My vacation has started.....

I'm officially on vacation. So, why was I out of bed by 6:30 this morning, and doing laundry/cleaning the kitchen by 7:00??

Because I'm crazy. That's why.

Because we're leaving tonight for our trip and there's still stuff that needs to be done. And, I'm probably the only one who really cares that there's stuff to be done. I'm sure that my darlings who are sound asleep could care less that a load of wet clothes are in the washer, or that if we don't eat the bananas today we need to throw them out before we leave. I'm certain that two of my darlings haven't even packed yet. Meanwhile, I've been marking things off my "to pack" list. Just like Santa, I've been making a list and checking it twice. I'm sure I'll forget something. Isn't that how it works? I just hope it isn't one of the boys.

Aaah, vacation. Time to relax. Eventually. After the bags are packed, the laundry done, and the bananas thrown out.

This time next week--

This time next week, I'll be on vacation. Aaaah, vacation. Just saying it makes me smile. And, while I still have seven days, I've already made a list of what we need to pack in suitcases, what we need to put in the van, and what we need to pick up at the store before we go.

I'm not anxious. I'm just prepared!

It's been an exciting week, and it's only Wednesday!

On Monday, my friends Chris & Mike welcomed their new baby boy into the world. I went by the hospital to check on Chris, and of course, to see the baby. What a sweetie! He has dark hair and little squishy face. Absolutely adorable!

Yesterday, My Georgia Girl, Trish and her hubby James welcomed baby Jordan. All day, I kept checking my phone and Facebook, waiting to hear the news. And, around 8:00 last night, the text came. After a very long day--Jordan made his grand debut. I can't wait to get my hands on the little chunky monkey in a few weeks when we go to visit.

The rest of the week should be pretty exciting, too. Joe's nephew, Jake, is getting married on Saturday. Hank is the ring bearer, so we have to go the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Friday. Although, Hankadoo is not real happy that he has to miss the end-of-VBS-party! Last night at VBS, Hank and another kid had a head on collision. Literally. He's sporting a pretty good size knot on his head. I'm sure it will be purple and green by the time he puts his tux on for the wedding. I'm sure he'll have some big, elaborate story to tell everyone as to why his head is bruised.

We also have a birthday party Saturday night for a friend who is turning 40. There's something comical about leaving a wedding reception and going to a pig roast! But, a party is a party! I'll just have to remember to take clothes to change.

Babies, Birthdays, Weddings-- what a week of celebrations!

Then & Now

This picture was taken in June 2004. Hank was just a few weeks old. PJ was just a little guy. He kept his hair in an Army cut. Austin wore glasses and looked like Harry Potter. They were both in elementary school.

This picture was taken a few weeks ago. Hank is seven and going into 2nd grade. PJ is going to be a Junior. He's about to get his license. Austin is going to be a Senior and turning 18 soon.

Where has the time gone? It doesn't seem possible. My babies are growing up fast.

Whatever shall I read??

Typically, I read more in the winter than in the summer. And, even though I spent the cold wintery months reading the Steig Larsson books (The Girl w/the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played w/Fire, The Girl That Kicked the Hornet's Nest) I have seemed to read A LOT in the past few weeks. I have read:

• Water For Elephants


• City of Bones


• Mini-Shopaholic


• Belong to Me


• Secrets of A Shoe Addict

My pile of "To Read" is quickly becoming the "Already Read" pile. I'm trying to decide what to read next. We're going to be in the car for several loooong hours, so I'll need a good book to entertain me then. And, when we are soaking up the sun while on vacation, I'll need a book. Suggestions??

Today, I think....

--I think my head is literally going to explode from all the sinus pressure. I'm going to the doctor later. She'll agree that I have a sinus infection/ear infection, write me a prescription and send me on my merry way.
--I think I need to decide what to do with my hair. I've had way too many bad hair days lately. I said I was going to let it grow out some. But, that's easier said than done.
--I think I'd rather be at home, laying on the couch and watching 'Ally McBeal'. I could use a nap and some laziness.
--I think I may get to see my sisters this weekend! That makes me very happy.
--I think that McDonald's is the reason my pants are tight. Between the Rolo McFlurry and my beloved Caramel Frappe, I'm never going to fit into my jeans.
--I think this has been a long week!

Summer is here. It’s hot, hazy & humid. School is out. The pools are open. And, I’m counting the days until we leave on vacation!!

Hankadoo started a new summer/day camp program today, and I’m really hoping he’s having a good time. I've thought about him all day. Luckily, he’s not afraid of change, and by the time we got there this morning, he was ready to go in and make some new friends. I really think he’s going to love it. They do all kinds of fun activities, and have things planned every day of the week. They go swimming, they go bowling, they go on cool field trips to places like the Derby Dinner Playhouse, Kentucky Down Under, The Corvette Museum, and they even go to Holiday World one day. Do they have summer camp for grown-ups?

One of my all-time favorite quotes:

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
— Marilyn Monroe

Happy 85th Birthday to an American icon.