And it Burns, Burns, Burns... the State of Florida

I think it's safe to say there aren't going to be any 4th of July fireworks around these parts (I feel really country when I say "these parts". Is that a country thing?). On Monday the governor declared a State of Emergency due to the numerous wildfires and drought conditions throughout the state of Florida. Check out this map of the area surrounding my city:

View Wildfire locations in a larger map

Wildfires are pretty common in Florida, but it has been out of control this year. Apparently there are currently over 116,000 acres burning right now. The stench of smoke has hung in the air for weeks now. It wasn't so bad at first. I enjoy the smell of a camp fire and heck, I was even craving some smores at one point. But now? Now it is so strong that you can't even escape it in the house. It's even worse at work. My eyes and nose are burning as I type this. My throat feels raw and I'm a little bit dizzy.

I'm totally considering throwing myself down the stairs, blaming it on the smoke and going home with some workman's comp benefits. hehehe. Ohhh, don't worry (mom), I'm only kidding. Mostly.

Seriously, though. The smoke is thick. And the ash that is blowing around like our very own summer snowfall? It's creeping me out.

I took these photos with my cell phone about thirty minutes ago from the parking garage at work. It seems to be getting worse as the day goes on. Like I said, wildfires are common around here, but it hasn't been this bad since probably 1998. That year they had to shut down I-95. I'll never forget that because my mom, sister and me were on our way to Orlando at the time. We were heading to Universal Studios for our little family vacation and obviously, nothing was going to stop us! We woke up super early and drove down I-75 (I think?). The visibility was incredibly low and at times we could see fire burning on either side of the road. We must have just made it through before the authorities started closing that road down, too. I remember joking that maybe it was already supposed to be closed because we never saw anybody else out there. I will always remember my mom hunched over the steering wheel and totally white knuckling it all the way down. It was scary AND funny!



Oddly enough the hubs, stepkids and I have a trip planned to Universal this weekend. Thems wildfires best be movin' on before then... our resort hotel is non-refundable!

Thankful Tuesday: June 14th

This week I'm especially thankful for all of the (great) grandma's in Haeden's life. This past weekend we spent Saturday afternoon with Dan's mom and Sunday afternoon with my mom and grandmother, also known as Oma. Both visits involved pool time and delicious food. My heart runneth over and my stomach...well, now it does spilleth over my jeans.

There is SO. MUCH. LOVE. that surrounds my little guy. I hope he knows just how lucky he is to have these women in his life. I am sure he will someday. It's one lesson I'll make sure he learns.

Embrace The Camera: June 9th

My stepson is starting highschool this summer. Every year, with each new milestone, I ask the hubs if it makes him feel old. He always says no. I don't get it. I didn't even give birth to the kid (that would be really weird and creepy considering the age difference) and it makes me feel old! Sheesh!

Daniel is excited to leave behind the rules and restrictions of Catholic school and join the more laid back atmosphere of public school. He applied, auditioned for and was accepted into a rather prestigious art school's visual arts program. Some notable alumni of the school include members from the bands Yellowcard and Limp Bizkit. We are all so excited for him to start this new journey!

Daniel has always danced to the beat of his own drum. It's my very favorite thing about him. Also, I totally want this kid's hair color.

Kind of looks like my kid, right? People always think I'm his Mom. I get a bit of a kick out of it.

Thankful Tuesday - June 7th, 2011

Woo hoo! Look at me doing this post on time. You're impressed, right?

This week I want to talk about my Mom. If there is anyone I'm crazy thankful for (besides my babe and my hubs, of course), it's my Ma. She is truly one of my best friends and I don't like to think I'm co-dependent or anything, but I don't like to let a day go by without talking to her on the phone at least once. That's just how we roll. And, yeah, I know that usually it's the parent who wants to brag on their kids, but this week I want to thank my Mom for being the wonderful, selfless person that she is. Let me count the ways:

1. She has always put me and my sister first. Always.
2. She is my number one supporter and has always encouraged to me to believe in myself.
3. She changed her shift when Haeden was an infant just so that she could help provide daycare while I was at work.
5. She's always willing to watch Haeden so that the hubs and I can have a night on the town. Sometimes even a weekend out of town!
6. She still takes care of me when I'm sick. I'm 27 and have a family of my own, but when I'm sick? I still want my Mommy!
7. She is beautiful, smart and fun(ny).
8. The woman knows how to shake her groove thang. And she taught me to shake mine, too.
9. She is always there for me. No matter how big or small (but still big to me!) my problems are, she will stop what she is doing and listen. And then she'll give me great advice that I probably won't take and even greater hugs when I realize I should have listened.
10. Not only is she a wonderful mother, she is an exceptional "Nanny", too. Haeden gives her two thumbs up and big, slobbery kiss to show his approval.

Thanks, Mom, for being exactly who you are.