It rained.

see 2 posts below . . . ugh.

(but the good news is - the AC is fixed. Hooray!)

Sunny day. Sweepin the clouds away.

Image Source: http://www.cerebis.com/mcgrath/images/famous/bob.jpg

Guess whose class I went to today!?!?!?!? Howdjaa guess??? hahaha

This weekend I'm attending a conference that my principal signed me up for. It's been really fun so far - and the keynote speaker was Bob! Did you know that Sesame Street is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary this next year? So cool! Bob was great and I loved hearing him speak. After the main talk I got to go to a smaller class by him about using music in the classroom.

I use a TON of music in my class. Everything usually has to be modified when teaching my students - but I can ALWAYS teach things through music. It's absolutely stunning to watch behaviors melt and disappear when we start a song.

Anyway - just had to share who I saw in living person. I thought about asking for a picture - but I just couldn't bring myself to do it . . . so this one will have to do. By the way . . . He looks exactly the same in person. Some things in life are so comforting.

Hotter than . . .

Image source: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20041025/gallery/sunspot_zoom.jpg

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The next 7 days our forecast ranges between 100-105 degrees. Which of course means . . . time for our AC to break. Why not? It seemed like it kept getting hotter and hotter today and then it was a little beyond hot. ugh. NOT a good thing.

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Not to mention our newly turned convertible/truck whose back window recently shattered. It now allows a cool refreshing breeze in at anytime of day! And hey - we don't have to worry about rain any time soon! hahaha!

A year ago . . .

I still shake my head in disbelief when I think of the series of miracles packed into about a 10 second time period of events this time last year. I had taken the kids to a Fort Worth Cats baseball game that was rained out minutes before it started by an unexpected deluge of rain. 3 inches in 30 minutes. As we left Fort Worth - safely seatbelted inside our lovely 9 month old Toyota Corolla - we hydroplaned - lost control - slid to the left side - hit the center concrete barrier in the highway - spun out - slid across all the lanes of traffic - head on into a light pole - which saved us from hitting a retaining wall head on. The pole started to come down on the top of our car - and then instead slid down sideways - away from the car. Air bags deployed and seatbelts were secure. Although our car was sticking out into traffic on a blind curve - and other cars behind us hydroplaned too - we were spared anymore trouble until the firetruck came to block traffic. Other than some seatbelt burn, bruises and a little bit of shock - we were all ok. It's taken some time to 'get back on the bike' as they say - but we are so grateful that we were so blessed. Many people (angels) stopped to help and my always-helpful wonderful in-laws immediately came to our rescue. Poor Bob was out of the country and prayed us through the whole thing. I am so grateful for the protective arms and watchful eye of the Lord that night. There had to have been angels surrounding us every step of the way home that night. Grateful just doesn't seem to cover it.

Blog Etiquette Question??????? Help!

Image Source: http://www.anu.edu.au/anugreen/files/403_question%20mark.jpg

Okay - so there are a lot of you out there whose blogs I've stumbled upon - usually through links on other friend's pages - whom or who (not sure which is the correct usage . . . Kristy????) I would like to add to my list of friend's blogs - particularly many from my ward, etc . . .

However . . . this being said (what does that really mean?) is there some permission I should ask or process I need to do - perhaps a traditional Maori raindance or chant to the moon to make sure it's ok with all these lovely people before I add their link to my blog???? If not - I'm just adding everyone . . . or if you might be one of these lurking people - leave an "it's ok" comment I guess. That is - I'm assuming - that you've discovered my blog - as I have discovered yours.

Hmmmm . . . so overly complicated . . .

Teaching Certificate

Image Source: http://www.yogainlasvegas.com/images/stress_one.gif

Happy Hooray-day to me! Happy Hooray-day to me!!!!

Today I officially received my standard teaching certificate. It didn't take me by surprise - and isn't really a big deal - but it's such a relief to have all that over. It's like closing a big chapter and I'm so glad! Hooray!

So now - I have to remember on days like the above picture - that this is what I worked for! What an unexpected path my life has taken - but I'm right where I should be - and so . . . I may come back and read this post often during the next school year! :o)

"Lucky Two-Charmed Ever-Lovin' Boyfriend!"

Image Source: http://www.inspirationline.com/images/heartsSky.jpg

I just can't ever forget . . .

T was teasing Kbugs tonight about some cartoon character being her boyfriend. It was in typical brother/sister fashion and everyone was laughing . . . when the quote of the day was uttered . . .

"K . . . he's your lucky two-charmed ever-lovin boyfriend!" (whhhhhaaaaaa?!?!?!?!) Where those words came from we'll never know - but apparently K will now forever have a Lucky Two-Charmed Ever-lovin' Boyfriend!

I think it's true love!

Dino's Subs

There's this vortex near the middle of town that when I'm driving through I have to fight the car from going towards the center of the pull. Dino's subs is my weakness. Not only do they have THE BEST SANDWICHES but they also have delicious HOMEMADE lemonade. It is so good. I can't say that enough. It is SO GOOD!!!! All their sandwiches are heavenly - but my heart belongs to #21 - The Blackjack - with the works. I love it so much I could marry it! (well . . . you know . . . ) It's one of those things - that I can't pull myself away from it to try anything else. Although from time to time the antipasto salad does try to lure me away and call my name. So far it hasn't worked - but someday it may. Apparently they have to-die-for ice cream too - but I've never made it to that end of the counter. I'm always too stuffed to get that far.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not a frequent customer - which is why I have to fight my car from driving there. If I was I'd need even more time at the gym then I can already manage. I wish I was though - and so . . . I just need to stay far far away from that vortextual pull. (like my new word? I'm adding it to my personal dictionary!) I'm just saying - if you like a good sub and you're here in town - Dino's is the place to go!

Mmmmmm . . . homemade lemonade. What could be better on a 104 degree day!?!?!?! Must . . . stay . . . strong!!!!!

Happy Birthday Buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Double Digits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You rock! I love you!

"Overflow" part 2

The other thing I thought of for the word overflow - is that rather then being a glass-half-empty or a glass-half-full kind of person . . . I humbly realize my glass is always overflowing. I am profoundly grateful for the immense amount of blessings that come into my life every day.

"Overflow"

I wonder what this will be about? Hmmmmm . . .

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Actually - the picture isn't quite accurate - but I will get to that in a minute. Let me back up a bit. San Angelo. 1999. Our first house. There isn't anything about San Angelo that we didn't like. It was picture perfect. Getting used to living in a house was a little bit of an adjustment - but not one that we minded at all. It was pretty exciting actually. I think we felt like we'd finally reached adult status to a degree. It was a three bedroom - two bathroom house - with the master bedroom connected to its own bath. We quickly got used to the little upkeep and maintenance things that come along with being in a house and decided we really liked it.

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Bob worked so close to home that he came home each day for lunch. It was such a dream! Well - one day he came home - ate lunch - visited the loo (hahaha) and left for work again. It was a lovely uneventful lunch break - one of no particularly special note. We carried on with our day as usual. About an hour and a half (let me repeat AN HOUR AND A HALF) later I went to retrieve something out of our master bedroom. I casually and unsuspectingly walked into our bedroom and instantly realized my feet were wet. Not only were my feet wet - but as my foot sunk into the soaking sopping wet carpet - my foot was nearly covered in water. As my brain slowly processed this information - I began to realize this was not right. My feet were not supposed to get wet as I walked in my room. My next thought was - there's no water source in our bedroom - ooohhp! whoops! wait-a-sec - but there IS water in our bathroom - clear on the other diagonal side of the room. This brilliant realization seemed to suddenly coincide with the whooshing, splashing and spraying sound I could hear coming from the general direction of INSIDE OUR BATHROOM!!!!!!

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Now I like to consider myself a tough girl. Able to handle pretty much whatever falls in my path. My Dad taught me many things to be confidently self-sufficient in basic home and other ensuing social/auto repair/civic situations, etc. (that's quite a combo) So onward I plunged (hahaha! pun not intended! I crack myself up!) (ok - focus!) As I opened the cracked door to our bathroom I was in no way prepared for the situation that slapped me in the face. Literally. I'm not kidding. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. To this day - I'm a little hazy on the details. I tend to block deeply traumatic moments.

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When I opened the door I was immediately sprayed by a wild water hose from the back of the tank that had come to life and was clearly enraged that one end of it was still stuck in the toilet tank. It was contorting and flipping wildly - like a seething snake from Medusa's head. It must have sensed my presence because I immediately became its primary target. There was frantic shock as I tried to process what was going on. I knew I was soaked. By toilet water. Which toilet water? I didn't quite yet know. Nonetheless - it was toilet water. And I was drenched. I tried to scream - but the hose that seemed to be alive used my moment of weakness to its advantage and sprayed me cleanly in the mouth. Gagging, spitting, screaming at the same time - I was filled with outrage - and jumped back from the doorway - slamming the door shut. I was losing a battle with my own toilet.

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At some previous point - the toilet had signaled it's angst and tried to warn us of impending doom. Hence the lid to the tank had been removed - but the issue clearly had not been fully addressed or resolved. In this moment of heroic desperation - I knew what I had to do. I must bravely and boldly go into the enemy territory - retrieve the lid and somehow replace it to control the wild beastly raging tube that had reigned that bathroom for the past hour and a half. I would win. I had to. Failure was not an option. I braced myself for what was about to happen - taking a deep breath - for I had learned not to open my mouth again. (it was about the only time I learned that lesson! hahaha)

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The entire dash to the toilet was probably under 5 seconds - but time had slowed to slow motion and the tube sensed the end was near. In a final chance to release it's wrath - it poured out with a renewed vigor. It seemed as though it was slapping me across the face - back and forth - mocking my efforts. I recall screaming (I opened my mouth again!) and gargling at the same time - drenched head to toe. I grabbed the lid - wrestled momentarily with the hose - and slammed it on. Normally a sense of victory would have been appropriate - however - I had been humiliated. By a tube. A toilet tube. Drenched with toilet water. In my mouth.

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As I looked around the bathroom - and the pond that used to be our bedroom - I knew my part of the battle was over. I slogged back through the bedroom -soaking wet - mascara running down my face - to greet two toddlers with wide-eyes and fearful looks - backing away and mumbling "Mommy what happened?" in a soft tone - not really expecting or wanting an answer. I reached for the phone - dialed Bob's work number - and as he answered in his wonderful middle-of-the-day-what-could-possibly-go-wrong office greeting voice - I could only utter in a low trembling voice "COME. HOME. RIGHT. NOW." Being the only time I have ever made such a demand - he sensed perhaps something was not quite right - and made it home in 2 1/2 seconds flat.

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As I recall - Bob knew exactly what to do - got rid of the water - and aired out/cleaned up the soaking mess. Oh - and he fixed the toilet too. (It didn't even so much as shudder when he opened the lid) But I swear - that's how it happened. Until now - no one knew of the intense battle that raged inside that room that day. It was a brave and valiant battle. And now - may the legend live on forever. The day I alone conquered the toilet. May all toilets tremble in fear.

Random Word Generator

It has been said I can talk about anything. True? Perhaps.

Apparently, when I was young, my family thought so. Each year we would take long cross country vacations in my dad's antique car. It was so much fun! We would drive for weeks and see all kinds of amazing things. During those long stretches of not-much-in-between I would pass the time with witty amusing and admittedly - rather pointless conversation! In recognition of this fine talent - a family member made an off hand comment (challenge) that I could probably even talk about highway cones . . . and so I began. "The art of laying highway cones . . ." As I recall - about 12 minutes into the riveting discourse - victory was conceded and I was 'asked' to stop. :o)

And so - last night - in a bid to think of something new to write here - I was wishing for perhaps just a word to trigger something to write about. I felt confident that - given a word - I could pour out something entertaining. And so - I turned to my trusty friend . . . Google. It has never failed me. This time it gave me RANDOM WORD GENERATOR. What a cool tool! And the word was . . . overflow. I instantly knew what to write about - and that post will be coming soon. (I know you can't wait!)

I can feel it coming . . .

40 days . . . It's creeping in the corners . . . it will sneak up soon.

I'm going to enjoy every second of the next forty days.

Things I didn't know this time last year . . .

This time last year I really had no idea what autism was.
I didn't know that:

• Autism often strikes boys more often than girls – roughly four times more common in boys. With statistics being 1 in every 150 children that makes it 1 in every 94 males.
• One in every 150 children born in the US has autism (per the CDC report). It is estimated approximately 1 million in the US have this disorder.
• A new case of autism is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes
  There are 24,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. per year
• The economic impact of autism is more than $90 billion and expected to more than double in the next decade.
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. There is no medical detection treatment, or cure for autism

(Source: http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/autism/latest_autism_statistics.htm)

As I quickly learned - for many of the children this means that a trip to the grocery store might be a torturous nightmare. The sound of an air conditioner might seem like standing beside a jet engine. The feel of a pair of pants on their legs would feel like constant sandpaper scratching their legs. That making eye contact is an unbearable request. Answering questions might not be possible and social interaction doesn't come naturally.

Autism covers a vast range of varying degrees. While some students may have obvious signs of autism - others don't. And in the past I may have considered a misbehaving child just that - but now I know . . . and every child has the benefit of my doubt. These sweet children live in a world where overstimulating experiences surround and bombard them constantly. I have learned so much - not only from the children but the parents of these sweet children - who are grappling at such a young age with such a individualized disability.

The following is a non-comprehensive list - but a good start of some possible symptoms of autism. Also - http://www.autismspeaks.org/ has amazing resources and an invaluable video section to help learn the signs of autism. EARLY INTERVENTION is the best possible hope for a child with autism. Per the autismspeaks website:

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
No babbling by 12 months
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

If you are still reading - bless you . . . one last thing:

People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits.
Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words
Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
Laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
Prefers to be alone; aloof manner
Tantrums
Difficulty in mixing with others
May not want to cuddle or be cuddled
Little or no eye contact
Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
Sustained odd play
Spins objects
Inappropriate attachments to objects
Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
No real fears of danger
Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
Uneven gross/fine motor skills
Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
(Source: http://www.sashasrecovery.com)

A Breakthrough!!!

This is huge news for so many people I've become associated with. I am so hopeful this will lead to even more discoveries . . .

Click here: Gene discoveries yield autism clues

Isn't it funny when you get involved in a particular area or with a certain cause - it seems like the whole world should take the same notice too! :o)

Oh heaven help me!!!

I take no credit. You must go here: The Pioneer Woman Cooks

They are wickedly delicious and entirely too easy to make. My family is so happy! Ritz crackers, peanut butter and marshmallows. It took under 5 minutes from start to my mouth. I am not kidding. I wouldn't do that. Not in a situation like this. Click to the link and see for yourself. I may never need to go camping again. (I only went for the marshmallows! Shhhh - don't tell!)

Did you know?????

That the National Scouting Museum is located in Irving, Texas and it is SO MUCH FUN!!!! Not only that - but Monday's are free! Woop woop!

It is very interactive - and I must say I shot every target dead on with the rifles! Thank you very much!

There are many things to do - and they also have a really cool exhibit of Norman Rockwell paintings who used to do illustrations for the Boy Scouts.

If you're bored ch-ch-check it out! National Boy Scout Museum

My day . . .

Flatlined . . . ugh. There's always tomorrow. Right?

I must have needed a slow day I guess - so I had one. ;o)

Thanks Mom!

My Mom is out of town this week visiting my sister in Idaho (Lucky! - Hi guys!). She graciously let us babysit her new minivan this week and my kids are now mesmerized by minivans! They don't remember the years of our minivan given that they were much smaller - but they have decided they are the latest and greatest. I think it's just great that they have something to dream about! ;o) And it's great that they have such a sweet Grandma that gives them a glimpse of that dream from time to time! (Thanks Mom!)

A wise woman once said "Isn't it great to wake up with a dream?" Right Jae?

I figure our small car will help build their character for now . . . hee hee. Sorry guys! I couldn't resist.

I love the gym (most days)

Must . . . find . . . the strength . . . to go!!!!

They have new weight machines that I haven't figured out yet. I need to ask for help - otherwise - knowing my luck I'll be trying to bench press on the construction scaffolding and making a fool of myself. (It wouldn't be a first . . . trust me!) :o)

Making a rock bleed . . .

Gasping for air . . . double billed - TWO MONTHS IN A ROW! (breathe!!!) Refund takes 2 months - or (per their suggestion) just leave it to be applied to the next month's bill since we won't see our money before then anyway. So I guess we're a few months ahead on the bright side??? Ouch! No supervisor to be found. Return call from overseas. No solution! Aggghhh! Not like we exactly saved up to pay double electric bills just for the fun of it. Ugh!

I love lists!

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago . . . 1998 . . . I think we lived in San Angelo – no wait – I remember!!! I was super pregnant (how could I forget that!?!?!?) and we had just moved from Utah to Texas. We stayed with my Mom for a while and then moved into an apartment – only to move to San Angelo a short while later. (Talk about a lot of moving!) I think we quit unpacking after awhile. 13 moves in our first 9 years made us a little weary! K-bugs was 2 and so adorable with her little pig tails! I was teaching piano lessons and Bob was working for GTE which later morphed into Verizon.

Where were you 5 years ago?

2003 – Ummm – gosh I’m bad with dates. Let’s see . . . we had lived in our home for 1 year and were remodeling like crazy. (It was still novel and fun then! Hahaha!) That means TJ was 2. I was doing daycare in our home from 7am till 9pm some nights! (Sounds fun right? :o) I know! I know!) K was finishing up Kindergarten and B picked Maggie out from the shelter to be our new dog. What a great job he did!!! Way to go buddy!

5 months ago?

Celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary! Hubba hubba! (every year gets even better!), teaching school, taking my last exam for certification (hooray!), watching B sell his homemade cake at the Scout auction for $60!!!! (way to go Buddy!!!), running the kids around, losing sleep and loving the craziness of our life!


5 things on my to do list...

1. Go to the gym
2. Apply for my standard teaching certificate
3. Put together the Webelos cub scout calendar
4. Clean my desk
5. Get more food storage

5 Snacks...

1. Hmmm . . . ok - wheat thins
2. Pringles
3. Dark chocolate (isn’t it a food group?)
4. Mozzarella sticks (major weakness)
5. Ben & Jerry’s (anyone else see a problem with this list!?!?!?!)

3 bad habits...

1. Singing opera when I shouldn’t
2. I can out-burp anyone (but not in public – don’t worry!) (my parents are so proud I’m sure!) :o)
3. Staying up waaaaaaaaaaay too late!!!


5 places I have lived...

1. Grinnell, Iowa
2. Thousand Oaks, CA
3. Trumbull, Connecticut
4. Spanish Fork, Utah
5. San Angelo, TX

5 jobs I have had...

1. Research/Teaching Assistant at BYU
2. Piano Teacher
3. Tech Support for Reservations at American Airlines
4. Recruiter for University of Phoenix
5. PreK Teacher for children with disabilities


5 things people don't know about me...

1. During high school I did a foreign exchange to Germany.
2. I swam in a lake with alligators. (smart, no?)
3. I flew a plane and broke it. (another story for another day)
4. I have been to Africa
5. In college I competed in country/swing dancing

Organ vs Piano

This is the organ at the BYU Jerusalem center. It's amazing. I got to play it while I was there. The sound is amazing and it's truly a magnificent instrument.

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To clarify . . . I am NOT an organ player per se. Truth be told - I started piano when I was 5 and stopped when I was in college - but the organ is a whole different beast! I feel at home and comfortable on the piano. I'm actually taking piano lessons this summer with the kids. I LOVE playing. It's the kind of connection where I can pour my heart into the keys of the piano. It heals my soul to play.

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My grandma however did play the organ and showed me a couple things about the difference between the piano and the oragn when I was a teenager. That's about all the organ lessons I've had. If I had more time I'd take the free organ class through BYU. (someday!) When we moved to San Angelo they hadn't had a pianist or organist in a long time. I readily agreed to play the piano for sacrament meeting - but then they insisted I try the organ. Luckily they were so excited to sing to the organ - they didn't mind my rough spots. Although I did have that one Sunday when my foot hit the pedals during the Sacrament prayer . . . BRWAAAAAAAHHHH. I was so mortified.

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Anyway . . . I'm the back up to the back up substitute every once in a while when our wonderfully talented for-real organist is out and heaven help our poor ward . . . I just never know what's going to come out - let alone HOW. Terrifying might cover it at times. It's a trick to keep up with the crowd, keep a steady beat, watch the conductor and remember to breathe. I'm not kidding. I recently realized I forget to breathe while I'm playing. Probably not a good thing considering brains need oxygen! hahaha!

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There's this weird lag thing that happens when accompanying a large group. Even though you're playing the song they're singing - it's like you're a little bit off due to the sound. If you play with them it just gets slower and slower till you're past the point of a funeral dirge. And the volume pedal sticks - which is utterly hysterical when you just want to turn it up a little and it catches and goes to SUPER sound barrier breaking level loud!!! Oh what a mess I am! My greatest fear is that one of these days I'll pass out from fear and not breathing and I'll slide down onto the foot pedals in a crashing bass crescendo of loud tones of a dying goose. Truly a sacrament meeting that would not be forgotten. Anyhow - it's good for me. Keeps me humble! :o) hahaha! And honestly I don't mind playing if everyone can just forgive the possible jumbled mess that might happen to pop out.

K and Me - That was fun!

Oh my dear lovely washer! (an open letter)

Please work again! I'm so sorry for taking advantage of you for so long. I haven't been very thoughtful . . . running you day and night with never a thanks or a "hey - can I help you out?". I've been ever-so-grateful . . . but I haven't told you lately. Please can we make up and be friends? I'll love you forever! Kisses and Hugs! Me

PS - did you, the microwave, and the air conditioner make a secret pact? It's not funny now. Game over. Take it as a threat if you want to. I'm sending Bob in.

My Sweetheart

What’s his name? Bob
How long have you been together? 20 years
How long did you date? We knew each other 7 ½ years before we married and we started going on dates when I turned 16.
How old is he? 33
Who eats more? Hmmmm . . . depends what it is.
Who said I love you first? He did! I remember the moment clearly!!! It made my heart leap! Still does.
Who is taller? Him.
Who sings better? Definitely him. I like to sing when I’m singing with him – otherwise I’m not so good. I love to listen to him sing.
Who is smarter? He is all around! Bob has this amazing ability to see the whole picture really well. I’m great for useless facts and reference material – but in practical useful smarts he rounds out the picture.
Who does the laundry? It’s pretty even. Whoever has a slower week. We kind of balance each other and do whatever we can to keep the house running and give each other a break on the tough weeks.
Who pays the bills? He does now! I’ve done it for probably the last ten or eleven years until a few months ago. I think as this past school year got tougher it was one of the more stressful things Bob lifted off my plate. He’s wonderful!
Who sleeps on the right side? Me.
Who mows the lawn? He does – only because I’m a little intimidated by the riding mower – but honestly I really love to mow. It was my job growing up – and we had a doosie of a yard. Actually our son does most of it now with the push mower because he really likes too.
Who cooks dinner? Ummmm . . . I’d rather not talk about it! :o) Bob is an amazing cook actually. I make something that resembles dinner on and off. During the school year we frequent McDonald’s so much I could gag. But now that the first year is down and we’re reorganizing things around the house – we’ve returned to eating at home.
Who drives? Both. We drive our own cars and when we’re together I usually default to Bob. That way I can talk non-stop without having to be bothered with paying attention to where we’re going! :o) hahaha Unless he’s not feeling well . . . then I hop in.
Who is more stubborn? I am. No doubt. Bless his heart!
Who kissed who first? :o) I won’t kiss and tell!
Who proposed? Ummm . . . he did – but it was one of those moments where we looked at each other and just knew it was that moment. He said “Well?” and I said “Well are you going to ask?” and so he did and so I said yes! And then he did a romantic candle light dinner down-on-one-knee proposal later too! That was fun!
Who has more friends? Probably Bob. I like everyone – but have just a few true close friends through the years. Bob can make friends with anyone!
Who is more sensitive? Depends. I’m more ‘touchy’ sensitive. He’s more ‘thoughtful’ sensitive.
Who has more siblings? Bob – 5 siblings. Me – 2 sisters.
Who wears the pants? Neither of us. We prefer shorts! Not too terribly serious - and we wear them together. We just make a good team.

Another fun old post 7/4/07

Today we made a map/racetrack. I got an old sheet, a Sharpie, and consulted our trusty Google map and we drew our little part of Arlington. We drew all the familiar roads on it and landmarks like church, school, Granny and Pa's, McDonalds, the park etc. It was really fun. The kids are good at knowing the roads and stuff - so we drew it all out and they've been driving their matchbox cars all around it. We're a little concerned about K - she can't seem to keep her car on the roads - so we'll probably make her wait till she's 80 to get her license. We all feel pretty good about that. :o)

In other news we got a call from K's teacher this week. She told us that K has been selected to be in the Pyramid Project. It's the district's Gifted and Talented program. Basically - based on her performance and scores she will be put in advanced placement classes and stuff through high school. Anyway - it's pretty exciting! We are proud of her and all the hard work she's done. Good job KayKay! :o)

For parents and teachers

Whose Child Is This?

Author Unknown

“Whose child is this?” I asked one day

Seeing a little one out at play

“Mine,” said the parent with a tender smile

“Mine to keep a little while

To bathe his hands and comb his hair

To tell him what he is to wear

To prepare him that he may always be good

And each day do the things he should?

“Whose child is this?” I asked again

As the door opened and someone came in

“Mine”, Said the teacher with the same tender smile

“Mine, to keep just for a little while

To teach him how to be gentle and kind

To train and direct his dear little mind

To help him live by every rule

And get the best he can from school”

“Whose child is this?” I ask once more

Just as the little one entered the door

“Ours” said the parent and the teacher as they smiled

And each took the hand of the little child

“Ours to love and train together

Ours this blessed task forever.”

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check this out! A few months ago I was doing an object lesson for my Sunday School class and was looking for unusual alarm clocks . . . nobody sleeps through this! It wakes you up by firing four puzzle pieces up in the air, and then it is your job to get the pieces and put them back in the alarm clock - it won't turn off until then. I would go mad!

If you're really bored click here: Top Ten Most Annoying Alarm Clocks

Summer fun!

heh heh heh! So a few weeks ago - we up and decided at the last minute to go to the Ranger's game. Woohooo! I love baseball! So I checked the schedule to make sure they were playing. They were in the first inning and had already made three runs!! Off we went! Except when we got to the ballpark the parking lot was empty . . . uh oh!!!

Well - pretty much it was an away game in Washington. Kinda far to drive at the last minute . . . so we weighed our options between Shakespeare in the park or the drive in movie theatre in Grandbury.

We opted for the drive in and had so much fun! It's always a double feature - so we saw Kung Fu Panda and Prince Caspian/Narnia - which - oh my heavenly days! - was about 4 hours long!!!! We made it home around 3am! Not kidding! How do husbands stay awake and drive so well? Do they teach them that at church? hahaha

Anyway - the whole thing was just a blast. If you want to go - check it out: The Brazos DriveIn and if you're looking for a little Shakespeare (also a LOT of fun . . . ) try here: Shakespeare in the Park

Girl's Camp!!!

I can't believe it! K-bugs went to girl's camp! About a week before camp we realized she could go - so she went! I totally thought it would be next year. The whole idea was a little overwhelming initially - with only one daugther - these moments only happen once . . . but I'm ok - and she had a blast - and she's so cute and fun! I'm so glad she got to go. They took such great care of her.

School's Out!!! Yea!!!

I thought this day would never come! And to be honest . . . I think I looked forward to it more this year - than any other year when I was a kid! hahaha! I had no idea that teacher's were as excited as we were!

The first week of summer break I actually had to go to 3 days of training in Fort Worth. I was really dreading it - but day 2 and 3 of it was incredibly helpful and I really enjoyed it! It explained what I hadn't figured out this past year in regards to teaching children with autism. But I'm glad I hadn't had the training any sooner. I think it would have overwhelmed me a lot.

The next week school camp started. The kids actually got to volunteer with me and work each day. It was a lot of fun having them there with me and they worked really hard. It was fun to have such a great mix of students - and the money that we earned is going towards all the fun stuff we're doing this summer! Hooray!

After that week was another week of camp and also cub scout camp. That was crazy exhausting. It was nothing for me compared to the leaders in charge of the whole thing - but it was a weary week by the end for all of us.

This week K & B had baseball camp and I did a couple days of testing kiddos entering our programs in the district. It was much more relaxed for all of us.

I have to throw a huge shout out to my sis-in-laws and Mom for helping me with the kids! I owe them so much I'll never be able to make it up to them. They are always so sweet about it too!
Thanks guys!

So that's our summer update so far. Next week B starts golf. He is sooo excited about that! He's waited patiently for a couple of years for this one! Hooray!