mall day

<-- my children stealing money from the fountain.


Actually they weren't, they were just sticking their hands in the cool water. All of us ignoring the 'please don't climb on the wall' sign. As you can see, nobody was around though, and I wouldn't have minded if I had to jump in to save one of the kids if I had to. It is still pretty hot.

Today I went and had lunch with Mike's parents at California Pizza Kitchen at Chandler Fashion Mall. I got there a little early, and am glad I brought my camera with me. We just had fun taking pictures and goofing around.

All in all, a nice day. Megan woke me up this morning with a plate of mini bagels, and iced tea. It was a nice surprise. :)

17 years. Wow.

The doorbell just rang, and look what was at my front door!

They are beautiful! - and my office smells so good!

Tomorrow is our anniversary. 17 years, and Mike is across the country playing with big airplanes.

:)

Well it has happened. A moment that has crippled me with fear in the past, but usually I can pass it off to daddy.

Unfortunately he is not here right now and I must deal with it.

I usually consider myself a somewhat smart person too. Sure, I forget basic words like:

"What is that green thing in the front yard? The thing with leaves? Birds live in it?"

Um........ what's that called? I can't remember the word for it.

A tree. Remember that because I'll probably forget a word as simple as that again. Maybe it's the heat. Who knows.

I blame it on mommy brain. Too many things in my mind.

My head is like a computer. If I get a new tidbit that must be remembered (say something very important like Hanna Montana's real name is Miley Cyrus.) then some other older bit of information must go in the little garbage can in the corner to be deleted - to make room.

More than likely deleting older, more important information I should probably remember like my pin number on my debit card. Crap, what is it again??

So what am I so afraid of?

4th grade math. Oy. Megan finds me and asks me to help her with a question on her homework.

It is REALLY bad when the 4th grade workbook stumps you. Even worse when you go back to read the chapter to try and figure it out and you are still staring blankly at the question. Well, at least megan figured it out on her own, which is good. Now she just needs to teach ME. I really hate fractions. Hate. Them.

making the world a better place - one day at a time.

Trevor. He’s such a funky little thing. He’s my rule boy. If he gets in trouble, he punishes himself more than a parent ever could. Someday he’s going to grow up to be a hall monitor.

We’ve had the talk about smoking and drugs, and he promises me he’s never going to do that bad stuff. We’ve been places where he’ll see somebody smoking outside of a restaurant and he’ll say with such a serious tone, “Oh mommy. That person is going to die. Cigarettes are so bad for you.” (Which in a way is funny because I have seen some people actually squish their cigarettes out when they hear him say this.) embarrassing yes, but we’ve also had the talk about pointing and talking to loud too. If he’s going to listen to one of my talks, I’m glad it’s the one about him not doing those bad things. ;)

So today I stop by McDonalds to get a soda. He’s in the front seat (the airbag turned off – for safety reasons of course!) and he says to me:

“Mommy, you shouldn’t drink and drive. That is what made Lindsay Lohan get in a lot of trouble.”

I should mention he’s loved her since the Parent Trap, so it isn’t like he’s surfing TMZ to find out the latest, but when her name has come up on the news he has to know what is going on!

yay rain!

Thanks to hurricane Dean we are finally getting some relief from summer. Today is overcast and awesome. As long as you don't go outside and realize how much humidity there is, but I can't complain. At least when your driveway isn't a mirage your mind thinks it is cooler.

Last night I woke up with a HUGE flash of light. Seriously, the light was so bright it woke me up before the loud thunder that followed it. I mean, it sounded like the lightning hit the top of my house.

It was funny though, because as I'm sitting there in the dark with my heart racing the dog jumps up on the bed, and I hear little feet running down the hallway. Out of three different rooms, all three kids came running into our room at the same time. Poor little scared people.

It was just a huge dogpile of kids - and Piper.

homework helper.

Trevor and Piper doing homework. I keep thinking that someday I'm going to think it is funny how small they both were.

Life, and guess who is 7!

I think that it is just becoming my motto that: Life, is crazy.

Life around our house lately has been especially crazy. Not in a good or bad way, but there are a lot of big changes going on right now.

Training has started for Mike and his new career, which means a lot of adjustments for everybody. I've gotten comfortable over the years, and you forget when starting at a new job that you are also starting at the bottom of the totem pole again. The first year is going to mean spending a lot of time apart. Birthdays, Christmas....That's an adjustment. A biggie.

Lots of other things going on as well. Life ebbs and flows, and right now we're just gearing up for a crazy ride for awhile. - It all comes back though.

We also had a big day on Saturday! Trevor turned SEVEN! He had two parties this year. One with his friends at Fiddlesticks. It's one of the curses of having a summer birthday. You are limited to where you can have a party, but it also made it to where the place was totally empty. There was only one other party going on, so the kids pretty much had the games and rides to themselves. But dang, it was HOT.

Then after a few hours there we had the family birthday party at our house. It was fun, and Trevor had a great day.

Mike and I were exhausted by the time it was all over and ready for bed. I kept trying to spend little moments during the day remembering what was going on 7 years ago when Trevor was born. Then I realized that giving birth was a million times easier than little kid birthday parties. At least when you are in the hospital you get an epidural, good drugs and somebody else taking care of you. Not you running around frantic making sure everybody has a piece of cake and that nobody has run off!

I want to find out who it is that I have to talk to, but I really believe that birthdays should be spent with the parents both getting massages and eating chocolate. You know, for the time spent carrying this child, and taking care of them year after year! ;) It's not a bad idea.

I'm lucky to have this kid though. He's awesome.
























Happy birthday T!

We're all in this together.....

There is a scent about the air tonight. The scent of teen spirit and bubble gum.

Come on all mothers of tweenage girls and younger, today is a national holiday. High School Musical 2.

I wonder if any of the teachers in classrooms across the country had the attention of girls today. I know it was all I heard about yesterday and today.

The big event is here. Or was here, it is over now and I have a living room that looks like a battlefield.

And the best thing?!?!?

A brand new Hanna Montana was on afterwards!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

*****

I also heard from a friend of mine who was shipping her daughter off to another friend's HSM2 party, that her boys were feeling left out. So they made up their own party to play air hockey and mock the dancers in the movie. I would have liked to have been at THAT party! I bet it was a riot!

Hello from the surface of the sun!

OH MY GOSH.

It is HOT.

<-- this is the parking lot at Target today. Haha!

I am ready for this crappy weather to be over. Sorry Beth, I know exactly who I sound like, but I feel like I'm about to rip my hair out in madness.

There are a couple of little things that are giving me hope right now.

The other day I found an adorable spider votive candle holder. It is on our kitchen counter and I love that it reminds me that if we survive the summer, Halloween and Fall are getting close.

My mother in law gave me a cute pillow with pumpkins on it today too. It's living on my couch. Sing with me now...It's beginning to look a lot like Halloweeeeeen!

I was going to put these things in the orange storage boxes in my holiday storage, but I don't have the heart. Add to that, I'm too lazy and did I mention that it is too dang HOT?!? I think this means I have officially started decorating for Halloween. - and willing Fall to get here. Quick.

sick day

<--- My little man who is almost SEVEN!

Today is the first official sick day for Megan. We didn't even make it through a full week of school yet. Dang.

At least she isn't the first one in her class to miss a day of school.

***

This week has been fun since Trevor is counting down the days until his birthday. I remember getting SO excited when mine was coming up! I'd love to have that excitement that kids get. Why do birthdays loose some of their excitement when you become an adult? It could be that my parents don't wake me up singing to me, and handing me boxes that I KNEW were the shape of model horses. Those were good days!

Mike and I will be singing, but I'm sure it will look more like a Pokemon birthday for this guy.

first week of school

Thank you mystery blogger! ;)

I remember thinking I'd have so much time once the kids started school. So far everyday has been FULL. Granted, I'm able to get more accomplished in a day than if I had company with me, but I'm trying to get caught up after an entire summer's worth of stuff. The big day to relax or sneak in a nap is close. I can just tell.

Today also marks a week in school, since they started last Wednesday. You wouldn't know it considering how well they've all fallen back into schedule and everything. Megan and Trevor both love their teachers, and any anxiety about not having best friends in their classes is over. I know they are both going to have an incredible year this year!

Matthew has done really well in kindergarten. He loves his teacher, and I love seeing the work he's been bringing home with him! It is so cute! I love helping him with his homework too.

He did have a rough day yesterday though. The night before we had a storm, and I guess a tree branch was low enough for a group of little boys to go over and try to hang from it. Matthew was standing on the ground and a boy pulled the branch down on Matthew. It gave him a huge gash on his neck and chest. He was so bandaged up when I picked him up from school.

I also noticed after getting him home that he had scratch marks on his head. On his temple on one side, and the other side from his ear down his neck. They were going a different direction than the tree gash. Obviously they weren't from the tree. Oddly enough there were about four on each side, and about finger width apart. Hmmm.

After calling the school, the teacher said she didn't know about the other scratches. I believe the tree story since the teacher on the playground saw that one happen, but Matthew told me that a boy scratched him after that too. He looks like he got in a fight with a cat.

I was really sad to think that somebody was mean to him already. But sadly enough, a part of me was so relieved to know that MY kid isn't the bully! I asked him what he did after the boy scratched him, and he said he went to play with somebody else. This kid was apparently mad at him for not going down the slide fast enough.

Did he tell the teacher? No, but he knows to now.

Did he fight the kid back? No, which he would have clobbered his brother if Trevor did it to him.

So I know somewhere in there he knows that he can't do that sort of thing at school. He holds his own if he has to, but I'm relieved to see that he knows the difference.

He has two really good friends so far. It is so cute hearing him talk about them.

He looks so big now. I know he likes feeling big like his brother and sister since he gets to go to school too.

Mystery Guest Blogger - Have It Your Way

Do you ever have one of those days, when all is said and done, that you just breathe a sigh of contentment knowing that you've been blessed with new knowledge? A knowledge that is so powerful that you just feel smug for having it?

Today was that day.

Out and about. It's been something close to 30 minutes since food has passed my lips. A hunger pang. A craving. Uncontrollable urging. Must have BK onion rings...with ZESTY© sauce. Regular onion rings 375 calories - check. ZESTY© sauce 150 calories per package - check. It's okay, a Diet Coke© balances everything out, right?

Well half way through the yummy onion rings, the Diet Coke© runs out. Time for a refill. Like many of you, I have a difficult time planning my meals at Burger King. The myriad of choices, the flavor combinations and overall texture just leave me intimidated. I've always felt like Larry the Cable Guy dining at The Savoy every time I set foot in BK...that is...until today...

Thanks to a very brave person. Guillermo, Brenda, Ryan H. or whoever it was. You know who you are. We all know that you're in hiding now for committing such treason. God speed my friend. Thanks for putting the secret/sacred dining & soft drink DaVinci code for all to see. Like a vision of the Virgin Mother, it burned my eyes and is a sight I shall never forget. For now, I know what drink to have with my Burger King order. Thank you.

I promise to share this knowledge with everyone, no matter what the cost. You have served man kind and it will not be forgotten.

To everyone reading this: You now have the keys to the kingdom. Use them wisely and never forget the price that was paid to get it to you...$3.81 including sales tax.

Ugh! Make it stop!

I need to know if this happens to anybody else, because honestly it drives me insane.

I do it without thinking, but twice a day, am and pm, I look at the clock at exactly 8:08 and 9:11.

You would think it's because my body is trained to look at a certain time if I got up at the same time or stuck to a rigid schedule. But I don't.

If I get up at 6:00 in the morning, or 8:00, I still glance at the clock at exactly 8:08.

Then I'll go about my morning and sure enough, when I check to see what time it is - 9:11.

This happens again at night. Every single day. It drives me insane.

First day of school: part 1

I promise the cheese factor will be way down this time. I'm feeling much better! We all made it through the FIRST day!

Mike took Megan and Trevor to their school, and I took Matthew to his school. Only because of it being the first day and there was a ton of stuff to carry and I wanted to make sure that Matthew had somebody with him before he starts just getting dropped off. It actually will work out perfectly in the morning. We drop Matthew off at his school with an earlier start time, then drive back to drop off the other two kids before their school starts.

Megan was up and dressed at 6:30. Shortly followed by Matthew. Trevor probably would have slept another couple of hours if we let him. He was excited, just not enough to lose sleep over.

After picking Megan and Trevor up from school they both have said this is going to be the best year ever! They were so happy to be back.

OK, so do you want to ask me what the last movie was that I saw in the theater? You know how that is always a question on blog tag. Go ahead... ask me!

The Bourne Ultimatum.

Yes. Mike and I went straight to the mall after dropping off the kids. I know, I cried, and then didn't waste a minute huh?

I loved the other two movies from this series, and when I saw the commercial for it I said, "I HAVE to see that!" I'm so glad I have even been able to see all three in a theater! Let me tell you, I had such a hard time walking after this movie because it is SO intense. I didn't realize that I had been sitting all bunched up and stiff the entire time until it was over. It's definitely a good flick.

Then we had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. SO everybody had a great day. Tomorrow I am definitely staying home and getting my house clean. That is something that I just gave up on a couple of weeks before school started. I maintained it, but it's time for a deep clean.

I'm actually pretty excited about that. As sick as that sounds.

Below is Matthew's first day of school story.

first day of school: part 2

I took Matthew to school. It was so weird being in a place that my other two kids went to kindergarten at! He showed me where his classroom was, and then he found his desk. He knew where he was sitting from the night before when he went to meet the teacher.

He sat right down and was watching as the rest of the kids came filing in. A lot of parents stayed for the first 15 minutes, taking pictures and just watching. I got a few pictures of Matthew and then ducked off to the side for a few minutes. The teacher told them to pick up the pencils on their desks and start drawing a picture of themselves.

A few minutes later I decided I was going to go. I went back up to tell Matthew goodbye and he looked up at me kind of surprised and said, "What are you still doing here?" Well I guess I don't have to worry about any separation anxiety then do I?

I left. I admit that I got a little teary eyed when I was in the parking lot. It is SO wierd to leave one of your kids knowing that they are a few miles away from your house.

But we did it. Matthew had a great day at school and told me that he loves his teacher and that recess is his favorite part. :)

OK, so why am I the one freaking out? Is this normal?? Sorry, it's a long one.

Have I looked forward to this day with the anticipation that a lot of moms wait years for?

Not really.

Am I dreading it?

Not really.

Is it possible to not know how you feel about something that doesn’t seem like a big event, but someday you’ll look back on it as if it was?!?!?

You know how you remember so many things about when your children are babies, and people older than you always tell you how quickly it goes by and to hang on to every memory that you have while they are young because before you know it, it will be just that?. A memory?

While you are living it, you can’t imagine that much time going by. You almost hope for the next milestone because you think it will make it easier because you are so worn out and exhausted from having a newborn, or a two year old. Or BOTH.

Plus you just can’t help but get excited when somebody learns to crawl, walk or start kindergarten. You almost wish time away wanting the next big step.

It was hard to imagine at the time of changing diapers, Blue’s Clues, highchairs and sippy cups that it would come to an end.

It honestly has come to an end for awhile here, since my youngest is now 4, almost 5. I guess I never really thought about it because he was still home with me.

Now tomorrow I’m going to be sending all three back to school.

That’s where I’m feeling numb about this. I mean, I enjoyed the baby years, the toddler years, and being the mom of little kids. I tried to hang on to every moment. No wonder I like scrapbooking, huh? I would document a nice moment of everybody playing with a toy together right up there with a birthday. The everyday things are really the things that I want to remember.

So I think that is why I’m having a hard time realizing that tonight is the closing of a chapter. I’m not the mom of little tiny ones anymore. A new chapter is starting, and I am almost terrified of it!! I think because I know how quickly those first 8 years of always having company with me on a trip to the store, or at home went. It scares me to think of how fast the next 8 years might go by!

I’m not even sure of what I’m afraid of. I’m excited about seeing my kids grow and the new things we get to do together since they are all getting bigger and more independent. I mean I finally made it out of the terrible twos, which went into the terrible threes and still hung around long enough to say we had a little bit of the terrible fours! - I made it! I can almost hear Barry Manilow singing Looks Like We Made It!

We’re ALL tall enough to go on rides together at amusement parks, and everybody is big enough to order their own food when we go out to eat. It’s nice. And I LOVE that all of my kids can get themselves in the car and buckled up on their own.

So tell me, why am I feeling like this tonight?? I think I’m just as nervous as those kids who keep sneaking out of their beds, way past bedtime because they can’t sleep!

Ack! It will be interesting to see how we are all doing this time tomorrow night!

shiny happy teeth

Look at those super clean teeth. Today was dental day. All three kids went to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned. - and also to find out that each one has one cavity. Yuck.

I was really amazed at how well all three did. The place we go to is so cool. It has a train theme, so of course it is heaven for Matthew. They have a huge wall size 3D engine that comes out of one of the walls, looking like it is coming out of a tunnel. It is really cool. Plus they have train tables to play with, and the lobby has a train that goes around the ceiling, through tunnels into other rooms. It really is cool.

I snuck the pictures while we were waiting for them to finish up on Trevor.

I feel kind of guilty though. I do make the kids brush their teeth morning and night, and bug them about flossing. Ugh, and I could hear each dentist 'reminding' the kids how important it is. Which translates into "mommy needs to make sure she is watching and/or helping when you brush your teeth to make sure you do a good job."

it is getting closer!

The countdown is ON! Less than a week before a new school year. Today was a big day for Matthew. He had to go to the doctor to complete his shots, so he is all up to date. (Sad thing for a third child, not being as current as the first child always is! Do'h!) Mike met his teacher when he dropped off some paperwork and said that she is super nice. I just have a hard time picturing Matthew sitting at a desk, doing kindergarten stuff. I know he's ready though! I remember feeling that way with the other two also, so I know he'll be just fine. They just look so little when you send them off to kindergarten.

Megan and Trevor got their teacher assignments today. First of all, I think the way the school does this is nuts. It has been so stressful for so many kids to have to wait this long into the summer to find out. Starting a new school year is stressful enough, but this seemed to compound the anxiety level for a lot of kids.

Trevor was pretty happy with his teacher. She is the same one that Megan had in 2nd grade, and she is incredible. He will have a great year for sure. The sad thing is, all of his other friends from last year are in his class except for his absolute best friend. A little girl. They were inseparable last year.

Megan had a tougher time. Her best friends are in another class. She knows a couple of the girls in her class this year, so she'll be ok. She'll be able to see the other girls at lunch and at recess, but you know when you are that age and you have all of the 'dynamics' of different cliques and things to contend with. Man, I'd never want to go through all that again.

Now the biggest thing on her mind is what to wear the first day of school. Apparently it is make it or break it time.

Clothes for everybody, done. Bags and backpacks, done. Now I just need to go get the last of the stuff on the supply lists.

4 more days! The thing is, I'm not looking forward to getting rid of them. We've actually had a great summer with hardly any "I'm bored" proclamations. We've been super busy and going places. I am just looking forward to starting a schedule again, and I know they are ready to see friends. I'm going to miss having them around. I swear, once they start kindergarten the times seems to go by so much faster. I'm not going to blink.

more...

I'm trying hard to get back into the groove. Here are a couple that I did over the past couple of days. The first one - scanned horrible. Everything is straight in real life. - and yeah, I'm probably one of a handful of people that hadn't done a "she" layout since they were popular a couple of years ago. Sometimes you just run out of things to say, you know? Just enough journaling anyway.
Journaling says:

SHE
is almost 9 years old,
has traded princesses for pop stars,
loves cute shoes and clothing,
is smart and kind,
is growing way too fast,
still and always my little girl,
beautiful.

I must have been in a brown mood. LOL, because seeing both of them together now, you can tell my new favorite cardstock! Doodlebug brown Bazzill.

Thanks to Michelle for letting me borrow her QK for the title on the second one. I think I saw the design in CK, but it's been so long I can't remember. It's one of those that just stuck in my head. Plus I never would have thought such a random photo would become one of my favorite pages. Here is the journaling:

THREE kids. SIX feet. THIRTY toes.

I can't resist kid feet. Or the opportunity to take a picture of them. I look at these feet and think about how little they all used to be. With each one of these feet I would sit during quiet times with them as babies and run my fingers across the toes. Or I would rub the bottoms of them with my thumb to soothe somebody when they were crying.

They became characters in stories. Our piggies didn't go to market, nooo! They went to Target and ate stuff like applesauce. Whatever would make each child giggle the most. They were also the best places to tickle!

Megan's feet were always covered with the newest of girly footwear. Trevor's were always without socks. (He always kicked those things off!) and Matthew's were play things which once discovered ended up constantly in his hands.







Thanks for looking!

Beth will appreciate this post. What do you do when you are down by the airport and have time to kill? Go to Air Lane.

Beth and I were talking about this on the way to California. About how Mike and Sean (unknown to each other) would like to go to the airport around 4:00 in the afternoon to watch British Airways land at Sky Harbor. Admittingly, it is really cool!

We talked more about this, and how we both would be down there feeding our babies in the car while we watched the planes land. Apparently we've both been doing this for years. I wonder how many times we were probably next to each other in that parking lot not knowing each other! Haha!

So since the weather was perfect, and had cooled down quite a bit, we decided to go watch the planes. I think this is the big city's version of cow tipping.

She SCRAPS!

I had to dust off my scrap space. That is how long it has been since I've worked on anything. Pretty pathetic! This layout serves as getting my toes wet before I get to jump back in to scrapping when the kids get back to school! Woohoo! Summer hasn't been kind to scrapping, that's for sure. We've just been keeping busy, and I haven't been staying up as late.

The photo isn't very clear. Sorry about that. I have officially given up on my scanner. - And WHY does everything look all crooked and wonky????

I think I should get some sort of award for "weirdest place to find a scrap supply." That little transparent tag that says something about "It's ok to want one thing in life to be all about you." came from the bra I bought a few weeks ago. I just had to trim off the part that said that it was 'comfortable and supportive!'

Here is the journaling:

Some people covet expensive cars or fast cars. Me, I want something more practical. - and cute. While I appreciate those other kinds of cars, if I could have anything it would be a Volkswagen. I remember one day when I was little and lived in California. My mom took me to a grocery store with her and I got to pick out a toy. I found a cheap plastic VW Bug. It was orange with yellow bumpers. I loved it. I have had it for years.

Volkswagens have always been a favorite. I've always loved them and stared at them on the street. Mike surprised me with a Passat right before I had Megan. I LOVED this car. I honestly cried when I had to leave it at a car dealer when we needed to trade it in for something bigger since our family was growing into a family of 5. We just needed more space, and sadly my back needed the sliding doors of a van. I felt like I left a part of me at the car dealer. Part of my identity!

VW's are still part of our family's life. Mike has gone between VW's and Audi's for years, and we play Slug Bug (we call it punch buggy) but we have a certain point system for different Volkswagens. My kids laugh at me when I stop in a parking lot or squeal when I see one go down a street. New or old.

I have promised myself someday that when the kids are older and driving their own cars (which WILL be Volkswagens!) I will finally be able to get my own again. How can these not just make your soul happy?!?!

It's still early. Maybe one more page tonight. :)

one little monkey jumping on the bed

One of these days Matthew is going to figure out how it is I know that he is upstairs playing and jumping off of our bed.

(My room with the computer is right underneath, and I can hear loud THUDS when he jumps from the bed on to the floor.)

This also is how I can tell them to get back into bed when I hear them messing around after I have tucked them in at night. The family room is under the two boy's bedrooms. Poor guys, can't get away with anything! I always have to yell, "Boys get back in bed!" and I can hear running footsteps as they jump back into their own beds.

So this morning I sneak up and catch Matthew. He probably thinks I'm the smartest person in the world and he can't get away with anything! Hahaha! Maybe this will keep him wondering as he gets older too.



















I can't pass up a chance to take some pictures!












Especially the feet one. Of course once megan and trevor saw me going upstairs with the camera they had to see what I was up to.

Man, they have huge feet.

Today is a great day. Nothing planned at all, and it is overcast and drizzling. Perfect. We'll head out and do something, but I love not having any plans for a change.

more rain! Yay!

80% chance of rain this afternoon and early evening. Flash flood warnings for most of the state including Maricopa County.

Yeeeeeeessssssssss!

Gosh, I love when we have a nice monsoon season!

*********

I have a dog story. Which actually begins a few weeks earlier. Mike had gotten his windshield replaced on his car, and didn't realize it was the "Use us to replace your windshield and you'll recieve free Omaha steaks!" people. So after receiving the certificate in the mail on Saturday, he went down to the mall in Chandler to pick them up.

Sunday night the steaks are sitting on the counter ready to go outside on to the grill. We're all so hungry and can't wait. - We forget how big Piper has gotten, and you'd be amazed how far that dog can stretch. Long story short, she had gotten hold of one of the uncooked bacon wrapped fillets. At first we were just mad at her for that, but then realized that she had eaten the whole thing... metal skewer and all.

Oh crap.

A call to the vet, some induced vomiting that didn't produce said metal skewer. Crap. Crap. Crap. All of a sudden being mad that she ate a $15 hunk of meat turned into panic because the skewer could puncture her intestines. All night we kept thinking about how this had turned into a couple thousand dollar emergency surgery to get it taken out. Crap.

Thank goodness this morning I woke up to a spot on the carpet with the skewer AND half a rope toy that she had eaten also. I swear, dogs will eat ANYTHING.

Not much to say here. It is that time of summer where it is just long, and hot. We've been doing a lot of swimming. There is a great pool that we have been taking the kids to.

What a difference from last summer. Now that they can swim, it has really been fun. I still keep a watchful eye, but it doesn't feel as stressful as it used to be. Megan and Trevor both love going off the diving board, and Matthew has no fear of the water. He isn't ready for the diving board yet, but he loves to be thrown in the 6 foot deep part of the pool and push himself up back to the top again.

Just three more weeks until school starts! It is hard to believe.

It has been nice having Mike around as much as he has been. Since being officially employed by an airline, he's now waiting until he has to leave for training. So there has been some time where his only real responsibility is being here. The kids have totally loved having him home full time.

We've been doing a lot of things to keep us busy - shopping, going out to do things and storm chasing (what a storm last night!) Last night we went out for dinner and then to Gateway Airport and watched the storm come in. The lightning was intense, so we drove out that way. I haven't seen rain like that in a long time. It was so nice! And the temp was 73! Brr. ;)

Oh, and "naked man" which provided hours of laughing and entertainment.

We were in a new subdivision looking around, and this guy a couple of streets over had a 2 story house. Not sure what he was thinking, but I bet he was at Home Depot getting some blinds today. It was just one of those timing things. I looked across a few empty lots and saw him walk in front of a window. I'm sure he wasn't used to traffic being on the streets behind his house since they were still empty lots.

I told Mike, and then sure enough he walked in front of the window again. This time we all saw him, and Mike honked the car horn. The man looked and quickly shut off the light. It was hysterical. Little does this guy know that he made a story on my blog too. I giggle everytime wondering if he thinks we were there to check out our lot and we'll be his new neighbors. If that happened to me, I'd have to move. Sometimes you just have to be juvenile you know?

Friday night I also got to hang out with the girls at Maddy's house. What a fun night. Have I mentioned how much I love these guys? I think it is funny that was also the night Harry Potter came out, and I haven't heard from one of them since then. I bet they are still reading!

some mixed emotions.

We went and looked at a couple of possible schools for Matthew today. He's excited, and I am a little freaked out and a little bit elated that he'll be going to school. Full day. Apparently nobody does half day kindergarten anymore.

Because of his birthday, I thought I'd have this year for him to go to half day kindergarten at a charter school and then if needed, repeat kindergarten full day when he's old enough to go to the school that Megan and Trevor go to.

My house will be SO clean! My scrapping, my errands, everything will be by myself!!!! How weird! I feel like I'm about to cross over this bridge to "all kids in schooldom" like it is some sort of secret society that other moms know about but aren't allowed to talk to you about until you get there. Like I need to learn a secret handshake or something when I go to Target without a child during school hours.

It feels SO WEIRD I suppose because for so long now I have been the 'baby mom.' You know, when one gets old enough you have another. There was a baby in the house for so long and that was my job. Now we're done having babies, and knowing that there WILL be days without a tiny one here with me seems strange.

I know I'll still be needed at school in the classrooms, and for days when somebody gets sick, but it just feels so .... odd.

Now, I'm going to miss all of them when school starts. I do like having them here at home during the summer but today was the last straw of the bickering. Today was a knock down drag out over a Pokemon card. It wasn't pretty, and I know despite all of the things we have been doing to keep us busy that they are probably just ready for a change of scenery and school structure.

All I know is that first day of school this year, I'll be sad when all three are off for the day. I'll be thinking of them and hoping that they are all making new friends, seeing old ones and having a good day... and then I'll be off to the mall. For a little retail present to myself for making it this far. For sending my little ducks out into the world! ;)

one of those random days.

A little random update about nothing, it seems. It is just hot hot hot and we've been out running errands in it. So I figured I would amuse myself with my blog while I enjoy this HUGE coke from Jack In The Box for a few minutes.

Speaking of - when did they get rid of the blue straws? The soda connoisseurs will know exactly what I'm talking about. I think the straws MAKE the drink. I'll have to send an email to Jack and find out what is going on with this.

Swimming lessons again today.

I was watching Trevor during his, and he did something that just made me laugh. All of the kids in his class were lined up along the pool and were waiting for the instructor to tell them to jump in. He usually calls them by name before they can get in. He started calling boys, and Trevor was trying so hard to tell him that it is "ladies first!" I noticed the instructor didn't hear Trevor, but when he finally called his name he backed up and said, "Ladies first, I'll go after them."

Aww. He's one slick little kid. He always tells cashiers, waitresses and moms how pretty they are. One time at the hair place he had a bunch of the girls who work there standing around him while he was getting his hair done. They just loved him. That's my boy. He's going to be a great man someday.

We also went to Target today. (surprise!) Funny how a quick trip in for kitty litter turned into finding 4 pair of shoes for M. She wears a women's size 7, so there are always a TON of shoes on clearance in her size. She's definitely going to be a shoe girl. I think she's finally set for school. At least I hope!

T and I plan on going out later and getting his school stuff done. His only request, "Can I get a pair of sketchers?"

No prob little man.

Matthew is going to a different school than the other two, and I'm not sure if he will need uniforms or not. He will be happy as long as one of the colors is blue. Everything for him needs to be blue. LOL! Wow, typing that I just realized how strange that will be when all 3 kids are in school! Except I'll be there too.... helping in classrooms.

Soda is done, and apparently so is my laundry. *Ding ding*

OK! I surrender!!

After trying to fight it the past several months, and surrendering because of severe exhaustion, I have decided that it is a worthless point to try to keep up with this house.

I'm waving the white flag.

I'm not going to let it go and live in filth, but I feel like if I spend one more hour cleaning up the kitchen I am going to scream.

I think all three of my kids are going through growth spurts right now. I'm not kidding. About an hour after eating a big meal, they are hunting for snacks or asking when the next meal is. I'm just going to get a sign that says: Kitchen is closed.

Or just go eat poptarts!! ;)

Not to mention the constant pile at the foot at the stairs of stuff that needs to be brought up the next time somebody goes up them. Why do they feel like they need to relocate their rooms downstairs everyday?

Even though I have honestly enjoyed having the kids home from school, I can say that I think we're all ready for a change in our days. It is just hot. Plain old hot.

Matthew is starting kindergarten this year too, and keeps telling me how excited he is about going to a new school. Megan and Trevor are both missing friends and anxious about going back too.

I think I'll try and reclaim my house then.

*****
Swim lessons are going great. It is interesting how when the kids are learing something there is a moment where they just GET it. Trevor and Megan both had a day like that today. They were doing good, but today something made it to where they were both swimming like crazy. Like they've been doing it for years.

Matthew is doing well and I'm sure his day will be this week.

I'm actually thinking about putting Megan in the diving class during the next session. The boys have their lessons first, so Megan sits over by the dive pool and watches until her lesson starts. I have to say the kids in that class look like they are having so much fun. "Red shirt boy" as we call him is the most fun to watch. This kid does the coolest things off the board.

Stay cool.

swim lessons - that are actually WORKING this time!

<--- This is Matthew before a swim lesson, wishing that the waterslide was going.

We started a two week session of swim lessons yesterday. So every morning for the next couple of weeks we'll be hanging out at the pool.

Great for the kids, but I almost want to sign myself up so I have an excuse to jump in too. Pools always look sooooo inviting!

So far so good. I think the biggest part of swimming lessons is overcoming that fear of water. (Ask my poor mom who had to take me to the Y, and I'd scream the entire time. Not to mention bloody fingertips because I had a death grip on the side of the pool. Sorry mom.)

All three are wanting to become good swimmers because they are totally enthralled with watching the diving class. It has been a long time since I've actually seen a real diving board, with huge springs and all. That was my favorite part of summer!!! (Eventually I did overcome that water fear and screaming and was on a swim team from 6 years old to 10. I remember hanging out at the pool and using the diving board a lot.)

Hopefully by the end of next week I'll have some pictures of my olympiad level swimmers. ;)

high maintenance.

Well ignore the last entry, because today was the official mother/ daughter all out girly back to school clothes shopping day!!!

It's no secret that I love, and look forward to this day. :)

I liken myself to the lioness who has to go out and hunt for the family. I am on the prowl. Teaching the next generation the art of hunting for orange stickers, good deals and accessories.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! I'm usually not a big fan of the 4th ... I had a sparkler burn me when I was a baby so I'm sure I have some supressed memories left over from that. ;)

But... the 4th in Arizona is always hot, and fireworks don't start until after 9:00, which for the past several years with small children in the house has made it pretty uneventful as well, since kids are usually in bed.

The one nice thing is that the fireworks were usually set off from the high school near our house, which made it perfect for us to set up some chairs in the driveway and watch for the 20 minutes or so that they are going on. The school is right down the street from us, so we had a great view. Plus the bonus of refrigerated drinks and a bathroom near by. Sweet.

This year, they decided to move the fireworks show farther south in Gilbert. I'm not really a big enough fan of fireworks on the 4th to actually GO somewhere to watch them, but this year we have company. So we'll be out with the masses... in the AZ summer evening. (It should only be a little over 100 by the time the sun goes down, right???)

BUT I did get a chance to go out and start a little bit of back to school clothes shopping today. Some of the stores have some killer sales for the holiday, so M and I went to go check some things out. This isn't even our official mother and daughter all out girly clothes shopping trip yet. Which I am SO excited to get started on!

We found some cute shirts, shoes and even several adorable earrings. She is looking so grown up it scares me. You know you have reached some important milestone when accessories have become part of the school clothes shopping. Although I did have to remind her that a cell phone is not appropriate 4th grade attire. (where do they get these ideas anyway???) It's crazy!

this summer's tv obsession

Do you ever get caught up in a show that apparently the rest of the world has been watching? Then you get so obsessed about it, you season pass it on the tivo? Heck, even though about 5 reruns a day record, I still watch them ALL.

That is the best part about when this happens. You catch up with several season's worth of shows, that they are all new to you. Four years ago, it was Trading Spaces, Then I caught up with a season of LOST, and then last summer it was Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel.

Today I'm talking about this summer's obsession for me. TLC's What Not To Wear.

I came about it in a round about way. My mother in law watches it. When I was needing some clothes for our last cruise, she helped me pick out some things. She kept making reference to this show.

OK, so I finally watched it. Oh my gosh, I love it. I love watching other people shop! Maybe because there was a little part of me who used to love shopping like that! Then I went through a period of dirt poor-ness, and then I started having kids. Clothing took a back seat. Even farther. Think school bus. That many seats back.

Dressing up for me is a pair of jeans and my favorite brown Life Is Good tshirt.

So I do enjoy watching other people shopping, and spending $5000 on new clothes. I have to say though that I don't understand people who have a hard time buying bags. No matter what the financial situation I was in, or how many children... I love purses. It is genetic. You should see my sister and my mom. Plus they are one size fits all.

The sad thing is, about EVERY episode has some sort of fashion no no that screams me.

-Grabbing tshirts from the husband's side of the closet.

-Having only ONE bra (yeah, yeah I know.) which even that is screaming to be retired since there isn't any stretchyness to it anymore.

-mom jeans

- I have shoes, but I always go right for the ugliest pair of speedo flip flops that I own. They sit by the garage door, and out we go. That is living in Arizona. Flip flops year round.

-and probably the worst is that I haven't come to terms with the fact that my body is a lot different since hitting the 30s and having three children. Ugh. I have to say that I bounced back to my size 10 self quickly after having Megan and Trevor, but I swear that Matthew left something behind since that is when things started getting WEIRD.

The sad thing is, Megan watches this with me. When we were out the other day she told me that I needed a shirt with an empire waist. Because "You have to accentuate the thinnest part of your body - under the ribcage."

What?!?!? Great, now I'm getting fashion advice from my 8 year old.

I think I'm just a fashion lost cause. ;)

Yeah, the picture has NOTHING to do with today's post, but I saw it in a random folder on the computer. This is one of my favorite pictures from YEARS ago at Young's Farm in Prescott. (which is now closed forever.) :(

I like it because Matthew looks like, "I'm gonna eat ya!"

I know, it is weird sense of humor. - and I can't believe how LITTLE he looks compared to now!

It reminds me, I suppose, that Matthew will be starting kindegarten when school starts. He's not officially old enough to go to the same school as Megan and Trevor yet. He is one of those fall babies that misses the cut off, but he is ready for something, so he'll do half day kindergarten a couple days a week at another place. Then I'll start him at the same school as his brother and sister the following year.

I was out earlier today too, doing some errands. I passed by Megan's favorite store... Justice. Which is also next to an Old Navy. I can't wait to go clothes shopping with her for new back to school clothes. It is our mommy/daughter tradition that I absolutely love.

Which also turns into a trip to the mall for the Gap and Limited Too. Girls are so fun.

Trevor though, I asked him the other day what kind of things he wanted for school.

"Do you like sports shirts with numbers on them?"

"Do you like shirts with surfers on them?"

I was just trying to get some ideas. He just answers with a shrug and says, "I like whatever you buy me. I like plain old tshirts."

So like the past two years we will go to Old Navy, and he'll more than likely pick out a dozen solid color tshirts. Boys are SO easy at this age.

weekend

Here is an adorable puppy picture for Maddy and Shanna. Oh, and June too, but she actually likes dogs.

Apparently Maddy and Shanna don't find having their toes licked under the table endearing. ;) .................. Dog haters.

Some friends came over to scrap last night. As always, good times. After knowing Maddy for how long, I finally heard her maiden name?!? And it was so odd I can't even remember it. Bingo baby!

My abs were seriously hurting when I went to bed last night. Or veeeery early this morning rather.

*************

"BIG MEANIE!"

- also along the lines of laughing so hard your stomach hurts, I am constantly entertained by Trevor. The boy is seriously a riot.

Tonight at dinner, he was getting mad that Megan was staring at him. So we all started staring at him. He got up and walked behind Mike, and Mike was still staring in the direction of Trevor's chair. Then Mike turned around really quick and yelled, "Bwaaaa!"

Trevor literally jumped in the air and fell backwards on his butt on the floor. It was funny! It seemed like it was in slow motion. Poor guy. Don't feel too bad though, he was laughing hysterically on the floor. Then he got up and yelled, "Big meanie!" to Mike. In between laughing of course.

He's always been funny. I swear someday he'll be a comedian.

Oh and I am SO grateful that Mike is going to see Die Hard with some friends tonight. That means one less man movie I'll have to see on pay per view later on. ;) This movie actually got GOOD reviews?!?!?

Have a good weekend!

my underprivileged children

OK, well I have to admit the title is a bit snarky, but it is my nod to an old neighbor of mine who seems to care A LOT about what my family is doing. And not in the good way. I hear gossipy tidbits from a few different people every now and then about this. She is worried that me and my kids never, NEVER get out of the house. Yeah, we're holed up here all the time. ;) But apparently this was the reason why Megan happened to be a little talkative during primary last Sunday. It couldn't have anything to do with her best friend sitting next to her.

Usually I don't give it a second thought, but as we were exiting the parking garage downtown last night, I was thinking about how we have been out every single day since summer began.
But counting from JUST last week alone our plans have included The Pointe, friends' houses, swim parties, various lessons, dinner at Chili's the night before last, and then last night we went to the circus. Oh, and I also took all three shopping since each one has a birthday party to go to this week.

Today Trevor is flying with his daddy. Which to him means that he'll get breakfast before the flight, and lunch somewhere else in the state later on. It's all about food to that little boy.

And let me just throw in here that my 4 year old has been on a cruise a year since birth.
Yeah, my kids never get out.

Little vent aside - (man, do you really know anybody who keeps tabs on your family more than their own????) we had tickets to the circus last night. This is one of the best little bonuses from the radio station.... we have had so many tickets to events over the years that really have spoiled us. Megan loved going before she could talk. She adored the elephants. And one performer named Bello, who was there again last night. We've grown up with Bello. He's cool.

It was a nice media event, where we were invited to a dinner at Cooperstown before the show. Then once inside the arena, we got to stand down on the floor and have about an hour of cool entertainment right in front of us. I think, even pretty horses aside, the favorite had to be these totally cool jump rope guys.

(I'm going to see if I can use the word cool at least 100 times today! Haha! Maybe that is wishful thinking since it is hotter than heck outside.)

I was going to take my camera, but it was pretty hot and I was hoping for a hands free evening. Cool.

Here is to keeping busy this summer, and I have yet to hear the first "I'm bored" of the season.

Which in a roundabout way reminds me that I'm actually pretty excited after going to Target yesterday, that the school clothes and uniforms are back out. It isn't that I'm looking forward to sending my kids off for school, but I really LOVE going clothes shopping with them. Oh, and those fabulous supply lists. I LOVE when you get to buy new crayons.

(also, and I know this is sick to be thinking about... but once the school supplies come out, then Target replaces that huge area with household items. Like the bulk paper towels, wipes and things.... then..... oh yes..... the household items are replaces by...... HALLOWEEN decorations!!!

Perfect little orange happy pumpkins!!!

Life is good. ;)

I'm melting. Or I can't get enough caffiene in my system to stay awake. I'm not sure what it is, but dang I am tired today.

I did this layout a couple of days ago. The pictures just make me laugh because he looks so serious putting his rollerblades on.

I gave up on trying to scan, so the photo isn't that clear when you click on it. Trust me, the pictures are all in focus. Haha!

Trevor was even with me when I bought the paper at the store. He saw it and said, "Mom. (because I'm not mommy anymore. Cool kids say mom.) This paper is COOL, can you use it on a page about me?" OK, my enabling son, twist my arm. ;) I love scenic route, so he didn't have to twist hard.

Wait until someday when he is smart enough to pick out some paper with me, and he says, "I know you don't have anything red. How about you buy me a new RED car, and you can make a page about me?" He's working me already. I can tell.

I tried so hard to work on some projects last night. You know how you have that urge to sit down and do something, but you can't seem to get inspired enough to do anything? It is frustrating. I hope that feeling gets over with soon, because it really stinks!

The Pointe

I have been a bad blogger lately. Summer is such a weird time. You can not have plans, but the day to day stuff seems to keep us all busy.
The kids have had friends over, gone over to friend's houses, errands to run, craft stuff... you name it.

Last week we did get to do something really fun, and something that I hope turns into an annual summer event for us.

It started last year when Megan was invited to an end of school party with a group of girls from her class. About 8 of them went to the Pointe South Mountain where they all stayed in one room and then played at the property's water park all day. Mike and I went so we could help out if needed. From that moment, I knew we'd have to come back with the boys.

So this time we all went, and had SO much fun. We got a huge suite with an extra bedroom, a kitchen and a huge dining area and living room. After we checked in and changed into bathing suits (me included, ugh.) we went to the water park. They have a huge wave pool with a beach entry (perfect for my boys who aren't totally comfortable swimming in the deep areas yet) a lazy river for tubing, slides, and various pop up fountains everywhere.

Trevor was actually tall enough to go on the slides. He was thrilled about that. That little thing on this picture is HIM! .............





















We played until the park closed at 8 that evening. The best part was being able to tell the kids who were all bummed that it was time to go, that we were coming back tomorrow!

We went back to our room, and were all too tired to go out and eat. So we ordered room service, which for some reason the kids think they are royalty or something when somebody brings them food with those metal covers on them. Megan even said, "This is the best trip we've ever had!"

The next day, we got up and went to the park again. We spent hours there, and had snacks at our little table we spread out on. It was just so nice to relax, and do something fun with the kids. By the time we left, we were ALL worn out. The best part was, being that we were so tired, home was only 15 minutes away.

Anybody in the Phoenix area, I totally recommend doing an overnight here. Actually I think there are a couple resorts in the valley that have the same sort of thing. Since it is unbearably hot for out of town people to come here during the summer, the resort is full of locals. The summer rates are so affordable for a big family, and there really is so much for all ages and swim levels. I know we are going to try to do this every summer. It is so worth it.

Scrap night with the girls = cheaper than therapy.

I have to be honest, Friday was not one of my better days. After pure exhaustion, broken promises and a couple other things, I was just feeling down. No short story version, sorry. (Hell that would take too long! Haha!)

So the timing of seeing some good friends on a scrap night couldn’t have been any better.

I know every now and then I throw in a gushy post about how lucky I am to have met some incredible people through a scrapbooking site. (Who would have thought!) Some I have met in real life and love, even though I don’t get to see them often because they live out of state, some I haven’t met in real life but email enough that I feel I would love them too, but the fact that there is this incredible little group of Phoenicians that I call my closest of friends. You know who you are.

We’ve all been through marriages, divorces, new babies, health issues, moving, good times and bad times, and all of that life stuff together for the years that we’ve known each other. It really is the most incredible of support systems.

The thing that made last night so great was that everybody was there. Lisa was able to come all the way down from Prescott, and I realized how much I really miss her funky sense of humor at these crops. Kaelene was supposed to be in California, but ended up being able to come. That girl is sharp! She says things out of nowhere that are just funny.

Shanna made me laugh harder than I have laughed in a long time (that girl can SCREAM!!) We went on a little shopping trip to a scrapbook store, and hit a drive through for some sodas on our way back to Beth’s house. Lisa was in front of us in her Prescott redneck Mack truck along with Michelle and Maddy. Shanna jumped out of her car and snuck up beside them and popped her head through the open window and let out this unnatural blood curdling scream. Resulting in Maddy crying, and I think Michelle peed a little. ;) I just sat back and watched the whole thing. Laughing my rear end off.

And Beth, always the best hostess. Plus she put U2 on for awhile. Enough said right there. She is awesome.

I kind of felt like I was sitting back and watching a movie about these people. Each one brings something in their personality that is different, to the table. Then it all meshes. It was just one of those nights when you realize how lucky you really are and I swear they all made me laugh myself out of a funk. Scrapping + good friends = priceless.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking. Oh, and Toxic Thomas.

Right now I am at flightaware.com watching Mike's plane come home from Cincinnati! He should be here soon. What did we ever do before technology came along that allowed us to track flights across the world?? It is so cool! I like to guess what state he is over before I hit refresh. It's my little game.



I finally get to say more though... He is officially employed!! Woohoo! He got a job with ComAir, who is owned by Delta. It is incredible news!!! I couldn't really say more the other day because technically he still had one more part of the interview to take care of back there.



I am incredibly happy and proud of him. I remember him wanting to do this back when I met him in high school. Life took a few different turns for us, but those turns enabled us to be able to do this now, at this point in our lives.



So it's official! There is a commercial pilot in the house! :)



*********************









I have been putting of the inevitable until tonight, when Matthew goes to sleep. There is a recall on thousands of Thomas wood engines. Supposedly there is lead paint on several different characters from a pretty good chunk of the decade. Prime years that my boys were collecting these toys.



I need to sneak in and tag and bag some of these guys. I don't want to over react, but Toxic Thomas is not a fun toy. The only thing is, I keep having flashbacks of all the years that my boys played with them and they of course ended up in their mouths. Ugh.

Thank goodness a large part of the Thomas stuff we have are the metal trains. That should cut my numbers down to about 500 trains that I need to sort through! LOL!

they do swim!

I just have to preface this by saying how much I used to dread taking my boys near a pool since neither could swim. Trevor, being 6 years old screams like a fire truck if you let go of him or he isn't near the steps. Matthew, always liked to put his head under the water, but never ventured away from the steps either.

I even took them for swimming lessons last year where I spent lots of money, lots of time, and the only thing they both learned how to do was blow bubbles. I was a bit miffed. I just figured if we made it through this summer, they would have to learn next year when we have our own pool.

Today we had a pool party for the activity day girls. Mike wasn't home to watch the boys, so they had to go with me. I was nervous about this. Not only did I have to help lifeguard for several girls, but I had to make sure my boys stayed on top of floaties in the shallow end.

I don't know what got into either of them... but today... they SWAM! Both of them! Like little fish! Well, Matthew looks more like a little frog with his legs, but it is swimming non the less! Trevor even swam across the pool. I am SO proud of both of them. And like a horrible scrapper, I decided to keep my camera at home today since I was afraid there was too many opportunities for it to get broken. Grr.

This is a BIG thing. Huge!

a little layout, and the sopranos happily ever after

This is my totally inspired by Karla Dudley page. (She is SO awesome!! check her out!) I had these photos from awhile ago, and they were just kind of sitting in their folder on the computer.

I saw a page of hers with the Basic Gray paper, and that incredible little sentiment: The most precious of offerings. It was perfect. I had done a page about Trevor giving me flowers at about the same age, and that line just sums it all up. Just about every mom has a moment like this, when a little one brings you a fist full of flowers or pretty weeds.

***********

I'm still thinking about the Sopranos today. I admit when the ending came my first response was to yell at the dog or somebody who had to have accidentally pushed a button on the remote to make the screen go black. I wonder how many other people across the country yelled, "NOOOOO!" at the same time, thinking that the cable had gone out or something.

What an ending. At first I felt kind of angry that everything wasn't all tied up in the end. There were, and are still so many questions. But... that is part of what made that show so good. You had to think a lot while you were watching it. My theory is that Tony and family are all just fine. Like the song on the jukebox in the end: Don't stop believing... Life goes on and on and on....

you know. I could go on forever with talking about it, the little hints that could go both ways (that Tony was killed, or the whole family was killed) but I admit that I like Tony. I want them to all just be a normal family. I'm beginning to think the ending was perfect because you could interpret it anyway you wanted if you thought about it enough. And let's face it, if it had ended in any other way people would be arguing that it wasn't what should have happened. Nobody would be perfectly happy with the ending. Just like people are saying that they expected more when Phil was whacked. Now see, I thought that was pure genius. Mike and I even had to rewind it a few times to enjoy it over and over. Violent... but funny. And the guy deserved it! "Pop!"

My only complaint about the entire show was that I wish Paulie would have whacked the cat!

Harry Potter and what is with this weather???

This was the plan all along.

Well, at least after like the third book and I saw how people were going crazy over it.

I wanted to wait until the last Harry Potter book was near coming out so I could start the whole series and not have to wait. I'm like that. I have a hard time with cliff hangers!

Today I got book ONE!

So, if Lisa is any indication.... I won't be blogging much for awhile. ;) She, along with everybody else I know who started these books kind of went into hiding while reading them. Normal life ceases to exist! It's all about Harry.

******

You know how I love to talk about weather too...

well it has been absolutely AMAZING here in the Grand Canyon state. Is it really June??? I swear, we have had such a great spring. (Which lasted more than the typical week.) But yesterday and today have cooled down. Today in my car the thermometer read 87 degrees! Yes, in JUNE. It is incredible.

Last night was beautiful too. Everybody was outside enjoying it. This reminds me of what Phoenix used to be like when I was a kid. Summer was hot, but we got a daily rainstorm to cool us off for a couple of hours and then the nights were beautiful.

So today I just had to mention how happy the weather is making me! Because I know in another week I'll be complaining about it. ;)

A huge wooohoooo!

What's that in the sky? A bird? A plane?

A big plane???

YES. A very happy day at our house today. Mike had his interview and it went well. :)

some cards.

Nevermind my last post about my clean desk. It's a mess now. I bought these really cute Lil' Davis chipboard things. I love them. I love them so much I have been hoarding them and afraid to use them on anything. Why is that?? So, I figured I would make some cards with them. I mean a package of them is only $2, it was good therapy for me to lighten up and go ahead and use them.

Plus I have a good reason. I have a small tower of plasticware in my kitchen. All clean. All from last week when people were bringing us dinner. Now I know that they are the 'disposable' kind. You know, the Ziplock ones, but you still can't get yourself to throw them away. So I would imagine somewhere in the back of the minds of the people who brought dinner they would be thinking, "I hope she brings those back!"

So along with the plasticware, I wanted to make some thank you cards. These women deserve the time it takes to make them because everything was wonderful and they took a huge burden off of my shoulders last week.

Man, now my desk looks like Lisa's. ;)

It is hot. I'm already whining, but I have a good reason, I promise!

It is 100 degrees.

IN.

MY.

HOUSE.


Upstairs. The a/c went out. This really stinks. I am very grateful for the fact that we have 2 units, so it looks like we'll be having a campout downstairs tonight. The kids are excited. They seem to think it is some sort of adventure.

I'm also glad that our couches are huge. Because THAT is where I'm sleeping tonight.

summer has finally started around here.

Today feels like the official first day of summer. Probably because the first week seemed like a blur with everything going on.

Today I took the kids swimming. My ward has this awesome thing worked out for the summer where every Friday a group of moms meet at different houses so our kids can all get together and swim. My kids loved it... being that we are the only ones on our street that seem to not have a pool. (next year... next year... next year.... I keep chanting this to myself.) It was great that they got to see some friends, cool off and wear themselves out with a couple hours of solid swimming.

Does swimming count as taking a bath??? ;) It should, because I can't believe it is already so late. We've totally blown any sort of bedtime rules too, since summer began.

I took the longest nap ever today. I think the weight of everything going on for the past couple of months crashed on me today. I have been seriously fatigued.

Lets just say that if U2 was waiting for me at a scrapbook store full of free products to give me, and all the coke I could drink, I still wouldn't want to go. Now that is tired. Not to mention too, when I came in the door from swimming expecting Mike to be up and feeling better... he was in a fetal position on the couch. Again. Oh no.

He had a stint removed, and apparently that shocked the hell out of something inside him. Like his innards haven't been violated enough lately. I called the doctor, and he said to watch him for an hour and if it didn't get better to head BACK to the hospital. Noooooooo! I wanted to have an all out tantrum on the floor. No. No. No.

He was still hurting most of the day, but I think the thought of him having to go back didn't appeal to him either. Please, I hope this was the last hurrah today. I'm ready for some normalcy around here.

And speaking of... time to get these kids into bed.