Role Reversal

Lauren has been away for two weeks already. She calls us frequently. The difference now is that we are aggravating her instead of the other way around. The other day she tried calling both of us a few times each on our cell phones and didn't reach us. When I saw that we had missed her calls I promptly called her back. That conversation went something like this:

Me: Hi, you rang?

Lauren: You never answer your cell phone anymore!

Me: Sorry. We were on the boat and I didn't hear it ring.

Lauren: And could you turn the music down, I can't hear a word you're saying!

Rick and I couldn't help but laugh when I hung up. Shouldn't we be the ones scolding her for not answering her cell phone and telling her to turn the music down?

Empty nesting........a beautiful thing!

Yummy

Perfect for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

LEMON WHISKEY SLUSH

2 cans frozen lemonade
1 1/3 c. water
4 c. ginger ale
2 or more cups whiskey
Cold ginger ale or club soda for serving

Mix together above ingredients in large freezer
container. Cover and freeze for at least 8 hours.
Spoon into glasses and top with a splash of
ginger ale or club soda.

Very refreshing. Enjoy!

Way To Go Lauren!

Lauren is the newest member of the Illini Edge Synchronized Skating Team! Clinics and tryouts took place over the last week. Lots of girls tried out, 19 made the team and 16 skate the competitions. They are skating to music from the movie "Speed." (Guess we will have to rent that movie since we have never seen it.) According to Lauren the music is fast and angry. She likes happy music better since she has a million dollar smile. But I've seen her angry face and I think she will do just fine. It has been two years since she has skated competitively and we are very excited to see her skate again. Nationals are in Rhode Island in February. I can't wait to see all my Chicago Jazz friends. NOT!

Sorrrryyyy!

Rick so kindly pointed out to me that I used the word "from" twice in the same sentence in my last post.I cannot seem to go back and edit my blog from the Blackberry. Is that Blogger technology or Blackberry technology? Or could it be that I really don't know how to work this Blackberry? Nah.

A Perfect Day at the Lake

It all began with a nice spicy bloody mary and a big fat steak burger for brunch followed by a little chill time. After a pleasant afternoon boat ride it's time for dinner. Steak, salmon, stuffed portabellas, baked potatoes. All on the "God" grill. And let us not forget the very tasty bottle of pinot noir. And it's only day one. YEEEHAA!

And, I just love Rick's new Blackberry from which I am posting!

I Said I Wouldn't Cry

This is Lauren and Sam on the first day of school, 2003. For 13 years we have taken pictures of the two of them on the first day of school. This will be the first time either of them will start school without each other. So I couldn't help but tear up tonight watching my daughter write a good-bye letter to her BFF. Leaving your parents is one thing, leaving your best friend is completely different. Sammi better visit her often.

All Set

Tomorrow Lauren is off to U. of I. The U-Haul is loaded down with all the necessaries: computer, bedding, clothes, storage bins, school supplies, etc. I am sure we are forgetting something, but what? Time will tell. We have a long day ahead of us but great rewards for all in the end. Lauren will be free of her nagging parents and we will be free of our hormonal teenager. At least temporarily. Good enough for me. The ship sails at 7am. First to the kennel in Champaign to drop off Ozzy for the day. Then to Hopkins Hall for the unloading/unpacking fiasco. Once that is complete we will drop off the U-Haul in Champaign, pick up Ozzy from the kennel and head straight to Cadiz for a week alone with my hubby. It doesn't even seem real. Lauren going off to college doesn't seem real and a week alone with my hubby doesn't seem real. Say a prayer for us all, we're going to need it.