Back to School

Hunter, Cooper & I all started school the same day. Hunter was heading off to his sophomore year of high school. At this point, he didn't know when or where his classes were or who his teachers would be. They give them this critical info the first morning of school. My theory: they don't want angry students or nosey parents trying to switch classes/teachers any earlier than needs be.

Cooper was heading to his first day in third grade. I was very worried about getting back on a school schedule because Coop was notorious for sleeping until 10, 11, or noon all summer long. My worries were for nothing. Adrenaline kicked in and that kid was out of bed half an hour before he needed to be (7am). He was pumped. He asked if he could go to the bus stop at 7:30am (the bus comes at 8:30am) and I told him no, but he is a little negotiator so he bumped the time to 8am...still no. Finally he said, how about 8:15am and I caved, done in by his childlike hope and cat-like clinging to my waist.

I started my internship at Spalding Elementary and am in a fifth grade classroom. I've been walking all summer and loved it, but knew I no longer had the ability to splurge an hour of my day to exercise. So, this morning I started my new routine. Up by 6:40am (my finger cramped when I typed that number) and on the eliptical for 20 minutes. I know what you're thinking, what a wuss...only 20 minutes. It took every ounce of will power to force myself to stay on that thing for 20 minutes. The eliptical is my nemesis and I will conquer it. I hope to eventually work my way up to 25 minutes, maybe around Thanksgiving.

So the school year has begun it alls its madness and glory. I've had to sign my name so many times you'd think I was purchasing a home all over again. Cooper already despises the bus driver (that is a job you couldn't pay me enough to do). Hunter still likes school, even after 3 days...new record! Good luck to everyone else as we re-enter this magical time of year!

Anniversary Inn Escapade!

The pictures below are of Kurt & I during our overnight stay at the Anniversary Inn. This little rendevous was a surprise gift for Kurt's birthday because we had scouts the actual night of his birthday. I booked the Treasure Island room and Hunter & I schemed in hushed tones as to how to pull this off. The plan was to have Kurt go with me to do a little school shopping without him knowing we would then go to his favorite place for lunch, a matinee, and to the Inn. Well, the first bump came when I found out Cooper's meet the teacher was not during the usual Friday afternoon time slot, but moved to Thursday around dinner. So, the plan was adjusted. We still went shopping, came home got Coop, went to his school, and then back home where Hunter was to distract Kurt long enough for me to pack bags and throw them in the car. The biggest challenge in this plan were the many medications Kurt takes and making sure I got the meds between dose times and potty breaks (didn't want him to notice missing jars).

Hunter did a great job distracting him & I packed the bags and threw in tons of meds (necessary & unnecessary). Wouldn't you know it? Kurt had to go to the bathroom right before we left. The following conversation insued: Kurt: My ibuprofen is missing. Me: Are you sure? Kurt: Yes! It's missing. Do you know where it is? Me: Why would I know where it is? You probably just misplaced it. Kurt: I'm serious, where is it. (at this point Hunter & I are giggling in the hall & Kurt comes in and catches us). That is when a brilliant last minute cover up stole the show. Me: Fine! The boys were planning a post-birthday scavenger hunt and are hiding your meds for when we get back from dinner. Don't ruin their fun. Kurt: (laughing) I knew you were up to something! I knew it when I couldn't find the ibuprofen. (Hunter is visibly shaking with laughter) Me: Yep, you caught us. Can we just go now?

So, after all of this, I drive straight to the Inn. As we are getting closer Kurt starts wondering what we are doing. We pull right in front of the Inn and he asks why we are there. He thought that is where we were going to eat. (They don't serve dinner). He was very surprised and loved the room. So, after an evening of being pampered and watching The Fugitive, we fell soundly to sleep. Fast Forward to 3am....a piercing, loud, obnoxious buzzing wakes us up. I immediately called the front desk and asked what it was. It was the fire alarm of course. I asked the guy if we needed to evacuate and he said, "I don't know" and hung up. Many situations start racing through my head. First, if it's nothing we should just go to sleep. Next, What if someone pulled the fire alarm to get us into the hallway and then is going to hurt us (The Fugitive left overs). Third, If we need to go down the balcony maybe we could use one of these ropes from the pretend mast to get down. After 8 minutes, the alarm ended, only to go off two more times. When we checked out we asked what happened. The front desk clerk said one of the guests pulled it, but they didn't know who. (no children are allowed at this place) I was not happy. She also informed us that in her year+ of working there, this had never happened! Shocking.

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August 26, 2007

This week was crazy busy. I have to admit I love weeks like that as long as I get a break before I burn out. My friend Sherri's children came back from their summer with their Dad and Sherri still had a couple of days she had to work, so I watched Sam & Trey for her. Sam is 8 (same age as Coop) and Trey is 7. They were a lot of fun to have and kept Cooper entertained. I thoroughly enjoyed their conversation on the way back from the dollar show. It went something like this (picture these questions and statements bouncing randoming among the 3 of them): When do you think time started? Maybe the ice age. Well, how long is a century? A thousand years. No it's not. Mom, how long is a century? Well, the dinosaurs were the first animals on the earth so they must have started time. Wait, Adam and Eve were the first people on earth, so that must be when time started. No, the dinosaurs were before Adam and Even. Mom, who was first Adam & Eve or the Dinosaurs? This went on and on for the entire ride home.

Hunter earned his driving permit this week and now Kurt & I have to ride with him while he drives. So far, I haven't ridden with him once. He keeps insinuating that I don't trust him, but I told him it's the other people (buildings, mailboxes, small animals) that I don't trust. I know my time is coming.

I met my mentor teacher this week as well and I feel so blessed to have this woman as my guide. She is fantastic and was very warm and welcoming to me. I'll be interning & student teaching at a year round school, so they've already been in class for 3 weeks. It's a 5th grade classroom and the students were darling. I love the honeymood period!

Cooper & I decided to celebrate the end of summer in style and went to one of the municipal pools here. This pool has one slow moving, winding waterslide and two 10 foot drop off waterslides. Sherri & kids came with us and we had a blast. I asked Coop if he wanted to go off the scary (drop off) slides with me and he said, "no way!". Well, I was walking up to the slow slide and Sam said, "Cooper just went off the scary slide". Next thing I know, he is coming up the stairs and getting in line for it again. I caught him as we were heading up the stairs again and asked him why he decided to go down the slide. He said, "I just wanted to try it and, remember, I'm trying to conquer my fears!"

Last night, Mike & Calie (cousins) came over and we played ticket to ride and 90's trivial pursuit. The men ruled the evening with Kurt winning Ticket to Ride and Mike creaming us in 90's Trivial Pursuit. We had a great time! Now, it's back to school eve and I'm feeing quite nervous. I will be at Spalding all day Mondays & Wednesdays. I have classes at BSU Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Wednesday nights and I have to attend Spalding staff meetings for the math magnet portion of the school. So, this week I will be there all day Monday, Wednesday & Friday. I'm excited, nervous, and a little overwhelmed.

Black balloons and all, it's official, Kurt is 40!

Today is a wonderful day. It's the day Kurt is once again 3 years older than I am. I love birthdays, probably more than anyone else in my family, so I'm sure Kurt wasn't surprised to see the boys & I surrounding the bed at 8am with gifts. He actually had the gall to suggest we wait until tonight.

His birthday will be somewhat uneventful because he has scouts tonight, but, sadly enough, scouts is probably the place he would most likely want to be on his birthday. I would like to declare right now that I would NOT like to be at scouts on my 40th birthday.
Kurt is taking all the age jokes with dignity, but aren't you supposed to become more dignified with age? That's what I've heard.

We are so happy to get to share this fun experience with Kurt. We've had him for 17 years and hope to have him for 17 more! Happy Birthday Kurt!

A friend to the end!

This is a day of great mourning! My crockpot has gone to that great kitchen in the sky. What about my black bean soup, barbecued chicken, vegetable soup, pot roast, taco soup, spaghetti sauce, and so much more? Are the days of children coming home from school to the smell of loving crockpot aromas over? Can this true friend be easily replaced with the flick of a card? Fortunately, Yes!

August 19, 2007

I think this past week is going to be the last semi-slow moving week in my foreseeable future. Time is speeding by and taking me with it. Hunter finished his driver's ed classes and has only 2 more drives to do before we have to put our lives in his inexperienced hands. Kurt or I have to ride with him for 40 more daytime hours and 10 more night time hours. I can't even begin to explain the terror that creeps into my soul when I think about being a passenger in the car of a child who still doesn't know how to do laundry. I'd much rather let him run some trials on our laundry! Oh well, I know it's necessary but it wouldn't hurt if you all kept us in your prayers for the next few months.

Speaking of Hunter, I have an announcement to make: He has a job!!! On Thursday he applied at Taco Bell. He interviewed Friday, was hired, and started work yesterday. Interestingly enough, they didn't realize he was only 15 when they hired him, but they decided to keep him on because he'll be 16 in 3 months. They have to adjust some of his hours until then. He looks very handsome in his button down, black Taco Bell shirt and Taco Bell baseball cap.

Kurt heard back from the job he really wanted and he didn't get it. He was so disappointed, but I know brighter times are headed his way. He was called to Scout Master in our ward (LDS church) today and will follow in the immense footsteps of his father. His dad's feet really aren't that big, I was just trying to make the point that Ben is scouter of the millenium or something like that.

Cooper has been much better these past couple of days. He hasn't fake fainted when I've asked him to do chores and he has just smiled when I've told him to quit yelling with food in his mouth. Usually a modest child, he has recently take up the sport of wearing only shorts. Many times in the past few days I have found him running around with his shorts hiked up well above his navel and nothing else covering his twiglike appendages. The other day must have been wear the reverse day because he had on a long sleeve shirt (about 90 degree weather) with just his underwear. I hope this trend ends before school starts or I'm getting called into the principals office!

I've just been driving Hunter wherever his heart desires, cooking, cleaning (all 4 toilets yesterday), and trying to get ready for school. Today has been very cool outside and it makes me excited for fall.

The Master of Shenanigans!

He looks so innocent, hugging a soft teddy bear while his sparkling smile draws you in. Don't be fooled. Although Cooper has many fun, loving characteristics we are very proud of, he uses his creative side for both good and bad. This past couple of days have not been his finest hours. It all started when Kurt was helping Hunter learn to change a tire for drivers ed. Cooper wanted some attention and wasn't getting it, so he picked up a rock & threw it at Kurt. Well, Kurt was not happy and Cooper knew it. He ran into the house & hid. Kurt came in ready to explode, so Coop kept quiet as a mouse. I told Kurt I would take care of it, so he went back outside. Coop came out from hiding and I sent him to his room for thes rest of the evening (this was about 6pm). I told him to clean his room while he was in there. As he walked into his room he said, "Well, at least I have my gameboy" (not the smartest move) and it was promptly removed. At one point in the evening he came downstairs in his underwear to tell me he was hungry. Then, about 20 minutes later, he came downstairs in a cow costume to ask for some water (I'm surprised it wasn't milk). The next day he was running around and wanted to play. Unfortunately, he hadn't cleaned his room so he didn't get to play & had to return to his dungeon. After about an hour, he called me up to check out his room. While looking it over, I noticed the three black & white plaster pictures were lying on the floor instead of hung on the wall where they previously lived. Upon closer inspection, I found there was bright red crayon adorning each & every hanging. Cooper told me he did that during his incarceration because he was so mad. He now owes me the $$ for them.

Today he asked to play after being grounded all last week because he was 3 hours late the last time we let him play. The rules for playing are: be home on time and notify us if you change locations...simple, right? Well, he was supposed to be home at 2:30pm. When he wasn't home by 3pm, Hunter & I went to his predetermined location and no one was there. We went home & started making phone calls....nothing. An hour later, he comes strolling in, eating a chocolate sucker. I had him go to the clock & tell me the time. He knew he was late, but the true deception was about to occur. I asked him where he had been. He told me he has been at the place he really wasn't. When I called him on the carpet, he admitted he went to someone elses house. Then he went to the cupboard to get a snack. Needless to say, no playing around the neighborhood until school is back in session. That didn't even phase him. The only time he was upset about his shenanigans was when I told him he couldn't play any video games.

So, keep an eye out for this little guy. He's cute and cunning and just when you want to throttle him, he puts on a cow costumes and makes you laugh!

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August 12, 2007

The first thing I want to do today is wish my niece Bostyn a Happy 3rd Birthday. Do weeks really fly by this fast? When I flipped to my August calendar at the end of July, there were only a couple of things written on it and I remember thinking, Yes! I still have some summer left. Now my August calendar is a collage of meetings, driver's ed, scouts, school orientations, etc. Luckily I thrive on routine, so as long as it's on the calendar I'm o.k.

This past week included lots of party finalities. Calie (my cousin) and I went to the party supply store which is very large and magically sucks money out of your wallet without you even knowing about it. We spent an afternoon organizing all the murdery mystery materials, leaving only a few things to do for the rest of the week. We split up the food duties and agreed to meet about4 hours before the party started. My sister Kelli agreed to come help us set up and manage the party even though they were just a few days away from moving. The party was a lot of fun. Fourteen teenagers showed up and after an involuntary moment of silence, they finally began to mingle, bribe, lie, and spy. I'll post a picture so you can see some of the great costumes the kids showed up in.

Also this week, Kelli & I took a scrapbooking class together. It was so much fun. None of the fun can be credited to the instructor who was busy telling us she was just there to inspire our creativity (didn't happen) instead of instructing us. It was fun because I was with Kelli and we could have fun at the dump. I'm going to miss her a ton (Mike & cutie-pie Gracie as well). Luckily, they are going to the only other place I would want them to be, Great Falls! It's only fair Jake, my grandparents, and my parents get to play with them too.

My cousin Jamie is attending the Paul Mitchell school of cosmetology here in Boise right now and they had a hair/fashion show on Wednesday I attended. I attended this show last year and it was held at the school. Jamie was a model in it then, but this time she designed the hair and outfit for a model of her choosing. The show was held at a place called The Venue. I think they should change the name to, "The pit of gloom and destruction". Seriously, it was a very dark, dirty, dingy place. Poor Jamie didn't know the show was also going to include amateur rock bands, which played 20 minutes of music between every 5-6 models. The music was loud and somewhat unintelligible. The highlight of the show was Jamie's model. Hands down, she looked the best and Jamie did an amazing job on her hair and makeup. I was very proud of her!

Another great part of this past week was the glimmer of hope we have had on our job hunt for Kurt. First, we got a call from a good friend of ours in Great Falls who told us to have Kurt apply for a job there. The next day Kurt set up an interview with the Great Falls guy and received a call for an interview for a state job here. He had both interviews Thursday. He would have had the Great Falls job, but the benefits would have cost us 40% of his paycheck, so it was a no go. Friday, Kurt got a call from the state job and he has a second interview tomorrow. 51 people applied for this job and 10 were able to interview the first time. If you pray, keep us in them because Kurt really wants this job. If he doesn't get it though, there are some others on the horizon.

Yesterday was party clean up day and I was able to relax a little. Last night Kurt & I went to the movie, The Bourne Ultimatum. It was my favorite in the series and I recommend it if you liked the other. If you made it through this whole thing, have a great week, I know I will!

August 5, 2007

Another week has sped by and I am quickly starting to see summer dissolve. I've made some progress on the murder mystery party with the help of my cousin Calie and Hunter helped deliver some of the character parts. This week will consist of grocery and party good shopping on the budget of an unemployed household.

I met with my friend Sherri who I hadn't seen in probably 15 years. I took her on a tour of the BSU campus and we went to lunch. Boise also has the best candy store called Powells. You can find freshly made candy, current candy, and candy from years past. We made a very delicious stop there. Do you remember slapstick suckers? Well, I loved them as a child so I bought a few. That very night I ate one and it left me feeling very queasy. I guess I can't handle the same amount and types of candy I used to.

Hunter started driver's ed this week. I attended a parent's meeting Wednesday night where we watched a video made in the 80's, but for the most part it's message still applied to today. Drivers' Ed is super expensive, but worth it if it helps prepare a teenager to drive. Hunter had class for 3 hours on Thursday & Friday and has already had one driving session. I was out walking and saw him behind the wheel...scary. Luckily driving laws in Idaho have gotten more stringent, so it will be awhile before he actually has his license. More to come on this frightening adventure later.

Cooper & I went to a municipal pool yesterday called Ivy Wild. We met Sherri there. It was so much fun and is a really nice pool. There are a couple little waterslides for small children and then 3 waterslides for adults and good swimmers. Cooper had to take a little swim test to be able to use the big slide and he passed, so he was able to go down the fun, curvy slide. I was so proud of him. For some reason he didn't want to go do the slides with big drop offs at the end. For that matter, neither did Sherri. We both got a little sunburnt which just makes me mad at myself. I applied sunblock to both of us, but forgot to reapply. Luckily, Cooper doesn't really burn easy & it's tan the next day. On the other hand, I still have lobster skin in a few areas.

One of the funnest things I did this week has to do with the ladies in my family. My grandmother started a fictional suspense book. She wrote the prologue and the first chapter. Then, she sent it to my Mom who wrote a chapter. I received it next and finished my chapter last night. Writing after my mother & grandmother was incredibly intimidating. They are really good. Luckily, they aren't competitive and this is "just for fun". I've sent it on to my sister-in-law, Heidi. I know she will do a great job.

That's it for now. Until next week!