BJ has finished fifth grade!!!!!!!!!!

We had a great day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

BJ's final walk down the red carpet. Yes, I cried.

Why?

Why is it that no one writes letters anymore? The only mail I receive are endless envelopes of bills.
Why do I have so many bills?
Why is it that 10 years ago, we lived off of 200 bucks a week? And now that's impossible.
Why is it so hard to stay in touch with family and friends? Especially when you really want to, but just can't.
Why is my son growing up so fast?
Why do I have to get old?
Why is it that Bobby just can't say no to some people?
Why do I have so many questions today?

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was great! Needless to say, it is one of the holidays I miss my mom the most. I always miss her, but when holidays come and go, it's hard. The pain is still here and I miss her greatly. Never realized how much I needed her until she was gone. And sometimes... I want my mommy!!!! Anyway, I am lucky that the two best guys in the world treat me like a queen. Wouldn't have it any other way!

4-wheeling for Travis's Birthday

BJ had a great time riding all day!

Bobby rode a little bit. But he liked sitting around telling us his "stories".

My nephew Travis loves to go 4-wheeling. So that is what we did a few weeks ago for his birthday. I have included some picks of this eventful day. Some dude actually got stuck in the dunes before we got there. Throughout the day people stripped his truck! Yes, it is true. I didn't take pictures, but I was absolutely dumbfounded. Just goes to show you- either don't drive your truck through soft dirt, or don't leave it unattended. Hello- we live in Tampa. :)

SPRING BREAK!

BJ is trying to show Marcus how to use the skimboard. Thank goodness we had wax on it.

There were a few "wipe-outs". But all in all, they had fun.

BJ was buried in the sand by Marcus and Travis.

He thought it was pretty cool until sand got into his mouth.

Here is BJ. Yes, he is getting super tall! And still skinny as ever.

I am so excited that it is Spring Break!

To kick it off we went to Indian Rocks Beach yesterday. We had a BLAST! BJ skimmed on a skim board and we swam for hours in the cold but refreshing Gulf of Mexico. The current was pretty strong. One wave took me down and my bathing suit bottom too! It is funny now, but I was scared to death. Of course all I could think was how awkward it would be to have my pants down and drown! LOL. Anyway, we all survived. No one wanted to go home. Hope we will have good weather the rest of the week and get to go again!

Whatever

So, I get everyone to vacate out of my house, and who is still aggravating me about money??? I need this, I need this, I need this.
It is a good thing I am on medication. I might go crazy.
Then again, hopefully I will be able to say NO. One day. I am getting there. If it wasn't for the kids......
Anyway. I am pleased to have the house to ourselves. :)

I can't believe it took us 10 years to get a family picture done. Our first ones were when BJ was 1 month old!

BJ is 11 years old now. My how he's grown. It happens way too fast. So to all of you with young ones out there-- enjoy it while you can.

I can honestly say that I am blessed to have such a wonderful son.

Departure

Well, it is finally happening. My guests are leaving. CELEBRATION TIME!! I will finally have my house back to myself. I can't wait until Monday, also can't help but worry that they will return again. BJ is so aggravated with his aunt being here that he has even told her to her face how displeased he is. He is my son, afterall. Can't help that the smart ass in me has carried over to him. Now the plans with the empty room... well it has to get a good cleaning. Then Michael will stay in it for another month or so. (Till he leaves). I am feeling a little too happy at the moment... Maybe I will be able to fix the room up for a baby. More news later about my plan to adopt and have permanent house guest in Hotel Moncrief :)

Science Project

I know that I am a teacher.
But I have to ask.
WHY do teachers give complex science projects to 5th graders?
I am doing most of the work. He can't type, cut or space things properly.

Whose project is this anyway??????????????????

The Telescope

So we bought BJ a telescope for xmas. (I think his Daddy wanted it too). Anyway, Bobby has been messing with it trying to see things at night and get it to work. Last week there wasn't a moon, so I don't know what he was trying to look at. Anyway, he must of been out there for 30 minutes when I approached him and asked what he was doing. He said he couldn't see a darn thing out of this expensive telescope. I told him to take the lens cap off and it would work better.... LOL. That's why I have the college degrees.....
So last night it was clear and we tried again. The problem we were having, yet again, was that the lens cap was on. But after getting that off we just couldn't get the lenses to work right. One of the lenses showed the moon so close that it appeared you could stick your finger right in a crater. And man there were so many. I kept playing around with the lenses and got it right on the nose---- finally! It was barely a half moon but oh so pretty. We couldn't stop looking at it. It was mesmerizing. When BJ got out of the shower we told him to come look- that we finally got it to work. He bounced into the chair and looked through the lense and said that was cool. Wow. And left. I was dumbfounded. Who wanted this telescope in the first place???? Oh well, it is a cool toy to have and I can't wait until the moon is full. I wish I could take pictures of it through the telescope. The moon being so close and bright is beautiful and a little intimidating too.