Back To School

After one of the most laid back summers we have ever had, the kids went back to school yesterday. We spent most of Thursday school hopping to get them ready.

First we went to Noodle's school so she could get her schedule and set up her locker. We were hoping by doing this we could by-pass her Back to School night. No such luck. We got her schedule, set up her locker and then we were off - only to return a few hours later.

Then the kids and I met with Buddy's school counselor and she showed us (most importantly, Buddy) where all of his classes are and we were able to meet several of his teachers. That was nice for him. To be able to see the school, his classes with a much smaller group. He didn't like it and barely spoke, but we made it through.


From there we stopped to the kids could get some fro-yo and then dropped Lew off at Bret's office so he could take her to Back to School night at her school. Buddy and Noodle went with me for a quick dash to Wal-Mart.



See the lighted chandelier? Crazy!

I dropped Buddy off at home with instructions to start dinner and I took Noodle back to school for Back to School night - so she could meet her teachers and find out if there is anything else she needs for school. We made sure her lighted chandelier is working properly and that everything (her locker shelf, mirror, white board, markers, trash can, animal crackers, Dr. Pepper) in her locker was all set. Finally we were able to go home.

It was a crazy day.

You can tell who's not in the best mood!

Sunday night, Buddy had a bit of anxiety, but went to sleep fairly well. Monday morning came - too early imho, and everyone got ready for the big day. We took pics and Bret was able to walk Buddy (across the street) to school. They parted ways at the front door of the school and Buddy went into class. On his lunch break, he called, Bret, my mom and me. Poor guy. When he got home, he rushed to give me a solid hug. He didn't cry (which surprised me) but it was obvious that it wasn't an easy day for him. He said it was really different and scary. I'm so glad that he recognized it wasn't bad, it was just different. A change. But dang. My heart hurt for him. I just wanted to cry for him. I just want to do it for him. I just want some things to be easy for him. I fear he will struggle his entire life. And I just want there to be enough good that he can get through the bad. I just want him to see the good. Realize there are worse things, people in worse shape, etc. But oh how my heart aches for him.

Noodle, of course, had a terrific day! She said it was as if she'd never had a summer break. Everything was the same. Guess junior high has lost some of it's luster. Last year she had so many classes with so many familiar faces. Apparently there are more options for 8th graders because she has hardly any classes with friends - which is good because it gives her the opportunity to make new (and I hope) better friends. She has friends and she's a likable girl, she just longs for that one. Ya know? That one who is her bestie. That one that is there no matter what. That one she calls/texts everything to. That one. I remember wanting that as well. While I had some great friends it took me 30 years to find that one. (not including my husband). And several years after that to find another. Don't get me wrong. I had friends through school. And my freshman year, I had that one. And I had another one my junior year and sorta my senior year. And today, I barely keep up with them through FB and Christmas Cards, if we're lucky. And I realize that happens in life. But I'd love for all of my kids to have that one, now, while they're in school. But sometimes when you're looking too hard, you miss what is right in front of you.

Lewlew had a great day as well. She's decided that maybe her teacher won't be so bad after all. Her new teacher is obsessed with Harry Potter and Lew has never even seen the movies, much less read the books. And her teacher also has a doctorate and insists on being called Dr. instead of Ms. or Mrs. So that's weird to her. But she's got some familiar faces in her class and I hope she too can find a really good friend who wants to be her friend as much as Lew want her to be - if that makes sense.

School is such a difficult time for kids - and you never know what is going on when school is not in session. I just read on FB that a girl I went to HS with - who I thought had it going on, was totally cool and stuff - hated school. Cried nearly everyday after school. I had no idea. I always thought she had it all pulled together. School is one of those necessary evils. We all had (or have) to do it and my kids will survive and be better because of it. But still, it's hard to send your sweet kids to the harsh, cold, cruel world of school. That's why it's important for us as parents, to make home a soft, warm, sweet place. A place where chores and homework still must be done. (Blast it all!)

Swim Party

On Friday, June 29, the bank where Nana works had their annual summer party and invited us to join them. The party was held at the Scera Pool.

Noodle is going down the vertical slide.

Buddy practiced his snorkeling skills.

Lewlew just had fun playing around.

There was also a karaoke contest. Surprise of all surprises, Noodle won! The prize was a beach bag, with a smaller one to match, 2 beach towels and 2 bottles of sunscreen. Noodle shared her prize with her friend. Noodle let her friend pick which bag she wanted. Noodle ended up with the bigger bag and they each got a towel and sunscreen. I was so happy she chose to share and not keep it for herself.



Camping 2012

On about June 18 I realized we had a short break in our schedules and that this would be the perfect time to go camping. So the next day, I made a menu and a packing list and got everything ready to go. The next day we went to our favorite campsite in Provo Canyon.

When we first arrived, we were the only ones in the campground. It was a little creepy for me. I've heard and seen too many scary stories.

Since we were the only ones there, we had our pick of the unreservable sites. There are some sites that you can reserve and then there are a few that are first come, first serve.

So we sat up camp in one of the largest camp sites. We were resting comfortably when a guy showed up. He said he had a lot of family coming in and would appreciated the big space that we had claimed. He said he would pay us if we moved. So we did. We moved to the second largest campsite and were completely content. We have camped at this one before and we love it!



 For a while, we just sorta hung out, listened to music, played games and went for walks. For Wednesday and Thursday it was just me and the kids.

Then Bestie came up and stayed Thursday night with us. We both had to leave camp on Friday afternoon to come into town so my mom (a.k.a. Nana) came up and stayed with the kids until Bret got there. I got back to camp about 9:30 pm and Nana went home.



Bret stayed with us Friday night and on Saturday, we packed up and came home.

Buddy is enjoying his gluten free S'more.

  Noodle takes a bite of her S'more.

Lewlew munches her version of S'more a.k.a. just the cookie.

Among the many chipmunks and squirrels, we also saw a lot of butterflies. We haven't ever seen butterflies up there. It was a real treat to see so many.

We had a great time and hope we can go again this season. But if not, there's always next year!



Field Day 2012

On 29 May 2012 was the first field day at the kids' new school. They had a blast! There was about 8-10 different stations of games - most of them used water of some sort. The day was nice and hot and the water games provided a perfect opportunity to cool off.

 Here, Lewlew is playing Over/Under. You soak a sponge and the first person passes to the person behind him going over his head, like Lewlew. The next person passes it between their legs. The last person squeezes the water into a bucket and runs to the front of the line to dip the sponge and start the process over. This game insures everyone playing to get a little wet.

 For this game, you partner up. The partner that is blind folded holds the squirt bottle while the unblind folded one directs her to shoot. This game ensures everyone playing to get a little wet.

For this game each member of the team must use any part of their body to plug the holes in the pipe while another team member fills the pipe up. One the rubber ducky inside reaches the top, you win! This game ensures everyone playing to get a little wet.

Then the fire truck came and sprayed everyone in it's way. This ensures everyone in the general vicinity to get a little wet.

All in all, it was a great day! Thanks OES! We had a blast!

Sleeping Giants

On the way home from the cabin, the kids slept.

We took Nana's car so it was a bit crowded.

But that didn't stop the sleeping action.

Spring Break in a Nutshell

Last week was Spring Break. (Apr 9-13) and boy were we ready for it! On Monday, the kids and I got up and cleaned up our house. I call it "the after the weekend cleanup." I don't know about you but it seems like over the weekend we get a little lazy when it comes to picking up. So every Monday I do the usual after the weekend cleanup. Then we just sorta hung out for a little while. Then we packed to spend the night at our family's cabin. We were completely ready to go as soon as Bret go home. We stopped for gas and an ice cream cone and were on our way. We ended up being the first ones there, so after we unloaded, Bret turned on the power (heat) and water and I built a fire to speed up the heating process. Then we played around for about an hour til Bret's sisters and parents arrived. For my girls and I, we hadn't been to the cabin since August of 2009 so it was great to finally be there again.The driveway is a pretty steep incline and it was muddy and partially covered in snow and Bret's sister got stuck. With the angle of her van and the rocks that line the driveway, she was stuck pretty good. But thanks to a lot of thought, work, effort and fancy maneuvering, we got her out. That was fun and I'm not being sarcastic. It was kinda fun.
     On Tuesday, we got up and had a yummy breakfast and then played games, watched movies, visited - just hung out. Our family came home that afternoon. Everyone else stayed up there. After we unloaded and showered we just played around as a family.
     On Wednesday, Bret went back to work, but my mom didn't. So after doing a few loads of laundry and the kids doing their chores, we went to the Discovery Park. We LOVE that park. The girls had a blast. Buddy didn't play - he still wasn't feeling well. (He missed 4 days of school last week with some virus or something. I took him to the doc on Thursday (April 5) and his fever was 102 and he had a terrible cough. Strep was negative and the urine test was fine. Since there was obviously something wrong, his doc put him on an antibiotic.) After the park, we dropped Lewlew off at a birthday party and then we came home and did some more laundry. Then we went to pick her up, we stopped off at the store to pick up a few things. Then we came home and made dinner.
    On Thursday after chores, we went to the Bean Museum. Buddy loves this place. He practically gave us a tour - he's that knowledgeable about those animals. The museum has changed a little bit since the last time we were there. It was fun - especially for the kids. Then we got lunch and brought it home for the kids and then my mom and I went to Olive Garden. It's been a really long time since I've had lunch with just me and my mom. It was...quiet! :) Then we picked up the kids and went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few necessities. Then we came home fixed dinner for Bret and the kids (I was still way too full from Olive Garden.)
     On Friday after chores, we tried to see a 1:00 movie - it was sold out. So we bought tickets for the 3:00 movie and ran some errands. I picked up some printed scrapbook pages (like 60 of them) then we went to Barnes and Noble to get a book for Bret. We felt bad he was missing out on all this "fun." Then we got a snack for the kids and headed back to the movie. We saw Journey 2. The kids liked it. For me? It was ok. Then we came home and grilled hamburgers. After dinner, I scrubbed the grill down. It was getting pretty gross. Now it's pretty again!
     On Saturday, we pretty much hung out at home and finished up some odds and ends. I cut out most of Buddy's quilt - I hoped to get it started this week.
     Through this whole we, wanna know how many pictures I took? None. Zero. Zip. Why? I have no idea? It completely slipped my mind! I'm really starting to lose it!
     So tomorrow it's back to school for seven weeks and then summer break. For the first time ever, Noodle isn't excited to go back. In the past she didn't really have an opinion. If it was school she went. Whatever. But she has actually voiced that she doesn't want spring break to end. Lewlew doesn't care. She's like Noodle was in years past. Buddy? He absolutely doesn't want to go back. But whether they want to or not, they are.

Easter 2012

 Easter was normal this year. We dyed Easter eggs. The "Easter Bunny" came. We had dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's and participated in the annual Easter Egg hunt. It was great....

Buddy's New Diet

Buddy has always been a bit of a hypochondriac and I wasn't sure how much of what he was complaining was true. I thought that he might have a small stomach ache, but was it enough to keep him from doing his chores, school, etc. Was he just using this to get out of doing things. I just didn't really give him much credit. I know, I'm "Mom of the Year." We started seeing a doctor around November, but wasn't having much luck. He had a CAT scan and ultrasoudn in December that resulted in "everything is normal." We had an appointment with a pediatric edno something ologist for February 22 in hopes to find out what wrong. On a whim, we decided to try gluten free until the doc apt. just to see what would happen. So the beginning of February, we started Buddy on a gluten free diet to see if that would help his stomach problems he's been having. He complains constantly of his stomach and has constipation. We took him off gluten on Saturday the 4th and on Monday, we could see a real difference. After a week, he was running and being a normal annoying 11 yr. old - something we've not seen since last spring. We took him to his regular chiropractor who also deal with alternate medicine. He was all excited when we told him what we were doing. He gave us some meds to try with Buddy that have actually reversed the effects of Chrones and IBS. We are hopeful at the end of the meds, Buddy will be able to tolerate some gluten, just not was much as he is used to. We feel encouraged by this finding and encouraged by Buddy's change. However....
Preparing gluten free things is not only a challenge for me, it's EXPENSIVE! Because it's becoming more popular, gluten free things are easier to find and purchase, just not cheaper. So I only buy thing that are necessary and prepare his portion of the meal without gluten products. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's not. But it's worth it. He's doing so much better!

Here We Go Again...

My mom usually picks up the kids from school on Wednesdays. Because Lewlew was at a play-date she was going to pick her up to. About 2:05, the dad of Lewlew's friend called and said they were ready for me to pick up Lew. So I said ok and that my mom would be picking up my other 2 kids from school at 2:15 and then she'd pick up Lewlew. About 2:20 a teacher called and said Buddy was in the bathroom sick and that I needed to bring him a change of clothes. So because my mom didn't have her cell phone with her, I couldn't tell her what was going on. So I left in a hurry to pick up Lewlew first (it was on the way to the school). She was chipper and chatted the whole time about how much fun she had playing. When I got to the school, my mom was 5 minutes away from panic because Buddy hadn't come out yet and Noodle couldn't find him in the school. I quickly told her what was going on, she took the girls home and I went in to get Buddy. I took Buddy home and got him settled and then I went to the store to get some Sprite for his tummy. While I was gone. Lewlew told my mom she was tired - strange. When I got  home Lewlew told me she was tired and her throat hurt. So I changed her clothes and noticed she was running a fever. Wonderful! I put her on my bed and she went to sleep shortly after. Buddy, in the meantime, was becoming quite comfortable in the bathroom. Poor guy! About 7 I gave Lewlew some medicine - she was SO hot and complaining about her throat and she went back to sleep. She woke up again for about 1 1/2 hours and felt fair - thank you med's - and then went back to sleep. Buddy was asleep about 8:30. He woke up at 11:00 throwing up and again about midnight, then slept until 5:30. Lewlew was up at 2:30 crying with a sore throat. I gave her some more meds and eventually she went back to sleep.
This morning, Buddy is doing better - hasn't thrown up since midnight. But he still doesn't feel well - but better than yesterday. Lewlew is still very sick. I'm taking her into the doc at 1:50. I'm thinking strep - something I'm prone to getting and it is all encompassing when I get strep. I'm out for 7 to 10 days. I'm REALLY hoping I don't get strep. This would be so bad!
So here's my question - why are my kids getting sick so often? Is it me? Am I doing something wrong? This is ridiculous! We have never had a string of sickness like this before. I don't know what to do except just "Keep on keepin' on."

Awards!!

For August's Pack meeting, Buddy received 9 award pins, a compass badge, and 2 compass points! This kid's amazing!


He only has 3 more pins and he'll have all 20. According to his Cub Master receiving all 20 doesn't happen very often. 2 of the 3 he'll get quite easily before the next pack meeting. The last one is the Aquanaut. It's going to take some work but we'll be able to get it I'm sure! In October he'll be awarded his "Arrow of Light." This is one of the only badges that you can wear on your Boy Scout Uniform. He's really doing well and is enjoying it! (It must be in his blood!)

What's up Bud...

Normally at some point throughout the day, I'll sit down to read or watch T.V. and Maggie is always next to me. This way she can take one of her 12 daily naps. She sleeps so much I wonder if she's really a cat trapped in a dogs body. But she's a people dog. Even when she's asleep and won't know if someone is around or not, she still wants someone by her. That someone is usually me. She'll settle for Mister or Buddy and once in a while Noodle - never Lewlew. I think Lewlew just loves Maggie too much. At any rate, Maggie gets zero sleep if Lewlew is too close. Anyway, one day I was busy doing house stuff and wasn't paying much attention to Maggie. When I went into Buddy's room, there Maggie was - sleeping on his bed. At least someone loved her this day. Poor little picked on dog.

Buddy went fishing with Mister. He put sunscreen on himself. Uhhhh, I think he missed a spot! He did catch 2 fish.

Webelos

On 6/29/2011, Buddy received some activity pin and in doing so had enough to earn his Webelos Scout award. He's really worked hard. He does enjoy scouts, for which I am really grateful! Now he's working on his Arrow of Light, which we hope he has earned in time for the September pack meeting.

Rain Gutter Rigatta

Buddy is a Webelo scout and this year his pack held a Rain Gutter Rigatta. The last 2 years they've had a pine wood derby so I was a little apprehensive with the boat thing. But it was great! Apparently the pack is going to rotate with Pine Wood Derby, Rain Gutter Rigatta and Space Shuttle something. But Buddy won't get to do that next year because he'll be an "11 year old scout." And I guess they aren't part of "Cub Scouts." I don't know. This whole scouting thing is clear as mud. Anyway, back to the Rigatta

Before the race, awards were given. This is what Buddy was awarded this month. He's been busy!

Buddy in full uniform (except for the pants) with his boat.



And he's taking the lead.

Go Buddy!

There wasn't a single boy who passed out either. No one even complained of seeing stars. What champs they are!

He got a ribbon for participating, he won third in his troop - then Mister fixed his sail - then he won third over all. Way to go!!!! He had a great time and that's what matters the most! The Rigatta was so much less competitive than the derby. It was kinda nice. :)

4th Grade County Fair

The 4th grade classes at Buddy's school put on a "county fair" for parents. It was great! I could tell they worked really hard!

At the beginning, Buddy was the captain in the flag ceremony. He called the colors to the front of the room, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and seated everyone. He did such an AWESOME job!!!!

Several of the 4th graders told us about Utah history. They sang lots of songs about Utah and performed a few dances for us. Buddy sure knew what he was doing.

Everyone did a great job. I wonder when they started practicing because there was a lot involved. It was quite entertaining and only lasted about 40 minutes which is a huge bonus!

The best reminder

Yesterday as I was helping Buddy with his homework I got a "reminder" call telling me that I have a dentist appointment today. I hung up and quietly said, "Please don't let me forget my dentist appointment tomorrow." I said it to myself, but Buddy asked what I was saying. So I told him. This morning as I was cleaning off the table, there was a note from him, "Mom, dr. today at 1. PS I love you." It was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. I know, I'm weird!

Double Digets!!

Isn't it crazy how time flies?? 10 years ago today, I became a mom. Buddy was born at 3:30 in the afternoon. The hospital papers say he weighed 8 lbs 10 oz. But his birth certificate says 8 lbs 9 oz. Anyway - he sure was a cutie!! It sure doesn't seem like it was 10 years ago!!! He is still VERY tender hearted and doesn't ever want anyone left out and doesn't want to hurt feelings. He exceptionally knowledgeable about animals. He's had such a difficult time with his back, but we got him into a very good chiropractor (that is VERY reasonably priced) and he's going SO much better. He's like a new kid. He also got braces in March and had them off in October. He now wears a retainer and likes that much better! He starts Webelo scouts today. He received his Bear award a few months ago. He enjoys scouts and that couldn't make his dad prouder! It must be in his blood! Tonight he has chosen to go to Nickel City to celebrate his birthday. So we'll be meeting the rest of the family there for some fun. We love Buddy so much and are so grateful he's apart of our family!

Buddy made this great tool box at scouts! He received his Bear Scout last month! And when he turn 10, he'll be a Webelo!!

First day of school

I know I'm WAY late posting this - but here goes:

It's that time of year again. We got the back packs cleaned out and clothes all set out and ready for the first day of school. Buddy and Noodle started on Aug 25 and Lewlew started on Sep 1. This will be a crazy year for our schedules. Buddy goes from 8:00 to 2:15, Noodle is 9:15 to 3:30 and Lewlew is 12:40 to 3:30. Then on Mondays, early out day, Buddy goes from 8:00 to 1:25, Noodle 9:15 to 2:40 and Lewlew 12:10 to 2:40. CRAZY. I had a little paper on my fridge for the first few weeks because I couldn't remember if I was coming or going!

Buddy on his first day of 4th grade. His teacher is Mrs. Spencer.

This is Noodle on her first day of 2nd grade. Her teacher is Mrs. Slade. Noodle's hair on the first day of school. This is Lewlew on her first day of Pre-Kindergarten. Her teacher is Mrs. Solorzano.

They go to Suncrest Elementary but I'm thinking of trying to transfer them to Orem Elem. next year. I don't know - we'll see how things go....

2nd Place

Buddy went to our Stake Pine Wood Derby last night. He placed 2nd! Yippee for you!!! If you look closely, you'll notice that Buddy got braces - a little over a month ago. The first month he had orange and just last week he got blue.

I Can't Believe It!!

Well, my little man, Buddy, turns 9 today at 3:35 p.m. I went into labor with him at about midnight. And the pain got really intense, really fast. So about 3:00 am we got to the hospital. My contractions were spiking high on the monitor but I was only dilated to a 2. So they monitored me for an hour and then called my doc. At 4:00 the contractions were still spiking high but I hadn't dilated any more. So my doc said to give me some Demerol and watch me for another hour. After the hour I was at a 3, so they admitted me and gave me an epidural. I dilated all the way to a 5 and stayed there from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. when my doc came in. Because the baby's heart beat seemed to be dropping a little and his vitals were starting to dip and I wasn't dilating, we decided to do a C-section. Finally at 3 P.M. I was in the O.R. and I was ready for them to open me up. When they started, I could feel - alot. So they hurried and put me all the way out and quickly opened me up. Well Buddy was posterior with his head looking up. He never engaged down the birth canal. So they tried to pull him out and he wouldn't come. According to my family who was watching from the window, one doc got up on the table and reached in for Buddy and pulled, pulling me off the table about 6 inches. YIKES!!! Glad I was out for that. But fortunately, we recorded everything on a mini tape recorder. While I was still out, a lady came to the hospital nursery and happened to catch Bret as he was going in. She told him she needed a child's cry for their ward party that night and could she record our child's cry. Tears come to my eyes as I think about our sweet little baby "playing" Jesus for in a ward nativity. He had just left Jesus' arms. WOW, that seems just like yesterday. Fast forward 9 years - Not quite as sweet as he was. He can certainly be a challenging child - but those challenges bring great rewards! His favorite color is orange and he loves animals - especially dogs and tigers. He knows SO much about them - he knows a lot about animals in general! When ever we see a "stray" dog, Buddy wants to pick it up and help find it's home. "It's the right thing to do, Mom." Sometimes we do, but mostly we don't. Most dogs have a tag and find their home fast. He's in the 3rd grade. He doesn't hate school, but given a choice, he'd rather stay home. He's doing ok in school. His teacher says he's a joy to have in class. She "NEVER has to get after him and he's so well mannered." He doesn't like to wear ties to church and still wants to take toys with him. We're trying to break him of that. He's the best son and big brother in the world - when he want to be! We sure love him and are very thankful for the part he plays in our family. Happy 9th Birthday, Buddy!!