(43-13) Back To School

Although we've been living in Arizona for 13 years, I still haven't adjusted to our school schedule.  The kids got out of school for the summer on May 20th; so by the time we celebrated July 4th, our summer was half way over.  I absolutely adore summer vacation and having the kids at home with me, even though I have to work; so it's rather bittersweet when they have to return to school.
Last night both Lyndzi and Kelsie were very excited about going back to school; so much so, that they didn't think they'd be able to sleep.  Nicky on the other hand was less enthusiastic; even though he loves school.
As is our first day of school tradition; the intoxicating aroma of Cinnamon Rolls was permeating the air of our home this morning.   Lyndzi was so happy about going back to school, that she woke up just after 530 am; followed shortly by Kelsie; and Nicky waited for us to wake him at 630. The kids don't typically get up until 7, but since it was their first day back to school, they needed to have extra time for the ever enjoyable, back to school pictures.

Now I don't insist that the kids dress up, but they usually like to wear something that they've never worn to school before; so both girls opted for the dresses that they'd used for my cousin's wedding and Nicky had a new pair of cargo shorts and a v-neck t-shirt.  I think that this is the first year EVER, that Nicky hadn't worn a polo shirt on his first day; but his attire was meant to illustrate his more relaxed attitude.

What can I say; A picture is worth a thousand words. I'm as proud a Mama as you think I am and although the stillness of my house will take some getting used to again; it will be an honor to watch them all grow and learn for another year.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

A New, New look

I know that many of you don't really SEE "The Bumpy Ride," because you just read your feed when it is emailed to you; but IF you happen to check it out; you will see that once again it has a new look. I am DEE-LIGHTED with it's current appearance, and though I am typically the Queen of CHANGING MY MIND (about little trivial things;) I am now THOROUGHLY satisfied, and anticipate this being "TBR" ("The Bumpy Ride") from here on out. To go along with the NEW, NEW look I have also changed my picture. I know my profile pic is tiny; so I am going to include some recent photos, so you can check out MY New, New look.

A couple of weeks ago I took my girls to get their hair cut. Well, Kelsie came out looking like a member of a male, 80's rock band; and Lyndzi's bangs were WAY too short; not to mention that although my instruction was to cut off whatever wasn't healthy; I think the lady cut off far too much. OK, so it's hair, and it will grow; but after these descriptions, a sane person might wonder why I decided to get my haircut there, the same afternoon. LOL Well, I'll tell ya. For EVER I had long hair, and then almost 2 years ago I got my hair cut a little shorter than shoulder length, and then a little shorter, and a little shorter. I had gained a considerable amount of weight at the time, and I think that cutting my hair was the only thing that I felt like I could control about my appearance; so I kept cutting it. So now, were up to present day and my hair was starting to grow to it's original (first cut) length, and I was actually on the fence about what to do with it. It wasn't looking bad, I just hadn't decided if I was going to let it grow or not. So when I took the girls that day, the lady who was cutting Lyndzi's hair, made a comment that people with curly hair should either have it long, or very short (so of course, Queen of INSECURITY that I am; thought she was directing that comment to me.) I asked her if she had an idea for my hair, and she did, so yah, I let her cut it; and you know what? The response has been PHENOMENAL. I think this is the best haircut, hairdo I have EVER had. People who didn't expect to like it when I described it, see it and LOVE it; even my bosses, (all guys) RAVED about it. The only one who didn't like it... was Luis. As a matter of fact he HATED it. BUT, after a few days of hearing all the other people say how terrific it was, he said "I think it's growing on me." No; actually it's growing on me - hahaha Thank you very much; I'm here all week. OK, I couldn't resist. Anyway, My friends Lori and Jessica have developed this little ritual that they call "Drunk Hair Friday." Apparently they get together, have some cocktails and color each others hair. So of course Michelle (...K) and I wanted to get in on the act. Luis was actually PRO- Drunk hair Friday (I think he SECRETLY wants me to become a blond) but hey, I'm a proud red head. Remember; RED, it's not just a color, it's an attitude. But with some blond streaks - hmm, there are definite possibilities. So Michelle (... K) and I went to Drunk Hair Friday with our pals Lori and Jess and we had A BLAST. Jessica did my hair PERFECTLY (and she's not even a licensed hairdresser; but 5 people in her family are;) and Lori blew me. Well, my hair. Michelle went blonder, Lori got some more highlights and Jess did her roots. We had some shots, and some cocktails; and a good time was had by all. ( THANKS LADIES!!) So, now without further ado, here are some more pix (as taken by Michelle today - when we were attempting to make a You Tube Video - story for another time.) I'm now down 30 lbs (I know that was my last report, but I'm working on it) Have MUCH shorter hair; and blond streaks. Check me out!
Till Next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING