A Funny

There's a local business that always puts little riddles on their sign. This week it says 'Never trust an atom, they make up everything.'

As we passed it earlier this week, the boys and I just laughed and laughed. Melissa? Not so much. 

'I just don't get it!'

We tried to explain - several times. Just wasn't computing. 

We finally figured out the problem. She never saw the sign. She thought we were saying Adam - not atom. 

Oh, how we laughed all the way home!  I love these kids!

My Birthday Girl

We are not the 'over-the-top' birthday people. We prefer to be low key...quiet...just us. Usually for Melissa's birthday we have St Maria barbecue and artichokes. This year we didn't do the barbecue, but I did stream a few artichokes for Melissa. She got a few gifts, spent some extra time with her best friend, and we went out to eat. 

Just was missing her dad this year. 

But still. She's a beautiful Miss Fifteen. 

(The funniest thing: every time a family member called to say happy birthday she would say 'Only 365 days until I get my license!' She thinks she's ready now!)

Playing Hookey

After I got home from my trip Melissa was telling me about a science project she needs to complete and what supplies she needs.  As I was looking at our calendar, I wondered when we would fit in a trip into town. She babysits four afternoons a week and on her off day (today) she goes to art class.   This Saturday will be busy with cross country meet and soccer.

So, I was the nice mom and checked her out of school early. She has PE last block and can afford to miss a few classes. I took her to the main library where she got to take her time picking out books then we went to Dollar Tree to pick up her supplies for the project.

I think she enjoyed it!

Although, she was very concerned at the start as to why I was checking her out.  She asked, "It doesn't have to do with the "s" word does it???"

I'm thinking "s" word? What?? She doesn't need a sex talk....what??

Then she said, "You know "shot"??!!!"

I just started to laugh. "No shots today. But at some point you will have to have a flu shot soon, but not today."

She was very relieved.

It's was nice to just chat with her - no one else around....nothing to really talk about.  But one thing has apparently been on her mind.  She said, "You know that gay guy on the flag line?"

"Yea

"Well, he dances better than me."

"Oh, really? Well. Yea, that happens sometimes."

Oh, to be only worried about who dances better than me.

Back Home

I made it back home last night. I think the boys missed me....they ran and jumped on me as I walked in.  Melissa was babysitting when I arrived, but when she returned home she tolerated me giving her a hug. 

She's such a prickly pear at times....

Drew and I have a great time - like a honeymoon even! Five days of just us and no kids....so nice! We did leave the apartment some. We toured the Marine Corp Museum as well as President Lincoln's Cottage.  Both were very well done.  And we learned stuff!

I will say that there is a downside to where his apartment is....and that would be right next to a train station. Train stations have trains....trains have whistles....that they like to blow them. Every time they pass a crossing. Every few hours....all day long and all night long.... Drew now sleeps with earplugs. I actually ended up using my earphones as well. It helped some, but I'm just a horrible sleeper and trains just didn't help.

So, while I was sad to leave Drew, but I was totally happy to see my bed and my very quiet room.

As of now we don't know when Drew will move back home, but we are praying that it will happen before Thanksgiving.

I Love You More

For the past few years whenever I tuck Benjamin  into bed he's always tells me, 'I love you more!' in response to my 'I love you.'

Tonight I told him I would miss him this weekend as I'm going to visit Drew for the weekend while the grands take care of him, William & Melissa. His response? 'I'll miss you more!'

Well....yea...probably so. After being a single parent for two months, I'll be enjoying this break! 

Another Quilt

Another one done.... My next project is for my friend, Dawn. She has sent me some baby clothes of her oldest child. As of now I'm not sure the exact pattern I'll use....maybe a chevron pattern. 

Very Glad it Wasn't a Bar

Many Ole Miss fans were disappointed this past weekend because the game was aired by a local network in Texas instead of a nationally one. Friday my brother told me about a restaurant here in our area that would be playing the game. I researched the place and it sounded nice - but I was really hoping it wasn't a bar.

Not that it wouldn't be the first time we have accidentally taken them to a bar.....there was that time in Guam.

This local place looked nice from the pictures and the menu seemed more detailed than a typical bar. But on the way I warned the kids....not sure what we'll find...But hey! Life's an adventure!

So, we went.  And had a blast! I will say that for the first half of the game, the other fans were very quiet....I think I called them civilized.  Even when we would score, they seemed very dignified in their cheering. After the second half started, the other fans got a little more rowdy.  Of course, we were winning by then and alcohol had kicked in.

For others -not me! I was the designated parent and driver!

A little after the second half, Melissa was ready to go home. She was tired...ready for bed....she's always has loved her sleep. Since we were watching the game outside on a patio, I let her go and lay down in the van. (I could see the van from where we were and it was the perfect temperature- so she was safe.)  Ben even went to the van for a little while, but couldn't sleep.

William and I were too involved in the game....we didn't want to leave. We stayed to the end.  It was a great game!! Well...at least for us since we won.  Three wins so far this year.....we're off this next Saturday, but then we face the number one team, Alabama.  Hopefully, we can at least do well and not embarrass ourselves.

Seeing the Humor in it All

Saturday night I was in charge of driving Melissa and two of her friends to a birthday party. Another mom had the late-night drive home shift.  As I was backing out of the this family's driveway, several other vans were stopping to let their teens off for the party as well. 

What I should have done was to just stop. Wait. Not sure why I didn't.....I wasn't in a hurry....no where I needed to be...  But I didn't. I went straight back in order to avoid the other vans and the teens in the road.

Straight back is not a good idea on a narrow neighborhood road that is lined with mailboxes....with one now down for the count and black marks on my van.

Oh, yea...fun times.  Life is never boring that's for sure.

I knocked on the door and told the wife what happened...how sorry I was...how I would, of course, pay for the repair work.  Her response?

Laughter!  She laughed and laughed!

I, on the other hand, was not laughing - more like shaking and trying very hard not to cry.

Her husband? Yea...he wasn't laughing either...more like spiting-nails MAD!

After he went back in, she was still laughing! She said, "Oh, don't mind him! He's just mad because I didn't let him go to hunting - I made him stay and cook dinner!" Then she laughed some more - then said, "Also, he knocked it down awhile back and we just got it back up!" And laughed some - even as a neighbor stopped and asked what happened. This neighbor was laughing too.

I still was not laughing....I was still shaking and trying not to cry.

In the end, she wouldn't take a check or even write down my name or phone number. I'm hoping he sees the humor in this as she did and won't try to track me down.

Today's Project

I had planned to work on the third quilt that was pieced together, but I really need a few extra hands to layer it right. With the kids in school I pushed that project aside and instead made this tote bag. The front is pink quilted fabric and the back has a small quilted pocket. I probably should have added an inside pocket, but I didn't think about it in time. 

Overall, I'm happy with it. This is actually the second quilted tote bag I've made lately. The first one is done in fall fabrics. I'm not sure what I'll do with either one....

Clean Flower Beds

Since Drew has been gone, William has been my yard boy. It was to be in exchange for the car and his insurance. He seems to do well with the actual mowing, but edging and the flower beds he has a hard time with. I think he would prefer to be working on some math problem or reading a book. 

But his momma loves a clean looking flower bed....and hasn't had one in awhile. 

I couldn't stand it any longer! This morning I donned on my work-out clothes, plugged in my headphones, found a good podcast to listen to, and weeded!  He'll still need to edge, but at least my flower beds are a little cleaner (even if I'm a little dirtier!). 

Cleans beds are happy beds! Should have taken a before picture!

Probably the last of the summer lilies. 

THE Weekend

Well,  it happened. I knew it would.  I tried to make it slow down, but that never really works.  THE weekend that I had been looking forward to for most of the summer came and, sadly, went. But it was a great weekend....it was just so much fun!

It started with Ole Miss winning their football game Thursday night. Late Thursday night. VERY LATE Thursday night. Which made a few people a tad grumpy due to the lack of sleep. But it was so very worth it.  Last year Vanderbilt came to our campus and beat us in the last few minutes of the game. This year the cleat was on the other foot, so to speak, and we were the ones to win in the last few minutes. It was NOT a perfect game.  Those Rebels have a lot of work to do to get ready for the next game - and all those other SEC teams that are top ranked.  We Rebel fans would prefer to win early  - and decisively, would help! These come-from-behind and win in the last few minutes (more like seconds!) are really, really bad for our hearts.....I'm sure a few of us just about "threw a stroke" as one family member said.

But a win is a win and we will take it!! On to next week!! And hopefully, another win!!

Friday night I got to pick Drew up from the airport. It was just so nice to have my other half around again.  We did get to go out by ourselves Sunday night, but other than that we were with family the whole time. And it was so nice!  I know most of my friends don't get along with their in-laws or their spouse doesn't like their family, but Drew and I have never had issues.  Family is family. We love them all and it's great to all be together.  Drew's parents came in town for the festivities. We really do love having them all together.

Saturday was the fiftieth anniversary party for my parents.  I had decided to set out pictures of my parents  through-out the years as well as my brother and his family, and my family.  Also, pictures of my grandparents  at their fiftieth anniversary for guest to see were set out.  As I discovered going the old photos, I have a set of great-grandparents on each of my parents' families that, also, celebrated their fiftieth anniversary as well. Wow. What a legacy....three generations on both sides.  On top of that, my in-laws are into their sixtieth-two year of marriage. Just an incredible legacy for my kids.  Drew and I have a lot to live up to.

To celebrate, we had a nice reception Saturday afternoon and a family dinner out Saturday night.  I was so happy to see some of my father's family drive in town for the reception.  My father still has one uncle living. He came with his wife,  as well as two of his three children with their spouses.  So many times we only see these extended family members at funerals. It was nice to get to visit with them at a happy occasion.

Sunday was a lazy day of cooking out hamburgers, kids swimming, adults getting naps in and eating more cake. We had lots of cake left....but since it's got to be the best cake in the world, we don't mind left-overs!

Sadly, Monday came....time to pack up and take Drew back to the airport. None of the kids nor I were really ready for him to leave. But at least I get start a new count-down to the next visit.