Monday, July 20, 2009
July so far.....
I want to start out by saying that I just poured my heart out in a blog the computer lost, this will be my second attempt at July.....
I love the fourth of July it is my favorite holiday. We enjoyed the ward breakfast, Kennedy spent the morning with the stomach bug, I hit the 50% off sale at Goodwill for school uniforms, we hosted a family bbq, I read a book, swam with the Burnett's at the city pool, and ended at the Black's for a backyard view of the fireworks. Who could ask for more?
Monday I was off to Student Government camp. The camp was huge this year with 400 participants, 8 of which were my students. Overall the camp was great and each of the kids took home special experiences. Cell phone reception was awful and I had to eventually email to keep in touch with Marc. The picture to the left is from our 70's Disco themed banquet. I searched several thrift stores for a decent outfit, and really struggled. Then I got home from camp and noticed several stores are carrying 70's inspired clothing! The worst part of camp was driving home to the valley in a car without air conditioning. Again, I need to thank my mom for coming to AZ to watch the kids while I was at camp.
A few days later we were off to California to visit our family/friends the Mueller's. Surprisingly Marc was able to take off work and drag his laptop for homework to join us. (I probably have not mentioned that Marc has gone back to school full-time. He will be working part-time and finishing his degree in Computer Information Systems. If all goes well he will finish in December 2010.) Wednesday I took the kids to Huntington Beach for boogie boarding and sand castles. Thursday we went to Disneyland and tried out-of-the-ordinary things. Friday the Mueller's joined us with their new surf board on a beach trip. The beach we went to was rocky and not so kid friendly, but apparently great for surfing. We had a good time nonetheless. Later that night we went on a date with Clint and Melinda. (It is so nice to have a built in babysitter). Unfortunately we had to come home on Saturday. When we got here we went straight to a wedding reception and then to Spencer's Surprise Birthday Party.
Now we are looking the school year straight in the eyes. Student Government training starts Wednesday. We are hosting a regional spirit conference September 1st, plus all of the normal school year stuff. So we really need all the time we can get to be ready.
Side note on life: Why does it seem that just when you are comfortable everything changes? Our principal and head counselor have taken jobs in Connecticut. My student activities administrator has been transferred. The bookstore lady was promoted. MY AIDE RETIRED. My classroom, class period, and school schedule are changing. Kennedy is going to Kindergarten. Marc is now working part-time and going to school full-time. My hairdresser moved and I have gained ten pounds. What is the Lord trying to tell me?
I love the fourth of July it is my favorite holiday. We enjoyed the ward breakfast, Kennedy spent the morning with the stomach bug, I hit the 50% off sale at Goodwill for school uniforms, we hosted a family bbq, I read a book, swam with the Burnett's at the city pool, and ended at the Black's for a backyard view of the fireworks. Who could ask for more?
Monday I was off to Student Government camp. The camp was huge this year with 400 participants, 8 of which were my students. Overall the camp was great and each of the kids took home special experiences. Cell phone reception was awful and I had to eventually email to keep in touch with Marc. The picture to the left is from our 70's Disco themed banquet. I searched several thrift stores for a decent outfit, and really struggled. Then I got home from camp and noticed several stores are carrying 70's inspired clothing! The worst part of camp was driving home to the valley in a car without air conditioning. Again, I need to thank my mom for coming to AZ to watch the kids while I was at camp.
A few days later we were off to California to visit our family/friends the Mueller's. Surprisingly Marc was able to take off work and drag his laptop for homework to join us. (I probably have not mentioned that Marc has gone back to school full-time. He will be working part-time and finishing his degree in Computer Information Systems. If all goes well he will finish in December 2010.) Wednesday I took the kids to Huntington Beach for boogie boarding and sand castles. Thursday we went to Disneyland and tried out-of-the-ordinary things. Friday the Mueller's joined us with their new surf board on a beach trip. The beach we went to was rocky and not so kid friendly, but apparently great for surfing. We had a good time nonetheless. Later that night we went on a date with Clint and Melinda. (It is so nice to have a built in babysitter). Unfortunately we had to come home on Saturday. When we got here we went straight to a wedding reception and then to Spencer's Surprise Birthday Party.
Now we are looking the school year straight in the eyes. Student Government training starts Wednesday. We are hosting a regional spirit conference September 1st, plus all of the normal school year stuff. So we really need all the time we can get to be ready.Side note on life: Why does it seem that just when you are comfortable everything changes? Our principal and head counselor have taken jobs in Connecticut. My student activities administrator has been transferred. The bookstore lady was promoted. MY AIDE RETIRED. My classroom, class period, and school schedule are changing. Kennedy is going to Kindergarten. Marc is now working part-time and going to school full-time. My hairdresser moved and I have gained ten pounds. What is the Lord trying to tell me?
Carter- Master of Destruction
Those of you who have boys know exactly what I am taking about. He is not content, like Kennedy, to play quietly on his own. He is busy! I don't have the pictures or blog space to prove the "mark" he is making in our home. Make-up, flour, paper, crayons, the dishwasher, toilet paper, cd collection, inside guts of the remaining VHS tapes, anything is fair game. Plus, he has to make his physical presence known: pinching, hitting, scratching, and other impulsive forms of violence. His personality is setting in full force! It is crazy he can SO sweet and adorable (picture 1) and turn on a dime. He has been teething, getting all of the pointy teeth at once, and I keep praying that this phase is associated with the teeth. (You know screaming in the middle of the night for no apparent reason.)
The nice thing, however, is he is starting to communicate, yay! He is starting to "say" a few things: Mama, Dada, please, ball, bite, uh-oh, wow, eyes, dog, uh-uh (no), uh-huh (yes). It is really nice to be able to figure out what he wants.
Overall he is a good, happy kid. I am really grateful he is healthy and "thriving." Mostly I can't believe he will be 18 months soon!
The nice thing, however, is he is starting to communicate, yay! He is starting to "say" a few things: Mama, Dada, please, ball, bite, uh-oh, wow, eyes, dog, uh-uh (no), uh-huh (yes). It is really nice to be able to figure out what he wants.
Overall he is a good, happy kid. I am really grateful he is healthy and "thriving." Mostly I can't believe he will be 18 months soon!
Kennedy's Summer
If you had to summarize Kennedy's summer in one word it would be swimming. She had swimming practice every weekday, 
swimming lessons right after, and a meet once or twice a week. Whenever she had down time she wanted to swim, go figure! She has gotten to be a really good swimmer, but she is in no hurry. Well, unless she is racing right next to her cousin Rory, then there is no stopping her.
swimming lessons right after, and a meet once or twice a week. Whenever she had down time she wanted to swim, go figure! She has gotten to be a really good swimmer, but she is in no hurry. Well, unless she is racing right next to her cousin Rory, then there is no stopping her.
Still Busy in June
May ran into June this year. With everything we had endured, I was totally on the mental fritz. My mom stayed with us, helping to watch kids while I taught lessons and took kids to swim practice. With all the chaos I really need to thank my mom, sister (Janeal), and friend JJ for making it possible for me to pull off working and taking care of my kids.
Marc knew I was totally fried and did the best thing in the world... he took me away for my 30th birthday. Again, my mom watched the kids while we spent a day on the beach and another at Disneyland (alone!). He knows me well. Plus, I got to hang out with some Dysart girlfriends, using my birthday as an excuse.
A few sad notes about June.... our friend's the Mueller's moved to California! In addition, my buddy and hairstylist Sarah moved to Virginia. I am still totally bummed! We had an awesome trade system worked out. I am still trying to figure what to do with my hair!
June also gave us a chance to celebrate Father's Day, which Marc totally deserved. We hosted a Student Government Dive-in Movie. Also, we went up to Stoneman Lake to camp with Marni and John. Everything was great, except the bugs who thought Marc's legs were very tastey. The kids totally enjoyed romping in the forest and playing with their cousins.
Marc knew I was totally fried and did the best thing in the world... he took me away for my 30th birthday. Again, my mom watched the kids while we spent a day on the beach and another at Disneyland (alone!). He knows me well. Plus, I got to hang out with some Dysart girlfriends, using my birthday as an excuse.
A few sad notes about June.... our friend's the Mueller's moved to California! In addition, my buddy and hairstylist Sarah moved to Virginia. I am still totally bummed! We had an awesome trade system worked out. I am still trying to figure what to do with my hair!
June also gave us a chance to celebrate Father's Day, which Marc totally deserved. We hosted a Student Government Dive-in Movie. Also, we went up to Stoneman Lake to camp with Marni and John. Everything was great, except the bugs who thought Marc's legs were very tastey. The kids totally enjoyed romping in the forest and playing with their cousins.
Goodbye 20's!
Most of your life you never believe you will be 30! Most people dread it, not me I am perfectly content to welcome the 30's. Don't get me wrong, the 20's were good to me, good enough to move on. So I thought I would take a moment to recognize all the growth and experience gleaned in my 20's.
* The 20's started in college, lost and searching like 98% of 20-year-olds. I worked for the City of Goodyear coaching swimming and teaching water aerobics. I also waitressed at Cracker Barrel.
*At 21 I submitted papers to serve a mission, but my parents separated and I put the papers on hold. In the mean time I met Marc and we got married (Marc will be pleased I don't currently have digital wedding pictures to post.) I finally quite being a waitress and started working for Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.
* At 22 we bought our first house (enjoyed remodeling), I graduated from ASU, and landed my first teaching job (real money, well sort of).
* At 22-23 I served on a cadre and opened a new high school. Plus we bought our second house and moved to Goodyear. (We moved five times in three years)
* At 24 I had my first baby, Kennedy.
* At 25 I went to New York. I had my first (and last) Student Teacher! I also contracted the building of our pool. I started my own swimming lesson business.
* At 26 I left the perfect job, and my best friend, to become a librarian and started my Masters degree. I also started directing Diversity Camps.
* At 27 I had my first miscarriage.
* At 28 I took on Student Government, had my second baby, Carter, bought a car, and finished my Master's Degree.
* At 29 I spent most of the year adjusting to the growing pains of life, motherhood, supporting my husband through school, etc. Did I mention I got to go to Cancun! (If you ever see me zone out, I am mentally visiting the Mayan ruins.)
Throughout my 20's I cannot count the number of times I have willingly embarrassed myself (see below), moved, done something I thought I couldn't do, laughed, cried, and grown in ways I am incapable of describing. As tough as times are, I have a wonderful life. I am very blessed and the Lord has always taken care of me. Knowing this, I look forward to what the 30's will bring.
* The 20's started in college, lost and searching like 98% of 20-year-olds. I worked for the City of Goodyear coaching swimming and teaching water aerobics. I also waitressed at Cracker Barrel.
*At 21 I submitted papers to serve a mission, but my parents separated and I put the papers on hold. In the mean time I met Marc and we got married (Marc will be pleased I don't currently have digital wedding pictures to post.) I finally quite being a waitress and started working for Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.
* At 22 we bought our first house (enjoyed remodeling), I graduated from ASU, and landed my first teaching job (real money, well sort of).
* At 22-23 I served on a cadre and opened a new high school. Plus we bought our second house and moved to Goodyear. (We moved five times in three years)
* At 24 I had my first baby, Kennedy.
* At 25 I went to New York. I had my first (and last) Student Teacher! I also contracted the building of our pool. I started my own swimming lesson business.
* At 26 I left the perfect job, and my best friend, to become a librarian and started my Masters degree. I also started directing Diversity Camps.
* At 27 I had my first miscarriage.
* At 28 I took on Student Government, had my second baby, Carter, bought a car, and finished my Master's Degree.
* At 29 I spent most of the year adjusting to the growing pains of life, motherhood, supporting my husband through school, etc. Did I mention I got to go to Cancun! (If you ever see me zone out, I am mentally visiting the Mayan ruins.)
Throughout my 20's I cannot count the number of times I have willingly embarrassed myself (see below), moved, done something I thought I couldn't do, laughed, cried, and grown in ways I am incapable of describing. As tough as times are, I have a wonderful life. I am very blessed and the Lord has always taken care of me. Knowing this, I look forward to what the 30's will bring.
May Extravaganza
May was indescribably busy! We had Student Body Elections and Class Appointments. I taught a 40 hour Water Safety Instructor class for the City of Goodyear. Mother's Day and a family funeral. We had an unexpected family wedding May 23, with all of the preceding planning and celebrations. Student Government had our end of the year banquet. Kennedy started swim practice and of course there was graduation and sending off all of our Seniors. Kennedy finished her final days at St Thomas Lutheran Preschool. We all really enjoyed the school, her teachers and all the experiences she had there. She still talks about how much she will miss Ms Ehrenberg. She also got to be good buddies with a daughter of a teacher at my school. At the end of the year they put on a program and graduation that was really cute. The month ended with Memorial Day and the start of swimming lessons. I am tired just remembering everything we did!
Sneaking in a trip to Disneyland
We decided we needed to sneak a trip to Disneyland in the middle of the week. So we went April 23-25th. We also hit the beach before coming home. We had a really good time. But it was freezing!!!! The only person that did not seem to mind was Kennedy. Half the time I wanted to wrap up in my t
owel! On the way home the kids totally crashed. (Which, by the way, is the only way to travel.
Back in April
So we finally drained our pool in April for a serious cleaning. I was far too embarrassed 
to even take a picture of the pool before we pumped the water out. Marc spent a lot of time pressure washing the junk off and I spent about 8 hours scrubbing, scrapping, and even sanding the calcium off the tile. When we were done the kids had a great time exploring in the empty pool.
Earlier that same day
I finally got the chance to hang out with Martha, my best friend from teaching for Dysart. It had been so long since our last visit, we talked for hours over breakfast. We had gotten together in honor of her birthday:) I got to hang out with her again in June for my birthday.
to even take a picture of the pool before we pumped the water out. Marc spent a lot of time pressure washing the junk off and I spent about 8 hours scrubbing, scrapping, and even sanding the calcium off the tile. When we were done the kids had a great time exploring in the empty pool.
Earlier that same day
I finally got the chance to hang out with Martha, my best friend from teaching for Dysart. It had been so long since our last visit, we talked for hours over breakfast. We had gotten together in honor of her birthday:) I got to hang out with her again in June for my birthday.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Warning
I have been on an intense blogging streak after a very serious drought.
I think there are eight new posts!!! Sorry I am not very good at keeping up! I can't promise that anything you read will be all that interesting, but it is an update none-the-less!
Easter
The other day, Kennedy had school pictures and she was telling how one of the mom's had come to watch. So I said, "that's cool." Kennedy said, "but mom I wanted you to come." Then I started thinking I was kind of a loser mom and made plans to surprise her during her school Easter party. I didn't have long to stay, but I got to see the Easter egg hunt, story time, and some singing.
My mother-in-law hosts the funnest little Easter party every year
. (Even though she was deathly ill this year, her party was a blast.) The kids enjoyed pin the egg in the basket, bunny bingo, a coloring contest, cake walk, an egg hunt, and lesson on Easter (by Addie). She completely took care of lunch, which was delicious: ham croissants and various salads. It was so much fun to see the cousins, aunts, and uncles, and especially Grandma and Grandpa. We had a great time, can't wait till next year!
My mother-in-law hosts the funnest little Easter party every year
. (Even though she was deathly ill this year, her party was a blast.) The kids enjoyed pin the egg in the basket, bunny bingo, a coloring contest, cake walk, an egg hunt, and lesson on Easter (by Addie). She completely took care of lunch, which was delicious: ham croissants and various salads. It was so much fun to see the cousins, aunts, and uncles, and especially Grandma and Grandpa. We had a great time, can't wait till next year!Conference/Camping Weekend
Marc was so anxious to go camping that he renewed the conference camp out. We had a total of seven families camping up at Stoneman Lake for conference weekend. (Our most successful camp out yet!) We brought a satellite dish so we could still enjoy hearing conference.The pictures taken show the sunshine on Sunday. However, looks can be deceiving... Friday and Saturday were freezing, literally. The pipes in our tent trailer were frozen most of the weekend and our heater died; but, we were warm. Our blankets were wonderful and we wore lots of layers during the day.
Every time we go camping I think of the pioneers. I have tremendous respect for what they endured. During conference President Monson spoke of the woman from Germany who had to travel a thousand miles in the bitter winter with her four young children; losing one at a time along the way. I know we were not
nearly as cold, but it made it so much easier to understand what she endured. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many comforts.If anyone is interested, we will camp again soon. Probably closer to summer... somewhere a little warmer.
Spring Break- Disney
For Spring Break I took my Student 
Government class to Disneyland for a leadership training. Since Marc had to work, I made arrangements for Carter and took Kennedy along. It was really fun for just us girls to go do whatever we wanted.Another exciting part of the trip was Kennedy's first ride on California Screamin'. She has been so excited to ride the big roller coaster and she was tall enough this trip (barely!). So our five year old is 48' and has ridden the biggest roller coaster at Disneyland/California Adventures. Where do we go from here? I knew I was in trouble when she made me ride it 3 times in one day!
Spring Break
Spring break was hot enough to entice me to turn on the sprinklers and lather sunscreen on the kids. Kennedy charged right into the water and Carter played on the side lines. Of course it did not take Kennedy long to consider swimming. Without hesitation she gathered her favorite toys and jumped in. Carter and I attempted it... but we were not quite so desperate. I have to say I could have gotten in if I really wanted to. My feet never went numb and after a while the water actually felt refreshing.
Kennedy was so crazy she was sitting on the bottom of the pool and refining her pencil dive. Carter was happy to work the top stair, but he has been submerging his face in the bath tub. (With these two I may need to hire a private lifeguard.)
Kennedy was so crazy she was sitting on the bottom of the pool and refining her pencil dive. Carter was happy to work the top stair, but he has been submerging his face in the bath tub. (With these two I may need to hire a private lifeguard.)
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