My Three Children

Gary bought himself a remote control helicopter. He's enjoying terrorizing everyone with it.

John Mayer Comes Back to His Roots

Welcome Back Mr. Mayer!

--Musical roots that is. Gary and I, along with Dave, Gary's VP of Operations, and his wife Adrianna, went to Encore to see John Mayer. Wow, what an incredible show this guy puts on. It is hard to believe that less than ten years ago John was playing small coffee shops and Eddie's Attic in Decatur. At the time he was writing the songs for his 2001 Room For Squares album that would eventually win him his first Grammy's. When he sings "Why Georgia" you can picture him saying to himself " I am driving up 85 north, the kind of morning that lasts all afternoon, I am just stuck inside the gloom, four more exits to my apartment... to Duluth! I wonder which Post apartment he lived in up there? He put on a great and l-o-n-g show. He played nearly two and a half hours.

A big thanks to Nan for the extra long babysitting job. We appreciate the help.

Ms. Scott's Onboard

Just a quick update, because really, I don't have much to say about Zack's new teacher. She's a teeny, tiny little woman, closing in on middle age, who talks very quietly. Either that or I'm going deaf - which is very possible. I think all the concerts I've attended over all these years has compromised my hearing. Anyway, that's a story for another day. Back to Ms. Scott. I know she's being thrown to the wolves so I'll give it some time. She's got three weeks of catching up to do. My only saving grace is that Zack is only in there for science and social studies. Thank goodness he goes out for ELA and math - and he has really great teachers for those. I really don't have much to be concerned about. I do feel for those students that are in that classroom all day. I'll keep you posted - as much as I can on a family blog - so check back.

And Now She's Gone

I just got a personal call from Mr. Maloof, our new principal, and Ms. Gay is no longer there. Oddly, she was still there this morning when I went in to stuff the VIP's (Vikings Important Papers.) She seemed nervous again and kept shaking my hand as I was leaving and was saying something inaudible. I wanted to tell her to "be strong" because curriculum night was going to be tough, but the new teacher, Ms. Scott, will be there instead. Mr. Maloof said that he had been working with the students today on how to say goodbye to Ms. Gay and how to welcome Ms. Scott. Good grief. What chaos this has all been. Hopefully now some stability will be in place for the little guys. I'll keep you posted.

Well, She's Back

For those wondering about Zack's teacher, Ms. Gay, who left out of the classroom last Tuesday morning, crying and shaking, never to be heard from again---she returned today. Just POOF, like she was never MIA. She has rescheduled our curriculum night to this Thursday since our classroom was dark last Thursday- at the real curriculum night. God bless her. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes when all these Dunwoody parents get a hold of her and want answers to questions such as "Where were you for a week?" She might end up running out of the classroom crying and shaking again. Maybe she had a nervous breakdown. I know our parents can be rather demanding and she is new to the school. I'll keep everyone posted.

Other than that, besides trying to stay dry and out of tornadoes, nothing exciting has been going on unless you consider lots of homework some kind of fun. Gary just took the kids to the first Pack meeting for the year so I am all alone for a moment. I think I'll do me a sudoku or two. I'm addicted!

SWEET VICTORY

Today the Rockhounds tasted victory over a tough Rivercats team. Zack went three for three and scored the winning run for a score of 12-13. It rained off and on the entire game so tomorrow Mom has a date with the washing machine and a jug of clorox.

GO ROCKHOUNDS!!!

Hermit Crab 101

It has been a big day in the lives of two of the Gray hermit crabs. Here is a little hermit crab 101 for those of you who have never had a hermit crab. During their lives they change shells. They out grow the shell they are in and if given some extra shells, will check them out and move into a bigger shell. Occasionally, they'll fight another crab if one crab has a shell the other one wants. Three of our four crabs have done just that. I'll throw some new shells in and then check back and they will have moved on and put on a bigger shell. Zack has one particularly picky crab who has thumbed his crab nose up at every shell I've ever offered. He has stayed crammed into the same shell for the past year and a half. Well, finally last night I threw an old Shrek shell in and the kids and I actually witnessed him check it out and then move in. This is pretty amazing because crabs, we found out, are nocturnal and actually seeing a crab doing anything remotely interesting is about zilch unless you wake them up during the day. We've all been excited at this big news. Well, Ansley gets up this morning and is hysterical because her crab has abandoned his big shell and is missing. Can't find him anywhere. Where is he? In a much smaller shell, huh??? Here's a picture of Hermit the second, now Shrek; Spot who used to be Shrek; Kermit now Pearl and Smiley, now Rainbow. I can't keep up.

Saturday's Observations

Not much is happening here today. It's cloudy, a little misty, and almost cool (73 degrees) thanks to Tropical Storm Fay.

The boot camp drill sargent, I mean instructor, stopped by today to take measurements before boot camp starts the week of Labor Day. I'm starting to get nervous. We have to keep a food log and that is just going to be down right horrifying. I mean, I do like Chic Fil A chicken minis for breakfast. I can't stand cereal for breakfast. Dinner perhaps, but not first thing. I guess the humiliation of someone else seeing what I eat might be enough to change some bad habits. BTW- her name is Kelly Pettit. How ironic and strange is that?

The neighborhood boys were all in the den a little bit ago dancing to a Sean Kingston song. It sounded like the house was coming down. A few minutes later I see Zack and Jack taking off their shirts getting ready to wrestle. Okay, Jack has about 6 inches on Zack and at least 15-20 pounds. That looked like a trip to the emergency room getting ready to happen. I've since run them all out to the yard.

I'm making some banana/chocolate chip bread. I just checked on it and the thing is enormous and there is still 15 minutes left to go. Yikes, not sure what's going on there.

Now, Gary asks me if I'd like to go to Kinkos to get some copies made for him. Why wouldn't I want to go? I love going there looking like a moron because I can't figure out how to use the card counter thingy in the copier.

As you can see, it is an incredibly boring Saturday. I don't know when I've had so little to do. I guess I'm off to Kinkos.

Business In The Front, Party In The Back

Now that Nan's hair is growing back in and with the oppressive heat here, her hair starts on her head then usually ends up off somewhere else - say the front seat of her car or like last night on the counter. We've had a good time with "Nan's hair", and we have admired Nan's grace and humor while going through such a serious ordeal. Pretty soon we'll be saying goodbye to "the hair", but before the hair is retired, Ansley couldn't help having one more go with it. Can anyone say mullet?

The Mystery Has Been Solved and It's Really Not That Interesting

In June, when Ansley and I went on our girl's trip, I found this disk in the rental car. It says "he likes 'peter' and not your Dad." I called Gary and we were cracking up at the title. We have conjured up several ideas as to what could be on this disk - none of them were kid friendly. I brought the disk home with me and the kids have been begging me to let them check it out. Well, today -while all alone- I've checked it out and all it is is a compilation of popular music. The kids are going to love it. But really, why the crazy title? Any ideas?

The Price of My Vanity

Nothing too great has happened today. I made a buffoon out of myself at the doctors this morning. It involved six needles containing several injections a piece. Then it involved me starting to feel faint with sweaty palms. It ended with my head tilted towards the ground, my feet up in the air, ice on my forehead, a cup of cold water and of course me crying. The very last bit involved the doctor asking the nurse to go and get the PA to write me a prescription for ativan and to please go home and take one. It amazes me that to be as old as I am, I still can act like such a baby. Regardless, I won't be deterred. I'll be back in three months - this time with an ativan.

All This and Then Some

Have you ever met someone and right off thought - this girl is strange? Yesterday I met a woman and after three conversations, totaling less than one hour, I knew the following about her:

She has Crohn's disease and has for 25 years (twice.)
She is not technologically inclined (twice.)
She's from Ohio and therefore direct.
She doesn't beat around the bush.
She has a six color printer.
Her husband works for Cisco and has for 13 years.
Miss Donald from kindergarten was the BEST teacher ever and all the kids in her class were doing double digit adding (twice, maybe three times.)
She doesn't allow her daughter to eat any meat from school because something about the FDA approving cow meat that has measles. Everything she eats has to be organic.
She believes second grade should still have mystery reader or better yet, where a parent comes in and reads one line and the students read one line (three times.)
She has a six color printer.
Her daughter is not allowed to go on any field trips because she knows of something bad that once happened but she's not emotionally equipped to talk about it right now.
Oh, and did I mention she has a six color printer???

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.

The Jig Is Up, The News Is Out

Last night Gary and I, along with our friend's Jennifer and Wayne Dery, went to my favorite highschool band, Styx. Also playing was another old timer, Boston. Styx happens to be the first concert I ever attended unchaperoned when I was in 8th grade. I still remember the parent who drove us and picked us up as well as all the friends I went with. It was quite a thrill way back when and last night was equally as thrilling. Styx sounded great and seeing them again reminded me why I loved them so much! I asked mom if she remembered me going and she told me she didn't remember the band being Styx but did remember being glad when I got home. I'm sure that wasn't the last time.

Baseball Washout

The Rockhounds had their first game today and if the rain hadn't moved in (of course there wasn't a drop on Windhaven Ct) we might have won. We had a big rally going and the score at rain out was 4-2 we think (or maybe 5-3.) Zack had a great hit and several great field plays. All the boys are still trying to learn the Coastal rules which are very different from what they are used to. Here are a couple shots of the boy in batting action.

Zack and Mom From Uncle Robert's Party

The blog only allows five pictures at a time so Zack get's his own page.
Also, the kids were very disappointed that Aunt Judy couldn't make it. We hope to see you soon!

Uncle Robert's Celebration!

Tonight we all gathered to celebrate Uncle Robert's 29th birthday. We had great grilled hamburgers and all the sides with a big helping of chocolate cake. Delish!
The men grilling (and apparently drinking.) The women making donations to the 2 Day Cancer Walk in honor of mom and Aunt Nanci's mom.

Boris enjoying a little snuggle time.
Ansley giving Uncle Robert a mouth full of fist, but I think this was in retaliation for Uncle Robert saying he had spit in her hair. It's fair and all, right?
The birthday boy blowing out his candles. HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE ROBERT. WE LOVE YOU!

Is It A Control Thing?

Every year I sign up to be a room mom for the kids classes. Every year I've been put as a room mom for both kids. When Ansley was in second grade I was the key mom which sort of meant I was the leader. That same year I was one of four for Zack's kindergarten class, but not the key which was fine since Mr. Kuefler was new and required a lot of help from me (plus he's a man and just requires a lot of help anyway.) Last year I was one of four for Ansley's third grade and chosen by Mrs. Knorr as her key in Zack's first grade.

Yesterday I received notice that I would be one of FIVE in Zack's class with another mom being the key. I waited and waited for notice for Ansley's class and that notice never came. Today I decided to contact the room mom coordinator to ask if I was or not. Answer "Nope, Ms. Weiss only wants two. Have a good weekend." Short, direct and to the point.

OUCH.

This bothers me a little. I'm one of five and not the key and then not at all. Some might say I have control issues. I think perhaps I just like to be "involved."

Delayed Sadness

Well, we've made it through the first week of school. Well, I'm hoping we have. So far, so good. I guess I'll know for sure when the kids get off the bus this afternoon.

I thought I was doing so well. For the first time I didn't cry on the first day and I've been breezing along all week - Until today.

Not sure if it is just a delayed reaction or maybe it is because Gary's been gone all week. Whatever it is, it needs to move on.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Baseball games start this Sunday - 3:30. Come see us!

Not Ready to Go Live

Although Ansley wakes up in a great mood, as opposed to another child I have whose name shall go unmentioned, but the name is NOT Ansley, she was not quite ready for cheery mom photos at 6:45 am.

CAUGHT YA!

When he knows I'm home.... When he thinks I'm away.

The Hard Head and the Collared Shirt

It only seems right that on the first day of school your son wears a collared shirt in order to make a good first impression. After that, who knows.

Walking home from dropping the kids off yesterday, Mary Ellen mentioned how she had tried to get Jack and Patrick to continue on the good first impression and wear a collared shirt on the second day to only be met with moans. I hadn't even bothered with Zack, but thought I might try on the third day.

Setting - 6:35, Zack still trying to wake up. I casually throw a pair of shorts and collard shirt on the bed hoping he'd be too asleep to notice. I hear from under the covers "why do I have this collared shirt?" "Because, you're going to Ben's today and you want to look nice." "Why do I need to look nice to go to Ben's?" "Because you want to look nice when you go to a friend's house."

I went on downstairs and a few minutes later Zack comes down wearing his best-----Murphey Candler t-shirt. Just ain't happening.

NY Spring Awakening

The Boss, side view, and the back of his wife, aka, "the bad guy." The old lady waiting for the cast with pen and playbill in hand.

Andy Durand from Atlanta. Notice he's sporting an Atlanta Brave's hat. (I know it's sideways. Didn't rotate before posting. No comments from Michelle, please.) This is Matt Doyle. He understudied the lead and I think he is every bit as good as the guy who originated the role. If anyone watches Weeds on Showtime, taking over the lead this week is Hunter Parrish.

The Stalkarazzi - Old Lady Style

And I'm not talking about people with real cameras. I'm talking about three middle age friends, in NY, celebrating their 25 year, silver anniversary together.

If anyone knows much about me and Lainie, you might remember that back in our youth we were quite the groupies. We managed to get back stage, on tour buses, under the Omni to score free tickets and locate certain celebrity hotels all without being invited or told where to go. We just did.

I guess when you are between the ages of 18 and 23, that's all understandable, but we're 42 now and neither age nor time has stopped us.

The celebrity fun began last Wednesday when we had just stepped out of the taxi after arriving at the hotel. Lainie, being the eagle eye she is, noticed a swarm of paps outside the side of the theater where The Little Mermaid was playing. Next thing I know I'm dragging suitcases across the road to assume to the lookout post. Not having a ladder like some prepared photographers all I could do was hope that Lainie or Sonya would get the money shot of the mystery celeb. Who could it be? Madonna? Perhaps Regis Philbin? Nope, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise.
Okay, we're off to a good start.

Next up on the celebrity sighting, Michael Knight. He has played Tad Martin on All My Children for like forever. Sonya, still watching the soaps was thrilled. We tried to get across 5th Avenue to film him but about 50 cops cars came screaming up the road giving us all a chill. It really made us hope that another bad tragedy wasn't happening downtown somewhere.

Thursday night we headed to Madison Square Garden to see the B-52's and the Police. Let me just say, MSG is a dump and they need to level that facility and start over. The only thing we saw there was the dried vomit on our seats and the five different people they sent to try and solve the problem. The concert turned out to be great and that's a good thing because I thought I was coming unglued. Just ask Gary. From all the texting I was doing I think he thought he might have to fly to NY to rescue me.

Friday night we sat onstage at our favorite musical Spring Awakening. What an amazing experience to be right in the action and to sit with the actors. We got to talk with some 0f the ensemble members during intermission and this is where it gets really fun and I guess a bit strange for the old ladies- when we lurked outside the the stage door, got autographs, took pictures and talked to the actors.


Oh, and we also saw Bruce Springsteen, his wife and about four or so kids exiting the theater when we were stage dooring. Lainie ran out after him to get a good picture, but his wife, being the bad guy, told everyone "no" - that they had to go. I just got a side shot.

Anyway, here are my picture of me with some of the cast including one member from Atlanta - born in Marietta, now living in the Roswell/Alpharetta area. He represented well.

I'm going to go ahead and post this because my computer is doing screwy things. I'll post the pictures separate.

First Day Happies!!!

I fully expected Ansley to get to get off the bus in tears because she felt bad and was so nervous when we dropped her off but to my happy, happy surprise, she was very chipper! She loved her teachers, had lots of friends to hang with and I think secretly was thrilled because Josh, her crush from last year, sat next to her! Her fever was gone when she arrived home, but as the afternoon has worn on it has shot back up. I'm hoping it will be gone in the morning.

I think Zack had a good day. All I could get out of him were a few "uh huh's" and a couple of "goods." He did tell us school was boring. Oh boy!

First Day Jitters-2008

Well, everyone is at school and Mom doesn't know what to do. Ansley has been running a fever since yesterday and doesn't feel well, but how can you miss the first day? I pumped some motrin in her and am hoping that will help carry her through the day. Gary walked her to her class to meet her teacher, Miss Weiss, since I had already met her last week. He told Miss Weiss that Ansley wasn't feeling well and that if she started to feel worse, please let her call and he got the look from her like "it's the first day of school, I'm not buying that excuse. Of course she's just nerv0us." Yikes. I went with Zack and met his teacher, another new one like Ansley's, Ms. Gay. She seems nice enough but nervous. She let the kids pick their own desks and naturally, all the boys are piled together. That won't last long. Zack was fine, Ansley was crying. I hope it is just that she doesn't feel well. I'll update later when they get home.
BTW-we missed having the Wicklund children to walk with!

Now, I might cry!

Bailey and Kathryn's Visit

Cousin Kathryn and her daughter Bailey came to visit this weekend and the kids were beyond thrilled. They love it when Bailey comes to visit. The fun started early Friday morning when Aunt Joan, Kathryn and Bailey picked up Ansley and Zack for a trip to the Yellow River Game Ranch, then swimming at Aunt Joan's pool, lots of playing and then to dinner with all the above as well as Aunt Nanci and Uncle Robert. Saturday we had a birthday party for Bailey - now 2!! Nan joined the fun. Aunt Joan and Kathryn talked the kids into staying the night (so hard to do) to help keep Bailey company. Gary and I headed up to the lake alone and spent much of that time trying to find an open launch to put the boat back in the water. We just got back to a very tired looking Joan.

Not As It Appears

Gary and I have been cracking up at these three proofs from the vow renewal. Take a look at where the "i" in the word copyright is showing up. In the first picture Gary has a lovely rotten tooth, then in the second shot he's infected with a lovely cold sore on his lip, and in the third picture he's sporting a LARGE beauty mark on his chin. I know the truth - that he is a handsome guy with all of his teeth, no festering cold sores, and no facial beauty marks, but it is still funny looking at these.