Long Weekend!

Well, the weekend went fairly well. No major issues, just a couple of smart-alec comments and attitude problems. Sunday we went and looked at a house, but decided that even though we could make it work to suit us, we're just not convinced that it's where we are meant to be at this time. Monday wasn't so great, as when Mike was fixing a part on the car, another part broke off. So he's been using my van this week, and will get the part that he ordered on Thursday or Friday.
Fixing the car means we probably won't be doing anything longer than a day trip this month. I had planned on maybe taking in the museum and the Domes, and maybe a few other things on a 2-3 day trip, but financially it just isn't feasible right now. I want to concentrate on getting all the little things done that we need to do before winter. Like getting his tires, and getting the salt for the sidewalk. We usually get a few 25 lb bags, and we each keep one in our vehicle, plus we have a few for the house. We also want to get a few windows covered with plastic, to help insulate.

But, the best news that I've gotten so far is that my dad is getting his books published! He got word this morning that Barnes and Noble and Amazon will both be carrying his book within the next week or so! And he also gave his publisher some other manuscripts and they will be starting production on those within the next few weeks. They are supposed to be sending him a list of 50 of the 200 companies/people/groups/whatever that will be carrying his books within the next little bit.
I'm so happy for him, he deserves to be happy with all that's gone on in his life.

Back To School

Wow where to start! Busy Busy Busy! The kids started back to school on Tuesday, 1/2 day thankfully so Gabe did fairly good. Wednesday was a full day, and a little more challenging. I got to meet Gabe's teacher and the Special Ed teacher that will be working with him and Caleb. Gabe seems to really like her, which is a plus. Also met Caitlin's teacher, in passing, and will get to talk to her tonight at back to school night.
Saturday we all took a trip to Milwaukee( about 80+ miles one way), and spent time dropping Grandpa at the airport, and visiting with Aunt Rae, Uncle Pete, Aaron and Uncle Kevin. We spent the entire day there, finally getting home at about 8pm (we left at 7 am). On the way home, my van nearly died on the interstate going up hill. Not Cool!
So, now we not only need a fuel regulator, and O2 sensors, but we also need fuel line to replace where it's crimped, and tie-rod ends, inner and outer on BOTH sides. It's fun going out of town, cause that's when you find out what all's wrong with your vehicle, lol. But we did get back in one piece, and no one got hurt in the process. We had a lot to talk about on the way back, as Mom and Uncle Kevin were going through some of Grandma's (my mom's mom) stuff and he let mom take home a bunch of pictures and letters and things.
I think the kids had a good day all in all, because we only had 1 or 2 meltdowns all day. We even got to stop in at the little museum at the airport.
Sunday wasnt too bad, we mostly sat around and recuperated from Saturday. Monday wasnt bad, we had a birthday party for Mom, who turned 49 on Tuesday. Jaime made her a cake shaped like the Playboy Bunny. You should have seen the look on Mom's face! Priceless!
We also had a cook out on Monday, and had Phil down, and Jaime and her kids, and Roberta and her kids, and one little neighbor boy, who's name escapes me. That means at any given time on Monday, I had 9 kids at my house! Talk about busy.
All this craziness kind of seems normal most of the time. The kids are adjusting well to school. No one's trying to kill each other (yet, lol) and no one's had homework yet.
Back to school night is tonight from 5:30 to 7, hopefully I only hear good things about the progress...course on day 3 of school it's usually a little early for progress already.
Next post, hopefully some more about school...who knows!