So much to do - so little time

I have fallen into the category of "sporadic blogger." I hate that. I also hate that Jacob is standing next to me with his shirt up repeatedly shoving his stomach into my shoulder, saying, "Push on my belly. Go ahead. Push on my belly." But such is life. He doesn't seem inclined to stop and it's really rather rhythmic after about 30 times.

The days have been busy around here. Cramming in some extra school work so that while I'm in Alaska, they can take it easier than normal. They seem to think that just because I'm on vacation, they should be also, but it doesn't work that way. They will school and Andi will be their substitute teacher.

I've been cooking like crazy to have enough meals in the freezer for us to have a cooked meal everyday while we're in Gatlinburg, for every night I'm gone to Alaska and several extra for when I get home. So the freezers are filled and our stuff is gathering daily in the living room for our trip to Gatlinburg.

Everyone is very excited about that and I think the kids will make lifetime memories next week, so that is exciting to me.

I've learned one thing about cruising before ever leaving....."Wireless Internet Available" does not mean "included." Internet service is 75 cents per minute. I'm going to be buying a 100 minute package for 55 dollars (big savings), so I hope Blogger cooperates in loading pictures.

School is almost out for Andi and I suppose she will be working at the greenhouse this summer. Sophie and Keegan still come to Mamawland to hang out while she works and every day something happens that makes me think they are growing up way too fast. Sophie and I sat on the front porch today for awhile. I read a book and she kept a chart of the colors of cars that drove by.

I took Carly to the doctor today - she has an ear infection. I'm glad we got her started on some medicine before vacation -- and before we are going into the mountains. Hopefully, by Sunday she will be feeling much better.

Jacob wanted me to make a note for his timeline. Tonight he bought an IPOD touch on eBay. A blog is a wonderful way to keep all of your family history -- no matter how mundane.

I have to go to a doctor at Vanderbilt Medical Center in June and will be staying overnight. Does anyone know of a motel close to there that doesn't cost a fortune? They all seem to be rediculously high.

And that's it. Not a lot going on - just every day life at the crazy house.