Back to School '08

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

The first day of school!!

But let's back up a bit shall we? Let's start with the night before school. You know, the one where you are supposed to make sure the backpacks are properly packed and your sweet children are tucked cozily in their beds in order to get a good night's sleep so they will be properly rested and happy to start another year of education. Yeah, umm, screw that. I took the girls to the American Idols concert.

Honestly, what kid REALLY sleeps the night before school anyway? They're always too excited or worried, so this way I just bypassed all that and occupied their minds with a fun activity. And when you grow up, you are so gonna appreciate music more than the fact that you know what an isosceles triangle is. I'm just teaching them in the school of life, people.

So the concert was fun! I'll give you a quick rundown:

Chikezie- love him, he's just a soulful teddy bear

Ramiele- is so much tinier in real life

Michael Johns- YUM and AWESOME

Kristy- bathroom break, unfortunately there wasn't a line and my bladder wasn't near full enough

Carly- big voice, great performer

Brooke- sugary sweet

Jason- STONED! I swear he was, he couldn't keep his eyes open. He apologized to the audience and said he was "dragging tonight". Dude we all know what you were dragging.

Syesha- bad, bad hair and the girl totally got a boob job, they were humongous!

David A. - adorable and that voice was AMAZING

David C.- ROCKED it out! And I would totally go see him in his own show. His voice and style are definitely fitting for the concert arena.

Emma was all about the show until David Cook came out. She wasn't really happy when he won, she wanted the other one. So when Cook came out she informed me that "he stinks on ice and I am not waving my glow stick for him". And then was certain he was talking about her when he called out a boo in the audience. He looked right at me Mom. And then was completely embarrassed when I caught her dancing to one of his songs.

And don't be concerned that Abby didn't get a good night's rest...

That girl could sleep through a freakin' tornado.

But anyway, today is the first day of school. I actually woke up at 6:30 this morning to flatiron Abby's hair. And told her not to get used to it. It's only because it's her very first day of middle school and it was a special treat. For the rest of the year, I won't even see them before they leave for the bus. Because Momma is all about her sleep.

And God bless the girl, she needs a little help. I mean she's been pumping Alli for information on how to survive and what to take to class on the first day. And all Alli told her was when you chew gum, just make sure you don't hide it under your tongue cuz the teachers know that trick and plus you can't talk well when you do that either. Gee, thanks! And my poor, sweet girl is going to rack up mucho tardy detentions seeing how her locker is on one side of the school and her classes are on the other and it is a LONG hallway and she is EASILY distracted. I have this overwhelming desire to go pick her up right now and put her back in the fifth grade.

Alli has been looking forward to today. Oh, not because of school starting, but because the new Dancing with the Stars lineup is being announced. But of course Princess has it made this year. Her locker is conveniently located, her schedule is perfectly accommodating, and her wardrobe is highly coveted by me. She's the big fish in the pond this year. And I have major, major hopes that all her "frenemies" worked out their hormone issues over the summer. Because I really can't relive the drama of 7th grade. But just in case, I'll always be here with a sympathetic ear and bowl of ice cream. And rum.

And Emma, could not have cared less that today was the first day of school. "I don't want to go. School is boring. Why did you sign me up for school anyway?" I signed you up so that I don't go to jail and because I love you enough to know that I must send you away on the school bus. Believe me, I'm a much better mom because of it. Which seemed to be a good enough answer because she was happy to bop out the door. And it had nothing to do with the fact that I bribed her with let her wear lipgloss and green mascara.

So they're gone and I'm doing the happy dance. Happy, happy, joy, j...

Wait. This one's still here. And don't let the smile fool you. She just demanded that I get her some dang pancakes, woman.

Happy dance on hold til next Wednesday. And then I'm busting loose!