I need a vacation from my vacation....

Well, we're back from vacation...and what fun we had! All told, between us going up to northern Michigan for four or five days and then having visitors at our home from North Carolina for four days, I'm pooped out! I wouldn't trade the fun and memories, though, of spending time with loved ones that we live so far away from now. Every moment was to be lived to the fullest. And it was. Just the way I like it!

Scholastic Books

I was reading The Urban Muse post for Thursday, July 5th. She posted about Scholastic Books. I loved Scholastic Books as a kid and I love them now. Still a bargain, starting at about 99 cents, what kid or teacher doesn't love the Scholastic Book program?



Using the monthly Scholastic Book order, I came up with a really great gift idea for one of my son's teachers that has become tradition. When my son brings home a Scholastic Book order, and decides what he'd like to get, I round the check up or add a dollar or two with a note to the teacher telling her to use the remainder of the money for books for the classroom. I don't do it with every order, but occassionally through the year, and the response has been great.

What are your memories of Scholastic Books? Do you have any great gift ideas?

Have a little "Common Sense"

My first installment as a contributor to the Herald News' "Common Sense" opinion column came out in the newspaper (and online) July 5th. I'm contracted to write 14 articles that will be published approximately once per month. The concept is simple...I get to write about anything that I feel compelled to write about. What fun, huh?

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

I wonder why we started calling Independence Day the "Fourth of July?"

Don't get me wrong, I love the parties, the fireworks and the food that go along with the holiday, whether we call it Independence Day or the Fourth of July. I just think it's important, at this point in time, to stop and remember that our independence, our voice and our freedom- especially since we have men and women giving their lives daily- comes at a cost.

Every day thousands of people from other countries leave their homeland and come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" to live the "American Dream". Shouldn't we stop and take a minute to be thankful that we were born in a country that is the ultimate dream for so many people?

I am very thankful. How about you?

Happy Birthday, America!

Got Your Ears On, Good Buddy?

Havin' some fun with Z...

At least he thinks it's funny!

I never know, as my boys grow up, just when they're going to think something is funny or not. C is only eight, so he's still pretty easy to read. Z is 17, though, so I'm never sure how he's going to take being teased a little. Looks like he has a sense of humor regarding the Mickey Mouse ears, though.

Isn't he cute?