6:27, she pops her head up next to me, pawing and whining at me because it's time to go out. This morning was no exception. Seems no one told her she can sleep in now. And of course the girls are snoring away....so it's up to me to continue on with the morning routine. Take her out, bring her in, feed her, wait 15 minutes then take her out again.

Anyhoo....Betsy ended up staying home yesterday, on her last day of school. I didn't mind though, as on Tuesday, all incoming seniors were told they could leave at 10:00 if they were done with their finals. She was, which made yesterday a waste of time. She started her vacation out as she traditionally does....sleeping until 12, getting up, eating something, then laying down again until work. She was scheduled until close last night, but she picked up something heavy and pulled a muscle in her shoulder....and the pain travels down her arm to her fingers. She iced it and took medication....but was still in so much pain she couldn't brush her hair. Ahhh, what a lovely welcome to summer....

Hayley, however, did go to school and had an okay day. Unfortunately the girls are still ignoring her, and she said that at the end all three of them were hugging each other, saying they'd miss one another....and completely ignored her. I think I forgot to mention that the two girls who did not call her wrote apology notes. They had statements in them such as, "my e-mail was obnoxious", and "nasty e-mails don't solve problems, they create them." Gee, wonder who fed them those lines???? It's been a tough end of the year for Hay....and I'm just sick watching her spirit take such a hit. She told me that her former best friend is having abig party this weekend....and she wasn't invited. I know, I know....it's over, move on....but still, it makes me so angry....but for Hayley, I'm letting it go and focusing on the positives. I'm going to have to really work on building up middle school, and the new people she will meet. I know in my heart she will be fine....but I have to say I'm a little nervous that my baby is moving up!

Next week JB and Hay leave for their Indiana trip. I can't believe it's only 5 days away! They are looking forward to it, as is his mom. She has everything planned from the menu to activities to which jobs she needs done around the house since her son will be there for a few days! LOL....it should be fun for them. The annual car show that we always went to just happens to be that weekend (convenient, eh?), so they are planning a trip there. Hayley loves that kind of thing, so she will be excited. Actually, I used to love it too....and sitting here thinking about it makes me miss it as well....

Well, it's Friday which means....cleaning day! Woohoo! LOL....I've got to get things organized for the weekend, since Monday is a holiday. Oh, who am I kidding....I'll be cleaning on Monday too. We don't have any big plans....I think we are taking my sister and her husband to the beach on Sunday. That should be interesting being that my sister is white as a ghost and will be spending the day on a Florida beach under intense sunlight. Hmmm, perhaps I should go stock up on noxema and aloe vera today. I have a feeling we are going to be needing it. We haven't been to the beach yet this year, so I'm looking forward to it.

Well, it's after 7....time to get a move on around here. I'll bet I can get all of my cleaning done before either of them wake up. I'll bet I could vacuum around them and they wouldn't wake up....happy summer!

Random pics and thoughts....

Well, instead of coming in on Friday, my sister and her husband are coming tomorrow. Good thing for her I didn't have plans and can pick her sorry butt up!!!! LOL....she decided she would "surprise" my mom and come two days early. Wouldn't it have been a "surprise" if no one could have gotten her? LOL....save those peanut bags from the plane Jody....you are in for a long wait! So now they will be here for a week and 3 days....I hope I can stand it that long! (Hahahaha Jody....I dissed you! lol....no really, I am looking forward to seeing you....kinda....lol)....

Anyway....only two more days until school is officially over. Today Hayley had her 5th grade picnic and awards ceremony. She got a trophy, pin and certificate for being part of the safety patrol, and a citizenship award as well. She was thrilled! She said the picnic was a lot of fun too. It must have been because when she came home from school and took her shoe off, she dumped out a pile of sand! LOL....ahhhh, the joys of living in Florida....

Betsy is finished with finals, and did a great job on all of them. She had a final project to do in her English class; a report on drive in theaters. It was so good that the teacher asked if he could keep it and use it as an example of how the report should be done....for his classes next year! How cool is that? I was very proud of her. I took her bathing suit shopping today, but we didn't find anything that fit right. I suppose we will be going out again this week, to find just the right one. We had a nice time together, shopping and talking and laughing.

I actually went swimming for the first time this year, yesterday. My mom came over and got in....and I thought, what the heck....I got in with her and we spent a good hour and a half "bonding"....lol. It really was a nice time. We talked about all sorts of things....my dad mainly. She is finally able to talk about him at length, without much crying. Of course she tears up now and again, but mostly we laugh about the funny things he woulddo, and smile remembering how wonderful he was. The water was rather cold getting in....I chose to enter with the classic slow approach. Two steps down, then "One, two, HOLY *&$^#@!" lol....but after a few minutes it was fine. We had a 99 degree day, so now it's more like bathwater....which is fine by me! I can't wait to get to the ocean though. Maybe one day next week....

It already feels like vacation has started around here. The kids are out past 8, and everyone seems to be living in their bathing suits. I can also tell by my wash....I've done about 73 loads of towels in 3 days! For some reason, the people in this house think that they can only use a beach towel one time before throwing it into the wash (in the wrong color basket no less!). I'm going to have to give a "summer wash" and general refresher course to the occupants of this household....classes will include "Close the patio doors, we aren't air conditioning the neighborhood - 101" and "Concussions and You; why you should dry your feet before coming inside from the pool and walking on my highly waxed ceramic tile floor".

Alrighty....I'm off to tuck Hayley in, grab the phone from Betsy and sit myself on the porch with my laptop and earphones. Night all!

Weekend Update....

Oh man, summer is here with a vengence! It was 99 today....that's hot! The weekend has been a good one. We started Friday night with Hayley's 5th grade dance. She looked just adorable....Betsy dressed her with clothes from her closet! Yes, my junior and my 5th grader can share clothes! All the way down to the shoes. I think the outfit looked great, and apparently Betsy did too, as she wore it to church today....lol. While Hayley was at the dance, JB and I went to dinner with my friend K and her husband....their son is in 5th grade with Hayley. We had a great time at a local Mexican restaurant. Afterwards we went back to the school to pick them up, and of course K and I walked to the cafeteria where it was being held, and peeked in the windows. The theme was "Bon Voyage" and everything was tropical/nautical. The teachers were up on stage doing karaoke, which the children were just loving. We watched them sing and dance....it was adorable! I have to say I was a bit teary eyed, watching my "baby" at her last elementary school gathering. I can't believe my 12 year run as room mother is over! LOL....I will miss the parties, the kids, and most of all the innocence of youth!

Saturday JB and I spent 5 hours raking and mulching the back yard. It looks really nice too. We then got cleaned up and went to K's house for an impromptu cookout/day in the sun. It was a lot of fun. The kids were all excited and enjoyed the day. I ended up with more sun exposure than I realized....and spent the evening in bed with my good friends aloe vera and tylenol! Hayley ended up going with them on a church outing, and not getting home until 8. Today we went to church, then out to lunch. Mom came over and swam with Hay, and David came over and visited with Betsy. Later, Hay went once again to a church outing....I tell ya, that kid has quite the social life!

The girls finish school on Thursday. I can't believe the school year is over already! And Betsy reminded me this evening (I do not remember hearing this before!) that they are being dismissed at 11:30 every day this week. Sheesh! So much for my last week being alone!  Being that she graduates in December next year, she technically has only 4 months of school left. Wow. Where has the time gone? I still remember her first day of school....leaving elementary....middle school dances....freshman year....and now this. Life sure does fly by.

I'm starting to look into things for Hayley to do this summer. She's already registered for art camp, and I'm thinking of signing her up for diving lessons. I think she would make a great swimmer with her height, and those long legs. She seems interested....I think it would be really neat to get her involved in some sort of sport. She has never really been involved in anything other than basketball at church. Hopefully Betsy will be able to bump up her hours at work over the summer so she can pay off the damage to my car, and have some left over to enjoy herself with! She needs to be saving for college as well....that isn't far away!

My sister and her husband are coming in this week for a visit. They will get here Friday and stay for a week, at which time my mom will be going back home with them. I can't believe my mom is going to be gone almost an entire month! What am I going to do???? LOL....I have never been away from her for more than a week at a time! I'm such a baby. Seriously though, I think she will have a great time visiting with family, and going on a few overnight trips to see relatives she hasn't seen since my father passed away last year. I'm glad she is getting to go....she needs to get away for a while. John and Hayley will be going to Indiana as well for a few days. They are going to visit his mom, who is so excited that they are coming. She already has their favorite meals planned as well as several outings. Of course, that leaves Betsy and I to sit here in the hot Florida sun....all alone. She will be working though....which means I will need to find something to occupy my time with. Hmmmm, what to do, what to do....I think I'll head over to the Hobby Lobby and see if there are any crafts that look particularly appealing....

Well, it's late and I should get to bed....only four more days of structure in my house and then it's up for grabs. I had better enjoy myself now!!!!

Thank you's and things....

I just want to thank everyone who left such supportive comments and e-mails regarding Hayley and her problems at school. It's funny how none of us have ever met, yet when one of our children is hurt the "mama bear" in each of us comes out. We are more than a community of journalers....we are friends who care for one another, for each other's children and their well being....and I for one am so thankful for that. Hayley read through the comments and e-mails and felt so good. She said, "Mom, you know some really nice people. I wish we could all meet!" I do too sweetie....thank you all again, for everything! ((((HUGS))))

As you can see from above, I've included a picture of Betsy and her boyfriend. I felt bad leaving her out....so here she is in all her glory! I can't believe she will be a senior next year. Actually, they are already "official seniors", according to the school. The graduating class is gone, and they had an assembly outside, "welcoming" the new seniors. They had food and music and a general good time. I can't believe my daughter is in her final year of high school....she will graduate half year, which will be 19 years after I did. Holy smokes....19 years???? Where has my life gone? I don't feel that old!

Not much else going on in the JBCoupe household today. I FINALLY got some sewing done, as well as the ironing AND paid my bills. Yeah, I'm smmmmmmmmmokin. So, to reward myself, I do believe I shall hit the road and go to the mall. There are a few things I need to pick up....well, okay, I don't need them, but they will sure be fun to have!

Okay....my charge card and I are outta here....gonna spend some 'quality' time together. We need that....it's been a while!

It's almost over....

I haven't said anything about this....but wee one has been having some trouble with her friends at school. There are four of them who hang together....all on the safety patrol....and the "ring leader" has decided that she and the other two should be mean to her, and taunt her mercilessly. For the past month or so, they have ignored her, laughed at her, called her names and made fun of her for no reason. She has been friends with "t" since second grade, and I was rather surprised to hear she was part of the group....until wee one told me that she is scared of the ring leader because she had been the subject of her abuse before. The other girl "j" has been her best friend all year....they did the invention convention together. The third is a fairly new friend and the ring leader of the whole thing. A girl who is used to getting everything she wants and running the show.

Now, each of these girls has been in my home, and I've treated them like little princesses. I make sure that when "j" comes to spend the night, we have her favorite cheddar pretzels because she loves them....I even get her her very own bag so she can take the leftovers home! When "t" comes over, I know they will be outside catching lizards and frogs, and I never complain when they bring them inside and give them rides in wee one's Barbie plane. The ring leader has been over twice....relatively new to the scene, but I try to make sure she is comfortable and has whatever she needs. I say this because wee one is always so appreciative and loves it when her friends say they like to come over here.

It started with little things....not talking to her, ignoring her....and quickly escalated to not inviting her to sleep over, and making fun of her. When they had the end of the year carnival, they were all to meet at the water fountain and walk around together, enjoying being the 5th graders for the evening....and they ditched her. She called me an hour later for a ride. I asked her why and she said she had been wandering around by herself, and she was ready to come home. I hurried over and she told me the story....that she walked around with another little girl until she had to go, then just walked by herself, watching everyone else enjoy the rides and games. I was so angry....she had been looking so forward to this, and it was ruined....although being the kind of kid wee one is, she didn't really complain. Just looked a bit sad.

Fast forward to now....and the e-mails. She had been getting a few from the ring leader, nothing horrible....but mean nonetheless. Saying she was invited to a party and would see her there but "Oh wait, you weren't invited! I guess I'll have a better time then!" Wee one's response? "Have a great time! *smiley face*" I tell ya, that kid knows how to work it! LOL. I've been so proud of her....she hasn't responded in anger....but with a smile or a remark that fits the situation so perfectly. "j" has been trying to get a response out of her....she walked up to her and crossed her arms in front of her and said, "Do you know why I'm mad at you? Do you?" Wee one wouldn't answer, just kept doing her thing, and "j" walked closer. "Do you?" Wee one turned to her, crossed her arms and said, "Wow! Look at me, I can do that too!" Then walked away. She told me "Mom, you should have seen "j's" face! It was so red!" LOL....that's my girl!

So on Mother's day....around 7....she says, "Mom, come look at this e-mail." My heart sank as I read it. It was a collaborative effort from the three....a paragraph from each, describing how they don't like her. The ring leader calling her a "witch with a capital "B" to the most extreme," "j" calling her a "bottom feeder with no friends", and "t" didn't say anything, but it was from her account. I had had it....I got the phone and started calling. I called "t's" parents first and got her mother. She was so nice, and immediately apologized. I knew she would be....apparently the girls had been at her house that weekend. She said she would deal with the problem immediately. Half an hour later "t" called, crying and apologizing. She is also grounded, lost all of her computer privileges, etc.

Next was "j". I called her mom and again, she was nice....but told me that "I talked to J earlier when the girls were squabbling, and she assured me she had NOTHING to do with it...." Hmmmm, telling my daughter that if she didn't have her safety patrol belt on she'd rip her little head off is having nothing to do with it? Again, she said she would talk to her, and thanked me for calling. No apology from her.

I was really nervous to call the ring leaders parents. Typical rich, "my kid does nothing wrong" parents. Matching BMW's, homes both here and abroad....I call and no answer. Leave a message. She calls back. FIRST thing out of her mouth, "Well, she told me wee one sent her an e-mail saying she was a witch with a capital b...." I THINK NOT! She said she was looking for the e-mail her daughter sent....I told her it was sent from someone else's account....she says, "Oh, I know....she can get on her account." WHAT? You are proud of the fact your kid can hack other people's accounts? If I ever found out my child was doing that without permission....that would be the end of their computer access! So she goes on to tell me at this point it's "tit for tat" since the stories are different, and basically to go to hell.

After all the calls, wee one climbs up onto my bed and says to me, "Mom, I'm sorry." I asked her what for....and she said, "That you have to deal with this on Mother's Day." Now tell me that is a child that has brought any of this on herself! I hugged her and told her that is part of being a Mom....I will fight for her no matter what day it is. I can't tell you how proud I was at that moment. She has taken all of this in stride....telling me that she has other friends, she will be fine. But I know inside it's tearing her apart. She has cried about it....saying she feels alone....then catches herself and goes on, being strong. Well, as strong as an 11 year old can be. It amazes me how mean these kids can be. And I told her, "Remember this feeling if you ever feel the urge to make fun of someone." She said, "Mom, I would never want anyone to feel this way." And I know she means that.

Epilogue....things are still stressful for her. The two other girls did not apologize to her face, although the ring leader said she put a note in her locker. Wee one didn't see it yesterday and will be looking for it today. She is still the outcast....I see that when I pick her up and the other three sit apart from her. But she has moved on, talking to another friend whom she wants to have over this weekend. I am so glad school is almost over. "t" will be attending a Catholic school next year....the ring leader is going to the $19,000 a year private school....and "j" is in advanced classes at the school wee one is going to, so they will be separated. I am still in shock that girls so young, could be so mean! Shouldn't they be talking about moving on to middle school, music....even boys????

All I can do at this point is tell wee one every day how much I love her, and that things will be different next year. She will meet new people and have new experiences. I am so thankful she is the strong girl she is. She looks at life in such a positive way. Yes, she's sad, but she sees the glass as half full....she has other friends, and moves on. She said to me, "You know mom, I guess if they are acting this way, they really weren't my friends." What a kid.

 

Happy Mother's Day....

Happy Mother's Day!!!! I hope that everyone has had a wonderful time with their families today....

We started out the day at church, and it was a lovely sermon. Afterward, we took my mother to lunch at her favorite restaurant. It's a steak house where she always orders....a salad. Who orders a salad at a steak house? LOL....the running joke between her and wee one is, "You know, Longhorn's has the BEST salads!" Actually, they really do have wonderful salads....they get the fried chicken salad with cornbread croutons and spicy pecans. It's amazing how much you get....I however, had the grilled chicken with tomato basil salsa on rice. It was awesome....but wayyyy too much food. I ended up taking half of it home. Being that it was mother's day, wee one offered to bring it to the car and into the house for me....45 minutes later I found it stewing in a lovely bacterial juice on my countertop. So much for my dinner....

When we got home we all opened gifts. As you can see, mom and I did rather well! Mom got a gift card, candy and a red, iron cookbook stand. The idea behind that gift was two-fold. She can now cook without having to stop and look down for her recipes....and she will have to try it out, hopefully on something she brings over here! (Hey Mom....how about Martha's hummingbird cake? And don't forget the CREAM CHEESE FROSTING!!!! lol) My mother hates cream cheese frosting....and it's my favorite!

Right now everyone has scattered about the house. Betsy is in her room, no doubt talking to lover boy on the phone, wee one is begging someone to go swimming with her, mom is in my room watching tv and JB is in the living room watching tv. I have a feeling it's going to be a very lazy day. I'm thinking of changing and going outside to read. I've already cleaned up the porch (yes, it's mother's day folks....someone had to pick up all the gift bags, tissue paper and ribbons!), and arranged my outdoor gifts....they look beautiful.

Oh! I forgot....when I opened my candles from wee one, she said to me, "Oh mom, I was so worried you wouldn't like them!" I asked her what she meant, because I love Yankee candles. She said, "Well, I know how you are about using the right candle scents during different times of the year....are those the right season?" She was dead serious. LOL....I laughed and laughed. Seems my daughters do pay attention to what mom likes!

 I have to say, I am truly blessed. I have the most wonderful and loving daughters I could have ever asked for. Through the good times and the bad, they are the absolute joys of my life....and I thank God every day for them. I don't know what I did to deserve these blessings in my life, but I am so very thankful....

 

Tuesday....I'm feeling original....

Today was doctor day....seems Betsy is doing just fine on her medication, and it only took 40 minutes of waiting and 3 minutes of consulting to find out! Oh yeah....and a $20 copay. I have a virus....which of course means no antibiotics but tylenol, sudafed and lots of liquids. Sigh....

I also spent some time today with a "younger man". A blonde, blue eyed, dimpled babe who dressed up just for me....in a spiderman halloween costume. Yes, I was with my little B-man (and his mom). I just love that kid....he's my buddy. We shared M&M's and Skittles today, as well as a cherry slurpee. He asked me if I would buy a bathing suit so that I could go swimming in his pool with him....then we could play with his dog who loves to catch balls. I tell ya, who could ask for anything more? We went to the store and I carried him around for a while. Oh how I miss that! He would rub my arm, then put his little hands on my shoulders and get real close to whisper something "very important"....like "did you know spiderman is really Peter Parker?" or "let's run away from mommy and go to the zoo!" He cried when I couldn't come back to his house and play Mr. Mouth with him, but I promised we would go to lunch next week and he could sit by me....how I wish my own kids would still be excited by that prospect!

Not much else happened today....we grilled hot dogs for dinner, I colored Betsy's hair before she left for work, and wee one did "most" of the dishes (left me 2 pans and a cutting board) whilst JB and I went for our evening walk. It's getting really warm now, but tonight there was a nice breeze which cut down the sweat factor! LOL.

That's about it for today....and for your reading pleasure, I shall leave you with this survey found over at Ainsley's (don't you just LOVE that name????) journal....

1. What is your middle name?  Lynn

2. What size is your bed? Queen

3. What are you listening to? JB and wee one watching the Poseidon Adventure

4. What are the last two digits in your phone number? 92

5.  What was the last thing you ate?  Awwww, man! I wasn't eating healthy....a scoop (or three) of mint cookie ice cream....I don't know why I ate it as I don't even like ice cream!

6.  Last person you hugged? Wee one

7.  How is the weather right now? All together now...."hot and humid"

8.  Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Kim!

9.  The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?  What???? I'm married! I notice nothing! And if I did notice anything, which I don't, it would be legs and biceps....

10.  Do you have a bf/gf?  I have many girlfriends....and a few guy friends too....

12.  Do you drink?  Makers Mark every Friday and Saturday.... 

13.  Ever get so drunk you don't remember the entire night?  Two times in my entire life, both before my twenties....

14.  Hair color?  Chocolate brown with red highlights....

15.  Eye color? blue

16.  Fav baseball team? Chicago Cubs....#31 in particular....(does that make you mad mrm? lol)

17.  Fav animal?  Golden Retrievers

18.  Favorite season? Autumn....

19.  Ever cried for no reason? Of course, I'm a woman....

20.  Last movie you watched?  The Benchwarmers

21.  What book are you reading? Watchers by Dean Koontz

22.  Piercings? ears

23.  Favorite movie? Radio Days

24.  Favorite college team? Indiana Hoosiers

25.  What are you doing right now? Reading over my new Mensa membership handbook....

26.  Any pets? My lil' Lon-Lon

27.  Dog or cat? Dog

28.  Favorite flower? Pillsbury

29.  Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't supposed to?  So far, so good!

30.  Have you ever loved someone?  Many someones....

31.  Who would you like to see right now? my dad

32.  Are you still friends with your ex's?  I don't have any....

33.  Have you ever fired a gun? I haven't needed to....yet....

34.  Do you like to travel by plane? Only if I'm sedated....

35.  Right or left handed?  right, but I hit as a lefty....

36.  If you could be with someone right now, who would it be?  my dad

37.  How many pillows do you sleep with?  3

38.  Are you missing someone? my dad

39.  Do you have a tattoo? No....I'm too old for one....

40.  Do you watch cartoons on Saturday morning?  Morning? I thought Saturday started at noon!

You give me fever....

Ahhhh yes, spring fever is here....too bad it has arrived in the form of a virus. After a relatively good day, I started feeling bad around 4:00....and the rest is history. I laid down after dinner and woke up at 8:00 feeling like someone had driven over me with a mack truck. Sore throat, feverish, achey....the works. This morning is not much better....I feel like I swallowed golf balls and they got stuck half way down....sigh. And, of course, Betsy reminded me that today is the last early release of the year. Oh joy. So....I do believe I'm going to get wee one up, get her off to school, come home and go straight to bed. I know, I know....no cleaning on Wednesday???? As much as it kills me to say it....no. (Okay, who wants to take bets I'll be vacuuming by 10:17? lol)....

London, however, is feeling much better. She's eating regularly....and I have to wonder if it was the stick of butter that did it! LOL....she is almost finished with her medication, which means I will be taking her back for her deworming soon. I have no idea what that entails....and frankly, I don't want to know! Ewwww....worms. How disgusting is that? 12 1/2 years and Percy never had worms. Jeez. It is good to have my lil' Lon-Lon back though....she was so lethargic and un-puppylike. She's back full tilt now, however. I was laying in bed last night and heard her getting into something. I got up and there she was, sitting with one of JB's Hot Rod magazines between her paws, like she was just settling in to read for a while....except that page one was between her teeth and she was looking up at me as if to say, "What? I'm turning the page!" Yeah righ....lol.

Oh....I have to get out there and take a picture of the pineapple plant....it's looking great! I can't believe how cool it is....it's grown quite a bit since the last photo shoot.

Okay, my head is POUNDING so I do believe I shall finish here and continue on with my morning....have a good one!

Monday morning....

Well, the Florida summer is officially here....according to MY calendar anyway....it's been hot and humid for a week, although I must say the breeze has made it very nice. Balmy would be the word I'd use. The pool is warming nicely....so much so that yesterday when wee one was getting ready to jump in, she felt the water and said it was "warm". LOL....so much for a refreshing dip.

Our weekend was a lazy one....not much got done. Well, JB did take apart my manifold to fix some dohickey on my engine that wasn't working properly (and yes, those are highly technical terms....I'll explain it to ya later....), as well as work on the yard and a few other odds & sodds. I took Betsy to work (no driving for Ms. Andretti for a loooong time!) and wee one to mom's so that later in the evening, JB and I could go to the movies. That wasn't the original plan however....we were supposed to go out with a few couples from work, but it didn't pan out. That's okay though....it was nicer just having an evening alone at the theater. And what did we see????

"The Benchwarmers". I have never in my life laughed so hard at a movie....from beginning to end....it didn't stop! These three guys are hysfreakingsterical on their own....but together, playing off one another....unbelievable. Of course you know I am in total love with David Spade (sarcasm turns me on, what can I say? lol), and Jon Heder (aka Napoleon Dynamite) was perfect as the completely dim-witted nerd. Now, here's the strange part....Rob Schneiderplayed the "handsome, has it together, cool guy" part and....dare I say it....the man was hot! LOL....I guess there is no denying it now....I'm a geek freak! Anyway....the movie was great and we laughed all the way to the truck....then in the truck all the way home....

Sunday morning we went to church and then it was off to WalMart for a few things we needed. JB and wee one dropped me off at a clothing store and went ahead of me because, lets face it, who wants to browse around with those two right behind you, sighing and complaining every second? Sheesh. Of course, by the time I got to the mart (had to stop in at the newly reopened Payless to take a gander....$45 later I was out of there! lol....), I found them in the automotive section. The cart was FILLED. I looked at the cart, then at John and he says, "They are necessities." Ummmhmmm. Riiiiiiiight. Let's see....oh yes, I couldn't possibly gone another day without the specialized bumper wax or the $5 a roll shop towels that work the same as Bounty. Whatever....lol. I suppose I shouldn't complain being that his expertise with my engine saves more money per month than what was in that cart!

I made a nice Sunday dinner....and a lovely blueberry cobbler for dessert. The rest of the day was spent lazing about....watching my beloved Cubbies blow yet another game, (but oh it was nice to lie on the porch, earphones in, enjoying the game and napping during commercial breaks!), and chatting with my buddy....(even if I was left hanging for 10 minutes while they were messing around in the garage!!!! ;o) I finished my evening studying with wee one for quite a while. Thank goodness there are only 14 more days of school....I'm so sick of tests and homework! LOL....I'm so ready for the constant sounds of "there's nothing to eat, I'm bored, I want a friend over, why can't I have a friend over, I want to swim, oh crap not ANOTHER hurricane warning!"

Okay, I need to get my butt in gear and clean this place. Have a lovely Monday!!!!

 

Two entries in one week....how lazy can I possibly be?

Wee one's fudge was a huge hit! She said that everyone bought the teacher treats....and when he opened her's he said, "What is this? Did your mom make it?" and she said, "No, I did!" He took a bite and told her that it was delicious, and that he and his wife would be fighting over it....lol. Yesterday his wife came to the class (she helps out a few days a week), and it was her birthday. Wee one insisted on bringing her a piece of cake that I had just made the night before. She loved it, and told her how wonderful her fudge was. Looks like we will be making another batch for an end of the year gift. I loved seeing wee one so thrilled....I think she is learning that a gift from the heart is so much more fun to give than something bought from the store....

London is doing so much better. She is eating normally again (snuck an entire stick of butter from the counter last night!) and back to her old, perky self. I was getting worried about her....she was so lethargic....completely unlike herself. She's still on the medication, and I'm going to have to take her back for a deworming....but other than that, she's good!

I almost had another financial road bump this week. In 2000, I took a phlebotomy certification course, and on Monday I got a letter in the mail. It was from a credit agency, saying that I was being turned in for not paying my tuition. What? I went through my files, found my receipts, and the amount did not add up to what I had paid. I called the school and was told that I registered for this class, and hadn't paid. I said I was looking at the receipts and had. He tells me, "Your class in 2003...." I stop him and say, "2003? I wasn't even living in Indiana then!" He says, "You took the class and didn't pay." W.T.F.? I tell him it is NOT me, I did NOT live there, and I DON'T owe any money. He said, "You are Sherry B...., ss# ______, address in Hobart...." Wait a minute....I have never lived in Hobart! So he says he'll check into it. I call the credit agency and the man says, "You've been in collections since October," (I HAVE???? This is the first I've heard of it!) "and you've been reported to the credit bureau." W.T.F.x2. I was livid. I told him it was NOT me, and what do I need to do to get this fixed? He was rather sharp with me at first, but I think he realized after a while that I was not lying. I told him I will send in my receipts, proof of residency....whatever it took. I told him that I couldn't have taken the course without paying....he said, "Well, there are other ways to take the course. You could use financial aid." WHO THE HELL USES FINANCIAL AID FOR A $460 COURSE? Sheesh.

So....I get completely ignored for a day, and I'm leaving messages left and right. Friday morning I call the school and leave a nasty message. "This is Sherry B. I'm calling regarding the bogus charges you have made against me that is ruining my credit....yadda, yadda, yadda....and if I don't hear from you in an hour, I'll be calling back. Thank you!" Guess what? I got a call back. The woman said she had taken care of the matter. Apparently someone had a ss# one digit off from mine and it was a clerical error. She said my credit should be fine in about two weeks. Well, you can bet your butt I'll be making sure and calling again if nothing has been done! Yeah, you don't freaking mess with my "excellent" credit rating!!!!

The pool is now officially open, and wee one has been enjoying it this week. She has a friend over now and they are in there splashing around. So far there have been two tree frogs in there....how do I know? The shrill shreeks from the girls tipped me off! LOL. Betsy even got in the other day, after helping her dad mow. I haven't been in yet as the water is still a little cold for me....but it's warming up nicely.

I've got to go out today and get some odds and ends....why do I wait until Saturday to go to Wal Mart? It's like a madhouse in there....I guess I like a challenge. Getting through the aisles without being rammed by either a. a wayward senior citizen or b. a runaway cart being driven by a posessed toddler....

Okay, I'm going out for my walk before it gets so hot that I pass out mid stride....enjoy the weekend!

When it rains....it pours....and I'm broke....

My poor little Lon-lon....she is not feeling well at all! She started on Monday with the puking and moved on to the "other end" by night fall. Poor London was empty by Tuesday morning! She slept all day, which is not like her, and was rather warm as well. Her body was actually warm to the touch. I called the vet and they said I could wait until today to bring her in, not to feed her and watch her closely. I did just that....and thank goodness I did!

I took her outside and just happened to look over as she "made a deposit" on the lawn....and all I saw was blood. I immediately called and they had me bring her in. I'm waiting for a call from the doctor, as there was a power surge as I was in there (gotta love Florida), and their centrifuge went out. I couldn't get the results of the cbc, but we know it's some sort of bacterial infection....and hookworm. $180 later, we have a special food, anti-nausea injection and two prescriptions. (Is anyone keeping count on my pay out this month? A/C, car, now this????) She slept from the time we got home last night, until this morning....and just brought me her ball to throw for her. She is definitely feeling better. I've moved her up on the "normal puppy" scale to an 8 from a 5. She loves her new food, but was happy with the tiny amount I was told to give her. She knows what she can handle and what she can't. I have to take her back to be de-wormed after she is over the intestinal problems....sigh....

Last night was Betsy's first night back to work since the "issue" with the car. Lord almighty....I don't know if I can handle picking her up at 10:30! LOL....we did make a decision on the boyfriend though. Being that she is adamant that she is going to see him "no matter what", we have decided to allow him to come over once a week. I'd rather have that than have her sneaking around, and possibly getting hurt. I haven't said much about this situation here....it's been a tough year. He's a good guy....but they were moving way too fast. He is a bit older as well....and that does cause a problem. I know in the end it will all work out, I just don't want Betsy to be so "in love" that she throws away her future. Not that being with him would cause her to do that....but I want her to finish high school and go to college, and get on her own two feet before deciding to let someone else be her provider. I want her to have independence....to never have to count on anyone else to support her....

Last night wee one and I made fudge for her teacher....actually, she did most of it. This week is "teacher appreciation week" at school and today is "treat day". Her teacher loves all things chocolate, and I thought it would be nice if she actually made him something, instead of going out and buying some candy. We had a blast together....especially licking the spatula! LOL....I have to say, she did an awesome job!

Okay, it's after 8 and time for me to get moving around here....these bills aren't paying themselves....dang it....

Like the fella once said, ain't that a kick in the head?

What is the big secret about this stay at home mom's life? I'll tell you....things aren't always perfect....

Let me begin by saying....she is OKAY.

Last night Betsy was supposed to work. SUPPOSED to work. However, with the intelligence of a teen who is in love and wanting to be with her boyfriend....she decided instead to feign sickness and sneak off to said boyfriend's house, a mere 25 miles away. Being that she was supposed to work until close then clean up, she said she would just spend the night at my mom's, who lives right across the street from the ice cream shop. Fast forward to 12:30....she isn't there, and mom decides to go check the shop. No car, no Betsy. Then of course, the dreaded call. "Uhhh, Sherry? Betsy isn't here....and she isn't at work." Immediately my blood pressure rises, as I know what she is up to, and I try to remain calm. I tell her I'll call her cell and get back to her. I call, she answers. "Where the $*%@ are you?"

"Mom, I'm going to tell you the truth....", well gee, thank you. "I'm at such and such an intersection. I hit something and two of the tires are blown." At this point I ask if she is okay and she says yes. Then, I let her have it...."What the f-bomb are you THINKING? You could have been killed! You could have killed someone else!What happened? Why aren't you at work?"  Then I said, "Here, you can explain it to your father!", who was sound asleep in front of the tv. He woke looking dazed and confused as I'm screaming for him to talk to HIS daughter. The look on his face as she was telling him what happened went from worry to anger in 0-60.

Long story short, mom came over to watch wee one, and we took off to check out the damage. Boy, when that girl decides to wreck a car, she wrecks it! Apparently she was at a light, waiting to make a right hand turn. Someone came barreling up behind her and she thought they were going to hit her, so she decided to turn onto the highway. THANK GOD no one was coming....however, as she turned she clipped the corner too close, and there was construction being done on the curb....there were 8 pieces of sharp metal sticking out of the concrete, so as she drove past it punctured the tires and twisted the hubcaps, blowing them out as she went. She lost control, but thankfully was able to pull into the empty parking lot next to the corner....driving on rims and mangling whatever was left. JB was able to use two donuts to drive home, and today I got 4 new tires and rims, along with a front end alignment....all for $765. Needless to say, she will be working and handing me her paychecks for a loooooooooong time.

I am so thankful that she is alright. After the initial shock, thoughts of what could have happened ran through my mind for hours. Of course, not long after thoughts of what kind of punishment she would recieve took it's place. She got up and went with us this morning to set everything up to get the car fixed....and returned with us later to pick it up. When she saw the car she said, "Oh mom! You will be driving in STYLE! Look at those rims!" I'm just standing there, looking at her as she is smiling at me. Then she says, "Hey, they pimped your ride for mother's day! But don't worry mom, it's on me...." I don't know whether to hug or spank that kid!

 

Pimpin' ain't easy....

Today is wee one's big Safety Patrol field trip. I would venture to guess she got about 10 minutes of sleep last night, as she is so excited. When I woke her this morning she said, "I didn't think the morning would ever come!" Ahhhh, youth. She got up quickly, got dressed, ate, packed her little backpack and is ready to go. I thought we were going at 7:00, but we dont' have to leave until 7:30....so I thought I'd throw in a quick entry. They get to buy their own lunch today, and according to her...."We have to buy one souvenier." Hmmmm, I highly doubt that was a prerequsite to the the trip....but more of a ploy to get me to give her an extra $10! Whatever it was, it worked....and Miss Moneybags had better not spend it on a $25 shell with googly eyes that says "Florida"!

I can't believe it's Friday already. Where did this week go? It's not like I had a busy week either. I guess since the girls only have 4 weeks of school left, things are bound to speed up. This year went by so quickly....actually, this life has gone by quickly. Next year is going to be so different. No longer will I have an elementary school student....I've been part of the elementary crowd for 13 consecutive years....and my reign as room mother is coming to an end. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. Next year I will have a senior who is graduating half-year, and a middle school student. When exactly did life pass us by? Things are changing for my girls....they are entering new and exciting phases of their lives....I know they are ready....but am I? LOL....I guess that doesn't really matter. As long as they are happy and content, I will be too.

Ahhhh, yes. Before I go I wanted to pimp a few of the newest journals I've been reading. They are written by four great gals....and who knew....they are from Europe!

First we have Debbie, The Life and  Times of an Essex Girl. You will immediately be taken in by her sweet personality and zest for life. This girl never sits still for a moment! She can make everyday life seem like a party....a visit to this journal is worth the trip!

Next is SalonRose, a wee bonnie lass living in the beautiful Scottish countryside. Stop by and give her a warm welcome....I just know she could kick my butt at Bash the Haggis!

Sam is quite the woman....six kids and attending nursing school! (Not to mention her two horses and various other animals!) Try and keep up with her in her busy life....a great read!

Finally we have Lyn, over at Brits Blog. She and her husband are from the UK....however they live here in Florida....and not too far from me! We share a love for Books-a-Million, and she knows the best places for me to shop for my British goods....World Market, here I come!

I know that j-land has gone through some major changes over the past year. We've lost many good journalers, either through changing of sites or through sadder circumstances, but there has also been a good side to it. I've met a lot of new people, and have enjoyed reading some great new journals. New and old, I cherish all of my j-land buddies! I'm just glad I didn't jump on the bandwagon and leave. No other place would feel quite like home.

Well, looks like it's time to head out and enjoy a day of glass bottom boats and 100 hyper safety patrol students. Wish me luck!