The first of the month...

It's the first of the month and I'm already blogging...what the heck? It's Monday morning and I'm so darn tired, but hey, why not blog. I have work to do, but hey, writing here isn't a bad thing, is it?

Bellaboo caught her first fish this weekend. It was awesome. I'd have a picture to accompany this, but I didn't have my camera. My friend took a picture, though, so hopefully I'll have one soon. Said friend's daughter had to put the worms on the hooks (I don't mind taking fish off the hook, but worms are just GROSS!!) Bellaboo would have me cast for her and then she'd reel it in. She caught a little sunfish and her face lit up... "OOOOHHHHH Mommy! I have a fishy!" Very exciting!

The JMan had another great soccer game on Saturday. He didn't score, but his team played awesome! He's finally realized that he doesn't have to be the one to score...playing as a team is more important than being the ONE. It's taken 4 years, but whew! finally got that through his thick skull!

Hubbers was gone all weekend doing ski patrol training. I had the kids ALONE AGAIN. It was okay, though. We spent Saturday night at a friend's cabin (where bb caught her fish) and went to Silverwood and had the soccer game. Sunday I actually emptied 4 more boxes from the storage unit. Yea me! It's coming along. Still wondering when I'll actually be able to have an "open house" for people to come and see the new abode. Any suggestions on what I could do? I'd like to do it soon, but I'm still not totally unpacked. Plus I have NOTHING on the walls yet. UGH! I need help!

Internet Hell

So some people have been wondering (hi MIA) why I haven't been blogging lately. Well, here's my story...
First of all, the hubbers and I just purchased a new house. We didn't close until September 4th (the first day of school) so that was fun. Oh, did I mention that I'm a teacher???? Yeah, you can imagine the stress of closing, moving, packing, starting school for me, my 3rd grader, AND having a rambunctious 3yr old?!?!?! Okay. That being said.

My family moved us in on Thursday the 6th. Well, they moved our BIG stuff in. I still have 2 10x20 storage units to unpack. I've been slowly doing that while working, shuffling JJ to soccer practice, playing barbies and princess with Bellers, and doing housework. We are also in a neighborhood where people just DROP ON BY anytime. In a month that will be great. Right now it kind of sucks. I hate having a messy house or having myself in a tshirt and shorts (no bra cuz I'm at HOME and unpacking crapola) and having company come to the door.

Now to the part where I have NO internet at home. I tried (unsuccessfully) to change my highspeed internet service from my old home to my new home. I called a week ahead to have both my phone service and my dsl service changed. You'd think that was enough time. My phone service was changed 2 days late. That was fine with me. Who really cares when we all have cell phones?!?! My dsl service, not hooked up. So I called the 1800 number and was connected to the outsourced person (Kenny in India) who said that it hadn't been changed yet, but he would change it and it would be working in 24-48 hours. Okay. Fine. 48 hours later it still wasn't working. I called the 1800 number again and spoke with Jimmy (again in India - funny how they have VERY american sounding names). He said that it must be a problem with the line and can I troubleshoot with him. That sounded fun! So I said SURE, Jimmy, I'll trouble shoot with ya! We did everything. Then he said, well, we'll have to get a technician out there to fix your line. I set up a time for 4-8 the next evening. Guess what...NO ONE CAME!

I called the next morning (to get outstanding customer service - again from India) and was on hold for 30 minutes...I kid you not! SO, I got to work and called a 1800 sales number and spoke to an (okay are you sitting down now????) an AMERICAN! They gave me another number of - yet another AMERICAN and now, hopefully, by the 24th (yes the 24th) I'll have service. I love American companies. They are so good to us and provide us with such OUTSTANDING customer service. :(

There's my story.

Summer is OVER

I cannot believe that I only have 28 days left of summer vacation. Why is it that June drags on while July and August both fly by? Now, I realize August isn't even here yet, but in two short days it will be...then the count down will really be on!

This has been one HOT summer. We finally got A/C this year (thank GOD) and so I'm considerably less tan than in past years. I have spent a lot of time indoors. It's not all bad, though. I've painted part of the inside of my house...still have some left to do, have completely cleaned out and rearranged the little monster's rooms, and cleaned out my "office" which was NO small task.

John, and the kids and I have gone to Silverwood - and might I add the new additions to the waterpark are AWESOME!!!!!! - we've spent a week at Twin Lakes - and been to Eugene, Oregon for the birth of my nephew.

Oh, did I forget...John had his 20th high school reunion this summer. He graduated from Post Falls High School. I'll tell you, the 10 year was fun, but everyone was still in their "cliques" and I believe, trying to show what they have "accomplished" in the 10 years since graduation. The 20 year reunion ROCKED! Everyone seemed really enjoy themselves and just "be" themselves. It was really cool and now I'm looking forward to my 20 year reunion...which will NOT be for another couple of years. Thanks to all who planned the events. Friday night's boat cruise on the River Queen was great and the dinner at Templins on Saturday was splendid.

It's been a fun so far. What can we do for the next 28 days, though???????? Any suggestions...

My "Princess" Turned 3

Well, on Sunday, my baby turned 3. I can't believe it! We had her party on Saturday at my mom's house. Mom made the cake(s) and they turned out AWESOME (as you can see)!!! Each girl got her own princess, and then the rest of us got to eat from the castle. We actually had 5 little boys and only 3 girls. It didn't matter though. Mom gave Bella a Barbie and the Dancing Princess dancing mat and the boys danced on it as much as the girls. I didn't take pictures of it, though, as the dads wouldn't have appreciated it. I think it was cool, though. The boys had a blast!

The kids swam for a few hours and then they opened gifts, ate, played, opened gifts, played, opened gifts, played...you get the picture! We didn't get to bed until late, but who cares, she's 3 now! Only 15 more years to save for college. hahaha

At least I'm not prego and she's not poopin' in the cart at wally world, right Deb??? ;)

July 4th and Friends

The 4th of July has to be my favorite holiday...next to when Daylight Savings Ends and we get an extra hour in our day. (You may think I am kidding, but I am not. That IS my favorite holiday!!!!!! Always has been, always will be!) July 4th reminds me of pool parties at my Nonnie and Poppy's house with all of my cousins, aunts and uncles, and really everyone related to me in any way. The think I looked forward to most, I think, was when my Poppy took the cover off the pool. We were never sure whether the pool would be a beautiful blue color or algae green. Either way, we'd swim!!! :) Or get thrown in!

Anyway, since both of my grandparents have passed on...Poppy passed away last year...we have started our own "traditions". We actually started our tradition while he was still alive, we just did it along with going over to his house. We would go to his house during the day and then head on out to Twin Lakes, Idaho, to our friends Jon and Kymm, and Eric and Kris Carlson's cabin. It is right on the lake and is quite possible the most beautiful and peaceful place on earth. Jon and Eric are brothers...pictured above contemplating firework displays...and they LOVE the fourth of July. They love fireworks but really, they love fire! We love watching their firework display and we also enjoy making s'mores. It is nice to be around friends. It's nice to relax and have fun. I love summer!

Jady Cash Harshman

So, last night my brother called me at 9:30 or so and told me his wife's water had broken. I was so very excited...yet very sad. You see, they live in Eugene, Oregon, and I live in Post Falls, Idaho. It's not a bad drive for an adult or two, but the 7 hour drive stretches into a mere 8 or 9 when you have children.

As you can imagine, I got no sleep last night because I was waiting for the phone call telling me my nephew was born. I didn't get a call until about 8 in the morning. By then I was so tired, but so excited!

We knew she was having a boy, but the crazy kids wouldn't tell anyone the name. Well, we all assumed it would either be John (for my brother and my father) or Andrew for Karli's dad. Johnny and Karli came up with Jady (a combo of John and Andy) Cash (for the late, great Johnny Cash) Harshman. What a cute name...to go with a very cute little boy...as you can see! Karli looks GREAT and Jady is freakin' adorable.

Anyhoooooo, I got on the road about 11:45 this morning...after John changed my oil and looked the car over AND I ran to the store and picked up some necessary travel items...licorice, chocolate and water. We stopped in the Tri-Cities, the Dalles, and Salem. We got to meet my nephew at about 8:45 this evening. I'm so thankful that I was able to do this!

Yea Karli!!!!!!!! She did such a great job.

What a beautiful butterfly

So, Saturday my hubby had to work...My son's best friend called and invited him over for the day...and you can see what Bella Boo and I did. Well, dressing up and taking photos isn't all we did. We also did one puzzle 500 times, but you know, that's the way of life of an almost 3 year old.

Saturday was really fun, and then the kids spent the night with grandma and papa. That was wonderful, because the hubbers took me out to the White House Grill (Yummo) and then to a movie. Haven't done that in awhile. Sunday morning was equally as nice, as we got up and went to a coffee house and read the paper. It was so relaxing. Then the kids came home. We did the puzzle about 300 more times and then took a short nap. Love lazy days!

It's amazing how fast kids grow. Just being away from them overnight made me realize they are getting older and...while it's a nice feeling, it's kind of sad that someday they will be in jr. high (ugh!!!) and faced with the horrible decisions that peer pressure brings about. I'm so NOT ready for that. thank God I have a few more years...

True angels or angels with horns??

Now, do these look like angels or what?!?!? This photo was taken after two full (and when I say FULL I mean FULL!!) days at Sea World. This was, I believe, the only time they were actually smiling and meaning it. These kids were Satan's minions for the entire time we were at Sea World. Crying because they didn't want to walk anymore, whining because it was too hot, complaining that they were hungry (right after we just ate lunch), and, of course, begging for everything in the lovely Sea World stores.

Not that the entire time at Sea World was bad, but MAN, I think I'd wait until my youngest was 8 and my oldest 13 before I ever take them TOGETHER again! All of the shows were spectacular, and it helped that my parents were there to keep Bella company up top while the hubbers and I sat with J-Man in the splash zone of all the shows. All he really wanted was to get splashed by the whales, dolphins, you name it! Of course I purchased the lovely blue Sea World poncho so that I could protect my clothing...and my hair. The hair didn't actually work out, but my clothing was bone dry. :)

All in all, Sea World was great and I can't thank my parents enough for making it happen!!! The kids loved the animals. The petting zoo was outstanding and the people at each of the attractions were full of information. J-Man learned so much while he was there and he has decided that he wants to work there when he grows up. I remember thinking the same thing when I went in 7th grade...and now I work nowhere near Sea World. I do hope, however, that he does find something like that to do. He just loves animals...but he's only 8. ;)

What Season Are You?

You Are Fall!

Thoughtful Expressive Creative Poetic Smart

What Season Are You?

Is it still Monday?

I titled my first blog ever "Monday, Monday"...but today seems more like Monday to me. Have you ever been totally asleep but then feel like you are being watched. You hope you are dreaming, but alas, you open your eyes to "hi Mommy"...and it's only 2 :15 a.m. OMG When do they start sleeping through the night??? My two and a 1/2 year old still comes in to wake me up, nightly. She just wants a drink...and to crawl in bed with us. Okay, I can hear some of you saying "so leave a cup by her bed". Been there, done that! So, at 3:00, after she kicks me out of bed...because she tends to make a capital H out of me and my husband...I go and lounge on the couch. Only now, I'm awake. So, I think I should probably have one of those rice krispie treats that I made on Wednesday. Then I turn on the boob tube and watch the end of a movie. I fell asleep and of course my husband comes in about 2 minutes later to tell me that it's time to wake up. UGH!

I got up and got ready (of course my favorite jeans are a little tight, so I have to wear a SKIRT on FRIDAY), got the kids ready (AND got to hear yet another Pokemon tale), kiss my hubby goodbye, pack the kids in my minivan and leave. Well, we get about three blocks from home and clunk, clunk, clunk...I have a flat tire. So, I call my husband, who is on his way to work and ask what I should do...he says drive SLOWLY home and take his truck. Well, I am already running about 10 minutes behind, but I drive the 5 mph that my husband suggested...and switch to his truck. Oh, did I forget to mention that I am wearing a skirt with no hosiery and am also wearing flip flops???? Well, it started sprinkling SNOW while I was changing cars. Thank goodness that only lasted for about 3 minutes!

We get in the truck (which my kids love because he has sirius radio) and head to daycare and school. Well, the sirius radio can't seem to find a connection. So, we are stuck listening to the radio, because all of our favorite CD's are in my van...which, in case I forgot to mention, has a FLAT TIRE! This kids are happy that we are in daddy's truck, though, so they forgive me the radio fauxpa.

I drop the Jman off and take BB to daycare. She doesn't want me to leave. But I know I have to leave, because I NEED COFFEE today! I finally get her off my leg and leave. I have 17 minutes to get to school (and it should take about 12) but I need coffee. SO, I go to my favorite latte stand and there is a line. BUT I'm already there, so what the heck?!?! Then, there is a new girl working. Now, that doesn't usually bother me, but when you are in a hurry, it's nice to hear "the usual today?" New girl doesn't know what "the usual" is, so I have to explain all my weird quirky things to her. But, she made it and made it well! My day has now made a 180 turn for the better! Have a great weekend!

Monday, Monday

Well, today was a weird day. My parents had the kids overnight (THANK you mom!!!), so when I got up at my usual time (5:15), I realized I would probably have some extra sleep time, so I slept for another 15. I got up, checked my email and then showered and got ready. Not really knowing what to do next (since it was only 6:30) I decided to empty the garbages and the dishwasher...then I made some nectar from the gods (or coffee as the commoners say it). Now it's 6:45... So, I folded the load of clothes that was in the dryer...at 7 (when I usually leave) I left. NOW, what you don't understand is I usually have to take my son to school (which is 12 minutes away) and then my daughter to daycare...then stop for a Chai tea...then get to work by 8. TODAY, though, I stopped for my Chai (at Jump Start Java - the best coffee place) and was at work by 7:25. My boss about fell out of his chair that I was here this early.

I missed my kids, but I'll tell you it was nice to have NO committments this morning. Mondays are usually SO hard!