Thankful

Happy Fall!

Parent's Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend with the entire family reunited!!  We so enjoyed the campus, food, nightlife, meeting new friends...

Just a few pics...

 Reunited with my boy!!

 Waiting for some ribs at Charles Vergo's Rendezvous

 Just some of the swimmers

 Somebody had some studying to do

Not a shabby place to do it

 Moving Bookcases...

 He looks like he could be a professor

 Cappuccino pick me up before the evening festivities

 It really is just too pretty for words

5K St. Jude run around the campus

Happy Half Birthday {posted a day late}

Boxes of Kleenex....

Nana is so innovative!

161/2

Happy Half!

#LifeIsTooShortToGoToAnUglySchool

 HAPPY FIRST DAY OF COLLEGE

We Won't Go Through the Milk as Fast

Yep, trying to think of the positive as Number 1 son left this am for Rhodes.  Well, he has actually left to meet a friend at Waffle House, then to AU to visit his friends that left while we were on the cruise then on to my parent's house.

In the morning (from my parent's house) we will all leave for Rhodes.

So with cars packed...

And farewells to the girls

A quick pic with his brother

A pic with me (that will NOT EVER be viewed by anyone other than ME)

Both boys were off to school ....

One to return home tonight

The other to return home at Christmas!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Happy First Day of School!!!

It was a bittersweet first day as there was only one in the picture this year!  But I was happy to have the "moochers" at the Moms, Muffins and Mimosas as Number 1 son brought 2 of his friends to the house after they met for breakfast at Waffle House.

And the festivities continued on into lunch :-)

And I am happy to report that Number 2 had a good first day of school.  According to him his day goes...

Good
Bad
Good
Bad
Good
Bad
Good.

He is also not a fan of the change from the block schedule to the 7 period day.

So after enjoying about 40 minutes of free time he was off to work.

The house is quiet....

it will take some getting used to.

What I took away from the BUSYMOM2014 Family Vaca

So the family took their first cruise!!  I had always been hesitant because the BUSYMOM family is known to suffer from motion sickness.  The boys when they were little were known as the barf brothers.  We couldn't even travel around town without a barf bucket.(but we did live in a hilly city) It has gotten better as they have gotten older (thank goodness) But last year on the way to visit the Biltmore we did have to pull over so one brother ( I won't mention which one) could toss his cookies :-( but felt 100% better afterwards!

So armed with no lie about $100 worth of medication from the patch to the sea bands and everything in between we headed out last Saturday.  Upon arrival to the port I was still debating whether or not to put the patch on... I had some friends that said they only suffered the dry eyes and mouth side effect while others said they felt drunk the whole time.  Being hyper sensitive to medicine I was leery... so, I opted for nothing.  Well, I am happy to report that I was just fine.  As was all the other members of the BUSYMOM family!!  YAY!!

So we spent 5 days at sea and these are the observations and take aways that I have for you...

• I highly recommend it!!  I had zip zero responsibilities!!  ( aside from making sure all appropriate paperwork was ready)
• packing....MINIMAL!!!  I packed way too much.  I only needed my swim suit, coverup, book, and a nice outfit or two for dinner.  Maybe workout clothes (which I did wear one time) oh and pj's (or not depending on who you are traveling with)

I don't recommend packing any jeans or non stretchy clothes unless you plan to wear them early on.. just sayin'

• Let everyone do what makes them happy.  We agreed to meet for our meals and there was some pool time together.  We did an excursion (more on that later), met for some evening entertainment and played cards.  Some were content to watch episodes of friends and movies, some still had summer homework... I did my favorite activity- read and sit by the pool!!
• If you enjoy people watching then THIS is the best vacation for you!!!
• Ignore rude people at buffets just remember that this is NOT the Happiest Place on Earth
• Halfway through the cruise you realize that there is a vast number of travelers who are not american citizens and so STAY ON THE RIGHT rule does not apply.
• While we booked one excursion through the cruise line you can get off the boat and get better deals on available excursions.  This is what number 1 son and I did on the second day at port.  More than 50% off the exclusive beach resort, AYCE buffet and drinks (made for an entertaining bus ride back to the ship)
• Get to know your servers... they are fabulous!!
• Take advantage of all the evening entertainment... whether you like to karaoke or not it is fun watching and cheering for your favorites!
• The comedy acts fill up quickly!  Play cards nearby so you can hop in line!

And now a couple of pics from our trip...

Cozumel

my dessert EVERY NIGHT

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake

Family Selfie prior to leaving port Saturday!

Almost 30 years...

I have been in the same summer profession of teaching swimming lessons.  That is a LOOOONG time!  Over the years I have had some summers that I loved doing it- others not so much.  But this summer has been so much fun.  Not only do I enjoy knowing that I have put some parent's mind at ease but just the overall sense of accomplishment my little students feel after conquering their fear or just being able to swim a greater distance than when they started the week with me.  I have had 2 year olds to 10 year olds this year.  I have had those that just needed skill and stroke work and those that had a deep fear of the water. (no pun intended)  I have taught at some pretty spectacular pools as well.  (Wish I could talk McSweetie into installing one here at "the little house that could" but alas he is not on board.  And we even have a friend in the business... I guess I need to brush up on my persuasive skills ;-) )

With that being said it also allows for some great slush money!  And boy do I  love the slush money account.  One of the purchases this year was a family photo shoot.  We have not had family pictures taken since we first moved here.  That was a long time ago folks... I think the boys were in 3rd and 5th grade or maybe 4th and 6th.  I don't remember.  But since I now have a college freshman and Junior I thought it was time for an updated family photo.  

The amazingly talented Laura Rowe took our photos!!  She is the cutest little thing.  Has the most adorable family and has a God given talent in capturing those special family moments.  I am going to have a difficult time trying to pic my favorites.

Here is an updated picture of the family...

I sure do love my people!!  I love doing the life God has given me with them.  The good and the bad the happy and the sad.  Life is changing in a few short weeks.  In three weeks we will have dropped off Number one son at Rhodes College!!  (Ugh, that is going to be a long drive home) We will miss him and his contribution in our day to day lives but we are oh so excited for his new adventure.  He will be challenged mentally, physically, and spiritually I am certain.  But what I am most certain about is that by the grace of God we (meaning us, his church, extended family, friends, mentors- it really does take a village)  have raised him right.  His foundation is in the word of God.  I pray that he will connect with other Godly young men, women and professors.  I know that his steps are ordered and as moms we worry but I take comfort in knowing that NOT ONE THING will happen to him that God is not in control of.  He will stumble... may even fall but he will be picked up, dusted off and all the better for it.

Cruising Right on Through the Summer...

Literally!! In less than 3 weeks we will be cruising our way to Mexico!!  And then it will be school starts and moving Number 1 son off to college.  eek!  Really??  College?!  People keep asking how I am doing.  My response is: GREAT!! So EXCITED for him.  He's been ready so I am ready.  But now as we are less than a month away from move in date I am starting to feel it.  The house will be quieter.  One less head at the table for all those family dinners (ha!!  what family dinners??  We are always so scattered that they are a rare occurrence.) Wonder if Number 2 son is ready for all the attention??  He gets to be an only child for two years.  Number 1 doesn't even remember being an only child.

He did it!!

Graduation 5/19/2014

Last IB exam! 5/23/2014

-busy mom