Help...

Son number 1 (Sophmore) is constantly asking me if a Junior on his soccer team can drive him home after soccer practice.  Son number 2 (Freshman) asked once, I said "no" and he hasn't asked again.  Calm, easy child (for now).  What the hell do I do about the other one?  He is a negotiator and pulls every card out of his hat - "you know him" (the driver), "he's responsible", "his parents are okay with it", "we're coming right home", "don't you trust me?"......

A friend of mine gave me a contract that her parents gave to her brother when he started driving (probably 30 years ago), but it's still good for today, even though so many things in the world have changed.  I'm seriously thinking of coming up with something similar for the boys about getting in a car with a friend.  If they break either contract the punishment will be simple to enforce  because they knew the consequences, right?

Scary times ahead - it's not getting easier as they get older.  Now I worry that one little mistake can hurt or kill them.  It doesn't even have to be their mistake, but they're in the car or driving the car.  Any thoughts as to what I should put in our contract?  I'll ask my friend if I can share some of the "driver's license contract" with everyone.  It will come in handy someday for you too.

Have a good one,
NeuroticMom

I've survived the first two weeks.  The amount of things to learn is crazy, but I'm enjoying it.  The time flies by.  I just need to get over the guilt - that I won't be there for everything the kids are doing.  I told a mom that I just went back to work after sixteen years and feel guilty that I'm happy to have a job.  Her response with pure shock in her eyes, "Honey, sixteen years, don't feel guilty."  Made me laugh.

And the drama - love it.  Many women working in a busy environment is hysterical.  I sit back and observe.  Quite entertaining.

I'm more organized with meals and spending less money on things I don't need.  Although, the refrigerator water line is broken and the floor underneath is now rotted:( 

I'm going to enjoy the things that I had my kids DVR for me (Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice) and maybe watch "Wall Street" before seeing the sequel.

Have an awesome weekend,
NeuroticMom

Excited!

I'm starting a new chapter in my life tomorrow.  I am going back to work (P/T) after being home with my children for the last sixteen years.  Excited and I have to say - not nervous.  I'll be working for a busy dermatologist's office that my family has been going to for the last eight years.  I feel at home and am ready for the challenge to learn "the ropes".  I don't need a fancy job title.  My goal is to be busy.  This will definitely take care of that.  My husband has a job that can work around my hours (most of the time), my oldest will be driving soon and my youngest is in sixth grade.  It's time.  I used to be a nervous person - motherhood has prepared me for this new adventure.  Nothing's harder or more rewarding than being home with the children.  I'm hoping for a positive experience that will make everyone more independent.

I'm organized, don't want any office drama.  I want to work and come home to my family, and of course make a little bit of money.

I'll keep you posted,
NeuroticMom

Any free time?

The kids are now back into the school routine - doing well and off and running with another school year.  The problem - I learned about a new computer game that I have been playing in my free time - which is a little more nowadays.  It's called BookWorm.  Fantastic!  It's basically scrabble. 

Relatives introduced it to us over the Labor Day weekend.  And when I tell you that we were all sitting around the computer playing it, I kid not.  It was frustrating - with many thoughts and ideas flying at once.  However, playing by yourself or with one of your kids is great.  Check it out at PopCap Games.  You can download a free sample and buy the game to have handy at anytime:) for $19.95.  Young and old and for all of us between - loads of fun.

My high score - 325,840.  Father-in-law and help:) - 664,440.  Game on!

Have fun,

NeuroticMom