Reunion

As most everyone knows, we went to the Holcomb Family reunion over Labor Day weekend. Poor Jennifer had to stay home due to work and school. She was heartbroken and lamenting the sorrows of being an "adult". The trip in itself was exciting. After dealing with kids and luggage, husband wanting to get on the road, daughter not wanting us to leave, and dog whinning wanting to go with us, we finally pulled out of the driveway and into adventure. The first day was really noneventful. We took our time and stopped along the way for everyone to stretch out. Day 2 was more exciting. As we come out of a mountain tunnel in VA---Virginia's State finest was waiting for Jim on the other side. He didn't see the speed limit signs and was nabbed!!! We finally make to our Inn in WV only to find out we have no cell phone coverage and no internet. This would have been fine and dandy if we hadn't left Jennifer at home. She was in a panic when she found out she couldn't reach Mommy. We finally told her to call Rachel, who was staying with John and Sandy, and relay messages and she would be fine. Reunion was wonderful and we loved seeing everyone again. Had lots of fun. Lots of late nights and early mornings, but it was worth it. I don't think I've laughed as much in a long time. On our way to check out Monday morning, I noticed my sister-in-law Kim sitting in the lobby of the Inn. I asked what she was up to and to my surprise she was surfing the internet!!!!!! They neglected to tell us that they had wireless in the lobby. Of course it didn't reach our 3rd story walk-up room. Well, we left John and Sandy's Monday evening after having a great time with everyone all day. First, we leave the wrong way, turn around and head in the right direction. about 20 minutes down the road I remember I left my purse sitting on their porch. Wouldn't have given it much thought but it had my license, Kindle and of course it is a COACH!!!! So, we turn around and go back, grab my purse then leave again. Another 20 minutes down the road, Rachel remembers she left her makeup bag with her medication in it...so....we turn around again. Finally after everyone has all their possessions together, we leave 2 lane mountain roads and hit interstate!!!! We stop for the night and crash. Up the next day and at it again. We wanted to take our time and ride the Blue Ridge Parkway part of the way home. When the kids found out that it was more mountain roads and no amusement parks, they begged out of it. We stop for the last night, unload the car into our hotel room and head out to dinner. This is only after we swap rooms to adjoining rooms and leave the room with smoking TV behind. After a nice dinner and shopping at Cracker Barrel, we head back to the hotel only to find our key cards don't work. After 3 trips down to the desk, and still no entry, the clerk comes up with the master key, and a computer box to unlock the door...of course it doesn't work. We have to wait for the maintenance guy to show up, of course it's a holiday weekend and 3 HOURS later, he shows up, finally gets the door opened and tell us the lock is broken....DURH!!!!! Jim says he doesn't care, he's not opening it again until we leave!!! After a few hours of sleep, we decide straight home is our new destination. I've never been so happy to see a house under construction in my life. It may be messy and unfinished, but it's home and mine. I think this gave us the motivation we needed to get moving on finishing it again.

She's 17

OK - I know I'm behind on posting, but give me a break!!! Blog posting is way down on the list of priorities. Anyway, Rachel is officially 17. She almost cried when she saw her "Winnie-the-Pooh" cake. She thought for sure that mom would consider her "too old" for that but....SURPRISE!!!! She forgot she has the mom who still wears her bear slippers and watches Looney Tunes...who am I to say she's too old for anything??? She also got her new cell phone, oreos, and Mountain Dew which prompted Screams of joy. And for all who know Rachel, those screams can be excruciating. But she was a happy girl and that's all that matters.

Update

Been busy. New floors are in upstairs, this weekend it's time for baseboards and window trim. Then I get to paint...oh what joy. Friends and family finally convinced me to join facebook, so I have been having a ball with that. Talked to people I haven't seen in years!!!! Today I'm busy cleaning so I can become Jim's slave for the weekend. "Hold this, I need some more tea, hand me my nail gun, etc, etc, etc...." Oh well, it's worth it.

Not much to tell. Work on the house and being a mom keeps me busy. Will post more later.

Update

Christopher with B'day Cake!!!!

Jake & Christopher

Eating cookies from Grandma!!!!

Too much happening at home to blog about it. Let's start with the kids...Jake and Emily are working hard in school. Emily is spending all of her free time on the computer. She has fallen in love with web and movie designing. Jake is helping Dad put down new floors upstairs (slowly) and working with a new electronics kit that I bought for him. Who would have thought that would be his "thing". Rachel is busy trying to do school, physical therapy for her back (scoliosis), and being the typical teenager trying to stay on the road and at the mall every waking hour. Jenny is working and getting herself ready for her first year of college.

We took a trip to Ozark, AL this weekend for Christopher's first birthday. Visited with family and relaxed. Glad to be back home. Now it's time to begin working again. Have installed new wood floor in Jake's room and will do Rachel's this weekend. Hopefully it won't be long before they will be able to move back into their rooms and give me the downstairs back. Still a lot of work to be done and hopefully we can get most of it done in the next 3 weeks before it's time for me to become a football widow.

Getting Nowhere Fast

Jim is traveling this week, which should leave plenty of time for me to work on the house. Or so it would seem. Jake's room and the upstairs hallway, stairwell, and the living room has been touched up from the repairs. All of this was done before Jim left with him painting the stairwell and upstairs hallway. So, why can't I get any further??? Seems that I start doing something, get called away and never get back to the task at hand. My parents are visiting this weekend, so I at least have to have a path made. I will be glad when all of this is over, if it ever is. I am to the point now, that if something is in my way and I don't know what it is or can't find a place to put it, it goes in the garbage. Hope nobody is missing anything important. I suppose if it was important, they wouldn't leave it lying around, would they? NO, not my husband and kids. They alway put away their things. Wonder whose leaving all this stuff around?

WOW!! Busy Life Lately

As everyone knows, we have been remodeling/restoring our house (still). FINALLY, the plasterer is finished. Now the real work begins. New paint, lights, moldings, doors, etc..... Off to Lowe's this morning for supplies and then I put on my paint clothes which I will probably be wearing for the next month or so.

Had a great 4th of July weekend. We went to Ft. Pierce and drove my in-laws crazy again for the weekend (except for Jenny, she had to work). Kate and Sara picked on Jim all weekend. It was fun watching siblings in action, especially when they stole his snuggly blankie and held it for ransom. For those who don't know, Jim has a special blankie he travels with and wraps up in when he is at home watching TV. His sisters took it from him and then took pictures of it in different places like the Travelocity garden gnome. They finally gave it back as he was packing the Suburban to come home.

Came home Sunday and crashed. Jim didn't work Monday morning so we slept in. Got up around 10:30 and was informed that Jon had been there and had b'fast with Jenny earlier that morning. It's wonderful having grown children. They just come and go, and we sleep through it.

Enough for now...Lowe's is waiting. The pic is Karaoke on the 4th. A wonderful trio!!!

Our Big Weekend

Thursday- We headed out to Ft. Pierce. Uneventful trip except for the service plazas changing their restaurants..have you ever taken a 13 yr old boy to eat and only find "Nature's Table"? Health Food is not his thing. We arrived at Mom & Papa's and promptly took over their lives. Later that evening, Jennifer was baptised by Papa in the swimming pool.

Friday was spent running around trying to get everything together for Jenny's graduation on Sat. Jim went with to me order the cake. NEVER AGAIN!!! He doesn't do grocery shopping, so he had no idea what specialty cakes and deli meats cost. Needless to say, he went into shock in the middle of Publix.

Saturday was the big day. Graduation. Everything went beautifully. Nice thing about private school homeschooling is that you can have your graduation any way you want it. We opted for casual and relaxed. Jenny wore her cap and gown, we played "Pomp and Circumstance", and she walked to her Dad who gave her the diploma, followed by Papa giving a wonderful talk and prayer. We then proceeded to PIG OUT!!! The only hitch in the day was Jim running around trying to shove cake at everybody. He wanted to make sure that none was wasted.

Sunday it was up and off to church. But not before Jim got his biscuits and gravy. He whined all weekend because mommy hadn't made them for him yet. Then it was back home to eat lunch and pack for the trip home. And Jim was still shoving cake at everyone!!! The trip home was fun. Boys in one SUV, girls in the other. We brought Garry home with us and he is living it up being the youngest here. I can't close this out without a big hug, kiss and thanks to my wonderful inlaws (although I don't consider them inlaws, they are Mom and Papa) for letting us take over their home and lives and even re-arrange their furniture. We are blessed to have such a close family.

Construction Again

Two posts in one day. What is the world coming to? We are having more work done on the house--both upstairs and downstairs. Everything we own is shoved into 3 rooms. Jim and I kept our bedroom out of the storage business so we could have somewhere to go that was finished. Having the last 2 bedrooms upstairs replastered along with the ceilings, hallway and stairwell walls and ceilings. HUGE mess, but luckily sometime back, we found a wonderful drywall guy and he takes care of every, even cleaning.

Nothing much for me to do since I can't even walk around downstairs, so I loaded my Kindle and surf the internet when I'm not in the kitchen (also usable). Guess this is my downtime before my part of the work comes in. Painting, varnishing doors, unpacking, hanging curtains, etc., fall to me, so I guess I better enjoy the idleness.

She's 18

Well, it's official. Jenny is 18 as of the 30th of May. Little late posting as lots of other things are going on also. Had family dinner, cake and presents. As you can see, she got the suitcase as promised, she just won't pack. Now we get geared up for her graduation. Too much, too soon. She should still be running around begging for ice cream....oh wait a minute... she still does that!! She went shopping yesterday and bought a new dress, came home and showed it to her dad and me. He asked what that costs him and her reply was that she paid for it herself. He told her that was the prettiest dress he had ever seen!!!! I have a feeling there is a little sadness going on there too with her newfound independence. Wait until he gets home today and finds out that she had her ears pierced a second time and didn't need anyone to sign for her. Hopefully, tattoos won't be next.

My Wonderful Husband Strikes Again

I'm standing in the kitchen looking out the window when the UPS truck drives up. Knowing I didn't order anything, I asked Jim if he did. He didn't say anything and met the UPS man at the door. He handed me a package and said "This must be for you". I told him I didn't order anything and looked at the label from Amazon and addressed to Jim. I tried to hand it back to him, but he refused and said he was sure it was mine. So, I opened the box and nearly fell over. My wonderful husband had secretly purchased a Kindle (electronic book reader) and surprised me with it. He really doesn't like the impression to get out that he's a sweet man (macho thing), so his excuse was that we don't have room for all the bookcases needed to hold the books I read. For any who don't know, I am a paranormal romance junkie!!!! Anyway, I have to say the Kindle is amazing. I'm still trying to learn to work it, being technologically challenged and all, but have downloaded my first book and halfway through it already. Good thing is I don't have to go to the bookstore or order online and wait for the next load of books to come in. I just pick what I want and it's there in less than 1 minute. Blows my mind how all this works, but I love it. I also have to say that I have the best husband on earth. He always knows how to make me happy and is always full of surprises.

What's Been Happening

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Busy, busy, busy. Kids started a new school year, Jim started building the new laundry room, have our sheet-rock guy starting in a week or two to complete the upstairs, have the a/c guys here today to put in new vent upstairs, and rain, rain and more rain. We are soon going to need a boat to get out of here. We also made the trip to Daytona to see our new nephew!!!!!! Sorry Kate, but I think I might be in line for the favorite aunt, then again maybe not if Kevin keeps teasing me with the movie line (private joke), I'll be scared to death of that kid!!!!!Had wonderful lunch with Mom and Papa Wednesday in Daytona. We don't get to do that often enough!!!! Anyway, life is moving along around here and keeping us on our toes. The good news is there aren't any bad problems to deal with, just normal life and remodeling. Can't complain when everyone is healthy and sassy.

Emily and the Prince

In case you didn't know, Emily is a huge Narnia fan (The Lion, Witch & Wardrobe, Etc.). Hollywood studios in Orlando, now has an attraction dedicated to the movies based on the books. We own the movies and Emily watches them repeatedly. During our visit to Orlando and Hollywood Studios, they had times for you to meet Prince Caspian (the love of Emily's life, next to the Jonas Brothers). They took each family separately into a room decorated as if you were in Narnia, and Prince Caspian would greet everyone and chit chat for a few minutes. The first time we went, Jennifer's knees almost gave way when she saw the actor playing the prince. During picture time, Jenny nudged Emily out and stood next to the Prince. Anyway, Emily was highly upset because this was supposed to be HER attraction and photo op. I promised her that we would go the next day and she could meet the Prince again without any of her sisters. To my amazement, Prince Caspian remembered Emily and said "At last, we meet again, Princess". I thought she was going to faint!!! Emily DOES NOT show her emotions much unless it is anger, but the smile on her face was from ear to ear. This was the highlight of her entire vacation and she enjoyed teasing Jenny about being the "Princess" and being remembered. I think she will remember this moment for a long time to come.

Update

OK, so I haven't blogged in a while. Last entry, I was waiting for stitches and staples to be removed from gallbladder surgery. Well, that was done. Doing great. And now I can tell you the rest of the story. A couple of months ago, Jim and I decided that we just wanted to drop off the face of the earth for a few days and take our "last family vacation" before Jennifer graduates high school. We secretly planned a Disney vacation with the works. We rented nice house with pool, ordered Disney tickets, planned out which parks, exact dates (so Jenny could ask for time off), reserved a spot in the kennel for Scooby, and told no one our plans except Jon (he had to feed the cat). Jim even agreed to turn off his email and not call into work except once a day while we were gone. Of course, anytime you plan something, what can go wrong, will go wrong. The week before we were to leave, I had my surgery. I was sure that our vacation was ruined. However, things went off without a hitch!!! I asked Dr. about it, and he said as long as I took a lot of breaks and didn't do any rides that everything should be fine. Our vacation was a BLAST!!! Kids had a ball and thought we had lost our minds. Whenever they asked if they could do something we said "Go for it". Lots of window shopping and walking for me. Kids got Jim on a few rides, including "Tower of Terror". After that one, he didn't trust the kids anymore and refused to get on anything they told him to. Lots of side stories to tell and will post some pics in future blogs, but needless to say it was a memorable time and I hope it will be a fond memory for the kids to look back on.

Bad Weekend

Well, last Sunday started with a tummy ache. Then came the throwing up. It didn't get better so went to Dr., Wednesday, who had a strange look in her eye when she examined me. Went for ultrasound, back to her office, then straight to the surgeon's office. Friday morning I was in the OR getting my gallbladder removed. Surgeon told Jim I had enough gallstones to make necklace AND matching bracelet. Such fun. Stayed in bed most of the weekend, still have stitches and bruises, but am feeling like I am getting back among the living. Missed Sara's baby shower, Rachel's 5K run(she came in first in her division), and several softball games, but had the cutest nurse you have ever seen. Jim (my nurse and loving husband) thinks I'm made of fragile material and will break if not handled with care. I think he stood at the bedroom door and growled like a rabid dog every time someone tried to get near me. He had everything under control and the kids working when they weren't trying to hide from him. Jennifer was thrilled when she had to go to work...escape!!! Should have stitches out by end of week and hopefully put this behind me. Thanks to everyone for all the calls and prayers. You're great!!!!

Update

Not much time for blogging these days. Jim is out-of-town again. Rachel is at softball practice and I'm trying to close out last year's school work so I can order this years. Can anyone say "YOUR LATE!!!"? Seems like I can't get things done. While I am working on one thing, I get pulled off to work on something else and can never get back to the project I was working on originally. While the kids are on a break, we started cleaning the yard...gosh, what a mess. I has rained so much that the grass and weeds have taken over, not to mention all the fallen limbs and trash that has blown through. We look like our house has been abandoned. It has finally gotten to the point that we can walk through the yard with bogging to our ankles, so now it's clean up time.

Had good Easter. Made the bunny cake...tradition in our Holcomb household. Easter Bunny came to see the "kids" and we met Mom, Papa, Kate & Bert for late lunch in Gainesville. Rachel was worried that since she wasn't home that the Easter bunny didn't visit her. Of course, I played on that fear, but saw relief in her eyes when she found her basket. She had a ball in Atlanta with family. Lots of pics on her blog.

Took twins (Jake & Emily) for their booster shots required for 7th grade. Naturally Emily took them like a champ...Jake said 7th grade wasn't worth taking shots. Nurse had him nervous when she filled all syringes for both of them at one time...she told Jake that they were all his. I thought the boy was going to pass out. And for any of you who have seen Jake lately, he would just have to lay there, because there is no way I could pick up my "baby" anymore.

Working in the yard again tomorrow and softball Saturday. Sometime between then, Jim should come home. Hurry, honey!!!! Will try to post more later. Too much going on!!!!

Busy Weekend

JR and the B'day cake
Boys and the Easter Bunny

Playing Together

It's Grandma with the camera again

What can I say. This was a busy weekend. Chris, Tammie and Christopher arrived Sat. morning and it was chaos and laughs from then on. I can't believe how big Christopher is getting. Jon, Krystle and JR came over Sat. evening, so both babies played together. Later that night, Jim and Rachel dragged out all of the karaoke equipment and guitars. Have a lot of video footage that they really wish I didn't have. Everyone (not mom) took turns singing and picking songs for each other.

Sunday was JR's 1st birthday party. I hope Krystle has room for all the loot!!! I'm posting a pic to show how JR handled his cake. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time. We also took the boys to have their picture made with the Easter Bunny. Our kids are SO glad that the grandkids are here. They believe this let's them off the hook for Bunny and Santa pics. I told them that no pics means no baskets or Santa. I don't think they believe me.

Kids went back to Ozark Monday afternoon and life returned to "normal" ---whatever that is. Can't wait until the next visit!!!!

Sweetie's Home

YEA!!!!! My honey's home. I hate it when he travels, but I know it is part of his job, so I try to be understanding. Of course there are good parts to it. While he is away, I get alot of things done because my day doesn't stop at 4 oclock to start dinner and then there is always the homecoming. Enough said.

Jenny and I went yesterday and opened her first checking and savings account. Because she is still underage, it had to be a joint account with a parent/guardian, and when the girl asked Jenny if she wanted her mom to have a Visa/Debit to her account, she almost shouted "NO!!!". I asked what the big deal was and her reply was that if I would give her a debit card to my account, then she would give me one to hers. I don't think so.

Softball has been cancelled this weekend...Spring break and floods!!!! Our yard looks like a swamp.

We are cleaning today and trying to make things "somewhat childproof". Chris, Tammie and Christopher should be on their way down this afternoon and the baby is moving now. I don't worry about JR much, he's only here for a few hours at the time and is never far from G'pa. But having one here all weekend, I guess I should make sure that everything I hold near and dear is put on a shelf or out of crawling reach. I'm waiting for the day that one of them goes after G'pa's big screen TV. I personally don't care because I don't watch TV, but should be interesting to see how G'pa handles it. Could be one for "Funniest home videos". How fast can G'pa move?

FINALLY!!!!

The Final Results of Em's Room

Craft & writing corner

Clothing center

Her "Media Corner"

Her BedBefore

Another Game

We had another softball game last night. Played Interlachen and won 4-1. Finally got the season schedule and looks like we'll be busy traveling to games this year. Not a lot of home games this time. Took a lot of nerve for me to go to last nights game as Jim is out of town. Everyone knows that when he is gone and the sun goes down, the house becomes a lighted fortress. I hate coming home in the dark when he's away.

Jenny had to work last night and missed the game, but was all smiles when she came home at 10:30 last night waving her first PAYCHECK!!!!! Now we have to go open her a bank account and set her up like she is a real grown-up. Little does she know that she's just a baby in my eyes.

Going to Walmart today to get a few things to finish putting Emily's room back together and then we will be through except for the new air vent and door which are contingent on each other, then we move to another area of the house.

Weekend

Saturday started with Rachel's first softball game. They won 5-0 against Micanopy. Stopped at Sonny's on way home for bbq, then spent the rest of the day washing clothes and getting Jim ready to go out of town. Sunday was spent packing Jim's clothes and cooking lunch so I didn't send him off on an empty stomach. He's headed to Pensacola and Gulfport this week, which means I won't get much sleep this week. Can't get to sleep without him here, or at least until the sun starts coming up and I can't keep my eyes open any longer. Kids will love it because I won't be getting them up early this week. Of course they are also complaining because I don't cook big meals while Jim is away. Lot's to do this week, so it will keep me busy.

Papa will love this!!!!

I was working in Emily's room, when I decided that the back corners of the newly built "box" in her room looked bare and didn't blend like I wanted them to. I went to Lowes and bought some molding, painted it, cut it to size, then didn't know how I was going to attach it to the wall since the ceiling is sloped and you can't get a hammer and nail to the top. I didn't want to wait for Jim to get home (he gets all macho when I ask for help, like I'm the little woman and he's the big "he-man), so I remembered that he bought himself a new nailer. Forgive me if I get the name wrong, but I believe it is called a "passlode". Anyway, no air compressor or massive muscles required to use this thing. I told Rachel to bring it to me. She stared at me like I had started sprouting horns...."You're going to use Daddy's new nailer?". I said yes, go get it. She started walking downstairs with her cell phone in her hand, no doubt to rat me out to Jim, so I told her that if she contacted her Dad in any way concerning this.....she was grounded. I read the instruction sheet on how to work this monstrosity and used it with EASE!!!! I LOVED IT!!!! So now let's guess who has custody of Jim's new baby???? ME!! I don't know if he will get over this heartbreak or not...he keeps telling me that I can "borrow" it if I want to, but he retains ownership....We'll see...hahahaha.

Kidnapped my husband

Yesterday was busy painting trim in Emily's room. Of course I had to wrap the room in blue tape. For those who don't know, I'm notorious for blue painter's tape in my house, and just to aggravate my kids, I sometimes let it stay for a while before I take it down after painting. Sometimes I will leave just a small piece on the wall on around a door just to drive them crazy. Anyway, I was finishing up with the paint yesterday and thought that I don't want to spend another night at home watching Jim play computer games and listening to the kids fight with each other over the dumbest things, so I decided to get cleaned up and dressed up and go kidnap my husband for a night out. The kids were going crazy because I told them they were on their own for dinner and don't call me unless it's an emergency. They were uncertain as to where I was going (didn't tell them any details) and left them with their mouths hanging wide open. Went to Jim's office (this was 3:30 in the afternoon) and told him to pack his stuff, we were going out. We went to the movies (Underworld 3---excellent movie) and out to dinner afterwards. Can't remember the last time Jim and I went to a movie alone. It was after 9 when we got home and Jennifer met us at the door with the words "You're grounded". She said dinner and a movie shouldn't take that long (we went to early 4pm movie) and we had no excuse. I think they were just mad because they couldn't go out themselves. We had a blast and wondered why we don't do it more often.

Update

Weekend was good. Of course we did the Twilight release party at Borders bookstore Friday night. Jim didn't think we girls needed to be out and on the road that late at night without him, so he and Jake also went with us. I think it was pure torture for Jake. Unbelievably, Jim was calm and cool through the whole thing. Of course there were plenty of videos and cds for him to browse through, not to mention the coffee shop. The girls had a blast and got their special edition video. Glad we went, because they ran out of videos while we were there. The place was packed!!!! On the way home, Jim decides to swing by Krispy Kreme and get donuts, so the night was a big hit for the girls and he was their "hero" that night.

We spent the rest of the weekend doing NOTHING!!! I read two books (paranormal romance, naturally) and we watched a couple of movies. Jim played games on his computer and the kids just became couch potatoes. That all ends now. I'm going to Lowes today to pick up some last minute things for Emily's room, and when they are together, we can start putting things back in place and she can move back into her room. Softball season begins full swing this week with their first game. Jenny is working today and Jake and Emily are trying to finish the school year, so they can have a little break before we start again. This school year was totally messed up with too many "emergencies" and chaos. Hopefully we can get the new school year started and under better control. To Jake's horror, he found out that they have to have vaccines before starting 7th grade and needless to say, he's not a happy camper. Like father, like son.

That's what's happening with the Holcomb's. I want to hear from everyone else, so either send me an email on what's happening or start your own blog and send me the link!!!!

Trip Cancelled

Our trip to Ozark was cancelled. House we were going to look at already has contract, so we decided not to go. Spent yesterday playing with JR, so now I have to do everything I put off yesterday. Jenny starts her new job today, so she was happy we are decided to stay home. I'm trying to decide if I can stay up late enough tomorrow night to take the girls to a midnight "Twilight" release party at the bookstore. Rachel is so into that movie, it's borderline obsessive. She took Emily yesterday to buy her Twilight t-shirt so she would have one to wear to the party. The girls are still restricted on driving after 10pm, so mom has to drive. Let's hope I get a nap tomorrow afternoon.

Update

Jenny took her SAT's Saturday. She feels she did well on them. Should get the results in a few weeks. We finally finished installing the floor in Emily's room. Now it's on to painting trim and putting up shelves. Kids did their MAP's (measures of Academic Progress) yesterday. It's computerized, so that was an all day affair. I had JR yesterday also, so we just sat around and had fun!!! I have him again on Wednesday, then it's off to Panama City (Jim's Office) and Ozark for a few days. We will be one kid short this trip due to the fact that Jennifer GOT A JOB!!!!!! She starts training Thursday at Winn Dixie. She is so excited. We are going out today to buy the required work clothes. With unemployment the way it is, we were all surprised when they called for her!!! She's grown up too fast. Things are really getting busy around with the job, softball, school and working on the house. Just hoping I can hold on to my sanity. Not that there's a lot to hold on to in the first place, but I would like to stay this side of a padded room.

U of FL

Today I have to take Jenny to UF to find the place she is supposed to take her SAT's Saturday. She is like her mom in that she is geographically challenged and doesn't like heavy traffic. I have tried to assure her that the traffic will not be heavy at 7am at a university on Saturday, unless it is students trying to get home from a night of partying.

We also have a few stops to make while we are in town. Hopefully, one will be to pick up my sweetie for lunch if he's not too busy. We have been working in Emily's room this week. It is a slow process because we can't empty her room due to space, so we work a little, move furniture, work a little more, move some more furniture. The room has officially been sprayed down with Pepto (Emily's color choice reminds me of Pepto), and one half of the room has been tiled. Jim is going to put in baseboards and I will finish touch up painting before we move to the other side of the room. Everything is coming together, but it is slow. I'm going to Lowes today to look for wallpaper border and light switch covers that coordinate with everything. Pink and black. With Emily, I can understand the black, but the Pepto threw me. We were working in there yesterday and Jenny came in the room and started pestering us, so Emily, being the child she is, decided to get Jenny out of her hair by telling her the new box that Dad built around the chimney housed the dead body of the last person who got on her nerves. Needless to say, Jenny left. Emily's a chip off the old block (me).

Painting Day

Well, it's Monday again. My parents and brother came for short visit this weekend. I think it was a little too soon for Daddy to make trip. He was tired and a little disoriented when they got here, but after hours of sleeping, he was almost to himself by the time they left for home. Don't know how this is going to play out. Not looking all that great.

Painting Emily's room today. Pepto-Bismol pink, or at least that's what it looks like to me. Hopefully with her sloped ceilings, I won't have too much paint in my hair. Have a crockpot full of bbq chicken going, so at least I will have supper ready tonight. Jim's biggest fear is that I will get too busy with the house and he will go hungry.

Now it's time to put away the computer and wrap my hand around a paintbrush...fun, fun.

What's Happening

Jenny, Emily and I went to see the Jonas Brothers 3D concert yesterday as part of Emily's birthday present. The girls really enjoyed it, but Mom doesn't squeal for teenage boys, so it wasn't such a high for me. But Emily is REALLY into them, so she drooled through the whole thing. Then we went to the bookstore, and then to Lowe's to get the materials to finish Emily's room. She picked out black marble tile and "Party Cake" pink for the paint color. Of course I told her all her Jonas Brother posters had to come down for me to paint the walls. That should take until sometime next week to finish.

Bought groceries today (yuk) getting ready for my baby brother and parents to arrive for the weekend if Daddy feels like the ride. I think cabin fever has set in on him since his surgery in Dec. That's all that is happening around here. Now it is time to "go stick my nose in a book" as Jim says.

Pics

Hulk Baby (JR's new trick)

The Birthday kids

Blowing out the candles

Pizza for a Holcomb Party

It's Official - Teenagers

Well, it's official. All my kids are teenagers, or at least the ones still at home are. Yesterday my twins turned 13. Unbelievable!!!! Had a house full of people and a great time. Kate and I had fun ribbing Jim and Bert about our blogs. Told them they would know what was going on in their house if they read them. Jim wanted to know how I knew everyone would be here for the birthday....told him I read it on the blog!!! Found out through the grapevine that we have a lot of blog followers. Of course, this didn't make Jim or Bert feel any better knowing that their dirty laundry was being aired on the internet for the whole family to read...but they will get over it. We promised we wouldn't tell EVERYTHING!!!

Anyway, this is my first attempt to post any pics, so be patient and if this works, I will post more.

Busy Day

Well, today was busy. Baked two cakes for Jake and Emily's birthday. Each wanted a homemade chocolate cake, but each wanted a different recipe. I asked if they were sure they didn't want a bought birthday cake and they said no. I said well, most kids want a store bought birthday cake, what's up with you?...Emily replied.."Most kids don't have a mom that cooks as good as you do". Needless to say the little "suck up" got a huge hug and kiss. Jim took all of us to Outback Steakhouse tonight for a "special" birthday dinner before the actual day. Can't believe my babies are going to be teenagers tomorrow!! Time is moving too fast.

Monday AGAIN!!!

Spent Saturday with my grandson, JR, while Jon and Krystle were working. Jim built the box to go around the chimney in Emily's room. Making progress!!! Sunday, we just did nothing. Made big pot of potato soup and read a book. Good times!! But here we are at Monday again and school begins, Jim is at work, and I have to clean..YUK. It's bedroom and bathroom today after a weekend of not cleaning. Jim is like a slug and leaves a trail wherever he goes. Candy wrappers, coffee cups, peanut jars and socks. SO...now it's time to plug up the iPod and go around with a garbage bag and laundry hamper. The favorite saying in this house is, "Don't worry, Mom will get it". Guess that's what mom's are for.

Busy, Busy, Busy

This has been a busy week for us. Started cleaning out Emily's room. How does a 12 year old girl accumulate SO MUCH STUFF??? Luckily, she is like her mother and when faced with cleaning and says "Get rid of it". Needless to say we have tons to donate to Goodwill. We are going to pick out her paint color and flooring this week. Jim has very little to do in her room to finish, so this should be one of our faster moving projects.
We signed up Jennifer for her SAT's. Got my hair cut and "conditioned" (my term for hiding the gray) Tuesday. Lots of gossip with "Todd the hair god". For those who don't know, Todd and I go back to middle school. How we both wound up in Gainesville is a mystery.
Had appointment with Cardiologist yesterday. Best news I have heard in years. He totally dismissed me!!!!! Can't find any residual damage to my heart from cardiomyopathy only some enlargement, but said that was normal. His big condition on dismissal was that I promise not to get pregnant again. NO PROBLEM!!!! Rachel is doing softball practice twice a week and Jake is working hard on a computer game. He has to run a business (hospital) and make a profit. He comes downstairs very frustrated sometimes. Well, enough for now, have to get ready to go buy groceries (not my favorite thing to do), and laundry.

Mall Trip

Friday the girls and I went to the mall. Jim even gave us extra money for shopping!!!! I think this was my last trip with my 2 older girls. Trying to help teens pick out clothes is a nightmare. If I touch it or look at it twice, the definitely DON"T want it. Went in one store that should have been renamed "Hookers R Us". Don't remember actual name of store, but not clothing that I was spending my money on. Rachel tried to embarrass me by insisting we go to Spencer's. I'm too hard to embarrass and can easily turn the tables on her, so that didn't work. Spent 3 hours in the mall and only came away with one outfit for Jennifer. Think next time, I'll just give them money and send them on their way. Emily is another story. Too much like her mom with wicked sense of humor and being laid back, but I'm sure as she gets older, she won't want mom around either. Needless to say that Jake stayed home and wanted nothing to do with a shopping trip. He enojoyed having the house to himself!!!

Home Again!!!

Yesterday, our time was up at the Hyatt Regency...boo hoo. My LOVELY in-laws brought the kids and dog up to Orlando to save us a trip to Ft. Pierce. We all met at Katie's for lunch and laughs. Everytime I am around my niece and nephews, I remember my 4 being that small, and remember the noise, messes, and such. Thank God I have let them live long enough to outgrow it..haha. Of course now we are in the teenage years which comes with its own problems.

Spent the majority of my morning on the phone with Bank of America. Seems someone has stolen my credit card number and their fraud protection caught it. After 2 hours of phone time going over each charge, my card has been cancelled, charges reimbursed and new account opened. Thank goodness they caught the charges in time and most were denied.

Now it's laundry time and have to grocery shop...YUK. I think this was my last trip for awhile. Time to settle in and start working on the house again. Like I said in an earlier post, I think I will start on Emily's room first and will begin Monday. Look out Goodwill. Boxes are heading your way!!!!

Still At SIA

We are still in Orlando at SIA meeting. Yesterday Jim only had 1 meeting, so we had time to play. Went to Downtown Disney since we are only a block away. Looked in all the shops and Jim couldn't believe that I didn't buy anything except in the bath store and then only spent $20. Said he was impressed!!! We were looking for lunch and thought since we are at Disney, let's think like kids. SOOOO.... I had a warm brownie fudge sundae and Jim had a banana split from the Ghiradelli ice cream shop. Not nutritious, but delicious. Had SIA President's reception last night..dress up occassion, and had a lot of fun talking to a variety of people from a variety of places!!!, but my feet were killing me when it was all over. Went back to room and decided we were hungry, so here we are at 11:00pm ordering room service and kicked back watching TV. I'm not sure if I will be ready to go home tomorrow or not. I could get used to this!!!!

Orlanda

Well, we are in Orlando for Jim's SIA Committee Week. The fun started Sunday. Jim had meetings from 7:30am until 6Pm last night. I stayed in the room all day with a trashy novel, my computer and room service. It doesn't get any better than that!!!!! Last night we went to dinner with some friends from Cleveland and a"nightcap" afterwards. Was good to get caught up with them. I haven't seen them in 2 years, so we had a lot to chat about.

I don't know what today holds...Jim has meeting from 7:30am to 9am then we are free for the day until the President's Reception tonight. Debating going to Downtown Disney since we are only 1 block away.

Have been talking to kids. Jenny is having fun with cousins and Rachel, Jake & Emily are in Ft. Pierce with grandparents. I'm enjoying my little "vacation", but miss my kids, although it is nice and quiet here..haha. I'll enjoy the solitude for now, for this too shall pass. Work and school and softball await at home, which means the quiet will definitely end!!!!

This week

We are in the process of packing for SIA committee week. Leave today to take kids to camp Grandma's and Jenny to her Aunt Katie's Saturday (hope she told you when she was coming, Kate). Luckily the site of meeting this year is in Orlando, so things are much easier to deal with, but not as exciting. Orlando is not my favorite city (sorry Kate). I have my bag packed with computer and several trashy romance novels to pass the time while Jim is in meetings. Of course, each night is taken with business dinners (yipee), so this is not really a vacation, except that I can relax during the day without fighting teenagers.

When we get back, the fun really begins. Jake, Emily & Rachel will be knee deep in school work and Rachel will begin softball season, with means most nights and weekends will be full. We also have to get Jenny scheduled for SATs and college applications. Seems like she should be worried about starting school, not finishing!!! They are growing up too fast.

Will write more, I'm sure, while in Orlando and will try to get some pictures posted (if I can figure out how....technically challenged here).

We Don't Agree on Everything

Some of our family believe that Jim and I totally agree on everything. This is not far from the truth, however, there are times when our differences really stand out. Last night I asked him if he would mind taking me to a concert this spring. Several of my favorites will be in the area and I would love the opportunity to see one or two. Jim's response was "Of Course!!". I know he was thinking it was something he would also enjoy, but when I told them who they were, he gave me a puzzled look. Naturally he knew who Jimmy Buffet was (not someone he really likes), but was absolutely clueless when I mentioned Nickelback and Il Divo. So, I went to YouTube and showed him some videos. He turned the prettiest shade of green thinking he would have to sit through a concert like that. He immediately went to YouTube and began to watch Hank Jr and Statler Bros. clips, totally tuning me out. We most certainly do not share our taste in music. I love all kinds, including some country, but bless his heart, Jim is stuck in a country rut. Oh well, good thing we are so in sync on most everything else.

Also, as I was writing this, Jim wanted to know who had access to this blog. I told him everyone did. He said, "Everyone, who?". I told him it was open on the net and that several family members had the link. He just groaned and shook his head. I promised I wouldn't tell EVERYTHING that went on around here, but I think I have made him nervous now. He will be on the edge of his seat from now on wondering what secrets I will tell. Can't blame a woman for wanting to have a little fun!!!!

Reality Check

OK - I know I live in fantasy land most of the time totally oblivious to most things happening around me, living as if the world is mine to do with as I please. Not only the world but my household as well. Well, I was rudely shaken out of my peaceful existence Monday when Jim stayed home and did our taxes. This time of year he is always grumpy, spouting off how the kids are not worth what they used to be, how I don't keep good records, NEVER get receipts for donations and we just generally go around trying not to "poke the bear". I never really took into account Jim's salary (never really knew what he earned), just getting $$ I need when I need it and wondering why I couldn't afford the big purchases when I wanted to make them. Shock set in when I saw the tax return for myself. As I said before, I live oblivious to most things happening and Jim always takes care of that kind of thing, but he made a point of showing it to me this year while fussing about how much "Uncle Sam" takes. I began to wonder how on earth Jim makes more $$ than he has ever in his life (not millionaire status by any means but we should be living comfortably), and it seems I'm always down to my last dime. I looked around our house (not anything spectacular and certainly not finished) and realized the amount of money that we have put into this place, 4 kids all walking around in Hollister or Aeropostale shod in Converse shoes, talking on their cell phones,the Wii, PS2, PS3, computers, iPods,digital cameras, and my closet brimming over with Coach & Dooney handbags. Not to mention the Gucci and Louis Vuitton acquired on our Vegas trips. NO WONDER!!!! This does not include the groceries and gas that teenagers (along with their many friends) consume. So now MOM IS ON A CRUSADE!!!! - The first thing I did was shut off HBO (taking baby steps) and guess what??? Nobody noticed. Makes me wonder how many other things around here could change without notice. I think I will experiment and see just how the natives will react to more cutbacks. This should be interesting and challenging to see just how much spending I can cut. Somehow, I don't think anyone will become TOO ill from my new venture, but I will keep the smelling salts handy for the big girls when they find themselves on a gas and play money budget. I'll keep you updated on our progress and any fainting spells the kids have adjusting to their new "lifestyle".

Home at Last!!!!

Came home Saturday as a surprise to Jim. He wasn't sure if we were coming home at all this weekend. Felt terrible telling him we were at Mom's when we were really on the road home. He called just as we were turning in our driveway and asking questions about grocery shopping. Luckily he was at Publix when we arrived, so we had time to settle down a few minutes and set the table for his favorite (Sonny's babyback ribs) before he arrived. We stopped on the way home and got ribs and all the fixin's for dinner Sat night and had everything ready when he walked in the door. The look on his face was priceless. He even took today(Monday) off to stay at home with us. I have come to the conclussion that I should take a week off 3 or 4 times a year and leave him home. Such appreciation comes from being left to fend for himself. I don't deny that I have spoiled him rotten over the last 20 years, but it is nice to know that I am missed when I'm gone. It's usually the opposite. He travels so much for work, that I'm usually the one left behind. It's nice to see the shoe on the other foot once in a while.

JR's surgery has been postponed. His ears are too infected for the tubes to be put in. Yet another round of antibiotics to see if they can get them cleared up enough for the procedure. Poor kid will have no resistance left after all these antibiotics. Hopefully, this round will work and they can finally get his little ears fixed and he will feel better soon.

Otherwise, things are going good around here. Trying to clean out some clutter and not spend any money. Easier said than done.

Still Here

Well, we are still in Ft. Pierce. Hopefully only another day or two. My sweetie is home by himself and lonely. He only has the cat for company, and any that know him realize this is not his kind of company. Kids have been doing their schoolwork while we have been away and constantly complaining. I have read at least 5 novels since arriving and have started this blog. There's not much for us to do in a retirement community. I better enjoy it though, because as soon as I get home, the work begins. I'm thinking of starting in Emily's room. It will take the least work, mostly getting rid of tons of junk she has accumulated. A good coat of paint and redecorating will do wonders. No major construction in her room, except for some reason she thinks she needs a door. I don't know what gave her the idea that she should have privacy in OUR house. Will also start working on a budget when I return. Has been ages since I have lived on a budget, but with the economy, raised insurance deductibles and two driving teenage girls constantly on the go, the BOD (Bank of Dad) has started setting limits. We'll see how it goes and will keep you updated on the chaos that is sure to follow.

My First Blog

OK. So here is my first attempt at blogging. I am what my children call electronic and technically challenged, but I will try my best. I figured this had to be easier than sending out numerous emails with all the happenings. At this moment, we are sitting at my parents house "babysitting" my Daddy who had bypass surgery before Christmas. I'm pretty sure this will be our last trip for this purpose. He is doing extremely well and only has us around now for the company. Jim is traveling for work this week, so we are not together. This is a thorn in both our sides as we DO NOT like to be apart. Our cell phone use has exceeded normal limits to say the least. The girls are thrilled that all the minutes used are not theirs this time. It is usually Jenny and Rachel who dip into the rollover minutes!!! Anyway, just thought I would start with this post to get my feet wet, so to speak, and get the ball rolling. I'm sure there will be more to follow as something is always happening at our house.