Emotional

On the day of my oldest son's 18th birthday, I remember thinking about what I felt like when I turned 18. As I dried my hair, it all of a sudden hit me, much like a sucker punch, that he was more or less through needing me.

And I cried.

It was the first time I remembered crying at what is usually a happy event. I've never been one of those mothers who cried at all the various milestones.

When my boys were babies and they first walked, it was amazing. I didn't cry. When my sons first started school it was exciting. I didn't cry. When they lost their first tooth, it was fun playing the part of the Tooth Fairy. I didn't cry.

This evening, I worked on booking my youngest son's flight to college later in August.

And I cried.

Inspiration

The color of this "old-fashioned" hibiscus just makes me want to paint a room. It was the inspiration behind the color of my jazzy laundry room.

As I ease back into the routine at school, I realize I don't have a routine yet. And there are many teachers popping in to chat. I've put a few of them to work and now the office is really looking good.

I have great teachers who are awesome to volunteer their time to help out. It is going to be a great year!

Another clean slate

My favorite time of the year is when I get to go back to school and start making plans for the upcoming school year. I'm so excited about the kids coming back (I've really missed them!)! Due to the economy (and lack of money), we are sticking with the Western theme for another year.

Still, I have so many ideas rolling through my head. I'm thinking about starting a Photographer's Club that could meet a few times a month to take pictures for the Yearbook Committee. Also, I'm working on pulling in some new technology for the Technology Club (ning!).

This summer, one of the books I've been reading was The Happiness Project. Now, I've gotten this wild hair to start a school-wide happiness project. Basically, it would borrow (and twist) some ideas from the book. Throughout the year, the focus could be on getting rid of clutter, being positive (no complaining!), and building real relationships. It can't be a bad idea to be nice to others, can it?

So, to all you teachers out there.... any input?

The trail

We went on a little hike so that we could see the lake one more time.

It was a great weekend!

Tiaras and sunsets... it doesn't get any better than this

On our girl's weekend (tiaras were worn), we spent the afternoon and evening sailing on Lake Lanier.

It was a perfect afternoon.

And Betty Rae did her best to make sure that a good time was had by all.

Girl's Weekend

On Friday, I headed to Atlanta for a girl's weekend. We went to a friend's house who lives on a lake. We spent lots of time on the lake.

And that is a good thing because she doesn't have cable or internet.

Yep.... We partied like it was 1899.

It isn't about the number of breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away

Phillipe is a butterfly!

Isn't he beautiful?

As I was getting ready for a doctor appointment, I looked out on the porch and saw Phillipe flapping and drying his wings.

For a moment, all was right with the world...