and momma bird don’t like it.

It’s too damn quiet! I got so used to having a house full of loud, obnoxious foreigners that I don’t know how to handle all this silence.

Especially since Ian is staying with his grandparents for the rest of the week. Sigh.

Speaking of Ian–how freaking handsome is he?

I guess Rader will have to just entertain himself with the Gameboy–or as I am now starting to call it–videocrack. Jesus. He just won’t put it down! Here’s a rare glimpse of the boy without the little blue addiction in his hands.

I heard from both Grant and Simon. It seems that the day they left me, they had separation anxiety and had to numb the pain on Beale St. (Hahahahahaha) I’m not sure exactly how much adult beverage was consumed, but I have it on good authority that it was quite a lot.

The lads are spending this week in two different necks of the woods. I’m not sure how they’ll handle being apart. I swear, they’re attached at the shoulder. But, I’m sure they’ll be fine.

The lake was absolutely beautiful and yesterday was the most perfect lake day EVER. It wasn’t too hot–it was actually overcast for a while. We swam and played all day–for more than 6 hours. We came home, ate and then well all fell asleep in the living room before dark. I got up and went to bed at 8 pm and left the rest of the gang where they lay.

Now we’re watching The World Cup. Actually, Mark is trying to fall asleep–you’d think he’d have gotten plenty of rest last night…oh well, he’ll just have excess energy later on…

I have several new blog readers thanks to the lads. Don’t be afraid to pop in a comment and say hello. And lads…that means yous too.

This picture is just for the lads:

Yes! it’s a lake blog…albeit a quick one.

Mark and I drove down to the lodge to gank the wireless internet connection. I needed to send an email and decided I would blog while I had the connection.

Ouachita is gorgeous and we had a great time on the lake. It was HOT today, but that’s not a bad thing. We were on the lake for six hours and now I’m the color of a nice cup of tea.

My niece, nephew, and brother are here and we’ve enjoyed our time with them. Mom and Dad are bickering as usual. I’m not sure why they find it necessary to treat us like we’re still 12 years old, but they do. Thank God for strawberry margaritas. They make the difference between a great time at the lake and a honkin’ (hi, lads) pisser of a time.

I’m still feeling a little sad that my newest sons have departed. I’m sure I’ll get over it eventually. One thing is for certain, this was great training for when my bio-kids decide to move away. I always joke about how it can’t be soon enough, but since my heart still aches a little after only a week with these guys, I can’t imagine how big that ache will be when my real kids take off. I don’t know how Grant’s and Simon’s real Mums handle them being all the way across the ocean. I know they’re big boys—adults really—but still, it’s hard to imagine letting them go.

Tomorrow and Monday will fill with more lake sunning and playing. Lots of rock skipping and goofing off. It will be fantastic.

Wish you guys were here…

Yes! it’s a lake blog…albeit a quick one.

Mark and I drove down to the lodge to gank the wireless internet connection. I needed to send an email and decided I would blog while I had the connection.

Ouachita is gorgeous and we had a great time on the lake. It was HOT today, but that’s not a bad thing. We were on the lake for six hours and now I’m the color of a nice cup of tea.

My niece, nephew, and brother are here and we’ve enjoyed our time with them. Mom and Dad are bickering as usual. I’m not sure why they find it necessary to treat us like we’re still 12 years old, but they do. Thank God for strawberry margaritas. They make the difference between a great time at the lake and a honkin’ (hi, lads) pisser of a time.

I’m still feeling a little sad that my newest sons have departed. I’m sure I’ll get over it eventually. One thing is for certain, this was great training for when my bio-kids decide to move away. I always joke about how it can’t be soon enough, but since my heart still aches a little after only a week with these guys, I can’t imagine how big that ache will be when my real kids take off. I don’t know how Grant’s and Simon’s real Mums handle them being all the way across the ocean. I know they’re big boys—adults really—but still, it’s hard to imagine letting them go.

Tomorrow and Monday will fill with more lake sunning and playing. Lots of rock skipping and goofing off. It will be fantastic.

Wish you guys were here…

I’m not sure how that happened. These two idiots walked into my life 6 days ago and I fell in love. Seriously, I may as well have given birth to them, I love them so much.

Fishdog and I would adopt them if we could.

We also had the privilege of meeting the other coaches and hanging out with them. Karl, Becky, Ian (Nizzy if you’re nasty), and Stephen. It was an amazing week and I’m very sad to see it come to an end.

Guys, I know you’re reading this…keep in touch or I’ll hunt you down and guilt you to death. (and that means all of you)

BTW–I’m headed back to Lake Ouachita today for several days. Will blog again on Wednesday when I return.

Meanwhile, I’ll leave you with a couple of fond memories from the week.

Guess what?

I did go back to the grocery store today. That makes 5 trips in 5 days.

We had pork roast, mashed potatoes, & broccoli and cheese. I made the taters with 5lbs of potatoes. They are all gone. I cooked an XXL pork roast–there is a small serving left. Looking for more broccoli and cheese? Good luck. I swear, they have a hollow leg.

Tonight, I sent them out to the bars with fishdog. I hope they have a fantastic time.

Do you know that I didn’t know what bangers and mash were until tonight? True. They are educating me left and right. But the education goes both ways…I’m teaching them how to say “y’all” properly.