December

So, it has been a while since I have sat down and blogged. Is it because I have been so busy? Partly. Is it because not much has been going on? Well, there was Halloween, Taylors 7th birthday, and Thanksgiving....to name a few, so no that isn't it. Is it because I have been a bit on the lazy side? Partly, that too. Is it because every time I sit down to write the kids have some new trauma that requires my attention? Yeah that sounds more like it. Speaking of which here they come....Okay seriously? Fighting over snow? Ummmm...I think we have more than enough snow to go around. So, once again I guess blogging will have to wait...

Spokane, Washington

Just over a week ago, we had the opportunity to go to Spokane, Washington to see my cousin Emily marry. I hadn't seen her in seven years, and before that even longer. So, this was a great opportunity to reconnect with family members.

We made a road trip out it, and even though at times it felt LONG it was well worth it. We left on Oct. 2 and drove to Idaho Falls and spent the night at my uncle Richards house. It was really nice for them to put all of us up for the night (we hadn't visited their house in many years either).

On Saturday we continued our trek to Spokane. We arrived mid-afternoon/early evening. My Uncle Howard put us all up in a hotel, which we were SO surprised and grateful for. That evening we were able to go have dinner (at the Sawtooth Grill, a must to visit if you are ever in the area)with the happy couple and other family members. It was really nice. Of course I left my camera back at the hotel.

On Sunday, was the big day. Emily and Jack tied the knot. It was a beautiful wedding, although it was very windy and a bit chilly. They provided a yummy luncheon and dancing after. My kids had such a ball.

For more pictures check out my photo album on my Facebook account.

My only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer. We were hoping to make it our family vacation and go into Seattle then into Oregon and then into the Redwood Forest. Alas, that was not to be. We had van problems before we left and decided it would be better to take the car and didn't think the kids could handle such close quarters for longer than Spokane. So, on Monday we drove straight home, with of course some potty breaks and to eat.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for another attempt at a vacation in November. John still has three vacation days to "burn". We are thinking some place warmer than what it will be here. Maybe San Diego or even just St. George. Will will have to see.

Preschool

On Monday, Ben had his first day of preschool. I was surprised to find it a little hard to leave him, there at school, I have done this with each of my kids but I am finding it harder to leave my littlest

Back up to a few months ago, when I first mentioned to Ben that he would be going to preschool. He flat out and told me that he didn't need preschool because he already knew his ABC's and colors. It was the funniest thing. So to say he didn't want to go is an understatement. A few days after his statement, I took him to meet his teacher. He wouldn't look at her, hid behind me and John, refused to say anything to her and in fact would even talk to us (John and I) while we were there. I knew I had my work cut out for me.

Now after at least a month later and a daily talk about how big boys go to preschool and that he won't just be doing his ABC's bit playing with other kids his age, it was time to take him.

I am PROUD to say that he did great and in fact loved it, and keeps asking what day he goes back.



A nice perk to preschool? I got my kitchen all nice and almost all cleaned. Would have been all done but then I got a call from the elementary school to say that Katie got thorns all in her hair at P.E and wanted permission to cut them out. I told them not to touch her hair and I would be over to see what I could do (apparently the office and her teacher had tried for 20 minutes and couldn't get them out). To say these were thorns is a joke! These were more like burrs that broke up as you literally had to yank them out. After a hour I had them all out, without having to cut her hair. I have pictures on my cell phone to prove how horrible it was, now of course they don't do it justice. I told Katie I had to take pictures because NO one would believe us. When I have a chance I will try and post them.

The first week of school

Today finished the first week of school. In many ways I was really glad that school was starting, no more "mom I'm bored" or "what can we do"s. But as it always proved a new year and a new set of problems. I was really hoping we could go a while without any problems. Ethan is now in sixth grade and really likes his teacher. He has however always had to deal with bulling in one way or another. Day three is when it all started up again. My son is a forever peace maker and unfortunately that seems to make him a target. So, hey all you bullies out there here is a heads up. Apparently if you wait until close to the bell rings to bring you in from recess, that time is fair game. According to the "ground duty" they won't do anything if the bell is about to ring or has rung. Just to make things clear the said ground duty is suppose to be there to help any child with any problem during recess, unless apparently the bell is about to ring. Ummmm...To say I am unimpressed is an understatement. Fingers crossed that it doesn't get worse. Katie is now in fourth grade and absolutely loves her teacher and class. She knows pretty much everyone in class. I really can see her flourishing this year! Taylor is in first grade this year. She is having a bit of an adjustment problem. This is however first year of full day school, that doesn't seem to be the biggest problem. She doesn't know anyone in her class, she is getting pushed (literally) by boys who happen to be in her primary class, at recess. She is eating lunch alone, not finding friends to play with at recess. We have addressed her problems as best as we can, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that will get better. I can't help but wonder which is better, having them at home or at school where I can have some peace for a few hours yet dealing with new found problems..... Monday Ben is set to start preschool. I am not sure what I will do with myself having everyone gone for a few hours three times a week. Maybe my house will finally get organized?

Ethan and Mrs. Robinson

Katie & Mrs. Roundy

Taylor and Mrs. Warburton