After the craze of last week it was so nice to have just a chill week. Monday I did my HIIT and tennis again, wearing me out for the rest of the week (seriously, sore until like Thursday!) then picked up Panda Express spirit night for the fam and then book club at Rachael's discussing Wuthering Heights. Tuesday I went to sculpt then got my fingerprints redone to keep teaching CCD class. I played in a tennis match all the way in Amelia Island on Wednesday, with Kelly and we won, played great. From there I went all the way to Beach Blvd to become a check signer for Marly's school PTA. I did both monthly reports for middle and high school this week. Feels good to have all that finished for the month! I finished a great book, First Ladies. It was very inspiring! Thursday was our first MomCo meeting of the school year. I'm so proud of that group! We dropped Abby at dance then headed to a college panel night at Ellie's school. It was interesting to hear from UF, FSU and UNF admissions on the application process. Ellie met us after her swim meet. So now that's all we've been talking about all weekend. She's locked in, working on her common app. She went to dance, we went to LaNap with the Bentons. It made me feel queasy all day Friday. I went running with Spot, then to adoration. I met April at my mom's for a relaxing lunch and pool time to catch up and talk book summit. Ellie came home from school early and we checked her SAT scores together. She's in a great spot for verbal but still needs work on her math. She's signed up to take it again next weekend. We dropped Voss at his ballroom class and then we went to TCC for dinner. The girls picked up Voss, dropped us at OrSay to meet the Hogans then picked up Abby from Annabelle's and headed home. The night escalated for us. We went back to mom's for a night pool party and stayed way too late. Matt said according to the cameras it was the best late night TV. It set Phil back for the rest of the weekend. I got up and went to HIIT class and then took Abby to gymnastics on Saturday. She is really coming along with her walkovers and now close with a front straddle up. We met Phil at Chicken Salad Chick for lunch. Voss rode bikes to lunch and the bookstore with his buddy, Miles. Ellie stayed home to lock in. Marly dog sat the neighbors dogs all weekend, ending in an epic mess today. We went to the Freemans for a BBQ on Saturday night. Sunday we went to mass then TCC bfast and family meeting. The kids and I went thrifting then we met my siblings for grilling at mom's. It pretty much rained all day. Tara made delish cocktails, we spent the day catching up and enjoying Southern Steer specials. The older girls and I stayed to watch Miss America with SQ. Yay for Miss TX! Today was a chill day. I took Spot for a walk listening to the Calamity Club. We went to the pool for Labor Day fanfare. Everyone is getting organized for the week. Voss has boy scouts tonight. Phil and I are going to sneak out to watch the FSU game. Here are the pics of the week.

What a week! It's amazing how so much can get crammed into one week. HIIT and tennis on Monday in a million degrees. We are trying out amazon grocery delivery so that took one thing off my to do list. We had high school open house that evening. Phil went to Marly's, I went to Ellie's while the girls went to their first dance class of the season. I got there super early to park in Ellie's senior spot and then helped with the PTSA meeting. Ellie has an awesome schedule! Lots of APs but interesting classes that I don't think will be too hard. I had a good time at my alma mater. Phil and I met for a dinner date at Moon River (best pizza in town) to compare open houses. Tuesday was a day full of middle school. It's helpful when those days line up with then I'm already driving carpool there. I did a take over Tuesday and went to SAC then the DCCPTA meeting downtown, stopped by April's to try on dresses then picked up BBQ for the teachers and hightailed it back to school. Abby and Voss helped teachers while I rushed around getting there. I came in hot for that PTSA meeting and got the budget approved- HUGE turnout! Then, I made an abridged schedule so I got to go to all the classes of teachers that we hadn't had yet. Phil went to all the ones we already know. Abby and Voss traded back. It worked well because I got to spend time with both of them and meet new teachers. The kids got BBQ for dinner. Phil and I ended up at the Brick for another dinner date/nightcap. Wednesday morning, after carpool, my brother picked me up and then we picked up my mom (who was packed and waiting outside) and drove to Pensacola. I thought convincing her would be much more work but she was happy to take a road trip with us. We listened to the The Telepathy Tapes and also How I Made It- Epstein episodes and stopped the the Flying BIscuit in Tally. We got mom settled in her condo, took her grocery shopping, visited my dad's grave and then had dinner out at Oar House. We went walking in the morning, met neighbors and the priest at the church then I flew back to Jax (via ATL). Matt stayed another night then took his time driving home with a stop in Panama City to visit friends. Friday morning I took Spot for a run, then adoration then a chill afternoon. Turns out Marly fell in dance class on Thursday. Phil took her for x-rays and luckily she just sprained her ankle. Phil took Voss to his first ballroom dance lesson that night. I picked her up Marly from school and went right to auditions for Nutcracker. Ellie met us there. I grew some extra gray hairs with the anxiety of the whole evening. The directors were so sweet with Marly, letting her sit with them for a while. She was not excited about having to sit and watch the whole thing. She's on crutches and supposed to stay off her foot for a week. Ellie looked pissed the whole time and I did not have a good feeling until the very end, when she stayed in an extra 30min than Marly. I felt awful for Charlotte- she came out with Marly both of them thinking they were angels. Great for Marly, though. Ellie and Chach went to chat. Marly and I went to CFA then picked up Abby from a babysitting gig. Saturday morning I went to a HIIT class then Abby and I went to her auditions. She was in there from 11am-5pm! A loooong day for her! I made myself busy and tried hard not to stress. Aunt Suzanne and the girls met us for the reveal. It was a sweet presentation that made me tear up remembering all the good in the community then Abby got soldier (not too bummed and happy to not be a page again). Marly an angel again then Ellie got Russian. Very sad to have not gotten flower...but content to do a fun dance WITH Charlotte, too. So it all ended okay. We met the Bentons for an Italian dinner. I was wiped out. The food was amazing and we went for a nightcap at the Benton's house. Sunday morning we did mass, CCD then a family breakfast and meeting. We had a chill afternoon (still watching Landman from my flight back) and listening to The First Ladies on an evening walk. Voss went to the pool with his pals. The guys played soccer and picked up a Publix dinner. Here are the pics of the week.

I started strong on Monday with HIIT and then tennis clinic. Back to back and a million degrees out there! I had a PTSA meeting Monday night, Tuesday morning and SAC on Wednesday afternoon. I didn't have to drive a carpool this week (although I did get driven by Marly one day and swapped a day with my neighbor for a day next week). I got lots locked in for my mom's move next week so I feel a huge weight lifted off my chest. A week of Nutcracker meetings this week: a media meeting on Wednesday morning, a planning for the media meeting on Tuesday, a board meeting on Friday and a fun #teamrat PR gig yesterday (with running back and forth to the storage unit for costumes in between. I nervous for auditions next weekend. Popping in a bunch to check on mom, grateful SQ took her this weekend. The kids are all locking in for the 2nd week of school. Abby bravely walked in and got a schedule change for a new Algebra teacher. Ellie's swim and senior swim photos were taken, quite a big check list for her this year. I listened to The Fault in our Stars. We had a bat symbol night out Thursday night, hung with my brother and Tara at this new wine bar with life music on Friday night. Abby had gymnastics on Saturday, Marly babysat and Ellie took the SAT. Abby went to a Birthday party (thanks to Ellie driving her all the way out there). We had dinner at the Napoleons. This morning we read and served at mass, had CCD then a family meeting at breakfast. Abby and I have an NCL meeting this afternoon. The guys are playing soccer in this heat. I'm going to check on mom. Here are the pics of the week.

Shhhhhh...quiet on the creek. Ah, the sound of silence with everyone back in school all day and Phil back at work. Monday was bliss. I drove the middle school carpool. It was hairy the first week but already better by Wednesday. I went to tennis bootcamp (it was hot) then had an afternoon to chill. I made a TikTok showcasing me having a relaxing afternoon alone. We went out for first day ice cream after school and heard about everyone's days. Sounds like we have good schedules with friends in classes. Excited for lots of good teachers. I went to book club that night to discuss The Wedding People. It was great to finally get back to bc. Tuesday I went to sculpt class then had another chill day. I'm needing to check in on mom more often, making sure she's eating. She did walk back with me one day and tried to hide from caregivers (that weren't coming) another day. Marly has been great with the afternoon fun drives with Mimi. She came for dinner on Tuesday and was fine, then back to being nuts on Wednesday. I played a fun match with Kelly, Kerri and Rachael on Wednesday then lunch, getting to know my new teammates. There's been some crazy afternoon thunderstorms, right during dismissal. We had the summer swim banquet that night. Voss got the coach's award. The girls got lots of medals. Gorgeous post storm sunset. I've been listening to Educated and almost finished with The Mad Wife finally. Lots of crazy family life...just when I thought mine was bad. I took mom and Elaine to adoration on Friday, then got a new POA signed then with the gals to celebrate Jenny's Birthday. It was a glorious afternoon together. We rallied for dinner with the guys, the fun new dock bar (that rain has been cooling off the evenings) and then to High Tide. Saturday I played tennis with Bunny, Melanie and Sheila then a family CFA lunch and gymnastics with Abby. We met some friends to watch the Jags win their first pre-season game. More fun at the dock bar then we kept going. We had our first CCD class back in session after mass. Family breakfast, the guys played soccer. I had a PTSA coffee chat. Publix dinner celebrating Ellie's Baptism Birthday 17 years ago! Here are the pics of the week.

Pre-planning week is like a hell week for me. I ran from school to school to help support teachers while they did training and opened up their classrooms, orientations, 2 peds appointments and of course caregiving my mom. It was a bad week. Monday began stressful with an early morning in middle school for a welcome back teacher breakfast. I know it's my fault by doing too much and using my wedding china instead of paper plates...but it does glam up the breakfast and those teachers do so much for the kids. That wasn't the bad part. I had kids and other moms to help. It was actually nice once we got it all set up. I washed all my dishes and put away the china then delivered a dinner to the Cope family. If that doesn't break your heart, my next chore of dropping off a deposit to Ortega Gardens for my mom will. Tuesday, I did a re-do but this time no china, breakfast casseroles with Ellie to her school. We got her senior parking spot then headed to Marly's school (she was having a sleepover with her bestie for her Birthday) so Ellie helped me recruit for PTSA. From there we went to Ellie's check up and all is good...although we are kina worried about her stress level. Teens should not be stressed, but applying to college IS stressful so what are you going to do about it? We had salmon with mom for dinner. She seemed fine but then the next day, I found her wandering the neighborhood in a trance. After freezing her credit cards, we did find her purse but it was a stressful afternoon. I did get to do a tennis bootcamp that morning. Ellie left for a long weekend with her pal in Mexico Beach for Cora's 18th Birthday! Thursday was middle school orientation all day with a PTSA lunch meeting in the middle. Abby loved showing Voss all around campus for the 2nd day this week. Marly came, too and I made her give personal tours to especially lost people. Lots of great help! A very well timed tennis ladies night that night with Kerri, Julie and Whitney and dinner after. Friday began with a run with Spot, adoration with my mom, then a teacher lunch back at middle school. Marly chauffeured me around town buying all the things no one signed up for and setting it all up. Next it was Marly's turn at the pediatrician for her check up. I dropped her to have ice cream with friends then headed for a chat with my brother to come up with a plan to try a last ditch effort in Pcola for my mom. It's not so bad when my kids are all home, especially Marly taking Mimi joyriding in the afternoons. But once they all get busy, it's going to be rough. Hoping time in PCola will be a solid next step. I was very happy for drinks on the patio with the Strassers and Hogans then a nightcap at Lillians. Saturday morning, the guys went to a high school golf fundraiser. I met Katie for a class at the gym. I took Marly to be a dolphin at the elementary school then shopping then to a babysitting gig. Abby had a gymnastics class. Voss went to Dave & Busters with his buddy, Miles. Ellie finally came home. We went to sushi bear for dinner. Mimi walked over for Tuesday dinner. oops. Sunday morning we went to mass then TCC for bfast and a family meeting. Everyone was running around getting ready for back to school. I dipped out to drink margaritas with Emma on her porch while the guys played soccer. We had a family steak dinner, Phil, Spot and I went for a walk then early bedtime for all (except Marly who went with Addy for a ice cream & Target run). Here are the pics of the last week of summer!

Okay so Monday morning, we got up and had an abu breakfast then headed down to the keys. We met the Strassers and Freemans at Robbie's for lunch and tarpon feeding (keys classic). It was chaotic checking into the hotel because our room wasn't ready and folks were grouchy (STILL!). After a few crashouts we ended up in the adult only pool and cooled off a bit. We all went out in the Freemans boat for a sunset cruise to Island Fish Company. It was delightful. Although the crashouts didn't stop, Phil, JD and Ellie ubered home because the wait was too long. The rest of us didn't mind so much. Steph and I split a lobster sandwich that was divine. The next morning I met Katie at the gym for a workout. Then Phil and I almost beat the Deerings in a tennis set. Back to the adult pool to chill. A bunch of the guys took Voss out to fish. We all went back out and tried to meet at this sandbar to snorkel but the water was too rough for the rental. Ellie crashed out and we turned around. We cooled off in the Strassers pool. Katie made a reservation at Hideaway Grill, the adult dinner out when we realized the place was closed. Phil crashed out and had to be enticed out of the car. It was one of the places we had stayed for spring break. Not his fave and possibly the "worst vacation of his life." The food was amazing. Wednesday was our first official day of lobster miniseason. The water was rough and not as clear. I caught lots of lobster but none were big enough. The kids all did well, though. That night the Cummings arrived and we got Sparkys pizza take out at the Freemans. The next morning we got up and out and the water was calmer, but I still didn't get anything large around. Maybe one, but it got away. I was feeling bummed and ready to try scalloping again. We had Angler and Ale cook all the lobsters all the kids caught and went out for a nice party of 23 dinner out. So much fun with great friends! The kids all went out for icecream, the dad smoked cigars, the moms did a TikTok. It was a great grand finale of the week. The next morning, most families headed back up the state. We played pickleball with the Cummins, went on a bike ride then stopped at FIU for another tour. Abu made a pork dinner. Tia Vane and her family came for a visit. The next morning, I drove most of the way back up listening to Wuthering Heights. My brother, Matt came over for a nightcap and catch up. My mom did her own crashing out with the caregivers this week. So, we need to come up with another plan for her care. Sunday morning we went to mass then breakfast for a family meeting and planning sesh. Marly and I took Mimi shopping and meal planning. I had an NCL meeting then played pickleball with the Deerings and Mauritz then went home to make breakfast casseroles. Here are the pics of the week.

The week began as usual, HIIT class, WD shopping, (for mom too while she was at lunch with friends). Abby had a babysitting gig. Marly had a dental appointment. I met up for the patrol hand off then Phil and I met the Stuckey's for a nightcap. Tuesday I went to power sculpt then we had a few extra kids over. Penelope and one of Voss' friends, Whitman. Marly went to granny nanny. I took all the kids to dress up like cows and get free Chick Fil A for cow appreciation day. Abby had a retainer check. Marly went to a dance class. That night we had a pasta dinner to hear Mike Spitz give a talk. It's the last week of swim so there were a few fun things planned. We all dressed up and brought my mom. Turns out it was Coach Walt playing a prank and he dressed up as Mike. So that was a bummer. The good news is that I won bingo that night after dinner...and my mom didn't realize it wasn't Mike Spitz and enjoyed seeing him and eating lots of spaghetti. So, there's that. Wednesday I took Spot for a run then Abby and I played Rummikub at April's. We met up with Jess and Jenny to watch Argentina beat England in a World Cup final. Voss was upset. Marly went to another dance class. I picked up a forest crew and went to the DA PTA audit dinner. One audit is now signed, sealed and delivered. I just have one more to do. Thursday after HIIT class I went out to see Ellie at Camp I Am Special. She seemed tired and quiet. I watched the talent show and caught up with some of my old camp pals. I donated blood and took Marly to another dance class. That night, Phil and I had dinner with the Chewnings at the new Buoy restaurant. Then, met others at Lillians to top it off. Friday was the last swim practice with a meditation and breakfast. I went for another run then to a Nutcracker board meeting. We discussed how to honor Dulce and prepare for auditions. I started to feel a little under the weather. Ellie came home from camp. We did a family dinner at TCC then I tried to go to bed early. I finally finished We the Women, but got horrible sleep. I tried to sweat it out with a hot game of pickle ball. We had Larry's for lunch then took Abby for another gym class. I tried to veg on the couch and snooze with but it was that bad. We went to 5pm mass then I had soup for dinner with a chaser of Theraflu. After 9.5 hours of sleep, I felt better. In time to head out for the city swim champs. The kids all swam great! Phil was the bouncer. Suzanne brought mom to watch and cheer. War Eagles ended up winning the meet! We dropped Marly at Urban Plunge right after then headed to Jersey Mikes for lunch. I dropped Abby at Target then we went to Lillians to cheer for the final World Cup game. Spain won it! Loved seeing Madonna and Shakira in the halftime show and seeing everyone come together. We had a nightcap at TCC to celebrate. Here are the pics of the week.

Monday I started a new routine. After the gym I visited mom to make a grocery list and meal schedule for the week then took her to the store. Marly was a huge help then got her situated with lunch back at her house. Abby had her first gym class to work on tricks for acro class. Fascinating that we have to pay for her to learn things outside of her class, but let's not open that can of worms. That night we all met up to watch USA play Belgium. I didn't know about the whole Trump red card thing until after the fact, just noticed we played like crap. Still a fun night cheering, though. Tuesday, Voss went to play soccer with friends after swim and then a water slide play date. So he was nice and crabby that evening. Mom came over for Taco Tuesday. Phil played tennis. Marly and I had a zoom call to get her psyked for Urban Plunge next week. I got invited to play tennis with Diane, Katherine and Bunny Wednesday morning then met Matt with mom to meet with a caregiver. Mom was less than thrilled to say the least, but we all know it needs to happen. Matt took mom and a few of my kids to lunch. I dipped out for a Dreamer party, Alaskan cruise, wow! Then, had a middle school PTSA board meeting. Getting all set for the new school year! Marly and a pal took the boat out for the day and then an afternoon dance class. The littles, Phil and I played in a late night pickleball match. Thursday morning, I did a HIIT class then hitched a ride with Katie to Orlando for the Florida PTA convention. We had a great group of people from Ellie's school with us. I learned a few things, but there was also a lot of wasted time. We had a fun night out for an Indian dinner on Thursday night, pretty tame. Friday got crazy with each city having their own council party. So, it was like trick or treating for parties. Waaaayyyy too much fun! So then Saturday was a bit rough but we powered through. It was interesting hearing from governor candidates, especially their perspectives on teacher salaries and vouchers. I hitched a ride with Emma. Ellie was supposed to sit for the ACT, and had been practicing so hard for it. Unfortunately there was a computer glitch and they sent them all home. Phil took the kids to a swim meet that was absolutely brutal with a 2pm start time. It's so hot down here these days. After hearing them all complain to me, I put my phone down on the floor of the car to enjoy my ride with Emma. Then, Phil called Emma (after trying to reach me) freaking because the front door of our house was open. He has alerts on his phone. I called the neighbor to pop over to check it out and the guest bedroom door was ajar. So, I called 911 and we all headed to the house. Come to find out, it was just my mom passing through. So, that was a crazy 30min but it all ended up being okay. I got mom a ride to mass and out to dinner. We all headed to TCC to watch England vs Norway for a match. We were all rowing and cheering but it didn't pan out. Voss wore his England polo to church on Sunday. We slept in for 10:30 mass then had a chill afternoon. Ellie headed out to Marywood for a week of Camp I Am Special. Phil, Voss and I headed to play soccer in the rain....the only way to do it in this heat! Publix dinner and early bedtime. Here are the pics of the week.

Okay, still road tripping. Last I blogged we were driving from Boston to PA. We stayed in my friend, Meredith's cottage high up in Enola with this amazing view of the Susquehanna River. Despite the accommodations, attitudes were ripe and bedtime was early. The littles caught lightening bugs. Ellie had another sesh with her tutor. The next morning Marly drove us down to Gettysburg for a driving tour of the battlefield. Attitudes didn't soften until after lunch in the city. I guess they were hangry. The lunch took too long and we had traffic in VA but we finally made it to Chapel Hill, NC. Listening to the Martian helped. The Stanelles welcomed us with open arms and a home cooked pasta dinner. The ladies stayed up late catching up while the guys watched the World Cup. The next morning we walked to the Chapel Hill Botanical Gardens, said our good byes and went to Wegmans for lunch. Our last night of the road trip we stopped at my penpal, Cindy's in Fort Mill, SC. We were greeted by deer as we pulled into their driveway. Their "new" house backs up to acres of a private reserve. Matt grilled burgers, then showed us the hikes in their backyard. It was great to catch up with my girl scout/swim team pal from childhood! The next morning we had the last leg of our road trip and came back to Florida! We listened to the Swimmers. (That hit me hard). As a kina welcome home we met a gang of 50 up at Lillians to watch the USA win a World Cup match. Phil and I ended up staying out waaay too late so Thursday was rough. I made the kids go to swim team while I unpacked, did laundry, tried to get the house back together. We had a family movie night watching Ellie's vlogs and eating Thai. Marly spent the night at Langley's. Ellie is dog sitting the VanWies pets. Friday I went to the gym, more getting the house back together. I picked up Marly and Abby had a pool date with her pal, Annabelle at Mimi's. Mom spent the holiday weekend with the Kuklas. We went to the Freemans for a BBQ dinner. More fun times with the crew catching up. The morning of the 4th of July, I did an American themed HIIT class then we had a family pickleball match. Phil and I beat the Nixons but then they beat Ellie and I. We met Suzanne at the pool and had a chill day swimming and grilling. Then, we went to TCC for the amazing fireworks! We stayed up late eating Papa Johns and watching Independence Day. Sunday the kids altar served at mass. Suzanne met us for TCC breakfast. Marly drove to pick my mom up from the airport. I had so much anxiety about her flying alone, but she made it! Thankful to have her back. We played a rainy day family soccer match. Phil took the younger three out to dinner, Ellie and I went to sleep super early to catch up. Here are the pics of the week.