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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

Eye Candy: Style Shopping

Another presumptuous post brought to you by the letter P.

So, keeping crossables crossed and praying nightly, if (WHEN!) we get this house, we will need furniture. As in, a LOT of furniture.

The husband and I decided to take advantage of the 14 year old and run off on our own.
When I say run, I mean it. We ran for the door; made our escape!

We actually checked out 3 different furniture stores. More than anything, we wanted to know what our style was.

The cool thing about the husband and I is that we do have very similar styles.
Unless it's the fact that he learned the life-altering lesson of "yes, dear" much sooner than most guys.
Hmm.

Anyway, here are a few things that caught our eye.

Beds...
I know I want a BIG bed. We have a large room. And we've never had a bed before (just mattresses with no headboard)... I am feeling the need to overcompensate.

Here are three that I liked (I swear I took more pictures...)
I am not 100% sure of the straight lines at the top of each headboard of the first two... We may have to go out again (do you hear that, 14 year old?).

Really like this one!!

Now if I could only remember which of the three stores is was at...

Couches...

This section was important... We have 3 living areas to fill. We will be taking our existing couches and putting them up in the loft. When I say "we", I of course mean the husband. My back couldn't handle it.

First up - chocolate brown corduroy. Love it! And it is soooo comfy. The couch has 2 recliners and the recliner, well - it has 1. This is at the top of my list.

This one may be brown corduroy as well; I can't remember. But I love the colors and it was comfy. 

This next one was loverly!

It is a soft blue-ish color.

Lighter than a Robin's Egg...

It was so comfortable.

Notice a theme?

What we are looking for here is the couches to put in the family room that will be designated as the husband and my cuddle place.

Where we relax; watch TV or movies,

ignoring the screaming and hollering from upstairs.

I want something we can sink into.

And have a hard time getting up from.

In a good way.

Who wants to leave cuddle time?

This one is a completely different look, but was equally as comfy.

This one was EXACTLY the shape I imagined.

The small sectional with a chaise...

Love the ottoman.

Kitchen and Dining Room Tables...

We need both a kitchen table and a formal dining room table.

I am weird about certain things.

Measurements is one of those things.

Placement is another.

In the house, we have a large island... behind that island is where the eat-in-kitchen table will go.

I feel that the table should be the same height and shape as the island.

If it doesn't match, it will irk me.

So, we are looking at square, counter-top-height tables...

in a color that will match our maple Pecan cabinets.

This baby will seat 6. I like it.

I couldn't find a formal dining room table I liked all that much. I know I want it to be chunky and sturdy. In a chocolate brown color. That has leaves (sp? leafs?)...  Narrowed it down a bit, didn't I?

Well, there you have it.
Do you have a favorite?
Suggestions?
Anything?

Gosh, I feel broke coming on...

I am lost and confused...

In two weeks, my loverly daughter will be joining the ranks of middle-schoolers everywhere:
She will be in the sixth grade.

(okay, this isn't a current pic. this was when Nic was a few months old and Isa was 8).

Every single day with her, there is a new request:

Mom, can I wear lipstick?
Mom, can I cut my hair short?
Mom, can I get darker nail polish?
Mom, can I pierce my nose?
Mom, can I wear make-up?
Mom, just a little?

Bombarded with all these questions... I feel hopeless.
Perhaps I should find an article or a book that could help answer these questions for me...
When is the right time to allow Isa to start doing/wearing all of this stuff?

I pulled out my extremely worn out copy of What to Expect When You are Expecting... Hoping to gain a bit of insight.  I am a bit peeved. I think someone ripped out the chapters that specifically addressed these questions/scenarios. I am seriously missing Years 2-18! What the heck?!

Grr.

To be honest...I can answer the above questions okay enough.  In fact, we already let her cut her beautiful long hair into a sensational bob-ish 'do. She's adorable.

The real question I need help with related to SHAVING!

She wants to start now...
All her friends are doing it, she says.
To which my response is "If all your friends are jumping off of a cl....."
MOM!

Hmmm.

I know they have a great razor/shaver on the market right now that would probably be easy for her to use. The Intuition...?!

If we lived in Alaska, we might not be having this conversation (your and I, or heck, her and I for that matter).

But we live in Arizona... which means we live in shorts and flip flops for 9 months out of the year.

Any thoughts?
Do I give in?
Do we let her start this lifelong commitment?
Is 6th grade the right time?
Mom? Want to weigh in here?

Second question...
What should I make for dinner tonight?