This is what my truck looks like - still. Thanks to thieves that only break a few things that are not noticeable to the naked eye.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
OK - I only think my truck is as cool as the one in the last post.
This is what my truck looks like - still. Thanks to thieves that only break a few things that are not noticeable to the naked eye.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Well...
Truck's back. Final cost: $850. No signs of damage. I have aged a lifetime in the week that this ordeal has taken from me. Oh well. The family is safe. We're healthy. We're warm this Christmas and there is food in the pantry.
Merry Christmas to you all (including all you random web stalkers out there). We your family (thanks for reading, Mom) and your friends wish you a wonderful day commemorating our Savior's birth.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
EUREKA!
Just a quick update. North Las Vegas Police found my truck near Craig and Clayton. It was out of gas and the battery was dead (the punks didn't shut it off after they ran it out of gas). NLVPD had it towed to a yard. This all happened on SUNDAY evening! I first found out on Monday afternoon from my insurance. They called to get some information and mentioned that it was good news that my car had been recovered. I said that was the first I had heard that. I still have never received a call from Metro or any other police on my car. You know, it only cost me an extra $100 since I didn't get my car until Tues. Had I gone down on Sunday or Monday, it would have been a lot cheaper.
I have since gone to the tow yard twice (apparently everyone should carry wads of cash just in case you have to get your car out of impound). So $245 later and some effort of my brother-in-law, Derek, and me, my truck is now at the dealership. It didn't look too bad. The door lock is busted and so is the ignition. Other than that and all my stuff in the glove box and console being strewn all over the place, it was pretty clean.
So it is back. We'll find out how much it will cost to fix. Hopefully I don't have to make a claim, because in the long run, that will cost me more money. Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers!
I have since gone to the tow yard twice (apparently everyone should carry wads of cash just in case you have to get your car out of impound). So $245 later and some effort of my brother-in-law, Derek, and me, my truck is now at the dealership. It didn't look too bad. The door lock is busted and so is the ignition. Other than that and all my stuff in the glove box and console being strewn all over the place, it was pretty clean.
So it is back. We'll find out how much it will cost to fix. Hopefully I don't have to make a claim, because in the long run, that will cost me more money. Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Have you seen me?
This is a picture of a 2007 Chevy Silverado. No it is not a picture of my 2007 Chevy Silverado. I can't take a picture of my 2007 Chevy Silverado. Do you want to know why?
That's because when I walked out of my house on Sunday morning to go to meetings, I couldn't find my 2007 Chevy Silverado. How do you misplace a half-ton pick you ask? Exactly. That's when it dawned on me that someone else must have decided they wanted my 2007 Chevy Silverado for their own. That's right, it took exactly 4.5 seconds to go through all the questions in my head - Did I leave it at work and have Kim pick me up? Did my brothers borrow it? NOPE, NOPE, NOPE!!!
Some jerkface didn't care that I waited for years to get a truck. That we patiently paid off the mini-van before I ventured out to even look at trucks. That I am a solitary man that works very hard to support his wife and five almost six kids, and that I don't have 2007 Chevy Silverados growing on trees to just hand out (unlike my mom's lemon tree that has quite the abundance).
So if you are cruising the town and spot a Blue Granite (yup you guessed it) 2007 Chevy Silverado with Nevada plates 030 TTX - pummel whomever you see driving it into a pulp and then call me. We'll ask questions later.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Santa Claus
The 2008 Santa Ordeal
Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Jolly Old Saint Nick...
As one reads this list of names, most people typically think of a jolly man who spreads love and selfless giving to boys and girls throughout the world. If you are between the ages of 1 and 3, however, this man undoubtedly fills one's eyes with tears and an anxiety attack literally bubbles to the surface as one's parents stand from afar and repeatedly say, "It's OK. It's Santa."
Along with these phrases that are intended to bring comfort, parents make a reference to something on Santa's person or talk about how he will bring you presents to your house in the middle of the night while you sleep. Like that's supposed to work! When is a large, strange man in a red suit and unnatural beard ever going to bring comfort to a small child? And sneaking into your house to bring you "presents"-- sounds criminal for sure. We tell our children repeatedly to not talk to strangers or accept gifts from people we do not know, and here we are again, contradicting ourselves.
I bring this commentary up because we just had Santa pictures done again at Mitch's work. This year, we had two in tears. At first, Jace was fine and sidled up next to Santa, but as I sat Cooper on Santa's lap, Cooper instantly broke out into a chorus of tears; I laughed. This sparked insecurity in Jace as well; the tears began to fall silently as he sat there with a frown firmly frozen on his cute little face. And, furthermore, Grey (who incidentally is in Kindergarten) spoke with some hesitation prior to arriving at Mitch's work. Even in the parking lot he informed me that he was not sure if he wanted to talk to him and knew for sure he would not sit on his lap.
As the photographer was taking the picture, she said to me, you may sit with the boys if you would like. Oh, I laughed literally and said, "No way. This is funny." She looked back at me and her expression said, "You thoughtless, uncaring mother. How could you laugh at your children's discomfort." That lady either has no children or just a few--certainly not 5 with one on the way. Over the years Mitch and I reflected on how all of the children cried when they saw Santa. I thought too that the "Santas" must hate being Santa for that very reason.
To all I say- Happy getting pictures with Santa!
Mitch (Santa), Kim and Aiden - we had to keep the bink in and not let Aiden see Mitch to keep him from crying
Bishop Boys 2006
Christmastyme 2005
2004
2002 - Asher Belanger with Aiden
2001 - This is not a Santa photo, but it is Aiden dressed as a baby girl for a Christmas program. He loved the hair bow.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Giving Thanks
November 24, 2008
Greetings!
Well 2008 is nearly over and I have yet to actually write as many updates as I would like. There is always 2009- right? I am trying to appreciate the everyday occurrences in my life so I have decided to sit down and compile the top ten things which I am grateful for during this Thanksgiving season!
10. I am grateful that the Bubs (aka Jace, Jaceroo, Jelly Bean, Bubby) is not the man of destruction any longer. He truly is growing up, and I can actually hop in the shower and not fear that my house will be covered in Kool-aid, that the Windex bottle will be empty and sprayed on every surface in the house (except for glass), and that he may have managed to climb on the top shelf of the laundry room (which incidentally is 6 feet, 2 inches tall) and scream at the top of his lungs for the rescue party to attend him.
9. I am grateful that my husband sits with me at church and has only a few meetings on Sunday morning.
8. I am grateful that Nursery begins in 7 weeks for Coops (and one of those weeks is stake conference), and Mitch will no longer need to drive him home to Backyard Grandma. Actually he has only done that on a handful of occasions, but it is funny, so I wanted to record it and remember it for posterity’s sake. Mitch too will soon be able to enjoy the last two hours of church, and Grandma may actually get to watch her football games rather than wrestle with an overly tired Cooperoo!
7. I am grateful for dark chocolate!
6. I am grateful for a backyard with hours of potential entertainment: a killer play structure that will soon be outfitted with antique radios compliments of Grandpa John, a patio with plenty of room to ride scooters and the like, and a gorgeous pool that I want to dive into as soon as it is HOT! The boys, of course, will swim in it now even though the temperature lingers around 70 degrees. I, on the other hand, need the temperature to linger near the 90’s. We may not be able to afford any landscaping, but we have goals for next year!
5. I am grateful for three boys who love school, who love to learn, and who literally pick up everything that I present to them. For now, I will revel in the easiness of learning, for I know that it will not last forever. It also makes me think of the students I once had who struggled with everything that I presented to them. It also makes me grateful that my former students tried as hard as they tried those many years ago. I do not think I rewarded their effort near as much as I should have.
4. I am grateful that Aiden and Greyson love to ride their bikes and that they literally taught themselves how to do it. They both hate to fail (I wonder where they got that from, Mitch? or should I say, self?), but since it was sweet success for them both instantly, I had no tears to wipe away, nor knees to bandage! Now, of course, not all of our journeys are this easy, but since I had two other little ones at my feet during both of these bike training dedicated days, I say THANK YOU!
3. I am grateful that I only have one in diapers. I once had all of my children in diapers (I had three at the time.). Amazing! I also have no babies on a bottle or the binki, and Bubby can dress himself, get a glass of water from the fridge, and put on a Diego movie if necessary. Even Coops is so much easier as he is able to answer my yes and no questions with a nod, he signs eat and drink independently, and he is beginning to stop crying when I ask him to use his words!
2. I am grateful for Backyard Grandma who literally helps with everything that I need. She helps with Halloween costumes, popcorn goody bags, mending, organizing, picking up toys, my endless chores, and watching the boys as I run to school, go to appointments, go to school, and even have a date with my husband! And best of all, she actually enjoys it! And I am sooooo grateful that my boys adore her too. Cooper seriously loves Grandma more than myself, however, it is due to the fact that she picks him up at even the slightest whimper. At least when she is away, he does not require the same attention from me. For this, I am grateful too!
1. I am grateful for a wonderful husband who literally helps me as soon as he walks in the door and actually says thank you for the many things that I do each day for the family. He expects the boys to treat me with respect and demands an apology from them if they deviate at all from this expectation. As he says the prayer during family prayer, he models appreciation for me, and, as a result, the boys offer me the same gratitude. He is considerate, caring, and faithful! He literally loves and cherishes me despite my follies, and truly I think he wants to live with me forever. Lucky for him, he gets to.
My list could go on indefinitely as I think about my easy pregnancy, the countless people in my world who love me- both family and friends alike, the countless blessings I receive from a loving Father in Heaven, and the countless times my Savior forgives me for all the times I require forgiveness. For this list today I say, to be continued because the boys want to play Club Penguin on the Internet!
Love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
Kim and her sensational six boys
Greetings!
Well 2008 is nearly over and I have yet to actually write as many updates as I would like. There is always 2009- right? I am trying to appreciate the everyday occurrences in my life so I have decided to sit down and compile the top ten things which I am grateful for during this Thanksgiving season!
10. I am grateful that the Bubs (aka Jace, Jaceroo, Jelly Bean, Bubby) is not the man of destruction any longer. He truly is growing up, and I can actually hop in the shower and not fear that my house will be covered in Kool-aid, that the Windex bottle will be empty and sprayed on every surface in the house (except for glass), and that he may have managed to climb on the top shelf of the laundry room (which incidentally is 6 feet, 2 inches tall) and scream at the top of his lungs for the rescue party to attend him.
9. I am grateful that my husband sits with me at church and has only a few meetings on Sunday morning.
8. I am grateful that Nursery begins in 7 weeks for Coops (and one of those weeks is stake conference), and Mitch will no longer need to drive him home to Backyard Grandma. Actually he has only done that on a handful of occasions, but it is funny, so I wanted to record it and remember it for posterity’s sake. Mitch too will soon be able to enjoy the last two hours of church, and Grandma may actually get to watch her football games rather than wrestle with an overly tired Cooperoo!
7. I am grateful for dark chocolate!
6. I am grateful for a backyard with hours of potential entertainment: a killer play structure that will soon be outfitted with antique radios compliments of Grandpa John, a patio with plenty of room to ride scooters and the like, and a gorgeous pool that I want to dive into as soon as it is HOT! The boys, of course, will swim in it now even though the temperature lingers around 70 degrees. I, on the other hand, need the temperature to linger near the 90’s. We may not be able to afford any landscaping, but we have goals for next year!
5. I am grateful for three boys who love school, who love to learn, and who literally pick up everything that I present to them. For now, I will revel in the easiness of learning, for I know that it will not last forever. It also makes me think of the students I once had who struggled with everything that I presented to them. It also makes me grateful that my former students tried as hard as they tried those many years ago. I do not think I rewarded their effort near as much as I should have.
4. I am grateful that Aiden and Greyson love to ride their bikes and that they literally taught themselves how to do it. They both hate to fail (I wonder where they got that from, Mitch? or should I say, self?), but since it was sweet success for them both instantly, I had no tears to wipe away, nor knees to bandage! Now, of course, not all of our journeys are this easy, but since I had two other little ones at my feet during both of these bike training dedicated days, I say THANK YOU!
3. I am grateful that I only have one in diapers. I once had all of my children in diapers (I had three at the time.). Amazing! I also have no babies on a bottle or the binki, and Bubby can dress himself, get a glass of water from the fridge, and put on a Diego movie if necessary. Even Coops is so much easier as he is able to answer my yes and no questions with a nod, he signs eat and drink independently, and he is beginning to stop crying when I ask him to use his words!
2. I am grateful for Backyard Grandma who literally helps with everything that I need. She helps with Halloween costumes, popcorn goody bags, mending, organizing, picking up toys, my endless chores, and watching the boys as I run to school, go to appointments, go to school, and even have a date with my husband! And best of all, she actually enjoys it! And I am sooooo grateful that my boys adore her too. Cooper seriously loves Grandma more than myself, however, it is due to the fact that she picks him up at even the slightest whimper. At least when she is away, he does not require the same attention from me. For this, I am grateful too!
1. I am grateful for a wonderful husband who literally helps me as soon as he walks in the door and actually says thank you for the many things that I do each day for the family. He expects the boys to treat me with respect and demands an apology from them if they deviate at all from this expectation. As he says the prayer during family prayer, he models appreciation for me, and, as a result, the boys offer me the same gratitude. He is considerate, caring, and faithful! He literally loves and cherishes me despite my follies, and truly I think he wants to live with me forever. Lucky for him, he gets to.
My list could go on indefinitely as I think about my easy pregnancy, the countless people in my world who love me- both family and friends alike, the countless blessings I receive from a loving Father in Heaven, and the countless times my Savior forgives me for all the times I require forgiveness. For this list today I say, to be continued because the boys want to play Club Penguin on the Internet!
Love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
Kim and her sensational six boys
Friday, November 21, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
This is Halloween, this is Halloween!
Well, we may have abandoned our plans for a full Star Wars family this year (with no party or anything, Kim and I decided to forgo the work to dress up and focus on the boys), but the boys' costumes turned out marvelous.
Here they are in all their forced-up glory:
Aiden (Obi Wan Kenobi)
Greyson (Luke)
Gage (Darth Vader)
Jace (Chewbacca)
Cooper (Yoda)
Here they are in all their forced-up glory:
Aiden (Obi Wan Kenobi)
Greyson (Luke)
Gage (Darth Vader)
Jace (Chewbacca)
Cooper (Yoda)
These charming men
Just some pictures of our handsome guys. They were all decked out for the Primary program. Kim is the chorister again and she did an awesome job. Not only did the boys do great, but they looked FABULOUS doing it.
On a side note, with our nation's election approaching, I thought I would share this funny ditty. Kim and I voted last week during early voting. Like most years we were a split house-hold on some things, including the presidential choice. Well yesterday, Kim got a 30 percent off coupon from a store in the mail. As she let out a cheer of glee, Greyson enthusiastically asked, "What?! Did Obama win the election?" I have to watch that wife of mine and the little Democrats she may be creating.
Pumpkin Patch
A couple of weeks ago (right when the temperature dropped from upper 80s to upper 50s with wind) we decided to get pumpkins from Gilcrease Orchards. It is nice having it so close to our house. The boys love wandering around and exploring. We found one whole apple on the trees still and based on the boys' reaction, you'd think we found gold or something. We did get to pick some delicious eggplant that we made into eggplant parmesan, and of course, we got some of their delicious fresh apple cider.
It's Pool Time Baby
The pool was completed in late September/early October - just in time for it to cool down of course. Although we went through a cool spell for a week or two, it has warmed enough for us to swim. Well, I should say, the boys were crazy enough to swim. Kim and I stayed in the jacuzzi. Several times now, Grandma has spent some time out by the pool in the sun and the boys end up splashing around on the wet deck. It is lots of fun and we can't wait until next summer to put it into full use. The next step will be to get the landscaping done, but that will just have to wait for now.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Bubs
This morning (while the workers are out plastering - yay!) Kim called Jace, "Jelly Bean". Jace responded, "NO! Grandma Jelly Bean. You Bubs." Apparently only those within his inner circle can call him "Jelly Bean". We mere mortals will have to stick with Bubs.
Another Bubs of whom I am very fond:
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
YEEEESSSSS!!!!!!
Quick update! We passed inspection this morning and wham bam we're getting plaster tomorrow! YES! That means that we'll be filling the pool tomorrow too! I thought it was pretty much out of the question, but we may still be swimming on Saturday! Stay tuned for more info...
Milestones INDEED!
Bubs is potty trained, and we celebrated with Happy Meals for ALL! I thought since all the boys have helped Bubs be successful at getting to the bathroom in a timely fashion, all of their efforts certainly warranted a reward as well. Last night for family night we ate happy meals and longingly awaited the opening of the happy meal toy (Batman legos- another victory for the boys too!) You see I do not allow them to open the toy in the restaurant, for one often sees discarded toys left behind and that allows for future toy crying emergencies. Besides, what’s the harm in delaying gratification a little while longer?
Cooper has also forgotten about his beloved binki! Well, we are not certain if he has forgotten about it, but alas, he is unable to use one. I decided to cut him off the same day I cut Bubs off from the diapers. All in all it was fine, however, Coop has been battling the sniffles so he has been a little grumpy. Some nights are better than others. He has yet to find one so for now, he appears content without one. I suspect as he gets around his cousin Luke, there will be some serious binki envy. What’s a cousin for if you can’t fight ‘em for his binki.
Gage, Grey, and Aiden LOVE school. I helped out in Greyson’s class last week and let’s just say that Mrs. Bailey put me to work! It was fun, and I continually laughed at the Kindergarteners’ comments. I think every Kindergarten teacher has to have the best material for characters and plots for children’s books! Perhaps my dream to be an author must follow a stint in the Kindergarten classroom.
And the final milestone will be news about the newest Bishop…
I had a little scare this morning when I went to the doctor. As she attempted to hear the baby’s heart rate, she could not find one. Since I am only 16 weeks and I had not yet heard the baby’s heart, this made me a little nervous. I said to myself, “and why is Mitch not here with me?” We went into the ultrasound room (which they never use unless there is a problem) and she said, “no worries!” The baby was moving a ton and kicking everywhere! The heart was strong. She concluded that she was unable to detect it because the baby was cruising all over. Relief coursed through my body. She also searched and searched for a good look at his or her bits and pieces- BUT NOPE. The baby was uncooperative. I told her that I did not want to know, and she said she couldn't hardly stand not knowing, and it was not even her little one. I told her to commiserate with all of my sisters and sisters-in-law. They want my head on a platter for making them wait. Sorry guys. We are still not finding out.
Cooper has also forgotten about his beloved binki! Well, we are not certain if he has forgotten about it, but alas, he is unable to use one. I decided to cut him off the same day I cut Bubs off from the diapers. All in all it was fine, however, Coop has been battling the sniffles so he has been a little grumpy. Some nights are better than others. He has yet to find one so for now, he appears content without one. I suspect as he gets around his cousin Luke, there will be some serious binki envy. What’s a cousin for if you can’t fight ‘em for his binki.
Gage, Grey, and Aiden LOVE school. I helped out in Greyson’s class last week and let’s just say that Mrs. Bailey put me to work! It was fun, and I continually laughed at the Kindergarteners’ comments. I think every Kindergarten teacher has to have the best material for characters and plots for children’s books! Perhaps my dream to be an author must follow a stint in the Kindergarten classroom.
And the final milestone will be news about the newest Bishop…
I had a little scare this morning when I went to the doctor. As she attempted to hear the baby’s heart rate, she could not find one. Since I am only 16 weeks and I had not yet heard the baby’s heart, this made me a little nervous. I said to myself, “and why is Mitch not here with me?” We went into the ultrasound room (which they never use unless there is a problem) and she said, “no worries!” The baby was moving a ton and kicking everywhere! The heart was strong. She concluded that she was unable to detect it because the baby was cruising all over. Relief coursed through my body. She also searched and searched for a good look at his or her bits and pieces- BUT NOPE. The baby was uncooperative. I told her that I did not want to know, and she said she couldn't hardly stand not knowing, and it was not even her little one. I told her to commiserate with all of my sisters and sisters-in-law. They want my head on a platter for making them wait. Sorry guys. We are still not finding out.
Monday, September 29, 2008
May I have your attention please...
Most all of you already know, but we thought we would make it official. Here goes. No, we're not swimming yet. Wait, that wasn't the announcement. Oh yes. I remember now. We're expecting a leprechaun in March! Perhaps this baby will join Aunt Shari and Uncle John on Mar. 17th, since that is the due date (at least right now - we'll know better after the ultrasound). And, no, we don't know what we're having and we will not be finding out.
We have started the arduous task of figuring out a boy name since we have had a girl name picked since before Aiden was born (we've pretty much worn out the baby name book, so I'm pushing for something like Six of Eight).
So yes, we know this will be six children in eight years. Yes, this means that the minivan is going away - hello gas guzzler. It will mean a lot of things, but most of all I think it will mean that our family is finally complete (I think. I hope.)
The Bishop Babies:
Aiden - aka "A-man" (Kim also called him "Pumpkin" when he was born)
Greyson - aka "Grey" or more often "Grey Grey", also "Greygums"
Gage - aka "Gager", "Gage the Rage" or "Gagezilla"
Jace - aka "The Bubs", "Bubby", "Jaceroo" or "Jellybean"
Cooper - aka "Scoops" or "Super Cooper"
We have started the arduous task of figuring out a boy name since we have had a girl name picked since before Aiden was born (we've pretty much worn out the baby name book, so I'm pushing for something like Six of Eight).
So yes, we know this will be six children in eight years. Yes, this means that the minivan is going away - hello gas guzzler. It will mean a lot of things, but most of all I think it will mean that our family is finally complete (I think. I hope.)
The Bishop Babies:
Aiden - aka "A-man" (Kim also called him "Pumpkin" when he was born)
Greyson - aka "Grey" or more often "Grey Grey", also "Greygums"
Gage - aka "Gager", "Gage the Rage" or "Gagezilla"
Jace - aka "The Bubs", "Bubby", "Jaceroo" or "Jellybean"
Cooper - aka "Scoops" or "Super Cooper"
Friday, September 19, 2008
Shall we move the party out to the patio?
Yes, we can actually say that now. We even got a little cover over the entrance to Mom's casita to keep the rain off the front doors. Of course it impedes her stream of sunshine, but she'll just have to sacrifice. Hopefully we'll have a fun patio and pool for you all to enjoy soon. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
NO SWIMMING?!?
So we didn't pass our inspection on Monday. Come to find out, the gunite guys thought we were getting pavers up to the edge (don't get me started again on why these guys don't look at plans) so our steps were not tall enough. So the gunite guys were back this morning to add two inches of concrete to the steps so that the entry step won't be more than 12 inches down. Now mind you, with plaster, the step would have been 12 1/2 inches, so that 1/2 inch really would make it unsafe. Whatever. I know there has to be one of those "not dating until you're 16" or some other slippery slope parables in there, but right now it just means that I'm not swimming for a few more days. Oh I will be swimming, even if I have to pull something like this:
Or maybe it will be hot tubbing on Halloween, but I will be swimming sometime soon, dang it!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Bishop Family Update - September 14, 2008
Greetings!
Because I have a nephew in Raleigh, North Carolina and a nephew in art school in Florida, I decided I needed to write a quick update so that they could get mail. I loved mail in college and when I was away from home!
Just a few things to note about our craziness…
1. The pool is nearly finished! We have our final inspection (the pre-plaster inspection for those who are knowledgeable about the process) tomorrow bright and early. It looks fantastic and I can’t wait to swim in ocean like temperatures! No, I think with the pool cover, we may get a few weeks of swimming in before the season is over. Mitch finished the front gate this weekend and it looks fabulous. The deck guys worked their tails off (and wore sweat shirts while they were doing it- I never figured that out!), the patio cover guys will install on Wednesday, and hopefully the gate gal can come soon after. Plaster will be here on Wednesday as well we hope. Landscaping we are holding a little because the guy we are having do it got a big bid with the city so it may be a few weeks before he can come. We are jazzed! Hope to have a party soon.
2. I taught preschool the last two weeks and we had a fabulous time! Gage did have meltdown one of the days because I did not select him as the weather wizard. Go figure? You think you know your child and, lo and behold, they pull a fast one on you. I felt a little bad since he missed making puppets, hot fudge sundaes, play time, and shaving cream handwriting. The tears and yelling began, and he cried for an hour in his room! Actually I know it sounds dreadful, but truly only dreadful for him. The remaining 7 of us had a terrific time. The kids are truly delightful. It will be a fun year! And then I began thinking about it…I will be teaching preschool for years and years more- funny how that works when you have so many children so close together. I do LOVE IT, though. It is joy- not dread. Jace fits so well with the group, and he does so well. I imagine he will be my earliest reader yet. I can’t help but think of how my sisters taught me how to read at just barely four as we played school each day.
3. Grey and Aiden are loving school as well! (It did not appear from item 2 that Gager loves school, but he truly does. That one day was merely a fluke.) Grey earned 14 hand stamps of a total of 14 hand stamps and can we say proud! Oh he was just beaming with accomplishment! He also comes home and reports to me details about Mrs. Bailey such as her son is also allergic to chocolate, she loves to eat healthy foods, she enjoys reading, and she wore a high school football jersey for spirit week. I hope she knows that she is the topic of nightly dinner. Aiden’s teacher, too, is a gem. She is tough, and Aiden is wiggling a little, but squirm is good. It stretches us. I am anxious to see his progress report. I hope he will be pleased. If it is not perfect, I am sure that he will seek to study more. He did get a perfect score on his spelling test so we got to enjoy ice cream. He has never had spelling tests before and he gets 25 words. He drones on about he will never remember which pattern to pick, but then he does by Thursday.
4. We had a Hat’s Off day for our spirit week where I joined the boys for “breakfast.” We enjoyed Krispy Kreme donuts and Sunny Delight on those crazy cafeteria tables where no adult should use unless no one is seated nearby. I feel like a contortionist every time I attempt to climb in them. I then sent off Aiden to a morning of assessment- nice, eh? Perhaps kids can live on sugar alone.
5. This weekend we enjoyed a PACKED Saturday. We delivered flyers to over 450 homes bright and early at 8:00 a.m. Jace loved getting people’s papers and placing them on the doorstep. Mitch put up the fence and put pavers and dirt under the wall. I went to a primary inservice and enjoyed breakfast with friends. We then loaded in the car for an afternoon at the Springs Preserve. Grandma joined us. It was a company appreciation day so we enjoyed crafts, snowcones, popcorn, and potential face painting, but the boys ALL said no thanks???!! We came home for just a little while and Jace and I ran to the grocery store. I got home put the food away, and we were off for a picnic dinner and a outdoor concert at the government amphitheatre to see Rockapella. It was a fun night. The boys loved it. Towards the end, they all fell asleep except for Gage and Cooper- I know-crazy. We had to wake the dead in Aiden and Grey and man, were they ticked at us. They made it though and Mitch and I fell asleep the instant our heads hit the pillows.
6. Cooper is still not walking- YES! He is my latest walker yet. He stands from sitting and balances and takes 5 to 6 steps, but hates the uneasy feeling so he drops to his knees and crawls. We just laugh at him. Backyard Grandma says that he will walk by Kindergarten. I am taking the binki away on Tuesday from Coop and starting potty training with the Bubs as well. Yes, suicide I know, but when life stops for toddlers, stop it for all I say. I think Jace will do well, but I cannot be certain. Cooper’s health has improved as well. We think that he was allergic to the Zyrtec. Ironic, eh? The child is allergic to allergy medicine. He still eats his daily Activa yogurt, and he is certainly chunking up again. He had lost about 4 pounds and he has gained that all back and more I suspect.
7. And finally, I am taking a class every Tuesday night from 4:00 to 8:30. I need to keep up my licensure and I heard this class is really good so… I liked it last week, and I made a few friends. Hopefully it will not have much homework because I am not certain I can keep up with Aiden’s and my own. Mitch may begin to go crazy every Tuesday night, but he says he knows I have to do it. I then think of women who do no school before they have children and think- there is no way- no absolute way I could do it full time with a family!
Well that’s us in an update form. I hope to keep these coming a little more regularly. I have goals so I hope I can keep ‘em. Love to you all!
Kim
Because I have a nephew in Raleigh, North Carolina and a nephew in art school in Florida, I decided I needed to write a quick update so that they could get mail. I loved mail in college and when I was away from home!
Just a few things to note about our craziness…
1. The pool is nearly finished! We have our final inspection (the pre-plaster inspection for those who are knowledgeable about the process) tomorrow bright and early. It looks fantastic and I can’t wait to swim in ocean like temperatures! No, I think with the pool cover, we may get a few weeks of swimming in before the season is over. Mitch finished the front gate this weekend and it looks fabulous. The deck guys worked their tails off (and wore sweat shirts while they were doing it- I never figured that out!), the patio cover guys will install on Wednesday, and hopefully the gate gal can come soon after. Plaster will be here on Wednesday as well we hope. Landscaping we are holding a little because the guy we are having do it got a big bid with the city so it may be a few weeks before he can come. We are jazzed! Hope to have a party soon.
2. I taught preschool the last two weeks and we had a fabulous time! Gage did have meltdown one of the days because I did not select him as the weather wizard. Go figure? You think you know your child and, lo and behold, they pull a fast one on you. I felt a little bad since he missed making puppets, hot fudge sundaes, play time, and shaving cream handwriting. The tears and yelling began, and he cried for an hour in his room! Actually I know it sounds dreadful, but truly only dreadful for him. The remaining 7 of us had a terrific time. The kids are truly delightful. It will be a fun year! And then I began thinking about it…I will be teaching preschool for years and years more- funny how that works when you have so many children so close together. I do LOVE IT, though. It is joy- not dread. Jace fits so well with the group, and he does so well. I imagine he will be my earliest reader yet. I can’t help but think of how my sisters taught me how to read at just barely four as we played school each day.
3. Grey and Aiden are loving school as well! (It did not appear from item 2 that Gager loves school, but he truly does. That one day was merely a fluke.) Grey earned 14 hand stamps of a total of 14 hand stamps and can we say proud! Oh he was just beaming with accomplishment! He also comes home and reports to me details about Mrs. Bailey such as her son is also allergic to chocolate, she loves to eat healthy foods, she enjoys reading, and she wore a high school football jersey for spirit week. I hope she knows that she is the topic of nightly dinner. Aiden’s teacher, too, is a gem. She is tough, and Aiden is wiggling a little, but squirm is good. It stretches us. I am anxious to see his progress report. I hope he will be pleased. If it is not perfect, I am sure that he will seek to study more. He did get a perfect score on his spelling test so we got to enjoy ice cream. He has never had spelling tests before and he gets 25 words. He drones on about he will never remember which pattern to pick, but then he does by Thursday.
4. We had a Hat’s Off day for our spirit week where I joined the boys for “breakfast.” We enjoyed Krispy Kreme donuts and Sunny Delight on those crazy cafeteria tables where no adult should use unless no one is seated nearby. I feel like a contortionist every time I attempt to climb in them. I then sent off Aiden to a morning of assessment- nice, eh? Perhaps kids can live on sugar alone.
5. This weekend we enjoyed a PACKED Saturday. We delivered flyers to over 450 homes bright and early at 8:00 a.m. Jace loved getting people’s papers and placing them on the doorstep. Mitch put up the fence and put pavers and dirt under the wall. I went to a primary inservice and enjoyed breakfast with friends. We then loaded in the car for an afternoon at the Springs Preserve. Grandma joined us. It was a company appreciation day so we enjoyed crafts, snowcones, popcorn, and potential face painting, but the boys ALL said no thanks???!! We came home for just a little while and Jace and I ran to the grocery store. I got home put the food away, and we were off for a picnic dinner and a outdoor concert at the government amphitheatre to see Rockapella. It was a fun night. The boys loved it. Towards the end, they all fell asleep except for Gage and Cooper- I know-crazy. We had to wake the dead in Aiden and Grey and man, were they ticked at us. They made it though and Mitch and I fell asleep the instant our heads hit the pillows.
6. Cooper is still not walking- YES! He is my latest walker yet. He stands from sitting and balances and takes 5 to 6 steps, but hates the uneasy feeling so he drops to his knees and crawls. We just laugh at him. Backyard Grandma says that he will walk by Kindergarten. I am taking the binki away on Tuesday from Coop and starting potty training with the Bubs as well. Yes, suicide I know, but when life stops for toddlers, stop it for all I say. I think Jace will do well, but I cannot be certain. Cooper’s health has improved as well. We think that he was allergic to the Zyrtec. Ironic, eh? The child is allergic to allergy medicine. He still eats his daily Activa yogurt, and he is certainly chunking up again. He had lost about 4 pounds and he has gained that all back and more I suspect.
7. And finally, I am taking a class every Tuesday night from 4:00 to 8:30. I need to keep up my licensure and I heard this class is really good so… I liked it last week, and I made a few friends. Hopefully it will not have much homework because I am not certain I can keep up with Aiden’s and my own. Mitch may begin to go crazy every Tuesday night, but he says he knows I have to do it. I then think of women who do no school before they have children and think- there is no way- no absolute way I could do it full time with a family!
Well that’s us in an update form. I hope to keep these coming a little more regularly. I have goals so I hope I can keep ‘em. Love to you all!
Kim
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Pre-plaster, here we come!
I never thought words like "pre-plaster" would get me so excited, but dadgum...I'm all flittery inside. Monday, we have one of our last inspections and just a couple of things more and then...AGUA! The deck is done thanks to the great work of Dave and Neal Williams and their guys (ArtCon). Also, we got the gate put up today thanks to great help from our friend, Mike Mumford, who basically made us a custom gate by welding two gates together, and Sondra from TIWG. If you ever need wrought iron work, give TIWG a call. They have been awesome so far. So here's some more photos of the deck and gate. Can you almost taste the ozonated H2O? I can and it tastes AWESOME!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hit the deck
So here's the latest on the pool. The deck is just about done. We really only are lacking the final work on the patio cover, the fence, plaster and some final plumbing and electrical. That's it. We're also doing a little bit of landscaping work, but the landscape will gradually be installed over the next months (or years, knowing me.) The boys can not wait to get outside and play and swim. We're all ready to have a little retreat and not the big dirt pile out back.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
And the beat goes on
For the most part, we have something going on everyday with the pool. It is crazy just how these projects seem to consume us. Here's the latest photos. We're expecting in probably about 2 weeks we can put the water in. There's still so much to do beyond that (landscaping, barbecue, etc.) that it will be nice, but hardly seem like we're done. This week, deck, patio cover and fence!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Back to School...Back to School... To Prove to Daddy...
Just a little homage to Billy Madison - the coolest student since Miles Davis. Aiden and Greyson started school last Monday. Aiden is really liking 2nd grade and his teacher, Ms. Ferland. Grey started kindergarten and has Mrs. Bailey. There are over 30 kids in his class, which I can not begin to imagine. My little babies are all growing up so fast.
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