It doesn't get any cheaper...

I always thought that once the kids stopped drinking formula and wearing diapers, they would be more affordable. That notion has passed. I just finished signing the kids up for a portion of their summer activities: hockey camp, golf, baseball, and volleyball camp. These carry a price tag of over $700.00, which doesn't include bible camp, swimming lessons and Penny & Pals day camp for which registration still needs to be completed. Ouch. I have a sinking feeling that this is only the beginning.

My Cup is Full

I have returned...as promised. I had a fabulous time on my solo vacation. I'm sure people thought I was crazy for wanting to be completely alone, my husband included (thanks for the support anyway Tim), but sometimes you just have to get away to hear yourself think, before you forget what you think! It is a continuous journey to remain interesting. I stayed at the Graves 601 across from the Target Center. Everything about it was fantastic, especially the massage at the spa! I spent 12 hours of my time (almost consecutive) reading The Da Vince Code. I enjoy history (makes me wish I had paid more attention in high school), especially religious history, so this book was beyond interesting to me. It is fiction, but laced with enough truth to make you question whether the story could have some validity. I can't wait until the movie comes out this spring.

So I am back....to work, to family, and to responsibility, with hopefully a little bit more of myself to offer. 

A Weekend For Rejuvination

I am doing something totally selfish and just for me this weekend. I am going to the cities...by myself...to spend time with myself. I have a reservation at a fancy hotel, an appointment for a full-body massage, three books and seven movies. I haven't been this excited for something in a long time (sad, but true). Dad will be on kid, house, and everything else duty and I will return to reality on Monday night!

One hundred and three

What is 103 you ask? It is the number of Valentines prepared by our household this year. It was Build-a-Bears for Katelyn, Batman for Carter, Scooby for Cooper and Hello Kitty for Kennedy. We hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day! 

What 1st Grade Boys are Talking About at Recess These Days

This was part of our conversation at the dinner table last night.
Cooper: I got a new student teacher today.
Carter: Yah, I got one too.
Katelyn: Does she have blonde hair?
Carter: Yah.
Katelyn: Oh, I saw her today, she's pretty.
Carter: Noah says she's hot.
Mom: WHAT???? What does that mean if she's hot?
Cooper: (without looking up from his plate) That means he thinks she's sexy.
Mom: (Shrieks)
Carter: Yah, Noah says he wants to make out with her.
Mom: (Shrieks louder) What does that mean?
Cooper: I think that means he wants to marry her.

Side note: Mom wants to know who this Noah kid is...and is very curious to see this blonde student teacher who has the 1st grade boys buzzing!

My Favorite Things

Since I have had nothing interesting to write about for the last week, (life has been refreshingly boring) I thought I'd list some of my favorite cleaning products. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a daycare provider's best friend...it gets crayon off floors, walls, and tables! It is also great for getting scuff marks off of floors. My Dyson vacuum....LOVE IT! Steep price tag but worth every penny. And I just discovered this new product by Clorox...a sanitizing spray that promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria on hard surfaces without needing to rinse, or leaving a harmful residue. Good for toys, door knobs, faucets, telephones, eating surfaces etc.