Big Girls Don't Cry

...so don't you be bawling and moaning that there are no new entries in my blog until after Easter. We are headed to a place only some of us can dream of. No landline phone, sketchy cell service. No computer, no internet, no email. AKA the beach house. Be patient and I promise to wear lots and lots of sunscreen while drinking margaritas and reading any of 5 new magazines I stashed into my new hot pink and chocolate monogrammed jute tote. I also have intentions of figuring out my Palm Pilot- guess I better buy it, too! Details, details.

If you have to, reread some older posts and pretend like it's the NBC "It's new to you" promotion. Seriously, all of our days run together, a little non-sequitor won't kill you. Now, the amount of crap I am going to eat on the beach might give you mild angina, but you'll power through. You're tough. You must be, you're my friend.

Seriously though, have a great week and a half, I'll check in with the hilarious and zany adventures of "Mom and the Minis Go on Vacation" (don't fret, I packed lots and lots of meds-for them and me!) ...and you're welcome to try me on the new pink cell phone...

I think we'll be going here and here and here...

You know it's your birthday when...

...one or both of your minis are throwing up with high fevers... indeed R is sick and on the sofa. AYE.

At least I'm not in the hospital with one of them like 2 years ago! R is feeling really puny, he is watching Little Rascals on the couch and sipping some Gatorade. Not sure how this is all going to pan out with FL, of course J is next in line to get sick...then mom.

Happy Birthday to all of us; me, Diana, Kelly, Natalie...we Aries girls are amazing, don't you think? I am sure that I am still the youngest, even though Kelly and I were born in the same year! hee hee Tomorrow is Tom's bday, a great friend of Coach's.

So I was thinking about all the birthdays I could remember. Most of them were on vacation as my bday falls usually on Spring Break, tough break. I've been at Disney, Arizona, Steamboat, Hawaii, Sanibel, Orange Lake...no complaints here. On my 3rd bday, Janet dressed up as Big Bird and came to my party. My mom was so beautiful, she looked so 70's and hip. I got a sapphire ring for my 15th in AZ that I thought was so amazing, then we went to MLB Spring Training. I had a roller skating party (I had pom poms on the front of my skates and no stoppers-those are for wusses!) when I was 8 and wore a blue and white mini skirt outfit that Diane advised against. I proceeded to fall and bust open my knee, where I still have a nasty, nasty scar today.

On my 18th I was in Sanibel and had dinner at the Bubble Room in Captiva. I wore some supercute white clamdiggers and a HUGE red banana clip. Aye. On my 20th, I was at Vista Way with Andrea and well, let's leave it at that. On my 21st, I went to the Orlando Ale House with a bunch of Vista Way friends and some Thetas that were in town on vacation. I spent $400!!!!! at Ann Taylor on some clothes for work and thought that I ws the Queen of all things. I mean, I was the Queen... On my 25th, I had just had R and my Dad forgot it was my birthday. Hilarious foreshadowing of how unimportant you become when you give birth to grandbabies. On my 27th, I was 84,000 months pregnant with J and have no idea what I did. No recollection whatsoever, probably threw up. On my 30th, I was at MTMC with J on an IV and forgot my own bday. (thank God)Shannon B and Regina were working at the hospital and brought me cards and gifts. I wore an aqua track suit and J wore the sweetest, tinest hospital gown you've ever seen. I pushed him in a pediatric wheelchair down to see the new babies in the nursery. On my 31st, I ate lunch at MCDONALD'S in Oxford with Mandy, Diana and all of our rowdy children. If I remember correctly, Reid dropped his food on the floor and I picked it up and gave it to him. Mandy experienced mild cardiac arrest and now we're friends forever. Also, we discovered Dazzle Toes about then, so we're tight for life! hee hee hee

So today's Karaoke Song is not the ubiquitous "Happy Birthday", but instead:
The Clemson University Alma Mater...because it's my birthday and I get to pick. So there.

Where the Blue Ridge yawns it's greatness, where the TIGERS play
We the sons of dear old CLEMSON reign supreme alway
Dear old CLEMSON, we will triumph
And with all our might
That the TIGERS roar may echo....ov'r the mountain height
1234 1234 C-L-E-M-S-O-N T-I-G-E-R-S
Fight TIGERS Fight TIGERS fight fight fight

Woe is NOT me!!

Hoo hoo hoo! I've got to say, I took my exam today and I kicked it's arse. Only 1 more hurdle and I am officially official.

Boys had tball tonight AGAIN, R was complaining of a stomachache, which is very uncommon. Hopefully he'll power through it and feel better in the morning. I considered the kids' pepto, but thought we might be creating a monster with that. I'm no rookie you know.

I am volunteering at R's school on Wed morning, helping with registration of the incoming kindergarteners and R is having a friend over after school. Also, I need to pack, clean and SLEEP. But hey, there are 25 hours in the day, right?

My new cell phone came today, it is charging. No idea what the number is yet, but it is sooo cute and pink! Headed to FL on Thursday, loving the idea of eating cereal for a week and wearing my flip flops...oh wait, that's my life now too!

Off to tackle Mount Washmore.

EDITED TO ADD:
Nope, R is not feeling better. Just woke him up to take him to the bathroom and his temp is 102. I can't even remember when the last time he had a temp was. Keeping him home from school on Wednesday...

3 years ago

No real reason for posting this pic of R, yes you read that right, R. Just happens to be from exactly 3 years ago today. He looks so much like his brother it's ridiculous. In fact, J has on those shorts today!!!!

Mama needs a new pair of shoes

Coach is home from his trip, where the Owls beat Jacksonville 2 out of 3 this weekend. Jacksonville had previously beat Florida State who is ranked #1 in the nation, and we all know how I feel about FSU. The minis couldn't walk yet, but when they were babies I taught them to chant, "We HATE Florida State!" Yes, I am aware that it is juvenile and pedantic...sue me again. You can't squeeze blood from a stone.

Anyhow, after being away from his beloved and beautiful wife for 4 whole days, he really felt the urge to buy me these new shoes...OK, let's be totally honest...I sort of mentioned that I could not possibly live without them...as I pulled into the parking lot of the store. He didn't have much choice, but he agrees that they are darling. As darling as I am tonight in Coach's 11 year old Clemson baseball tee shirt that is so large that I wore it to sleep in when 8 months pregnant. It really is so flattering. Coach and I determined tonight that we have been together for almost a decade. He is one lucky SOB.

We grilled out tonight, it was 87 and gorgeous and we ate on the porch. I am off to study. Seriously, I am. Right after I get some tea. And take a bubble bath. And make lunches. And put on some tanner for my trip. And polish my toenails. And well, I really am. Ask me on Monday.

TMNT and a sunburn

Both of the minis had games today, we started at the crack of 9 and were at the fields until 1. J got a little sunburn on his white neck, I feel terrible. Not sure how the self-proclaimed "sunscreen nazi" allowed that to happen, especially since I just bought some new Nemo 45 yesterday. He hasn't mentioned it, but perhaps that's because he is losing his little voice, he sounds like Stevie Nicks! He is currently passed out cold in his sleeping bag on his floor.

Took them and a friend to see TMNT at the theater this afternoon, and I had flashbacks of Jonathan playing with those toys about 20 years ago, very funny. The movie itself is DUMB, DUMB, DUMB, but maybe that's just my interpretation as a girl. At least the dang turtles don't sing. There was no part of my entire carbon-based being that wanted to go see it, but they minis and friend had a ball. We only had to make 4 trips to the bathroom...together...in 90 minutes!

Tomorrow R has PSR in the morning and Coach will be arriving back from a trip in the middle of the night. I'll let him sleep for several hours with the boys out of the house, but then I NEED A BREAK. Actually, I need to study for my exam on Tuesday. Not really clear on what my plan is for the whole "working" thing, but hey, it'll all work out. Or it won't. Those are "Erminio" statistics...I never was a math whiz.

Shocking

I know you are all shocked and appalled that Coach is out of town again and that I am going to spend the weekend shuffling back and forth from 906,000 tee ball games. Have I mentioned lately how glad I am to have 2 delightful, dirt eating boys? Seriously though, I am pretty sure that ballet is inside...hmmm I wonder how the minis feel about tutus?

Took R to school this morning and J and I washed the van and headed to, shocking again, I know, Starbucks and Target. I really should list those places as my emergencies numbers. Really, if I am not at tee ball or preschool or kindergarten, you can find me there. I am the 3o-something mom pushing the buggy full of things I don't need, listening to my iPod, and wearing my "uniform", picking up some meds from the pharmacy. I don't need to tell you that the pharmacist at SuperTarget thinks (read: knows) that I am INSANE. I pick up my bevy of scrips and compare the interactions. There are times in your life that you just have to really bear down and think about the possible interactions of all that "leveling out" stuff you take. Weighing the option of the symptoms and the side effects, often it's a toss up. Of course, I always err on the side of over medicating, but what are you going to do. Move me 3 times in 9 months, I am going to lose it a little. Sue me.

Spent the afternoon interviewing a new sitter for the minis, mowing and trimming the backyard. Also ordered a cute new cell phone...should be here in the next few days. The PINK Razr...It's really professional, don't you think?! hee hee Hey, you just can't take the girly out of me. Get over it. I may talk a mean streak, but deep down, we really all want something pink and sparkly.

Here's the latest Owls update. In case you've been living under a rock, KSU beat UGA, Georgia Tech AND Georgia Southern this season! Overall stats are 14 and 8.

Today's karaoke song is: Uptown Girl by Billy Joel (need I explain the relevance?!!! If I do, perhaps we're not as good of friends as you think)

Uptown Girl, she's been living in her uptown world. I bet she never had a backstreet guy. I bet her mama never told her why. I'm gonna try for an uptown girl. She's been living in her high class world and now she's looking for a downtown man. That's what I am. And when she knows what she wants from her time, and when she wakes up and makes up her mind. She'll see I'm not so tough, just because, I'm in love with an uptown girl. You know I've seen her in her uptown world, she'd getting tired of her high class toys and all her presents from her uptown boys. She's got a choice. Uptown girl... You know I can't afford to buy her pearls, but maybe someday when my ship comes in. She'll understand what kind of time I'm in, and then I'll win.
And when she's walking she's looking so fine. And when she's talking she'll say that she's mine. She'll say I'm not so tough...Uptown girl...

Green Thumb and Check up

I am like a kid in a candy store with all these flowers! I had so much fun making these arrangements for the porch and patio...

Took R to the Doc today for his 6 year check-up (gulp)! He is FINALLY on the height and weight charts. R was given the option of getting his 2nd chicken pox booster today or waiting until his 7 year check up. He said, "I don't like shots. Do it NOW so I don't have to think about it for a year." I was so proud of him. Not that I actually LOOK at the shot, I just hold his little arms so he doesn't flail up and whack the nurse. He cried for about 10 seconds and then asked when he could get his treasure. What a big kid...

So, yesterday J was working with powdered tempura and shaving cream for an art project at school. Ms. Kristi sent him into the bathroom to wash his hands and he "decorated" the walls in the little boys room with orange handprints...at least he picked Mommy's favorite color! What a turkey.

I met with my new boss today, and wore a really cute outfit. That's the one benefit of going back to work, I get to wear cute shoes and you all know how I feel about that. These are the ones I wore today...

BTW, today's Karaoke Song is:

9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

Tumble out of bed stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition and yawn and stretch and try to come to life. Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin, out on the street the traffic starts jumpin with folks like me on the job from 9 to 5. Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living. Barely gettin by, it's all taking and no giving. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5, for service and devotion, you would think that I would deserve a fair promotion. Want to move ahead, but the boss won't seem to to let me. I swear sometimes that man is out to get me.

They let you dream just to watch em shatter, you're just a step on the boss man's ladder. But you've got dreams he'll never take away. In the same boat with alot of your friends, waiting for the day your ship will come in. The tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna go your way. Working 9 to 5, what away to make a living...they got you where they want you, there's a better life and you dream about it don't you. It's a rich man's game and you spend your life putting money in his wallet. 9 to 5...

I'll take "BIRTHDAYS" for $1000

WOW! Can't believe that R is 6 years old today! ***2190 days***

We started out the morning with a gift from Granny and a new outfit...of course. This is the cake he took to school, made of cupcakes! After Kindergarten we opened a bunch more (swimming lessons, a swim suit, crocs, a globe, webkin, books, leapster games, cars, so much!) Also, we ordered this playset to be delivered (and installed!) when we return from vacation. Not surprisingly, we are headed to Bdubs for dinner.

If you don't have something nice to say...(you must not be my friend)

Oh LAWD! These Southern friends of mine sure are sensitive... :) Note to self, find some Yankees...their shoes aren't as cute, but they sure are tough.

OK, several weeks ago I had a LOVELY visit from K and her PRECIOUS 3 children. Apparently it's not enough that I have a link to her blog on mine, I must actually mention her cuties to appease her! Have I mentioned that I wasn't even bloggin when she was here? Details, details...

Miss "Bizabeth" and J's Tee Ball Game

Had a wonderful treat on Thursday, had a visit from my friend E from Tennessee, affectionately known in our house as "Miss Bizabeth". We got to meet her sweet, sweet baby C who is navigating the whole walking thing. I miss her terribly, she is a great friend and I was so lucky to have her as my neighbor.

Also, J had a tee ball game on Thursday night and was less than enamoured, however is darling in his uniform...

In a hurry

No time to write tonight, just adding a couple of photos from R's game on Monday evening.

Zoo Altanta and IKEA

Took the mini's to Zoo Atlanta today, haven't been there since the Coach and I saw the late Willie B. (the gorilla) in 1999. They had a blast, they have been to the Brookfield Zoo several times with Granny Diane and to the Richmond Zoo with the Coach, but I have never taken them before. There, I said it, I am a bad mom. There is just something about walking around the hot, smelly zoo with 2 children that strikes me as less than appealing...





Also, stopped by IKEA on the way home and picked up some pretties for my screened in porch. Got these darling Glattig seagrass placemats and some hot pink and lime green Panna coasters. Best find of all were these cool hanging planters, no idea how I am going to hang them in the porch, but I thought they'd be too cute with silverware or something for all of our outdoor entertaining...guess we better make some friends!

Musical (stadium) chairs

R is top pic, front row, far right
J is bottom pic, front row, far right

Saturday started off with a bit of disappointing weather and the cancellation of the mini's tee ball parade, but ended up being a great sunny afternoon. R and J both had their first games at 2 and 3 pm. Coach also had a game at 2pm, so I played a bit of musical chairs dropping off R, staying at his game for awhile, running J over to his park down the road and then leaving to get R. Then R and I returned to see the 2nd half of little man's game. Aye...





R hit a couple of singles, one coach pitched and one off the tee. Not alot of action in the outfield, but he had fun. The dugout is set up really cute, there are laminated large baseballs with the childrens' names and numbers on them hanging on the back fence of the dugout. The boys sit under their name, and under the bench is a plastic bucket also decorated with the names where they put their hat, glove, water, helmet, etc. It's such a cute system, plus it makes it a bit easier for the dugout mom. Really, it's amazing how attached a bunch of 5 year olds are to their "PERSONAL" helmet...even when they all have the EXACT SAME $12 navy helmet from Target...whatever.





J, well, what can I say. He saw me walk up to his game while he was standing on 2nd base after having hit off the tee. He screamed, "I LOOOOOOVE you MAMA!!!" and proceeded to run, not to third base as instructed by his coach but off the field, ditching his helmet along the way, and into my arms...hard to argue with, but we did return him to third after some reassuring that indeed, I did have a snack for him after the game. Of course, he was only one of 14 three year olds out there, one of the runners picked up a ball hit by his teammate and walked it over to the first baseman. Very sweet, just confused!





We are off to Catechism and then to ZOo Atlanta, assuming nice weather. J told me he couldn't wear his Crocs to the zoo, because "lions eat crocs"...perhaps Diego isn't that informative after all.

#42

R and J had tee ball photos last weekend so I brought my camera. They are both #42 which was the Coach's number at Clemson, although you can barely see it because they are so little! Their uniform shirts are tucked into their knees and their socks come up to their hips!