The end is near.....

Summer's coming to an end. You know, I really hate summer. I shouldn't, but I do. We've had so much to do around here that I don't feel like I really enjoyed it much and trying to spread out my work shifts in 1/2 hour increments seems to take up the whole day so I can't do as much with the boys as I'd like. But I took note from some friends today and just did it. I woke up early and got the laundry going then organized a little of the downstairs and finished my chores so I could work the phones. No sooner had I finished working than Jennifer, our boarder, arrived and we sat on the patio drinking ice water and visited for about an hour - nothing better than chatting with a friend.

Now, since I ran into an old neighbor at the store last night I didn't finish my shopping gig and needed to get that done today. I made a quick deal with the boys that if they cooperated with me finishing the shopping check I would take them to the pool. Sounds like a plan right? Well leave it to me to screw up a two car parade - I left my suit at home. So we arrive at the free pool (which is no longer free, screw up number two - thank heavens I had some cash) and I figure I'll just sit on the side of the wade pool watching Vincent. But it was hot. And the water looked cool. And all the kids were smiling. And those little ones had the squishy water-filled sponge balls. So, yeah, I jumped in. Didn't soak myself or anything but I just figured, "So what?" I got wet, splashed with all the kids and had a soaking drive home. It was a blast!

I made BBQ beef sandwiches in the crockpot and didn't get much of a rise from Ed so I don't think he's too thrilled with that menu. I may sweeten the deal with brownies but I always end up eating half the pan which is so not good. I'll have to re-think.

The boys start school on the 16th which seems SO early! Don't you remember staring like after Labor Day? Well they are all excited and Vincent's finally stopped wearing his full backpack around the house. At least once a day he asks me, "So mom, what are you going to do without any Boogie's (his nick) at home to help you with chores?" I don't know, I really don't. I've had a child at my side for 11 years and I'm just freaking out about this! On the one hand I'm thrilled at the thought of working nonstop for several hours, getting errands done without 20 bathroom trips, and all that. But then. Well. What will I do? It will just be..... strange. Really, really strange. Now, he's only going half day for the first 9 weeks, maybe 18 and will be full day after that so we're only talking about 3 hours or so. I don't think it will really hit me until he goes all day. And I really really hope I'm not one of those mothers that cries the first day of schoo while at the school but somehow, I'm pretty sure I'll need some kleenex. If I can just stop myself from wailing I should be ok.

Ugh, that damn cow is mooing at the gate waiting for me. I swear, she's such a diva.