"The screamin tires, the bustin glass, the painful scream that I heard last"

You know, ever since I saw the first Volkswagon commercial where the two guys are driving along, chatting with eachother and out of nowhere a car comes and crashes into them, my life has changed. I can be watching a tv show, living vicariously through Kate or Joy or Michael, when it shows them in a car. My heart rate starts to increase. My palms get sweaty. God forbid the driver look over at the passenger and start talking. When that happens, I actually have to get up and walk around the room, or sneak into the kitchen for a snack. I'm always expecting a car to come barreling through an intersection and plow into them. It's really awful. Those ads really get to me, and it's ruining my television viewing experience.

It's that time of the year again. I hate when it happens. It's election time. I really am so sickingly tired of the ads these politicians run. They don't have anything good to say, just negative things about their opponents. The only thing I know about any of them, after months of their campaigning, is who they hate. I wish that everyone would refrain from voting for any candidate that ran negative ads. Wouldn't that be something? If on election day, only a handful of people showed up to vote. I'd love it.
You know what else I love? As silly as it sounds, I love when THE SHELL WITH IT shows up at the top of the list. Isn't that ridiculous? But I love it. I really do.
I bought a new $45.00 bra from Victoria Secrets. I love their bras, and I can walk in and buy any 34C and know it's going to fit. But, this time I wanted a non-underwire bra. So, I bought the IPEX one. I hate it. It's bunchy on the sides, and it kind of hurts across my back. What gives VS????

"Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart..."

I need a new pillow. I had the best pillow in the world. I'd had it since I was a kid (imagine the "stuff" living inside of it) but I had to get rid of it about a year or so ago. Now, I can't find a pillow I like. I wake up with headaches, and neckaches all the time. It can't be too soft, and it can't be too hard. It needs to be just right. I feel like Goldilocks. A couple of months ago Keith bought me a $75 pillow with memory foam inserts in them - yuck. The worst pillow yet. And, the problem is, in the store, they all feel comfortable. Of course, I'm only touching them. Not laying on them for six hours.
Any recommendations? Can I get a little assistance? Help a brother out!

"Wednesday at three I called the phone company, singin' hey baby put a phone in for me"

We went to get new cell phones last week. We switched to Cingular, the family plan. Radio Shack had a deal on phones, so that's where we went. BIG MISTAKE! There was only one person working and the whole process took only 3.5 hours! And then, when he had the phones all sitting on the counter, programmed and ready to go, he went to the back room to get the paperwork he printed, someone came in and swiped one of the phones. Right in front of us. Well, right in front of Keith. Braden, JJ and I were looking in another section of the store at remote control cars. So, we had to start all over again with the 4th phone. What a waste of a Sunday afternoon.

School is going well. We probably have the worst class in the whole building (barring the Conduct Disorder class). But, I really like the teacher I'm working with, and the staff in the neighboring classrooms too. They are a bunch of very funny people, and the day really flies. One of my kids told me earlier this week that "someone should punch me in the head and teach me a lesson". I just laughed and said if were that easy, my husband would have done it years ago. Sometimes, if I have to entertain them for a short period of time, I'll tell them my stories that I used to post here. Last week, I told them about being clothes-lined in 7th grade. I showed them a very geeky picture of me to go along with the story. One of my toughest kids looked at the picture and said, "Miss, if you would have taken those glasses off I'd have hit that." I looked at him and cleared my throat, and he said, "Sorry, I would have asked for your number." I said, "thank you, I think?"

Someone said, and I think it was Binx, that maybe things would change and JJ would like his teacher, and Braden would hate his. Well, it happened. Or, I should say it's happening. Thanks, Binx. Why couldn't you have predicted that they would both end up liking their teachers?

Today we're going to a picnic/party. It's a reunion of a softball league that used to play 25 years ago. I'm sure there will be lots of drunked men there, reliving their glory days. I'm also sure that Keith will be included in that bunch.

"This here's the story bout Billy Joe and Bobby Sue..."

What a Saturday we had! Looking back now, it's a little funny. In fact, if it would have happened to someone else, it would have been funny by Sunday.
Braden was not having a good day. It was JJ's birthday, and in spite of my efforts to pay a lot of attention to Braden, he didn't take too well to having someone else in his own house have the limelight. He didn't do anything major, just lots of annoying shit all day long.
He and JJ got into an arguement about where their bike ride should end - which is no big deal, right? But, Braden has to fight dirty in every arguement and he called JJ the N word, and in the midst of their arguement said that he wished he'd never come into our lives. So, obviously, Braden got grounded.
That afternoon, Keith and JJ were going to go to Walmart so JJ could spend some birthday money, and I wouldn't let Braden go because of his behavior earlier. This didn't sit well with Braden, so he pitched a royal fit. Tried to block Keith from leaving the driveway, threatening to run away, standing in the front yard screaming his head off like a three year old. I told him that if he didn't come in the house, I was going to call the police because running away is illegal. But, what I didn't realize is that Braden had the phone outside with him. So, to be a wiseguy, he decides to call them himself. He dialed 911, but then quickly hung up when he thought better of it. TOO LATE!
Of course the police call back, and I explain that it was just my son being a wise guy. They insist on sending a patrolman over to check. REWIND to about an hour before all this when Braden had a bloody nose (he gets them occasionally), but didn't come in the house, so there were blood drops all over my sidewalk and porch, and all over the front of Braden's shirt.
I quickly made him jump in the shower and am about to wash the blood off the sidewalk when the cop car pulls in. By this time, Braden's hysterical that they're going to take him away. I explain to the officer what he did, but he wants to talk to Braden. I go up to the shower and coax Braden to come down and talk to the cop...but, of course I have to talk extra sweetly to Braden because I have a cop in my living room. While Braden's coming down the stairs, a second cop car pulls into the driveway. Oh, and it's in the middle of a beautiful Saturday afternoon, so all the neighbors are outside - kids playing, men lawn-mowing, etc.
They give Braden and lecture on what 911 really is for, ask him if he feels safe, tell him that he can't get that angry every time he gets grounded, because at 13, he has a lot of groundings coming up. Braden kept staring at me the whole time he's talking to them, like he's checking with me for his answers. It was awful.
The cops left, walking right over the bloody sidewalks, and for the rest of the day I kept waiting for Child Protective Services to come back and arrest me.
I think I can honestly say that it was one of the worst days of my life. If the cops hadn't believed him, I could have lost my job, we could have lost JJ, and lord only knows what could have happened to Braden.

"Teacher don't you fill me up with your rules...."

As I said before, we work in this wonderful, state-of-the-art new building now. Everything's nice and clean and sparkly. Everything is also very automated. Especially the bathrooms. Automatic toilets, automatic sinks, automatic hand dryers.

Not that I especially mind this automation, but I run into a little problem. You see, I stand to wipe. Does anyone else stand to wipe. The damn toilet always flushes when I stand to wipe, then I have to get it to flush again when I'm through. So, for the past four or five weeks, I've been doing this little "I'm finished peeing" dance in front of the sensor to make it flush, after it's already flushed.

But, lo and behold, I just found out the other day that there's a button you can press to make it flush. Imagine by surprise! No more "I'm finished peeing" dance. A wise woman down the hall filled me in on this little secret. I'm going to nominate her to win a lottery ticket during our next staff meeting. It's not exactly what people normally get nominated for, but, I think it's just as important.

"It's a family affair..."

Two school weeks down, countless more to go.
Braden mostly likes all his teachers....he doesn't dislike any of them, so that's a big plus. JJ, on the other hand, absolutely hates his teacher. And, knowing JJ as I do, that's going to lead to trouble. He's already gotten into little arguements with her over her treatment of other kids in the class. I'm trying to explain to him that maybe it would be in his best interest if he just worried about himself, instead of the others, but little Al Sharpton thinks that he has to stand up for people that won't stand up for themselves.
My class is pretty good. My favorite student so far just got sent back to Philadelphia, so I have a vacancy. (I'll tell you his story another time, you just need to know it's a sad one) We're getting a new girl on Monday, a transfer down from another class. She's a beautiful girl, but as street as they come. Every other word out of her mouth is "fuck", and she doesn't even realize she says it. It should be interesting. She'll be the only girl in the class, so that should shake things up a bit too.
I took my venus fly trap plant in last week, and the kids are fascinated. I have to keep looking for little things like that to take in. Things that make them ask questions and want to know more.
I'm sad that summer's over. Summer is my favorite time of year. Although, I can say that I'm a little anxious to decorate for fall. I love putting mums, pumpkins and hay bales on the porch. And, the colors are so pretty.
JJ had his first football game on Tuesday. They won, 21-0. He's second string, but got to play nearly the whole fourth quarter, and made a really good tackle, where they announced his name on the loud speaker. He's also on all the special teams, whatever that means.
The new tv season is starting soon. There's a couple of shows that look promising, plus I can't wait for Earl, The Office and Lost to start up again. Prison Break already began its new season, and it's really good. JJ made fun of me the first night it was on, because I told him we all gather in the living room and watch it as a family. He kept mocking the "family time" part of the process. But, now every Monday he says, "Miss, today's Monday. We all watch Prison Break together tonight." If his hood buddies at the Home could hear him, they'd faint. Or disown him. Or envy him.

"But that doesn't mean my feet are too big for my bed..."

What a wet, soggy few days! Everything feels damp and sticky, except, of course, me. JJ's first football game was canceled, and both kids were in the house mostly non-stop.

The first week of school went fairly well. I think I'll like the teacher I'm working with, and the kids in my class aren't too bad...yet. There is this one 9th grader that still wears light-up sneakers that I'm a bit concerned about.

On Saturday night, we went out to dinner to one of those Hibachi grill places. The food was fantastic, but the guy who cooked at our table was like a wet rag. He seemed like he'd rather be anywhere else that in that restaurant. We went with the neighbors, and it was my idea...so I felt kind of badly about it. At least the food was good.

On Sunday, we went to an indoor laser tag/bowling alley/arcade place in the poconos. The kids had a great time, and so did I when I kicked everyone's butts in bowling. One of Braden's friends went along with us. He's my favorite of his friends, even though he's probably the nerdiest. This kid is a straight through high honor roll student, never swears or talks back...the exact opposite of Braden. I don't see why they're friends. But, even funnier, is watching him interact with JJ. It's like street vs prep school. But, they get along great. The kid's last name is pronounced Biss-e-oh, and JJ calls him Bitch-e-oh. The kid calls JJ, Gay-J. It's hysterical. Or maybe just to me.

I'm doing pretty well with the no smoking. I'm allowing myself four cigarettes a day. One in the morning, one after work, one after dinner and one before bed. Soon, I'm going to cut back to three, but I don't know when. I keep putting it off.

"It's been a while"

What a week! Back to work. Now, my house, which was clean all summer, is a mess. In one week. How can it happen so fast? I haven't blogged all week...everything's on the back burner, again.
The kids are mostly ready to go back. There's been a guarentee from Nazareth that they won't strike until at least September 21st, when they have a meeting to vote on the new contract. So, hopefully, there won't be a strike.
We took JJ for a haircut last night at a barber shop in Easton. Now, picture the barbershop from the movie, "Barbershop"...it was almost like that. Except, not nearly as big. It was fun just being there, listening to everyone. Keith and I were the only white people there.
The rules where I work have changed, and we can't wear open toed shoes anymore, so I had to do some shoe shopping...nearly all of my summer/early fall shoes are sandals, so I had to get new ones. Isn't it great to have an excuse to "have to" get new shoes?
Jj's been playing football on the freshman team. He's very good, but is only on second string. I hope it's just because he's new, and not because of his color. He's making friends with kids on the team though, which is really good.
Braden wanted those really tight jeans for back to school, so we got him a pair. He looks like he's starved in them. He's skinny to begin with, but at least with the baggier cut, it wasn't so obvious. His new look (and he always has one) is polo shirts and tight jeans.
The neigbor kid leaves today for his sophmore year of college. Last year, the mom was balling her eyes out the week before he left, and the week after he left. This year, she told me, she was counting the days till he leaves. What a difference a year makes.
Well, that's about it for me and my same-ole same-ole.

"Guess it's over, call it a day. Sorry that it had to end this way..."

Well, it's over. I go back to work tomorrow. After two months off. (I feel like Blu, except for the exotic travel and drinks by the pool, being single and carefree parts.) I know people who work year round don't want to hear it. Keith's gloating. I'm kind of looking forward to going back. We built a brand new building and it will be exciting to be the first to use it. The old building we were in was horrible...buckets catching water when it rained. Some rooms were 110 degrees, while others were 50. No phones in the room. All of that will be changed this year. I can't wait to see the kids' faces when they come through the front doors on the first day of school. Most of these kids haven't had anything brand new in their lives.

We're going to go do some back-to-school shopping tonight, after JJ's football practice. Braden wants to get those god-awful tight jeans. Not only are they ugly, but they're expensive too. JJ wants sneakers and some new shirts. Braden got his new sneakers last week. Also, I have to make a trip to Staples to get the 1" binders and whatever else is on their school lists.

Tomorrow night, Keith and I have a wedding to go to. I bought these really wide, flarey black slacks to wear, and a cute white and black frilly blouse. I have to try the pants on today to see if I'll need new shoes or if the ones I have will work. Saturday, JJ has a scrimmage in the morning, then we have a picnic to go to. Sunday, I volunteered to work at the open house they're having at my school. While I would have worked anyway, the principal threw in four hours of comp time for anyone that offered to help out.

So far, the Children's Home still won't let Robert come and visit. Yesterday they told Keith it was out of their hands, but that's all they said. What the hell does that mean?

Oh, and I'm going to try to quit smoking....again. I LOVE SMOKING! But, I wish I didn't smoke. Hopefully, I wish it enough to quit. It will be nice to not smell like a cigarette, to not have to spend the money every week and, you know, to not die of lung cancer. I'll die of skin cancer instead, from laying out. In fact, I already told the kids that since today is my last day off, I'm doing nothing this afternoon except sit by the pool and read. We'll see if that actually happens.

I don't know, I never should have started this lyric thing!

JJ's all registered for school. He's signed up for football, and has had his physical. He's 5'10" and 175 lbs. That sounds like a man, not a 14 year old. He's really doing well adjusting here...hanging out with the neighbor kids, doing chores around the house, he even called Keith "dad" a couple of times last week - which Keith eats up and gloats about later.

I have had neighbor kids here nearly constantly for the last month of so. About seven kids, aging in range from 12 to 16. Boy can they eat! I don't mind, I kind of like having them all hang around here. Except for picking up the gatorade bottles, the popsicle wrappers and turning tvs and video games off. I go grocery shopping on Fridays, and the snacks are almost demolished by Monday. Then, for the next four days I get to hear, "there's nothing here to eat!"

Braden's actually excited about going back to school. He's getting kind of bored with hanging around here every day. Sadly for him (and for me) it looks like the strike is on. I was telling him and some of his friends yesterday that they should organize a student picket line, to picket across the street from the teachers. The signs could read, "We want to go back to school", or, "couldn't you have worked this out months ago?". He doesn't think it's a good idea.

JJ's aunt (the one he visits when he goes to Philly) is coming up on Sunday for a little get-together. I've talked to her a couple of times on the phone, and she seems so nice. She keeps going on and on about how happy JJ seems now, and how much we mean to him, and she really would like to meet us. She's coming up with a couple of JJ's cousins...hopefully everything will run smoothly.

"Go Charlette, it's your birthday..."

When Braden was younger, we used to go all out for his birthday. You know, ponies, clowns, circus themes, dunk tank....whatever kind of party he wanted. As he got a little older, it became pricier and pricier to have this stupid party. So, we made a deal with him. You want a big, expensive party, you can have it. But then you'll get a very small present from us due to the cost of the party. Or you can not have the party (we'd still have cake for the family) and get $100 cash. Well, Braden loves to shop (for himself) so naturally he opted for the cash. After the first year, he asked if he could have one friend over to have cake with the family. But, now he has it down to a science. He asked three kids to come over and swim yesterday, then stay for cake with the family. He didn't invite any of the neighbor kids, and I wondered why. Now I know. As soon as the neighborhood kids see extra kids here, they all come over. At one point we had about 8 kids here, plus my family. This is Braden and his friends and his cake.

(Emma, if you look closely, you can see the back of tea lady's head)
All in all it was a good day. He's officially a teenager now. The big 1 3 !Everyone gave him money, so he'll be driving me nuts all day today to go shopping, but, hey, it only happens once a year.

"It's late September and I really should be back at school"

The family reunion went surprisingly well. I saw relatives I wouldn't have recognized if they would have knocked on my door. Everyone said they were glad we decided to do it, and we should make it at least a yearly thing. There were no fights. There were no drunks. There was, however, a funny game of basketball where all the men (mid 40's to 50's) decided to play with the kids (14-21)...I thought for sure the ambulance would be needed.
We've been settling in here. JJ is getting more and more comfortable. Which is great. The honeymoon period with him and Braden is over though, as they sometimes argue. Actually, Braden argues, JJ just says, "yeah you're right", which really pisses Braden off. All in all, everything's going well.
The other day we were driving through town and a group of daycare kids was taking a walk, holding hands. "Why are they all holding hands," Braden asked. "Because it's a daycare, and they want to keep the kids together," I told him. Braden said, "Daycare? It's more like Gaycare!"
Our cell phone plan is up the end of August and we have to decide if we're going to stay with Verizon or switch to Cingular. We don't have a problem with Verizon, and Keith gets a company discount with them, but most everyone we know is Cingular, so I'm thinking all the "in network" calling would make up for the discount.
Soon it will be back to school shopping. Then, back to school itself. There's talk that our school district will be striking this fall. What am I going to do with Braden and JJ when I go back to work and they don't have school? The 18th is my first day back, and the kids supposedly start on the 28th. Please don't strike, please don't strike, please don't strike.

"And the course of a lifetime runs, over and over again"

We're having a family reunion today. All relatives from my father's side of the family. The first one we've ever had. It should prove to be very interesting.
My father's family is filled with crazy people. Seriously. My dad's brother, Uncle Dick (I like saying that) is a hobo. He wanders from town to town and bar to bar. I haven't seen him in years. He used to show up at my brother's in the winter if it was going to dip below zero and ask to sleep on their couch. I really don't even know if he's still alive. My dad's two sisters didn't speak to eachother in over 40 years - and the arguement started over a crib. One of the sister's has passed away since, she was my favorite aunt in the whole world. But, she didn't speak to her own children in over 30 years. She passed away with grandchildren she'd never met. The other sister, for some unknown reason, will not speak with my father. And, trust me, my father doesn't get involved in any of the bickering. He's like Switzerland. That's okay though, she was always the meanest, scariest one of the bunch anyway. I used to spend weeks at a time at her house when I was a kid because her daughter is my age and we used to be close. I haven't seen the daughter in years.
So, attending this family reunion will be: My father and tea lady, my half-brother and his family, my brother and his family, my sister, the children of the aunt who passed away and most of their families (they're mostly married with children of their own now), the son of the mean aunt and his family, and supposedly the daughter of the mean aunt, but I doubt she'll actually show up, oh and of course me and my family.
I was talking to my half-brother yesterday, and neither one of us can remember ever being together with all the cousins at the same time. No holiday dinners, no weddings, no funerals. Never. I'm pretty sure we should have some sort of law enforcement agency on standby.

I can't think of a song lyric...but I know I will after I hit "publish post"

Well, we're mostly settled.
On Wednesday I picked JJ (and his things) up. He told me to be there at 11:am. Of course I was anxious, so I got there a little early. When I got there, he was sitting there, waiting. We loaded all his things (which were all packed in trash bags-but more on that later) and then it was time for him to say goodbye.
A lot of the staff members had come to see him off - not the important ones like his casemanager or supervisor, but the ones that worked in the Acopian. They all said how much they would miss him and asked us to please keep in touch with them. The one guy told me that JJ (who like most teens, usually sleeps in) was up bright and early pacing around.
I felt very badly for Robert who didn't say two words. Just helped us load JJ's stuff with a very long face. His best friend is leaving him. So, I made arrangements to pick Robert up on Thursday for him to spend the day here.
We brought everything home and unloaded it. Keith came home from work and came up to JJ's room with us. "Welcome home, son." Keith said, then added, "It's okay that I call you that?" "Yeah, that's good," JJ answered.
I offered to help him put his stuff away, but he said, "Miss, I'm responsible. I can take care of myself." I told him I knew that, but I would like to help him get his things organized. He said no. A little later, he came to me and said, "If you really want to, you can put my clothes away for me. But only if you want to."
Later, Keith took him on some errands with him, so I went up to put his stuff away. Now, those of you with teenagers...imagine if someone told them to pack up everything they own. Now imagine if the only thing there were given to pack it in was garbage bags. He had papers in with his clothes. Stuffed animals, bedding (that I swear to you must have never, ever been washed), cd's, pens and pencils, knick knacks, clean clothes, dirty clothes....ALL MIXED TOGETHER! He had clothes that he hadn't worn in years...clothes that were sizes too small for him. He had one dress shoe! Anyway, we sorted it all, and put everything away. He just has one crate left of "junk" as he calls it. I can only imagine what's in there.
Him and Braden have been getting along so well...but I know it's only a matter of time until they start arguing. But, it's all good.
Yesterday, we were in the car on our way home from his dentist appointment and he asked if he could use my cell phone. "Sure," I said, "who are you going to call?" "My mom," he answered. The next thing I know, he showed me the number he'd dialed, and it was mine. I almost cried. The only thing I have to do now is to get him to stop calling me Miss!

"And as I grab the phone I pray Let it please be him Oh dear God It must be him"

I called JJ's caseworker yesterday and left a message asking when JJ could finally come and live with us. It was a month ago that they said a week or two. He was heartbroken that we had to take him back after vacation. Last night, we rode down there to see him and give him his toothbrush he left here and he said, "go start the car, and swing around, I'm going to make a break for it." Plus, school starts in a few weeks and I'd like him to get used to being here before he has to start another new thing. Of course, his caseworker never called back. I waited all day for his phone call. Then I waited again today.

Nothing.

I took Braden to get his cast off at about 2:30 and we were on our way when my cell phone rang. "Mrs. Koch? I have JJ in my office right now. We just had a meeting and we got the green light. He can come and live with you." "I'll be there in five minutes!" I practically screamed into the phone. Braden was going crazy. Arms flapping, screaming and smiling.

Of course, I couldn't get him that quickly. He has to pack his belongings (which I'm sure are few) and whatnot. So, tomorrow morning, at 10:30 sharp I'm taking Keith's truck and getting JJ and his things. As of tomorrow, by 1:00 he should officially be a resident of the Koch household!

I thought the day would never come. To be honest, I'm still not exactly sure I believe it's real. If a stranger were to walk into our house right now, he'd think we just won the lottery. We're all so excited!

"and go kart mozart checking out the weather chart"

What a great vacation!!
The weather was hot and sunny (which is exactly the way I like it), and a good time was had by all. We went to the water park, hung by the pool, the kids drove go-karts and played basketball and went to the arcade. We ate dinner out nearly every night (what's not to love about that?). Their was an illusionist that performed on Wednesday night, and he was very good, but also had a great sense of humor. We all enjoyed that show. I think the kids liked the go-karts the best.

The resort where we have our timeshare is a great place to go, especially with a family. They have every activity you can think of. But, it's laid back enough that you don't have to do anything at all. Braden was dazzling kids at the indoor pool with his flips off the diving board. He's just like Keith and will strike up a conversation with just about anyone. I knew a little bit about nearly everyone at the resort, just by listening to Braden. JJ was a pleasure to take along, as he's never been on a vacation before. Everything was please and thank you, and unlike spoiled Braden, he appreciated every little thing we did! I didn't hear "I'm bored" or "This is gay!" once out of his mouth.

The other family we went with enjoyed the place so much, that they purchased a timeshare of their own there.

JJ spent a whole week with us, and says that he still wants to come and live with us. Can you imagine? This is a picture of the whole gang we went with. From left to right: Keith, me, Braden, JJ, Cindy, Gary and Shane. That's our last night there, at the go-karting place.




My one complaing? (you know there has to be at least one, right?) was that my mattress was uncomfortable. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight. 

"One more song about moving along the highway. Can't say much of anything that's new"

Tonight, we're going in a road rally. It's something I've always wanted to do, and am really looking forward to it. We leave for vacation tomorrow. I'm not packed yet, but I have the clothes all pulled out. SO, I'll see you all in a week. Behave yourselves.
Look at these interesting facts about me! I'll bet you didn't know half of them.

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Schell!

1. Schell is the only king without a moustache on the standard pack of cards!
2. Schell can sleep for three and a half years.
3. Red schell at night, shepherd's delight. Red schell at morning, shepherd's warning!
4. Schell can eat up to four kilograms of insects in a single night.
5. Birds do not sleep in schell, though they may rest in her from time to time.
6. Fish travel in schools, but whales travel in schell.
7. Schell became extinct in England in 1486.
8. All the moons of the Solar System are named after characters from Greek and Roman mythology, except the moons of Uranus, which are named after schell!
9. People used to believe that dressing their male children as schell would protect them from evil spirits!
10. Olympic badminton rules say that schell must have exactly fourteen feathers!

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

"Hide it in the hiding place where no one ever goes. Put it in the pantry with your cupcakes."

I've decided, at least until I decide not to, that I'm going to try to title each entry with lyrics from a song. We'll see how long that lasts.

Tomorrow is the home inspection. I've been trying to walk around my house, objectively, and see if there's anything remiss. I've got a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, smoke detectors all working, no exposed wiring. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Should I hide the liquor? It's normal for a family to have a couple of bottles of liquor around, right? I guess as long as I'm not drinking it when the guy arrives, it should be alright. It's okay that it's obvious Keith's a hunter right? Or should I put away the deer head and boar head? Anything else you can think of that I should put away, or get out?

There's something wrong with my refrigerator, everything keeps freezing. I had the guy come today to check it out, and he said it needs a new thermostat and that he'd order one for me. I hope it's not too expensive.

I took Braden to his annual psychiatrist appointment today...he's impressed with what a great school year Braden had, and wants to try to cut back on his meds a little. While I'd like Braden to be on as little medicine as possible, I don't want to rock the boat too much. Once again, it's a quagmire.

Braden pulled his first all-nighter last night. Him and some of the neighbor kids slept out in a tent. They went from house to house all night. I heard them come in here about 4:30 this morning...Keith wasn't very happy about it either. They fell asleep around 6 this morning, then woke up at 11:30. He napped on the way to the doctor and on the way home. He should be a bear around 8:00 tonight.

How do you like my hedgehog? Cute isn't she? For some reason, I like hedgehogs. Must be their prickly exterior. The same reason I like Nag, Allan and Emma.

I made myself a cd yesterday with songs I downloaded. Here is what's on it:
Just Walk Away Renee by The Association
Got to be Real by Cheryl Lynn
Welcome to Pooh Corner by Loggins and Messina
Night and Day by Al B Sure
Lonely Boy by Andrew Gold
Been Around the World by Lisa Stanfield
Knock Three Times by Tony Orlando and Dawn
September by Earth WInd and Fire
Now That We Found Love by Heavy D and the Boyz
Side Show by Blue Magic
Enough is Enough by Streisand and Summers
C'est La Vive by Robbie Neville
Don't Want to Fall in Love by Jane Child
Sign Your Name by Terrance Trent Darby
Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel
Everlasting Love by Natalie Cole

Would you listen to any of these over and over again?

What a great weekend!
JJ came each day, (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). He wasn't allowed to stay over, but was here until 10 each night. Robert was supposed to just come on Friday and Sunday because he was going to be playing in a basketball tournament on Saturday, so we invited JJ's older brother here on Saturday. When I went to pick them up, the basketball thing had been canceled, so I had three of them here. It was a fun, fun day. They swam, ate, played video games, ate, rode the four-wheeler, ate, played basketball, ate, watched tv and of course, ate.
Braden went on a scout camping trip this weekend, and was gone from Friday evening until yesterday around lunch time. He had a good time, and was in charge of the food and cooking for the trip. He said everyone liked his menu and the boy that was supposed to help him wasn't much help, but he liked doing it himself. He has almost all his criteria met for 1st class scout. He says he wants to go on to be an eagle scout, but I don't know if he'll stick with it that long.
I indulged Keith on Saturday night, so he was in a great mood on Sunday.
Today, Braden has to go for bloodwork, and then to the dentist. Tomorrow he has a doctor's appointment, and Wednesday we have our home inspection by the Children's Home. Then I have to start packing. We leave for vacation on Sunday. I've booked the kennel for Toby, and hired the neighbor boy to feed the cats and water my containers.