Jesse seems so happy to be home. He’s smiling all the time and just brightens the whole house when he’s around. I don’t know how I got through the 3 years that he was in Hawaii.

I know he has a round trip ticket and anything can happen between now and the end of August when his return flight is scheduled. I just have a feeling, though, that he won’t be using that return ticket. I think he’s home for good. I realize that might be wishful thinking, but I do know my son pretty well. He’s happy here.

My hope is that the economy allows him to stay. Right now, he’s looking at different options. I think he’d like to take a look at the company where his brother works eventually. That may be a good fit for him. I know he isn’t crazy about the drive into PA but at least he’d still be home. I’d hate to see him have to travel away from home, looking for jobs in San Francisco or Arizona or some place far from here. Heck, I’ll drive him to work each day if that’s what it takes!

I’m sure Jesse will want to look into getting his own apartment if he decides to stay in the area. I just hope that doesn’t happen too soon. I’m not ready for him to leave just yet, even if it’s only a few miles away.

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Last year (and the year before) Nick and Brit were still together for Father’s Day so she took care of buying a gift from Kendyll. This year Brit isn’t here so it was up to me to get gifts for Kendyll to give to Nick.

Since Nick just bought his first car, Kendyll and I went with a car theme. Nick got a key chain with Kendyll’s picture on it, sunglasses, air fresheners, an emergency halogen spotlight, binoculars, and an emergency roadside tool kit.

Keep in mind that Nick is my kid who hates Christmas and birthdays because he can’t stand the let down afterwards. So when Nick was actually excited to see his gifts, and kept kissing Kendyll and thanking her, I was even happier than he was!

I know Nick had some auto parts picked out for his car, things like new rims and things like that. I’m pretty sure Nick knows he has to buy those things himself, though. After he pays his insurance. And buys gas.

In other words, he probably won’t get those things. That may be why he was so happy with the things he did get.

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I’m still not sure what Nick will want for his birthday next month. He loves the outdoors, especially fishing. He’s actually gone camping when night temps were below 40, and to me that’s just insane!

I have no idea what kind of fishing or camping equipment is good so I wouldn’t be brave enough to spend money on that stuff. I do know he’s been looking at waterproof footwear and he likes some Merrell shoes that claim to be waterproof. I may just order those for him since I already know that he likes them.

I’m sure he’s expecting something motorized but then Nick always expects a little more than what he knows he’ll get. He likes to make things interesting.

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Summer time is busy for so many reasons. Besides the kids being home from school and all the swimming, picnics and outdoor activities, I also have a birthday kid in every single summer month.

Actually, we loved the fact that we have a kid in June, one in July and another in August. My husband and I are both November babies and we’ve had our share of snowy birthdays. Outdoor parties in the sun are so much better than cramming into the house for cake and ice cream.

This month is Levi’s day. My baby boy is turning 12 – almost a teenager! It’s hard to believe he’s that old already. He and I have been through his wish list of presents which is much more affordable than my July boy, that’s for sure! Levi has picked out lots of clothes and a new PS3 game; Nick keeps pointing out “really cheap” used Harleys while Boomer likes to show me great deals on Honda Civics. Uh, yeah, like I’m even considering that.

Anyway, happy birthday to my boy. I love you Levi.

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A few weeks ago I met with Boomer’s teachers and advisors to help him with his schedule for next year. He’s been undecided about his future but suggested that he take some building construction classes since that’s the line of work his dad and brothers are in. That seemed like a good choice.

Then last week Boomer mentioned to me that he’s having his schedule changed. He’s dropping building construction and adding Spanish I the first semester and Spanish II the second. He wants to go to college; he’s thinking of becoming a physical therapist.

We live very close to a number of colleges and universities, so there’s no reason he can’t live at home and commute. My mom bought child insurance when he was born for a flat rate that converts into college scholarship money when Boomer graduates (or into an adult policy if he doesn’t go to college). It’s only a couple thousand dollars but it sure will help. Every little bit does.

I’m proud of Boomer for setting a goal for himself. His math teacher says he has a knack for math and expects Boomer to take calculus or advanced calculus his senior year. He’s on the Principal’s Honor Roll with straight A’s right now in all regular classes. You see, Boomer has a learning disability but refuses to take the “easy” classes. He pushes himself to achieve.

Yeah, I’m very proud of Boomer.

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Oh, wow! I was trying to organize my cleaning process and decided to bring all the plastic crates filled with clothes into one room. I thought it would be easier that way.

Imagine my surprise when I opened one box and found baby clothing! These clothes were not from Kendyll but from Maggie!!

Maggie is 15 now and these clothes are size 12 – 18 months. That means they’re over a dozen years old. Besides being surprised that I’d forgotten about them, I’m amazed that so many of her clothes were in such good condition. I’m also sad that I didn’t find them in time for Kendyll to wear them.

And if you’re wondering, I’m saving them. I may have another granddaughter someday, I just have to remember they’re there!

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I just realized that when Brian gets home from Hawaii, it will be the first time he sees Maggie’s friend, Amanda without her braces. Brian likes to tease the kids and their friends, good-natured of course, and Amanda was always a good sport (meaning she teased him right back).

Any of the kids’ friends who had braces were teased about their “Cadillac grills” on a Ford front end. I have no idea what that means or how Brian came up with that, but it always got the kids laughing. And yes, the kids tease Brian about his expanding waistline and the gray in his beard, too. It’s all in fun.

I wonder what else will be new around here to Brian and Jesse. I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention the little things going on and those will add up to something big when they get back.

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Why does any kid need more than one gaming system? I don’t get it. The kids still have their Nintendo systems, two or three I think. They’ve got an old PlayStation, a PS2 and a PS3. They have Gameboys and a Gameboy DS as well as two PSPs. But that isn’t enough. They want an xbox 360.

Can you imagine that? Why would anyone need all those game systems? Will someone please explain that to me?

And don’t try to compare it to my four PCs or my 137 shades of eyeshadow or my collection of Vintage Stratton Compacts or my 32 purses and handbags or… Okay, maybe they get it from me.

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The husband and #2 son will be coming home from Hawaii at the end of June. They’ll miss Levi’s 12th birthday but we’ll just have to celebrate over the 4th of July weekend.

On the plus side, they’ll be able to pick up something special for Levi’s birthday instead of the same old stuff from around here. I suggested Jesse head down to the surf shop in Hanalei and pick up some authentic Hawaiian boardshorts and maybe a shark tooth necklace.

On the other hand, all Levi talks about is that his big brother will be coming home soon. Just between us, I think having Jesse home will be the best birthday gift of all.

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Just in case you didn’t realize it, I’m the meanest mother in the world. My kids have awarded me that title based on a number of criteria, most importantly the fact that I actually force them to do chores. I know, the cruelty of such a thing is unthinkable. According to my kids, none of their friends are required to do chores.

No, I don’t believe them.

I’m guessing that most parents are just like me. Most parents expect their kids to do basic things like make their beds, put their clothes in the hamper, pick up their things. I hope that most parents also assign other chores like taking out the garbage, loading the dishwasher and cutting the grass. And if you have more than one child, keeping track of those chores, who does them when and who neglected their chores can get confusing. That’s why I like to use a chart to keep track of everyone’s chores. Except that too often I just don’t have time to make a weekly or monthly chart.

Now I can download free chore charts online with some really great designs. Each kid can pick out the design that he or she likes, too. Not only do these charts allow me to see at a glance how well each child is carrying through with chores, but it also helps the kids to feel a sense of accomplishment every time they mark another day that they’ve completed their chores.

I let my kids pick out their own favorite designs but in another month, a new feature will allow you to design your own chore charts. I can’t wait to try it out! My kids are actually excited about it, too, thinking about how they’re going to personalize their own charts. I admit, I was thinking about color coordinating the charts to match my kitchen but I think I’ll just let the kids have a free hand at it. Anything that gets the kids interested in doing their chores is a winner for me.

Now the question is, do I dare design a chart with a rugged macho look for my husband? Or is that pushing a good thing too far?

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