Happy Birthday, Steve!!!

Today is Steve's birthday! He told me he is turning 30! Or was it 20? Hmm... at any rate, Happy Birthday to Steve! Steve is an awesome neighbor and friend. He is a splendid cook as well, and I love to help eat all the extra food they make! My kids love him to death. Amazingly enough he still thinks he would like to take care of them if ever Louis and I depart this life at the same time! Now THAT is serious dedication!

First Day of Kindergarten

Monday was Kaylee's first day of kindergarten!!! She was so excited, and fortunately no tears were shed by her, Charles, or me! To be perfectly honest there wasn't any chance of Kaylee or Louis shedding any tears. So, Charles and I did great! I was feeling so anxious about sending Kaylee to school last spring and again the past few weeks. Sunday night was the culmination of all my fears and sadness, but Monday went smoothly. It was a rushed morning, but still went well. I hurried home from crossing, fixed her hair and off we went to show her off to Donna and Steve. Steve came home from work just to see her and she was so excited that Both of them would be there for pictures! She is very excited to be so grown up and thinks I should let her walk to school herself. Yeah, right! Charles was a trooper. He kept asking if we could stay and watch her "do all her things to do." He didn't throw a fit when we had to leave. We enjoyed some time together and have been trying to walk to and from school each day. He insists most of the time on taking his trike. He is very quick to get to the school and then takes his sweet time getting home. So, by the time we get back home, it's almost time to leave again and pick Kaylee up! He requested a movie of him riding his trike.

It's a BOY!!!

Before all you start going crazy, let me clarify.... I AM NOT THE MOTHER. My sister, Tressa is having her first bundle of joy, due January 2009. And, we found out a week or so ago that it is a Boy! We are all very excited, even Kaylee who requested a girl. Charles is especially elated. When we first told the kids about Tressa's baby we tried to video their reaction. It wasn't very good. The reaction to the news of a boy was incredible! Of course, we didn't have a camera recording, so we tried to recreate it. We are very excited for our new baby nephew/cousin!!!

So... for the last couple of days I have been trying to upload a video of the kids' reaction to the news. Well, the video is too long, I finally discovered today. Sorry!

Another Movie Review... and a diagnosis

So, my children were taken by my sister and brother-in-law earlier this evening for a two day sleepover. As they say... when the kids are away, mom and dad can finally play! So, we decided to go see a late movie. I actually suggested this. This is a new thing for me. I know Louis has really wanted to see Ironman, and I was actually intrigued by it also. I wasn't disappointed, but there is some tasteful editing I would've liked to do. At any rate, it was a pretty good show and really made my husband happy to know that I would go with him to watch his movie. Anyways... on to the diagnosis. I suffer from anxiety. I would say acute anxiety. Now, let me clarify this, I have not been diagnosed by a doctor or any other such thing. No, I just figured this out on my own. I also might add that my husband has diagnosed me as a hypochondriac. Whatever. I notice a peculiar pattern with the onsets of my anxiety. They occur quite frequently, but only after a few consistent events. The two uppmost in my mind are telephone calls beginning, "Hello, Sister Koberstein...." and the second being movies. Not just any movie, but particularly one of my husband's choice. In general these have turned out ok in the end, and some have even become favorites with sentimental value. For example, The Hunt For Red October. Now this classic movie caused me much anxiety, but we also watched it to celebrate our one year anniversary. A while back I came upstairs to find him watching this movie, plopped down on the couch next to him and reminisced about our "romantic" one year anniversary. Other favorites include The Great Escape, some Indiana Jones adventures, Stargate SG-1, and Gattica. One of my not-so-favorites was Mission Impossible 3. This took a lot of coaxing to get me to agree to sit down and watch it. Let me tell you that I knew I was in for it when the music began and my heart rate accelerated to 50000 beats per second... and remained there until an hour after the movie, at which point I lay in bed certain that someone was in the basement coming upstairs to plant a bomb in my brain, looked up to see the door moving and screamed, scared Kaylee to death and even caused Louis to take a quick sharp breath. Yes, folks, I don't need horror movies, just a good action packed film. Next time I let my hubby choose the flick, I think I'll have a dose of blood pressure meds or something. I won't be surprised if I die of a heartattack.... on a date, at the movies, with Louis.

Another Do

So, here is another hair style. I am getting excited about school starting, and sad. Mixed feelings, really. Anywho... Kaylee looks so cute when she will let me do her hair. This is one of my favorites. It's really easy to do and the ribbon is so cute in her hair.

So I just made three sections. Tied a LONG ribbon in each of the front two ponytails and then tied it in a small bow. The rest of the bow was braided into the hair back to the big ponytail. Then I used both sides of the ribbon from each small braid to tie a big bow at the back. I secured the braids with a bobbypin. Then curl the ponytail.


Speaking of cute hair-do's and ribbons.... last week I went to my friend's house and checked out her adorable hair bows. She has a little business making hair bows and such, they are SO cute, adorable, and afordable. The best is that you can take her an outfit and she will custom make a bow for that outfit!! She told me she does parties where you can come browse through their selection, or bring some outfits and have the bows made right then and there! I was thinking about doing one of these in a week or two for back-to-school time. Are any of you interested in coming? Leave me a comment!

Final Summer Fling

We decided that since we really didn't have a vacation this summer we'd better do something! We had planned to camp out on Friday night, but all the camp sites were full, Surprise! We instead headed up to Bear Lake on Saturday morning and spent the whole day playing on the beach! We stopped for hamburgers and a shake when we first got in so we could last the rest of the day with just snacks.

When we got to the beach I had to lather the kids in sunscreen and then coax them away from the water while it dried. We finally got them interested in a game of Go Fish. That is the new favorite game here at our house.

The kids both loved it there. It was really fun to watch them run and play in the water.

They spent lots of time digging in the sand, finding seashells, and their favorite thing was getting buried!

Even Charles wanted to do this.

It was so much fun. I just love Bear Lake because you can walk out forever without worrying about the water getting too deep. I would really love it if we had some jet skis to use, but maybe one day. We ended the day tired, but happy. None of us got sunburns! That is a huge accomplishment! We headed home to roast hot dogs and marshmallows at our new gathering area. Louis helped build a gazeboo type shelter here for our HOA in May and June. They purchased some nice lawn furniture, a grill, and a fire pit thing. We finally tried it out and loved it!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Movie Review... and Emotional Release

Ok, so I finally got a hold of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I hadn't heard anything about it, really. I just put a hold on it at the library and waited my turn and ta da! It's my turn. We watched it tonight with the kids. I really, really loved this movie! It's the first movie in a LONG time that I have watched that is ABSOLUTELY clean!!! Yea! Also, the kids loved it. Well, Charles did fall asleep part way through, but that is because he was tired, not because he didn't like it. Kaylee told me it was her favorite, which means, of course, that she also enjoyed it. Even Louis laughed a few times and enjoyed it, and THAT is saying something. I loved it. I want to watch it again right now, but my eyes can't handle anymore tears. Yes, folks, I cried my eyes out! I know, laugh it up. I just couldn't help it. If you haven't seen the movie yet you may not want to read on, it may spoil it........................

Ok, so I tried to figure out later why I was so upset by Mr. Magorium's departure. I was sad all along, but the flood gates opened when he quoted Shakespeare and he was just so non-chalant about the whole thing. "He dies." I am Mahoney. I am stuck. I am not exactly sure what this block of wood can do. I used to really believe it was worth something and I lived for all those wonderful things. Then one day, it seems, I looked again and it was just a silly block of wood. I am afraid I may be selling my magical store because I don't believe I can do it anymore and I will settle for something else, just because. I can't really place who Mr. Magorium is. Many faces flash in front of me, and the thought of losing any of them right now is frightening and painful. I think the one that most readily comes to mind and gives me an empty feeling in my gut is my dear grandmother. I know that scientifically she isn't supposed to be able to live forever, but sometimes I believe that if I wish hard enough, or look needy enough, she will live forever. I am not ready for her to depart. I also really don't forsee this anytime in the forseeable future, but again, I'm not being completely realistic and whether it were one day or one million more, if I have to let her leave me, I won't be ready. On that same thought, it really isn't just this grandma, but ALL my grandparents. Meaning, my dad's mom, my mom's mom, Louis' grandma, and my grandpa. I have been so fortunate. I have only had to watch one grandfather depart. But, it was so very painful, that I don't ever want to experience it again. Maybe this really has nothing to do with my emotional outburst. Perhaps I just needed a good reason to cry and let things out. Whatever the reason, I had an opportunity to think about a few things. What potential do I have that I am not able to see? Have I become a "just" woman? Will I be as ready to finish my life as wonderfully as Mr. Magorium because I have made the most of it? And not in the sense that I did all the things in the world I thought I should do for myself, but doing all the right things, living a full, happy life, accomplishing the things I really always hoped to accomplish. Will I be able to be brave when the time comes for my dearest loved ones to depart? Will I be able to tell all of the wonderful lives they lived, even though I may be sad for a while? I hope so. I guess that is all I can do. Hope and believe and keep on going.

Swimming Performance Day

Kaylee and Charles just finished their second and final session of swimming lessons for the summer. I was so excited to watch them today because last time Kaylee was sick, and Charles wasn't feeling too hot and cried the whole time! Louis and I went and our neighbor Steve. (Steve is the one who Kaylee and Charles always run to when mom is too mean.) I was very proud of both kids and how much they have learned! It is amazing to me to see how much more Kaylee can do after only a couple years of lessons. And Charles did great today! Not even a hint of tears! He was so excited to do everything, and he had a lot of fun cheering for Kaylee, too. I took more video than pictures today, it's fun to watch them again. I am so proud!! Of course, Louis notices all the things they need help with since he is a great swimmer himself.

This is Kaylee swimming across the short side of the pool. She did great!



This is Kaylee treading water in the deep part of the pool. I was so impressed with this because I can hardly do this!



I am so impressed that she can jump off the board and get somewhere without a teacher right there! Kaylee seemed to struggle a bit today. I have seen her jump off the diving board and swim the length of the pool a couple times and usually she has a much easier time with it than she did today. I think she gets so excited to have us there watching that it's easy to get distracted.



Charles is always a little nervous about putting his head is the water and so I was really proud of him today! And check out those kicks!



I loved watching Charles reach with his arms. I wish I had videoed the song she has them sing. It was fun to hear!



I just love to watch the kids go off the diving board! When Charles gets out he comes over each time and says... "I did it and I didn't even cry!" I should have walked over closer to the board for this video, just ignore the little girl sneezing and smearing snot over her face. (By the way, those two girls were so cute and fun to watch! :))

Fun in Perry

In July my sister, Tressa, and her husband, Jake, moved to Perry. There was much weeping and wailing. My kids have had an especially hard time realizing that we can't just invite them over on a whim anymore... and we can't walk to their house or even ride the bus there any longer. On Saturday, after the fair we decided to go down and visit them at their new house. We were there briefly during the moving, but hadn't been back. The kids were very excited and we had lots of fun! Jake and Tressa have an awesome backyard and even a swingset! The kids LOVE to play with Jake and he is so great to play along with them. Their favorite game is Star Wars. We also had a special treat. Tressa and Jake purchased new couches and the salesperson told them that to make them really soft, they should jump on the cushions. So... that is what we did, ALL of us! I had to explain to the kids several times that they only do this when Jake and Tressa tell them to, and they NEVER do it at our house! We've never experienced what new furniture feels like and I couldn't help but wonder why we'd want to break them in when it might mean that they'd just be getting soft in about 15 years, and maybe they'd hand them on down! :) hee hee.

Six little monkeys... jumping on the couch!


Charles playing a storm trooper. The hose was his gun, and he got all of us!






Tressa as Darth Sidious... yeah, sorry all you Star Wars buffs, I slaughtered that, I'm certain!




Jake, Kaylee, and Charles AKA Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker

What's For Dinner?

Charles was so grumpy at me last night, as you can see. I just thought it was so funny....after I realized a few people might get some laughs out of it. So, rather than let it ruin my self-esteem and get me all upset, I made a video and will share it with all of you.



You would think that with this kind of response from a three-year-old that dinner was something awful like "meatloaf surprise", fish, or liver and onions. So... what WAS for dinner?



That's right, folks! Mac & Cheese, hot dogs, an peas!!! Am I a cruel mom, or what? (Side note: after making the movies, I showed them to Charles who then started smiling and hugging me and asked for lots of dinner and ate it all! Go figure!)

Reaching their Goals

On New Year's Day this year we had a lesson on setting goals. The kids each set a goal and I was afraid they wouldn't reach these before the snow fell again. We don't really have the best place here to ride bicycles. But, a couple weeks ago we went outside for a walk, and Charles was pedaling around on his trike! Then on Sunday, Kaylee went out and was balancing so well on her bike that Louis took off the training wheels... and off she went! Just in time for school to begin! We took a walk down there on Monday for FHE and it only took us 20 minutes. Not bad! As we went riding along, Kaylee stopped to climb up on this rock and pose for her picture. What a princess!

Happy Birthday, Lynn!

So I see these all the time on other people's blogs and I think, next year I'm going to do that! Well, I am starting NOW! Sorry to those who I have missed this year, but just wait... I'll get ya next year.

Today is Lynn's birthday!
He is one of my very favorite brothers-in-law. He is so nice, easy to talk to, friendly, kind, unassuming, patient, an awesome dancer, and so good with my kids (and everyone elses)! And yes, he is available! ;) He made me feel so at ease when Louis and I were dating and engaged, AND he took me on my first snowboarding trip!
We love you, Lynn... come see us!

I wanted to post the picture of us snowboarding... but I can't find it! Aack! This is a favorite of him and Kaylee dancing at Jon's wedding.

Fun at the Fair... and some Forgiveness

We went to the fair on Saturday.... on the bus. Yes, the bus driver who picked us up was the same one who ditched me last week. And... I noticed as we began to pull away an elderly lady was hurrying to the bus... and he stopped to let her on. So, instead of allowing this to anger me further for his obvious preference to older women, I realized that he may have had a change of heart and is going to be a little more aware of those who need to get on the bus! And... then I realized that perhaps the reason he didn't let me on is because I would've had to go between buses and that might be against a BIG rule because it would be dangerous. So... I guess I have forgiven him and realized that I was wrong to get so angry. Now, on to the fair!

We always end up wasting so much money when we go to these kinds of events. The rides, the food, it's too much! So, we took no cash on purpose this year. As soon as we walk through the gates the kids begin whining for money to go on the rides. I about lost it! Then we wandered a bit and finally found the animals. Charles got really excited about seeing the lambs and the HUGE pigs! It was fun.


They also liked the chickens and the bunnies. Don't mind the blurry pictures.. the kids wanted to take some and I shook a bit, too!

More Hair Styles

Ok... I am still really having fun with hair... and I never have the guts to just send in an email to the hair sites... so this will have to do. Kaylee has always had uneven, thin, hair. I love side ponytails... so this is our rendition.

I usually leave the side to hang down, but sometimes we like to tie it around the front and make it like a crown.

OUTRAGE

I am so frustrated!!! And, because I don't have a punching bag, this blog will have to do. I love the bus here in Logan. I take it almost everywhere. I prefer to ride the bus over driving my own car for several reasons: it's free, it's air conditioned, no car seats, no driving involved, it's free, did I mention AIR CONDITIONING? For you who don't know, I have a trash car with NO a/c. Who wouldn't prefer the bus? One of our weekly outings to keep my status as "decent mother" is to take my children, ON THE BUS, to the library. Today was the day. I should have just resigned myself to the fact that the enitre day was shot and just forget about going anywhere. It was a rough morning here. I felt a little better by the afternoon and needed an excuse to not mop my floor, so we went to the library. I was feeling overly confident, which was my first mistake. We made it out the door to the library with all our books, movies (in the cases), the DVD we forgot to put in the case from two weeks ago, and the rest of my crossing guard equiptment that I keep forgetting to return to the police dept. which is right by the library. We get on the bus no problem, make our transfer and get to our stop with no problems. We return the things to the police station and the kids both have to use the bathroom, no problem! Normally, that is a big problem for me. They usually have to go when there isn't any bathroom available. Today they both went in a completely vacant bathroom right next to the window where I drop off my equiptment. GOOD TIMING!!! I should have known it couldn't last. We had a relaxing trip because we are only on a schedule for ourselves today, which is VERY RARE! They get books, videos, and play computer games. We check out and walk pretty slowly back to the bus stop. We WAIT AND WAIT, but that is to be expected. The bus shows up well before I get nervous. This bus route has a habit of being very late and causing all the riders to miss their next transfer, meaning around 30 minutes of sitting there in the heat, waiting for a bus to take you and your two whiny children home. We are going along well, no stops, we're going to make it to the transit center in plenty of time! Then we have to stop and pick up a wheelchair rider. This always causes delays. Bless the bus driver for asking what transfers people need, and this time he hears my request! And, there are other people who need my bus as well! We will make it! It's almost 2pm and we haven't eaten lunch yet, please keep in mind. Thankfully, it isn't very hot... not even in the 90's. I hear the request for the transfers, and the confirmation from the transit center. We really will make it. We get to the station and there is a mass exodus from the bus. Kaylee is almost trampled, I can't get myself and Charles off the bus until the last people leave. THANKS A LOT! We hurry off just in time to see bus 9 pulling out from the curb. I run to an opening and wave and drag my children with a huge bag of books hanging from my arm and the bus driver looks at me and SHAKES HIS HEAD AND DRIVES OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I yell at the kids for not hurrying, and throw my bag across the pavement to a bench. I use any remaining self control to keep from running into the station and yelling at the people in there for not waiting for a transfer for a late bus. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM TRY AND HAVE AN OUTING WITH TWO CHILDREN IN TOW, NO LUNCH, A BAG OF BOOKS, A THREE YEAR OLD WHO WEIGHS 35 LBS AND WANTS TO BE CARRIED AND NOT GET A LITTLE GRUMPY WHEN YOU GET DITCHED FOR THIRTY MINUTES AT A STATION. The time was spent reading to the children through clenched teeth and casting "looks of death" at anyone who looked like they were going to make some unwelcome comment like "oh, looks like you've got your hands full" or "now, mom, remember they're only young once" or some other stupid thing that mom's DON'T need to hear from perfect strangers.

Breaking the Mold at Breaking Dawn

Friday night Donna was at my house and we sat up way too late talking. As we looked at our watches, AGAIN, we realized it was almost midnight. So we bid Louis and Steve farewell, jumped in the Prius and headed to Walmart for.... Breaking Dawn. I have never gone to one of those things before. I quickly joined in the throng of women, (I was going to say people, but really, who are we kidding?) and pressed through the crowd, past the pallet of books and into one of many long checkout lines. It was the most efficient checkout I've had at Walmart in a LONG time!!! Why do they not staff the store like this during "Back to School Busyness" or "Christmas Crunch Time?" I don't know. Anywho... as I near the checkstand I watch each purchase... Breaking Dawn, Breaking Dawn, Breaking Dawn and a snack, Breaking Dawn and a Coke (to stay awake reading of course), Breaking Dawn, Breaking Dawn, and then me. What do I put up on the counter? One box of lasagna noodles. I expected the clerk to about drop dead and he almost told gave me a total of over $14 just out of habit. Yea, I guess I've hung around Louis too long to just follow the crowd!