Friday, February 29, 2008

The ups & downs











Last Sunday we had a birthday get together for my little cousin, Ben. He is the most imaginative little guy. He would only let us call him Wolverine or Logan and when we sang him Happy Birthday, he reminded us to sing Happy Birthday Logan. I was cracking up because the when we got there he and Parker were half naked. Parker even had a pair of nunchuks tucked safely away in his undies. (ps. they are only 4 & 5 years old....that would be cute with a cousin my age)



Remember Wednesday when the driving skills guy was a no show. Well, things got worse. That night I felt really sick to my stomach when I went to bed. Then, at 2am, I woke up with the chills, fever, and dry heaves...which turned into vomiting. I felt so, so sick. I was up all night and was unable to do my student teaching...that about killed me. On my Mom's advice, I called my doctor who told me to come in. She thought it might be a UT infection & put me on antibiotics. The only problem: I was incredibly nauseous. I got one down and then had a blessing last night. I took a tylenol PM and slept, fitfully, all night. Cooper made me the above note and then put the gems & accompanying note on the floor of my closet....so thoughtful of him!
I still feel terrible this morning, so the doctor made me come back in. My blood pressure was 80/20...I was completely dehydrated. They cath'ed me (I know you are crossing your legs right now) and then put some fluids in me. I felt a lot better after the fluids. Then, they sent me for a renal ultrasound. The good news: no blockage of my kidney. The bad news: it's full of stones. So, I'll be visiting my friendly neighborhood urologist some time in the next 2 weeks.
Great News: I ate something and it didn't hurt! YEAH!!!




Wednesday, February 27, 2008

So late!



I have to quickly post a little bit before I completely succumb to the guilt loaded on my shoulders. My goal was to post every Sunday, and I finally broke that goal, but I'm back on track hopefully.

Why do I have a picture of horses you may be asking yourself? That is the scene I witnessed out my front window on Sunday. Those of you who know where I live realize how dangerous it is for horses to be out for a leisurely escape. Instead of trying to do anything to help (I'm not a rodeo clown), I yelled for Hunter to take a pic with his phone.

We have a weird electricity poltergeist in our house and it reared it's ugly head again this week. My computer won't recognize Kurt or my Ipod, so no downloading for us. Kurt's digital clock reads 4:00....no matter how many times he changes it. Almost every time I turn on a light, a bulb pops. What is up with that?

Hunter tried to take his driving skills test today, but the tester was a no show. It's a long ugly story I don't care to relive at the moment, but maybe someday I'll pass it along someday. As for now, my bed awaits. Hopefully a good night's rest will relieve my smoker's voice. It's a nasty habit!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Twlight


Cedric Diggory as Edward Cullens...you've got my attention!

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_movie.html

Thanks for the info Erika!!

Fright Night

Scared...that was me most of last night. It all started around 11pm when Kurt had settled in to bed. I swore I heard two men talking in our house. I sat up with a start which roused Kurt a little and asked him if he heard anything, but he said he didn't. So I figured it was a radio or TV somewhere and fell asleep.


1:45am. I awoke to two men conversing. This time it went on for a long time. I woke Kurt and, although he seemed to be half asleep, asked if he heard it. After taking about 3 minutes to get out of bed, he headed out of our room....of course the voices were gone by that time. I heard him get a drink, go the bathroom and soon he was back in bed. I asked him what it was, he murmured some unintelligible phrase. I asked he if checked the radio...no. Did he check anything? No. Very grumpily, I climbed out of bed to figure things out, knowing I wasn't going to get any sleep until I found some answers to the mystery.

I looked around in the kitchen and unplugged the radio. Then I noticed the answering machine was blinking. When did someone call? I hadn't heard a phone ring. I hit play..making sure it was loud enough to maybe wake Kurt. First there were a lot of weird, techno sounds. My mind raced as I tried to figure what to make out of it all. Was the radio frequency picking up on some electric current flowing from the answering machine which picked up conversations from somewhere outside our house? Was this that horror show where you get a weird call and then you mysteriously die? Was someone hired to hurt our family and only through divine intervention their conversation was miraculously recorded on our answering machine? Eventually the very long recorded information turned to male voices talking, athough very difficult to understand. I definitely heard the word Lott a couple of times though. Now I was beside myself.


It was then I realized the phone beside my bed was in another room which must be why I didn't hear the phone ring...although I usually do anyway. I got the phone and put it next to my bed...within easy reach. Through the sounds of Kurt snoring, I played one insane possibility after another in my mind. For sure, I would not be sleeping until I figured it out.


3:00 a.m. I'm still awake and the phone rings. I answer it and hear the strange sounds again. I wake Kurt up and make him take the phone. He repeatedly says, "hello" in to the phone, but no one says anything to him...just to another invisible person. He hands the phone to me and the caller hangs up. Finally, inspiration strikes and I dial star 69. I wrote down the number and then called it. A man picked up the phone. I meanly state that he has called our house 3 times and ask him what is going on. He explains, in an apologetic voice, that he has a touch phone and, while in his pocket, it has randomly dialed us. Really?? That sounds fishy. I hang up still wondering if this person has something dire in mind for our family.


The alarm rang way too early and I was exhausted, but I went to school...thinking about what had happened. After school, I played the tape for Hunter & Ryan. Then I double dog dared Hunter to call the number & ask who the person is. Low and behold, it's a guy from Hunter's work. AHHHHH!!!!! At least the mystery is solved....or is it? How come I heard the voices twice before I actually picked up the call the third time and there was only ONE message on my machine? I leave that for you to explain.


ps. I taught a unit on The Mysteries of Harris Burdick last November and entered my students in a national contest. One of my students took 3rd place out of thousands of entries!!!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

February 17, 2008
























Cooper turned 9 yesterday. His last year of single digit birthdays...I can't believe it. Cooper teaches me alot and definitely pushes me to parent in a whole new way. He is incredibly inquisitive and retains information about the most random facts. He is a little too observant about the people, animals, and various things in his environment. He loves big...and is quite forgiving.
He wants to be a veteraniarian when he grows up. He is creative. It makes him very sad to have so little family around. I think he would have really enjoyed growing up in a large family.
For his birthday, we went to Artist for a Day. He and 3 friends picked out figurines to paint. Then they made a special birthday plate for him. It was relaxing and enjoyable. We pick up the final products in a week, after they are fired and glazed. If you squint your eyes a little, his High School Musical cupcakes look like a fish cake...which would also be appropriate. In the first photo, he is on the phone with my parents and Misti & her family. They called to sing him happy birthday. I'm so glad Cooper is a part of our family. He is quite a miracle to us.
A few other tidbits from the week:
  • I found out it costs almost $100/month to insure teenage boys....ouch.
  • Cooper gets his mouth mold made tomorrow. He was excited until someone on the bus told him how awful it is.
  • I become "the teacher" for my class all day starting Tuesday...scary.
  • Blue icing should be banned...especially the buttercream kind.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Movie Review: 27 Dresses



Hunter took me to this show one day. He said he could now officially say he has seen a chick flick. If I would have seen this show with one of my sisters instead of Hunter...I would have been more comfortable.

There are a couple hot and heavy make out scenes and some profanity. I think it's a cute show though. Have you ever wished movie producers would create a clean cut version of shows? They have unrated cuts of show so why not clean cuts? It wouldn't take that much extra time in the editing studio.

Movie Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles



I really loved this movie. It was somewhat scary. I jumped a couple of times. Cooper cried from fear toward the end, but now he wants to see it again. I don't know if I would take young children to this movie...it may be too scary for them.

ps. I haven't read the books, but Cooper reserved a few from the library today. Any movie that prompts a child to read gets an extra gold star from me!

Movie Review: Definitely, Maybe


For the most part I liked this show. It a chick flick for sure. The premise of the movie is creative, but I didn't particularly like how they ended it. There was some profanity in it and some frank sex ed talk. It's PG-13 for a reason.

Movie Review: Juno



I think I'm the only person in the Universe who DETESTED this movie. When I go to a show, I want to be entertained in a way that meshes with my values. I don't feel the need to experience nudity, profanity, vulgarity, or the trashing of certain principles I hold dear. Unfortunately, Juno crossed the line on many levels for me. I wish I would have walked out!

I LOVE Valentines Day!











I was so excited for yesterday to come...I could hardly wait. I like to create scavenger hunts for the boys. Last year I used the scriptures to lead them to certain places in the house. This time, they had to answer questions about Kurt & I to figure out where their Valentine surprises were.
When they got home from school (at different times), they started the hunt. I jumped up and down giddily as I followed them throughout the house, sometimes giving them prompts to the answers. Then, as luck would have it, Kurt's boss let him off early so he was home by 5pm. He & Hunter went to get tickets to Spiderwick while I made a heart pizza (above). So it's not quite a heart, close enough. My mom used to make heart pancakes for us which I loved. We ran into some of the Hardy's at the theater, which was a fun Valentine surprise for us!
I wish I would have had one of the boys take a picture of Kurt & I. After the movie, he & I sat down to watch an episode of a series we like. Happy post-Valentines Day to all!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Personality Color Quiz

Take this test!
Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.
Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

These are the Days of my Life...in MT. Part 5!











Continuing the day Kelli turned me into paparazzi, we spent our afternoon having our lunch with Grandpa & Grandma and then playing some intense games of pinochle. If you've never played pinochle...shame, shame, shame. It is a blast, especially when you play with forgiving pros.
I'm usually my grandpa's partner and Kelli partnered up with grandma. I have to say this is one of my favorite things to do when I go home. Spending time with my grandparents is priceless. They are so funny. I feel spoiled when I'm there. Also, they always tell my sister's and I how beautiful we are....you can never hear that enough times.
I should add...grandpa & I were the reigning champions. I say that with great humility. Although a lot more went into my Montana adventure, these were the highlights. The drive home is only worth mentioning in your nightmares (plus, I'm pretty sure I already mentioned it in a different post).
ps. If there are any pinochle players who live nearby....feel free to give me a call!

These are the Days of my Life...in MT. Part 4!




This was the day Kelli kept BEGGING me to take her picture. I'm not sure why seeing as she didn't feel good and had a really horrible night sleep, but being the always-eager-to-please sister that I am, I obliged her request.
This particular morning, the four of us decided to go to Real Deals, a fairly new low priced home decor store in Great Falls. Khanyi brought Kami and Kaila to play with Coop and Gracie and we let Hunter babysit them all...what a lucky fellow.
Although it was a short girls outing, we had so much fun. We got back to Kelli's and visited and relaxed. Jake came and we ordered sandwiches..again. Unfortunately the food didn't arrive for over an hour and by the time it came, Khanyi's kids were ready for a nap. She took her sandwich with her. I know she had a lot she had to do that day, so I was thrilled she took the morning to hang out and reminisce. We had some pretty amusing conversations.

Monday, February 11, 2008

These are the Days of my Life...in MT. Part 3!




If you know me at all, even a little bit, you know one thing. I like SUGAR. I don't mean kisses, hugs, or lame, cheesy come-ons. I mean actual, white, crystally, sweet sugar. There is one place in Great Falls (other than my grandma's house) that I go to get my sugar fix. Sadly, I don't remember the name, but I can describe every square inch of the place to you...don't worry, I won't.
Kelli, Mike, Gracie, Cooper, and I decided to go to the Candy store. I usually take Jake's kids, but it was a squished visit so I'll have to take them this summer. In this smorgasborg of sweet perfection, you get a white paper sack and mingle from one candy bin to another...choosing your favs. They make taffy and various kinds of fudge and well as handmade chocolates. There is every gummy you can think of, hard candy, gum, sugar free candy, and weird Fear Factor sweets.
The best part is the sugar high you float in for hours after your done shopping. It seems to be the gift that keeps on giving!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

These are the Days of my Life...in MT. Part 2!






















I really wanted to go see Jake & Khanyi's new house on base, not to mention their beautiful family. So, I picked Jaron up from school that day and after a few hours at Kelli's, we met Jake at the visitor's center on base. It's quite the formal process to get a visitors pass, but after about 15 minutes, we were off to infilitrate government secrecy. Fine...I lived on base and it's probably one of the safest places to call home. Khanyi had a dinner date with a friend, so she put some spaghettios on the stove for the kids. Jake & I ordered the tastiest sandwiches from the Pita Pit and settled in. Hanging out with Jake is always enjoyable. He's witty and full of good gossip. He's an awesome dad...that's for sure. About an hour later, Mike, Kelli, & Gracie showed up with a party in a box....Guitar Hero.
I'm sure you have all heard about this game, but it is truly addicting. We all took turns battling each other. Kelli and I were about the same level. Mike and Jake were better than we were, but the best was watching them strike those 80's rock poses. I have to get this game for the Wii. We had such a good time. I have to mention Kaila can find the steady beat in any song within seconds and I loved watching her dance. Also, Jake's house is big and beautiful. Khanyi definitely has a talent for decor. Stay tuned for more Days of my Life!

Saturday, February 9, 2008

These are the Days of my Life...in MT. Part 1!





























We had so much fun while we were in MT. I thought I would share a few of the highlights. These pictures were taken on Christian skate night at the local rink. Jake and his family (minus Khanyi and Kalea), Kelli and family, and the Boise group all went. I rented roller blades, which I'm more comfortable in, but I was barely keeping myself upright. Cooper looked like Bambi when he started skating. He fell so many times...it's hard to keep track and all those twig-like limbs flailing made for quite a scene. Gracie just skated on her own. I was constantly afraid someone would run over her, but she is a force to be reckoned with. Kami was timid, but she was pretty steady on her feet.
Kaila looked like a disco queen...she owned the floor. Jaron was a little more stable than Coop, but not much. My fav was when we were doing the Hokey Pokey and everyone at the rink had made a giant circle. All of the sudden, Jaron skated into the center of the circle to finish the song. He was jammin' and then, with most eyes on him, took a dive. But that kid can take a lickin'. He just popped back up and worked the circle.
Ryan was menace to society. He would take his thug hat and throw it in front of people (mainly Hunter) to make them fall. He also tried to make this poor little boy push me down. All in all, it was so much fun. Kelli took the photos, so I was free to relive the glory days. I only wish Khanyi would have been there. I heard she is one hot skatin' mama!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

February 3rd or 4th,2008



I'm not really sure what the date is, but it's Sunday and I'm in Montana. I decided to take the boys +Ryan and go to MT for awhile. The weather has been bad enough that I didn't think I was really going to go, but it was in the back of my mind for the past couple of weeks. I wanted to see my grandparents and Jake & Kelli and their families, but I HATE driving on bad roads and in poor weather. Then, Friday, I felt I really should leave, so we packed up and headed out yesterday. Oh yeah...no one in Great Falls knew we were coming.

The first bump in the plan happened about a quarter of a mile outside of Boise. A severe accident kept us stopped on the highway for over an hour. I kept thinking I should just forget it, but faith pushed me a long. After that, I hit about 2 hours of poor road conditions and snow. Then I go to Monida pass and the visibility was terrible. After that,smooth sailing. I got here just in time as storms have hit MT and ID. We walked into Kelli's and she couldn't believe it. She kept saying, "What are you doing here?" That could be misconstrued, but I believe she meant it in a good way. Then we popped over to Grandma's and, although she hid it pretty well, she insists she was completely surprised. I called Khanyi who, after realizing she wasn't talking to Kelli, gave me a grand welcome. I really miss being around my family in MT. Today Kelli & I played pinochle with our grandparents and we had so much fun. MT will always feel like home to me.

I'll try to take lots of pictures, but sometimes I'm having so much fun, I forget. Gracie had forgotten who I was, but it took her no time at all to warm up. Jaron & Kaila are old enough to remember and I haven't seen Khanyi, Kami, and Kalea yet....but I will soon. I hope all of you are cozy and warm in your various homes.