Okay, so I admit, this will not be the first time I have put my "Mother of the Year" nomination in jeopardy this year. Today I am taking my 5 year old son to Toys R Us to purchase a Nintendo DS. Why, you may ask, does a 5 year old have any business owning a $130 electronic device that requires games totalling $20 or more a piece?

Let me see.....there are a variety of reasons:

1.) All of his friends have one (Truly, they do...and his sisters do, too--although they were much older upon acquiring said items)

2.) He can play educational games on it, in support of reading and math and animal science (does Mario Cart count?)

3.) It is a way for me to indulge his inner need to understand video game technology and modern entertainment without having to purchase a Wii or PS3, each requiring games costing around $50 each (oh--and, there is that one little consideration of the fact that in college, I witnessed my husband-to-be sit in front of his game system for 16 hours straight--I don't want to relive those days)

4.) I bribed him with the promise of one in a moment of weakness. "Okay, look, if you agree to go to the sitter's house just until the girls get out of school in two weeks without crying every morning, so Mommy can get to work on time, I will buy you a DS, okay? Please?"

5.) On a recent trip to visit the in-laws, a 10 hour drive away, I heard "Are we almost there?"... every 10 minutes.... for 600 miles. We are going again in a month.....

6.) Sometimes, I have appointments....and he has to go with me.....and I really just want him to be quiet while I'm there.

7.) He has asked me 47,000 times. And sometimes, the third child gets what he wants just to stop the whining.

Well, I said I had reasons. I didn't say they were good ones!

Carmike Wynnsong 7 Showtimes and Tickets
Another fave hangout of ours--movies! Cheap, cheap!

Lantern Ridge Pool and Racquet Club
My favorite summertime hangout--our second home when it's hot!

Those of you who know me probably think I am referring to my husband, of course! (Have you met him? Love you honey, but--well, we'll just leave it at that!)

But no, poor Paul! He is not even aware of this fourth child, and, frankly, neither was I until recently! Have we adopted? Enrolled in the foster parent program? NO! I have not even actually seen the mysterious fourth child, but I know his name. And when I meet this elusive young "Not Me", he is going to get a butt-whoopin'!

Not Me uses the potty and refuses to flush, throws his other siblings' clothing, shoes, and bookbags ALL around the house, uses the last of the toilet paper and doesn't refill, eats the last of something and leaves the empty container in the cupboard, leaves doors open and lights on......the list goes on and on.

Now, to be fair, Not Me has his redeeming qualities, too. He always wants to stay home with Daddy every time I have an errand to run, and wants to go to bed on time, even shower, take out the trash . (Who's staying w/ Daddy? Who has a minute to take out this trash? and so on.)

Now, if only I could determine whether Not Me is old enough for his driver's license....'cause guess who's taking my other 3 children to get an ice cream, a happy meal, and an afternoon movie later? Not Me!

OK-Well, this is the summer when I reorganize, reconnect with my life/family after 3 straight years of school, and, most importantly, take some time to RELAX!!!!

We made it through the first day of "vacation"--the house stayed clean and everyone went to bed with a smiling face. BUT, I am finding myself easily pulled back into that same trap I was stuck in throughout my years as a stay-at-home mom---not taking ANY time to unwind, take a few moments to myself!

So, I am committing myself to spend some time each day reading and writing to keep my mind fresh, sending my little feelers out into the grown-up world. If I don't do that, what is the point in taking the summer "off"?

So, today we are off to the pool, of course!

Argh! How lame! I NEVER remember to update!

We are on our first true day of official summer break---a long awaited, severely overdue summer break, 3 long years in the making! As I look across the room at my 3 sweet, gifted, energetic children I wonder.......Does anyone have the phone number to a great boot camp?

Anyway, I am off to check out a blog written by my good friend, and fellow bargain-hunter savinginspartanburg.com!

After that, not sure where to find me? Well, your best bet is at the pool-----and, of course, Target!

AAAHHHHH! What a crazy week this has been! Students with H1N1, strep throat! My own ear infection! (I won't even discuss how exhausted I am!) Not to mention open houses to attend at my children's schools......it never ends!

Now, I have GOT to get on the ball with my college paperwork! I have been so focused on what I need to complete for my classroom that I have neglected to take care of my college work! Uh oh! Deadlines are caving in on me, and I need to get to work....NOW!