Yo Ho, Yo Ho a Pirate's Life For Me

So we went to Chicago and almost everyone got grounded on the trip.

The level of rudeness was amazing. Kids running around like they've never had ANY home training.

Kids whining and complaining about EVERY little thing.

It was so bad that my usually calm, collected sister lost it and gave everyone a stern talking to.

The trip itself took 5.5 hours longer than it should have. Due to a Series of Unfortunate Events.

Everything was good until my sister had the misfortune of leaving her cellphone at a rest stop. She was able to track it down, but we had to turn the bus around and go back for it. That really wasn't soooo bad.

Then the bus blew a fan belt on the highway, somewhere near Holy-Cow-Where-The-Heck-Are-We, Indiana. The driver tried to fix it...but couldn't so we limped to the next exit which was 3 miles away.

After at least an hour or so of mechanics trying to fix it and waiting for a part, we were rescued by a mechanic who not only came with the right part, he also brought a bus....just in case.

So we were off again. I think we were somewhere in Illinois when we hit a five-mile long traffic jam.

We made it our hotel about 7:30pm. Tired. Exhausted....and the hotel misplaced our reservations. Lovely.

By about 8pm everything was straightened out and we were in our rooms. (which were beautiful)

We misplaced the boys for about 35-40 minutes. (They ended up in a room in another tower) By the time we found them and got out of the hotel, the fireworks were in the middle of the finale.

***Day 2***

Started out with a very nice buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Then we were off on our grand Chicago adventure. The weather was gloomy, and we all KNEW it was going to rain. (or judging by our luck, Chicago would have it's first hurricane) We visited the Hancock Observatory, took the Gray Line Double Decker bus tour. It started to sprinkle on the bus tour, but we stuck in there and rode to the Taste of Chicago. The big food festival. It was crowded. I hate crowds. We sampled a few things. The kids tasted Gelato, which was heavenly.

We hopped back on the Gray Line, by then it was raining and we were laughing like maniacs as the rain was pelting us in the faces on top of the double decker bus. We rode over to the Field Museum. (not crowded) We took in a few exhibits and ate lunch.

We fought for hailed a taxi and headed back to the hotel.

It was there that 3 of my children decided to act like they needed an Exorcist.

Luckily it was time for the bus to come so we could head back home.

It was a short trip, but it was the most exhausting trip I've ever taken with my kids. They just do not do well in larger groups. Too many distractions.

Pictures from Chicago

Pictures are from Hancock Observatory, Field Museum and Hyatt Regency Chicago

It was an interesting trip.

I'm Soooooo Excited

We are spending part of the 4th of July weekend in Chicago. I've never been there before. I can't wait !!

Family Field Trip (Part 2)

After visiting Hocking Hills we drove a few miles down the road to Lake Logan State Park. We had a cookout and the kids rode around the lake on paddle boats

It was nice watching a group of city kids having fun without a video game or tv in sight.

There were a few squabbles among the 10 year old girls. They all wanted to be in charge. (Lots of chiefs...no Indians)

Then we rented a Pontoon boat. It was my first time on a boat. I have to admit I was leery at first, but then I relaxed and enjoyed the ride around the lake.

Family Field Trip (Part 1)

Sunday we spent the day with my sister Judy, her grandkids, boyfriend and his son at the lovely Hocking Hills State Park.

I have always wanted to go there and we could not have picked a lovelier day. The only down side was the amount of walking we had to do to get from Point a to Point b, but truthfully, the work was well worth the reward.

Awe-inspiring does not do justice to the beauty of the area.

I feel blessed to have been able to experience such a lovely place. Even though there were lots of people touring the area, you could still pause and be surrounded by the greatness of it all.

Henry David Thoreau once said "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. " No truer words have been spoken.

Mother's Day 2009

It actually turned out pretty good. Pickles and 'Cole helped me make a huge breakfast. We had Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and toast.

I mostly just sat around and tried to relax.

I did want to go to the zoo, but I didn't feel like spending money on people who steal.

I love love LOVE the card that 'Cole gave me, which said :

"Sometimes I look at everything
That's going on in this world
and I thank the Lord for the mama he gave me.
A loving mama to hold me in her arms,
but a strong mama who knows
when to let me go...

A hardworking mama
to teach me diligence
but a joyous mama
who knows how to cut loose.
A brave mama to discipline me,
but a wise mama
who knows the difference
between being trifling and just being a kid.

On Mother's Day and always,
I'm so thankful that the Lord chose me
for that very wonderful mama He made.
And for the very wonderful love we share."

I love that kid. She certainly has a way of saying exactly what I need to hear, when I need to hear it.

I NEVER Imagined I'd I'd Have To

I just finished installing a lockset on my bedroom door. It appears I have people in my home that I cannot trust.

Every year right before school starts I shop all the back-to-school sales and buy tons of school supplies on sale. I buy so much it usually last longer than one school year.

I keep all these items in a file cabinet in my room.

You can see where I'm going with this.

I checked the file cabinet the other day and found it almost empty.

There's been other incidents over the past few months that led up to this. :

• Someone tried to use my computer (But couldn't because it is password protected)
• Letters have been rifled through.
• A credit card was stolen and taken to school.
• Candy was stolen.
• And numerous things have been used and/or removed without my permission.

I'm tired. The school supplies are the last straw. I never imagined I'd have to put a lock on my bedroom door. I've been in other adoptive parents' homes where they had locked rooms.... but I never in all my imaginings thought I would have to do it.

It's not a totally rotten weekend though. 'Cole bought me a Mother's Day Card and some AquaGlobes for my houseplants. Pickles planted the Hydrangeas I bought at work yesterday. I started my container garden with some Bachelor Buttons and Dwarf Asters.

We might take a nice trip to the Columbus Zoo tomorrow. That's one of my favorite places and I know it'll help relax me.

Happy Mother's Day to All my favorite Moms !!