It "Depends" on Hooters!

Have you ever noticed how holidays screw up your concept of time? Yesterday felt so much like a Saturday! I guess it should be a good thing to make the weekends longer, but actually, I like the weekdays better in the summer because I like to be off work when everyone else is going to work. Strange, I know.

This morning, I slept in with my little angels as long as they would allow it. Then we snuggled up in my big bed and watched the Williams sister slug it out for the Wimbledon championship. Kinda brought back memories of Katie and me one miraculous day at Fairfield Glade when we were both just pounding the tennis ball so hard we drew a crowd.

Becca, Kelsey, Kelli, and Chelcie had big plans for "dressing up" in their mothers' one piece bathing suits (like wearing a one piece is simply unimaginable!), and playing on a Slip 'n' Slide in Grandmom's front yard. Becca's suit was declared the winner as Katie suggested that it came with a Jane Fonda work-out video. I just kept having the song, "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John running through my head all afternoon. The pictures say more than I could about how much fun was had by all. Addie, Sam, Lauren, and Ben had a great time too. Fortunately, they were safely out of harm's way on a Slip 'n' Slide of their own!

Just to make sure that the situation was as dangerous as it could possibly be, the girls added a bottle of dishwashing liquid to the plastic slide. Fortunately, no one required stitches, but Becca did draw blood on the back of her leg after sliding down the front yard. Bennett got a kick out of wearing "Bubble Slippers!"

I do have an embarrassing confession. Promise not to tell anyone or mention this when you see me out in public? Here goes...I was the official photograher of the escapades so I kept my distance from the water. As I was noticing every detail that composed the perfect shot or camera angle, I happened to notice a rather large bumblebee land directly on Chelcie's right ta-ta. So as not to panic her, I said as calmly as I could, "Chelcie, don't panic, but there is a bee on your right boob." Chelcie then proceeded to pull her bathing suit top out and over to the left to such an extent that had "Girls Gone Wild" been there, she would have made the cut. The funny thing was, she had been turned to the side when the bee landed, but once she was made aware of her dilemma, she turned to face the street head-on! Maybe it was because I'm over forty now, or maybe it was because I've given birth to four children, but when I witnessed Chelcie's reaction, I immediately laughed so hard I wet my pants. Well, the girls got a huge kick out of that one, let me tell you! I laughed it off and headed home for some Depends as soon as I could stand upright again. I can't believe I just blogged that moment, but I figure it's things like this that blogging is for, so I can look back on these seemingly unforgettable moments and remember to laugh at myself...and others of course. I have a picture, but I couldn't bring myself to post it.

The next big event of the day was the incredible news that my cell phone was found virtually unscathed at Dollywood! I will head up to reclaim it tomorrow after church, and maybe even ride a roller coaster or two with Sam if I can pad his feet to make him tall enough to pass the height restriction. What an unexpected blessing!

Drew went with Sam and me to inspect the Littles' house this evening. Both the Little boys were working, so we had an empty house to investigate. There were definitely signs that young men had been there "passing time" but all in all, things could have been worse. I kept telling Drew how proud I was of him and how thankful I was that I never have to worry about finding cigarette butts and beer cans around my house. He just grinned at me. I love that kid!

Tom is in Kentucky today with Matt Stevens and Scotty, so I'm home alone with the kids. Actually, Addie spent the night with Morgan. Chelcie is out "fishing" with Cory and his women, but my boys are here protecting me. Dane is coming over later to spend the night with Drew so they can ride to church together in the morning. Sam is snoring beside me as I bring today's blog entry to a close. Goodnight!

Our KEEW in Review - July Already?! And a TON of Pix to Prove It!

Alright already! So I've taken a few days off from my blogging! Gimme a little slack, I've been...um...busy! Yes! THAT'S the ticket! Busy like a bee. Nah, just kidding! I've been reverting back to my old habits of procrastinating, and putting off for tomorrow what I should have done today. You know the drill. I titled this entry Our KEEW because it's a look at our week, backwards! Clever, yes, I know. :) Get it? KEEW spelled backward is WEEK. Ah, there ya go! Anyway, here are the highlights to the best of my recollection starting with today.

Happy Birthday America! I awoke this morning to my main man, Hallerin Hilton Hill, inspiring me to appreciate the freedoms we have in this incredible country of ours. HHH mentioned that Liona Helmsley had willed her dogs 12 million dollars! What a waste, no? But as HHH pointed out, isn't it great to live in a country where we have the freedom to choose where our money is spent, even if it's on frivolous things? A woman who immigrated from Iraq read a letter she had written to the paper about how grateful she was to live here and how thankful the Iraqi people are to the American soldiers who are fighting in Iraq as I type to restore their God-given inalienable rights. This interview struck a chord with me as I have just finished reading A Long Way Gone, the story of a boy soldier by Ishmael Beal. This book is required reading for all incoming UT freshmen, so I figured it must be a good read and it did not disappoint. I was appalled and dismayed throughout most of the book at the degree of cruelty and violence that is brought out in war, but particularly moved by the story of this young boy's life as he was recruited at 12 years old to serve in the army in Sierra Lionne. Gripping, doesn't come close to describing this book. And sadly, it's all true, and continues to be retold in countless villages around the world. Definitely food for thought anyway. Oops, starting thinking about books and off I go! Anyway, Hallerin's show this morning was inspiring and patriotic, and it made me grateful to be a mom in the country where I don't fear for my children's futures, rather I anxiously anticipate their dreams coming true.

Addie, Sam, Tom, and I headed down to the quaint little town of Farragut for the annual 4th of July parade. As is our standing tradition, we sat on the curb in front of Mike Wallace and his momma. Taylor, Natalie, and Olivia joined us. The kids had a great time...for about 30 minutes, but Farragut Parade Part 2 got a little redundant, especially when they passed a "law" that no more candy could be thrown out to the kids. Say what?

After the parade, we drove by the Littles' to make sure the house was still standing, and it was. We actually passed Drake as we were leaving the neighborhood. He was heading to the house and it appeared all was as it should be. You never can tell what's going to happen when you leave two teenage boys home alone. So far, so good!

Then it was home sweet home to finish my book, then to the Verizon store to transfer my phone number to Lori's old phone because of what happened to my phone. I'll tell that story in a sec...It took nearly an hour to get the situation resolved, but I'm back in business! I lost all my contacts, but at least they can find me if they need me. Tom took Sam to see Wall-E and Addie was at the lake with Natalie, so I just did a little more reading and a little laundry too. When Tom and Sam got home, I made a quick run to Kroger to buy supplies for our 4th of July cook-out at Grandmom's and Papaw's house. I made my specialty-Redneck Caviar! Becca Jones and Kelli Martin joined the family minus the Rymers and Drew for hamburgers before heading to the World's Fair Site for fireworks.

Thursday, Lori, Natalie, Dinah, Sam, Addie, Taylor, Ed, Olivia, Charlie, Allan, and I made yet another run to Dollywood. Surprisingly, this trip turned out to be a life-changer as Addie rode her first big roller coaster and got the fee-vah! Once she rode the Tennessee Tornado, she went on to ride Mystery Mine and finished off the day with TWO rides on Thunderhead. The day was HOT and we were all a little more tired than usual. Poor little Sam! He is about 1/4" too short to ride the big rides, and he was so disappointed! All the kids rode the big rides by the end of the day, but even when we tried to sneak Sam on to Mystery Mine, they busted us, and wouldn't let him ride. We're in the market for some "Tall Shoes." My bad news of the day was that when I was upside down on Mystery Mine, my cellphone aka lifeline, fell out of my pocket and was lost forever, along with all my contacts, so now I'm cut-off from my "peeps." Hopefully, all my friends will call me this week just say, "howdy" and I'll be reconnected!

Oh yes! I must include this little anecdote about our BreadBox experience! I'm sure it'll come across as a "had to be there" story, but it makes me smile when I think of it, so bear with me. Alright, Lori, Ed, and I planned to meet at BreadBox at 9:30, so Ed and I got there on time, but Lori...well, she was confused, so we waited patiently in the parking lot and sent the kids into the store for some "provisions." Would you believe our sweet little angels (Addie, Taylor, Sam, and Olivia) ran around in the store so wildly that the cashier had to reprimand them? Apparently, she told them to go outside and get their mothers IF they HAD mothers with them. Oops! Dropped the ball on that one, huh? Well, Lori pulled up about that time and Natalie bailed out of the car and we ALL headed back into the BreadBox for some refreshments. When the cashier recognized Lori and realized who we were, all the color drained immediately from her face and she weakly asked Lori with a pleading look in her eyes if she still had a job! Of course, Lori laughed it off and said, "Yes! You sure do!" It was only at that point that the lady regained her composure and recounted her emotions when she looked out the front of the store and saw Lori pull up to join us. She said she thought to herself, "Oh God! I've done lost my job!" I thought it was hilarious 'cause that is so much like something I would do! I can see myself now reprimanding our brand new superintendent's children before realizing who(se) they are! Now that I think about it, shouldn't we treat all children as if they are children of the King? 'Cause they are. We've all entertained angels unaware.

Wednesday was a blur. I have no idea what we did. I've slept since then. Maybe my memory will be jogged once I upload the pictures. Ah, yes! Now I remember! Wednesday was another lemonade stand with Lauren and Bennett. Evan came over to hang out for awhile, so you KNOW Sam was happy! They played with cap guns (something that would have NEVER happened with our #1 and #2 kids, but hey- what's the big deal? They had fun. I seriously doubt that Evan and Sam are going to hold up convenience stores and snatch little old ladies' purses now that I've exposed them to the world of "handguns." I think boys today NEED to be a little more masculine anyway.

Tuesday's highlight was another day with the Sistas! Lori and Katie and I made a day of Dollywood and the kids had a blast! I think we're bonding like the Baxter sisters in our shared novels!

There is SO much to do with Reach Them, and this is my week to bust my tail getting on top of things before it gets away from me. The pre-event is August 19th. We have the food, venue, and emcee arranged but we're still working on our keynote speaker, door prizes, printed matter, and guests! If you're a prayin' kinda' person, please take this event before the Lord and then praise Him when miracles happen!

Dipped Cones, Taco Salad, and Swimming in the Lake!

Monday again already? I slept in until 8 and again missed my window of opportunity for an early morning walk. I actually cleaned house a little bit while Addie and Sam conquered Sam's disaster area, formerly known as his room. As an incentive for their diligence, I offered a trip to TCBY upon completion of their task. I retreated to the back deck with Book 4 of the Redemption series as soon as possible. I finished Book 4 today, now there's only one more left in the series and I must finish it as soon as possible so I can resume living my life.

When Tom came home from his office, he suggested we give the Tasty-Freeze another shot instead of TCBY, so we took him up on his offer. Check out the menu picture above. Notice anything UNusual about the sign? Here's a hint-It has to do with my previous blog and the prefix un-. :) We all enjoyed a dippED cone before the summer showers came through town again.

The other highlight from today was meeting the kids involved in the Ulster Project at the Slack's lakehouse. There was one kid who looked just like Paddy, our Irish lad from 2006. Drew and Dane went along for the ride (and to check out the Irish chicks), so it was good to spend a few precious minutes with them. By the time we got back home, Chelcie and Becca had made dinner for us. Tom had to leave to show a house, so he missed out on dinner. The girls treated us to a scrumptious taco salad. Chelcie, Becca, Addie, and I enjoyed eating outside on the patio. The boys kinda joined us by eating their dinner on the deck. Close enough to make me happy.

Matt stopped by this afternoon to jump on the trampoline with Sam. He's a nice boy who needs to find a friend. Actually, I believe he has found a friend in Sam.

The Last Weekend in June

Okay, call me a pessimist, but my glass of summer is now half empty! With the end of June comes the last full month of summer vacation and the realization that I have yet to accomplish all the things I have put of until summer-"When I'll have time to do them!" Knowing that the "To-Do List" looms large and long, I chose to play all weekend with my kids.

Friday, we went to Dollywood yet again. To those of you who faithfully read this blog, you must think that we are Dolly-obsessed, but it's honestly not that, it's just that I have this overwhelming desire to get my money's worth out of those season passes! Of course, we made up the purchase price the very first week we had them! This trip was so much fun! We left early (10:00), after my weekly therapy session with my WVMS BFFs at Panera. Erica Pack offered to drive the "book mobile" so we'd have the luxury of free gas! We piled all the kids in the van and off we went! We made a short stop at McDonalds for lunch to save us some cash at the park and the kids scarfed their Happy Meals in the car. The Packs have seen a side to Dollywood that we hadn't discovered yet. We toured Dolly's travel bus, explored her closets in Chasing Rainbows, tried her wigs on our heads (scary), and were serenaded by some wax men that eerily resembled corpses! The Packs also put us onto some awesome rides! Daredevil Falls is a new favorite of the Crawford kids. ThunderRoad kinda freaked Sam out but that was just because he didn't have time to "warm up" to the idea of riding it. Our trip was slightly detoured by a rumble of thunder than caused Sam to shift into meltdown mode. For some strange reason, he has become terrified of thunderstorms. Even a little wind causes him to lose it these days. He'll grab my arm and plead, "Mom! Let's pray to God!" When I ask him what he wants to pray, he'll say for the storm to stop and go away, but I'm trying to help him understand that God is in control, and thunderstorms are good things. We've got a long way to go! In spite of that minor setback, we had a great time and the kids got along wonderfully if you don't count the occasional, "...but I don't want to ride THAT ride!" spoken in fluent "Whine-ese!" All in all the day was good, and I enjoyed spending time with my youngest new friend, Erica. By the time we headed back to Knoxville, we had decided that a "date night" was in order for her and her main squeeze, Noel and that Tom and I would take over Kid Duty. Admittedly, I had to twist her arm a little, but I think the bruises will heal in time and she and Noel made a night of it! Tom and I took the kids to the Pizza Kitchen and were pleasantly surprised to meet up with Dale, Gerda, and Rose Mayo. We spent about two hours catching up with them while the kids ran wild in the grassy lot outside. By the time we finished up and headed for home, Noel and Erica were waiting the driveway to reclaim their young. And that, my friends, sums up Friday!

Saturday was a much slower paced day. I fully intended to go for a long, early morning walk, but those dog-gone Karen Kingsbury/Gary Smalley books have consumed my "free" time and my walk just didn't happen, but I DID finish the third book in the series. The highlight of the day was Addie and Taylor's entrepreneurial spirit in setting up the first lemonade stand of the summer. They racked in $17 in about two hours! Those girls have got it going on! Once Taylor had to go home, we took the kids to Grandmom's house and Tom and I went to Aubrey's at Papermill to cash in a gift card from my students. As we were enjoying our meal outside on the deck, a HUGE thunderstorm rolled in behind us, but we managed to finish and pay our check before the big winds hit. Tom wanted to show me a "classic" ice cream stand off of Central Avenue because he knows how much I love Dip Cones, probably more accurately called, "Dipped Cones," but it's one of those things like "Sweet Tea." It should really be called, "Sweetened Tea." The only time that kind of thing really bugs me is when someone says, "Unsweet Tea," 'cause I just have an overwhelming desire to say "UnsweetENED" out loud to fix it. Nonetheless, we drove across town barely ahead of a major severe thunderstorm only to find out that the Tasty-Freeze was closed. "The moose out front shoulda told ya!" went through my mind and made me smile to myself a little. Disappointed, Tom and I headed back across town through the thick of the storm to pick up our children, but first, he wanted to run by the Slacks' to pick up the key to their lakehouse. Once again, Tom drags me into someone home unannounced for an impromptu visit. We stayed for about an hour and chatted about Facebook, our old kids, WestLake, small group, and life in general. I must admit that I enjoyed being with them and miss seeing them every week at church. FINALLY, we made it to Grandmom's house only to find that Addie had gone to Taylor's to spend the night. We decided Sam needed something special too, so we loaded him up and made a 10:30 run to Sonic for ice cream sundaes, and ice, of course! At last, we fell into bed exhausted...at least Sam and I did! Tom stayed up with Drew and waited for Chelcie to come home. He crashed on the couch watching Saturday Night Live, while I wrestled the night away prying Sam's bony little knees out of my back all night!

NorthStar Church is where I head every Sunday morning when I'm in town, and today was no exception! First, I had to go by Taylor's to pick up the girls, then Tom and Chelcie followed behind in the rental car Tom got for his trip to Georgia later this week. Church was good as usual. It was great to see Ed and Delaney back from the beach. Delaney sat with Chelcie and Ed sat with his brother, Michael and niece, Abby. I can't help but wonder what all the visitors thought when over half the church heads down to the altar to pray over each other. I wanted to go down to pray too, but then I figured God could hear me from my seat, so I prayed there. After church, we all went to Chili's. Ed and Delaney joined us! Drew was already there with the WestLake youth. We saw Hailey Brooks there too. I sure do like those quesadilla explosion salads! Dee-lish-us! When we finally finished our lunch, Chelcie, Addie, Sam, and I went home and Tom followed close behind after chatting with the WestLake Crew one more time. I made a bee-line for my bed as I was craving a nap and some more time with my book. Oh those Baxters! What will happen next? Late in the afternoon, Addie and I went for a walk around the block and I had the opportunity to start laying the groundwork for our birds and bees talk. She's eight years old already and I don't want her to be confused by what she's sure to hear at school this year. After a trip around the block, we walked up to Grandmom's house to chat with Papaw and Grandmom on the back porch and admire their new fence. Actually, their neighbors put up a fence to shield them from having to witness all of us and our kids hanging around the driveway all the time. Bless 'em! I hope they enjoy their solitude. Mean people frustrate me! I mean, what happened to them along the road of life that caused them to be so hateful? Kill 'em with Kindness is what Tom always reminds me when I want to vandalize their property and make fun of them. Guess Tom is right, ...this time.

We finished off the day with a trip out to Lakeshore Park to attempt to fly a kite. Ummm, let's just say that sounded like a good idea on paper, but it just didn't work out as we'd planned. Addie ran around like an Olympian and Tom and I both realized that she needs to channel her energy into some type of sport. He says soccer, I'm not sure yet. Believe it or not, we were back home for dinner. We had quite a smorgasbord-bagel bites, tomato-basil pasta, cinnamon toast crunch, and wheat thins. Maybe when my kids grow up they'll crave Sunday dinner "like their momma used to make!" Ya' think?

My Daughter is a TENNESSEE VOL!

Okay, when exactly did this happen? When did I turn the corner? This morning as Chelcie and I made our way to UT for freshman orientation, it hit me. Chelcie and the students were herded in one direction, while I was absorbed into the mass of "helicopter parents" who all looked more like MY parents than I care to admit. Surely I could stay with my daughter. I mean, I'm a 'cool mom.' I won't interfere or get in the way. I won't ask asinine questions about irrelevant, hypothetical situations! I was slightly taken aback when the authorities made no distinction between me and "them." Why? Because I am now one of them. Me? Deep down I really believed that I could still turn the heads of the "older" college guys. Now I realize that the reason the young men may look my way is to see if I am a friend of their mom! Or maybe, just maybe, I actually taught them back in their elementary school days! I recall back in my early days of teaching, overhearing the "seasoned" teachers swapping stories about their former students who had moved on to college, marriage, children, and lives of their own. Poor dears, I'd think to myself, their best years are in the past. I'll never be one of THEM.

Anyway, "The 'Rents" as they will henceforth be referred, were separated from their young from the beginning and not reunited until the end of the day. Of course I KNEW why they were doing it this way. The 'rents simply get in the way! Much more progress can be made when the mommys and daddys are otherwise occupied. The UT Staff had to be gentle with them though. Afterall, they "pay their salaries!" They support the (nose in the air: sniff, sniff) You-ni-vah-city. Gotta keep the 'rents happy and assured that their progeny are safe and pampered in the way in which they've become accustomed. Further evidence to this is the fact that this year's freshman class is the highest academically performing class in the history of the University of Tennessee. The AVERAGE ACT score is a 26 point something, and their GPA average is better than a 3.7! No wonder the 'rents must be coddled! Their "investment" must be protected, and we, I mean, they expect a substantial return on investment.

As we progressed through the day, I was surprised by the cha-ching, cha-ching sounds that resonated off the walls. Meal plans, textbooks, school supplies, school fees, new wardrobe, housing fees, recreation fees, technology fees, new laptop, maintenance fees, and the list goes on and on and on! Looks like we're dining on rice and cereal for the next six years! Good-bye, Moe's, I'll miss you! From here on out I'll just have to dream of that familiar refrain, "Welcome to Moe's!"

I know that in the end, we'll be able to say it was all worth it. God has blessed us with a beautiful, talented, loving daughter who has already made her mom, dad, brothers and sister very proud of her! Is that "Rocky Top" I hear in the distance? Go VOLS!

More Nicaragua Pictures

Can you imagine?

Life Returns to Normal(?)

Chelcie and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time together Sunday afternoon. We went to Panera (my west office) to work on her sorority application. Talk about uncharted waters! We have managed to round up several friends and friends of friends who have agreed to write "recs" for Chelcie as she plans to go through Rush at UT this fall. I confess to being more than a little intimidated by the prospect of it all, but her life is in God's hands and He knows the plans He has for her. If His plans involve being in a sorority, so be it. I just don't want to get in His way.

Monday morning, Sherry and I walked to Weigles at 7 because Nathan had a doctor's appointment at 10. When we got back to house, Tom was loading the kids in the car for a soccer camp at St. John Newman Catholic School, so I jumped in and went along. Turns out, the kids had a ball, and even learned some new "moves" to use on the field this fall. Addie's friend, Vanessa, and her little brother, Spencer, are participating too, so that took the edge off of trying something new. I picked them up at 12, then drove thru Chick-fil-a before dropping Sam off at home and taking Addie to the dentist at 1:00. NO CAVITIES for Addie! The rest of the afternoon was spent reading those dog-gone Karen Kingsbury/Gary Smalley books that Katie and Lori have recommended. I'm addicted! Late Monday afternoon, Addie, Sam, Tom, and I headed downtown for an Ulster Project meeting. Actually, Tom had the meeting, we were just going to hang out at the Mast General Store for a while. As it turned out, we opted for dinner on Market Square at Oodles (yum!), while the kids played in the fountains and got not-surprisingly drenched! We drove up to the church in which the Ulster Project meeting was already in progress. Addie and Sam immediately proceeded to make much noise and cause a major distraction, so out the door I headed with the two of them in tow. We strolled down Gay Street and enjoyed the beautiful evening while Tom stayed behind at the meeting. We window shopped at the Mast (It closes at 6 on Monday nights!), and I showed the kids the majestic Tennessee Theatre where Reach Them to Teach Them was held last year and will be held again this year. Addie couldn't believe her eyes! I know the feeling... We people-watched and chatted about nothing in particular and I was struck by the simplicity of the moment. Next time I'm looking for something to do, a stroll down Gay Street is a good option.

Before long, we headed back to the church to pick up Tom and head west toward home. Tom needed to drop some real estate papers by someone's house in LakeRidge, so we stopped by the Lindley's to swap howdies and stay true to our "redneck" reputation of dropping in on our friends without so much as a phone call. Meda was in her pajamas and John was shirtless, but both were gracious and invited us in for a short chat. It was good to talk with our WestLake friends again since it's been quite a while since we've caught up with them. Shh! Don't tell anybody, but they've been known to partake of an occasional margarita too, so we hope to enjoy an outside patio and a frozen adult beverage in the near future. For the record, the best margarita mix on the planet is "Fat Mama's Knock Ya Nekkid" margarita mix available from the Sweet Potato Queens website. I believe without it, Sam would not exist today, so be warned, it's powerful stuff.

By the time we got back home, we were all too tired for words, so we just crashed where we landed. The kids made it to their beds, Tom on the couch, and I got to sleep diagonally on my

bed for a change. Drew and Chelcie cruised in from their respective hang-outs prior to my coma, so I know that all the baby birds were accounted for tonight.

Soccer Camp again Tuesday morning for Addie and Sam while I had a meeting with Eddie Speeks at 10:00. Turns out to have been a great meeting with lots of good ideas for maximizing our video message via our website. I missed having our techno-guru, Ed, there with me to bounce ideas off of, but Eddie and I got off to a good start. Funny, met another guy named Ed while I was there who gave me the name of a new assistant principal who might be interested in sharing the message of Reach Them to Teach Them. It amazes me how helpful people want to be when they hear about our mission. Just this afternoon a young man named Ryan Hayes stopped by the house to ask for our support in his race for State Representative. When I shared the mission of Reach Them to Teach Them, he gave me his cell phone number and pledged his support in whatever way he might be helpful.

After my meeting with Eddie, I had about an hour and half to kill before my Mentoring Institute meeting at 1:00, so I stopped by Panera (my office on the strip) to grab a bite to eat and check email. I saw Noelle Harb who is headed to UNC-Chapel Hill. I read a little passage from the book of I Samuel about David and Goliath. I can certainly relate. God looks at the heart.

The Mentoring Institute meeting was long and at times frustrating. Too many ladies, no men. I was caught off guard when they mentioned having a fashion show at the Institute. Ummm, how does that fit into our mission statement? Jewelry? Women drive me crazy sometimes and I can say that 'cause I am one, but I have no interest in a fashion show when I have a family at home. I'd much rather be with them than watching a fashion show! Ugh! Also, I have to write another skit... Call me Stephen Speilberg. This could be the start of something big...not!

After the meeting, I headed home in time for Tom to head out the door to open a house for someone in Gibbs. Sherry and I are walking to Moe's tonight for dinner and our families will meet us there with the cars. Sam got to spend the afternoon playing with Evan at his house, and Addie and Taylor went swimming with Chelcie at Mimi's house. Drew went for a run this afternoon, so all is good here on the home front for now.

UT Orientation with Chelcie tomorrow and Thursday. Oh yeah, Tom and Drew have a new friend in the neighborhood.