Gnomes Gnomes on the Range!

[Roxychica7]

Sorry about the storms Katie!! We've been having some bad ones back home too! Hope that your parents are alright!
C-Thinking about you! Let us know if there's anything that we can do!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I really can't believe that, Jackie! My goodness. The kids seem to be starting all that kind of stuff younger and younger. Has the kid who was suspended been in trouble before or does your school have a no tolerance policy?? I'm just curious.

Another night at school. 10PM can't get here soon enough.

She was at the "alternative" school last year for some reason. Apparently she wants to go back there since she did this on the fourth day of school.

Who can drink straight Crown Royal at 8:00am???

We do have a no tolerance policy though.

WOW that is crazy Jackie...and the first week of school...what was that girl thinking....goodness what a way to throw away your life real quick!!! Ughh and so young too...

Hmmm...great travel foods, we love to have Chex Mix with us!

So young! You just know she needs some help!

Holy crap Jackie!! In 8th grade?! Man..I hope your school year starts off much better than it has been!
Jen-Hang in there with the house, hope it settles quickly!
C/LL-I hear you girls. All was going well, until I found out that Blake got hit with a no trespassing violation while he was fishing the other day and come to find...it's a class 1 misdemeanor! So he and I have been all upset about it lately...he has to hire a lawyer which will cost about $850 plus any fines they give him (up to $2500). He was actually in the right spot to fish, which the entire area is completely fish friendly, but then he stepped to the side to grab something of his he dropped and of course during those 30 seconds, a police officier who was mouthy and embarassing him in front of a female rookie he had with him, gave him the ticket. So his hearing isn't until Sept 14th, but obviously he's been stressing. He's already taken pictures and all, and the lawyer told him b/c his record is clean and he was obviously confused with signs and the friendly layout, his fine should be low, but I can't help but think that it could go toward his school loans or toward our vacation fund....so wish us luck on that one ladies...
AND...his stupid sister's wedding is this weekend. Please tell me this. If you have no money and know darn well that your mom and step dad who really have no money, but are trying to give you everything they can, would you gnomies have the following for your wedding: A wedding and reception for 250 people, a rehearsal dinner, 2 breakfasts, 2 bachelorette parties w/limos at each one, a spa night for mother daughter and a seperate spa night for all bridesmaids, a bridal luncheon, limo for the wedding and 2 bridal showers....

I just don't understand where all the money is coming from! I've already had to pay for my dress, alterations, part of the limo for the 1st bachelorette party...and it's taking up thursday, friday, saturday and sunday! Does she not realize we all work and can't take off all these days?! Ridiculous girl that does not understand the meaning of money

Ok..rant over.
Kels-Blake and I always pack trail mix (the fruit and nut kind), seperate pieces of fruit, granola bars, yogurt...little veggie and dip singles or apples/caramel...all kinds of options

Jess, how horrible about Blake's trespassing ticket! His sister sounds like a real piece of work! One of my work friends is dealing with a similar situation with a friend who is getting married. She was in tears this morning because this friend has turned into such a Bridezilla!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Jess - I'm so sorry with all that you are dealing with! Poor Blake, I'm sure everything will work out, it sounds like the cop was just on a power trip.

Jackie - How sad. Poor kid needs someone to help her. The thought of alcohol at 8AM makes me a little queasy.

Kels - I forgot to give you road trip suggestions. We really like the almond packs they sell and Planter's has a new granola mix out that is so good, I love it. Hmmm...what else....oh sometimes we get those more adult looking lunchables that you dont' have to heat up, that are sandwich wraps and such. Also, they sell chicken strips pre-cooked that make really good wraps. Those would be okay in the cooler I would think.

 

[kschafer]

What the HE## Jackie?! I don't even want to imagine being in the situation of busting a 13 year old for booze! That girl must be in a terrible place in her life and at such a young age, makes me sad

Jess, that stinks about Blake! Hopefully the judge will be understanding of the situation but still, you are going to be out the lawyer fees and that stinks! Yes, the wedding festivities seem a bit out of hand in my opinion! My parents gave us a budget and told us we could go as far over as we wanted but that we would pick up any excess cost. Trust me, you can have a perfectly lovely wedding on a budget! Also, we severely limited what we asked our wedding party to contribute in both time and money. It's not ALL about the bride and groom's needs!

Kels, I like lots of the suggestions of the other girls. I typically pack things like chex mix, crackers, granola bars and cereal bars then in the cooler keep lots of drinks, grapes and string cheese. The family is pretty happy with those choices and it saves a ton in snacks purchased at gas stations along the way

so our internet is still acting funky (will work an hour or so then the signal will drop, turn off the modem and router, turn on and it will come back again) it looks like the problem is in the router because if I hardwire into the modem, the problem goes away. So I looked at the router this morning to figure out what to do next and it gives a website for service needs. Um...HELLO!!!...if I'm having problems with my internet, how am I supposed to go to your website???

Flooding issues continue in my hometown (the today show opened with shots of the city). they have limited water now, not drinkable but at least they can flush toilets again! The city threatened yesterday to shut the entire system down again if people wouldn't listen to their pleas for people to conserve what little was available. Greg said the evening news last night showed images of sprinklers on (during flooding ) and people at the car wash...not exactly good conservation practices! The forecast is for another severe line of storms to move through tonight and it won't take much to push the water back out of the banks

 

[jenjolt]

Oh Jess!! I'm so sorry!!! I'm sure it will all work out!!! I will be sending many good thoughts your way!!!

Well gnomies, I have some good news to share. Phillip got a job today!! WOOT WOOT!! He is so excited to get started! It's has an instructional aide, so he will be helping in the classroom but won't have all the stress and extra work that comes with teaching! The best part is the benefits, so I won't have to have him on my insurance!!!! So happy for answered prayers! Thank you gnomies!! You guys are the best!

 

[Charleston Princess]

That's awesome, Jen!!! I am so happy for you!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Happy Friday, gnomies!

Jen- congrats on Phillip's job! That must be such a relief!

Katie- so sorry to hear about the situation in your hometown. How can people have their sprinklers going and go through the car wash??? That doesn't even make sense!!

Wow, Jackie. That is a tough situation to deal with. Did Chelsea have any commentary on the situation? Or maybe (understandably) you don't want to post it on the internet. Being the parent of a teen must be challenging!

Jess- hang in there, my friend. Wishing you luck on the fishing fine and also that you'll be able to be your wonderful self throughout this wedding weekend.

LL- loving the surprise you revealed on your PTR. Absolutely perfect!

Kels- I'm afraid I have no road trip suggestions. But I am looking forward to hearing all about your adventure!

Anyone going to be around tomorrow night for chat? Maybe??

 

[Charleston Princess]

C, Happy Friday is right! I am about to head to the couch with my book! Of course, Charles says that just means I am going to fall asleep in about five minutes. He is probably right.

By the time Chelsea got in the car yesterday afternoon, she had heard all sorts of things. Then, I guess the girl in question had posted on FB that she was mad at whoever snitched on her. Really??? Anyway, we talked a lot about it on the drive home.

So, here is my funny for the day, Gnomies. Charles has been having all sorts of stomach pain lately, so the doctor has ordered a bunch of tests to try and determine what is wrong. Today he had to go in and eat eggs that had some sort of radioactive material put on them, and then, they watched what happened as they were digested. Well, in true Connor fashion, he asked his daddy, "So, how were those uranium eggs???" We had to explain to him that it wasn't uranium Charles ate today. I don't even know how he knew uranium was radioactive in the first place.

 

[jenjolt]

LOL!! Connor cracks me up!! From now on if I'm having a bad day, I'm texting you Jackie and you have to ask Connor to come up with something witty to share with me!!! LOL!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

LOL!! Connor cracks me up!! From now on if I'm having a bad day, I'm texting you Jackie and you have to ask Connor to come up with something witty to share with me!!! LOL!!!

Anytime, Jen! Connor is always making us laugh!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I agree. Connor is the best. From now on when I'm playing the Pollyanna "glad game" I will say, at least I didn't have to eat uranium eggs for breakfast!

You are doing a great job with your kids, CP!

I can't wait til we can all be in WDW at the same time and hang out.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I agree. Connor is the best. From now on when I'm playing the Pollyanna "glad game" I will say, at least I didn't have to eat uranium eggs for breakfast!

You are doing a great job with your kids, CP!

I can't wait til we can all be in WDW at the same time and hang out.

Ah, thanks!

Yes, I am using the "no uranium eggs" from now on, too!

We would have such a great time hanging out!!!

 

[kschafer]

Hooray for Prince P and you too Jen!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

2 months 'til my trip!!!

Just had to shout it out to a group who could appreciate it. Although I do not want to say goodbye to summer, here's hoping the next 60 days fly on by.

Hope you're all having a great Saturday!

 

[Lady Lallie]

That Connor, oh my, he is hilarious.

Hi Gnomies!!

How is everyone's weekends going??

C!! 2 months!! Yayayayaya!!!

 

[Roxychica7]

2 months!! Yay C!!
LL-your trip is so close too!!

YAY for Prince P!! So happy for you Jen! Woo, now just have to get that house closing out of the way!!

Uranium eggs...oh gosh Connor..
Love that glad game though! I am certainly using all of it I can this week. We got back yesterday from our trip, my parents ended up spending the night, then left at 7:50 this morning to make the rest of the trip back to Baltimore. Blake left shortly after until tuesday night for D.C. for work. Spent the day catching up on laundry, organizing, petsmart, target, and the mall for some things. So, yeah...you girls...HAVE to see this itinerary!It takes up 4 pages in a word document! Here's just a sample:

8/19 (Thursday) 6-8pm Rehearsal
8/20 (Friday)7pm bachelor/bachelorette party (begins at Blake's moms for Lingerie Shower....excuse me, but didn't she already have 1 prior bachelorette party AND 2 bridal showers?!)
8/21 (Saturday) 9am breakfast for bridesmaids, 4:30 rehearsal dinner, spa following
8/22 (sunday) 10am hair and makeup, 1:45 pm Limo, 2pm head to wedding, 2:15 help bride into dress, 2:30pm begin pictures....and so on and so on....

So...yeah.
And...I don't wanna go to work tomorrow! Double blah!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Ugh Jess. That doesn't sound like fun at all.

Morning Gnomies!

Jackie, I have a question for you. Remember a few months ago you suggested those books....they were dessert titles or something like that, candy maybe? Apple pie?? I don't remember the author, and I want to see if she has any other books. In fact, if you have any good suggestions I'd take them. I'm starting to prepare my vacation reading.

Did you read that Lisa Scottoline book?

 

[Charleston Princess]

C, hurray for two months!

Jess, ugh, what a schedule!!!

LL, I did read Look Again! Couldn't put it down until I finished it! In fact, I had to peek in the back of the book to make sure it ended correctly because it was making me so stressed out. I really liked it. I just finished Sarah Addison Allen's latest book, The Girl Who Chased the Moon. It was just as wonderful as The Sugar Queen and Garden Spells. I am not sure about the series you mentioned -- I did read one series about a woman who runs a bakery in Minnesota (Joanne Fluke is the author), but they were just okay.

Some books I have enjoyed lately:
Interred with Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell (kind of a Da Vinci code but with a female main character, and it dealt with Shakespeare).

Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell (same main character -- this time about Macbeth.)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (I can't tell you how much this book pulled me in -- it wasn't even about anything that I would normally want to read about, but once I picked it up, I could.not.put.it.down. If it hadn't been the second week of school, I would have been tempted to call in sick. )

Did you read Insatiable by Meg Cabot yet?

 

[Lady Lallie]

That is who I was thinking of!! I knew it had to do with sweets, one of the titles. I guess I was mixing that title up with the Flavia books. I will look for her third book at the library, Sarah Addison Allen's that is.

I have read almost all of Lisa Scottoline's book, I'm on my second to last one of all the ones she has out. I'm going to be so sad when I'm done, I really love them.

Thanks for the recommendations, I will look at them tomorrow online. I forgot about that Meg Cabot one, I bet that would be a good vacation read!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Insatiable would be a great vacation read as would The Girl Who Chased the Moon!