First day

Paul had his first day at his new job yesterday. He loved it. He is very excited about this new job and he deserves it! I am glad to see him so happy.
On another note, when I called home last night, Paul was crying. He had been watching the new Spike Lee mini-series about Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina really did a number on Paul. He hasn't been the same since he got back. I am hoping that he is able to get some help for his psyche. He is so emotional about the ordeal and it is still very "raw" for him.
I am sitting in LC today. The day here is absolutely beautiful. The store hasn't been too busy this morning, so I am just taking some time out to write this blog.
On Sunday I went shopping with the familia for Back To School. Geez, already! William is going to be my big third grader. I am so blown away by the thought that I have a third grader! He is getting so big it is incredible. He is wearing a size 12. I just can't believe it. This year he can play football and we have asked him if he wants to. He is definitely built for football. But he is more interested in getting into the dolphin program at the aquatic center. He just loves swimming and loves the water!
Jack is going to be 5 in November. That is another brain blower. He is soooooo little! Opposite build of his big brother. He is moving up to the older age group in gymnastics already and he loves his nanny, Lynda. He is so limber and petite....I am jealous.
Both boys spend their Fridays with their Grandma and Papa during the summer, and they are spoiled to no end. They have a certain routine there and love the safety, security and unconditional love they have at their grandparents house. I am so blessed to have them in our lives. We stopped by with my mom on Sunday and chatted. My mom had picked up a special licorice she had talked to Grams about, so we dropped it off for her. I am so glad that they like each other and get along well. My family is pretty easy going that way. I hope we start our family dinners up again. It was really nice to see everyone every Sunday. I think Grams got a kick out the huge difference between John, Dianne and I. I talked to my mom the other day noting that John and Dianne are so completely different from each other. John has no traits of Dianne, and Dianne has no traits of John. I on the other hand, have a few traits of both, so it is easier for me to get along with each of them. But they clash like oil and vinegar. I will leave it to you to guess which one is which.
I have been hopping to trade shows on the weekends in Washington and Oregon. A lot of new products have been coming out and I am trying to stay on top of it all. Ordering for the stores and displaying the new products is fun, but I hate the budgeting part! I want it all!
I have been running the businesses on a cash basis only and it has been working very well for us, but I just drool over all the new stuff that comes out at the summer CHA show and it is hard to wait....
John has been working pretty much full time at the stores this summer. He does a great job. The women just love him. He is very good at selling things. This winter I will be demo'ing the Creative Cutter and trying to get them into the hands of local crafters. I think this is the perfect thing for John. It is an expensive tool, and he is good at pitching more expensive items.
I gotta run....

Aug. 22, 2006