We drove through Wendy's last night to grab something to eat on our way to Utah. Jonah and Luke insisted on getting "The Baconater"--a 1/2 pound burger with about 6 strips of bacon on it. They both enjoyed there meal--until about 2 a.m. when Luke's "Baconater" started coming back up... Yuck! He was a trooper and is feeling better. I don't think it was the burger, I think he was already not feeling quite right, but the burger didn't help. All is well now.
I discovered a nail in one of my tires, so I ran off to Wal-Mart to get it repaired. I sauntered through the store for and hour as I waited for it to be fixed. When my hour was up I paid for my items and started to walk back over to the auto place. I hear the screeching of tires, so I look to see what's going on only to see MY suburban doing donuts in the parking lot! I watch this guy go around and around in circles, and then speed off back over to the garage.
When I got there he was fiddling with the lug nuts on the wheels, so I figured he was fixing the squeaks and not joy riding in a 9 passenger vehicle in the parking lot at Wal-Mart. It did make me laugh...
I went inside to get my keys and check out. There was a man in paying for the new tires he had put on his sons car. The tire guy--complete with several piercings and tattoos, and a little rough around the edges--came in to hand the man his keys. The man says to him with his hand held out: "What is your name?"
The tire guy: "Mike."
The customer: (peering deep into Mike's soul) "Mike, Thank You for fixing my sons tires. My son is very precious to me and I want you to know how much I appreciate your work on his car."
Tire guy: (looking VERY uncomfortable at this point--along with me and the sales guy) "Uh, it's okay..."
Mr. Touchy Feely: "No, Mike (still holding onto Mike's hand) I REALLY want you to know how much my son means to me and you never know what is going to happen and I just feel SO much better having these new tires on his car."
Tire Guy: "Yeah, stuff can happen. He'll be okay now..."
Mike then prys his hand from the other man's and scurries off...
I got my keys--no charge--and went to get my car. Apparently Wal-Mart employs Hobbits or little Trolls to do all their tire work because my seat was all the way forward. My knees were in my throat.
But...it's all fixed, and Mike feels appreciated, so it's a good day.
"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing." Benjamin Franklin
8.31.2007
8.29.2007
A long week...
I'm looking forward to the long weekend! I'm sure ya'll are too.
So a few happenings today. I FINALLY got our cell phone #'s changed to local #'s. I wasn't going to , but the school said it was tricky for them to call long distance, so I had no choice.
After trips to 4 different Cingular stores I finally found someone who knew how to do brain surgery--or get new numbers for me. Apparently in 2007 it is easier to send a shuttle into space than to change the area code on my phone. But it's done! I will be sending out the new #'s with our change of address...I know you're all anxious to call me.
So while I was waiting for the surgery to be done on my phones I went into Target to browse. I'm guessing that it's safe to say that I have been in a Target approximately 1242 times in the last 8 years. Each time I peruse the aisles I have a child or two or 3 or 4 with me and they are a poor man's Circue de Soliel on my cart. I have people hanging off every side doing hand stands and on occasion walking the perimeter of the cart as if it were a tight rope. I tell you--as I knock on wood--I have not had 1 cart casualty in this time. (Note: This takes place at any store we go to not just Target)
So today, Seth and I were walking the aisles admiring the many new fall items. As we walked I noticed that for the first time in about 8 years I had a child sitting perfectly still in the seat of the cart. It was amazing! A new phase of life! I patted myself on the back and as I smiled I thought..."You've made it."
I turn the corner pleased as punch with myself and a 20 something Target "sales associate" stops me and says, "Ma'am, you really need to buckle your child in the cart. It's store policy. Do you need me to help you with that?" I'm sure she wondered if I spoke English because I think I just stared at her for what seemed an eternity. I assured her I could handle the buckle and thanked her for her concern. And then when she turned around I stuck my tongue out at her.
Thanks for sucking the wind right out of my sails!!!!!
We then headed over to Costco to grab some fruit leather--and that is all we got. A $10 purchase at Costco. You don't see that every day. The funny thing was as we approached the door and I gave the girl my receipt (have I told the story of when I ran out of Sam's club refusing to let them check my receipt?? I'll post that later.) It took a good 5 minutes to get out the door. She scanned my receipt with the ONE item on it. Then she looked into my basket to see that the ONE item on the receipt matched the ONE item in the basket. Sure enough it did.
She makes her slash across my receipt to show that I've passed the crucial check and then turns the receipt over to draw a smiley face on it. I really don't need a smiley face--I didn't even need the slash. My kids will have consumed the fruit leather by 3:30 anyway and the transaction will then CERTAINLY be complete.
I wait patiently as the girl discovers that her pen no longer works. She is, however, DETERMINED to give me a smiley face. She tries again, she shakes the pen to get any last ounce of ink to fall to the bottom with the force of gravity. She tries again, she looks around for another pen...more shaking and then FINALLY enough ink emerges to allow her the opportunity to make a cranky mother of 4 smile--so she thought.
I'm checking out now. I can't take it anymore. The nursing situation at the school get worse everyday...WE MISS YOU BARBARA!!!
So a few happenings today. I FINALLY got our cell phone #'s changed to local #'s. I wasn't going to , but the school said it was tricky for them to call long distance, so I had no choice.
After trips to 4 different Cingular stores I finally found someone who knew how to do brain surgery--or get new numbers for me. Apparently in 2007 it is easier to send a shuttle into space than to change the area code on my phone. But it's done! I will be sending out the new #'s with our change of address...I know you're all anxious to call me.
So while I was waiting for the surgery to be done on my phones I went into Target to browse. I'm guessing that it's safe to say that I have been in a Target approximately 1242 times in the last 8 years. Each time I peruse the aisles I have a child or two or 3 or 4 with me and they are a poor man's Circue de Soliel on my cart. I have people hanging off every side doing hand stands and on occasion walking the perimeter of the cart as if it were a tight rope. I tell you--as I knock on wood--I have not had 1 cart casualty in this time. (Note: This takes place at any store we go to not just Target)
So today, Seth and I were walking the aisles admiring the many new fall items. As we walked I noticed that for the first time in about 8 years I had a child sitting perfectly still in the seat of the cart. It was amazing! A new phase of life! I patted myself on the back and as I smiled I thought..."You've made it."
I turn the corner pleased as punch with myself and a 20 something Target "sales associate" stops me and says, "Ma'am, you really need to buckle your child in the cart. It's store policy. Do you need me to help you with that?" I'm sure she wondered if I spoke English because I think I just stared at her for what seemed an eternity. I assured her I could handle the buckle and thanked her for her concern. And then when she turned around I stuck my tongue out at her.
Thanks for sucking the wind right out of my sails!!!!!
We then headed over to Costco to grab some fruit leather--and that is all we got. A $10 purchase at Costco. You don't see that every day. The funny thing was as we approached the door and I gave the girl my receipt (have I told the story of when I ran out of Sam's club refusing to let them check my receipt?? I'll post that later.) It took a good 5 minutes to get out the door. She scanned my receipt with the ONE item on it. Then she looked into my basket to see that the ONE item on the receipt matched the ONE item in the basket. Sure enough it did.
She makes her slash across my receipt to show that I've passed the crucial check and then turns the receipt over to draw a smiley face on it. I really don't need a smiley face--I didn't even need the slash. My kids will have consumed the fruit leather by 3:30 anyway and the transaction will then CERTAINLY be complete.
I wait patiently as the girl discovers that her pen no longer works. She is, however, DETERMINED to give me a smiley face. She tries again, she shakes the pen to get any last ounce of ink to fall to the bottom with the force of gravity. She tries again, she looks around for another pen...more shaking and then FINALLY enough ink emerges to allow her the opportunity to make a cranky mother of 4 smile--so she thought.
I'm checking out now. I can't take it anymore. The nursing situation at the school get worse everyday...WE MISS YOU BARBARA!!!
8.27.2007
An observation
I'd like to think that I'm not TOO overprotective as a parent. I don't know maybe people would say otherwise. I think the little paranoia that does exist in this house comes from 2 sources--having your 1-year-old first baby be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and from Jared. I think he's a little more high strung than I... ;)
So, Jared's dad gave us some passes to a great water park near by. It was great. We had a wonderful time.
There was a slide...about 3 or 4 yards wide and about 8 or 10 yards long...not much of a pitch to it, but enough for the little ones to get some speed. At the bottom of this slide was about 18 inches of water. As I watched the kids I noticed that it was just perfect. Each child seems to land with a big smile on their face and the water hit them at about their chest. Not intimidating at all for any of them.
I watched Seth go down several times laughing all the way. Then this is where I start to giggle. There was a dad there, with his 2 girls who appeared to be around 18 months and maybe 3. It was a situation I've seen over and over again at the doctors office. First time parents with their beautiful little newborn and the ENTIRE extended family there for the well baby check up. What exactly is it that they think is going to happen at this visit?? And how do you fit all those adults in the tiny little exam room? Maybe I'm just bitter because I have never had an adult escort to ANY of my kids doctors appointments. I did, however, make Jared come with me to one of Rachel's well baby checks so he could go through the pain of immunizations and having your baby look at you and with their little eyes say, HOW COULD YOU LET THEM DO THIS TO ME? That feeling has since worn off and I just pin my boys down now and tell them to KEEP STILL!
I digress...
So back to the water slide. This dad was there with his little girls...wife, grandma and grandpa. All in the kiddie area. I notice the dad take ONE of the little girls to the top of the slide as grandpa positions himself at the bottom. As they slide down I watch the dad lift his daughter into the air as to keep her from getting wet. As he approaches the end Grandpa reaches forward and grabs her from dad saving her from the impending doom that awaited her at the bottom.
The funniest part of it all was that in doing so dad lost his balance and he went completely under and was thrashing around trying to find which way was up. And then it began again with the other little one. I watched them do this over and over, and wondered when they would notice that no one else was going to these extreme measures to protect their children from the water at the water park....or that the 18 inches of water that would not have touched her face had she gone in on her own.
So after getting a good laugh I took my 3 year-old "baby" back to the "Racer"--a 3 story slide that you go down head first on your tummy, on a mat, BY YOURSELF because there are no dual riders. It was great fun!
So, Jared's dad gave us some passes to a great water park near by. It was great. We had a wonderful time.
There was a slide...about 3 or 4 yards wide and about 8 or 10 yards long...not much of a pitch to it, but enough for the little ones to get some speed. At the bottom of this slide was about 18 inches of water. As I watched the kids I noticed that it was just perfect. Each child seems to land with a big smile on their face and the water hit them at about their chest. Not intimidating at all for any of them.
I watched Seth go down several times laughing all the way. Then this is where I start to giggle. There was a dad there, with his 2 girls who appeared to be around 18 months and maybe 3. It was a situation I've seen over and over again at the doctors office. First time parents with their beautiful little newborn and the ENTIRE extended family there for the well baby check up. What exactly is it that they think is going to happen at this visit?? And how do you fit all those adults in the tiny little exam room? Maybe I'm just bitter because I have never had an adult escort to ANY of my kids doctors appointments. I did, however, make Jared come with me to one of Rachel's well baby checks so he could go through the pain of immunizations and having your baby look at you and with their little eyes say, HOW COULD YOU LET THEM DO THIS TO ME? That feeling has since worn off and I just pin my boys down now and tell them to KEEP STILL!
I digress...
So back to the water slide. This dad was there with his little girls...wife, grandma and grandpa. All in the kiddie area. I notice the dad take ONE of the little girls to the top of the slide as grandpa positions himself at the bottom. As they slide down I watch the dad lift his daughter into the air as to keep her from getting wet. As he approaches the end Grandpa reaches forward and grabs her from dad saving her from the impending doom that awaited her at the bottom.
The funniest part of it all was that in doing so dad lost his balance and he went completely under and was thrashing around trying to find which way was up. And then it began again with the other little one. I watched them do this over and over, and wondered when they would notice that no one else was going to these extreme measures to protect their children from the water at the water park....or that the 18 inches of water that would not have touched her face had she gone in on her own.
So after getting a good laugh I took my 3 year-old "baby" back to the "Racer"--a 3 story slide that you go down head first on your tummy, on a mat, BY YOURSELF because there are no dual riders. It was great fun!
They're off!!
They all looked sharp and ready to go. They have a short day today...just to wean them on I guess.
Seth insisted on wearing his backpack to take them to school--and insisted on running and not riding in the stroller. So I pushed my 2 seater with my 2 invisible children in it. Won't do that again.
Happy 1st day of school ya'll!
Happy Birthday Noah & Karen! (& Dan & Sam & Lydia & Jeff)
So I've been terrible about birthdays. My goal for next year--we can't be too ambitious--is to get my game back on. I used to be so good about remembering them.
Little Noah turned 1 on Saturday...is he not the cutest round little thing? What a sweet boy...and he has a good pirate face too--aargh!
So Karen is the big 32!! Wahoo!
Some things that we love about Karen:
- She has been a faithful visitor to our many far away locations.
- She is a lot of fun and quite adventurous.
- She married a great guy named Jingle Bill...I mean Uncle Biff...I mean Uncle Bill. (Seth called him Jingle Bill initially, then lately seems to keep forgeting and calls him Uncle Biff--we did recently watch Back to the future...)
- She went to Holland on a mission and to Jerusalem on Study Abroad.
- She's silly.
- She always takes the kids for a dip in the "Hot Tubby" when we come to visit.
- She loves my kids and they LOVE her.
- She always tries to give me a break when I visit.
- She got me into A LOT of trouble when we were little--but finally confessed a few years back and I got an apology from my mom for grounding me many time when I REALLY didn't deserve it!
- She is a great friend & I love her!!!
8.26.2007
Not that anyone cares...
My friend SueAnne sent this a while back and I just noticed I never responded. So I thought why not use this forum. I'd invite any of my fellow bloggers to do the same. I always love to learn new things about my friends.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name is Adams which is a family name--goes back to John Adams...didn't know I was famous did ya?
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Just about every night since we left Tomball and I think about my great friends...and my kids great friends.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING. Yes, and I've been told it should be made into a font.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Honey Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 4
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes...I think I am a pretty good friend and only slightly annoying.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A Lot? With Jared around...ALL the time!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS. Yep!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not a chance...although I've been tempted to try that swinging thing I see at amusement parks all the time.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? When I'm pregnant--Fruity Pebbles. When I'm not--like now--Quaker 100% Natural
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No I'm lazy--however, I rarely wear shoes that tie anymore. Probably will change here in ID.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Depends on what you're talking about. Most days I fell like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown. But I have had my 4 children naturally--I don't know if that is in a sense "strong" or just stupid...
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Peanut Butter and Chocolate from Baskin Robbins...or Cookies and Cream Blue Bell--oh no I'm going to cry again...
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their eyebrows.
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Lack of motivation as of late...
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Are you trying to MAKE me cry--my friends in Tomball...and those in Los Angeles...and then there's the ones in Chicago...
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes! Or post on your own blog!
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue skirt--again with the lazy...I haven't changed out of my church clothes. No shoes.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? I'm embarassed to say--milk chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. We had three neighbors bring us treats tonight. I did not partake of the frog green cupcakes that are on my counter....
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Jared chewing LOUDLY--most likely on oatmeal chocolate chip cookies...please refer to my post on my idosyncrasies!!!
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Razzmatazz.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? The air durning a storm & the dust when driving down a dirt road.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sister Karen--she's 32 today!!
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, I love you SueAnne!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Tennis and Basketball
27. HAIR COLOR? Brunette--au natural too!!
28. EYE COLOR? Hazelish...
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not since the lasik 4 years ago! Wahoo!
30 FAVORITE FOOD? Refer to question #13.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Both...but I really like suspense.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Premonition--last night. It was good.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White & Red
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? I think we need to give more kisses...on the cheek of course.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Again question #13
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Probably no one. It's the first day of school tomorrow. They have better things to be doing like celebrating!!!
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I don't read...I can I just don't.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The cutest picture of Rachel when she was about 2.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Refer to #32
42. FAVORITE SOUND? These days...quiet. I do like to hear my kids laughing. Preferably outside though.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beattles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Jerusalem
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not that I can think of.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Salt Lake City, UT--LDS hospital
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name is Adams which is a family name--goes back to John Adams...didn't know I was famous did ya?
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Just about every night since we left Tomball and I think about my great friends...and my kids great friends.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING. Yes, and I've been told it should be made into a font.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Honey Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 4
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes...I think I am a pretty good friend and only slightly annoying.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A Lot? With Jared around...ALL the time!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS. Yep!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not a chance...although I've been tempted to try that swinging thing I see at amusement parks all the time.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? When I'm pregnant--Fruity Pebbles. When I'm not--like now--Quaker 100% Natural
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No I'm lazy--however, I rarely wear shoes that tie anymore. Probably will change here in ID.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Depends on what you're talking about. Most days I fell like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown. But I have had my 4 children naturally--I don't know if that is in a sense "strong" or just stupid...
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Peanut Butter and Chocolate from Baskin Robbins...or Cookies and Cream Blue Bell--oh no I'm going to cry again...
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their eyebrows.
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Lack of motivation as of late...
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Are you trying to MAKE me cry--my friends in Tomball...and those in Los Angeles...and then there's the ones in Chicago...
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes! Or post on your own blog!
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue skirt--again with the lazy...I haven't changed out of my church clothes. No shoes.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? I'm embarassed to say--milk chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. We had three neighbors bring us treats tonight. I did not partake of the frog green cupcakes that are on my counter....
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Jared chewing LOUDLY--most likely on oatmeal chocolate chip cookies...please refer to my post on my idosyncrasies!!!
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Razzmatazz.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? The air durning a storm & the dust when driving down a dirt road.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sister Karen--she's 32 today!!
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, I love you SueAnne!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Tennis and Basketball
27. HAIR COLOR? Brunette--au natural too!!
28. EYE COLOR? Hazelish...
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not since the lasik 4 years ago! Wahoo!
30 FAVORITE FOOD? Refer to question #13.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Both...but I really like suspense.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Premonition--last night. It was good.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White & Red
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? I think we need to give more kisses...on the cheek of course.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Again question #13
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Probably no one. It's the first day of school tomorrow. They have better things to be doing like celebrating!!!
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I don't read...I can I just don't.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The cutest picture of Rachel when she was about 2.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Refer to #32
42. FAVORITE SOUND? These days...quiet. I do like to hear my kids laughing. Preferably outside though.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beattles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Jerusalem
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not that I can think of.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Salt Lake City, UT--LDS hospital
8.25.2007
I FOUND THEM!!
I know you've all been concerned...
The birth certificates were sandwiched so carefully between my collection of many years of Primary Sharing and Singing Time activities. You could actually loose a small child in there.
So we are legit and ready to go.
BTW...if you were wondering...Jonah HAS risen early each day and presented himself in full uniform. He is anxiously awaiting the pack meeting tonight. Our conversation earlier went like this:
Jonah: So will they just, like, give me my belt loops and then we'll leave?
Me: No, there will be a little ceremony of sorts and they will call up the boys who have earned things for this month--then they will give you your belt loops (Jonah's eyes are getting quite big at this time...) and then they will salute you and pick you up and carry you around the room on their shoulders...
Jonah: (with a big smile) Really?!?
Me: No, but they will call you up and tell everyone what you earned.
I'm so mean. But he was happy about it anyway. I will post pictures.
Have a good Saturday.
P.S. For those of you who don't remember or haven't heard this story...when Jonah was about 4 we signed him up for soccer. He played about 5 minutes of the entire season--because he refused to go out on the field, and when he did go on the field he wouldn't run with the pack. This was the season where his famous quote after the last game came, "I'm just not very good in crowds." This is why we decided swim team might be a better option for Jonah.
The other quote that came from that season was when he got his trophy (YMCA ball--everyone gets a trophy) I commented on how nice his trophy was and he replied, "Yeah, but they didn't carry me around on their shoulders..."
The birth certificates were sandwiched so carefully between my collection of many years of Primary Sharing and Singing Time activities. You could actually loose a small child in there.
So we are legit and ready to go.
BTW...if you were wondering...Jonah HAS risen early each day and presented himself in full uniform. He is anxiously awaiting the pack meeting tonight. Our conversation earlier went like this:
Jonah: So will they just, like, give me my belt loops and then we'll leave?
Me: No, there will be a little ceremony of sorts and they will call up the boys who have earned things for this month--then they will give you your belt loops (Jonah's eyes are getting quite big at this time...) and then they will salute you and pick you up and carry you around the room on their shoulders...
Jonah: (with a big smile) Really?!?
Me: No, but they will call you up and tell everyone what you earned.
I'm so mean. But he was happy about it anyway. I will post pictures.
Have a good Saturday.
P.S. For those of you who don't remember or haven't heard this story...when Jonah was about 4 we signed him up for soccer. He played about 5 minutes of the entire season--because he refused to go out on the field, and when he did go on the field he wouldn't run with the pack. This was the season where his famous quote after the last game came, "I'm just not very good in crowds." This is why we decided swim team might be a better option for Jonah.
The other quote that came from that season was when he got his trophy (YMCA ball--everyone gets a trophy) I commented on how nice his trophy was and he replied, "Yeah, but they didn't carry me around on their shoulders..."
8.22.2007
The beginning...
of MANY years of scouting. We have at least 12 years ahead of us with the 3 boys. WOW! Jonah has his first pack meeting this Saturday, so today we made it to the scout shop to get his shirt and patches and a belt. Sixty-two dollars later...I had a very happy 8-year-old boy. Who knew Cub Scouts was so expensive?! Jonah earned several belt loops at day camp this summer in Houston, so he will receive them at the pack meeting on Saturday. I think he has asked me 13 times today how many days until his pack meeting.
The best thing about starting Cub Scouts in 2007 is that the sewing on of patches has been obliterated. For a mere $6 you can kiss the sewing machine goodbye. And so I did. And let me tell you why I did. You see, when we lived in Los Angeles there was a woman in our congregation who I had stewardship over. I was her Visiting Teacher. She had had a stroke several years prior to me moving there--just 2 weeks after having her 5th baby. It left her unable to do most things. So as her boys entered their scouting years guess who she asked to sew on their patches?? I did happen to have my mom's old sewing machine, but no abilities to go along with the 1969 Bernina. I sewed those poor boys sleeves together too many times to count. Poor kids. I decided then that I would have to pay someone to sew my children's patches on.
So imagine the liberating feeling I felt knowing I would not have to embarrass myself or my son with my lack of homemaking skills.
Tonight Bruce Cannon from our congregation in Tomball came over for some dessert. He's in town for meetings with HP. It was nice to see a familiar face.
Tomorrow we are headed to a local water park. Jared's dad got us some free passes. Then tomorrow night is the "Meet the Teacher." Luke's teacher called today to say hello. She seems very nice. Rachel and Jonah rode their bikes over to the school to see who they had. There is a girl from church in Rachel's class which is good. I am a little concerned, however, that there are 36 students in her class. I am hoping they will be adding another class ASAP. The other classes had 29 and 31 kids in them. Doesn't quite make sense to me. But then, generally, not much does...
Any idea...
where my kids birth certificates are?
My lack of posting is due to the fact that I have been threatened by the Elementary and Pre-school that I need to present them prior to my kids starting school. Actually, the Secretary at the Elementary told me in confidence that I technically have 30 days after school starts to come up with them. I'm not sure about the Pre-school, but he doesn't start until after Labor Day, so that gives me a little more time. It has, however, caused a huge explosion of boxes in my house. That I am not happy about.
I met with one of the school nurses yesterday. She was very nice, but she's no Barbara Jeffries.
It seems they have had experience with diabetic kids, BUT there are 2 nurses servicing 3 schools--SO they will each be there 3 half days a week. That means there are 4 more "halves of days"--if you will--that there is no one. When I asked who takes care of "things" during that time I was met with, "the teacher, or office staff, or whoever is around." I hope that "whoever is around" knows what to do in emergencies!
It is a beautiful school, but TOTAL chaos due to this being it's first year open--and NO art teachers which the kids were disappointed about. As am I. My favorite thing each year was receiving little ceramic gifts my kids had made. They adorn every corner of my house--and they make me smile.
So, back to hunting for proof that these ruffians are mine (at this point of the summer I'm not sure who else would claim them)--and then to Costco for juice boxes and fruit leather to keep Rachel upright at school and a few forgotten school supplies.
Speaking of which...the school supply list specifically says "yellow #2 pencils". We need 72 of them. The thing is that I have about 90 pencils that were collected last year at the (way too) many carnivals, parties etc. at school. So we laid them all out yesterday and everybody picked 24. I realize that it would not cost me much to purchase the said "yellow #2 pencils"--however--what am I to do with the plethora of pencils we already have? So I'm taking a risk and sending them--with the hope that we will not be labeled troublemakers in the process.
My lack of posting is due to the fact that I have been threatened by the Elementary and Pre-school that I need to present them prior to my kids starting school. Actually, the Secretary at the Elementary told me in confidence that I technically have 30 days after school starts to come up with them. I'm not sure about the Pre-school, but he doesn't start until after Labor Day, so that gives me a little more time. It has, however, caused a huge explosion of boxes in my house. That I am not happy about.
I met with one of the school nurses yesterday. She was very nice, but she's no Barbara Jeffries.
It seems they have had experience with diabetic kids, BUT there are 2 nurses servicing 3 schools--SO they will each be there 3 half days a week. That means there are 4 more "halves of days"--if you will--that there is no one. When I asked who takes care of "things" during that time I was met with, "the teacher, or office staff, or whoever is around." I hope that "whoever is around" knows what to do in emergencies!
It is a beautiful school, but TOTAL chaos due to this being it's first year open--and NO art teachers which the kids were disappointed about. As am I. My favorite thing each year was receiving little ceramic gifts my kids had made. They adorn every corner of my house--and they make me smile.
So, back to hunting for proof that these ruffians are mine (at this point of the summer I'm not sure who else would claim them)--and then to Costco for juice boxes and fruit leather to keep Rachel upright at school and a few forgotten school supplies.
Speaking of which...the school supply list specifically says "yellow #2 pencils". We need 72 of them. The thing is that I have about 90 pencils that were collected last year at the (way too) many carnivals, parties etc. at school. So we laid them all out yesterday and everybody picked 24. I realize that it would not cost me much to purchase the said "yellow #2 pencils"--however--what am I to do with the plethora of pencils we already have? So I'm taking a risk and sending them--with the hope that we will not be labeled troublemakers in the process.
8.18.2007
A little TWISTER...
to pass the time before High School Musical 2 starts. Rachel invited her new friend over. This girl lives a couple of streets away, and is in our congregation at church. Coincidentally, she was born in Houston, but taken to Idaho days later with her adoptive parents. Rachel is the first person she's ever met from Houston!
Jonah did not invite anyone. But then, what self-respecting 3rd grade boy invites new acquaintances to a HSM2 party? Especially one where his dad starts dancing every time he enters the room to try to be funny?
We had a great time. Pizza, carmel pop corn...
To describe the film...a little bit of Grease 2...a little Girls Just Want to Have Fun...and even 1 scene from Footloose. We all loved it.
Much to Jared's disappointment, when it was over Luke said, "Jonah, do you want to play High School Musical 2? I'm Zach Efron--the one with Gabriella..."
Jared's reply: "We've got to sign these boys up for some sports."
8.17.2007
It really sucks...
Have I mentioned how much I love my Central Vac? I love it so much, in fact, I'm trying to decide how long I can get away with doing all the vacuuming--you see my big plug for it was that it would be "so easy even our children could do it."
And that it is. The greatest part about it is that even though the house was plumbed for it, we were still looking at about $1300 for the canister, hose and all the attachments. Depressing. But thanks to my handy husband who can always sniff out a good deal...we got a 6 month old one from Craigs List for $300!! WOW! (This morning he found a brand new trampoline enclosure--which we need--for $30 at a garage sale, but didn't have cash and when I got there they had already sold it. Grrrr.)
Back to my vac...
the fun thing about it is the handy sucker (for lack of a better term) in the kitchen. You just sweep everything over by it and then kick the switch plate and it sucks it all in. No more dust pans around here!
We made it through the week before the last week of summer. The kids have been great. No complaining about being dragged everywhere.
Last night we had a party to watch the finale of So You Think You Can Dance. It was fantastic. We were all cheering on Sabra and were so happy to see her win.
Tonight--with all of you I'm sure--is our big High School Musical 2 party!! That is if we can find some friends to party with. Rachel has invited one friend. It may be a more intimate event this time...
And that it is. The greatest part about it is that even though the house was plumbed for it, we were still looking at about $1300 for the canister, hose and all the attachments. Depressing. But thanks to my handy husband who can always sniff out a good deal...we got a 6 month old one from Craigs List for $300!! WOW! (This morning he found a brand new trampoline enclosure--which we need--for $30 at a garage sale, but didn't have cash and when I got there they had already sold it. Grrrr.)
Back to my vac...
the fun thing about it is the handy sucker (for lack of a better term) in the kitchen. You just sweep everything over by it and then kick the switch plate and it sucks it all in. No more dust pans around here!
We made it through the week before the last week of summer. The kids have been great. No complaining about being dragged everywhere.
Last night we had a party to watch the finale of So You Think You Can Dance. It was fantastic. We were all cheering on Sabra and were so happy to see her win.
Tonight--with all of you I'm sure--is our big High School Musical 2 party!! That is if we can find some friends to party with. Rachel has invited one friend. It may be a more intimate event this time...
8.14.2007
Mixed Emotions?
We are at T minus 13 days until school starts. I find myself each year wishing I was one of those moms who cried at the sight of her babies--lunch boxes in hand--boarding the school bus longing to keep them at home just a little longer. But alas, I am the mom who is secretly hiding a paper chain in my closet each day watching it get shorter and finding joy in knowing that a few hours of daily peace is around the corner.
I did actually shed a few tears when I sent Jonah off to Kindergarten. I was quite worried about him making friends. He tends to keep to himself and to a mom who loves to be surrounded by people--that stresses me out. Everyday I would ask him who he played with and he would say "nobody". That of course made me freak out even more and after a few days of that I needed to see for myself. So binoculars in hand, I strapped my 2 little ones still at home in their car seats and we covertly entered the school parking lot finding a spot behind some trees--with the playground visible--and there he was happily playing with friends enjoying being a new Kindergartner.
This whole move "thing" has put everyone in our house under much undue stress. Thus causing much undue bickering. I find myself trying to find "errands" we can run which will not cause me to have a nervous breakdown and at the same time provide an opportunity to get out of the house where we can all love each other. (And the 75 cent shaved ices don't hurt either!)
Next Monday the kids find out who their teachers are. Not so exciting this year since we don't know anything about any of the teachers nor any of the other students who may or may not be in their classes. Quite anti-climactic. We did walk over last night to time ourselves and see how long it will take us to get to the school. 6 minutes 51 seconds I believe. Now that is at a Monday night stroll speed. I'm certain that we will make it in under 5 at our "You better move your little tail" speed which we find ourselves in on most school mornings.
The walk itself is about 70 yards longer than our walk to the bus stop in Texas. I think it will be a treat. I am anticipating--and dreading--prying Seth off the playground equipment each morning and carrying him kicking and screaming on the way home. We may have to come up with a bribe to remedy that.
We went out yesterday to look into pre-school options for Seth. I was a bit discouraged to find that preschool here is only about 2 1/2 hours long for about the same price as in Texas. Bummer.
I've completely given up on getting unpacked at this point. After school starts I think it might be possible to create some order around here. So for now...why bother? We will eat, drink, and be merry until the 27th, which--did I mention--was 13 days away??
I did actually shed a few tears when I sent Jonah off to Kindergarten. I was quite worried about him making friends. He tends to keep to himself and to a mom who loves to be surrounded by people--that stresses me out. Everyday I would ask him who he played with and he would say "nobody". That of course made me freak out even more and after a few days of that I needed to see for myself. So binoculars in hand, I strapped my 2 little ones still at home in their car seats and we covertly entered the school parking lot finding a spot behind some trees--with the playground visible--and there he was happily playing with friends enjoying being a new Kindergartner.
This whole move "thing" has put everyone in our house under much undue stress. Thus causing much undue bickering. I find myself trying to find "errands" we can run which will not cause me to have a nervous breakdown and at the same time provide an opportunity to get out of the house where we can all love each other. (And the 75 cent shaved ices don't hurt either!)
Next Monday the kids find out who their teachers are. Not so exciting this year since we don't know anything about any of the teachers nor any of the other students who may or may not be in their classes. Quite anti-climactic. We did walk over last night to time ourselves and see how long it will take us to get to the school. 6 minutes 51 seconds I believe. Now that is at a Monday night stroll speed. I'm certain that we will make it in under 5 at our "You better move your little tail" speed which we find ourselves in on most school mornings.
The walk itself is about 70 yards longer than our walk to the bus stop in Texas. I think it will be a treat. I am anticipating--and dreading--prying Seth off the playground equipment each morning and carrying him kicking and screaming on the way home. We may have to come up with a bribe to remedy that.
We went out yesterday to look into pre-school options for Seth. I was a bit discouraged to find that preschool here is only about 2 1/2 hours long for about the same price as in Texas. Bummer.
I've completely given up on getting unpacked at this point. After school starts I think it might be possible to create some order around here. So for now...why bother? We will eat, drink, and be merry until the 27th, which--did I mention--was 13 days away??
8.04.2007
Our little poet...
Rachel's teacher had all of the kids submit a poem last spring in a national poetry contest. We got a letter last May saying that Rachel's had been chosen to be published in the "Young Poets of America Anthology." Needless to say we were quite excited for her.
Well, a few days ago we got another letter that said that all of the poems that are chosen to be printed are then put through another round of judging for the top ten and hers was chosen. (Grades 4-6) Pretty fun. She got a $50 savings bond and a free copy of the book--which I'm a little cranky about because I paid $30 for one when we got the letter that she was going to be in it (I was kind of suspecting that everyone got a "you've been published letter" and it was all a big hoax. But maybe not.)
So I think we will send the extra copy to her sweet teacher who was quite influential and supportive of Rachel's writing.
Way to go Rachie!
The United States of America
by Rachel
The United States of America,
Will always have the stories,
‘Bout the war of all time,
Between the Whigs and Tories.
It started when Columbus,
Found a shorter way,
To get to America,
The homeland of today.
King George got pretty mad,
At some of America’s pleas,
So he put some taxes,
On some of Americas tea!
The midnight ride of Paul Revere,
Sent people round about,
And Paul Revere the brave ol’ man,
Got a chance to shout,
“The British are coming, the British are coming,
Minute men get ready!”
The war was won, the battle was done,
So America’s nice and steady.
Well, a few days ago we got another letter that said that all of the poems that are chosen to be printed are then put through another round of judging for the top ten and hers was chosen. (Grades 4-6) Pretty fun. She got a $50 savings bond and a free copy of the book--which I'm a little cranky about because I paid $30 for one when we got the letter that she was going to be in it (I was kind of suspecting that everyone got a "you've been published letter" and it was all a big hoax. But maybe not.)
So I think we will send the extra copy to her sweet teacher who was quite influential and supportive of Rachel's writing.
Way to go Rachie!
The United States of America
by Rachel
The United States of America,
Will always have the stories,
‘Bout the war of all time,
Between the Whigs and Tories.
It started when Columbus,
Found a shorter way,
To get to America,
The homeland of today.
King George got pretty mad,
At some of America’s pleas,
So he put some taxes,
On some of Americas tea!
The midnight ride of Paul Revere,
Sent people round about,
And Paul Revere the brave ol’ man,
Got a chance to shout,
“The British are coming, the British are coming,
Minute men get ready!”
The war was won, the battle was done,
So America’s nice and steady.
8.03.2007
Heading Back...
We've had a great time in Utah. It is so beautiful here. My parents got new garage doors and my dad thought it would be fun for the kids to take some hammers to their old ones--I said, "Yeah, until they decide to hammer my garage doors!"
They did have a fun time doing it. They guy who put the new ones in said it was the first time he'd ever had someone destroy the old ones like that. Welcome to our family is all I have to say.
The kids have been playing croquet in the backyard--Seth loves the fountain, and they always like to go in the "hot tubby" with Karen--and Bill this time. Luke acquired the new nickname "scooter" from grandpa, for scooting around the basketball court on his scooter all week.
They also had fun swimming at the Christiansen's next door--Seth quickly overcame his fear (not) of jumping off the diving board.
We had a nice picnic up the canyon at storm Mountain in which Sarah joined us.
Yesterday the kids went with my mom and dad to Wheeler Farm, and the Mall. It wore them all out.
We can't wait to come back!
We can't wait to come back!
Off to Idaho!
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