A Party Packed Saturday

                         

What an amazing day it was yesterday.  A day I needed to recharge my spirits and get me out of the sickness and personal issues induced funk I'd been in all week.

First stop?  The land of Frozen.  I took the kids to a friend's daughter's 4th birthday party.  Jelly absolutely LOVES Frozen, so it was like a dream come true stepping in to a room that was completely transformed in to a Frozen Wonderland.  

I'm definite that my friend should start her own party planning company, because this is the 2nd birthday party I've attended that she's thrown this summer, and she definitely goes all out.  

The kids got to play games like Do you Want to Build a Snowman?  In which the kids had to use toilet paper and construction paper items to wrap up a designated person and make them look like a snowman.  The kids LOVED it.  Then, it was Pin the Nose on Olaf, and the kids had to be blindfolded and take turns trying to stick the nose stickers on a giant Olaf.  

After the kids played, it was time to dig in to the Frozen sugar wonderland that was spread out before them.  Cake, giant frosted covered marshmallows, frosted Oreos, sugar candy, frosted strawberries, and Frozen colored jelly beans made up the smorgasbord of sugary goodness for the kids to dive in to.  

And, no Frozen party would be complete without a Frozen piñata for the kids to smash.

All the kids had an absolute blast.

Once all the Frozen goodness was over, it was time to head on to Party #2.  

This year, we have a new principal.  Well, he's not "new".  He was the assistant principal last year.  Mrs. B is now the new assistant superintendent for our district, so Mr. K (new principal) is now the principal.  I am ecstatic.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I LOVE Mrs. B, but I'm so excited Mr. K will be taking over now that Mrs. B is moving on up.

Anywho, Mr. K thought it would be a great idea to host a Back to School bash at his house for all the staff and their families so that we could reconnect and meet the new faces that will be in the building this year.  

The turn-out was great.  Almost all of the teachers showed up and it was so great to see the faces I've missed all summer long.  I tell ya, it's amazing how quickly I realized how much I'd missed everyone by seeing them yesterday.  It was like no time had passed, yet so much time had passed since we'd all been together.  

The teachers' kids all took off to the pool and all the staff made a giant circle on the lawn with their chairs and talked and laughed and caught up on the summer goings on.  

Sitting there, taking it all in, I realized one very amazing thing: How much like family we really are.  There is a reason I always wanted to teach in a small town school, and that's for the family feel the teachers and staff have.  Every small school I've ever been in had that feeling.  No matter what grade we teach, what hallway our classroom is located in, we are all one big family.  

It felt amazing to sit with the new assistant superintendent and the new principal and laugh and joke around.  It felt amazing to watch our kids all play together as if they'd known each other their whole lives (and several of them have). It felt amazing to chat and visit with the people I get to work with every day and realize how much I'd missed their faces and couldn't wait to get back in to the swing of things at work. 

It was exactly what I needed.  

The whole evening was great.  The food, the weather, and most definitely the company.  

Regardless of what I've said these past few days, it's been a great summer.  But, I now know I'm definitely ready to go back.  I've had enough of sitting at home getting lost in my own mind.  It's a scary place in my mind, sometimes, so I don't like to spend too long in there.  So, it's time to dust myself off and get back in to work mode.

I plan on getting back in to my classroom tomorrow and hitting the ground running.  I have so much to do and so little time.  But, I'll get it done.  I always do.  

Today, Peanut is off with her aunt and uncle meeting new family members.  So, while she's gone, Butter, Jelly, and I may venture out and do some school supply shopping.  I plan on working on some binders and classroom organizing ideas.  And most of all, I'm just going to enjoy my Sunday.  

The funk is over....Happy Me is BACK!!

Have an awesome Sunday, everyone!!!

I'm a Girl That Likes to Have Fun

                               

Oh what a night!  

I am used to having fun anytime I go out with Sanity, but last night was definitely one of the most fun times I've had in a long time.  I let my hair down and just put myself completely out there to let the night lead me, and have one big last hurrah before it's time to go back to work.

When I'm with Sanity, I know how to let my hair down.  I managed to face one of my long time fears a few years back when I took the stage for the first time since high school to sing in public.  And, it's now become one of our traditions to head to our favorite karaoke place when we get together so that I can belt out a few favorite songs.  Despite the fact that I now have the nerve to get up there and do it, it doesn't stop the butterflies each and every time I hear the KJ say my name.  But, I do it...and I have an absolute blast.

Last night was somehow different, though.  It wasn't about getting up to sing, it was just about having some fun.  Laughing until our sides hurt, not caring what anyone thought, and throwing all caution to the wind as we sat and took in the sights around us.  

We started the night out by having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.  We talked, we ate, and we planned out how we were going to spend our evening.  Which, was the same plan that we always make.  Head to our favorite little bar and watch some live music, then head on over to the karaoke bar to end out the night.  It's what we do each and every time we go out, but we like to pretend that we don't have any specific plans and we'll just see where we end up.  It works for us.

After dinner, we sat out on the patio of our favorite little bar and waited for the music.  We enjoyed a couple of adult beverages, and talked about life and all the new stuff that's going on.  Then, the band got started up...and... well, I wasn't impressed.  It was a bluegrass band, and that's just not my thing.  I'm not a country lover, but I would have preferred country music over bluegrass.  It just didn't sound good, to me, and so I was ready to get out of there pretty quick and head on over to the karaoke bar.

While we were listening to the music, though, one of Sanity's friends texted her and asked "Aren't you a little old for stuff like that?" Urm..what?  Heck no we're not!! And it was something about that question that made me fire up and really want to have a good time.  A crazy time.  Like we used to a few years ago, while we were still in college.

So, we headed on over to our karaoke place and let the night really begin.  

And what a night it was.  I got to sing a little, but the place was so crowded, it was much more fun to just sit and listen to other people sing and enjoy each other's company.  We bought a couple of drinks and just sat at the bar chatting to people around us and the bartenders.  It felt so good to just have some fun with complete strangers, laugh together.  Right after I sang my first song, the bartender brought us over a drink that we hadn't ordered.  At first I thought he'd made a mistake, but then he told us that a couple of guys had bought the drinks for us.  I was shocked.  I mean, I've had guys buy me drinks before, but it's been a REALLY long time.  I'm never out looking for guys to do that.  It doesn't even cross my mind that something like that would be a possibility.  I mean, I don't look like those cute college girls that walk around that place.  I usually keep pretty much to myself, other than joining in conversation with the people around us... so I was pretty flattered that a guy had wanted to buy me a drink.  And they weren't the only free drinks we received, either.  There were a couple of drinks passed down the bar for us, which totally caught me by surprise.  

I mean, again, I don't go out looking for male attention.  I go out for one reason and one reason only:  To spend time with my best friend.  That's it.  Period.  I don't have time to be hit on by semi-drunk men.  I also have no interest in that.  But, I also don't even consider it a possibility.  I often don't let the thought even wander in to my head, because it's just not something I usually have to worry about. There are PLENTY of good looking women that troll around the bars looking for that type of stuff.  Much better looking than me.  But, I'm not going to lie and say that I didn't appreciate the attention.  There's nothing more boosting to my self-esteem than being considered attractive enough to be hit on.  I don't even care how bad that sounds.  It's the truth.  I'll take some free drinks....it doesn't mean they're going to get anything out of me besides a "thanks".  

All in all, we had an absolutely FANTASTIC time.  Like always.

I don't think I could ever get tired of our little nights out.  They only happen every once in a while, but when they do happen we sure do make the most of it.  

Now I have to get ready so that I can take the kids to my niece's birthday party.  They've been excited about it all week...as have I.  

Everyone have a great Saturday!!

Summer Sacrifices and Gains

                            

Yep.  Two posts in one day.  I feel I must because I skipped yesterday.  That, and I am in a writing mood.  I've been working on my book, but I need a break to clear my mind.  Anytime I need a break, I go to Facebook.  It's the best distraction in the world!  That and I get to see what everyone else is up to while I'm sitting on the patio writing.  Which, scrolling through the newsfeed, is what gave me the idea for this post.  I love to see what other teacher friends are up to, how they're spending their summers, and if there is a commonality between us all.  And, from my few days of thorough research, I've discovered that there are, indeed, several things teachers tend to do during the summer that they don't do during the rest of the school year.

So, I decided to come up with this list.  A list I've put together of stuff teachers have to sacrifice followed by a list of what teachers gain during the summer. 

Sacrifices:

1.  All Sense of Time.

It seems as though most teachers, during the summer, lose their heightened sense when it comes to time.  Ask a teacher any day during the week of the school year what day it is, and she'll be able to tell you the day, month, year, and the minute (to the second).  Ask her the same question in the middle of July, and receive a blank stare in return.  I have encountered this phenomenon myself.  I wake up not sure what day it is, or even if I'm sure about the month.  Although, I will say, the closer I get to August the more aware I am that it's approaching.  Fast.

2.  All Sense of Organization.

Most teachers are masters of organization.  They plan EVERYTHING.  They use cute little plan books, post-it notes, and journals to make sure that everything is prepared for.  Even at times that plans fall through, there's a plan to handle that situation.  Lesson plans, to-do lists, seating charts, sub plans, professional development plans, and evaluation plans are always on a teacher's mind.  Between the months of August and May, anyhow.  But, during the summer those plans fall to the wayside.  I've been asked many times what my "plans" are for the day, the coming week, and even during my summer break.  My response?  "Whatever".  Yep.  Whatever.  I take each day as it comes, and wake up and do whatever I want.  No plans.  No to-do lists.  Just a sense of complete and utter disarray.  For the first two weeks, it makes me feel a little anxious.  I don't like not knowing what I'm going to do and when I'm going to do it every second of the day.  But, by the third week, I've absorbed myself in to the absolute pleasure of knowing I don't have to have all my ducks in a row.  I can be spontaneous, carefree, and adventurous.  Until the first week of August, anyway, when I go in to panic mode to make sure that my entire school year is planned out, and kicking myself for not using my summer to plan.

3.  Appearance.

This goes hand in hand with that organization thing.  A teacher's wardrobe is very important.  Plans have to be made to ensure that school dress is appropriate, and outfits are planned in advance.  The coveted jean days are put on the calendar with bright marker and several circles.  But during the summer?  All caution is thrown to the wind, and the majority of teachers spend their summers in old clothing, bathing suits, or PJs.  There's nothing more invigorating than getting up, throwing on the most comfortable clothing we own (if we even bother to change out of what we woke up in), and not even paying attention to what is staring back in the mirror. And clothing isn't the only thing that gets pushed aside.  Hair and make-up are also on that list.  I have spent all of 10 minutes on my hair all summer, and make-up?  Please.  Only time that's come out is when I have gone out with friends and felt that I needed a little splurge of appearance.  For 90% of the time during the summer, you'll find me walking around in the baggiest, oldest, most comfortable clothing in my closet.  All that goes on my feet are flip-flops, and a ball cap is thrown on my head because I'm not wasting any time trying to fix my unruly hair.  And that's pure, exhilarating bliss!

4.  Showers.

During the school year, I'm up at 4:30AM and in the shower by 5:30.  It's a part of the routine to go along with making sure my appearance is in top form.  But, I'll admit (regardless of how gross it is) that I've sacrificed a few showers since school got out.  When my days run together, and I'm perfectly content with the old clothes that I'm wandering around in, it's not surprising that I might skip a shower here or there.  I'm not talking about days at a time or anything, but my daily shower routine does fall to the wayside.  And, it's also not uncommon for me to take a shower at three in the afternoon...after I've spent the day in my PJs not caring about how I look in the slightest.  In fact, there's not a single day I can remember where I've showered before 7AM all summer long.  And I'd say about 75% of the showers have taken place after noon.

5.  Sleep.

Teachers are no strangers to sleep sacrifice.  That's a pretty normal occurrence throughout the school year.  But, sleep sacrifice during the school year is out of the teacher's control.  In order for them to make sure everything is planned, all papers are graded, and all kids have everything they need, a teacher must learn to live on 5-6 hours of sleep and suck it up.  Yet, summer comes around.. the time where most teachers could spend their time making up for all the lost hours of sleep they endured during the school year, and what do we do?  Stay up all night.  Yep, when you think sleep would be numero uno on a teacher's summer want list, it's usually knocked off and replaced with the freedom of going to bed at all crazy hours of the night.  We sit up and watch hours upon hours of Netflix, catch up on the shows and movies we missed during the school year, read, or play mindless games to pass the time. I, myself, haven't made it to bed before 2AM since I don't know when.  2AM is actually early compared to some of the times I've stayed awake till.  There's a part of me that just says going to bed early during the summer is a waste, that I should take advantage of every minute I have... so that requires sacrificing the sleep that I should be getting.  Besides, not sleeping in the summer keeps me in top form for when the school year starts up again.  

With all these sacrifices, teachers also gain a few things.  Stuff we don't have the luxury of during the school year...

1.  Family and Friends.

During the summer, teachers get to realize that there are other people living in their house.  People that refer to us as "Mom" or "Dad".  And while the school year is spent answering those names with responses such as "In a little while" or "Not now, I'm kinda busy", we can now spend the summer meeting all the requests of our biological children.  My kids have grown to understand that between the months of August and May, I have around 25 children.  They share me willingly, and never complain.  Because, they know that in the summer it's all about them.  I spend the majority of my summer wanting to do fun stuff with them, and letting them have the run of the show.  We don't have to plan and schedule time together around meetings, sports, and school days... it's more of that carefree, do whatever we like kind of stuff.  It's a time that we all bond, enjoy each other's company, and soak up all the activities we don't normally have time for.  It's also a great time to catch up with the friends we don't work with.  I spend a great deal of time with amazing people that I work with, but during the school year I rarely see those people I care about that I don't work with.  The summer gives me plenty of chances to get with them and catch up on our lives.

2.  Reading for Pleasure.

Most non-teachers have a misconception that a teacher spends a great deal of time reading.  That they enjoy reading, and do it often.  While it is true that most teachers read a lot, and enjoy reading for pleasure... very rarely do the two mesh.  Our school year is spent reading required PD books, standard objectives, school initiative memos, and emails.  That's it.  I get the pleasure of reading books to my students, but those books are books I've read many times before and are on a strictly screened list.  There's just no time for reading anything I want to read.  But, during the summer?  Now that's when the new books can come out.  The racy novels, the fantasies, the murder-mysteries.  Books that I could never read to my students fill my reading list.  In the three weeks I've been off work, I've read over half a dozen books.  And I've checked more books out of the library than I did all year long.  I also have a pile still waiting to be read that I will conquer before it's time to go back to work.  Summer is the only time I can get my fill of pleasure reading, and I make sure I make the most of it.

3.  Naps.

Now, even though teachers often sacrifice sleep in the summer, there's always the freedom to lay down for a nap.  A word that teacher's have heard, but never quite understood...until the school year ends.  I know that I've taken advantage of a few naps this summer.  If I'm up most of the night, I might as well lay down for an hour or two during the day, right?  In my mind, there's nothing more satisfying than filling a lazy day with a nap... especially if I'm curled up with my Jelly or my cat.  A rare luxury that is only available to teachers during the summer months.

4.  Trashy TV.

During the school year, there are a select number of TV shows that I make plans for.  There aren't very many, but I make sure that my DVR gets a good workout and keeps me up to date on the shows that are a must see.  But, there are also tons of shows that I wanted to watch, but didn't find them to be deemed necessary to fit into my already bursting, hectic schedule.  So, during the summer, I purge all those desires by hunting down the shows I missed and getting my trashy TV fill.  Reality shows, dramas, Netflix originals, and Hulu originals all make their way on to my TV screen during the summer.  Most of the time, it's how I spend my late nights.  During the day, the TV has on some form of cartoon, Hubby is playing his video games, or we're not home to even watch TV.  But at night?  That's when I can sit up and feast my eyes on whatever show I'm in the mood for.  It's another one of those simple summer luxuries I take advantage of.

5.  Memories.

While we sacrifice plans and organizations, teachers also gain a sense of adventure during the summer.  Theme parks, vacations, water parks, and back yard barbecues help build memories that aren't built during the school year.  That's not to say that the school year doesn't provide lasting memories, but they are more of the school assembly, field trip, and sporting event kind.  The summer gives a whole new life to lasting memories.  There's just nothing greater than having the chance to visit the place the whole family has been dying to visit, or spending the day playing at the lake, or even jumping in to the pool and having a game of Marco Polo... they are the moments that get captured and remembered in our brains.  With all my focus being put on a carefree, unplanned summer.. I do keep one plan very much alive:  Plan to have fun.  The summer has to be filled with fun, in whatever way my family deems fit.  That fun is an adventure, and memories in the making.  And, teachers can never quite get their fill of memories during the summer... but it's where most of them are made.

I have three weeks left until I report back to my first day of work.  But, I know that technically, this is my last week of vacation before I start heading in to school a few days a week to set up my classroom.  I plan on making the most of it, gaining what I gain and sacrificing what I have to sacrifice.

Teachers, once again, have the absolute best job on the planet!!

It's a Beautiful Morning!!

Wow...just wow.  That's all I can say.  Middle of July and I have all the doors and windows open in my house because it's so freakin beautiful outside.  Temps in the 70s.  The SEVENTIES...when does that happen in July?

I can and probably will spend my entire day sitting on the patio.  Soaking in this beautiful weather.  There's something about it that just makes me feel happy.  In fact, I'm not going to spend the day on the patio, I'm also going to get out and go for a long walk.  A really long walk.  Burn off some calories, listen to some music, clear my mind, and enjoy this day.  

We're supposed to have a couple of days like this.  Cool temps.  I'm sure the heat will return with vengeance soon enough, but for now I'm going to soak up this little break and enjoy every minute of it. Some people are complaining about it.  Of course they are..HA!  Summer is supposed to be about hot days and swimming to cool off.  I'm perfectly content with days like this so that I can enjoy being outside without having to jump in the pool or a cold shower to cool off.  

In fact, I think it's a great day to go to the park for a while.  All of us.  The kids can play while I walk.. it'll be good for all of us.  

I'm down another 2lbs this morning.  I don't like to weigh myself too often, but sometimes I can't help it.  I won't stand on the scale again until at least next Monday.  Now that I see the scale moving in the right direction, it gives me excitement to go a longer amount of time so that I can check again and see how much progress I've made.  So far, I've lost 7lbs since getting back from vacation.  That's a pretty decent loss for 6 days.  Again, I know it's mostly water weight and I'm not doing anything unhealthy in order to lose that much weight so quickly.  It will slow down, now, and I'll have to start working harder if I want to see the number continue to go down.

And I want that number to keep going down, so badly.  

Yesterday, I was challenged to a fun Facebook photo thing where I had to post 5 pictures of myself that make me feel beautiful.  Do you know how difficult that is for me?  I take selfies of myself quite often, and have no problem posting them on Facebook... but nobody knows how many times I took those photos over and over and over again because every time I look at a picture of myself, all I can think is UGH.  In the end, I post a picture I can live with, but it doesn't mean I think I'm beautiful in those pictures.  But, I managed to find some pictures I really did like of myself, and I posted them.  It made me realize that I want to be able to post pictures of myself and feel good about them.  Not take 1500 photos just to get a shot that doesn't make me look or feel fat.  

I will get there.  I know I will.  Once again.  

Well, I'm going to keep it short today.  I have an urge to write, so I'm going to work on my book some more.  It's a perfect day for it.  

Everyone enjoy this BEAUTIFUL day!!

A Pool Day!!

                                         

Yesterday was HOT!  One of the hottest days we've had so far, this summer, so it was only fitting that I spend the day in the pool.  It's only the second time since we got the pool opened up that I got in. I mean, I know I've talked a lot about spending time in the pool... but what usually happens is the kids go swimming, and I sit on the patio watching.  It just hasn't been hot enough, yet, for me to want to get in there. But, yesterday, that all changed and I enjoyed cooling off and getting some sun.

The water has finally got to a tolerable temperature, so that when I get in I don't have to ease myself in slow and steady.  To me, there's nothing worse than getting in to a FREEZING cold pool.  I don't want warm, but I like it to be comfortable.  And the pool is at a cool, refreshing 86 degrees.  Perfect!

I spent some time swimming a few laps (got to get in some exercise) and then dug out my giant lounger so that I could relax.  Peanut spent another night with her friend, so it was just Butter, Jelly, and me.

                                         

                                         

As you can see in that last pic, Butter is making use of my lounger while I'm out taking selfies.  I'm too nervous to get my phone anywhere near the pool, so I make do by taking photos from outside of it.

We spent over an hour in the pool before Hubby came out and threw some pork chops on the grill.  As I floated around the water, I thought about the fact that THAT was what summer is all about.  Swimming, grill fired up, smelling the awesome aroma of food cooking.  I don't need fancy vacations or expensive day trips to really enjoy myself.  Just being with the kids in our backyard is like our own little vacation.

Peanut wants to have a pool party, soon, and I think it will be a great tradition to start.  An annual pool party for the kids' friends, some of my friends, and opening up our home (or backyard) for some fun.  It sucks that we live so far away from all of the kids' friends, but maybe a pool party once a year will be a way to give the kids some summer fun with them.  

The next couple of days are supposed to be much cooler.  In fact, the highs are only supposed to creep in to the 70s.  That's too cold to go swimming, but it'll give me a chance to get out and do some much needed gardening. Around the pool has really started to grow, with all the rain we've had.  Also, my little garden in the back is being overrun with weeds that need to be pulled.  I've heard that gardening is one of the best exercises, so I'm going to get my hands dirty and burn a few calories while the weather is cool enough for me to do so.  

Speaking of exercise, I'm already down 5lbs from when I got back from vacation.  That's a 5lbs loss in 4 days.  I'm pretty sure a lot of that is water weight that I retained while on vacation.  I spent almost 4 days walking, and not staying very hydrated.  My body, apparently, conserved water that needed to go once I got home and started hydrating myself correctly. 

I've also been eating MUCH better.  Vacation dining means throwing caution to the wind, and eating pretty much everything in sight.  That did NOT do me any good.  So, now that I'm home, I've been a lot more cautious about what I'm eating, and how much I'm eating.  I'm trying to limit my carb intake, and last night we ate pork chops (grilled) with beans.  Plenty of protein!  

While grocery shopping on Saturday, I picked up some Hormel ready-made meals.  They are only 240-320 calories per meal, and they are actually really tasty (for a prepackaged meal).  I got them to try out for when I go back to school, and the couple I've tried so far have been great.  I eat them without still feeling hungry after, and they only take 1 min to heat up in the microwave.  There's nothing worse than taking food to school that takes FOREVER to heat up.  When we only get about 20 minutes to eat, a five minute time to heat food up can really dig in to that.  Especially when we have to wait in line for the microwave.  Plus, they are only $2 each.  So, cheap, easy to make, delicious, low calorie... need I say more?

I know myself well enough to know that strict dieting doesn't work for me.  I do much better when I LIMIT myself.  Tell myself that I'm not allowed to eat something just makes me want that something even more. But, if I allow myself to have something, even just a tiny amount, I succeed and do much better.  Besides, every decent medical expert I've ever spoken to will tell you that you can't cut something completely out of your diet. Your body actually needs protein, carbs, and even small amounts of fat.  It's all about balance... something I know like the back of my hand, but don't exactly have the best history of following.

Most importantly, I'm trying to be sensible.  Crash diets work for a while...so do weight loss pills... but they don't have lasting results because they can't be used forever.  The only thing that's ever lasted is just being sensible, moving more, and not letting my emotions control my eating.  Easier said than done, but as long as it's maintained, it really does work.  

I'm really my own worst enemy when it comes to losing weight.  I KNOW everything I need to do, but I'm like a stubborn child that has to be forced in to it.

One thing I'm really looking forward to is the fact that I'm going back to college in August.  When I lost 80lbs, before, it was when I was in school, trying to hold down a job, and taking care of the kids.  It was a non-stop, crazy busy, don't have a second to think lifestyle.  And it's what really gave me my most success.  I know that sounds crazy, but it's true.  And, yes, my life has been pretty crazy busy for the past couple of years... but NOTHING like it is when I'm throwing in college classes to the mix.  

Something about being so stressed gives me the desire to get out and clear my mind.  There's only once place for that to happen that's away from EVERYTHING...the track that I walk/jog on.  That's how I used to study, back when I was in college.  I would do whatever homework I needed to do, then go out for a run to rethink and remember every thing I had done.  

And that's exactly what I plan on doing this time around.

Wow... I had no intentions of getting so off track and making this so long.  But, well...that's what I do I suppose.  I better stop here, though.  It's Monday, so there's errands to run, laundry to do, and appointments to get to.

Have a great Monday, everyone!!

A Super Sweet 16

                             

Last night, Peanut and I were invited to celebrate the 16th birthday of one of her friends.  Her friend's mom is someone I know, and so I was also lucky enough to also get an invite.  Now, I know it might sound silly to be happy that I got invited to a Sweet 16 party, but I was.  Because it was a great chance for me to spend some time with a couple of ladies I've been getting to know over the past two years.   The kids all went off and did their "thing" and the adults (four of us) got to sit and chat and laugh and have a good time.

I was also happy to see E.  I haven't gotten to see her since school got out, so it was nice to have a good laugh with her and catch up a little. 

                             

Most of all, though, I was so happy to see Peanut among friends.  Older kids she had gotten to know by going to summer school.  Going off to high school and becoming a Freshman are two very intimidating parts of growing up.  Especially since Peanut has spent the past two years making friends with the kids she went to school with, but will now be thrown in to a mixture of kids from five other schools.  Six Junior High schools feed in to one high school.  That's a lot of new faces.

Despite Peanut being a little unsure about going to summer school, she ended up walking away sad that it was ending and happy about the new friends she'd made.  The girl celebrating her birthday, last night, was one of them.  They are going to be in show choir next year, together, and Peanut is really excited about the endeavor.

Since 5th grade, Peanut has been a band girl.  She played the clarinet, and seemed to really enjoy it.  Then, last year, she told me she didn't want to do it anymore.  I was sad, because I had been a clarinet playing band girl when I was in high school, and I loved every minute of it.  But, she had realized it just wasn't for her anymore.  Then Peanut was stuck with facing the task of finding what she'd do instead.  

The high school show choir visited our school, last year, to give us a performance.  While they sang and danced I thought about how great it would be for Peanut to do something like that.  I even started pushing it on her, suggesting she try out.  But, she told me something I hadn't really thought about: She couldn't sing. I'd never really heard her sing.  Sure, she sung along to songs in the car, but never really by herself.   Then one day, she started singing in the car and I really made myself pay attention, and I quickly realized SHE COULD REALLY SING.  She had a beautiful voice, but like me, was too afraid to sing in public.

In order to get her to consider trying out for show choir, I had to bring in reinforcements.  In the way of E.  E's step-mom is the show choir director, so E was the best person to give Peanut advice and encourage her to give it a try.  She talked Peanut in to finding a song, practicing, and building up her excitement for the whole thing.  Peanut found the PERFECT song for her voice, "All of Me" by John Legend.  The first time I heard Peanut sing it, I got goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes. She sounded wonderful.  So, Peanut tried out and she made it!  I was so happy for her.

And now, Peanut is in show choir along with kids from 9th - 12th grade.  

It was so great, last night, seeing her with some new friends...

                         

Don't get me wrong, I love all of the friends she made while in Jr. High, but that close knit of friends had to expand.  They all knew they would be in situations where they might not even be in a single class together, so it was inevitable that the small group had to branch out.  And, I'm so relieved Peanut has been able to do that before she even steps foot in to her first Freshman class.

Anywho, back to the party...

The kids all spent the evening dancing on the patio or sitting in small clusters and talking.  It was so different from what parties were like when I was younger.  If I had been thrown a Sweet 16 in a private venue with a group of my closest friends, I doubt very much we'd spent so much time sitting in small groups and talking.  We'd have been partying it up on the dance floor.  The girls tried, but the guys just weren't feeling it.  But that didn't seem to bother anyone... they all seemed to have a great time.

The four adults even gave them privacy by sitting in a small area downstairs, away from the patio.  We sat and talked about family, work, the summer.  We laughed until it hurt, and it felt so nice to just sit back and relax and have a good time.  

The party started dwindling down around 11PM.  Kids started to leave, and the birthday girl wasn't ready to call it quits, so she asked her mom if she could have a sleepover.  Peanut ended up going home with her for the night, and I drove home alone.  I made it home around 12:30.  

It was such a fun night, and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it.

Today, I'm going to get in the pool, relax, and figure out when I'm going to pick up Peanut.  That's it.  Nothing more... oh, except writing for a while.  

A relaxing Sunday....Perfect!

I'm Writing a Book!

Sometime last week, before my vacation, I was laying in bed around midnight when I a strong urge swept through my brain.  The urge to get up and start writing.  Not a blog or a Facebook post or anything like that, but a book!  The story just started to come together in my head, and I just had to get my ideas down on paper.  

I've had writing urges before, and they usually come to me at night.  But, those urges are usually directed toward my blog. Something I want to get off my chest, or an idea that pops in to my brain for a topic of discussion. But this particular urge was different.  It was almost as if I didn't get up right at that second, the idea would get away from me and be gone forever.

I got up, jotted down a few notes, and went back to bed with no problems.  But, the next morning, the urge was back and it was time to get started.  In fact, I spent half a day writing out the first two chapters into a journaling app that I have on my iPad.  I was so excited to be writing, and the words and storyline were pouring out of me.  When I was finished with my first two chapters, I went back to reread what I had written, and found that half of what I wrote was missing.  Gone.  It hadn't saved like it was supposed to.  That was very disheartening and frustrating, but I decided to not give up and just find a more reliable app in which to do my writing.  One that I could save the writing and access it on my iPad or my laptop.  I finally found what I was looking for, and off I went again.

I'm sure all this writing business has stemmed from the fact that I've spent a lot of my time off reading. I'm a huge YA (Young Adult) literature fan, and in the few weeks I've been off I've already read two of the Divergent Series (almost done with the third), Evermore which is book one of the Immortal Series by Alyson Noel, and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  I just can't get enough of them.  In fact, I'm making a trip to the library today to get the second book of The Immortal Series, and I even have a book waiting to be read on my Kindle reader that I borrowed.  So, it's no surprise that the book I'm writing is YA focused.  More mature YA, but not exactly an adult novel.  

I have finished the first three chapters, and I am pumped and excited to continue.  

I have always wanted to write a book.  In fact, I've started several times over.  I started a biography-type story a few years back, a murder mystery, and even dabbled with starting a weight loss motivation book.  Of course, the last one would have been pointless.  Although, maybe if I had kept writing the book, I would have kept the weight off that I lost.  

But, none of those ideas really gave me much desire.  I started without really knowing where I was going.  I was stupid enough to believe that if I just sat in front of my keyboard, the story would just come to me.  That's not how books get written, and I've realized why.  You just have to know where you're going... what the plot will be, what the beginning, middle and end will look like.  Sure, I write the story as it comes out, but I have a purpose and direction (now) when I'm writing.  I know how I want to the characters to interact, I know what the big problem and solution will be, and I know how I want the book to end.  All information that is VITAL to writing a book... or any story, really.  

I have spent the last couple of years engraining this very thing in to the minds of my students, to write with purpose.  It's OK to randomly write out thoughts and ideas in a journal format, but once it's time to get down to business, there has to be a plan of action.  

I have no idea how long it will take me to write a book.  I have no idea if it'll be any good.  I have no idea if I'll even consider trying to get it published.  I do know it's something I've always wanted to do, and I finally believe I have a storyline I'm happy with.  

And I have a few more weeks to really take advantage of my "down time" and put my heart in to getting as much done as I can.  Even if it's just a very rough draft, I want to at least get that out of the way. 

I've read that some authors can take YEARS to write a book.  I don't want to be that kind of writer.  I don't mind it taking years to be finished, but I'm not taking years to get my story down on paper (or iPad).  And, I'm not writing some kind of series thing.  There will be no vampires, no werewolves, no kids dying from cancer, no wizards, and no kids competing against each other in a fight to the death.  So, I guess ruling all of those things out means it might not be any good.  I mean, it has to have those things to be good, right?

Hopefully not.

My story is simple, yet powerful.  It's something that can happen at anytime.  It's stuff that kids can actually relate to, yet still get warm and fuzzy with the characters.  At least, that's how I picture it in my mind.  Realistic fiction without anyone having to cry through most of it.  

I love to write.  I was born to write.  Nobody else maybe interested in what I have to say, or think that my writing is any good... but it's in my veins.  It gives me strength, it helps me tackle the deepest of my emotions, and in the words of my 6 year old "It's my most favoritest thing to do in the whole wide world!"

So, that's what's going on with me.  That's how I plan on spending my time for the remainder of this summer.  On my patio, coffee cup next to me, iPad on lap... for as long as I can stand the humidity.  Then it's in to the pool for a cool-down session, and right back to it.  

Man, I love summer break!!

Home Sweet Home

It's 7AM, and I'm sitting on my patio.  MY patio.  Listening to the birds chirp, and taking in the sweet bliss of peace and quiet.  Except for the birds, anyway.  The kids are all still in bed, and probably will be for a while.  I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing up at this time, especially after just getting back from an exhausting vacation, but I have to admit I'm happy to be here.  Right here.  In my spot.  Getting my short amount of "me time" before the day gets started.

We made it home around 8 last night.  We checked out of the motel at 9AM, and then spent the day at Silver Dollar City before coming home.  I didn't get a chance to blog because the kids were excited to get up and going.

The day before, we spent the day exploring Branson's shopping hot spots.  We visited Tanger Outlets and the kids spent some of their money that P-Momma gave them to buy a few things.  Jelly managed to talk me in to buying her even MORE stuffed animals at the Disney Store.  But, I couldn't resist.  That was one store that was sooooo much cheaper than the regular store.  She picked out a Sleeping Beauty plush doll, originally $19.99 for $6, and a plush Piglet for the same price.  She even got a new Princess tote to carry her stuff around in. Peanut got a new tank shirt, regularly $29.99 for $10.  At Rue 21, Butter found a new pair of shorts and a shirt, Peanut found a new pair of jeans and a shirt, and I only spent $36.  Not too bad at all.  My only purchases at the outlet was a pair of New York & Company aviator sunglasses, regularly $29.99 on sale for $5, and a few lotions and body sprays we picked up at Bath & Body Works and Perfumania.  I would NEVER spend $30 on a pair of sunglasses, but I will sure spend $5 on a pair. HA!  

After we spent about 3 hours at the Outlet, we decided to go back to the motel for a short break.  That ended up turning in to a 2 hour nap for EVERYONE.  We woke up around 4PM, got ourselves freshened up, and decided to go grab our free pizzas for dinner.  (The package we bought from the motel included two free pizzas.)  We took our time eating our pizza and then decided to head over to Branson Landing for some more shopping.  The weather was perfect for walking around.  We visited Bass Pro Shops, and then explored some of the stores located at the Landing.  We spent about 2 hours just walking around and digging through some of the stuff that was on sale.  

                                  

                                   

We were all done around 8PM, but due to our nap earlier, we weren't really ready to call it a night.  We decided to drive up the strip and take a look at what was going on.  From all the attractions that Branson has to offer, we had a lot to choose from.  But, the kids eventually decided that they wanted to go to the Hollywood Wax Museum.  Thanks to our Silver Dollar City passes, we got a great discount.  We were able to pick three attractions for the price of two, so we opted for the museum, the haunted castle, and the maze of mirrors.  

The wax museum was good.  The kids had a blast getting their pictures taken with some of their favorite celebrities...

                       

                                    

                                    

                                    

Once we got enough of the museum, we headed on over to the haunted castle.  Now this was one attraction I'd never done before, and the kids LOVED it.  It was a 5D interactive ride through a short horror movie.  We had to shoot at zombies that were hurling stuff at us, watch and feel creepy bugs and bats flying around (thanks to seats that moved and air blowing out on to our necks), and be spun around on a revolving floor that whipped us from one scene to the next.  After that experience, I'm wondering why all movies aren't made in 5D.  I'd see just about every movie there is in a 5D theater! You could feel, see, and smell what was going on, and I couldn't help but scream several times when it looked as though a dagger or a ball of fire was being thrown straight at me.  And there's nothing like the smell of rotting carcasses to add to the effect of zombies coming straight for us.

The kids loved it so much, we just had to do it again. And we did.  With Butter being the winner of the zombie shoot out during both rides.  

When we had our fill of zombies and ghosts, we headed on up to the maze of mirrors.  Now, Peanut, Butter, and I really enjoyed getting lost in the mirrors.  Jelly?  Not so much.  It was royally ticking her off, and giving her a little anxiety that we seemed to be going round in circles.  It didn't help when fairy tale characters kept popping up inside a mirror to give us some direction...

                                   

                                   

                                   

The girl can handle crazy thrill rides, zombies, and ghosts, but have her look in to a mirror that suddenly turns in to a wizard reflection.. and THAT freaks her out.  Peanut managed to find the exit for us, just in time.  I think Jelly would have had a full blown panic attack if we'd been in there more than a few more minutes.

After all that fun, we decided to call it a night.  It was back to the motel for our last night.

After checking out and grabbing a quick breakfast at McDonald's the next morning, we went for our last day at Silver Dollar City.  And, out of the previous times we went, yesterday was the busiest.  There were TONS of people there, so the kids wanted to head straight to the ONLY ride they had yet to get on:  PowderKeg.

It's a roller-coaster that starts you off going from 0-60MPH in 2.8 seconds.  Jelly and I watched as Peanut and Butter tried it out. 

                                       

                            

Being that it was so fast and so high, I really didn't think it was something that Jelly should get on.  At least without me trying it out, first.  But, I didn't get that chance.  After standing there and watching the ride for a while, Jelly quickly caught on that there were kids her size riding.. and SHE WANTED ON!  So, as soon as Peanut and Butter were finished, we were back in line to let Jelly have a go.  My stomach turned the whole time we were waiting, and even more so when we got on.  We zipped off at 60MPH, rushed over hills and around sharp turns, and that little girl let out whoops of glee and excitement.  She loved it so much that she was begging me to do it again before we even got off the first time.  So, it was back in line for ride number 2.  And, again, she laughed and cheered all the way through.  Crazy girl.

I have to admit, that by day 3, I wasn't near as nervous about getting on the big roller-coasters as I'd been on the first day.  I actually really enjoyed it.  We spent several hours hopping off of one ride and straight on to the next, but we were ready to call it a day around 4PM.

After stopping for drinks, then again for dinner, it took us a lot longer to get home.. but I was so glad when we finally pulled in to our driveway.  We unpacked, and the kids went straight to bed.  I made my way to bed around 11PM, and I was so happy to be back in my own bed.

The kids have all made me promise that we do NOTHING today.  We're not allowed to go anywhere or do anything more than do some laundry and swim.  And that sounds like a great plan to me.  Nothing like a short vacation to rest up after a vacation.  Right?

I am so happy I got to give my kids a little mini-adventure.  It's not very often we get to go away and do stuff like that, and I don't mind that I spent every penny of my summer school money making their few days away the best it could be.  

And, we still have plenty of summer left to fill with more fun activities.

Day Two Vacation Adventure Continues

Travelog...Day Two...

We started out waking up bright and early so that we could head over to eat breakfast and pick up our tickets for the shows.  The breakfast buffet was AH-MAZING.  The usual breakfast fixings like bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, etc., but also TONS of other stuff like cheesy hashbrowns, an omelet station, pastry station, cereal bar, and waffles and pancakes.  Very similar to a Golden Corral Breakfast, really.  

And, I'm sure it's going to do wonders for the Project: Outlaw Run that I plan on getting in to.  That will, you know, help me lose enough weight by the end of the season so that I can get on that ride.  I only have about an inch to lose from around my waist.. so should probably avoid all the buffet places.  But, it is vacation, and I'll get down and serious as soon as I get home (famous last words).

After breakfast, we picked up our show tickets and headed to the first show of the day:  Amazing Pets.  It was a cute show with trained dogs, house cats, and even a couple of giant parrots.  Peanut even got her first taste of being on stage during a Branson show when she was picked to participate in a short skit.  She, along with three other children, performed a cute little song and dance on stage.  I'm proud of her for being silly, and I captured the whole thing on video.  She had a good time participating, and all the kids had a great time watching.  We weren't allowed to take any photos when the animals were on stage, but I was allowed to record Peanut and take some photos of the little fun skits performed during acts.  When I get home, and have better internet service, I'll upload more photos of the entire trip, and the video of Peanut performing.  She's the one in the blue, and it was hard to get a great picture because of all the lights.

                                 

After the show, we decided to cash in our coupon for a free game of miniature golf.  The resort has a new golf course:  Black Light Miniature golf.  It was very cool.  The entire place was lit up with black lights and reflective decor.  The only way we could really see each other was by our clothes lighting up.  

Once golf was over, we spent an hour or so playing at The Fun Spot, which is basically an arcade of games that give out tickets as prizes.  We had fun, and the kids won some little prizes to take away.

The afternoon was spent watching another show:  Comedy Jubilee.  Now, this show was great.  I was kind of worried about it, at first, because I really thought it was going to be silly and more for the kids.  But, I was wrong.  The kids had a great time, but I laughed so hard I cried.  The performers were HYSTERICAL and kept everyone very entertained.  The Branson Trio also performed several songs, and it was laughter and music for two hours straight.  Even though the pet show was cute, it was nothing compared to how much fun we had during the comedy show.  Even Jelly laughed her butt off at some of the entertainers.  She especially enjoyed the Emcee, Apple Jack, and was lucky enough to get a picture with him during intermission.  

                                     

Once the show was over, it was dinner time.  So, we hoped on over to the pizza place, located on site, and enjoyed some pizza.  After dinner, it was back to the hotel room for a break and then we decided to go back to the water park for a while.  

At 10PM, the kids and I went back over to the arcade for a party that was being thrown for all the kids.  They had free cake, popcorn, and music and we played games until 11PM.  That's when they had a giant balloon drop for the kids to win prizes and stuff.  My kids didn't make it out with any free prizes, but they all seemed to have a good enough time playing the games and earning tickets so they could pick their own prizes.  

By the time we got back to the room, the kids were all exhausted and went straight to sleep.  I made my way there after a while, and slept much better than the night before.  

I was awoken this morning by a loud crash of thunder.  It made me jump out of bed because I realized we'd left all the swimming stuff outside on the balcony.  I discovered half of our stuff still hanging up, but the rest I had to track down due to it being blown over the rails to the downstairs level.  

It figures that TODAY is the day it's going to rain.  We spent all day inside, yesterday, while the sun was shining.  Today, we're supposed to go do some exploring at Branson Landing (outside) and Historic Downtown (outside).  We're hoping the rain will push out while we eat breakfast and head on over to Tanger Outlet Mall.  Hoping.  If not, then we'll get a little wet, I suppose.

But, more about that tomorrow.  We're staying an extra night... so there will be plenty more to talk about in the morning.

Have a great Tuesday!

Day One of Our Vacation Adventure

Travelog...Day One...

We arrived at Silver Dollar City around 9:30AM.  The weather forecast, for the past several days, had told me that it was going to be a HOT one.  The temperature was supposed to top out around 94 degrees.  But, thankfully, once again the weather forecast was wrong and I'd be surprised if the temps even made it in to the upper 80s.  It stayed cloudy all day, and there were even a few sprinkles of rain here and there.

As soon as we got to the park, the kids wanted to head straight for the new roller-coaster we didn't get to ride on Wednesday:  Outlaw Run.  I stayed behind with Jelly and said a quick prayer before Peanut and Butter jumped aboard, as I looked up at the 162 feet of track they started chugging up, to be plummeted down on the other side, at an 81 degree angle going 68MPH.  They went up, they came down, and when they got off the ride Peanut INSISTED that I ride it with her.  Told me I'd love it, and just HAD to try it.  So, I went and got back in line with her while Butter and Jelly stood watch.  

When it was our turn to get in to the car, I jumped in and started to get buckled.  But, there was a problem. The seatbelt that first straps you in wouldn't go around my waist.  Now, I'm a good sized gal, but I have NEVER been on a roller-coaster, or any ride for that matter, in which I was too fat to ride.  NEVER.  And, even though I've gained a few pounds in the past few months, I still didn't consider myself too big to ride on anything.  But, apparently, my prayers were answered with the Big Man, and I wasn't getting on this ride.  

But the minute I had to walk away, not being able to ride, I started to get that urge to want to ride.  Isn't that the way it goes?  I was a little angry that I couldn't.  Angry at myself for being too big, angry at the park for limiting the constraints to not allow someone of my size (which is not exactly ginormous) to get on.  And, the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth and made me start questioning my ability to get on other rides with my kids.  I mean, I knew I could get on the other rides.. I rode them only 4 days ago (and I've even lost 3lbs since then) but just the whole thing with being "too fat" to ride on something made me question each ride's ability to hold my weight.  A nasty blow to my self-esteem, but also a nasty blow to the realization that I really need to start losing weight.

Anywho, I let the situation go, and we moved on to the next ride I wouldn't ride on Wednesday:  The Giant Barn Swing.  Peanut and Jelly had rode on it, Wednesday, but the giant swinging arms had made me feel a little nauseous just watching them.  It's an ordinary swing, that flew up you in to the air at great speeds, and then flew back down again.  UGH!!!  But I got on it. Because I had promised that I would.  And, it was OK.  It was fun.  But I had to keep my eyes closed for most of the ride.

The rest of the day was spent riding on all the rides we enjoyed, and having a great time.  The other giant roller-coaster we didn't get to ride on Wednesday had to be shut down because of the weather (another answered prayer) and so we made do with all the other thrill rides that remained open.  

By 4:30PM, the kids and I were all ready to call it a day and head to our resort.  By the time we made it through the gift shop and back to our car, it was around 5PM.  Just as we were leaving the park, we got stuck in some MAJOR traffic.  I knew it wasn't just the park traffic, because even though the park had seemed pretty busy, we hadn't waited in a single line for a ride all day long so I know it wasn't too bad.  Come to find out, there was a major wreck, which kept us all sitting in our car for over an hour.  Our resort was only 7 miles away from Silver Dollar City, but we didn't get here until 6:20PM.

Once we checked in and took all of our stuff to our room, we decided to head straight to dinner.  We chose one of the restaurants located at the resort, and had a great meal.  As soon as we were done, it was back to our room to get ready to head to the indoor water park.  

The indoor water park is nice.  It's small, and definitely more focused for the kids, but it wasn't too busy and we had a good time.  I lazed around on the Lazy River and in the jacuzzi pools, went down the slides a few times, and just relaxed while the kids went all over the place.  One thing I really liked is that nothing is deeper than 3FT deep, so Jelly could go pretty much anywhere she wanted and I didn't have to follow her around.  Great for me, and great for the kids.  They could do what they wanted to do, and I could do what I wanted to do.

We left the pool a little after 9PM, and it was straight back to our room for some much needed rest.  The kids all passed out pretty quick, as did I.  I didn't sleep very well, but I never do when I'm away from home.  I was up bright and early this morning in order to drink a cup of coffee and write my blog... like always. 

It's just about time to go wake up the kids for Day Two of our adventures.  But, I'll share more about that tomorrow.

We are having a GREAT time, and can't wait for more fun today!!

Why Can't I Ever Sleep When I REALLY Need To?

Yesterday, I took the kids out to buy all of our last minute items needed for our "getaway".  Travel sized bathroom supplies, new flip-flops, a couple of new outfits for each of them, new bathing suits for Peanut and Butter (Jelly just got two new ones from Grammy), and snacks and drinks for our hotel room.  We got home, packed everything that needed to be and could be packed, and I finished up the laundry I'd been doing.  

The family even decided to skip going to watch another firework display so that we'd have plenty of time to prepare and weren't rushing around at the last minute to get everything done.

All was good.  All was packed.  Got the kids to bed nice and early.  I decided to do the same and headed to bed around 10PM.  I set my alarm for 6AM, and that's when I laid there.  And laid there some more.  Turned on the TV for a while, watched a couple of episodes of Hell's Kitchen that I had on my DVR, and STILL after all that?  Could not "switch off" and didn't feel in the slightest bit tired.   

I got up, again, got myself something to drink, set the coffee pot up to go off this morning, went out on to the patio and listened to some fireworks that were still going off, spoke to an old friend on Facebook for a little while, and finally decided to give sleep another try.  It was after midnight by this time.  

I eventually dozed off, but I have no idea how long it took me.  By the way I feel this morning, apparently a while.  I felt like I just closed my eyes when the buzzer on my alarm went off.  And, I'm suppose to be driving to Branson and spending the day at a theme park.  Nice, right?

But, that's how it goes with me.  When I don't need to sleep, I can sleep for 12 hours at a time.  When I really need to sleep? Lucky if I get 5 hours.  

Isn't that what vacation is all about, though?  Hardly any sleep, crammed in fun, coming home exhausted and in need of a vacation just to get over the vacation?

Regardless of feeling extremely tired this morning, I am ready and excited to get going.  I've spent the past couple of days psyching myself up to get on the two roller-coasters I didn't ride on Wednesday, and the Giant Barn Swing that Peanut has been begging me to at least try.  And so, I'm just kind of ready to get those things out of the way so that I can at least relax, and enjoy the other rides without being too terrified of what's yet to come.  We did everything else on Wednesday, so now it's a day (post two GIANT roller-coasters) I can ride the rides that I was so terrified about, and just enjoy my day.

For someone as scared as heights as I am, I do get on some crazy high thrill rides.  I spend the whole time feeling queasy, shaking, and on the verge of a panic attack.  Then, once I'm on the ride and in the middle of the rush of adrenaline that courses through my veins, I get off the ride ready to go through the queasy, shaking, panic stricken rush all over again.  

And, even though I can get on a ride time and time again, there's never ENOUGH times to take that slight fear away.

Weird, right?

I know that the fear isn't directly to do with heights.  Sure, the heights make me a little weak in the knees, but  the majority of the fear has nothing to do with the heights or even me at all.  Half of my fear comes from not wanting one or two of my children to ride the rides alone, and the other fear comes from getting on one of those rides while I still have one or two children watching me.  Sure, I don't like the heights, but that's not what really keeps me off the rides.  If my fear was that bad, there's no way I'd climb into a seat that chugs up to a 150 feet before plummeting me back down to earth at 60+MPH.  No, the real fear comes from the fact that I can never shake the feeling that something might happen either to me and the kid(s) riding with me, and the kids left off the ride will be abandoned and lonely, scared out of their mind.  

I guess that's why I was so brave at Worlds of Fun when I went in May.  I didn't have near the fear level I had on Wednesday, and got on EVERY. SINGLE. RIDE the teenagers that were with me got on to.  Because they were all with me.  Right there, sitting right around me.  I had nobody standing and watching, waiting to make sure I make it off.

But, I'll get through it.  I'll face my fears.  I'll have an amazing time, and make sure that my kids have an absolute blast.

Which I better get to doing... because it's just about time to leave and I'm still sitting in my PJs.

I'm taking my iPad with me, and I'm thinking I'll be blogging in the evenings.. but no promises.

Have a great Sunday, everyone!!  And keep us all in your thoughts as I tackle crazy thrill rides, will ya?

Had a Great Fourth...Now On to Vacation Prep

                                         

Well, we managed to have a fantastic 4th of July.  The kids and I went up to the park, that's just down the street from our house, and enjoyed the town's 101st Freedom Fest.  Even though we've only been living in this town a year, we've been coming to this celebration on and off for years.  It first started way back when the kids were small, and we lived in this town then.  

The park fills up with car shows, tractor shows, vendors, inflatables, and local bands for a day of fun, food, and small town togetherness.  

We spent a couple of hours looking around, playing, and enjoying ourselves that can only be explained further with the pictures that I took...

Our first stop was to look at the animals that were on show by the Wilderness Safari that's located a little outside of town.  They brought a trailer full of monkeys and had some more "farm friendly" animals for the kids to touch...

Jelly petting a calf, and as you can tell, not too sure about that...

                                       

Jelly touching a baby llama (or alpaca, I can never tell the difference)

                                      

All three kids petting the baby donkeys...

                                     

Some bunnies...

                           

And some piglets...

                                       

After that, Jelly took some time to enjoy the inflatables...

                                     

                                     

                                     

Then, we took a ride downtown on the back of a tractor wagon...

                                      

                                      

                                      

And before we left, the kids took a picture with the giant gorilla...

                                       

That was the end of the first trip up to the park, but after being there for a while, we were hot and ready for some swimming.  The original plan was to come home, swim, eat dinner, and then go back to the park for the concert and fireworks that started at 7PM.

When I say that was the original plan, I mean the plan got changed a little.  When I got home and discovered that EVERY. SINGLE. swim towel was ONCE AGAIN stuffed in the laundry basket to be washed, I may or may not have had a little baby tantrum and declared that I was NOT going swimming.  I then went in to my room to "cool off" for a second, and the next thing I know Hubby was waking me up and telling me dinner was ready.  And, low and behold ALL of the kids had to be woken up as well.  Apparently, after my little fit, they all decided to lay low in their rooms and all fell asleep.  So, even though we didn't swim, we did all enjoy a nap.

Hubby had grilled chicken and baked potatoes for us to eat, and after enjoying every bite of it, it was back to the park for a free concert and fireworks.

Jelly opted to go back on the water inflatables for a while...

                                        

Peanut and Butter were enjoying the nice weather and decent music...

                                        

                                         

And they even decided to have a little "planking" competition to amuse themselves...

                                          

Jelly made up a comfy spot on the grass when it was time to get ready for fireworks...

                                          

She didn't stay there long, though, and opted for a chair.  She doesn't look very happy, but that's only because the flash caught her offguard...

                                          

The other kids kept a smile on their faces all night...

                              

And finally it was time for the AMAZING fireworks.  I'm only going to show two pictures, because the pictures I got don't do the fireworks any form of justice...

                               

                               

We had a great time, and despite my little fit throwing, enjoyed our entire day together.

Today is all about getting ready for our vacation.  We're leaving bright and early tomorrow morning, so I have a lot to get done.  I need to make sure everyone's clothes are clean, make sure everything we need is packed, run to the store and pick up the few essentials we need to take with us, and clean the house so that we can come home to a clean house.  

I bet Hubby can't wait for us to all be gone.  He has to stay behind, but that's like a vacation for him anyways.  He'd much rather stay home and have an empty house than gallivant off with us to theme parks, shows, and water parks.  Which, despite being sad he won't be there with us, I am relieved that someone will be here to watch the house and the cats while we are gone.

The kids are all uber excited.  This is our first family getaway since Jelly was 6 months old... so about five and a half years.  Even if we are only going to Branson, which is just a two hour drive from where we live, it's a vacation in their eyes.  In all of our eyes.  A giant resort, indoor water park, shows, miniature golf, and Silver Dollar City.  And we even plan on doing some shopping at some point at the giant outlet mall I've never been to that's located in Branson.

Our trip was supposed to be three days and two nights, but I've already decided that we're going to add another night because there's just no way we can do everything we want without rushing and squeezing it in... so another night will help lift some of that.

I'm taking my iPad with me, so I might be doing some blogging while I'm away.  Not making any promises, but I'm thinking in the evenings it will be nice to have something to do once all the fun of the day is over.  

OK, can't spend anymore time sitting here...so much to do and so little time!!

Have a great Saturday, everyone!!