Jack Sparrow ain't got nuthin' on him.

Day two went off without a hitch.

Nic is still not feeling well (neither is Isa for that matter)...

So, after a breakfast of Banana Nut Muffins

thanks to Marie Calendar

We left the house.

First a few pics of my so so so cute daughter.

Who is feeling awkward in front of the camera...

Get used to it, baby!

The camera and your momma are going nowhere.

Good. Got a few shots, and she was on her way!

 Her and Hannah declined a ride to school; they wanted to take the bus.

Because we haven't figured out Alex's bus situation yet

(he has the option of walking almost half a mile in either direction

to catch a TOO PACKED bus),
I think I will be driving for a bit...
 =) 
Gives me more time to tell him

how wonderful he is, and if he makes a decision that's going to disappoint me -

OFF WITH HIS HEAD! 

Look at this Pirate?! Ain't he something?

He's upset that he can't find his eye patch or his sword (made of foam, of course).

Instead, he's carrying around a black, plastic knife.

The kind you would get from a take out restaurant.

The kind where the

sharp is soft, mommy!

A Pirate in flip flops... Love it.

Down below, another pic of the Pirate.

Prolly wishing he could be on a Pirate Ship right about now.

I am sure he's also thinking about walking the plank;

if our Odyssey had one, that is.

One last shot of Alex.

Okay, there were about 10 of these...

he kept asking me to stop,

so I kept on going.

I'm mean like that.

Hopefully Isabel will get on a bus this afternoon...

After yesterday's episode, I don't care if it's the wrong one -

Just pick one and get on.

Any bus will be an improvement.

:)

I kid.

Kinda.

And hopefully, Football practice won't be cut short

considering they have a game less than a month away.
Yesterday, because half of the freshman team

hadn't been cleared to start...

they cut practice short...

Very short.

As in

 mom, come get us...

Argggh. It's a Pirate's Life for Me.

First Day of School ~ 2010

Well, it's here.

Today's the first day of school...

It was a busy morning:

• I made some breakfast
• Helped Isa get ready
• Ironed Alex's jeans (the kid's didn't even KNOW we owned an iron... can you believe that? Mom, don't faint!)
• Called Nic in sick @ daycare (yes, he's sick... = ( both him and Isa, actually, but she's not missing school), and
• Took Alex and his cousin Amber to school

 ALL BEFORE 7AM.

I am going on 3 hours sleep. I've been working on Isabel's school's PTO website. I love doing that type of stuff, but I tend to forgo sleep to fit it in.

My children look wonderful today!

Here is Alex (and Nic!)...

And Isabel and her BFF Hannah...

Hope you have a fabulous Monday!

The School Supply List that never Ended & Other Stuff

I am not sure how it is across the country, but here in our little world schoolbooks have become a scarcity.

Moreover, school lockers? Non-existent. To be honest, I am not sure of the real reason behind getting rid of lockers. I can assume it had to do with safety. However, maybe it had to do with the fact that our schools are slightly overpopulated and there just were not enough to go around. Either way, the kids have to keep everything in their backpacks.

When I say everything, of course I do not mean their books. They actually get to borrow a book during school hours. At the middle school level, they do not have enough books to give everyone an extra copy to keep at home. Makes it hard to do homework, huh? Most of the teachers say they give the students time to do the homework in class. When are they ever learning new things if they are constantly trying to keep up with their homework on past lessons, I wonder?

This year, Isabel's Social Studies teacher said they will be learning from an Atlas. She showed me a copy. Then she said that the students won't actually have a copy to refer to, but we could purchase one on our own, if we wish.

Her school supply list? It's long. Besides all of the day-to-day items the students will need, the teachers would like the following:

Copy Paper
Kleenex
Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
White Board Markers
Extra pencils
Crayons
Markers
A Slew of Sciene-like materials
and the list goes on.
Really.

About the Copy Paper... the schools have none. NONE. It's embarrassing. And sad. Last year, I purchased a large box (5000 sheets) and gave it to the teachers. This year, I will do the same.

At the high school level, I was grateful to learn they did have extra books to keep at home. Which I am glad for as Alex will need to maintain a B average to stay on the Football team. I can help him study in the evenings... Having the books will make a huge difference.

I spent hours last night meticulously putting together Alex and Isabel’s school supplies and backpacks. As I scanned the hundred dollars worth of goodies, I got worried for Alex. He is going be swimming with the big fishes now. I remember high school. I went to this high school. I know this community. There are many students starting school on Monday that will not be in line to graduate come May 2014. Along the way, there are going to be many kids who refuse to do their work, who interrupt class, and who are just plain unprepared for school each day.

I am scared for Alex to see that type of behavior on a larger scale. I am scared he will join in. Alex is not perfect... and frankly, he does not like school much.

We have made it perfectly clear to Alex that he WILL graduate. Moreover, that he WILL attend college.
It is going to take a lot of work on his end.
It is going to take a lot of work on OUR end.

Which is crazy.... We did our time in high school.
I earned my Bachelors degree.
I have just spent the last 2 years earning my Masters degree.

While my parents were great and supportive - and all that jazz, they were NOT up every night forcing me to do my homework, or giving me lectures about paying attention, staying out of trouble, and turning my work in.

I hate that we have to do that for Alex. I wish he could understand how SERIOUS this is. That fun time during high school should be during lunches or before and after school; NOT when the teacher is trying to teach lessons.

Normally I am excited for the new school year; this year I am worried.

All of this started with a simple school supply list.

First Thing's First...

First... Tracey's niece, Emmie, needs our prayers.

Second (not nearly as important, I know)...

The husband and I went to the movies last night - a late night date.

We saw The Other Guys, starring him:

and some other guy. Will something or other.

Smith?

Ferrell?

Yes, Ferrel. Will Ferrel.

It also starred this guy:

Wait, I may have mentioned that already.

/sigh

It was a funny movie.

=)

Today... I am taking Isabel and her friend Hannah for pre-Middle School

Mannies and Peddies.

YAY!

We are also going to head to the mall

(crazy, I know)

for accessories...

Hair stuff, earrings, - You know... Girl stuff.

And then I get to come home

and teach Isa how to shave.

Although, she thinks she already knows how.

This could be interesting.

Happy Saturday.

Don't forget - payers for Emmie.

Black or White?

This is what I've been doing all week...

It's hard to believe school starts on Monday.

And life is gonna be crazzzzyyyy...

Alex gets fitted for Football today, and official practice starts on Monday...

----------------------

 

We still are not sure what's happening with our loan... It's with a broker now...

We should have a good idea, either way, by the end of today.

------------------------

P.S. Nic opted for Black AND White.

Cute kid.

I think I am going to be sick...

and no, I don't think it has too much to do with eating too many of these...

(sorry for the lame pic, used my bberry; my camera needs charging)

the underwriter at Bank of America emailed me 3 hours ago, and asked when I would be free to discuss my mortgage application.

I emailed him back and said anytime, now?!
I even called and left a message.

I haven't heard from him yet.

I am trying my hardest to stay positive.

I have a bucket on the floor next to me, just in case.

------------------------------------------------------

Edited to add: It's not looking good. =(  But, I have a few lenders in my back pocket.
So, still keep everything crossed.
Regardless: what's meant to be, will be.

My Mind is Racing with Random Thoughts

Today is our last Sunday before the new, back-to-school Sunday night rituals begin.
Normally at this time, I would be herding the kids in to take showers, do chores, get ready for dinner, and ready for bed.

Right now, Isa is out playing with her friend Hannah, Nic is taking a nap, and Alex is about to jump on the PS3.

I cannot believe summer is over.

Due to the Monsoon Season, we have had some rain. Today it is only 83 degrees out, overcast, and breezy.
I turned off the A/C, opened up all of the windows - my house is being aired out in the middle of Summer; can you believe it?

I kind of like the sound of my vertical blinds knocking into each other when the breeze comes through the window.

The kids and I met one of my bestest girl friends and her 4 kids for lunch. She's getting married in February - so we sat down to write out some To-Do lists. I helped her come up with a theme. I love themes.

After lunch, my three and I went to Michael's.
I love this time of year, and I love Michael's during  this time of year.

Alex's birthday is coming up (one we hope to celebrate in our new home). I really want to make Cake Balls like Bakerella makes.  I decided I better start practicing. So I picked up a few supplies.

Then we ran into the Halloween aisle.

I think Halloween is my SECOND favorite holiday; the first being 4th of July.

I decided it would be fun to let the kids do a little decorating...

I bought some construction paper and stickers.

We probably won't get to it until next weekend, but for sure they will be done by the time October 31 rolls around!

It's so much fun to imagine us in the new house just in time for the holidays!

Come on Bank of America... let me know what's going on!

And finally, I will leave you with this.  Nic found his Toy Story 3 stickers.
And decided to grown a uni-brow, mustache, and goatee with them.
Oh, and he pierced his right ear.

This kid makes me laugh.