The end of an era

So, after 13.5 years in showbiz, July 1 will be my last day at the movies. I started working there as a bratty, spoiled teenager scooping popcorn - I've ran the projectors, counted more money than I'll ever have, counted more inventory than I ever care to again, and heard people say, "$4.25 for a bottle of water?! How do you sleep at night?!" at least a million times. (And, now, water is $4.50, so there!) I have safety trained thousands of employees, hired probably as many, and fired a decent amount. I managed the concession stand for years, and did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself.

I met Ben while I worked there (at Kings Island as the concession manager), I got engaged and married while I was at Eastgate (which is now a parking lot), and had both my children while managing at Milford. I have made so many friends - lifelong friends that I will cherish - all from this job.

But, six months ago, things changed. I tried to stay and see how it worked out, and I decided it just wasn't for me. They can choose to run their company as they see fit, but it doesn't fit for me, so I have chosen to find employment elsewhere.

Starting on July 5, you can find me at a very popular wing joint. (I don't know their internet rules, but if it's allowed, I'll post the name later.)

Chicken Pox has invaded our house...

And, oddly, it's Parker that has them - I expected it would be Jackson first! It appears to be pretty mild right now - he has about 30 bumps and only one seems to be really itchy - Benadryl is managing that well. He doesn't seem to be having fevers or discomforts at this moment, knock on wood. But, if anyone needs chicken pox...

Happy 5th Birthday Jackson!!!

So, my baby is now 5. Five years old. It's so hard to believe that he's been a part of our lives for five years. We've had a lot of fun, we've learned a lot, and we've made a lot of mistakes. (Someone once said children are like pancakes - the first one usually gets messed up, but after that they come out really great!)

Jackson decided he wanted to have a party and invite his class. Luckily for us, the entire class didn't show up, just a good handful of his closest friends, and our family of course.

The theme was Transformers (I know, right?) We grilled out - burgers, hot dogs - and had potato salad, baked beans, chips, cake, and ice cream. The entertainment was a bounce house, which has proven to be one of the best investments of the summer!

We have a Karate Kid!

So, after soccer season ended, Jackson decided the next sport he should "play" is to be tae kwon do. Well, after much research looking for a studio that makes kids "learn to earn," so to speak. There are martial arts studios where after so much time and when you pay the fee, you get the next belt whether or not you have actually mastered any skills. We really didn't want that for Jackson, and the only place we could find that actually spelled out the belt policy was Ritter's Family Martial Arts Center in Mason.

After two weeks, Jackson has earned his first belt - a white belt. He is doing really well - he loves it. There are a lot of kids in his class, all different abilities and ages and he's very comfortable with the kids and the sensei. I am so, so happy we decided to do this!

Soccer - We are the Green Lizards

Jackson is loving soccer, even if he doesn't really get it yet. He tries hard and has fun, and in our family, that's all we ask. He did score a goal in one game, although I'm not sure it wasn't a fluke of some kind.

Pictures to come...

Jackson sings...

So, they were learning about occupations at school - you know - doctors, teachers, vets, police men... The teacher asks everyone what they want to be - Jackson wants to be a superhero. When he conveys this to me, I suggested maybe he could find something a little easier (I didn't want to say realistic...) The next morning, he ran into my room and declared, "Mom! I know a real job I can be instead of a superhero. I'm going to be a rock star!!!" (He then proceeded to tell me he is a better singer than Justin Beaver (Bieber).

You know, I suck at blogging.

I really, really try to keep up. I do. I just can't. Life happens and I get behind, and before you know it, it's April and Christmas isn't posted yet. (Hey, I did post Christmas before now, right? I think I did.)

Anyway, here's a sort of get all caught up few posts. Sorry, I'm trying to be better.

Let's see what's going on... Friday, Ben and Jackson will go on a Daddy and me field trip to Sunrock Farms. Jackson is SO excited that Daddy is going with him on his field trip, since I'm the one who usually goes. He has a soccer game this upcoming Saturday - please come out and cheer the Green Lizards to victory.

Parker is getting so fast with the walking, it's running now. He is so loving and affectionate. Today, I babysat Emily's youngest daughters and Parker was so cute with baby Charley, who will be 1 this weekend. When Charley woke up from her nap, he hugged her and patted her... then he hugged and kissed me - making sure I wasn't jealous, I guess!