What's the Sitch?

Many people know that my 2nd favorite red head is Kim Possible...or KP as we affectionately call her around here. If you have not taken the opportunity to watch the show...I highly recommend it. It's on Disney channel...daily. Check your local listings.

Sadly KP has been listed as "ended". The last 2 episodes aired on September 7...Kim's graduation. I'm holding onto the hope that this is mis-information. Once before it was listed as "ended", but was on a two-year hold.

The fantastic thing is...well, for me--you'll probably just think I'm crazy...I have successfully taped all 88 episodes. And today I finished burning the last 5 onto DVD.

I am complete.

Another Windy City...

Who knew it was so windy in Idaho?? I didn't. Last night a cold front came in and it is CHILLY!

The school carnival was also last night, so they had to move it indoors. It was not only cold but sprinkling. I think those who have not lived in Texas would had said it was "raining" but it was not. Just a nice sprinkle. To us Texans rain is a torrential down pour.

It was a nice "Fall Festival". Jared was telling his parents they have it every year--which is true I guess...the ONE fall the school has been open has now had a fall festival. The kids had a good time. It was not the most exciting carnival, but what do you do when you are starting from scratch and have a budget of nothing. I hope they did well and were able to raise some funds. It was well attended. In fact I was happy to see MANY families from our ward who do not have kids in school yet, but brought their little ones and supported the community school.

Seth was getting into the games. You could play games and win either candy or tickets to go redeem for prizes. Seth wanted to play "Plinko". They handed him the metal washers to send down the board. Being the "Type A" kid that he is (comes from me) he carefully hung each washer on a nail in a nice arrangement. Everyone in line got a good laugh. I helped him take them off and showed him how to play. He sent all 4 washers down and got ZERO every time. The guy running the game said, "I have never had anyone get all zero's! " So he gave Seth 4 tickets for setting a new record! Rachel and I headed out a little early after my volunteering was done...remind me not to sign up for the moon jump shift again. Way too stressful. I did enjoy doing hair art...and Jared let his creative juices flow at the face painting booth. When we got in the car I asked her if she had a good time. She said, "It was boring". I asked her why she didn't run around with anyone from her class...then the floodgates opened...I'm sure you can imagine the tears and sobbing about how she'd rather be at a carnival in Texas with Sophie...she's still having a rough time and missing her good friends.

Soccer has started...a few weeks ago. It was FREEZING this morning and so after about 20 minutes, the boys and I went home. The cold wind was just unbearable. To paint the picture for you...this was the first time since Seth was a newborn that he has sat on my lap for more than a few minutes. He was in a ball under a blanket. Jared's mom even commented on the fact that she'd never seen him so still.

Rachel is loving that she has a cheering section now at her games. Jared's parents have come just about every week. It is great. And today...after I left...Rachel scored a goal. Go Rachie!

Here is a picture of Rachel and her friend from church.

I've got to get my fall planting done before it gets too much colder. I don't like the bark in my flower beds, so I'm bagging it all up and donating it to my sister. I can't wait to plant some bulbs for the spring. I love spring tulips. I tried several times in Houston...I got 3 once, but that was it. I did get some paper whites to grow...only got flowers for a couple of years though and then it was just the green parts. My crocus did grow every year. So finally we'll get some new things to try.

We do not have Art teachers in Idaho...so Jared and I have signed up to be the "Art Parents" in Jonah's class and I am doing it in Luke's as well. Basically it means we are the art teachers. I'm excited. We get to come up with our own curriculum and activities/projects. Should be fun. Too bad there are no real supplies. (Again...no PTA money yet to give to the program) so we'll have to be creative. We do have 2 gallons of each color of paint for the WHOLE school, unlimited paper, and some graphite pencils. So...wish us luck.

Off to get the Saturday clean-up done. Enjoy your weekend!

Stuck in the 90's...

I feel as if I've been in a steel bunker shielded from any musical progress for the last decade. Having wee ones in the car and at home all day I find it has stifled my own musical development. Last night I downloaded the Cha Cha Slide for Seth. He loves to dance and I figured that the CCS would keep him busy for a while. It has. He loves it and wants to do it over and over again. I will tape him and post soon.

While I was perusing iTunes I realized how really out of it I am. I listened to some of the things Jared has downloaded and discovered that I really like Nickleback. I recognized all of the songs that he had, but would not have known who sang them to save my life.

So...I am asking you to bring me up to speed. We have about 10 years to catch up on. There are way too many artists out there on iTunes, so I need to have it narrowed down for me.

Just so you know I'm good on recent show tunes...we have Wicked and other musicals down to a perfection...that would be all of us...even my 8, 6 & 3 year old boys. They are totally going to get beat up...

A whole new world...

I've been messing around with my template and such...so let me know if somethin's amiss...(thanks Karlye for giving me a heads up already).

Way back when I started this darn thing...there was not much to it. No options per say. Anywho...When Carrie and I tried our first (well, her first my only...) banners I tried to do a switch over to blogger beta or something but it never took. I finally figured out today what my problem was and got it fixed up. And HOORAY!!! Now I can see how all ya'll do the fancy things you do. The reason I never changed my banner was because the whole html thing gave me a headache...but now it's a breeze.

Of course I've got to figure out how to compose a new one. But be patient. I've got plenty of time on my hands...and the sky's the limit...

Happy Blogger Birthday!!

One year ago today I got over my technological insecurities and jumped on the blogging bandwagon. I'm so glad I did. It has been great fun keeping in touch with friends near and far. (Mostly far now--I only have 1 "near" friend--thanks Jen (; )

So 240 posts later...we have our first, sort of, history of the chaos that comes with our home. Now I have proof of why I am going crazy.

A few days ago I slurped my blog...I am almost done editing it and then I will publish it--I'm sure you're all DYING to get the first copies. Sorry--only 1 will be printed. For me and my posterity.

My siblings and I published a book of memories for my parents for their anniversary and it arrived yesterday. It's in SLC so I haven't seen it yet, but the word on the street is that it is BEAUTIFUL! I highly recommend it. It was quick and easy...and pretty cheap. A great gift idea for parents who don't "need" anything. I'll post pictures when Karen arrives with my copy on Thursday night!

Speaking of which...Karen is coming for the weekend. It's all the buzz around here. We can hardly wait!!

Popular

I am quite popular...in my house that is. Currently (it does change at times) I am the chosen parent for ALL the needy people around here. Particularly Seth. He refuses to let Jared do anything for him. He wants me...and I foolishly comply because I cannot stand the whining--which I do realize will only turn into big person whining if I don't nip it in the bud right now.

I've told you of our night time visits from Luke--EVERY night for the past 3 years. Well now I have 2 visitors. Seth has followed suit. Only Seth starts shouting out demands like, "put the red blanket on me. I want the blue blanket a square!!" (I am fully prepared for his wife to be angry with me...) Luke, on the other hand just wants to snuggle. I can handle that.

So last night I found myself sleeping on the floor next to Seth to get him out of my be. It was not comfy--and it only lasted a couple of hours and he was right back in bed with Jared and me and Luke. We could have been filmed for a Cingular commercial. We looked like the bars on my phone.

So off I go to serve my little people...waiting and hoping to relinquish my post at anytime. Hopefully sooner than later. To you and yours--have a great day!

On 4 way stops and being at home with a 3-year-old

There are about 56 kazillion 4-way stops around here. It's quite irritating. Not because I don't appreciate a good 4-way stop, but because no one seems to understand the rules around them and how to keep them running smoothly.

Here are the rules to 4-way stops in case you were wondering or would be categorized as "4-way stop challenged".

1. Whichever vehicle stops first has priority.


2. If two vehicles stop at the same time, priority is given to the vehicle on the right.


3. If three vehicles stop at the same time, priority is given to the two vehicles going in opposite directions.

So now you know. On to other things.

Many of you can relate to the joys of being at home with a 3-year-old. I have to say...Seth and I are starting to enjoy each others company again. I think for all my kids this happened about when they turned 3. It was a milestone that meant finally being able to take them (some) places again.

Places I WILL NOT take a 3-year-old are department stores and the like. Too many rounders of clothes to hide in. Way too stressful. When Rachel was little--if I HAD to take her to a department store--I would get a helium balloon for her and tie it to her wrist. That way she could explore and I always knew where she was. We were both happy. The boys would scream if I tied a balloon to them, so we had to abort the practice.

Anyway, my days are fun with Seth right now. I would be lying if I said I didn't daydream about his preschool in Houston--Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9-2:30. What a joy. But I am happy with my Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-3. At least I can get a little reprieve. I'm just going to have to work out other things for volunteering at the school. Although after last year, I think I'll ease my way in. I need a break.

One last thing on Seth. Many of you are aware of his undying love for the Alphabet. It's still going strong. Often he likes to try to make letters with his body. Well, today he said, "Mom, look what I can do. I'm an 'A'!" and then he proceeded to pull his underpants down to about his knees with his legs stretched out.

And yes in deed he was an 'A'. I just hope he doesn't try to show his class that trick during his "share time" at pre-school today.

Have a happy Thursday.

Brain Test

Luke had another "Brain Test" (EEG) this morning. When he was saying the prayer at breakfast he said, "Please bless that I can do good on my brain test..." and thus he did. He was a trooper--of course he got to watch cartoons while the girl hooked him up. The test took about 30 minutes. For the first part he had to hyperventilate for 3 minutes to try to induce a seizure.

He had a pretty good one--which is good so it is documented and they cannot tell me I am crazy. The second part of the test he just sleeps, and then to finish up they put a strobe light right in front of his eyes--with his eyes shut--and flash lights. He slept through it...I felt like dancin'!

We have an appointment with his new doctor in a couple of weeks, so we'll see what the test showed and where we're at.

It was a much different experience than Texas Children's. We were in and out in an hour. PLUS...I figure we'll be saving about $200 a year on parking--in Boise it's free!--however, we will be spending at least twice that to haul Rachel down to SLC for her appointments.

Just a note from my soapbox: Today I was informed that while my kids are in Elementary School it isn't a big problem to have them gone for appointments like the one that Luke had this morning. HOWEVER, and I quote, "when they get into Jr. High and High School it is a BIG problem." I guess we really should have looked into that before we got some kids with Diabetes and Epilepsy. Oops! Next time I'll be more careful as to not upset the dignitaries in our school district.

Reply to Carrie's comment on previous post...

The first thing Rachel said was, "Where's YOUR name?!?"

Look what I made!

I'm hoping that it's cuteness will motivate kids to do some work around here. I'm fully prepared for it all to wear off in a few weeks, but it will look cute on my wall LONG after that!

Rachel has her first soccer game tomorrow. The weather has been perfect for some fall soccer. I'm loving it! School is going pretty well. Rachel's had a rough week with some bad blood sugars and trying to fit in...

The nursing situation is getting worked out. We had a BAD first week. BUT...after a straightforward, but kind email to the principal we got it all worked out--as best we can. There will be a nurse at the school every morning until 12:30 (assuming there's not a catastrophie somewhere else or the nurse is sick...) --and then Monday and Friday afternoons there will also be a nurse (again assuming the planets are alligned). So it's just Tuesday-Thursday afternoons that there is no one. So the office staff will be trained to help, and I guess I will just have to stick around or make sure Jared is on call. The only conflict is that Seth is in preschool Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, but how far can you venture in a short 2 1/2 hours?? Not far enough!!

Seth loves pre-school. There are some high maintance kids in his class, but he is having fun despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth. I am making MAJOR progress on my bedroom! Things are lookin' good.

Have a great weekend.

It starts so young...

I'm trying to get some unpacking done--not from our weekend, but from the move--so I decided to turn on a movie for Seth to keep him occupied for a bit. I asked him what movie he wanted and he picked "Elmo in Grouchland". And then he said (moving his hips around) I like the lady dancing.

The "Lady" is Vanessa Williams. I remember when I took Rachel to see it in the theatre when if first came out and thinking that they'd put something in for the Dad's. Jonah seemed to like that part when he was little too!

I'm going to have to keep an eye on these boys!

The Chupacabra

I'm sure you've all hear the buzz about a possible Chupacabra finding. I would post a picture, but I couldn't find one that wouldn't give me nightmares.

Speaking of nightmares...after all the Chupacabra talk at dinner last night...when I went to bed last night there was a little breeze, which was nice until the rustling started. Then my imagination started going which got worse when the outside spotlights with motion detectors on them went on. Thoughts of a pack of chupacabra's waiting to attack my family caused some discomfort. But, I eventually fell asleep and everyone is well this morning.

Happy Labor Day!

Surprise!!

It has been a chaotic few weeks, but it all paid off! My parents will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next Saturday, so...we decided to throw them a little surprise party. I know you don't usually do a party for the 40th, but we thought there is no time like the present and it's always fun to see family and friends you don't get to often enough.

We took them to dinner and then when we got home the guests started to arrive. It was lots of fun. I always love seeing my parent's aunts an uncles. There aren't very many around anymore, so it's great to see the ones that are. My Grandma Sloan's sister, Elaine, came and she is always fun to see because she looks and acts so much like my grandma. It's like being with her again. She is 80 and looks like she's about 60. She is a bundle of energy, and beautiful too, just like all her sisters--and their posterity ;) !

Mom and Dad were surprised. We put together a great book with family pictures and memories that the kids all wrote up. It was great! Jared was on cloud nine from the BYU game. So everyone was happy.

Sarah watched the kids while we went to dinner and set up the tables and stuff. She was part of a funny little conversation...

Luke: I think when I grow up I want to be famous.

Sarah: Well, what are you going to be famous for?

Luke: I think I'll have a BYU football team.

Jonah: Luke, you can't do that they already have one.

Luke: Well, I'll call mine the Golden Eagles.

Jonah: Luke there's already a team that is the Eagles.

Luke: Well, then maybe I'll be a professional football player.

Sarah: That would be great.

Luke: My dad was a professional football player.

Jonah: Really?!?

Luke: I think so...

So obviously Jared's bedtime stories are getting a little out of hand. But if anyone wants an autograph...

Happy Birthday to us...

We've had 2 days of some FABULOUS celebration. Jared's birthday was Thursday and mine was Friday. We are officially getting old I think. Jared particularly. He has crossed the great divide--well kind of.

Last night my sister Karen and her husband Bill offered to watch the kids so that Jared and I could go to dinner and a movie. It was great. We went to the Market street grill for dinner (YUM!) and then to see "The Bourne Ultimatum". I know you've all seen it and we are WAY behind, but we've been re-locating and this is the first date we've had in months!

The movie was great. Jared had grin from ear to ear the entire time. His kind of flick. Mine, too, actually. I have to say I enjoyed it a lot more than "The Bourne Supremacy" because for that one we were on the second row and by the end I thought I was going to throw up. Love the creative "no tri-pod" filming unless it feels like I'm in the car during the car chase--then not so much love.

Karen, Bill and my Mom and Dad took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese. They were in heaven! (the kids that is) They came home with all sorts of goodies. This morning Seth woke up and looked at me and said, "I had Pizza, and I put the ball in the 1 and the 2 and I got tickets!"

Tonight we are taking my parents out for dinner for their 40th Wedding Anniversary, which is actually on the 8th. But...this weekend worked best for Ann and Travis and my little fam to come down. Dan and his crew couldn't make it--we miss you!!

Off for swimming and more partying today!!

Happy birthday to the many others who share our days!! And and a shout out to Evan Zavaleta who is 8 today! Way to go bud! We miss you!