I would like to thank the "ACADEMY" for all of their support and advise during my creative process. Special Thanks goes to my roommate from Ricks: Leslie Mingo who posted a blog in my honor: http://mingofamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/pottery-barn-knock-off.html
Also a special thanks to Natalie who told me to throw some silver or gold into the mix. I'm still not sure about the tall flowers, but that's all I got to work with this year....I'll perfect it next year. Also...stocking are in the works...I'm making new ones.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Moving On
Is everyone done there Christmas Decorating? I am just getting going. Decorating is not one of my strong points. I wish I could just open a Pottery Barn Catalog, twitchle my nose, blink my eyes, and POOF my house would look like designer Christmas wonderland.
This is my first year I have a fireplace. I was very excited to have a "Christmas" mantle. I like the rustic-country Christmas look. I do not think I have succeeded...any suggestions? What am I missing? It looks so bare. In person the red in the candles is a deeper, closer to burgundy color. And there is a super cute pine cone garland wrapped around the candles. Are the tall flowers stupid? Help!
Heritage Makers 411
So what is Heritage Makers exactly you ask?
Check out this website:
http://www.hmstories.com/home.html
What I am most excited about is how much this is going to benefit me and my family. Family history is very important to me. However, I have never been diligent about journaling or scrapbooking. Most of my pictures are taking up memory on my hard drive or are in a box shoved up on a shelf. Digital Scrapbooking and Storybooking is exactly what I need! I cannot wait to get a book together about my family! So...that's the main reason I am doing this, to put my memories in a place that is safe, creative, and where I can share it with family for years to come.
I have been thinking I will probably set up a separate blog for posts about Heritage Makers. I'll post a link when I get it set up.
This is something I have thought long and hard about. I knew I needed to do something to contribute. How perfect is it that I will get to have fun at the same time? Since it is not plausible to work a regular job with five kids at home this is definitely the best alternative for me!
Check out this website:
http://www.hmstories.com/home.html
What I am most excited about is how much this is going to benefit me and my family. Family history is very important to me. However, I have never been diligent about journaling or scrapbooking. Most of my pictures are taking up memory on my hard drive or are in a box shoved up on a shelf. Digital Scrapbooking and Storybooking is exactly what I need! I cannot wait to get a book together about my family! So...that's the main reason I am doing this, to put my memories in a place that is safe, creative, and where I can share it with family for years to come.
I have been thinking I will probably set up a separate blog for posts about Heritage Makers. I'll post a link when I get it set up.
This is something I have thought long and hard about. I knew I needed to do something to contribute. How perfect is it that I will get to have fun at the same time? Since it is not plausible to work a regular job with five kids at home this is definitely the best alternative for me!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Going For It.
Desperation? Maybe....
Excitement? Perhaps....
Extra Money? Hopefully....
Change Of Pace? Definitely!
I decided to become a Heritage Makers Consultant. Details forth coming.
Excitement? Perhaps....
Extra Money? Hopefully....
Change Of Pace? Definitely!
I decided to become a Heritage Makers Consultant. Details forth coming.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?
Can you smell Thanksgiving in the air? I can. I am pretty sure that the neighbors are baking pies and my tummy is rumbling.
We are going to Ben and Cyndi's for Thanksgiving this year. My mom and Dad, Kym, Marshall and Dana are all coming too! It will be the first time we have all been together for Thanksgiving in forever! And I am super excited.
Cyndi and Ben are making their famous Alton Brown turkey that they brine in a bucket of salt water, and spices over night. I haven't had it yet, and I cannot wait. It is supposed to be the juiciest, tastiest, most tender turkey ever! Cyndi is also making her homemade rolls, which are absolutely divine. Kym is in charge of pies: Pumpkin, Apple, Frozen Chocolate, and a Turtle Pumpkin (can you say yum?). My mom, of course is in charge of the best part of Thanksgiving...her glorious stuffing. I mean it, it's glorious. I could eat it by the bucket full.
I am doing potatoes, veggies, and one of our new favorites...cranberry mousse. (Light, airy, fluffiness that is to die for!)
I am salivating just thinking of all the ways I get to stuff myself tomorrow. Does anyone have special recipes they are looking forward to?
Side note: Jeff told me this morning if I want to work off all the calories that I will ingest on Thanksgiving I would need to run for 20 miles, without stopping.
Calories, shmalories. I am certainly not going to worry about it. Eating is what I do best, I would not want to disappoint anyone.
We are going to Ben and Cyndi's for Thanksgiving this year. My mom and Dad, Kym, Marshall and Dana are all coming too! It will be the first time we have all been together for Thanksgiving in forever! And I am super excited.
Cyndi and Ben are making their famous Alton Brown turkey that they brine in a bucket of salt water, and spices over night. I haven't had it yet, and I cannot wait. It is supposed to be the juiciest, tastiest, most tender turkey ever! Cyndi is also making her homemade rolls, which are absolutely divine. Kym is in charge of pies: Pumpkin, Apple, Frozen Chocolate, and a Turtle Pumpkin (can you say yum?). My mom, of course is in charge of the best part of Thanksgiving...her glorious stuffing. I mean it, it's glorious. I could eat it by the bucket full.
I am doing potatoes, veggies, and one of our new favorites...cranberry mousse. (Light, airy, fluffiness that is to die for!)
I am salivating just thinking of all the ways I get to stuff myself tomorrow. Does anyone have special recipes they are looking forward to?
Side note: Jeff told me this morning if I want to work off all the calories that I will ingest on Thanksgiving I would need to run for 20 miles, without stopping.
Ha!
Calories, shmalories. I am certainly not going to worry about it. Eating is what I do best, I would not want to disappoint anyone.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Starting Over
For the last six months I have been walking every morning. I get up at 5:00am and walk with my friend...we do about 3 miles. It was good to get out and get some kind of exercise but lately I have really been wanting to get back to the gym. I have missed doing a work out that really gets my heart rate going. Yesterday was my first day back. I probably should have started out with something a little bit less intense. I did a kickboxing class. OH MY! I cannot move this morning. Every muscle in my body is ON FIRE! I have to say though, it felt awesome to work hard, and push my body. So, hopefully by 9:00am I will have convinced myself that the pain is worth it and I am excited to be back at the gym!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Does anyone remember Tretorn shoes? They were WAY cool when I was in high school, and apparently they still are. I want a pair!
Check em' out!
http://store.tretorn.com/US/details.asp?catalog_name=tretorn&category_name=WomensFootwear&product_id=47111908&mainCategory=Women
Check em' out!
http://store.tretorn.com/US/details.asp?catalog_name=tretorn&category_name=WomensFootwear&product_id=47111908&mainCategory=Women
BTW
I should have mentioned that the white substance in the pictures below is baking soda (for laundry) and that Kym and I were literally only five feet away from the girls...how did we miss this disaster in the works? Kym was alerted by weird swishing sounds (girls swimming in baking soda). Oh! And the pictures are a little blurry because there was a cloud of baking soda hanging in the air. Kym and I will probably be tasting baking soda for the next couple of days!
Goes With The Terriritory!
I've come to accept that Two Year Old's are mischievous. But, a couple of Two Year Old Cousins...TOGETHER.... are down right
DIRTY!
DIRTY!
Monday, November 17, 2008
It's Been a Bit
Here are some long-over-due Halloween pictures. Dallin, Elizabeth, and Anna used costumes from previous years, and Audrey was a butterfly fairy-princess.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Merry Christmas
Oops....Wrong Holiday.
But seriously does this statement stress anyone else?
55 more days to go....
But seriously does this statement stress anyone else?
55 more days to go....
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Yummy Baby
This might...quite possibly....be the cutest thing I have ever seen!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16178069
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16178069
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Fall News
I had to turn on the heat today. I had vowed to wait until after Thanksgiving to do this, but alas, 28 degrees outside makes for goose-bumpy kids, and icy toes so I had no choice but to bow to the energy gods. Putting aside the terrorizing thoughts of bigger electric bills, the chill in the air makes me very happy. I just love fall.
The kids had their fall break this past weekend so Jeff took off and we took the kids to Busch Gardens. (It was the last time we were going to be able to use our season passes that we got last year, and we won't be able to afford them this year.) It was a great weekend. During October the whole park becomes a Halloween dream land. Costumes, shows, decorations...it was fall-a-liscious! My absolute favorite part was being able to spend time with Jeff. I've missed him lately. With him working two jobs, we hardly see him any more. It was a lot of fun.
I cannot believe Halloween is just a little over a week away. I decided to be lazy this year with costumes. Whatever is in our costume box is what they will have to choose from. I cannot afford new ones for all five kids, and I do not have the energy to make them this year. What do ya do? What are your kids going to be?
So, it looks like we are going to have to put our other house on the market again. (the one my parents are renting) My mom has yet to find a job and I have a feeling they are going to have no choice but to move....so, we obviously cannot pay for two homes. It feels pretty hopeless at this point...I mean come on, who are we kidding, it is not going to sell. I am trying to stay positive...really I am. What is the worst thing that can happen? As much as I love fall, I wish I could just skip winter. Once Halloween is over I think I am going to get under a blanket and cuddle up until the spring. Humans should hibernate.
The kids had their fall break this past weekend so Jeff took off and we took the kids to Busch Gardens. (It was the last time we were going to be able to use our season passes that we got last year, and we won't be able to afford them this year.) It was a great weekend. During October the whole park becomes a Halloween dream land. Costumes, shows, decorations...it was fall-a-liscious! My absolute favorite part was being able to spend time with Jeff. I've missed him lately. With him working two jobs, we hardly see him any more. It was a lot of fun.
I cannot believe Halloween is just a little over a week away. I decided to be lazy this year with costumes. Whatever is in our costume box is what they will have to choose from. I cannot afford new ones for all five kids, and I do not have the energy to make them this year. What do ya do? What are your kids going to be?
So, it looks like we are going to have to put our other house on the market again. (the one my parents are renting) My mom has yet to find a job and I have a feeling they are going to have no choice but to move....so, we obviously cannot pay for two homes. It feels pretty hopeless at this point...I mean come on, who are we kidding, it is not going to sell. I am trying to stay positive...really I am. What is the worst thing that can happen? As much as I love fall, I wish I could just skip winter. Once Halloween is over I think I am going to get under a blanket and cuddle up until the spring. Humans should hibernate.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Emily, Emily, Emily...The Explorer!
Emily is crawling and exploring and pulling herself up on everything in sight. She has even convinced herself that she can climb stairs...AND She isn't even eight months old yet!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Silver Lining
I think I have heard the saying "When it Rains it Pours" from at least ten different people over the last couple of days. I am kinda sick of hearing it...but, I suppose it is true. Why is it when one thing goes wrong in life it feels like EVERYTHING goes wrong? I do not want to bore you with all the stormy details but I have to say life has been less than sun-shiny around our home this week.
This unstable "weather" has resulted in Nicole Grump Fest-2008! I have not been a very nice person lately. Not to my husband or my kids. I woke up Monday morning VERY grumpy and as of this morning I am batting grumpy 100%....
But ya know what??? It's hard to stay grumpy when you are so blessed, and I am blessed, I know I am. So, starting right this minute I denounce grumpiness! Being grumpy is ridiculous, child like behavior and completely unaccetable! If I were my mommy, I would tell me: "Come-on, Nicole, snap out of it, being a crotchety-grumpy, old-mommy is not how you want to end the week. You need to turn that frown upside down!"
So true! I am officially throwing off the worry cloak and saying goodbye to the chip I have on my shoulder. Grumpiness takes too much effort, too much emotion. I am going to focus on happiness. Ahhhh....Relief. Can you feel it??? Happiness.
Circumstances may have brought in some dark clouds....but as for me and my house I am going to let the SUNSHINE in!
P.S. I am sorry Jeffy, for being a poop! Please forgive me!
This unstable "weather" has resulted in Nicole Grump Fest-2008! I have not been a very nice person lately. Not to my husband or my kids. I woke up Monday morning VERY grumpy and as of this morning I am batting grumpy 100%....
But ya know what??? It's hard to stay grumpy when you are so blessed, and I am blessed, I know I am. So, starting right this minute I denounce grumpiness! Being grumpy is ridiculous, child like behavior and completely unaccetable! If I were my mommy, I would tell me: "Come-on, Nicole, snap out of it, being a crotchety-grumpy, old-mommy is not how you want to end the week. You need to turn that frown upside down!"
So true! I am officially throwing off the worry cloak and saying goodbye to the chip I have on my shoulder. Grumpiness takes too much effort, too much emotion. I am going to focus on happiness. Ahhhh....Relief. Can you feel it??? Happiness.
Circumstances may have brought in some dark clouds....but as for me and my house I am going to let the SUNSHINE in!
P.S. I am sorry Jeffy, for being a poop! Please forgive me!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Something New
I discovered this blog today...Today Is Fun. It has great posts and ideas on how to keep a kid happy. So creative!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tips For Nuts
Cyndi sent me this blog link for Tip Nut some time ago and I LOVE IT! This newest entry has to be the tippiest tip by far, though. I am always, ALWAYS desperate for organizing ideas.
http://tipnut.com/projects-organize-home/
The first organizing idea is my favorite. You could make covers for the bins to match your decor in any bedroom, living room, laundry room, etc. And I know you can get those plastic bins at dollar stores. So...voila--tres cheap decorating and storage idea!
http://tipnut.com/projects-organize-home/
The first organizing idea is my favorite. You could make covers for the bins to match your decor in any bedroom, living room, laundry room, etc. And I know you can get those plastic bins at dollar stores. So...voila--tres cheap decorating and storage idea!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Cool Beans!
In the mix of my hectic day....a messy house...loads of dishes and laundry...a doctor's appointment, Emily's first ear infection, a surprise visit from a friend, and a trip to the park, I noticed a few really cool things.
The winter flower box I planted. The flowers on the left are closed until late morning, and when they open they are bright blue. Brilliantly cool!
The way the light was coming in through the "church" window on the landing of our stairs. Righteously cool.
The way Dallin set up his robot collection on his dresser. Technically cool.
The water sparkles on the wall made by the very nifty bedside pitcher that my friend Ethel gave me....the glass fits inside the top of the pitcher, like a lid. Refreshingly cool.
The winter flower box I planted. The flowers on the left are closed until late morning, and when they open they are bright blue. Brilliantly cool!
The way the light was coming in through the "church" window on the landing of our stairs. Righteously cool.
The way Dallin set up his robot collection on his dresser. Technically cool.
The water sparkles on the wall made by the very nifty bedside pitcher that my friend Ethel gave me....the glass fits inside the top of the pitcher, like a lid. Refreshingly cool.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Entrepreneur????
Soooo.....with the economy woes, and what nots, the car business has been in the dumps. Which, unfortunately effects yours truly. So I've been racking my brain trying to come up with ideas of how I can help out my family so we don't end up in the poor house. (exaggeration not as big as I wish it was).
Here's one idea...have any of you talented blog readers had any experience with this....?
My sister Cyndi's friend Channon does Heritage Makers....evidently it is huge out west, but VERY new on the eastern front. In fact, she is the only active consultant in the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland area.
I have tried other "stay at home-mom" style businesses before, and have always been disappointed, and have actually sworn them off. However, this sounds like a lot of fun. I LOVE PICTURES...and I LOVE WRITING, and I LOVE PEOPLE....
Channon made a book for my niece Claire a few years ago, and I was very impressed with it, and it would be TONS of fun to do things like that.
So what do you think...am I crazy? Any of you westerners ever heard of it??? Do you like it???
p.s. don't worry if I join, I won't push any of you into any uncomfortable "will you have a show for me" moments....I'll set up a separate blog for that...tee hee!
Here's one idea...have any of you talented blog readers had any experience with this....?
My sister Cyndi's friend Channon does Heritage Makers....evidently it is huge out west, but VERY new on the eastern front. In fact, she is the only active consultant in the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland area.
I have tried other "stay at home-mom" style businesses before, and have always been disappointed, and have actually sworn them off. However, this sounds like a lot of fun. I LOVE PICTURES...and I LOVE WRITING, and I LOVE PEOPLE....
Channon made a book for my niece Claire a few years ago, and I was very impressed with it, and it would be TONS of fun to do things like that.
So what do you think...am I crazy? Any of you westerners ever heard of it??? Do you like it???
p.s. don't worry if I join, I won't push any of you into any uncomfortable "will you have a show for me" moments....I'll set up a separate blog for that...tee hee!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Nursing Blues
Emily thinks she is done nursing. I always have this problem...I introduce solids and my milk producing mechanisms instantly think they are allowed to go on strike. Emily has been so grumpy and so hungry that I ended up giving her a bottle of formula and of course SHE LOVED IT! So....I think I may be done nursing too....which is unbelievably depressing...she is my last baby and I wanted to nurse forever. Sigh.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
"I Did It Mommy!"
Little Girls and Shoes....nothing more fun.
Audrey is passing along her obsession with shoes!
Mickey Mouse Crocs...no less!
Audrey is passing along her obsession with shoes!
Mickey Mouse Crocs...no less!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Haven't Mentioned My Fifth Kid in a While!
Emily is almost seven months!
Here is what she is up to:
- Rolling all over the place!
- Scooting on her tummy and almost crawling!
- Second tooth coming in!
- Sleeps 12 hours a night!
- Loves all her sister's and brother...to death...they make her so happy!
- Still, not the happiest baby...fuses more than any of my others, and does not like to be left a lone for one minute! (Not that I'm complaining...just an observation).
School Pics
Here are a few pictures from first day of school...not the greatest. Dallin had "issues" with smiling:) In retrospect...maybe I should not have taken pictures with them facing the sun...duhhh. Poor Anna could not stop squinting.
Maybe I Should Too!
So I started reading the two greatest blogs a while ago...CJane Enjoy it, and Nie Nie Dialogues. I think I discovered them by clicking on a link from a friend's blog...maybe you Natalie??? I've been hooked ever since.
"Nie" is an avid vegetarian, she always lists the best recipes. C Jane is her sister and I just love her blog...it's full of humor, spirit, and she always writes in a way that really inspires me to be a better mom/person. I thought I would share these posts from their blogs...I want to eat just like Nie....the food just looks so beautiful and yummy and soooo good for you. I could be a vegetarian...meat isn't "all that" And maybe....I just will:) Hah Hah...If only I could convince my husband!
I love how C Jane likens her sister's way of life to the word of wisdom... I know I'm supposed to eat that way...and have thought a million times over that I live every part of the word of wisdom...except, the parts about how I should be eating...hmmmm, I needed a wake up call!
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/search/label/Food%20week
http://blog.cjanerun.com/2008/09/marrow.html
Side note: Sadly...a few weeks ago Nie Nie was in a serious plane crash with her husband...they are both in critical condition... Cjane talks about it in her post. I've been so inspired reading about their story and the way their family has dealth with such an enormous tradedy.
"Nie" is an avid vegetarian, she always lists the best recipes. C Jane is her sister and I just love her blog...it's full of humor, spirit, and she always writes in a way that really inspires me to be a better mom/person. I thought I would share these posts from their blogs...I want to eat just like Nie....the food just looks so beautiful and yummy and soooo good for you. I could be a vegetarian...meat isn't "all that" And maybe....I just will:) Hah Hah...If only I could convince my husband!
I love how C Jane likens her sister's way of life to the word of wisdom... I know I'm supposed to eat that way...and have thought a million times over that I live every part of the word of wisdom...except, the parts about how I should be eating...hmmmm, I needed a wake up call!
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/search/label/Food%20week
http://blog.cjanerun.com/2008/09/marrow.html
Side note: Sadly...a few weeks ago Nie Nie was in a serious plane crash with her husband...they are both in critical condition... Cjane talks about it in her post. I've been so inspired reading about their story and the way their family has dealth with such an enormous tradedy.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tid Bits...
When Audrey wants a drink of milk or a drink of juice...she comes up to me and says in her two year old language...
"mo-mm-y....meelk or duce peez."
She means one or the other...milk or juice. But thinks they are both called "milkorjuice" because I used to give her the choice. Now they have one name. Not just milk. Not just juice. I always get it wrong...I pick the wrong one, and she gets mad at me, and yells..."NO, NO, MEELK OR DUCE" So I have to get the other one out...whichever one it happens to be that she wants.
Makes me laugh every time.
"mo-mm-y....meelk or duce peez."
She means one or the other...milk or juice. But thinks they are both called "milkorjuice" because I used to give her the choice. Now they have one name. Not just milk. Not just juice. I always get it wrong...I pick the wrong one, and she gets mad at me, and yells..."NO, NO, MEELK OR DUCE" So I have to get the other one out...whichever one it happens to be that she wants.
Makes me laugh every time.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Rogers Family Blog
I realized something today (especially after Jeff made a comment to the same effect yesterday)....My Rogers's Family blog has turned more into a "Nicole" blog. Sorry. I need to post more about my kids and the family...that's what this blog is for, not for my "wanna be cool blogger" ramblings. Maybe I should start another blog. Hmmmmmmmmmm.
Did I mention that I am addicted to blogging too??
Did I mention that I am addicted to blogging too??
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Confessions of a Facebook Addict
It's interesting how you keep yourself occupied. When I had to stay off my foot totally for two weeks I became obsessed with two things...Twilight, and Facebook. What can I say...I was stuck in a chair all day long, and the olympics had not started yet. So...I read, and piddled on the computer. I finished reading all the Twilight books the first week, so that obsession has faded, but Facebook is another story. I am completely addictded.
It is so much fun to reconnect with old friends, and I love seeing what everyone is doing all the time. But I have had some bizaar side effects. I think my cyber world is creeping into the "real" world. So, here is my confession...
I've started thinking all my thoughts as "status updates." All day long I've caught myself doing it. I swear I'm loosing it! Here is my morning...in status update.
1."Nicole is positive Dallin's teacher thinks she is a crack head mom, after sending him to school on Monday. Oopps! He really wasn't supposed to go to school until Wednesday...some stupid "introduce kids to kindergarten thing."
2. "Nicole is wondering if it was a good idea to let Dallin do the dishes...there is water all over my kitchen."
3. "Nicole is feeling a little silly after realizing her neighbor saw her hopping around on one foot trying to dance with Audrey to a Gwen Steffani song."
4. "Nicole is wondering if all this dust is just a fact of life, and to stop worrying about it so much."
5. "Nicole is going to finish school shopping today, even though it is the 2nd day of school.
There are a lot more updates rolling around in my mind, but I'll spare you the gorey details.
So...what do you think...am I totally insane? Has anyone else started to think in "status updates?" Is facebook a secret cult that brain washes you???
It is so much fun to reconnect with old friends, and I love seeing what everyone is doing all the time. But I have had some bizaar side effects. I think my cyber world is creeping into the "real" world. So, here is my confession...
I've started thinking all my thoughts as "status updates." All day long I've caught myself doing it. I swear I'm loosing it! Here is my morning...in status update.
1."Nicole is positive Dallin's teacher thinks she is a crack head mom, after sending him to school on Monday. Oopps! He really wasn't supposed to go to school until Wednesday...some stupid "introduce kids to kindergarten thing."
2. "Nicole is wondering if it was a good idea to let Dallin do the dishes...there is water all over my kitchen."
3. "Nicole is feeling a little silly after realizing her neighbor saw her hopping around on one foot trying to dance with Audrey to a Gwen Steffani song."
4. "Nicole is wondering if all this dust is just a fact of life, and to stop worrying about it so much."
5. "Nicole is going to finish school shopping today, even though it is the 2nd day of school.
There are a lot more updates rolling around in my mind, but I'll spare you the gorey details.
So...what do you think...am I totally insane? Has anyone else started to think in "status updates?" Is facebook a secret cult that brain washes you???
Monday, August 25, 2008
Home Decor
I want my living room to look like my blog...I love the colors...and the patterns....I wonder if I can find decor that looks like this???
Thursday, August 21, 2008
End of Summer Report
So, I thought I would report back to everyone since summer is almost over and let ya know how my first summer with five kids ended up turning out.
I had some hits and some misses. It definitely did not go as perfectly as I had imagined, but it was a huge improvement over summer's past..
Some of the big successes were the cameras...the kids loved this. I am planning on posting some of their cute pics. They loved the summer journals, although they did not keep up with them as much as they wanted, they still loved writing "summer goals" and were good about journaling on the big activities. We had fun making bags for them and t-shirts. The girls were able to make some cute jewelry and we made puppets. One of the big hits was when we made homemade watermelon and lemon Italian Ice....so yummy! Anna learned how to cook a whole bunch of stuff...mac and cheese, muffins, grilled cheese, eggs.
We did not get to go on as many outings as I had hoped, but we definitely hit the beach and library a couple of times. We got to visit family and go to quite a few amusement parks, which is always a hit!
There were a only a few things I wish I would have been better about. School work...we did a lot of hooked on phonics and reading but that's about it. We had lots of lazy days but who cares...it's summer "break" right? No TV was hard...they watched more, and played more video games than I had planned.
All, in all, I think they had a fun summer, and I am considering it a success. Although, the last month has been pretty much a wash since I broke my foot...oh well, I have many, many more summer vacations to perfect.
I had some hits and some misses. It definitely did not go as perfectly as I had imagined, but it was a huge improvement over summer's past..
Some of the big successes were the cameras...the kids loved this. I am planning on posting some of their cute pics. They loved the summer journals, although they did not keep up with them as much as they wanted, they still loved writing "summer goals" and were good about journaling on the big activities. We had fun making bags for them and t-shirts. The girls were able to make some cute jewelry and we made puppets. One of the big hits was when we made homemade watermelon and lemon Italian Ice....so yummy! Anna learned how to cook a whole bunch of stuff...mac and cheese, muffins, grilled cheese, eggs.
We did not get to go on as many outings as I had hoped, but we definitely hit the beach and library a couple of times. We got to visit family and go to quite a few amusement parks, which is always a hit!
There were a only a few things I wish I would have been better about. School work...we did a lot of hooked on phonics and reading but that's about it. We had lots of lazy days but who cares...it's summer "break" right? No TV was hard...they watched more, and played more video games than I had planned.
All, in all, I think they had a fun summer, and I am considering it a success. Although, the last month has been pretty much a wash since I broke my foot...oh well, I have many, many more summer vacations to perfect.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Just What I Needed
Lately, I have really been feeling the pressures of having five children. If any of you have ever wondered what's it like to be a mom of five this blog entry I read says it all....
http://segullah.org/small-epiphanies/having-a-large-family/
http://segullah.org/small-epiphanies/having-a-large-family/
Never, Ever, EVER!
There are not that many things that I am scared of in this world, I think I am a pretty adventurous person. However, there are a few things that really freak me out. My biggies are flying, (my closest to a phobia), sharks, lightning, crossing bridges, and motorcycles. I know that the fear I feel for these things is completely irrational. I know the chances of getting struck by lightening are astronomical and being in a plane accident is like one in a gazillion. And that a bridge collapsing would like never happen. But, none the less, these things cause me great anxiety. I mean I literally work up a sweat every time we cross the bay bridge. What's weird is I would not have a problem at all bungee jumping off a bridge, or sky diving from a plane...I love adrenaline rushes.
My irrational fear of motor cycles is stemmed from an article I read one time, about how if you own a motor cycle, you are 99 percent likely to eventually be in an accident. Hello...that means if you own one, you are guaranteed to crash. This fear has never been that big of a deal...I've just always said there is no way we would ever own a motorcycle. Over the years, people have told me I am pretty silly for feeling this way, and I know when I have quoted the article statistics people have questioned my information. This summer though, I have to say my "irrational fear" of motorcycles has become very real. My Uncle David was in a very serious motorcycle accident this summer...his foot was almost completely severed. He's had to go through a ton of rehab, and was in the hospital for a month, thankfully he is doing really well, and his foot was able to be saved. Sadly, I found out this morning, that my mom's cousin Butch was not as fortunate as my uncle. He was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday. I have not seen him in years, but I remember him from Christmas Eve's at my Aunt Peggy's house and I always thought he was so cool. I was very saddened to hear about this and feel so bad for his family.
I can't imagine loosing someone that way. So unexpectedly. Both of the accidents were caused by other careless drivers. I know that we all take risks every day that we don't even think about...driving, crossing the street, swimming in a pool, however I am more positive than ever that no one in my family will ever be allowed to own a motorcycle. You are so unprotected and at the mercy of drivers who just don't see you. My love goes to Butch's family.
My irrational fear of motor cycles is stemmed from an article I read one time, about how if you own a motor cycle, you are 99 percent likely to eventually be in an accident. Hello...that means if you own one, you are guaranteed to crash. This fear has never been that big of a deal...I've just always said there is no way we would ever own a motorcycle. Over the years, people have told me I am pretty silly for feeling this way, and I know when I have quoted the article statistics people have questioned my information. This summer though, I have to say my "irrational fear" of motorcycles has become very real. My Uncle David was in a very serious motorcycle accident this summer...his foot was almost completely severed. He's had to go through a ton of rehab, and was in the hospital for a month, thankfully he is doing really well, and his foot was able to be saved. Sadly, I found out this morning, that my mom's cousin Butch was not as fortunate as my uncle. He was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday. I have not seen him in years, but I remember him from Christmas Eve's at my Aunt Peggy's house and I always thought he was so cool. I was very saddened to hear about this and feel so bad for his family.
I can't imagine loosing someone that way. So unexpectedly. Both of the accidents were caused by other careless drivers. I know that we all take risks every day that we don't even think about...driving, crossing the street, swimming in a pool, however I am more positive than ever that no one in my family will ever be allowed to own a motorcycle. You are so unprotected and at the mercy of drivers who just don't see you. My love goes to Butch's family.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Friends
My friend Bethany is coming to visit this weekend...whadda hoooooo! I'm so excited. I have not seen her in three years! Bethany has been my friend since we were 12! I remember going to her house the very first time and her getting mad at me for saying "I"m sorry" too much. Yes...for those of you who have experienced the agony of my apologetic ways, it was a bad habit even back then.
Bethany is one of those friends that you know will be apart of your life forever. My friend Heather is like that too. We've know each other since our very first year of girls camp and have never lost touch! Now that I think about it I've been able to make a few friends like that in every place I have ever lived. High school, college, when Jeff and I moved to Idaho. Amazingly, here in Salisbury (the "armpit of the east coast," as my brother-in-law likes to call it) I have been fortunate enough to acquire one or two "friends for life." I even share a few of Jeff's friends for lifers.
Friends for life are so different from those everyday, ordinary kinda friends. Ya know, those people that you really, really enjoy being around, and even hang out with quite a bit, but if they ever moved, you probably would not keep in much more contact than the occasional Christmas card. I'm not saying those kinda friends are not any less special, or not as "friendly" they just don't quite inhabit the same place in your heart as friends for life do.
I won't go into the specifics of what exactly a friend for life entails, I know you know and I'm sure you have had enough of the gushy forwarded "friend" e-mails to last a life time. But today, I was just thinking how much I love my friends and that even if we cannot talk every day I am thinking of you, and praying for you, and counting the minutes until I get to see you again!
Bethany is one of those friends that you know will be apart of your life forever. My friend Heather is like that too. We've know each other since our very first year of girls camp and have never lost touch! Now that I think about it I've been able to make a few friends like that in every place I have ever lived. High school, college, when Jeff and I moved to Idaho. Amazingly, here in Salisbury (the "armpit of the east coast," as my brother-in-law likes to call it) I have been fortunate enough to acquire one or two "friends for life." I even share a few of Jeff's friends for lifers.
Friends for life are so different from those everyday, ordinary kinda friends. Ya know, those people that you really, really enjoy being around, and even hang out with quite a bit, but if they ever moved, you probably would not keep in much more contact than the occasional Christmas card. I'm not saying those kinda friends are not any less special, or not as "friendly" they just don't quite inhabit the same place in your heart as friends for life do.
I won't go into the specifics of what exactly a friend for life entails, I know you know and I'm sure you have had enough of the gushy forwarded "friend" e-mails to last a life time. But today, I was just thinking how much I love my friends and that even if we cannot talk every day I am thinking of you, and praying for you, and counting the minutes until I get to see you again!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
In the mean time....
So it's been a while. I have had a tremendous amount of STUFF happening. July was our crazy birthday month. And I mean crrrrrazy. So many birthdays, so little time.
Anna turned ten which was super hard for me. I couldn't get it out of my head that she had gotten so big and so smart, and so helpful, and so sweet, and so caring, and so lovely, and so beautiful and so considerate, and so spiritual, and so insightful, and so empathetic and so tall, and so grown up, and so truly, absolutely amazing............without me realizing it. I should realize it, she's around 24/7, but man it hit me like a ton of bricks, that my little girl is not that far from being all grown up and I'm losing precious time. Before I know it she'll be 12 and then 14 and then graduating high school, it's just not fair.
As for the other July birthdays, I turned a whopping 33...woo hoo, no tah dah's there. And Audrey turned TWO!!!! That was a ton of fun. Two year olds are a blast, and I can tell that Audrey is gonna be one of our best two year olds by far. She is our little ray of sunshine and we are so glad we have her to wake up to everyday.
Other Fun July Stuff:
Last week, as many of you may have already heard I broke my foot, in an all to Nicole-esque fashion (typical klutz that I am). I stepped on my dumb belt buckle as I was taking off my dumb pants and the dumb hook, latch thinggy, punctured my dumb foot and then went in so far the dumb thing broke my bone. Dumb huh?? It was pretty painful. The doctor said that the chances of something like that happening are like one in a million. He told me I would have been better off having a bullet go through my foot...nice. I am stuck on my glorious gluteus maximus for 2 weeks and then in this big black DUMB boot for another 4 weeks. It's been an adventure. I have had many wonderful people helping me out, whom I am eternally grateful for. We've had dinners galore...(chili twice, chicken four times,ugh), everyone is really helping with the kids, taking turns taking them and coming here to help and yesterday, my very lovely friend Nancy cleaned my WHOLE house, and I mean the whole thing. She cleaned all four bathrooms did six loads of laundry and mopped all my floors, I LOVE HER!
Summing up:
July was a great, super fun, perfectly summerish month!
August ended before it even begun, my stupid foot is putting a hold on any more fun. Hopefully my best friend Bethany's visit in 2 weeks will make it all better.
Anna turned ten which was super hard for me. I couldn't get it out of my head that she had gotten so big and so smart, and so helpful, and so sweet, and so caring, and so lovely, and so beautiful and so considerate, and so spiritual, and so insightful, and so empathetic and so tall, and so grown up, and so truly, absolutely amazing............without me realizing it. I should realize it, she's around 24/7, but man it hit me like a ton of bricks, that my little girl is not that far from being all grown up and I'm losing precious time. Before I know it she'll be 12 and then 14 and then graduating high school, it's just not fair.
As for the other July birthdays, I turned a whopping 33...woo hoo, no tah dah's there. And Audrey turned TWO!!!! That was a ton of fun. Two year olds are a blast, and I can tell that Audrey is gonna be one of our best two year olds by far. She is our little ray of sunshine and we are so glad we have her to wake up to everyday.
Other Fun July Stuff:
- Fourth of July trip to Ben and Cyndi's where we celebrated the fourth with cook outs and tent sale fire works. We also celebrated Lori Noelle and heard Ben give an awesome baby blessing.
- My niece Elise came to stay for a week which was so much fun...we LOVE her.
- Lot's of beach trips.
- Water Park in Ocean City. I was finally able to go on rides...I'm not pregnant for once...woo hoo.
- Busch Gardens trip. We love that place. It's so beautiful and me and Anna went on every roller coaster, she loved it. Dallin rode the Big Bad Wolf, what a big guy!
Last week, as many of you may have already heard I broke my foot, in an all to Nicole-esque fashion (typical klutz that I am). I stepped on my dumb belt buckle as I was taking off my dumb pants and the dumb hook, latch thinggy, punctured my dumb foot and then went in so far the dumb thing broke my bone. Dumb huh?? It was pretty painful. The doctor said that the chances of something like that happening are like one in a million. He told me I would have been better off having a bullet go through my foot...nice. I am stuck on my glorious gluteus maximus for 2 weeks and then in this big black DUMB boot for another 4 weeks. It's been an adventure. I have had many wonderful people helping me out, whom I am eternally grateful for. We've had dinners galore...(chili twice, chicken four times,ugh), everyone is really helping with the kids, taking turns taking them and coming here to help and yesterday, my very lovely friend Nancy cleaned my WHOLE house, and I mean the whole thing. She cleaned all four bathrooms did six loads of laundry and mopped all my floors, I LOVE HER!
Summing up:
July was a great, super fun, perfectly summerish month!
August ended before it even begun, my stupid foot is putting a hold on any more fun. Hopefully my best friend Bethany's visit in 2 weeks will make it all better.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Emily
Emily is 4 and a half months old...can you believe it?? She is getting so big, I thought I would post a picture since it has been forever.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Audrey's Big Day
So our sweet little Audrey had surgery today! She was such a trooper. We are very proud of her. She had tubes put in her ears, allergy testing, and her adenoids taken out. The surgery went perfect and she seems to be recovering well. As you may imagine she is a little out of it (they gave her some pretty good drugs) and she is very sensitive...her brother and sister's are not allowed to go near her, without her freaking out. But other than that she is the same old Audrey.
It is amazing how your heart aches for your kids though...truly aches, real physical pain. When they brought her out of surgery and she looked so small and fragile I just wanted to cry...and I did a little!
It is amazing how your heart aches for your kids though...truly aches, real physical pain. When they brought her out of surgery and she looked so small and fragile I just wanted to cry...and I did a little!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
GUILTY!
On Thursday June 26th I went to court and was found GUILTY! Guilty of what you ask??? Well, a parking violation. Yes... I went to court over a parking ticket. It's a very long story so here ya go.
A month or so ago I was at my sister Kym's house. I had lost my car keys that day so I was using the valet key instead. After a little while I had Anna and Elizabeth go out to the car to grab the diaper bag. At the car Anna thought it would be funny to lock Elizabeth inside. Elizabeth proceeded to pull up the lock and open the door to get herself out. Well, apparently if you are on the inside of my car and pull the lock it makes my car alarm go off. It was blaring and I didn't have my car remote to turn it off. It would not turn off, I tried everything. We thought maybe if I drove the car around enough it would turn the alarm off. Needless to say, it didn't. I drove around with the alarm honking and all the people in the neighborhood coming out of their houses cussing me out. I rounded the block one more time hoping it would turn off, when all of a sudden there were two college kids standing in front of me in the middle of the road with their hands out saying, "Stop, Stop. This is a citizen's arrest." They thought I was stealing the van. Well, since they were in my way and I didn't want to hit them I pulled over. When I explained to them that I didn't steal the car and that I obviously couldn't get the alarm to go off they offered to help, (we were yelling of course...you couldn't hear a thing with the stupid horn blaring!)
They knew exactly what to do (which I thought was a little weird...had they stolen a car before???) They opened the hood and pulled the fuse out that operates the alarm. It turned off...woo hoo, no more horn honking. I hopped back in the car and tried to drive away, but the car wouldn't budge. The gear shift was locked. My car is so super cool, and new, and modern that it apparently knows when someone is trying to steal it. So when the alarm fuse was taken out the gear shift locked up and my car was immovable unless I had the engine key and the remote (I call it the clicker). So I left my car where it was, walked back to Kym's house, borrowed her car and drove down to Jeff's work to get his clicker. I was gone maybe 20 minutes and when I got back there was a ticket on the car... STINKER!!! It was for parking my car with the left tire against the curb. Can you believe it??? I was soooo... mad. I had to park it there, the cute college boys had stopped me there, the car had seized up, shoot, I didn't even know it was against the law to park with your left tire against the curb! The ticket was for 35 dollars and I was so ticked off I decided to take it to court. I mean wouldn't you? I certainly did not do anything wrong, I was a victim, a victim I tell you, and I was NOT going to pay 35 dollars for parking my car the wrong way!
So, Thursday was the big day. I was ridiculously nervous, my hands had not been that sweaty since my junior prom (I remember because my mom made me put powder in my white satin gloves to help dry them out). When Jeff and I sat down I noticed a very young officer and thought "wow, he looks like he is 18, it must be his first day on the job or something". I also heard him complaining to another officer that he was there for a "stupid parking ticket." Needless to say I felt like a shmuck, all I could think was...why didn't I just pay the 35 dollar fine??? Why oh why. It made me all the more nervous. There were quite a few people on the docket, all with some kind of traffic violation. One by one names were called and all of them were dismissed. The officer for each one had not appeared at court. Of course, mine was the only officer that day that decided to show. When the judge finally called my name I swear I could hear all the court officials snickering as they realized I was petitioning for a stupid parking ticket. I stood, I told my story (the best I could...I was freaking out on the inside) and the Judge said..."good story, you're still guilty, but good story. No fine, just pay the 20 dollar court fee."
So, was it worth it??? Heck yeah.... I only had to pay 20 dollars. I definitely felt vindicated. All of that anxiety saved me a whopping 15 dollars!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Too Funny
I got this from my friend Natalie's blog...and had to steal it!
Blogging 101 -What NOT to do!
#1. Don't get green with envy, Blenvy it's coined, while reading other's blogs. According to CJane, "It usually comes from reading a blog that emphasizes my insecurities." Well said blogger guru. I couldn't agree with you more.
Please remember that each post is just a moment of that person's day/week. Instead, just be happy that something amazing happened to your fellow blogger. Be inspired by them! If you really feel the need, use that insecurity to make a change in your own life and do something similar.
#2. If people don't update their blog roll by adding your name under 'Friends & Family' don't get your feelings hurt. It's simply a nice gesture, forgotten. Seasoned bloggers rarely even look at their sidebar anymore - let alone update it frequently.
#3. Never ask yourself, "Is insert blogger's name mad at me? She doesn't comment on my blog."
I realize that there is probably an expectation of family and friends to read your blog. However, don't expect anyone to read your blog and don't fall into this negative thinking.
You've got to understand that every blogger is on a different commitment level. You have your newbies who are completely addicted and spend every possible moment blog-jogging. To the end of the spectrum of your more seasoned bloggers who have developed their routine and only take the time to read their top 10 favorites. It's hard to imagine, but some people get completely burned out and need to take breaks from reading others blogs now and then.
#4. Don't feel left out. Now that you have a more intimate look at your friends lives (in real life), they might post outings that you weren't invited to attend. Please do not let it eat at you, make you feel left out, or that you're not an important friend in that person's life.
Life is crazy, busy, and things happen spare of the moment. You don't know the whole story as to how the event got organized and why certain people where invited and you weren't. You are special and you are important to your friend! Just let it go, or better yet, plan a fun get together and be sure to invite her. You'll feel much better!
#5. Guilt is overrated. You will come across some AMAZING moms. Honestly, I've been blown away by so many of you and your creativity and dedication to your family. Again, don't feel guilty or envious of these genetically gifted women. Instead, be inspired to make some changes in your own family. Use their techniques and strategies to empower yourself.
#6. Keep it real. While posting on your own blog be sure to allow yourself to open up and not only share your glamorous side, but also your self portraits, your struggles, and your hopes and dreams. You will find that bloggers are some of the most unjudgemental, forgiving, and loving people you'll have in your life. Use this positive energy to help you get through the tough times as well as celebrate the good ones.
End Quote!
Have a fabulous day!
Blogging 101 -What NOT to do!
#1. Don't get green with envy, Blenvy it's coined, while reading other's blogs. According to CJane, "It usually comes from reading a blog that emphasizes my insecurities." Well said blogger guru. I couldn't agree with you more.
Please remember that each post is just a moment of that person's day/week. Instead, just be happy that something amazing happened to your fellow blogger. Be inspired by them! If you really feel the need, use that insecurity to make a change in your own life and do something similar.
#2. If people don't update their blog roll by adding your name under 'Friends & Family' don't get your feelings hurt. It's simply a nice gesture, forgotten. Seasoned bloggers rarely even look at their sidebar anymore - let alone update it frequently.
#3. Never ask yourself, "Is insert blogger's name mad at me? She doesn't comment on my blog."
I realize that there is probably an expectation of family and friends to read your blog. However, don't expect anyone to read your blog and don't fall into this negative thinking.
You've got to understand that every blogger is on a different commitment level. You have your newbies who are completely addicted and spend every possible moment blog-jogging. To the end of the spectrum of your more seasoned bloggers who have developed their routine and only take the time to read their top 10 favorites. It's hard to imagine, but some people get completely burned out and need to take breaks from reading others blogs now and then.
#4. Don't feel left out. Now that you have a more intimate look at your friends lives (in real life), they might post outings that you weren't invited to attend. Please do not let it eat at you, make you feel left out, or that you're not an important friend in that person's life.
Life is crazy, busy, and things happen spare of the moment. You don't know the whole story as to how the event got organized and why certain people where invited and you weren't. You are special and you are important to your friend! Just let it go, or better yet, plan a fun get together and be sure to invite her. You'll feel much better!
#5. Guilt is overrated. You will come across some AMAZING moms. Honestly, I've been blown away by so many of you and your creativity and dedication to your family. Again, don't feel guilty or envious of these genetically gifted women. Instead, be inspired to make some changes in your own family. Use their techniques and strategies to empower yourself.
#6. Keep it real. While posting on your own blog be sure to allow yourself to open up and not only share your glamorous side, but also your self portraits, your struggles, and your hopes and dreams. You will find that bloggers are some of the most unjudgemental, forgiving, and loving people you'll have in your life. Use this positive energy to help you get through the tough times as well as celebrate the good ones.
End Quote!
Have a fabulous day!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Summer Stuff
I've been promising everyone to share my ideas for keeping kids busy in the summer so here ya go... Some are my ideas, some are great websites...I'm sure I could have done better, and I bet you've heard of most of this stuff, but I think it has helped me to feel a little more prepared.
Here are a few basic rules that I've set up for myself.
1. Try not to sleep in.
I think one of the hardest parts of summer is when your schedule gets out of whack...so I'm planning on getting up at the same time. If the kids sleep in, great, it'll give me more quiet time, but I know I need to make sure I'm up and dressed and ready to go...I always feel better if I am dressed and showered with make up on first thing in the morning.
2. Daily exercise.
I'm going to get the kids involved with walks every day (as long as it's not too hot). My kids can get lazy in the summer. I found one website that had this great idea about doing a coin walk. Where you go out the front door and flip a coin...heads you turn left, tails you turn right, and see where you end up.
3. Menus with planned snack times.
I don't want the kids to eat all day long, so I have set up specific snack times that I am going to post on the pantry door.
4. Chores are a necessity.
I have their chore charts ready to go and they will have to have them done before they are allowed to do any of the fun stuff.
5. Summer Reading and Daily Homework
Nothing elaborate, I have some hooked on phonic activities and some work books for Anna, and I want to have reading time everyday. There is a great summer reading program at my library for kids of all ages.
6. One and a half hour of TV or other electronics a day.
I haven't decided if this is too much...what do you think?? I don't want them to turn into TV zombies. But I figure this is how long most movies are so they can choose to watch a movie in the evening or play on the computer for a half an hour and then watch a favorite show. I don't know though??? Maybe they can have a NO TV day once a week.
7. You don't have to have something creative everyday.
I think it's important for kids to use their imagination. Jeff and I are always amazed when we tell the kids "No TV" that they always figure out cool stuff to do. So I know they have it in them. I definitely plan on having crafts and game ideas ready, but I don't think I need to plan a craft every day.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas...
For the first day of summer vacation I am going to give each of the kids (even Audrey) a summer journal with a new fancy pen (dollar store). I'm going to let them decorate the journal. I thought it would be cool if they could write down all the fun and crazy things they do this summer. They can paste in pictures of what we have done and I can help the little ones journal their days.
I also plan on giving them each a disposable camera. I'm going to tell them they can take pictures of whatever they want but if they use all the film in one day that is all the pictures they can take, or they can take one really cool picture a day and the camera will last half the summer. I want to teach them a little bit about taking pictures and what makes good pictures, etc.
Anna and Elizabeth are super excited about doing cooking days. I got the kids aprons and we're going to cook a new fun thing once a week. I thought it would be fun to get some index cards and recipe boxes and let them make their own recipe boxes with their favorite foods.
I've made plans with a couple of friends to go on a field trip once a week. We're going to go to places like the zoo, library, beach, fire house etc.
So, there you have it. Here are some of the websites I've found. Let me know what you decide to do, and if I've missed anything super cool, I need to plan for!
http://www.funattic.com/game_summer.htm
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/summer-crafts-to-wear/
http://babyparenting.about.com/od/summerfun/Summer_Fun.htm
http://www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerplay.htm
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerfunwaterplay.htm
Here are a few basic rules that I've set up for myself.
1. Try not to sleep in.
I think one of the hardest parts of summer is when your schedule gets out of whack...so I'm planning on getting up at the same time. If the kids sleep in, great, it'll give me more quiet time, but I know I need to make sure I'm up and dressed and ready to go...I always feel better if I am dressed and showered with make up on first thing in the morning.
2. Daily exercise.
I'm going to get the kids involved with walks every day (as long as it's not too hot). My kids can get lazy in the summer. I found one website that had this great idea about doing a coin walk. Where you go out the front door and flip a coin...heads you turn left, tails you turn right, and see where you end up.
3. Menus with planned snack times.
I don't want the kids to eat all day long, so I have set up specific snack times that I am going to post on the pantry door.
4. Chores are a necessity.
I have their chore charts ready to go and they will have to have them done before they are allowed to do any of the fun stuff.
5. Summer Reading and Daily Homework
Nothing elaborate, I have some hooked on phonic activities and some work books for Anna, and I want to have reading time everyday. There is a great summer reading program at my library for kids of all ages.
6. One and a half hour of TV or other electronics a day.
I haven't decided if this is too much...what do you think?? I don't want them to turn into TV zombies. But I figure this is how long most movies are so they can choose to watch a movie in the evening or play on the computer for a half an hour and then watch a favorite show. I don't know though??? Maybe they can have a NO TV day once a week.
7. You don't have to have something creative everyday.
I think it's important for kids to use their imagination. Jeff and I are always amazed when we tell the kids "No TV" that they always figure out cool stuff to do. So I know they have it in them. I definitely plan on having crafts and game ideas ready, but I don't think I need to plan a craft every day.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas...
For the first day of summer vacation I am going to give each of the kids (even Audrey) a summer journal with a new fancy pen (dollar store). I'm going to let them decorate the journal. I thought it would be cool if they could write down all the fun and crazy things they do this summer. They can paste in pictures of what we have done and I can help the little ones journal their days.
I also plan on giving them each a disposable camera. I'm going to tell them they can take pictures of whatever they want but if they use all the film in one day that is all the pictures they can take, or they can take one really cool picture a day and the camera will last half the summer. I want to teach them a little bit about taking pictures and what makes good pictures, etc.
Anna and Elizabeth are super excited about doing cooking days. I got the kids aprons and we're going to cook a new fun thing once a week. I thought it would be fun to get some index cards and recipe boxes and let them make their own recipe boxes with their favorite foods.
I've made plans with a couple of friends to go on a field trip once a week. We're going to go to places like the zoo, library, beach, fire house etc.
So, there you have it. Here are some of the websites I've found. Let me know what you decide to do, and if I've missed anything super cool, I need to plan for!
http://www.funattic.com/game_summer.htm
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/summer-crafts-to-wear/
http://babyparenting.about.com/od/summerfun/Summer_Fun.htm
http://www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerplay.htm
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/summerfunwaterplay.htm
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Congratulations Ben and Cyndi!--Correction
Evidently, Ben did not vomit in the corner of the hospital room while Cyndi was delivering...I must have made that up in my head. But he may have thrown up in a car if he was my cousin Melissa's husband. She delivered her baby boy on the same day as Cyndi, June 6th, but in HER CAR!!!!! Holy Cow! Congratulations Melissa and Lorin. I hope mommy and baby are doing well...can you imagine...in HER CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm dying to hear the details of that story!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Congratulations Ben and Cyndi!
Ben and Cyndi had their baby this morning! I think it was around 2:00am. They called me around 3:00am so the details seem a little foggy. This is what I know...it was a girl, she weighed 7lbs, 4oz, 19 and something inches long, and she is very healthy and happy. This little tid-bit blows me away....SHE DID IT WITHOUT ANY DRUGS. When she got to the hospital she had the baby within like 45 minutes. Way to go Cyndi! I think Ben said he vomited in the corner (he's very squeamish). I could be wrong about that last detail...it was the middle of the night. (hee hee)
They hadn't decided on a name yet. I think it is between Lucy and Lori. Anyways...Congratulations. I cannot wait to meet my new niece.
They hadn't decided on a name yet. I think it is between Lucy and Lori. Anyways...Congratulations. I cannot wait to meet my new niece.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Busy Week
It has been a busy week for us. Elizabeth had her Kindergarten graduation yesterday and today was Dallin's pre-K graduation. Tomorrow is Anna's 4th grade award ceremony. I cannot believe this year is over. It is just unbelievable to me that Dallin will be in Kindergarten in the fall and Anna will be going into her last year of elementary school. Crazy huh? Tuesday is the last day of school, but today is the last full day, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday they have half days. So far I have come up with some pretty cute ideas to keep them happy and occupied this summer. I'll have to post about that next!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Refining My Palate
It is interesting how your tastes change as you get older. Lately I have really been expanding my food horizons. One of the most noticeable changes is my newly discovered passion for chocolate. I was never much of a chocolate fan. I liked it in things...cookies, candy bars, but never by itself. Well, lately I crave chocolate, and not just any chocolate it has to be dark...the darker the better. I am still trying to eat healthy so I'm not binging on chocolate or anything but a little piece of dark chocolate makes me unbelievably happy! My friend Maria introduced me to this dark chocolate from the local health store called Dagoba.....it is sooooo good! My favorites are the Chocolate and Lavender Bar and the Chocolate with Rosemary and mint. I have also fallen in love with Ginger... My friend Ethel brought me some Ginger and Lemon Scones from Trader Joe's and I immediately fell in love with them.
Another change in my diet is that I refuse to buy anything with Trans Fats or High Fructose Corn Syrup. This can be very challenging because EVERYTHING is made with these two ingredients. Especially the High Fructose Corn Syrup. I try to buy a lot of organic stuff, but it is getting harder to do this because the cost of food is getting out of control. It does not seem fair that the cheapest food is the food that is the most unhealthy.
Another change in my diet is that I refuse to buy anything with Trans Fats or High Fructose Corn Syrup. This can be very challenging because EVERYTHING is made with these two ingredients. Especially the High Fructose Corn Syrup. I try to buy a lot of organic stuff, but it is getting harder to do this because the cost of food is getting out of control. It does not seem fair that the cheapest food is the food that is the most unhealthy.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
One More Thing....
Jeff has been taking a CISCO class every Monday and Wednesday and is pretty much gone all day until midnight. I have missed him, but he is learning and... I have had time to read! Yeah! I just recently finished The Kite Runner. It was an amazing book. I loved it! I cannot wait to read Khaled Hosseini's other book about Afghanistan A Thousand Splendid Suns. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to watching the movie, I heard it is great!
Update
So my sink has been spic and span, beautiful and full of shine for a week now....I guess I should move onto something new to clean. As clean as my sink is, the rest of the house could use a major overhaul. I have been a little blah this week...I think I have had some kind of bug and hopefully I will feel more energetic soon. I have noticed that a clean sink is a really nice thing to have. It is this one little spot of perfectness in my house and it makes me happy.
This weekend I was able to go to my sister Cyndi's house for a much needed get away. Jeff kept all the kids (except baby of course) and it was soooooo nice to have a little break. I went with my mom and Kym and we helped Cyndi get some stuff ready for her baby. She is due in 2 weeks! It was a lot of fun. I am so grateful that I am so close to my sisters and my mom. They are AWESOME!!!
This weekend I was able to go to my sister Cyndi's house for a much needed get away. Jeff kept all the kids (except baby of course) and it was soooooo nice to have a little break. I went with my mom and Kym and we helped Cyndi get some stuff ready for her baby. She is due in 2 weeks! It was a lot of fun. I am so grateful that I am so close to my sisters and my mom. They are AWESOME!!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sparkling Sink
Apparently, in my quest for perfection...(have I ever mentioned that I have an inexplicable desire to be perfect?) the most important first step is to clean your sink.
I read about this website called "FLYLady" in a magazine called "Organize." Cyndi gave me a subscription for my b-day last year. The magazine is totally cool and I am officially addicted to the flylady website. You have to check it out!
I read about this website called "FLYLady" in a magazine called "Organize." Cyndi gave me a subscription for my b-day last year. The magazine is totally cool and I am officially addicted to the flylady website. You have to check it out!
Monday, May 19, 2008
I Smell Summer
22 Days, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes, and 33 Seconds. This is officially the amount of time I have until the last day of school. Am I?? Excited...maybe. Terrified...a little. Stressed out...definitely!
Summer Break is one of those things I always have mixed emotions about. I love the thought of having no where to be, wearing flip flops and not having to give baths until the night before church. I love going to the beach with the kids, and being able to make dinner as late as I want. No one complaining about a lost back-pack or that they don't want turkey sandwiches in their lunch box again will be a welcome reprieve. I will be able to sleep in a little. And best of all I won't be driving all over creation. They say gas prices are supposed to get even worse this summer, but for me, my gas cost should practically disappear.
On the other hand, the thought of having to keep five crazy kids occupied all summer long makes me feel completely inadequate. It is almost like summer vacation is the final exam of being a stay at home mom. I break out in a sweat just thinking of how many times I'm going to hear..."I"m telling on you." I have nightmares about how much more mess there will be to clean up. I cringe at the thought of rainy days. And I practically tear up at the thought of hearing the dreaded words... "I'm bored mom." AHHHHH!!!!!!
I want to be ready this year. I want this summer to be organized and fun. I want to feel like I have control. I want the kids to be happy and I want to be happy. So... I am doing some research. I love the internet! Free ideas are just a click away... So far, It looks like I need to start with my house. I need to get some organizing and cleaning done so I can finally feel all moved in. (We still have boxes tucked in corners of practically every room). I will keep everyone posted on my progress. After all, I only have 22 Days, 1 Hours 45 Minutes, and 15 Seconds until chaos ensues.
Summer Break is one of those things I always have mixed emotions about. I love the thought of having no where to be, wearing flip flops and not having to give baths until the night before church. I love going to the beach with the kids, and being able to make dinner as late as I want. No one complaining about a lost back-pack or that they don't want turkey sandwiches in their lunch box again will be a welcome reprieve. I will be able to sleep in a little. And best of all I won't be driving all over creation. They say gas prices are supposed to get even worse this summer, but for me, my gas cost should practically disappear.
On the other hand, the thought of having to keep five crazy kids occupied all summer long makes me feel completely inadequate. It is almost like summer vacation is the final exam of being a stay at home mom. I break out in a sweat just thinking of how many times I'm going to hear..."I"m telling on you." I have nightmares about how much more mess there will be to clean up. I cringe at the thought of rainy days. And I practically tear up at the thought of hearing the dreaded words... "I'm bored mom." AHHHHH!!!!!!
I want to be ready this year. I want this summer to be organized and fun. I want to feel like I have control. I want the kids to be happy and I want to be happy. So... I am doing some research. I love the internet! Free ideas are just a click away... So far, It looks like I need to start with my house. I need to get some organizing and cleaning done so I can finally feel all moved in. (We still have boxes tucked in corners of practically every room). I will keep everyone posted on my progress. After all, I only have 22 Days, 1 Hours 45 Minutes, and 15 Seconds until chaos ensues.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
To all my friends that are moms, to all my family members that are mom's, to all the beautiful women in my life...Thank You. Because of you all I am the mom I am today. Happy Mother's Day.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Little Miss Audrey
Some of you may have heard me talk about or have observed for yourself how perfectly behaved my little Audrey is. She is 21 months old now and up until recently has been the apple of my eye. She is so different from my first three kids. She is sweet and soft. She listens when I say "no". She gives love to anyone who asks. She picks up her messes. She hardly ever cries. She is an angel in nursery at church and her leaders love her. When we have visitors people fight over who will get to play with her or cuddle her. She loves Emily and is so good with her. I have never been worried about her being too rough with the baby. Lately, however I have noticed changes in her. I think she is moving to the dark side (terrible two's). Anna, Elizabeth and Dallin all hit the terrible two's at 14-15 months and never looked back. So I had reason to hope that Audrey was going to stay her sweet adorable self forever. I think I was wrong!
In the last month or two things have been changing. There have been lots of temper tantrums. I have heard "NO MOMMY," more times than I can count. She has drawn on the wall at least a dozen times and her messes are getting bigger. She has sat in a sink and turned the water on herself while eating a tube of toothpaste. She has discovered how fun it is to jump off of anything and everything. She likes to escape outside (thank goodness our backyard is fenced in) and refuses to let anyone catch her, and then when we do catch her she gets so mad she kicks you over and over again. She LOVES my makeup and my jewelry and thinks my earrings look "pretty" glistening and sparkling at the bottom of my toilet. Books are not safe because she thinks the art work is not good enough and she needs to add her own touch with permanent marker. I'm pretty sure that she has been deceiving us all. She is not my sweetest child ever, she is my rottenest child ever. She was just holding back until the baby was born, when she knew I would have to nurse, or change a diaper and then she could be as sneaky as she wanted...and get a way with it.
This morning was by far the worst. While I was doing laundry Audrey decided that Emily would make a good Mr. Potato Head. She took all of Dallin's Star Wars Mr. Potato Head pieces and stuck them wherever she could find a hole on my poor, poor baby. Tiny little Emily had a nose sticking out of one ear, eyes coming from the other ear, an arm holding a light saber coming out of her nose, and a storm trooper helmet on top of her head. I'm not sure why but Emily never woke up, thank goodness, although Audrey may have knocked her unconscious first.
In the last month or two things have been changing. There have been lots of temper tantrums. I have heard "NO MOMMY," more times than I can count. She has drawn on the wall at least a dozen times and her messes are getting bigger. She has sat in a sink and turned the water on herself while eating a tube of toothpaste. She has discovered how fun it is to jump off of anything and everything. She likes to escape outside (thank goodness our backyard is fenced in) and refuses to let anyone catch her, and then when we do catch her she gets so mad she kicks you over and over again. She LOVES my makeup and my jewelry and thinks my earrings look "pretty" glistening and sparkling at the bottom of my toilet. Books are not safe because she thinks the art work is not good enough and she needs to add her own touch with permanent marker. I'm pretty sure that she has been deceiving us all. She is not my sweetest child ever, she is my rottenest child ever. She was just holding back until the baby was born, when she knew I would have to nurse, or change a diaper and then she could be as sneaky as she wanted...and get a way with it.
This morning was by far the worst. While I was doing laundry Audrey decided that Emily would make a good Mr. Potato Head. She took all of Dallin's Star Wars Mr. Potato Head pieces and stuck them wherever she could find a hole on my poor, poor baby. Tiny little Emily had a nose sticking out of one ear, eyes coming from the other ear, an arm holding a light saber coming out of her nose, and a storm trooper helmet on top of her head. I'm not sure why but Emily never woke up, thank goodness, although Audrey may have knocked her unconscious first.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
One Month Down
So little Miss Emily is over one month old...can you believe it??? She is getting bigger by the second. Things seem to be finally settling down. I feel like I can finally breathe at least. It was harder than I expected...getting used to a newborn again. The lack of sleep, the constant crying, the poopy all over you, the spitting up. It hasn't been that long since Audrey was a newborn but it has been an adjustment none the less. Everyone told me when I got pregnant with Audrey that having four kids was a piece of cake. That three kids was hard and after that it was all down hill. HAH!!! Four was not as hard as I thought. But... Five... Five is HARD. Is it because I am older? Is it because I have four kids under the age of six and one almost-10 year old-Hannah Montana-loving tween? Is it because I have three kids in school that I have to run all over creation? I don't seem to have an answer but if someone can tell me how to keep my head on straight and not forget where I left the baby, I would appreciate it.
Yes, I lost my baby yesterday. I have to admit my house is a lot bigger than my old one, but loosing a baby shouldn't happen in a house of any size. I couldn't remember where I had put her down. I looked everywhere it seemed, in her cradle, in her swing, in the bouncy seat, in the moses basket. (Yes, there are that many places to leave a baby). Finally, after running all over the house, Audrey found her. Little Emily was in the formal living room, snoozing happily where I had left her. I have heard that around six months after giving birth your brain begins to get back to normal and your memory actually works better than ever before...I hope this is true. Otherwise my poor baby may end up in the lost and found at church.
Yes, I lost my baby yesterday. I have to admit my house is a lot bigger than my old one, but loosing a baby shouldn't happen in a house of any size. I couldn't remember where I had put her down. I looked everywhere it seemed, in her cradle, in her swing, in the bouncy seat, in the moses basket. (Yes, there are that many places to leave a baby). Finally, after running all over the house, Audrey found her. Little Emily was in the formal living room, snoozing happily where I had left her. I have heard that around six months after giving birth your brain begins to get back to normal and your memory actually works better than ever before...I hope this is true. Otherwise my poor baby may end up in the lost and found at church.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Lately I have had to say goodbye to quite a few of my very good friends. Apparently people just do not like it here in Salisbury, Maryland. Our good friends Kelly and Mark Johnson moved this past November to Eagle Moutain (I think that is right) Utah. Our good friends Amber and Marty are leaving today for Nevada. My good friend Ethel who is my jewlery making, scrapbooking, sewing, and anything to do with crafts mentor is moving to Florida this summer. And there are 3 other Awesome families that are moving out of our ward at the end of the school year.
If I didn't know any better I would think it has something to do with me and Jeff. But they just seem to all be fed up with Salisbury. To tell you the truth I don't blame them. Salisbury is not the prettiest town on the planet, especially in the winter. It is gray, dirty and ridicuously flat. Not a hill in sight. The only redeeming quality about Salisbury is that it is only 25 mintutes from the Atlantic Ocean, and we LOVE the beach. It is also nice that half of my family lives here. I don't think we'll live in Salisbury for the rest of our lives, but we're stuck here for now and with all of our friends leaving us behind it seems like Salisbury is going to be a lot more dreary place to live.
If I didn't know any better I would think it has something to do with me and Jeff. But they just seem to all be fed up with Salisbury. To tell you the truth I don't blame them. Salisbury is not the prettiest town on the planet, especially in the winter. It is gray, dirty and ridicuously flat. Not a hill in sight. The only redeeming quality about Salisbury is that it is only 25 mintutes from the Atlantic Ocean, and we LOVE the beach. It is also nice that half of my family lives here. I don't think we'll live in Salisbury for the rest of our lives, but we're stuck here for now and with all of our friends leaving us behind it seems like Salisbury is going to be a lot more dreary place to live.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Emily Lynn
Emily is finally here! I went into labor on Valentines Day and delivered at 12:09 am on the 15th. We thought it would be a ton of fun to have a baby on V-Day, but Emily had other plans, she refused to share her birthday with the world! She weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 19 and 1/2 inches long. She has a ton of blond hair and is as sweet as can be. Her eyes are giant and beautiful and looking blue so far. Most importantly she is healthy and strong and we feel so blessed to have her sweet spirit here with us.
We came home on Saturday and have just loved watching the other kids interact with her. Audrey is in love! She calls her "my baby" and is so soft and sweet to her. Elizabeth is in official big sister mode and wants to do anything she can to help. Poor Dallin has been sick, but he is loving her from afar, and Anna is always amazing and helpful and loves Emily with all her heart.
I am so grateful to be a part of this family and feel truly blessed to have such amazing children and a wonderful husband. Jeff is just amazing. He stays awake with me at night when I am nursing, and he has changed almost every dirty diaper. He has made sure all the kids are fed and dressed, and bathed. He tucks them in and plays with them. And on top of everything he takes care of me too. You couldn't ask for a more dedicated, loving father and husband. I love him very much and am so proud of him. It will be awesome to have him home with me this week.
I promise to post pictures of the baby very soon, and of the new house!
We came home on Saturday and have just loved watching the other kids interact with her. Audrey is in love! She calls her "my baby" and is so soft and sweet to her. Elizabeth is in official big sister mode and wants to do anything she can to help. Poor Dallin has been sick, but he is loving her from afar, and Anna is always amazing and helpful and loves Emily with all her heart.
I am so grateful to be a part of this family and feel truly blessed to have such amazing children and a wonderful husband. Jeff is just amazing. He stays awake with me at night when I am nursing, and he has changed almost every dirty diaper. He has made sure all the kids are fed and dressed, and bathed. He tucks them in and plays with them. And on top of everything he takes care of me too. You couldn't ask for a more dedicated, loving father and husband. I love him very much and am so proud of him. It will be awesome to have him home with me this week.
I promise to post pictures of the baby very soon, and of the new house!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Quick Update
#1 Getting settled in new house...there are still a gazillion boxes everywhere.
#2 Getting closer to due date...there is still a baby in there.
I've been to the hospital twice with wicked contractions, but this baby seems to take after her big sis Audrey and will probably be very late! I feel like I've been in labor for a week...UGH!!!!!!!!!
#3 Happy Valentines Day!
#2 Getting closer to due date...there is still a baby in there.
I've been to the hospital twice with wicked contractions, but this baby seems to take after her big sis Audrey and will probably be very late! I feel like I've been in labor for a week...UGH!!!!!!!!!
#3 Happy Valentines Day!
Monday, January 14, 2008
We're In!
Finally! We have moved into our new house! Hallelujah! It has been four weeks since we went to closing and it seemed like we would never get to live in our house. The contractor still has a few odds and ends to finish up, but it is livable.
Things have been super hectic, as you can imagine. Christmas was a whirlwind and I have to say I was not sad to see the holiday season finally behind us, as well as 2007! It was nice to see family but other than that Christmas this year, for me, was just too dang hard. There was a never ending list of things to get done and I felt like I did not have a chance to enjoy myself for one second. Next year should be such an improvement. It will be so much fun to have Christmas in our new house. It is a perfect Christmas house!
I have to admit, we are truly loving the house. The extra space is AWESOME!!!! My girls are in heaven in the attic and I love how big my kitchen is. I know we will love it even more once we are settled and unpacked. And hopefully that will not take too much longer. I really should probably start focusing on the fact that I'm about to give birth. Emily will be here in four weeks!
Oh my, I think I am in denial. I cannot believe I am having another sweet little baby in a few weeks. I am feeling terribly guilty that I have not done a single thing to get ready. All of my energy and attention has been given to this move and now that I'm moved I still have a million things to get done. I want to start nesting and getting out baby clothes and setting up her cradle and buying diapers. But there just has not been the time.
Today I started driving the kids to school. Yuck...it is going to stink. Because the schools are so far away it took me about 45 minutes to get everybody dropped off and back to my old house (where I am using the internet). The gas guzzling alone is going to kill me! Oh well, it is worth it, the schools they are in now are the best in the county, and if I let them go to the new schools they would be going to the worst in the county.
For now, all of my blogging and phone use will be coming from my old house. Our new house has no phone lines or cable lines hooked up. Nice, huh? One of the "odds and ends" our contractor needs to finish. Oh well, I need to be here to clean anyways. And Dallin can just ride his regular bus home at lunch time. So for this week it works out nicely.
Things have been super hectic, as you can imagine. Christmas was a whirlwind and I have to say I was not sad to see the holiday season finally behind us, as well as 2007! It was nice to see family but other than that Christmas this year, for me, was just too dang hard. There was a never ending list of things to get done and I felt like I did not have a chance to enjoy myself for one second. Next year should be such an improvement. It will be so much fun to have Christmas in our new house. It is a perfect Christmas house!
I have to admit, we are truly loving the house. The extra space is AWESOME!!!! My girls are in heaven in the attic and I love how big my kitchen is. I know we will love it even more once we are settled and unpacked. And hopefully that will not take too much longer. I really should probably start focusing on the fact that I'm about to give birth. Emily will be here in four weeks!
Oh my, I think I am in denial. I cannot believe I am having another sweet little baby in a few weeks. I am feeling terribly guilty that I have not done a single thing to get ready. All of my energy and attention has been given to this move and now that I'm moved I still have a million things to get done. I want to start nesting and getting out baby clothes and setting up her cradle and buying diapers. But there just has not been the time.
Today I started driving the kids to school. Yuck...it is going to stink. Because the schools are so far away it took me about 45 minutes to get everybody dropped off and back to my old house (where I am using the internet). The gas guzzling alone is going to kill me! Oh well, it is worth it, the schools they are in now are the best in the county, and if I let them go to the new schools they would be going to the worst in the county.
For now, all of my blogging and phone use will be coming from my old house. Our new house has no phone lines or cable lines hooked up. Nice, huh? One of the "odds and ends" our contractor needs to finish. Oh well, I need to be here to clean anyways. And Dallin can just ride his regular bus home at lunch time. So for this week it works out nicely.
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