I'm generally a much busier person near the end of the summer and once school starts (here it is Mon, Aug. 30). That's why I haven't written as much or as often. I have to leave in about 45 minutes to take Dylan to have 3 baby teeth pulled. Ouch! They are so rotten it is down to the root, there is an infection in the gum, and the dentist fears they will hurt the adult teeth if they aren't pulled. Dylan is very scared, but I'm hoping we get through it without too many tears or hysterics. He has a tendency to get very anxious and nervous about things. He can ride bikes and skateboards like a daredevil, but getting needles in his mouth to numb it - that scares the hell out of him. Poor guy! I don't know if it will help or hurt him to have me with him. I have little tolerance for fear of things like dentist, doctors, tests, needles, etc. I guess because I've been subjected to every medical test known to mankind. Not really, but close. Still, I have to remind myself he's only a frightened child, despite the bravado he displays in front of friends.

We went to Kings Dominion this past weekend. Stayed overnight at Knights Inn Saturday. Had tickets where we could go to the park Saturday 5-10pm, then all day Sunday. Took advantage of it and had a great time. Both kids were finally tall enough to ride almost every ride, except for the 2 largest roller coasters. Alyssa was terrified, especially when we did the drop from the Drop Tower (a free fall), but she was a brave soul, faced her fears, and rode most rides. The one she hated afterward was the Reble Yell, of all things. That coaster is so old - I got on it when I was her age. It is one of the tamest coasters there. But she bit her lip while riding, and that was the end of that ride for her. She said she is NOT getting back on that one again. She loves the high flying rides that spin you harder than a dryer spins clothes. I had to get on all those types with her, as Charles and Dylan get dizzy from them. At the end of each day, Alyssa thanked me for teaching her to try the rides, even when she was afraid. She was so happy with herself for having done it.

School starts Monday. HOOORAY!!! Supplies are bought and we are ready to go. Alyssa has been wanting to go back for a month. Dylan still doesn't want to go back. He enjoys his playtime too much!

So much I could have talked about over the past week... swift boat ads, prisoner abuse follow-ups, economic woes of the country, Big Brother 5's Will (my favorite player) getting evicted last week, Charla and Myrna (my favorite team) being eliminated from The Amazing Race, watchng the movie 'Osama' (you MUST see this!), going to my first Basket Bingo and not winning anything, organizing events for PTA, the new shows coming on this fall, the Olympic men's gymanstics medal controversy, the fighting in Iraq, the crash of the 2 Russian planes. So many topics, so little time. And it will only get worse since my other job is added once the school year starts - I substitute teach also. Plus, the kids birthdays are coming soon, and there's planning to be done for them.

So, until next time, adios.......................