camping again?

Connor: " Mommy what day is it today?"
Me: "Saturday"
C: " Can we go camping again, since it is Saturday?"
M:" No sweetie we can't. We can't go camping every weekend."
C: " aw...phooey. I love camping."


Too cute. That kid is too cute. :)

reading logs

I hate filling out reading logs. Harmony has a monthly and a weekly one. The weekly one I can totally handle. It is just that I forget to do it. Honestly, that's all there is too it. Somewhere in my brain, I have a little voice that tells me to do it when we are sitting down to do homework. But I don't listen. And I find myself on the last day of the month (aka today) trying to fill out 20 days worth of books. The thing is, since the kids have been old enough to sit still and listen,I have read them 2 stories every night. It is just part of their bedtime routine. Yet, I forget to fill out the log. So then I just have to make up books that we read. Now by make up, I don't mean literally, just going through the bookshelf and using the books I find. Harmony thinks I am lying when I do this. My take is though, that she reads every night. We read every night. Ethan also has a monthly reading log! Anywhoo...we read every night and they deserve to be rewarded for it. I don't think they should be penalized for my inability to remember to write their books down. Whew! So negative I am lately. But getting up at 5:30 and thinking "oh crap I have to fill out that reading log before school" is not the best way to wake up!

Chili cookoff tonight for our ward. This is the biggest activity that our ward participates in. So many people come out for it. Last year, at the cook off, was the day that I told friends that yes, Ben was for sure leaving. It was official. A year ago. Boy time flies. Last Sunday marked 3 months that he has been home. It sometimes feels like he never left. After a little adjustment period, we just went back to our normal lives. Ecspecially once school started and he was back at work.It is hard to remember what it was like. And then, I will ask him about something, or see if he remembers something and he gives me ablank stare. And I realize, "oh yeah you weren't here when that happened." And I am reminded once again of those loooong and lonely 6 months. I wish we still had kind of kept that " I can't live without you, I miss you so much" shmoopyness but that is ok. I realize that I call him at work a lot, just to hear his voice, because 3 short months ago I couldn't. I am grateful that time really does fly. I know he will leave again, but right now I am going to enjoy the time I have with him and be grateful.

Talk about mood swings huh? First I am venting about reading logs and then sappy. Ah well. All in a mornings work.

On my other blog I talked about Connor and his hat. He is so cute in it and loves it so much. Wears it to school every day. So the picture is my little cutie in his trucker hat Ashton Kutcher style!

bad friend

***warning*** this is not a straight to the point story!

I have a lot of really good friends. Seriously some amazing women. But I am not a very good friend. Take my friend Melissa for example. I have been thinking about her a lot lately. Last Feb.she and her family moved to Las Vegas. It was the first time in a looong time that I had to say goodbye to someone I really cared about. She was such a good friend to me. I miss her. Just goofin' off and sitting and talking for hours. Anyway...today was my turn to pick kids up for carpool. Well, Jonas's Mom, was not home yet and asked if I could just bring him to my house. OK no problem. I get home and she is already here,and on her cell talking to Melissa. So I go steal the phone and chat with her for a few minutes. So nice to talk to her. I got off with her and thought to myself " why don't I ever call her?" Oh yeah...I am a bad friend.

My sister, Susan and I used to email each other every day. I always knew I could expect an email from her. But once Harm started school...I stopped. Too busy. During the summer I was a little better. Now when she gets an email from me I am sure that she just about faints when she sees who it is from. I am a bad friend and sister.

My friend Beth. She lives right by Susan. Makes me jealous that 2 of my favorite people live so close to each other and I don't. I have email, free cell phone minutes, a phone card and do I call her? No.

My Mom. I seriously haven't talked to her in a few weeks. Is it because I am mad at her or something? Heck no, I don't think I have ever been mad at my Mom, I just am a bad daughter. I don't keep in contact with people well.

There are many more but I am sure blogger would shut down if I tried to name them all. Sometimes I think I talk to the cashiers at Target more than I do my friends and family. It's not right. I want to change. And I will try.

I guess I just hope my friends and family are forgiving. That they understand that my life is so busy and crazy sometimes it feels like I have to remind myself to breathe.

So to all those I offend...I'm sorry. I feel bad. I feel like a mean person. But I really am going to try! So be prepared for phones to ring and inbox's to be full. Well...I will try anyway!

A few more...

Blogger almost crashed on me so here are the last few...

camping...

What a blast! I am not kidding. We had an awesome time camping. I mean look at where we got to hang out! It was beautiful. We didn't actually camp on the beach, but we were a very short walk from it. We picked the kids up from school and headed out. They were so excited putting up the tent and getting their beds ready.
We went in to town to get some things and by the time we got back there were a few more people running around. Lots of friends to laugh, talk and hang out with. The kids had fun running around the campsites playing with friends, eating roasted hotdogs and smores. They went to bed fairly well considering all the noise and excitment. Ivan had to cry it out but really it didn't take too long. Ben and I were on an air mattress but didn't sleep that well. We didn't get cold though! Then in the morning it was pancakes, bacon and eggs. We headed back down to the beach to play. Came back and cleaned up our campsite and headed home. We were back by 10:30 and that is when the real work began! Unpacking the car, getting kids in the bath, etc. etc. Here were just some highlights...

*roasting marshmallows
*playing on the beach
*glow sticks
*playing with friends
*sleeping in the tent
*talking with friends
*getting dirty
* good bathrooms
* Connor telling me, "Mommy, did you know that you don't have to change underwear when you go camping?"
*Ivan running around with one of Ben's empty root beer bottles
*lots of juice boxes in the cooler
*using the lantern and flashlight


We just had fun. It was nice to get away. And the picture of Ben and I...no I am not pregnant. Just fat and wearing one of those long stretchy shirts from Target. Yeah going back to the gym on Monday...and starting crunches!

a must read

My Mom sent this to me today. Totally loved it. Is it a hint though Mom? :) Enjoy...
If you, or someone you know has ever felt overwhelmed by all> they feel they need to do,
Vickie Gunther of Redlands , California ,> wrote a hilarious poem, Dr. Seuss style, about how much LDS women try> to take on.
David B. Marsh used it at Women's Conference, and Vickie> has given permission to share it.>>

The Girl in a Whirl> by 'Dr. Sue'> (a.k.a. Vickie Gunther)>>
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!>
You could do what I do> If you only knew how.>
I study the scriptures one hour each day;>
I bake,>
I upholster,>
I scrub,>
and I pray.>
I always keep all the commandments completely;>
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.>
I help in their classrooms!>
I sew all they wear!>
I drive them to practice!>
I cut all their hair!>
I memorize names of the General Authorities;>
I focus on things to be done by priorities.>
I play the piano!>
I bless with my talents!>
My toilets all sparkle!>
My checkbooks all balance!>
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;>
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)>
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,

> But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all

> I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;>
Our t-shirts are ironed!>
My toenails are polished!>
Our family home evenings are always delightful;>
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.>
I do genealogy faithfully, too.>
It's easy to do all the things that I do!>
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;>
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!>
I read to my children!>
I help all my neighbors!>
I bless the community, too, with my labors.>
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;>
My visiting teaching is done the first day!>
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.>
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)>
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;>
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.>
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.>
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all >
I write in my journal!>
I sing in the choir!>
Each day, I write "thank you's" to those I admire.>
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!>
My kids get straight A's!>
And their bedrooms are clean!>
I have a home business to help make some money;>
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.>
I go to the temple at least once a week;>
I change the car's tires!>
I fix the sink's leak!>>
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;>
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.>
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;>
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!>
These things are not hard;>
'tis good if you do them;>
You can if you try!>
Just set goals and pursue them!>
It's easy to do all the things that I do!>
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!>
It's easy!" she said> and then she dropped dead.

feel the need...

I usually post every other day. Not always but for the most part. So here I am feeling like I need to post something. Anything. That is why I am avoiding my mile long to do list and blogging. priorities. Total randomness here. Love the picture of Harm and Ethan. They were cuddled together on the couch while Harm watched Ethan play. Pretty precious. They stayed like that for awhile.

I had the cutest conversation with Connor yesterday:

C: Mommy when I grow up I want to be a Daddy.
M: Who are you going to marry?
C: yuck, I don't want to get married. Just be a Daddy.
M: Sorry bud. If you want to be a Daddy, you have to get married first.
C: OK, I will just marry you.
M: ok sounds good.
C: Do you know what I will be after we get married?
M: What?
C: An action figure...oh wait a minute. That is a toy huh?
M: yeah it is
C: OK I will be an army man.
M: ok
C: But you know what? When I go to the mountains I will really miss you.
M: Oh you are too cute. I love you Connor.
C: I love you too Mommy. But I love Daddy best.
M: yeah I know.

It made me wonder how much he still thinks about the time when Ben was gone. Hmmm?

And if this post wasn't random enough... I thought I was supposed to be feeding the missionaries tonight. Have I heard from them? Uhm...no. I decided to just plan for them,that way I am not surprised later. I realize that they are young guys and really probably don't even think about it. But come on now, it's free food. You should call.

Tomorrow we are headed out to go camping. So looking forward to it. The kids are so stoked. They haven't stopped talking about it all week. I am going to empty my memory card so I have tons of room for pictures. Bought the food today. Have to make a list of everything we need. OK that is it. My random post is done. Oh wait except for this

CINDY, YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR BLOG!!!! :)
Ok that's it. Have a great Thursday!

Monday Morning Confessions

Usually, Mondays are my day to get our lives back after the weekend. The weekend is such a whirlwind and so I usually spend the good part of Monday recooperating. (However you spell it!) However because of my cold I have done nothing. Not one thing. So far my morning has gone like this: get all the kids off to school, ok so this may take some effort, drop the last kids off at pre-school. Run to Target for more cold medicine. See my friend Becca, who is also the person who is helping me do the Halloween party at Connor's school. Got Halloween goody bag stuff from Target $1 Spot. Love that section. Came home and checked my email. Nothing good. Laid on the couch and watched QVC. Selling way cute scrapbook kits. Did not buy a thing. Then watched th ending of the movie Parenthood. Then I flipped back and forth between FBI files and The Village because The Village wasn't working very well. Connor came home. Snuggled on the couch and fell asleep. Woke up and Connor was watching Jack's Big Music Show. Drift in and out until Oobie is on and finally manage to get off couch. Then a diet pepsi and more dayquil. 22 more minutes until it is time to go pick up the big kids. Seriously hoping Harmony is not sick. She was complaining this morning that her throat hurt. But not bad complaining and didn't even ask to stay home. So hoping it's not worse when she gets home. Looking at the calender and realizing it is not that full. Thurs-Sat is busy. Missionaries are supposed to be coming to dinner on Thursday. Might not be the best of ideas. May just have to drop off some KFC or some other gourmet meal. Then camping with our ward on Friday night. I just hope that this cold is a little better by then. Lots of hand washing and sanitizer. And oj. Love the vitamin C. Skipping the treadmill until next week. My random confessions of the morning. Nothing exciting but what can you expect from someone doped up on Dayquil and Diet Pepsi?

It's over...

The magic is over. This morning, Harmony and I were talking about a gift that we had bought for a birthday party. She really likes it and I was teasing her, asking if she was going to give it to her or keep it for herself. She replied with, " well I can always ask for one at Christmas." I told her yes that was true. Then she asked me that question, that one question that parents don't want to answer ( ok so there are actually a few of those but...)
"Mom, all the kids at school say there isn't a Santa. Is there?" I asked her what she thought and she replied very honestly, " I know that there isn't an Easter Bunny. So I am not sure if I think there is or not." After a little conversation, she asked me if I would please just tell her the truth. I did it. Although I told her that there was nothing wrong with believing in the magic of Christmas. I tried explaining to her how Santa even came about. She seemed to understand. Then...tears. Not crying but a few little tears. Innocence was lost and I immediatley regretted telling her. Why didn't I just make something up? Grrr...But then she looked at me and said, " don't worry Mom, I won't tell the boys." She has decided that being Santa's helper will have some perks. So that was it. She is fine with it. I am not sure if I am. This picture was taken last year when they were dumping reindeer food, to help guide the reindeer to our house. Last year, she still went to bed early so Santa could come faster. Last year, she whispered what she wanted to Santa. Just last year. Now all of a sudden that magic is over. I know I still have 3 more boys to go through but I don't know...Something about being the first one. I am sure she will still eagerly participate in decorating cookies, making reindeer food and everything else. It is just the first year that she is "in the know." My heart is breaking a little more with each milestone. My little baby isn't so little anymore and it makes me sad.

U might B A Mom to boys if...

~you know all the names of the Rescue Hero's

~someone in your house wants to be a superhero for Halloween

~you have pink and purple cups that don't get used very often

~ketchup/arm farts are some of the most hilarious things in the world

~you have to be careful before you sit on the toilet

~in the middle of the night you step on Legos

~if kisses are soooo gross

~if they never want to get married because they would have to kiss

~if there are superheros on their shoes

~they pick their nose and eat their boogers

~they love to dig in dirt in your back yard

~are constantly amazing you with their "moves"

~if you hear yourself saying, " If you can't play nicely with each other then don't play together"

~ or if you say, " stop jumping on my couches!"

~if Buzz is about the coolest thing on the planet, next to Dad

~if they talk about Bob and you have to ask which one, Bob the Builder or Mr. Incredible

~If bugs are gross yet fascinating

~if you have a ton of bikes, scooters, balls and other sports equipment all over the yard

if any of these ring true for you...y ou probably have at least one boy in your house!

Honestly, I love my boys a ton. They are just...a little gross!

stress and guilt

This week has been...full of not good things. They haven't been terrible and in the scheme of life don't really matter that much. BUT, have you ever had one of those days, or weeks or even a month that it just feels like nothing can go right? Well so far this week that is how I have felt. Monday was pretty good until the evening. It started off with "Mommy, your flusher isn't working." Great. Go up to plunge the thing and well it's not working. Irritated I got all the water down and told nobody to use it. Later, I am downstairs and I leaned over to blow out my candle. ( Which btw,is a totally yummy scent-Cinnamon Toast) and hot wax went in my eye! Totally hurt. So the side of my right eye has been sore for 2 days. Tues. morning everything started out fine. Went to go pick up kids for the carpool,and as I was backing out of the driveway, I get a flat tire. Ben has to come out and fix it because I don't know how to change one. The day goes pretty well from there. Until it was time for me to go to Weight Watchers. Harmony had used my keys to get her homework out of the car and couldn't find them. So I figured she put them on the couch or something so I said I would look in the morning. When it was time for bed, I go upstairs and someone had used my bathroom when I told them not too. Had to get the plunger back out to clean up a poop mess. Irritating. Go to bed not very happy. Wake up at 1 am because I have to go the bathroom,a nd forget that I can't use mine. Irritated again. Back to bed. Wake up in the morning and realize I still don't have my keys. Look everywhere. I am irritated because a) I need them to drive b)they have my house key on them c) Harmony wouldn't even help me look. Well long story short (not really I know) but I found my keys( in the car), maintenance has been called. My eye is getting better so I need to stop complaining about it. The guilt factor comes inwhen I realized how crabby I was with my family today. :( I hate that. Ecspecially to Ethan who was just trying to make me smile. Bad, bad mother! I am always trying to improve myself so I made another blog. Just when you thought you hadn't heard enough from me, I start another blog. However, this one is meant for counting my blessings. 10 things a day. I don't know if this link will work but the address is http://the-m-list.blogspot.com . Enjoy! Sorry about the rambling of my bad week....

Who am I?

TodayI am....


*~a wife
*~a mom
*~a daughter
*~ a sister
*~ a friend
*~ an alarm clock ( " honey it's a quarter to seven!")
*~a Cap'n Crunch pourer
*~a diaper changer
*~ a chauffer( "the mommy bus leaves in 5min!")
*~ a last minute jacket finder ("I think I left my jacket on my hook.")
*~ a yellow light runner
*~ a carpool Mom ( " We have to go pick up Jonas for preschool!")
*~ a damsel in distress ( "honey,I have a flat tire can you come and fix it?")
*~ a treadmill runnin' Matlock watcher
*~ a gossip
*~a talker
*~remote finder
*~ a keeper of the peace ( or so I try...)
*~ a "no you can't play video games until your homework is done" mean mom
*~ a homework correcter
*~ a dinner maker
*~ a listener
*~ a happy shopper (I finally found oat bran!)
*~ a cookie maker
*~ a next day's lunch maker
*~ a blogger
Phew! And that is just today! I am sure I can think of plenty more!

Looking Back...

I have read many, many blogs today about where they were on 9/11. 5 years ago today. Has it really been that long? Yes, I know it has. 5 years ago today I woke up early to get some things done before Harmony and Ethan woke up. Ben was skipping class that day and was alseep in our room. I came downstairs and turned the tv on for some noise as I checked my email. I put it on one channel and then kept flipping, until I realized that even pbs, was showing the same images. I sat down and watched. I too watched as the 2nd plane crashed into the towers. I ran upstairs and turned the bedroom tv on. I woke Ben and told him to watch. We sat cuddled in bed, watching the footage. Ben looked at me and said, " I wonder if I will still have my interview?" He went downstairs and got a business card from his wallet and called Lt. Willison, the one in charge of the Navy recruiting center. They said yes it was still on. As he got ready to go, with tears in my eyes, I said, " Are you sure you still want to join the Navy? Ecspeically now?" He looked at me with his beautiful eyes and said, " yes, ecspecially now." His recruiter tried to give him comforting words to send my way such as " CEC's don't really deploy. " (2 deployments later I would love to have a little chat with that man....) Thus we began our journey in the Navy. On 9/11. To be honest, I didn't really know what the towers were. But I remember hearing newscasters say repeatedly, " this is the first time since Pearl Harbor that we have been attacked on our own soil." And those words just never left my thoughts. We were attacked. I went to the store to develop some pictures and they said that only 1 hr. was available because airports were being shut down all over the place. That night was Enrichment, a nice dinner that had been planned, and I sat at a table with a woman whose husband had been in NY that day. She had barely heard from him when she arrived at Enrichment. We were all silently thankful it wasn't us. And that was 5 years ago. This world is in so much turmoil but I really strive to see this country as the wonderful place it is. As I dropped Connor off at preschool, I saw so many innocent faces. Then I got back in my van, and the radio was playing America the Beautiful as I was driving down a flag lined street. I cried because all I could think was, " America is beautiful. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. We have reason to HOPE. From sea to shining sea, we are a people who have hope. May we never forget....

oops

ok yeah just totally ignore the pic. of ivan pointing! Clicked on the wrong pic. to upload...

the pictures

My goodness. Blogger is giving me crap! Wouldn't let me do anything. Here are the pictures, that I am sure everyone is anxious for!

more 1st day pics

Yesterday was Connor's first day of school. Finally, after a rough 2 days of having to stay home with Mommy, it was finally his turn. And he was sooo excited. Because of the two different start times of the schools, we always arrive at preschool a good 20-30 min. before it starts. Which means I have to entertain Connor for a good 20-30 min. In the car. Fun Fun! About a quarter to 9 I finally let him out and got some great 1st day pictures. That kid is such a qt.When I came to pick him up he said he had fun and played with his "old" friends from last year.

Due to me talking after preschool, we didn't get home until around 1. Which leaves me with a problem...A.) Put Ivan down for a nap, knowing I will just have to wake him up at 2:30 to get Harm and Ethan or B)let him stay up, while he is being extremely crabby, and wait until 3. Waking him up at 5 so that he can sleep at night. I decided to try and keep him awake. I put him in his high chair to eat lunch, and this is what I found a few minutes later. He slept like that until 2:30. Lovin' the yogurt wrapper still in his mouth!

Tonight we are going to the Oceana Air show. The kids are soooo excited. Connor and Ethan because of the planes and Harmony because they have a fireworks show. Her cute quote, " Mom I just really want to see the fireworks because you know, I only get to see some on the 4th of July!"

Connor's cute quote... " Mommy I have been to the airport a lot of times but never to an airshow!"

Should be fun. Although Ben doesn't want to have to deal with the traffic. Oh well...life is rough sometimes. It would take something pretty big to convince the kids not to go! I'll post pictures tomorrow.

quiet

Today at 11:30 I experienced something that I had been waiting for, for a long time. Ivan was down for his nap and Connor was playing Lego StarWars. The house was quiet. So quiet. I ate my lunch and totally vegged in front of the computer. Looking at "my stuff." Tomorrow Connor is gone. His first day. I am going to be at the Y then but still it will be another quiet afternoon when he gets out. I went and scrapped. However after a little while I had a helper and one layout took 45 min! Grrr! But I did get one done. An afternoon of no fighting over channels, video games, computer, who touched whom, no " I'm thirsty" or "I'm hungry." Just little man, Connor doing his own thing. A mom could get used to an afternoon like that....

1st day back

During the summer, there were so many times that I wish I could have pushed that red easy button and whisked my kids off to school, courtesy of Staples. However, it never happened. So today was a blessing! Except one little thing. And that would be this,

" Mom I don't want you to come in to school with me. I already know where to go and I can go by myself."

Stab right in the heart Ethan! I told him to indulge me and that there was no way that I was going to not come in and pointed out all of the other parents who were there. Finally, he "allowed me" to go with him. Who knows what will happen tomorrow though!

School memories. What would we do without them. I actually had one today....So I went to a different Y that is closer to Connor's preschool. I have been to that one before but had never actually taken a shower there. While I was dropping off my bag I decided to actually go and see where they were. Found them and much to my dismay..no stalls! Just shower heads on the wall. Total panic attack. I am not one for public nudity. I don't even get dressed in front of Ben if I don't have to and he is my husband!! I seriously consider not taking a shower BUT I am dripping sweat. What am i to do? I decide to suck it up and try to do some "towel magic" so that I am not showing any part of my body. Yeah except there is only one problem. I forgot my towel. Thus I am forced to use the wash cloths that they call towels, that the Y offers. I take 2 and use one to try and cover the top and one to cover up the bottom. Plus my bag of shampoo to try to help the concealing. As luck would have it...there were 2 stalls. They were just in the corner. Now you might be thinking what does this story have to do with school memories. 5th grade. That is when we had to start taking showers after pe. And oh the shame! Trying to take a shower while hiding as much of yourself as you could. Feeling so self conscious. While Mary Heather Swain danced around naked saying, " who cares? We are all girls!" and everyone stared in horror. Because yeah there were a couple of ladies totally like that today. Who didn't care.Ah memories.

So that is the end of my ramblings. Just wanted to share.... totally random I know. :)

My fav. words...

Usually my fav. words are things like " I love you" and mushy & gushy stuff. Today however, they are, " sorry you can't stay up late because IT IS A SCHOOL NIGHT!" Lovin't it. So happy. The kids are at each other's throats. They need some space and so do I. Harmony and Ethan have their backpacks packed, their uniforms laid out, and their lunch money ready to go. Ben is going to go to work a little late so that I can take them in. They have so many extra things like, kleenex, wipes, a rest mat for Ethan and more. So I am going to help carry things in and make sure they do ok. I will seriously try not to cry when I watch my little man head of to kindergarten because he is so excited to be there.

We had a busy day today. We made it to the Y, headed to Wal Mart to finish school shopping. Harmony also finally spent the rest of her birthday money. She picked a cd. Ben and I were trying to figure out how old we were when we started buying tapes instead of toys. Neither of us thought it was at age 7! Anyway got that stuff done. Dropped off movies and came home. However, I realized that I had forgot some things so after lunch it was back to Target. Then after dinner it was time for baths, hair cuts etc. The day went very quickly!

I am off to plan a menu for the week. This is not something that I am great at, I usually don't follow one, but I am really going to try. Might make life a little easier. We will see. I will post some first day of school pictures tomorrow but for now I am going to end. "because it is a school night!"

Last but not least....

Happy 28th birthday to me. Two years away from 30. Scary stuff. Ethan took this pic. of me this morning:
*un-showered
*un-make up'ed ( that is not a word is it?)
* doing my morning "computer errands"

I am 28 yrs old with 4 kids, married for 8 years to my hottie husband ( I added that for Deborah b/c she says I act like a giddy teenager when I talk about Ben) I have lived in Wa, Or, Ca, Id, Va and who knows where next. It has been quite a ride. I hope the next 28 are even better!

Saying goodbye....

Last night was filled with some teary goodbyes. After a day of playing, and being stuck inside together, it was time to tell Vale goodbye. Ethan and Vale butt heads a lot but it was still hard. Connor just about started bawling and Vale was wiping some tears away. The boys go to bed an hour earlier than Harm and so I heard the last few duets from Harm and Vale as they played upstairs. Then at 8:30 it was time to say goodbye.

Those two, never fought, never hurt each other. From the moment he got off the plane, they have laughed, talked, played,sung together and just enjoyed one anothers company. It was like a year hadn't passed between the last time they had seen each other. I know Vale is rooting for us to be stationed in San Diego, and he will just have to wait and see. But it was the hardest watching them. I know they kind of filled a void for each other. And they are going to miss each other. The hugging pic. makes me teary eyed!

And in other news...Harmony and Ethan had their teacher meet & greet on Thursday. Harmony's kindergarten teacher was absolutely the best. It was one of those situations when once I met her I felt perfect calm about Harm being in her class. So last year as school was ending, I asked her if there was anything that I could do to have Ethan in her class. She said that she would put a request to have him in. So I felt relieved UNTIL I got the class assignments. Not Ms. McKnight, but Ms. Hill. I decided that we were going to go in and meet her and if I got a bad vibe, I was so heading to the principals office. We went in, she was a nice woman and so I just kind of let it drop. Went to meet Harmonys teacher and then as we were leaving we decided to go say hi to Ms. McKnight. Last year we said hi and bye to her every morning. This is how much we love her! When we walked in she looked at me and said, " I don't have a Turner on my list do I?" I kind of made a pouty face and said no. She just looked at me and said, "don't worry I will take care of it." She had Ethan pick where he wanted to sit. I was like are you sure this is ok? She said,"don't worry. Bring him here on the first day." We went home and about 15 min. later she called and said it is all set.No problems. THANK HEAVEN FOR GOOD TEACHERS! That is just all I have to say on that subject. I am stoked!

Ernesto hits

Yesterday was wet. Very wet. Ben got sent home from work and so we hung around the house. Luckily the power never went out. By 1:30 we were just getting sprinkles. Today is cool, the kids wanted to wear sweatshirts,and a little windy. But the storm has passed. Here are a few pics. The one with the road is where Ben has to park his truck. It was just " a little puddle." :)

tag edit!

Oops, it is 10 things you are grateful for TODAY. Just today!

Tropical Storm Ernesto

I had planned to take Vale to the beach today. Yeah right so not going to happen. We are not even going to make it to the Y today! :( We are going to sit around and watch cartoons and pray that the power doesn't go out. Because I certainly DO NOT want to entertain 5 kids with no tv, computer, gameboys, microwaves etc. Doesn't sound fun to me! So be prepared that I might blog a lot today as we are going to be BORED! Anyway...I have been tagged,but it is a little different. Just 10 things I am grateful for. So all of you who read this, ecspecially those who live in Norfolk, and can't go anywhere anyway, you are tagged! 10 things you are grateful for. Either comment me with your list or put it on your blogs! Ok, ready set go...

1) That I didn't have to go out in the rain this morning! Poor Ben did!
2) that I didn't have to drag kids anywhere today!
3) kids that are excited for a "cartoon marathon"
4) I have a lot of time to clean up
5) nap times in the rain are the best
6) I can scrapbook today
7) I have groceries here
8) I have all day to pack up Vale's things
9)little boys who still want to cuddle while they watch cartoons
10) for a little 18 mo. old who is beating a dolphin swim toy with my cell phone

Life is good....