Backwards....

Just realized my posts are backwards....so go down to the Disney pics post and read up...

Biden/Palin Ticket

I was really disappointed that I missed the first Presidential debate so I made sure that I watched almost the entire VP debate. I am still undecided. Not that I want to talk about my affiliations or what I believe or don't believe, but I'm really having a hard time with this one. I did enjoy the VP debate - I liked that it didn't get nasty. This was my first time hearing Biden and I have to say I really like him. I thought, more so than Palin, he really answered the questions that were asked. He didn't dance around his answers, he answered the questions. That's almost unheard of in politics...as a matter of fact I think there is a secret group of politicians somewhere planning to fine him for being too direct and to the point. I originally was pumped up about Palin being on the McCain ticket and I like the whole down-to-earth approach of her answers...but honestly...and I can be honest, right? We're all friends here?...I can't see her having a serious conversation with Presidents and Kings from other countries. I can't see other countries taking her seriously. So I will be watching the other 2 upcoming debates to help me make a decision.
Love to hear your point of view....

Refer To The Geniuses For Answers

Now that our trip is over and we are dealing with the after effects of taking our children out of school only 3 weeks into the year, I can tell you for sure WE WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN! The main reason we did it was the times available for Mike to take vacation - and we figured they are both really smart so it wouldn't impact them as much. Wrong!
First, Jamie didn't get any of her work that she would have to do to catch up until the night before we left and I did not let her take any with her. I know some people do that - I heard other parents once or twice telling their kids they were going back to the hotel and doing homework. Sorry but that sucks - not happening. Now I didn't know that this was going to completely stress Jamie out when we returned home. She was miserable trying to do hours and hours of work and feeling completely overwhelmed that she would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. She actually is still trying to catch up but should be there by the end of this week.
Second, Bethany is at a new school this year in her little genius class. her teacher didn't seem too concerned, but thinking back now when I told her, what was she going to do, have a fit and stress Bethany out? Our plans were made so there was nothing she could do. I guess I took her non-chalance to mean Bethany would be fine...which she will. But it's been a really tough week. Of course I didn't help matters at all. She came home from school with reminders of 2 projects due. One I was aware of, but the other I was clueless. Turns out she came home with the assignment the 2nd week of school, but I haphazardly filed the paper away, never to be seen again....until last week when I was in a panic. So I am forcing her to cram and feel terrible.

So yes, it was a good trip, but I bet if we had checked with our children about when they wanted to go, both would have said they didn't want to miss school. Really, I'm sure of it.

I'm Unprepared For The World Of Cheer

So one of the reasons we haven't had 5 seconds to slow down is because Bethany is in the middle of the Pop Warner cheerleading season. Her coach wasn't too happy that we pulled her out for vacation and she missed 4 practices right before their competition! I guess I don't blame her, but I'm just now starting to realize how serious some people are about this whole cheerleading thing. I, myself, have always been anti-cheerleader ever since high school. We (my group of friends) didn't really like the cheerleaders. It wasn't really that we were jealous, it was more b/c the cheerleaders were snobby and acted as though everyone else needed to revolve around them...at least most of them. I'm not sure how it came to pass that my daughter is now a cheerleader - I think I had a weak moment and was thinking purely of the exercise she would get. Beth's had practices every other day since we got home and today was the "exhibition" as it's called. I have to say, all the teams look so cute in their uniforms and most people could care less if they make mistakes or not....but there are some cheer wackos out there for sure. And I'm not one of them....I know what you were thinking.

Have A Magical Day....

Bendy Vine Lady

Okay people! Lots of catching up to do, but don't worry, I'll take it slow!

We got back a week ago from 8 days at Disney World...now don't be upset that I didn't tell you I was going...some of you might have wanted to check out my house while I was gone and then we couldn't be friends anymore. Disney was great...very hot and humid the first 1/2 of the trip, then beautiful the rest. I swear if I hear "Have a Magical Day" one more time I'm going to throw a "magical" tantrum!

Favorite things for me: Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom - I love water rides. I'm not a huge fan of Animal Kingdom, but there is another thing over there that is really wild. I call her "bendy vine lady"...Bethany insists she heard someone say her name is "Devine"...it's a woman who walks, or slithers, on 4 stilts - even her hands, but every part of her and the stilts is covered in leaves and vines. She tucks herself away into the trees just off the walking path, then all of a sudden she will start moving really slow and slithers her "vines" and comes out onto the walking path and will go over to guys and wrap her "vines" around them. In the photo you can see Mike looking at her like "Me next!" you can just make out her face - it's looking sideways to the right. Anyway, also loved Test Track at Epcot, Toy Story at Hollywood Studios and just walking around Magic Kingdom.

Overall great trip, unfortunately we haven't had time to stop since we got home....hence I'm just now submitting my first posting in almost 3 weeks! Yikes!