Some progress...and then again...

The kids and I had a pretty good day. We got many errands run and had some fun too! Jared and Jonah seem to be having a fun time. Jonah got to go skeet shooting and shot his first rifle. Jared said he worked hard on the service project this morning--that kid needs it! And they got to do some fishing. I can already hear the complaints of "unfairness" coming from Rachel.

When Jared told Jonah he was going to take him the first thing Jonah said was, "We can get Rachel a spoon from Louisiana!" Hopefully they'll remember and that will smooth things over.

Per Dr. Haymond's request I called the Pediatric Endocrinologist in Boise for an appointment before school starts. She'll be due in August anyway, so I need to get an appointment now.

One problem. There is no longer a pediatric endocrinologist in Boise. Nice.

When I called the clinic the lady said, "Our clinic is currently not operating because we don't have a doctor..."

She gave me the names of 2 doctors they have been referring patients to. One is an Adult endocrinologist--which I won't do. The other is (I'm guessing) an internist. When she told me about the second guy she said, "and Dr. _______ is a diabatologist in Caldwell."

Me: "a what?"
Her: (giggling) "I think he made up that name. He's a doctor with a special interest in diabetes."

I'm thinking...I have a special interest in pottery, but I don't call myself a potologist!

So, no doctors in Boise for Rachel. The lady at the clinic said that they are "hopeful" to someday have another doctor. They will have a pediatric endocrinologist come once every other month but he will be addressing endocrinology patients only--no diabetics.

Talk about discrimination! So it looks as if we will be making quarterly visits to Grandma and Grandpa Ellison's for appointments at Primary Children's. I will probably look into a doctor for Luke in SLC as well. If we have to go down for Rachel he can come with us every 6 months for his appointment. I'd probably feel better about having him seen in Salt Lake anyway.

A disappointing day in that regard. Tomorrow will be better.

3 things I won't miss about Houston...

1. Fire Ants:

The fire ant season has opened. I have not had any bites this year--but then I haven't been doing any yard work as of late. Seth has not been so fortunate. When I came back from my trip to Utah/Idaho he had a hand full of bites. I still don't know the story. I will be bidding a fond adieu to the little creatures whom I hope to never see again.

2. Snakes:

I just went out to put some stuff in the car for tomorrow and as I was walking back to the house a little snake wriggled its way across my path. It is dark and I do not have shoes on which compounded the problem. I do not like snakes--unless they are behind glass. I have come across many a snake in our time here in Houston. I know there are many snakes in Idaho, but I'm dreaming that they keep themselves hidden in the mountains...I don't plan on seeing many in my yard.

My 3 favorite incidences were--when Jared's mom was here for a visit and I believe we found 3 in a 2 day period. Blaa!

The best though was when Karen was visiting and we found a 18 inch Texas Rat in our garage. It was all coiled up and looked like it was ready to strike, so we decided we needed to destroy it. I went around the front of the garage door with a shovel, Jared had another to keep it from going in the wrong direction and Karen was assigned to open the door.

When she opened the door a salamander fell onto Jared and then scurried off. Jared got the snake onto the grass and then proceeded to rid us of it. It was not pretty. I think Karen thought we lived in the reptile house.

Another great snake story is when Diana Banta--my next door neighbor and who is mortified of snakes and spiders--was just leaving and stopped to tell me something. She got about 3 words out when a snake fell from the vine on the house and missed her by about 3 inches. I have never seen her run so fast!!

3. I will not miss the St. Augustine grass. It is yucky. When I was looking at homes in Boise I wanted to lay down and do grass angels on the nice soft REAL grass!

I was talking with a couple of moms after Rachel's party and telling them about the move. I mentioned to them that I couldn't wait to have "real" grass. The one mom nodded her head and the other said, "what do you mean real grass?" At first I thought she was kidding, but then I realized she had no idea what we were talking about. The other mom proceeded to tell her that grass up north looks and feels like velvet--which I thought was a pretty good description. I guess this woman has not been north of Texas.

Jared and Jonah are almost to LA. Jared called to tell me that Jonah had forgotten to pack them sleeping bags. Does anyone else see anything wrong with that statement?

The confused little mind of a 2-year-old...

I love toddlers...well, most of the time.

It always cracks me up when they try to say things the way THEY hear them.

For quite a while Seth has said that I am beautiful and "Daddy is Hansen"--meaning handsome. He refers to himself as "Hansen" as well.

So last night I asked him if he was excited to see grandma in a few weeks to which he replied, "There are two grandma's!"

I agreed and asked who the 2 grandma's were. He answered, "Grandma Hansen and Grandma Beautiful!"

He's also a bit confused about what brother and sister mean. He understands the gender of each, but to him it is a term of endearment.

When he's feeling lovey he'll say, "Mom, you're my sister." Meaning he loves me. When his friends Jace and Quinn were over the other day he said, "Quinn is my sister and Jace is my brother." He loves them too!

So today Rachel was laying on the couch with me talking and Seth wedged his way in between us and then said to Rachel, "She's not your sister, I'm her brother!" An attempt to put Rachel in her proper place of affection from me.

Jared and Jonah headed off for a day with the scouts on their High Adventure in LA. They will be back Friday. I'm going to take the kids on a day trip either tomorrow or Friday. We'll try to squeeze in some swimming too--if weather permits. It's looking a bit scary out there right now. If so we'll postpone until next week.

Have a good Thursday.

Let me introduce you...

to my box collection.

I've been collecting from neighbors and got a nice big basket of boxes from Wal-Mart the other day. Add these to the massive collection in our attic--Jill gave me all their boxes 3 years ago after they moved to Dallas--and we have WAY more than we need. So, when I've got what I need I'll start passing some on to our friends the Wake's who are moving this summer as well.

I have to admit I love a good box--but my real problem is bags. I love paper shopping bags. I don't know why...but I'd even say I get sort of a rush when my purchase is large enough in size or quantity to warrant a paper shopping bag.

In going through things the other day I found a teeny little paper bag with handles that dates back to 2000...a "snack bag" from Delta when Rachel, Jonah and I flew to SLC for a visit. It's amazing that I can remember that and cannot remember to send permission slips back to school the next day. Maybe if I unloaded some of my mental baggage...

So moving day is 4 weeks from today. I don't even like to mention it.

Yesterday we went to the school to gather Rachel's medical supplies from various corners and crevices in the school. I won't need to buy snacks for home for a while.

We went in to the clinic to say goodbye to Mrs. Jeffries who has served us well for 5 years. I knew that it was going to be a tough goodbye. Mrs. Jeffries is one whom I don't think cries openly much. You've got to be a little tough on the outside to be a school nurse!

I told the boys to give her a hug and could tell that she was trying to keep herself in check. She even gave Seth a hug. Then as she turned to Rachel she really started to cry--as did I. She is one of Rachel's (and my) dearest friends. Then she turned to me and we both REALLY started to cry. She is retiring this year which I'm sure added to the emotions that day. She has been at the school since it opened. About 24 years.

We are going to miss her so much. To Rachel she was like an extra grandma. She listened to all of Rachel's stories and supported her in many ways. She attended Rachel's baptism a couple of years ago which really meant a lot to all of us...and at her baptism she gave Rachel a beautiful James Avery charm bracelet with a baptism shell charm and a dove charm (which I believe represents the Holy Ghost). Rachel has added a few more charms to it now and will continue to as she grows. It will be a good reminder of our good friend Barbara.

The packing is coming along. I'm getting tired of it so I think I'm going to take some time off. We have lots of fun things we want to do before we go so I think we'll focus on that for a while. The packing can wait.

Have a good Saturday!

Let's give it up for Rachel!

Last night was the BIG night! Rachel's American Idol Birthday Party.

I feel like it was a success. We all had fun. Even Jared and I. She had 10 girlfriends from school come--Jonah was in heaven!

Each of the girls brought a "number" to perform. It was great. I'm amazed at the confidence they all had...and how supportive they were of each other cheering them on. She is lucky to have such great friends.

Jonah and Luke were the judges, but Luke pooped out after the 2nd performance, so Jonah was on his own. I was worried that he was going to rig the thing so that his favored Sophie would win--but when another girl started doing back walk-overs and kart wheels he was star struck. This particular girl was given a score of 3,000...with a possible high score of 20. He was quick to bend the rules for the acrobat.

The girls made flip flops. They turned out pretty cute. They jumped out on the trampoline and had music BLARING--good thing the Christies live behind us--and the farmer on the other side of us had a big band in his pasture a few weeks ago that kept us up for a while, so we decided not to feel bad if we were disturbing him.

Jonah and Luke jumped in for the "Cha Cha Slide"...it was a hoot!

Today is the first swim meet of the season. I let Jared take the kids at 6:30 and I stayed home to wait until Seth woke up--and sleep in myself. I'm always ready to make sacrifices for the team!

I'm not sure how Luke will do...he still can't make it the 25 meters without grabbing the rope. I hope his relay team is aware that they WILL be DQ'd.

Have a great Saturday!

Well celebrated...

I made it back. I had to get up at 4:30 MST--to be at the airport at 5:15 a.m.

It is nice to be home. The kids were happy to have me as was Jared. He's had quite a week. It was nice to have a break.

Here is a poem that Rachel wrote for me:

To: Mom

It would take a whole dictionary to say all the stuff,
that you do for our family even if it’s tough.
The washing, the cooking, the cleaning & scrubbing,
The sweeping, the dusting, the mirrors that need rubbing!
We love you though sometimes we can get to be bad,
And we hate it whenever you get to be sad.
everything’s perfect when you are around,
And we could hardly bear it when you were out of town.
All of us just want a moment to say,
We hope that you have a great
Mother’s Day!

I she not the sweetest. I also got some nice gifts including a gift certificate (made by Rachel) for the big Texas Star I've been wanting to get to adorn our home in Idaho. I've had it picked out for years...

Now Mother's day greetings to 2 great moms.

For Jared's mom...the greatest example of POSITIVITY! She is the energizer bunny. We love you and are so grateful for all of your help finding us a home--and all of the other many things you do for us.

And to my mom...what a great example you have always been to me. With all the time my dad was away with work and church assignments...I cannot recall ever hearing her complain. She is generous and kind. I was thinking the other day about my Junior year of High School which was a particularly difficult year for me. I couldn't have made it through without the support of you, mom. I remember on occasion when I was having a bad day--at some point during the day I would go to my locker and find a little treat (usually my favorite cookie from the local grocery store) and a note that just said "I love you." She just always knew what to do.

I love you mom!!

It's a go...

So the sellers gave a counter offer that was just a titch more than our offer, so we accepted it.

So now all the formalities of paper work and loans...blaaa blaaa blaaa.

I do like the house. Seth keeps asking to see the pictures I sent of "my playground" and "my backyard." He has no clue that we're moving...but seems to be in favor of the big red slide.

I'm in Utah for a couple more days. I have a wedding to go to on Saturday, and get to go see Jared's Uncle Michael give an organ concert in Bountiful Saturday night. He and Aunt Maria just returned from a 2 year assignment in Jerusalem--doing concerts at the BYU center in Jerusalem.

Last night I got to hang out with Jared's sister Sarah...way fun!! Today I went to lunch with my sister Karen...also way fun!!

Jared and the kids seem to be surviving without me. I am looking forward to getting back to them.

Rachel is having an "American Idol" birthday party next weekend--just a month late. She's quite excited. We'll see how that all works out.

Not much else to tell. Happy mother's day to all the mother's and prospective mother's out there.

Home Sweet Home?

Well, I found a house (or two) in Boise where I think we can rest our weary bones. I have to say it was not a fun process for me.

BUT...I found something that I think will work--assuming the owners accept our offer. We shall see. If not there is another house I really liked as well, just a block away from the 1st and so that is our back up.

It is a great neighborhood with a nice pool and playground only a half block away. The Elementary is new--opening this fall--and is 0.2 miles from the house! The Jr. High--which Rachel will go to 2008--yikes!--is also new and opens this fall. It is about a mile away, I think.

The High School--Rocky Mountain High (I know you're all singing right now) opens fall 2008! It is about 1/2 - 3/4 mile from the house. (As is the church directly across the street from the HS)I don't know if that's a good or bad thing to have unseasoned schools to go to, we shall see.

The other great thing about the house is that it is 4 miles from HP and the back yard opens to about 1 1/2 acres of grass. Just grass. I can vision Jared running football drills with the boys already.

So hopefully it will work out. If not choice #2 is great too...without the 1 1/2 acres of grass...but same distance to the school's and church.

So I will end this post happy to have less stress to carry back to Houston...but on the verge of tears that this means we have to move.

The cursed washing machine...

So...about 5 or 6 years ago our neighbors got a new washing machine and it flooded their entire downstairs causing them to replace all flooring in their home. Instead of getting the machine checked out...they bought a new one and gave the older new one to us.

I had a sneaking suspicion that it was a case of not being properly hooked up. So we took it and hooked it up and I have done 6 years (which equals to a kazillion loads) worth of laundry without a hitch. Until this week.

The drip tray started filling up. I didn't worry too much about it, but watched each load carefully as to not have any major issues to clean up. We have 7 weeks of laundry to get through and then I'll be whitening my whites and brightening my brights in some red or orange LG's--I hope. What I do know is that these machines are not coming on the trek west.

So this morning...I put in a blanket that had been the unfortunate recipient of an "accident" in the night. I stuck it in and was quickly distracted by two boys threatening each other and doing unkind things. I took care of that and went on my way until I heard Luke say "why is all this water floating in our house?"

Nine words you DON'T want to hear when you are in the process of selling.

Well, the demons came out I yelled at everybody to get on their shoes and "get out of my house", I grabbed the broom and started sweeping the flood out the front door. I couldn't seem to find a neighbor with a wet vac (or so they said) and Jared had me take back the one I bought for him last year for Father's Day because he thought it would be "too bulky to move".

So after I swept the water on the floor out and dried the tile with towels--which I can't wash because they too will overflow--( You see the vicious cycle here? Maybe that's the problem...I have the machine set on "vicious cycle") I used my bulb syringe for cooking to suck all the water out of the drip tray. About 2 gallons worth!! All the water is cleaned up and all is well...well kind of.

As you can tell it's been a lovely morning all ready.

On to better things...Luke's Kindergarten class had their music program yesterday. It was quite entertaining. Luke got quite nervous and was doing all movements with just his fingers held down in front of him as if to keep any viewers from seeing his participation. It probably wouldn't have been so bad except he was stationed next to Allie who is the queen of big! Had they place the kids in order of enthusiasm...they would have been at opposite ends of that line. Poor Carrie has to endure it all again on Thursday with Caroline's class.

The last, and most exciting part, was the chicken dance! Parents were encouraged to participate. Fortunately for me I had the camera and told Jared that he needed to go support his son while I took pictures.

The fact that I am NOT posting the picture of Carrie doing the chicken dance should show how much I value her friendship. Jared has to live with me anyway, so I feel free to post a picture of him. What a good dad.

A picture of Luke making the duck noise in a song. Yes he is wearing a St. Patricks Day shirt and yes he was the only child in the room who had very obviously dressed himself that day.

The cat's out of the bag!

We've moved on to another phase in our little family. Rachel lost her last tooth last week. I have to admit I was a bit sad at the thought, but glad there is one less kid I have to scrounge up quarters for in the middle of the night.

Since it was her last tooth we decided to do something special...(somehow the tooth fairy is extra cheap at our house. 50¢ a tooth is all you get around here. I have a hard time paying more for something naturally falling out of your head.)

So Jared got six silver dollars and put them under her pillow. I'm still trying to figure out where he came up with six. Seems like 5 or ten would have been a more logical number--but then I can't tell you why.

Anyhoo...they've been under her pillow for a couple of days, but she discovered them tonight. Jared said she came in and showed him and said, "That's a lot of money"--which probably stemmed from my lecture today about how much everything costs and why it made me cranky when she complained about the activities that SHE asked to participate in! I had to remind her today that it is not fun for me to sit by the swimming pool for 2 1/2 hours with a 2 1/2 year old so my 3 oldest children can have fun...

I digress. So Jared said to her, "You know it's me and mom don't you?" She said, "Yes." So now I'm dying to know when she decided that there really was no magical faiery flying into her room and leaving money in exchange for her old stinky teeth! Rachel and the tooth fairy have had a long correspondence over the years. She almost always writes a note--to which the tooth fairy responds. One time she even left some carrots under her pillow "because they are a healthy snack!"

So now she knows. She is officially big! And what a great big girl she is!