Can I get by with only two pairs of shoes?

That is the burning question! We are going out of town for a few days, and I've given myself the challenge to only pack two pairs of shoes. This shouldn't be that difficult considering we're going to be on the houseboat the majority of the time. I shouldn't even need shoes! Considering that I can't stand to be barefoot, one pair of flipflops is a given. I keep thinking that between my flops that I'll wear on the houseboat, and then a black pair of flips, that should cover all the bases. But, then I think--what if we go to dinner? Or what if we go here, or there, I may need a different pair of shoes! I can do this. I really can. Two pair and that's it!!

Homeruns, Mohawks & A Mom's Night Out

This has been another crazy week! Hankadoo hit his first homerun the other night at softball. The look on his face when he came across homeplate was priceless. He was all smiles. The homerun couldn't have come at a better time. Earlier in the game, when he batted, he had an automatic out for slinging the bat. He was so upset. He felt like he had let his team down, and that they were going to be mad at him for messing up. When he got up to bat the next time, I'll admit, I said a quick prayer along the lines of, "Dear God, please, please, please let him have a good hit this time".... I know that's not a thing to pray for, but I couldn't help it. I didn't want to see him upset the rest of the night! Not sure if it was my quick little prayer, or his determination, but whatever it was, it worked. He hit that ball, it took off flying, and he took off running to the cheers of parents, coaches, and his teammates. It was a great moment! I was a proud momma! He followed it up last night with another homerun. The last game of the season is Monday, and I'm hoping he ends his first experience with playing ball on a high note. I've loved this experience, and I think we'll be at the ballpark alot more in the future years.

I normally consider myself a cool, easy-going, mom. I've let Austin dye his hair purple, and bright red. I let him wear clothes that I hate, and listen to music that I can't stand. I think I'm pretty coolabout things. But, this week, that wasn't really the case. I get home the other night and Austin is sporting a mohawk! I lost it. I told him that I hated it, it was horrible, and that he needed to shave it off completely. Looking back, I handled the situation very wrong. I know that I hurt his feelings, and I was a lot more harsh that I should have been. I apologized to him. I tried to explain why I got so mad. For one, he didn't okay it with me first. And, two--he's looking for a summer job. Noone is going to hire a 17-year-old kid with a mohawk! When I got home from work yesterday, he had shaved it off. He is buzzed to the skin. He actually looks like he's at Basic Training. I like it though, his big, dark eyes just pop and his smile looks even bigger. I asked him if we were okay, and he said, "Yeah. Mom, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that behind your back."

I saw a quote a few weeks ago, and it has just stuck with me.
"Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable" --Plato
I couldn't agree more!!

Tonight I'm going out with a group of ladies for a much needed, much deserved, Mom's Night Out! I'm ready for a Cosmo, chick-time, and a big plate of food!

"Hello, Doll...."

is my phrase for the day! And, not like Kris Jenner from 'Keeping Up w/the Kardashians' but from the "Hello Doll" lady off 'The Andy Griffith Show'...

I've been sick for several days with allergies, sinuses, and ear infections. And, although I'm feeling much better, my sinuses are draining, and making me cough. I have coughed to the point where my throat is raw, and I have this nice, raspy, voice. However, it's not nearly as sexy as "Hello, Doll" lady. But, it will just have to do.

Dad's Taxi

Today starts the first official week of summer vaction! They got out of school last Wednesday. There are times that I'd love to have the school calendar--home on snow days, Christmas break, summer vacation. But, then after spending a few days with my boys, I'm glad I have the job I do! Kidding. Well, slightly, kidding...
This should be an intersting summer! Joe is staying home with the kiddos, playing Mr. Mom. He's never had a whole summer home with the boys before. He's going to shuffle Hank to swim practice, the reading program at the library, and whatever else I can sign him up for. I know Hank will want to go fishing and hit the pool every chance he gets. PJ will spend the summer going to his girlfriend's house, or having Joe go pick up his friends and bring them to our house. Austin will hopefully start his first job soon. I need to get a sticker for the van that says "Dad's Taxi"
I'm hoping for Joe's sake, that the "I'm bored, I have nothing to do" will hold off for at least a few more weeks!