Your Spirited Child

I just bought a new book called "Your Spirited Child" and I am very excited about it! I have only read the first chapter or two, but it perfectly describes Jenna and I think I will learn alot of better ways to deal with her so that I enjoy her more. I'll let you all know how it goes!

Books and More Books

I had the funnest time ordering some music books for our family. I used to shop for music all the time when I was in college, but I don't remember the last time I music shopped. So, first of all, I bought Erin some piano books, easy arrangements of High School Musical and Hannah Montana ... her favorites. I think she is going to be so excited! I got Lindsey some books Alice recommended because I am going to start her on piano and thought it would be good if she and Erin were not in the same books. Then I got Michael patriotic trumpet music with the full orchestra cd accompaniment. He also got some fun trumpet Christmas duets, a jazz play along book with cd and Star Wars Trilogy with cd. I got myself some Disney piano books and an easy Christmas songs book, and I think something else but I can't remember now. They are all getting these for Christmas (with the exception of the Christmas music, which you do need prior to Christmas). I am just so incredibly excited about this!

A Crush on All

I was sitting with Jenna's Primary class in sharing time on Sunday, and the row behind her is where Lindsey sits. There are three super cute boys in her class ... Jax, Tanner and Sam. I turned around for a minute and Tanner was pointing to Jenna and said, she likes me, you know. I said, what do you mean? He said, Jenna wants me to be her boyfriend and then Tanner piped in, no, Jax, Jenna told me she likes me, and then Sam said, Jenna likes me. Then they all got into this discussion about how Jenna said she wanted to kiss them on the lips and for them to be her boyfriend. They actually started having a little argument about this, who she liked more. All these boys are 6 and 7, and Jenna is 4. I could not believe this conversation for a couple of reasons: 1. Jenna is going around professing her love to these boys; 2. They like it. She obviously needs some close supervision.

New Calling

Jonathan just got called as the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. Do you know what that means? I will be sitting by myself with the munchkins in church. I'm going to have to revamp my whole Sacrament meeting philosophy. We were down to no toys, no notebooks, nothing ... just sit still, but I don't think I can handle both Jenna and Andrew by myself with nothing for them to do. Wish me luck!

Tagged?

Hmmmmm .... 6 things no one knows that I would actually divulge ... Let me see.

1. I like kids better than adults. I sometimes think neighbors may think I'm a little loony and wonder my motives. I don't think I have serious social issues (of course, it's possible I may), but they are in general more interesting and more fun!

2. My least favorite thing to do in the world is fold white clothes. The only way I can do it is to tell myself I only have to do 10 items at one time. Really, that is about the only way I can clean the house, too ... I go into each room and just pick up 10 things and then move to another room. Eventually, I get to the cleaning phase (past the picking up) and then will only dust say one piece of furniture and I then go to another room. In general, though, 10 is my magic number. I also, when I fold clothes in general (which I do like except for whites), I fold first the clothes of the person I have the fondest feelings for that day -- so I will dig through and find all of their clothes and lovingly put them away. If you are on my bad list, your clothes get done last and put away not quite so lovingly.

3. I love to work and staying home is very hard for me. I do, however, want to go back to work soon and I am formulating some ideas on what exactly to do.

4. I am super duper unorganized and my bedroom is amazingly messy unless I know someone is coming over and I clean it, but to do that takes awhile!

5. I am addicted to candy. I pretend to eat healthy in public, but in private I would choose candy any day, any time, anywhere. It is a problem I am working on.

6. When I was in high school, we used to pool hop all the time. The point of that game is to sleep over someone's house and then sneak out in the middle of the night. You walk all over the neighborhood to people's houses who have pools and jump in and swim and try not to get caught. Of course, you do this with a group of people and not by yourself! When I was in college, we used to sneak into buildings late at night and figure out how to get onto the roofs. Some of them were quite challenging. I did get up to the crystal room in the Logan cave, and I'm proud of that, too.

7. I'll add #7 to my list. I read magazines and newspapers from the back to the front. I love to start on the very last page and work my way forward and I cannot enjoy either if I start it at the beginning. However, I can enjoy a book from the beginning to the end!

He's Not Even a Train!

Jenna came home from school yesterday talking about a boy in her class who was so funny and so cute (she is really into boys being cute now). She went on and on about him and so I asked what his name was. She said, his name is Thomas, and "Mom, if you can believe it ... He's not even a train!"

Jenna often has me in tears ... either laughing or crying. She is so funny but is by far our hardest child yet. I told Jonathan this morning that I sometimes feel like packing up and just moving to an island all by myself and not telling anyone where I am -- and staying there for a couple of years until I can regain my sanity. He told me I sound like a Lifetime movie! The problem with Jenna is she gets stuck on an idea and won't get off of it. It's not like a fascination ... it's just stuck. She will be in trouble (which is all the time) and so I will say you need to go to bed and you don't get your story tonight, so she will wail over and over again ... "I want my story" and you can't reason or talk to her because she just looks right through you and goes on and on "I want my story" "I want my story" "I want my story", wailing like a broken record. She rages and destroys ... and then she turns around and melts my heart.

Yesterday morning it was about 50 degrees and at the bus stop, everyone was completely bundled up, including my children. I went out in my bare feet and pajamas and everyone was looking at me like I was nuts, but I explained I am a New Englander at heart and this weather did not even phase me. My girls, however, are now more like Tennesseeans. They even talk that way. They will say, "I'm FIXIN to go eat dinner" or "Y'all, do you want to ride bikes?" Even Michael has started to get into it a little bit.

Harry Potter

So what do you think of the whole Harry Potter Dumbledore "coming out." I thought that was the most out of place, far reaching, stupid thing I have ever heard. Where is the world did that come from and that is a pretty wimpy thing to do -- wait until the end and then start spouting stuff like that!

FHE

We had Family Home Evening last night and Erin gave the lesson on what to do if there is an earthquake. So after it was over, she asked Jenna, what do you do if you feel an earthquake. Jenna said, "Yell for your parents and then RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

First Visit ... No Success!

Michael went out with our Bishop last night, just the two of them, to visit a boy who lives fairly close to us. His name is Parker and he is really cute! He just turned 12 and he and his mom are on our Ward list buy have never come to church. They are also in the military. Parker was on Michael's soccer team last year and we see them quite a bit if we are out walking and they are just a nice, nice family. Anyway, it would be a really nice friend for Michael to have in Young Men's since he about the only Deacon who is there on a regular basis and his friend, Andrew, who is 15 or so is moving this week and Andrew was the next person in age to Michael. Anyway, they had their appt made and he picked Michael up at about 7:00 pm. When they weren't home at 8:30 we were thinking well, they must be having the most awesome visit. When he got home, he was holding a Sonic ice cream cup (fast food) and I was confused, but it turns out Parker and his family were not home - blew off the appt so our Bishop took Michael and picked up another 12 yr old boy and they went and got ice cream instead. Bishop told Michael that you don't give up when someone isn't home, but you ponder it over ice cream! The other boy, James, was excited because his home teachers were there and he got to leave. Hmmmmm.... going out for ice cream or a visit with the home teachers ... obviously ice cream trumps all!

He Made It!

Michael made the team again this year. I am happy for him because he really does work very hard and it is always such a goal of his to make the school team. Practices start today. Last year after his first practice, he came home asking if he could quit if he wanted to. I'll be curious to see how he acts after practice today. I have mixed feelings on it all. Nothing thrills me more than watching my children do well in something (like all of us) and I really enjoyed watching him play on the Baptist league last year. It was just such a positive environment. They started with prayer and prayed during half time for good sportsmanship, etc. The team all supported each other, even their worst players, and tried to pass them the ball and help them to succeed. I just felt uplifted after each game, but the school team was so about winning and it seemed like players were always trying to stab each other in back. But regardless, he is happy so I am happy for him. Now if he will only get some playing time ... that remains to be seen!

RE: Erin

I am writing this for my own records, as after all, this is my journal. At Erin's conference, her teacher was very complimentary of her academic skills and discussed her potential for college scholarships. However, what she did advise was that it is important to be involved in activities, and not just be involved, but to have leadership positions. She shared that her son, though very gifted intellectually, talented in baseball and involved in clubs, did not have the leadership they were looking for ... and how many of his friends not as skilled or smart as he, received much more in scholarship funds. I kind of envision Erin not necessarily joining a club and seeking leadership but finding her own cause and building it up. Regardless, I wanted to write this and remember her wise words.

Did Well

Michael feels like he played really well at his tryout today. Now I don't care about it at all -- if he makes it or not. I feel so happy for him that he feels he did a good job. That is what I wanted for him! He said it is the first time since he got on the team last year that he has been able to do something on the court.

Report cards came out today -- Michael, Erin and Lindsey got straight A's. I'm feeling rather proud.

PROGRAM IS DONE!!!

Our Primary Program was yesterday and all in all, it was really good! The children did fantastic in their parts and songs. It was very hard on me to not try to take over the music part because of doing that for so long in Newport. Our chorister is wonderful so it is nothing with that ... it is just that it feels so natural to be on the music end and the whole other side feels so unnatural, so I want to go to my comfort zone so badly! You know there is always one child who has ants in their pants and that would be Jenna this year. She gets the prize. She first started messing with the light switches which I never realized were even there, and then during the last part of the program, for every song she got up and did this interpretive kind of dance -- kind of like half ballet, half something else because it didn't quite have the grace of a ballerina - there was a little more Jenna passion. Now in fairness to her, she did stay in the area of her seat for the most part. Her teacher tried to control her for a while and then finally gave up and I just stopped looking over her way because that is just Jenna!

Lindsey, for as shy as she is, volunteered to sing a duet part with one of her friends. She was a very big step for her and I was so proud of her growth. I'm learning you just can't push them but they're ready when they're ready, not necessarily when I want them to be ready.

I have a little file folder of notes I made this year about doing Primary programs in general and some things I would certainly change a little, but overall I thought it was a job well done ... and what a nice feeling to have it over!

MADE THE FIRST CUT

I just happened to click on his school website and the 1st cut list was on there and he gets to go back on Monday. I am very happy for him and feel thrilled he will get a chance to play again feeling better this time. So for any of you who read this, please send a prayer his way. He just wants to go out there and show them what he can really do.

The tryouts ... poor kid!

Michael had his basketball tryouts yesterday and the poor kid was so sick. In the morning on the way to school he said his throat hurt, so after dropping him off, I went back home and got some throat drops and advil and brought it up to him. I asked the school nurse if it was okay if I left the advil and she said, no ... that they were not allowed to give it. To which I then asked, if I wait here until he comes to the office, can I give it to him? She said, that yes I could so when he came, I gave him the bag of advil and drops. I didn't realize that meant I had to physically put it in his mouth. He said after I left, he had gotten one down and she came and confiscated the second. But to no avail ... it had worn off anyway by the time the tryouts had started. He felt just awful. When he came home, he went right to bed and had a high temperature and I felt so bad for him. I wanted to call the coach and say, you need to take into account that Michael is really sick, but Jonathan said, NO WAY and so I didn't do anything. Then I wanted to email him and tell him but again I didn't do anything. It took an abundance of self control! So he said he did okay in the drills, missed both layups, and then in the scrimmage he didn't get the ball once. If he makes the first cut, he will have another shot on Monday (they find out on Monday) but if not, it's over for him. I hope he gets another chance, but if not, that's okay. It's so sad to think of your child out there so sick and having to perform like that. Poor kid! But as he tells me, "Mom, I'm not a baby anymore!"

I took the girls to the circus yesterday afternoon along with a couple of their friends. It came to the base and it was very good! I really want to go to Ringling Bros. and it probably wasn't quite that caliber but I give it a big thumbs up! They even brought in elephants and they did this elephant train and it was great! The acrobats were wonderful -- trapeze artists were great, too. They had these hula hoopers and they were doing about 20 hoops at once. Someone just kept throwing them over their head and they would take on that hoop, too, and they could get the ones on the ground and get it up with their foot and add it to the pile. That was fascinating to me! On the way back to the van (we parked rather far away), I was telling all the kids to hurry because I wanted to get out of there before we were stuck in traffic. This was for two reasons: It was getting dark and I had to bring one girl home on a very dark country road, and second, because a storm was coming and with the way I drive, I didn't want to be stuck with other people's children on my car. My kids are used to it but it may freak out another child if I had to stop and get myself together before driving further. So I was saying, hurry, hurry, hurry to get to the car. My kids did great, but you could tell the other two were not used to being with a neurotic person and didn't quite get the idea behind this rushing! So after we got home (safely) the storm did hit and it was a bad, bad one! There were tornado watches for a couple of hours and the winds were crazy! I'm truly glad I was not out in it because you couldn't even see.

Andew Used the Potty!

Yesterday when I picked Andrew up from his MDO program, they said he had used the potty! Maybe this will be the start of something great!

Basketball Time Again!

Tomorrow is Michael's school basketball tryouts. I can't believe a whole year has passed since the last tryouts. I remember last year, I called the school and asked if he had made the first cut (because I couldn't stand now knowing). The secretary looked for his name and said no, so I was all ready to console him about this. He called that afternoon and said he had to stay for the 2nd round and I didn't want him to know I had called but didn't want him to make a fool of himself by showing up when he hadn't made it. So I discreetly said, Michael, I think your name has to be on that list to come back today. Did you check it and see your name on there? To which he replied that there were two Michael Wards in 6th grade who had tried out so as to not confuse them, they came and told him in person that he was to come back.

It is hard because there will be about 100 boys trying out for about 5-7 slots - so I guess if he makes it, that is fine but if he doesn't, that's okay too. There are lots of places here for him to play if he doesn't get on the school team. I'll just be glad when the tryouts are over. I don't remember getting all worked up when I was in school and the one trying out for things but with my kids, I about can't stand it!

If he does make it, however, we will be much smarter this year and force them to have the study hall they promised instead of having those boys sit in the locker room for an hour waiting for their practice. All those middle school boys sitting unsupervised in a locker room for an hour is nothing but bad new!.

The thing I love about Michael is that he is so diligent. He just does what he is supposed to do and he never quits. When I think of "endure to the end" I think of him because he doesn't make monumental progress, but he continually plugs away and keeps making incremental progress in all that he chooses to do. He is a very good example to me.

I'm in 4th Grade for Crying Out Loud!

I bought Erin a shirt at Kohls that she was so excited to wear. I dress her pretty conservatively and this shirt is a little more on the wild side. It is leopard print and then looks like there is a little jacket attached but it is really part of the shirt. The jacket part has a hood in the back and that part is turquoise. It's long sleeve and it has been so hot so she has not been able to wear it yet. She has shown all her friends this shirt and they just love it, too, and this has made the anticipation of wearing it even greater. This morning it was chilly so Erin was so excited and asked if today could be the day. She found this brown skirt she also wanted to wear and a pair of clogs - so she put the outfit together and it did look a little floozy-like but it wasn't that bad -- she was really excited and so I let it go. Jonathan came into the kitchen and said that he didn't care for what she was wearing and was I going to let her go to school like that. Erin got mad and out came a rather sassy attitude, and she said, "Dad, I'm not little any more. I'm in the 4th grade FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!" So Jonathan asks her what "for crying out loud" meant and she said, I don't know but I think it's what you say when you're mad!

It cracked me up because I don't believe I have ever said that, though I can remember my mom saying that quite a bit. But she did win the war and wore her creation. I believe everyone needs a little freedom of expression!

Little Mermaid on Broadway

I just saw recently that The Little Mermaid is on Broadway. I have never been to a Broadway show, but I would go to this one if we lived even remotely near New York. Or if my parents even lived there ... darn them! Oh well, maybe eventually it will branch off and tour major cities, but I would so love to go. They also just had Time out for Women in Hartford this year. It seems like when you leave an area, all the really neat stuff comes!

SHOPPING EARLY THIS YEAR!

Jonathan and I have decided to get all of our Christmas shopping done very early this year, as in by the end of October. I have to say we are doing very well! Michael is done. Erin/Lindsey/Jenna are half way there - and Andrew is only getting one thing so that will be easy. Three presents each PLUS a couple of books. The one thing they are getting as a family gift is that Settlers of Catan game (thanks alot Sheila!) that Michael has been dying for and then the first two seasons of Different Strokes - with Arnold. I think the kids would love it! That show cracks me up! along with the 4th season of Cosby Show (had 3rd last year) and 2nd season of Dukes of Hazzard. I have to say that I completely do not enjoy sitting down with the kids and watching any tv show. Now late at night when they are in bed, Jonathan and I like a good episode of Law and Order, but not with the kids. I don't really like watching movies either because they are so long and I usually fall asleep if I'm sitting down for that long .. plus who has 2 hours all the time to sit - so these 1/2 hour episodes are perfect for this and they are just so funny! So now it comes down to ... if we never watch tv and I hate the shows that are on and I am having to buy all these dvd's of old tv shows, is it worth having cable? That is the question of the day! We got Satellite tv for Michael when we got here so he could watch more sports when his thoughts were so bad, but we hardly ever watch tv at all. I do LOVE having it at conference, though, and would dread the thought of going up to the church, but you can at least listen on the internet.

And, I am contemplating buying myself an old Atari system with Pacman, Centipede, Space Invaders, etc. I don't think playing video games for hours at a time is good, but I think it is a little fun to sit down and play with the kid. The problem is I truly do not understand the new game systems. I don't get all those fancy controllers. I am a simple minded person! So going retro just may be the thing to do!

Jonathan's 40th

Poor Jonathan ... for his 40th birthday, he got the flu. He was so sick on the couch all day. He went on a campout Friday night with Michael for scouts and when he got home, he said he didn't feel well. I had to leave to go to the Stake Center for Super Saturday (I can't believe the things I made!) and when I got back, he was just laying there moaning. He had a high temperature - didn't want a cake or anything. He still is not well today. He always thinks he has to tough it out and not take anything (his Mom's doings!) but finally he broke down and took some Advil and I think he is always amazed at how much better it makes you feel. I can't believe he is 40 and I will be there soon. I don't think of us as 40 yr olds and I can remember my parents turning 40!

Michael got his Tenderfoot today for scouts. We had our practice for the Primary program today and it actually went pretty well. One more practice on Saturday and then the program is next Sunday. I remember last year, teaching primary and really enjoying the program. It was the first time in a long time I had no responsibility in it, so it was really nice just to sit back, and assist a little, with no pressure.

Well isn't this fun?!!!

I wanted to get a picture up of the girls at Disney Princess on Ice. I thought it would be good, but not spectacular. Well, I was truly surprised to find it not just amazing, but also magical! All the princesses were there, along with a fire breathing dragon which lit the ice on fire. Each princess had an ice dance with their prince. They all had a grand entrance from the castle -- Cinderella had her carriage. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Tinkerbell were all there, too and it all ended with a fireworks show. I will not forget it. I hope they don't either, but I think they will remember just by watching their faces during the performance. It is one of the few things we have done that at the end, I say I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

How do you delete?

I must keep hitting some enter button or something that makes my posts go up before I am done with them (really before I have even started!) How do you delete those things you goofed up on -- or what if I wrote something really awful about someone who I then found out was reading my blog and had to get rid of an entry fast. What would I do?!!! :)

"That boy made the mess!

Okay so Andrew is sitting here with me and saw the picture (wow ... I did it!) and yelled, "WHAT A MESS!!!", pointing at the picture of the dishwasher. He asked, who made that mess? I said, I don't know, who did that? He points to himself in the picture and said, "That boy made the mess!" I said, well is that boy you? to which he replied, no, I don't make messes. That boy is naughty (while still pointing). He needs to clean it up!

Trying one more time to post pictures.

I am trying to put on a silly picture and can't figure it out. This is truly bothering me ... how in the world am I going to get a job one day if I can't even figure out how to post a picture!!! I'll just keep trying -- any suggestions? (The link on here doesn't work for me and says no connection to internet, but we are on cable so that is not right.)

In case you're wondering!!!

In case any of you are wondering, flour and dishwashers do not mix! Andrew filled the dispenser area of the dishwasher full of wheat flour and boy what a mess! The dishwasher was already wet so I couldn't just suck it up with a vacuum. I cleaned it out the best I could and ran it. Every dish, glass, and utensil was covered with flour particles which was now dry and caked on. So for about four days, we ran the dishwasher and then had to soak the dishes that were supposed to be clean! Finally ... I think things are running well again. That was quite a task!

38 Yrs Old

Today is my birthday and I am 38 yrs old. I'm actually rather excited because I always thought 37 sounded boring and 38 I think sounds more dignified. I wonder what this year will bring.

I didn't have an ultra exciting day, but we did get to pick Jonathan up at the airport and that was nice. He wasn't supposed to get in until Monday night. He is taking Michael to his first Priesthood session of General Conference tonight. I know Michael feels a whole lot better going with Jonathan, as otherwise he was not going to go.

So poor Andrew got to see Jonathan for a couple of hours and he is gone again. Andrew just started sobbing when they left tonight. I got a edger at a yard sale today and while Jonathan mowed, Andrew pushed around the edger as his mower (not running, of course!) and it was as cute as could be. Andrew always plays in Jonathan's car and I guess he must have left the lights on or something because the battery was dead. Michael was able to help Jonathan jump start it by standing by in the van. I can't believe how capable he is becoming.

Jenna drove me crazy all day today. She was completely wired! Yesterday, I woke up with this great idea ... MOM could stand for Manager of My home. I thought, if I were a manager in an office, my employees would listen to me and I could establish that place any way I envisioned it. So I got all excited about my new plan! I thought, I have so much control over so many things and I can make our home exactly how I want it to be as long as I manage my time and the children effectively. Well, Jenna put a damper in my plans today. Jonathan came home with some pom poms for her and she would not stop jumping around for the rest of the day. Between that and the screaming ... well it was a little too much for me and the whole managing thing flew right out the window (for today anyway - I'll get it back tomorrow!)

Erin made me the sweetest card and got me a big box of Good 'n Plenty candy -- Yum! She was really excited to give it to me and that made it extra nice. They all know I love candy and I think about all candy is quite delicious (except things with coconut), but I like Good 'n Plenty because no one else likes it and no one asks me to share when I am eating it.

Michael is graduating to yellow belt in Karate on Thursday. They move belts about every 2 months, but I am glad he is moving up because we have been really bad the last couple of weeks in his attendance. I don't know if you don't pass by the graduation date, if you have to wait another 2 months, or if they just privately move you up. I'll have to ask about that.

Well, that's it for now. Jenna's screaming again.

WHY AM I SO DISORGANIZED?

I am trying to figure out why I am so disorganized. I remember in school always having a very messy locker and I did have a rather messy room, but messy is not the same as disorganized. I feel like I can't find anything anymore. I think it is a lack of space. If I bring things in from the van, then I feel like ... well what will I do with it in the house? Might as well just leave it where it is! Even though our house isn't that small, we are definitely lacking on closet space. I could happily have about 10 more of those (okay, even 2 more would be wonderful!)

I will get super motivated for a couple of days and just get all the laundry done and everything put away, cook a ton of meals, etc. and then I get burned out and don't want anything to do with it for about a week - at which time everything is crazy again! There must be a better schedule that will work for me.

So now that Andrew's in his Mother's Day Out program, I am going to try and get some type of organization plan going. There is just so much to do in a day and so little time! I do believe, however, that for years to come things won't get any less hectic.

On a nice note, however, we went to Michael's schools Homecoming football game last night. He really wanted to go - so we packed up and took one of Erin's friends and the games cost $4/person to go to (which is probably why we don't go to more). The super nice people at the ticket table only charged us for one ticket. Wow did I go home feeling rich with all that money still in my pocket!

The 8th grade band goes to the games as a pep band and Lindsey loved the music and danced and danced. She will dance and then look at you to see if you are watching, but then once she sees you watching, she puts a pout on her face and stops. So, I just ignore her all together. Jenna was trying to do the cheers and that was rather amusing. I think Michael was itching to play with the band -- Erin had a garbage fascination thing going on. She made about 20 trips up to the garbage can, and Andrew was just not good. Erin's favorite part was buying nachos and a drink. Unfortunately for her, money burns a hole in her pocket as it certainly did for me at that age, and still sometimes does now!

As a precaution, I brought coats for everyone because I didn't think it would get cold, but you never know (!) but I guess that was just a joke. It was still about 85 degrees when we left at 8:00 pm. The kids all said, remember when we were in CT and would go to the games and FREEZE?! yes, I remember. I don't know which climate I prefer. I remember in Rhode Island not even being able to go out to the bus stop in the morning and watching from the window because it was so, so, so, so cold, but I sure do miss a New England fall!

PRIMARY PROGRAM

Our Counselor who was supposed to write the BIG Primary Program showed up last Sunday and stated he had absolutely no time and couldn't do it so seeing as how it is now October and our program is in 3 weeks, I guess that will be my project of this week! Yikes!!! That is quite a task to put together, but things always get done when there is a strict deadline in place! For instance, the piano practicing I can never seem to do diligently inbetween my lessons seems to certainly become top priority when the lesson is only 2 or 3 days away! Can I just say that I do love my calling, though. Those little ones are so darn cute and so sweet. They just want to share everything and I feel honored that they want to share with me. It is a true blessing.

2 HOURS FOR ONE TEST???

When Michael and I were driving to his appt yesterday, he was talking about how great it would be if he had to be taken out of school for an appt right before a big test. He said, "I guess it isn't so bad now, but maybe in high school when the tests get harder." I replied that yes, I can remember those test and how I would have loved to have gotten out of school for some of them and how hard you have to study. I said, maybe for kicks one day I'll do that for you. He then said, that he was really just joking because it's not too bad because you really only have to study for about 20-25 minutes to get a good grade. I said, "Oh Michael, your studying time will certainly increase as you go up in grades." And he said, "Oh, so maybe like an hour?" and I said, no more like two, or four, or maybe even ten - and his eyes completely bugged out and he looked at me in a panic, "YOU MEAN YOU WOULD STUDY ALL THAT TIME FOR JUST ONE TEST????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Ahhh ... I guess he has no idea what he's in for!!!

Always Something!

So I took Michael today to his psychologist in Cordova -about an hour's drive. I was excited because I do not have to stay there while he is in with the dr., and there is a Super Target right across the street. Since we don't have a Target in my town, that is a big treat. So Andrew and I went over there, did a return, shopped a little and got back in time for Michael's appt to be over. We were sitting in the waiting room and just before Michael came out, Andrew spotted a fire alarm box with keys dangling on the outside. He is obsessed with keys and grabbed them right out before I even noticed what he was doing. Well that opened up the alarm box and I wasn't sure if that meant the alarm had been triggered or not. I went to the receptionist and told her what happened and gave her the keys back. I really didn't think an alarm had gone off, but we left to go out to van and Michael had to go to the bathroom so we were waiting there for him. The receptionist came out to our van to tell us that their alarm monitoring company had just called and said that the alarm had been triggered and the fire department was on its way. I felt horrible so we waited there and sure enough, within about a minute, there came two engines with sirens blaring. I went to them and explained what happened and I think they were less than pleased, but at least they accepted my explanation and did not barge into the building. AGGGHHHH!!! We certainly won't be sitting on that side of the waiting room anymore!

On a funny note, however, while we were waiting we were looking at a magazine. Andrew pointed to a picture of a statue and said, "What's that?" I said, that is a statue. He obviously heard "Stat You" and said, "A stat Me?" I said, no Andrew, it is called a statue and he said again, "Oh, a Stat Me?" It was so cute!

Jonathan's gone to Utah to help on the farm, so the kids and I are alone. Michael had karate this afternoon and said his class was at 4:00 so we dropped him off and did some errands and came back at 4:45, at which time he came out and said he was wrong and his class actually started at 4:45, which meant we had another 45 minutes to wait. I was so tired, so we parked and I was kind of half asleep. I heard Erin and Lindsey asking each other if they thought I was asleep or possibly dead. They were giggling about it and they were saying, "Ask her" - no - you ask her, no - you. So they start listening to hear if I was breathing or not and finally, Lindsey leans over to the front and quietly asks, "Mom, are you dead" and I let out a big ghost like noise and it scared the living daylights out of her!

Jenna was tired tonight and put herself to bed at about 6:30 without telling anyone. What a treat that was! She started Pre-K and takes naps everyday there. Since school started, she has a really hard time falling asleep at night because of that nap. Normally that means that Michael also has a hard time because since they share a room, Jenna stays in there and talks to him non-stop. But she has a cold and has been coughing lots at night and I guess it has worn her out - poor thing.