Is there an end in sight?

Yes, the wonderful summer is here and going quickly.  Luckily.  As much as I love having the kids home, I'm ready to be back to business as usual.  I'm looking forward to cleaning up a part of the house and having it stay clean!  Seriously, that is the worst thing.  At this point I've just given up.  Cleaning has never been my strong point, but I'm just exhausted trying to do it all.  I know, I know, I have 5 (well at least 3) very capable bodies to help but they don't do anything for me.  Mike says that they will, but I've yet to see it.  I give someone a task and 2 minutes later they've forgotten what they were supposed to do and are destroying something else.  Oh well.  There will be an end.  I'm sure of it.

 

Speaking of school starting again.  I just thought of how "wonderful" my schedule is going to be with 4 kids on different schedules.  Here's what it looks like so far:

7:30 Conner leaves for school (friend picks him up, luckily!)

8:35 Alia and Ann-Elise are picked up at the bus stop

11:50 Adrie's preschool bus pick up

2:30 Conner is picked up (my turn to drive)

3:55 Alia, Ann-Elise and Adrie get home on the bus

 

Well, that just leaves me a TON of time to get things done, don't you think?  Could it be any worse?  Guess Caile and I won't be going on any fun outings very far from home.  I suppose the only nice thing is that Adrie won't have school on Friday's, so we can do our "field trips" then.

 

So, Alia started cheer.  Shockingly enough, I was not happy with the way it started (I know, it's so weird that I would have issues with something!).  But I decided to bite the bullet and just let her have fun and I'll keep my opinions to myself.  She started practices on Monday night and LOVES it!  And she's actually pretty good.  She seems to be having a good time.  There are a large age group of girls, so she's one of the youngest ones.  But everyone seems very supportive.  They have a pretty small squad of 12-13 girls and half of them cheered last year, so it's a fun mix of girls who know what they're doing and those that don't.  The coach pairs up an experienced girl with a new one and they work on the cheers together.  It's a great way to get them working together as a team!  I'm excited to get her uniform ordered and see it on her.  That will be fun for her.  Although, I don't know if she'll ever take it off once we get it!  Oh, and sorry Brynn, I had my camera all ready to take pics, and then I left it at home.  I know!

 

We're getting ready for Caile's 2nd birthday.  Hard to believe that she's going to be 2!  Although, I can honestly say that I am happy to be coming out of the "baby" stage of life!  Honestly, 5's my limit.  One more would probably throw me over the edge!  And she's been so funny lately.  She finally seems to be over the "freak out" stage and more into the fun "play with me stage".  I'm looking forward to spending time with her this school year.  She is a doll!

 

We're still waiting to hear from Conner's (hopefully) new school to find out if he's in.  We're planning on it, but it would be nice to have official word!  Hopefully sometime next week we'll get the definite, final answer.  And I suppose that if he doesn't get in, then it's just more money in my pocket!  But if he's not in, he's wearing blue pants and solid colored polo shirts to public school because I've already bought them!!!

 

And a very scary note, I have my next triathlon in 3 days.  Oh, I think I just threw up in my mouth on that one!  I'm so not ready.  I know that I can do it, but I'm worried.  I just haven't had the motivation to do anything.  Plus no one I know is doing this one.  That makes me sad.  I don't want to do it alone.  But I'm sure it will be fine.  I'll let you know how it goes.

10 years ago...

For some reason this morning, I was thinking about where I was 10 years ago.  I think this came about because Conner will be turning 10 in a couple weeks.  It seems like it was yesterday, yet it also seems like it was more than 10 years ago!  So, here are some things that were going on in my life 10 years ago...

 

Mike and I had just bought our first house in Canby in December '07, so we were less than 1 year into it.  We were anxiously awaiting the arrival of little Conner.  I was excited and nervous.  Not really sure what to expect, but couldn't wait either!  I had just "retired" from my "real" job.  My last day of work was on July15th.  Honestly, that was the last real paying job I have had.  We decided that it was worth it to cut our income so that I could be home with Conner (and Alia and Ann-Elise and Adrie and Caile...).  Life was open to possibilities and hopes and dreams.  I had NO idea that after Conner came we'd have 4 girls!  Mike was working for a company called PC Test.  He wasn't making much money at the time.  Apparently, even though you can get paid for playing video games all day, it doesn't pay well!  I was not attending church and Mike was not a member.

 

Wow.  How times change!  Now I can barely remember what life was like BC (before Conner).  What it would be like to just go and do something with out having to worry about kids, diapers, bottles, baby sitters...  But I wouldn't change it either!  Even though my house is a disaster, we rarely have a decent meal and life is totally crazy.  It's my life and I love it!

Caile

I know, I'm a delinquent.  I don't mean to be, really.  It just seems that life tends to get in the way of all of my good intentions!  It's late, but here's my spotlight on my baby girl Caile.

Caile:

*is beautiful.

*is a very solemn baby.  But when you can get her to laugh, it's a beautiful sound.

*is finally figuring out that life doesn't revolve around her big sis Adrie.  She is capable of making choices too!

*is a sweet little angel, unless she's with the older sis Adrie, and then all heck breaks loose!

*is starting to really talk and it's so funny.

*looks like a fair haired twin to her big sis Ann-Elise.

*doesn't like to eat any food unless it's in someone else's hand.  Even if it's the same thing that's on her plate, she only wants it if you are trying to eat it.

*LOVES "pop".

*LOVES her daddy and mommy.

*can say every one if our family's name.  Mommy, Daddy, Nonner, Eah, Easie, Dwee, Wuby.

*has nicknames that include, but are not limited to, Ruby, Kaze, Kayzie, Rubes, KK, Rubers.

*Loves to be outside playing with her siblings and friends.

*had a rocky start, but it turning into a sweet little angel.  What a blessing she is to all of us!

We love you beautiful Princess Ruby!!!

Happy Birthday Alia!

Happy Happy Birthday Alia!  She turned the big 9 today!  She woke up and opened her present, an ipod shuffle with an itunes gift card.  She's excited to have a "grown up" gift.  Happy birthday beautiful!

Oh, and the local news channel announces birthdays so I submitted a pic of Alia and had them show it on the news today.  That was cute.  Her face was in shock when she saw herself on tv!

AAAAGGGHHH!

I'm so confused, my ADD mind doesn't even know where to start. I need to blog about the state tournament, Alia's birthday AND do the final kid spot light. Hmmm, I don't know what to do first. Maybe I'll do it it time order and end with Caile.

So, Conner's team went to play in the state tournament. What fun! We started off playing a team that we had beat 2 times before. We won again. I think the score was 7-4. Wow, on to the next game. Again, a team that we had played before, however at the county tournament they beat us by 1. Once again, they bested us. So we dropped down to the losers bracket. One more loss and we're out. Next we played a great team from Keizer. That was probably the highlight of our season. We were down 9-2 in the 3rd or 4th inning. We were able to out score them 9-0 and ended up winning 11-9. Amazing! Oh, and I forgot to mention that Conner had 2 amazing catches in the first game. And we were even able to get an action shot of him catching one of them. However, I don't have a scanner, so you'll just have to take my word for it! The 4th game that we played, we played Mikes coworker Brian's team. They are a pretty amazing team. I think if we were on it, we could have come back and beat them, but the boys were just a little "off". Nothing much, just not on their "A" game. So we ended up losing by a couple runs. But these boys did amazing. I would have NEVER thought that this would be how the season would end. These boys played their hearts out and should be so proud of themselves! They tied for 7th in STATE!!! There are A LOT of teams that can't say that! Good job boys and Good Luck next year!

I've come to realize...

1. I've come to realize my boobs are... lacking. Like not there at all.
2. I've come to realize my job... is very difficult. More so than I would have ever thought. But also very rewarding.
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving... I don't really pay much attention. (Mary, Don't tell Brett!)
4. I've come to realize that I need... praise and acknowledgment. Really, I took a test and it said so!
5.I've come to realize that I have lost... my mind. I don't remember things like I used to. It's very frustrating!
6. I've come to realize that I hate it when... I get upset. I also don't like being Nelly Negative. I'm working on that!
7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk... I must be dreaming. Sorry, don't drink. Never have, never will.
8. I've come to realize that money... can't buy happiness. But it does buy a lot of other things that can make me happy:P. No, really, It's nice to be able to help out when someone needs it, but it's way too easy to spend on myself!
9. I've come to realize that certain people....bring out the best in me and others bring out the worst. I need to decided what's more important. Buoying myself up, or tearing someone else down...
10. I've come to realize that I'll always be... short. Nothing I can do about that.
12. I've come to realize that my mom... is an amazing person. She does a lot and most of it by herself and I don't give her nearly enough credit.
13. I've come to realize my cell phone... is totally NOT hip. But it does work. And I usually have it with me.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning... I needed to make jam before my berries went bad.
15. I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep... that baseball games scheduled for 8pm an hour from home makes for a very late night. Also, that I am excited about the possibility of my parents living super close to me.
16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about... what in the world I'm going to do for dinner...
17. I've come to realize that my dad... is a cool guy. I can call on him and he's there for me. I love that. Also, I love that my son loves him so much.
18. I've come to realize that when I get on the computer... I tune out the world.
19. I've come to realize that today... is a good day. I love sun and heat!
20. I've come to realize that tonight... I should do what I have committed to do, even though I'm beyond tired.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will... still have a messy house and no one to clean it but me.
22. I've come to realize that I really want to... be a good mom.
23.I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to re post is... Mary, only because she's the only one who reads my blog!
24. I've come to realize that life... Is an amazing journey. It's all about learning and discovery. Also, it's way to short and I shouldn't waste time.
25. I've come to realize that this weekend... is going to be awesome with Conner's state tournament and Alia's 9th birthday.
26. I've realized the best music to listen to when I am upset ... really? None. Not much of a music person anymore.
27. I've come to realize that friends... are great, but there is no substitute for my husband. I spent years trying to find a girlfriend that I could trust and talk with like him, only to get burned. Now I realize I have what I need. He is amazing!
28. I've come to realize that this year... has been a year of growth and amazing success.

Adrie

Adrie:

• the life of the party.  If she can get a reaction, she's all over it.
• Loves to laugh.
• Totally addicted to tv.  Loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, D-d-d-d-Dora, Go Diego, Go and Max & Ruby.
• Does not have a quiet button.  It's either as loud as it gets or off (when sleeping only)
• Loves her friends.  Particularly Zachy.
• Is totally excited about starting preschool in September.
• Has a love/hate relationship with "ursery" at church.
• Has the cutest personality.
• Is fearless.  If she gets lost (OK, runs away) in a store.  Instead of being afraid, she just runs until she finds us.  No fear.
• still sucks her thumb.  And I don't care!
• Loves her "softy" (see above picture).  It's a blanket that I made her before she was born.  She loves it and takes it anywhere we let her.
• Is beautiful.  Full of fun and excitement.  Amazing.

I find it hard to express things about her in this type of "setting".  Anyone who knows her knows what I'm talking about when I say she's full of personality.  She is definitely different than any of the other kids we have.  She is totally outgoing.  Loves to laugh and make people laugh.  Has the funniest "quirks".  Says the silliest things in the funniest way.  It's very difficult to discipline her because I'm usually cracking up with all of her antics.  She is adorable.  I will definitely have my hands full with this one, but I welcome it!

I love you princess Adie!

Oops!

All day yesterday I thought that I had blogged Leise's spotlight. Duh. I did it on Tuesday, not Wednesday! I'm such an idiot sometimes!!! So, the millions of times I was on the computer, I could have been doing Adrie's post, but due to my lack of... well, whatever it is that I lack, I missed a day. Sorry Drie!!! I'll have to post it later today because we're off for the baseball game and I don't want to be rushed. This child will take up all the space I give her and then some! And I'll make it worth the wait.

Ann-Elise

Ann-Elise is your typical middle child.  Always lacking in the attention department.  She is even tempered (for the most part) and extremely bright.  She is enjoying a fun sun filled summer.  She finished her first "real" season of softball and is happy to be at home or playing with friends for the rest of summer.  And though she hasn't admitted it, I think she's looking forward to getting back to school (or is that just wishful thinking on my part?)

Ann-Elise

*is absolutely gorgeous.  Seriously.  Like perfect.  When she was little everyone thought she looked like a precious moments doll.

*is a super picky eater.  She will eat chicken nuggets and pepperoni pizza.  I'd call her a vegetarian if it weren't for those 2 items!

*is very smart.  Like amazingly smart.  Like, not from me, smart!

*has the sweetest softest voice.  Unless, of course, she's "talking" to her brother or sisters!

*is the only child in our family with dark features. 

*can be very helpful if she thinks that there might be something in it for her.

*can play a mean short stop!

*LOVES to play at the park.

*lives for play dates with friends. 

*loves to giggle and laugh.

*can whine like the best of them.

*learned to ride her bike with very little help from anyone.

*loves to sing and dance.

*is growing up WAY to fast for her mom!

*is a happy, wonderful girl.  Has blessed our home with her steadfastness.  She is very stable in our crazy home!

 

I love you, wonderful, beautiful Leise girl!!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you this message:

WE'RE GOING TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT!!! 

 

Ok, so "we" is actually Conner's baseball team.  And I know that I'm supposed to be posting about Ann-Elise today, I'll do that next!  But Conner asked me last night to put this on the blog, so here it is!

 

They played last night and started out with their third batter hitting an over the fence home run.  Scoring 2 runs.  It only got better from there.  Conner had an awesome catch in left field in the 3rd innings.  Missed one in the 4th (only because the ball was hit to the fence and he can only run so fast backwards!).  Then finished the night with the final catch of the game.  It was awesome too!  He was in a full on sprint run to the ball then jumped for it and barely caught it.  Let's ignore the fact that we were up by like 8 runs!  It got us out of the game and on to state.  So, now he's in a tournament with the top 12 teams in the state of Oregon.  WOW!!!  Who knew???  These kids are amazing.  Seriously.  They are awesome!!!  Their next game is Thursday morning against a local team that they played during season play.  We beat them both times.  I'm not getting cocky or anything, I just know that they can do it!!!  GO HUSKIES!!!

Alia

Alia is having a fun summer hanging with her friends and chillin' at home.  She didn't play any spring (summer) sports, so she's been tagging along to everyone else's activities.  Here are some facts about Alia.

Alia:

*  is very helpful around the house.  Generally, if she's given a chore, she does it.  Well!  And quickly.  She is an amazing helper when she wants to be.

*loves "girlie" things. 

*is a typical tween.  She loves the latest music and movies and is up to date on who's who.  She's into clothes and frilly fun stuff.

*is a water baby.  She could spend hours in the water.  Either pool or fountain or sprinklers.  Doesn't matter.  If it's wet, she's there.

* is a self starter.  She will get herself up, showered, dressed, fed and ready to go with out anyone even saying a word.  That is a huge help to me because the other 4 are NOT like that!!!

*is very artistic.  She loves the arts.  Whether it's performing in some way, writing, singing or drawing, she loves it and is pretty good at it too!

*loves to be with friends.  She'd have a sleep over every night if she was allowed.

*loves her baby sisters.  Probably more in a motherly way.  She is very good with them and helps to keep them safe.

*has the temperament of her mother.  Not good!  Sorry baby, you got that one from me!  She can turn from hot to cold even before a thought has time to enter her head!

*is a total "Grammy's Girl".  She is the first granddaughter on my side and LOVES to spend time with her Grammy.  Luckily, the feeling is mutual.

*is very photogenic.  She takes the most beautiful pictures.  Even when she isn't trying.

*generally has the cleanest room of anyone in the house.

*loves to eat.  She is not a picky eater and will try anything I ask her too.  Even if she doesn't think she'll like it.  She will generally at least try it.

*is gorgeous!  Well, that actually goes with out saying!

*is an amazing girl.  She takes on the role of the oldest a lot.  Luckily for me, she does it very well.  She has blessed our lives and I'm glad that she was chosen to come to earth and live with our family.

Love you Lollipop!!!

Conner

This week, I'm going to attempt to highlight each of my kids (mainly to see if I know them well enough :P).  I'll start with Conner.  First I'll update on him, then do some highlights.

 

His team went on to play in the county tournament this weekend.  Conner's batting position was moved from 12th to 2nd and that seems to have gotten him in the game more.  He's been enjoying himself.  His team did amazingly well.  They lost their first game by 1 run to the league champs.  Then beat the next team in a blow out.  Played again yesterday morning, another undefeated team, lost again by 1 run.  Then went on to play for the 5th place (yes in ALL of the county) and smoked the other team.  So, they have a chance to "play-in" for the state tourney.  They'll play tomorrow night and if they win, they'll go on to the state tournament next weekend.  Go Huskies!!!

 

 

Conner:

*  is amazing with his baby sisters.  They love him and he takes the time to play with them.  It's really sweet.

*  is an amazing athlete.  He has natural talent that many people only dream of.

*  is super excited to go to a new school next year.  We're trying to get him in to a local private school, and though we think we're "in".  We don't have a definite answer yet.

*  LOVES to be right and wants the final say in ALL things.

*  Is one stinkin' good lookin' kid (even if I do say so myself)

*  analyzes EVERYTHING!

*  has the coolest laugh.

*  tends to take the world on his shoulders.

*  is a fish.  He loves to swim and play in water.

*  has a lot of responsibility being the oldest and only boy of 5 kids.

*  competed in his first "kids triathlon" this summer and is excited to work his way into bigger competitions.

*  is ready to sell his motor cycle to buy a nice road bike so he CAN do said competitions (and some fun rides with mom and dad.)

*  has the world at his fingertips.  If he puts him mind to something he can accomplish it!

*  however, would love to play video games all day, if allowed (which he's NOT!!!)

* is an awesome kid and I LOVE that he's my only boy!  He's definitely enough for me. 

 

Love you Conner!!!

Leise's prize paper

I blogged about this a couple months ago.  When I went in to Ann-Elise's school conference in April, she read me a paper that she had written.  I was amazed, as was her teacher.  Honestly, that conference was one of the best memories that I have of the school year.  Her teacher was so excited for her, it was awesome.  What an amazing guy.  And we're lucky enough to have him again this year!!!  Anyway, here's her story.  With her spelling errors and all.  Just remember, that she's 7 and it was 1st grade!

 

Once upon a time there was a island called the water island.  The island wasn't very famous.  But it was cool because it had 2 islands.  There are 2 people on each side.  It had a hammock.  It was always sunny there.  Nobody knew why.  It was varey mysterious.  Those 4 people went there to discover it.  So they stayed for a couple days.  The 2 girls names were Lora and Katie.  The 2 bos names were Austin and Scott.  Austin and Scott were mean and nasty.  They're never friendly.  One day Lora and Katie wanted to go home so they gathered wood from the tree.  They started to buld a boat.  They finially got done.  So they sailed across the sea.  They days got longer.  The sun got warmer.  Austin and Scott were starving.  They got milk and woter from the coconut tree.  They took a very sharp rock and cracked the coconut.  Lora and Katie were almost there.  The sun was setting.  That was the first time anyone had seen it.  They couldn't wait to get home.  They paddled faster and faster unitl the boat stopped working.  They were like what has happened to the boat.  What had happened was a shark came and was about to eat them but the boat started again and the shark was still chasing them.  It turned out that the shark was the 2 boys Austin and Scott.  Because the 2 boys were chasing them is because the 2 girls had food.  But Lora and Kakie didn't figure it out.  But eventually they figured it out.  They were almost there .  They finially got there.  They ran to tell everbody that they saw the sun go down.  They showed it on tv and they got rick and famous.  But the sad thing is they didn't get to go to school.  They played together.  They worked togethere.  They did every thing together and they all lived happily ever aftor.  The end.

 

How stinkin' cute is that???  Good job Leise!!!

I'll stick to 5, Thanks!!!

Last night we invited our friends and their kids over for dinner.  They have a family of 7 also.  We used to have dinner with them once a month, but that has really slowed down since baseball/softball started.  Well, baseball is almost over, so we started it back up.  With such great weather, we decided to bbq.  We ended up with a menu of grilled steak skewers, shrimp skewers, pasta salad, mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese, cucumber dill salad and home made strawberry shortcake for dessert.  It was all amazing and delish!

 

It was fun being together again.  The kids all get along great, so it's a fun and easy night for the parents.  Their kids are 15, 14, 9, 6 and 4, for the most part, the kids pair up pretty well.  Conner loves Joey, their 14yo.  Conner ended up having a 2.5 hour baseball practice last night, so he didn't get to spend any time with Joey.  As they were leaving, Joey says "Why don't we all spend the night here and I can help baby sit here (he has to watch the younger kids during the day while his parents work anyway)?"  Um, ok.  Sure.  What's 4 more?  So we put a movie in for the kids and threatened them that they'd better calm down and start thinking of sleep.  After a few screaming matches, it was fairly quiet.  I did wake up periodically through the night and noticed that the TV was still on downstairs.  I went to check and Joey was still up.  Got back to bed, checked the clock and it was AFTER 3AM!  OK, apparently he doesn't remember how early these kids get up.  I guess he'll have to deal with lack of sleep tomorrow. 

 

Fast forward to morning.  I didn't get up until the phone rang at 8:21.  Guess I was tired too!  The girls had just woken up and the boys were still downstairs sleeping.  So, after a very nutritious breakfast of fruit loops, they are off and playing.  After it's all been said and done, they are really great kids, but I think I'll stick to 5!

Who will be 1000?

I'm getting close to my 1000th visitor.  Is it you?  Leave a comment and let me know!

 

We had a great 4th of July.  I really enjoyed spending time with my family and friends.  We ended up spending about 6 hours at our friends house.  I love visiting with so many friends that I know casually.  Spending more time getting to know them better.  It was a fun evening with fun games, awesome fireworks and amazing hospitality.  Thanks!!!

 

Yesterday Mike got up and went to play racquetball.  I called a friend of mine and we went out for a bike ride.  I'm glad that I went.  Neither one of us really wanted to go, but in the end I think we both had a good time.  I'm looking forward to next week when she's going to take me on one of her favorite courses.

We found out yesterday that Conner's baseball team came in 2nd in their division and 8th in their league.  I have mixed emotions about baseball this year (in case you couldn't tell!).  On one hand I'm excited, but on the other, it's just more misery.  UGH!  I'll be happy when the season is over!

 

Mike took the 2 older girls out in the afternoon to go see Kung Fu Panda.  They sure enjoyed that.  They were laughing and full of something when they came home.  Mike said that he really enjoyed spending the time with the older 2.  Hopefully it's something that they can do again and again.

 

We took Conner out on date night with us and went and saw Hancock.  That was an interesting movie.  I'm amazed at what qualifies as a PG-13 movie!!!  We had been warned about the language before we went, so we were able to talk with Conner about it before hand.  But still.  Is that necessary?  I actually enjoyed the story line.  I had no idea what the movie was about before we saw it.  I just knew that Will Smith was in it and I don't think you can go wrong with Will Smith!!!  I have a lot of respect for him as an actor and person (well, as much as you can for someone who lives in that lifestyle!). 

 

Now I'm hanging out trying to figure out if I'm going to skip church because I don't want to deal with the younger 2 kids while we're there.  Not that I ever really skip, but I always go through the debate!  So, I guess I'd better work on my lesson.  Happy Sunday!

Happy 4th of July!

I LOVE the 4th of July! It's got to be my favorite holiday. We have our little traditions that we do as a family and then some fun "where ever we're invited"stuff. We started off our day today bright and early. All of the wards that meet at our building have a fun run/walk and then a flag raising, complete with music and then yummy cinnamon rolls. Mike wanted to run the 5k so he planned on loading up the younger 3 kids into the big stroller and running with them, with Conner running along side. That left Alia. She WON'T run, so I volunteered to walk the 1.5 mile route with her. It was pretty fun. We actually got there a little early, but upon pulling the stroller out of the van, we realized that we didn't bring the wheels that go with it. We figured that those were kind of important, so Mike went home and I hung out with the kids. Everyone else went before us. A couple youth in our ward got there right about the time Mike did, so I told them that they'd better walk with us. Mike took off on his route with the kids and I took off on my route with Alia and Danielle and Trischelle. That was pretty fun. I really enjoyed
visiting with the girls. After the run the boy scouts raised the flag and then we had a young women who is serving in the military speak for a few minutes on patriotism. That was pretty cool. After a couple songs and prayer, we were off to eat home made cinnamon rolls.


After that, we zipped out to go home and load up the chairs and some snacks so we could go out to St. Paul for the parade that they have and we attend every year. That's fun. We sit in the same spot every year. For me, it's all about feeling that "small town" feeling of pride in our country. I love it. Even though there are more people than we would like to be with and it's a mess to get home, it's a tradition and we all enjoy it. So, after a brief nap and the making of a yummy potato salad, I'm waiting around to make cookies to take to our dinner celebration. Our bishop has invited us out for a "bring your own" bbq. We'll grill up some steaks and dogs for the kids and then swim and play kickball and visit until dark and then we'll sit tight for the amazing fireworks. Bishop got a permit this year to do the big fireworks, so we'll all get to enjoy those. I'm looking forward to visiting with friends and enjoying my family. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Back to Civilization

  I know that it's been a while.  I went to Girls Camp last week for church.  It was amazing.  I loved being away from technology.  I did steal a few calls on my cell phone to check in at home, but other than that, it was an unplugged week.  I left Mike at home with the kids.  He took the week off to play with them.  He seemed to manage pretty well and the kids really enjoyed having him home all to themselves.  I was a surrogate mom to 11 teenaged girls.  That was an eye opener!  I don't know if I'm ready for those teenage years.  Actually, the girls in my cabin were amazing.  They all got along very well and seemed to have a blast together.  I enjoyed watching them interact with each other and learned more about each girl personally.  It was a fabulous week that ended with an amazing spiritual night program.  It was nice to "recenter" my life.  However, it was great to come back home.

Conner is still playing baseball.  He has his last season game tonight.  They may play in the county tournament, so that's more games, but I haven't heard anything concrete on that yet.  Honestly, I'll be glad when his season is over.  He really doesn't enjoy playing and it seems that every game I go to I'm on edge.  It's been a very frustrating season for Conner as well and Mike and myself.  At this point, I just want it to end so he can have some fun and enjoy himself.   The sad thing is that he's very talented and he really enjoys the game, but after this horrific season, he doesn't have any desire to play again.  We're hoping to change that by having Mike coach him again next year.  He isn't having much success with others as his coaches.  I guess time will tell if it's really something he wants to do.

 

I just signed Alia up for Cheer.  She is very excited.  I should hope so.  It costs more to do that than football and baseball put together for Conner!  Oh well.  I hope she enjoys it.  She should have a uniform fitting this week and then I believe that practices start next month.

 

Leise is laying low.  She is loving spending the summer playing with her friends (ALL of them!).  She finished softball the week before I left for camp and is glad that that is over.  It was really messing up her social calendar!

 

Adrie is just Adrie.  She's a crack up.  Full of energy and fun.  Seriously, she is the funniest kid I've ever met.  She's got her crazy little quirks and it cracks me up. 

 

Caile is talking more and more.  Finally!  Apparently she did great while I was gone.  She was saving up all the whining and screaming fits for me.  And she's been at it full force.  I'm actually looking forward to just being at home with her next year.  I need to get to know her more.

 

So, I don't know if I have blogged about this or not, but we are trying to get Conner into a private school next year.  Everyone seems pretty confident that he'll get in, but I'm impatiently waiting to hear.  Hopefully we'll find out for sure next month.  The girls are going to stay at North Marion, and we just got word that Adrie was accepted into the private preschool at NM in their afternoon program.  Not my first choice of times, but at this point, I'll take it.  She is so ready for school.  I just don't know if she's going to actually get on the bus by herself!  I guess we'll find out in September!

 

Oh, on a fun note.  We booked our airline tickets to fly down to so cal and Yuma later this year.  I'm really excited about that trip!  I love to visit my family down there and I'm looking forward to a long, leisurely visit with Mike's parents in a hot climate!  And the idea of NOT driving down there with 5 kids is VERY appealing!

 

I think that's a pretty good catch up on our lives as of late.  I'll post more if there is anything fun to post.  Oh, and I know that my ticker's been stuck, but I'm hoping to break through that next week!