Get your photo eyes ready reader...

My next goal includes a playdate with this... to remove the 2000 plus images that are waiting for editing, printing, and storing. Stay tuned...

Take note all you ice cream lovers

Take note readers...tell me specifically what you notice about this cone...

Did any of you mention the paper wrapping on the bottom of the cone? If so, good for you! Now let me tell you why. Tonight after many hours of retail therapy with my mama and a few cranky teens, we thought it'd be nice to drive through and get an ice cream. (Which by the way turned into McDoubles, Cokes AND ice cream cones) Anyway...about half way home my mother innocently says...gee, my cone tastes like paper. I glance to the left where my mother is sitting/driving to see her cone just about gone along with quite a bit of the paper wrapping. I clearly stated (before going into hysterics) perhaps that's because you're eating the paper!! Ohhhhh what wonderful times we have! My mother says you need a good laugh to 'clear the acid from your system'. I'm not always sure what that means, but you can rest assured there is no acid in my system tonight. I'm just grateful we got home safe, while we all laughed so hard we cried, all while Grammie was driving!

Leaving it at the door...

My desk is about a foot deep in paperwork. That's ok I'm leaving it. There are enormous to do lists. That's ok I'm leaving it. Today...I'm headed out for some retail therapy, taking some time to organize my thoughts, revamp my goals, plan accordingly, and well, maybe take a nap! Tomorrow's another day...I have a fabulous weekend planned and I am CERTAIN that all of my work will be waiting for me when I return :)

Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Stone

As the old song goes...today was definitely one of those stone days...one of those days that being a school administrator isn't all it's cracked up to be...one of those days when announcing pay cuts, furlough days and let's not forget the ever popular unpaid holidays to my wonderful staff who work hard every day in less than stellar conditions. As the meeting approached I found myself with a bigger lump in my throat. Let's just say, this is one of those days where you're just grateful to lay your head on the pillow at the end of a very long day.

Where have I been...have you been there too?

I know I've been in school a looooong time and that blog reading has really fallen by the way side. In case you have been just a smidge busy too...let me help catch you up...

Dawn of mom2my6pack...is divorced! Seriously! Who knew?

Matt, of Matt Liz an Madeline is dating...Seriously! Who knew?

Ree of Pioneer Woman is still madly in love with Marlboro man...we all knew that right?

There you have it...this things I've learned today. Oh, and I think the Jen of the dust bunny hostage has moved...but I'm not sure, I'm just not that caught up yet.

If you're reading my blog and wonder what's up at the Ruchus...weeeeeeeellll

Gratefully we have no divorced or dating scenarios to report. The Ruchus is still as crazy as ever. The kids are freshman, sophomore, and a senior in the fall! Wow! 3 in high school, the moment we've all been waiting for.

The house...well let's just say we won't post any photos.

The man of the place hasn't ripped his pants lately AND business if finally picking up.

I have 32 more classes before being done with grad school...again.

Just wait for the blogomania that will occur at that point!

Be blessed all! Speak at you soon!

Random Ramblings

I have been just a bit verclempt lately....making mental lists of things I treasure...

babies...their tiny and sometimes big voices
my amazing children...I am so proud of them
work...a variety of jobs I love
my husband...strong, patient, loving
down time...it seems far and few between, but I treasure time to watch tv, blog, enjoy nature, travel
my family...brothers...medical miracles like organ donation, my mama...steadfast and the one constant in my life
my mother in law...I'm the only person I know who has their mother in law for a bff
pets...despite the hassle, when the kitty wake you up with over zealous snuggling...life is good
God, church, church family...
summer...warmth on my skin, sunshine...can you ever have too much sunshine?
books...reading...nuf said
learning
friends...I look at photos and am amazed at the wonderful friendships I am blessed with

and...a whole host of other things... but for now...it's enough. What a wonderful life I have.

Robin's Nest Review

I am posting this for parents of kids with Autism. Many many many of our kids are attracted to trading card games like Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, etc. When I was searching for a safe place for my son to play I thought I had done my due diligence. My son had played at Robin's Nest (a local card shop) every weekend for about 5 years. Sunday when he went in, the owner told him that he was banned from the store. My son called me in tears and asked me to pick him up. Upon my arrival I went in to speak with the owner. She stated she had not banned him, but her "help" had. (her help is her husband by the way) due to the fact that "he wasn't happy there." The real issue is, my son has autism, he has very black and white thinking, and the store had been violating some trading deck policies by selling promo cards. My son simply stated to friends that this shouldn't be happening. The owner told me she'd rather sell them than throw them away. So? Why was my son "banned"? For following rules and having ethics. The owners systematically used special needs kids and young adults against each other to gather the info needed to ban certain kids from their shop. When I questioned that, the owner replied, this is my business. I can do whatever I want. Yes, you sure can, but not with my son. If you have a special needs kid or young adult, I would highly recommend you rethink sending them to Robin's Nest.