The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

Many people have been walking around in a bit of a 'funk' lately.

I am one of them.

I recently got caught up reading NieNie Dialogues.

If you've been living under a rock you MUST crawl out now and read her story.

She'll quickly help you put things in perspective.

NieNie helped me realize I'm braver than I know and can make it through the storms ahead...whatever they may be.

I can't seem to get this song out of my head.

Now where are my shades?

How it's going...

It's been a week and a half now since the boys went back to school. I'm relieved to say I feel totally at peace with my decision to stop homeschooling. While it was a great experience and we had a very productive year, I'm just wound a little too tight for it. I was always worried that I wasn't getting everything in, it takes a certain kind of person to do it successfully. I saw some moms who are WAY too lax...(but that's a whole other story)! It's funny because when you are starting your first year of homeschooling, everyone says you've got to have a detox period. I'm now having to detox from homeschool, seriously I haven't had the desire to read a single thing yet, unless you count the tabloid I picked up at the grocery store. Yesterday I was redoing my Google Calendar and couldn't believe the schedule I kept last year...no wonder I gained 12 pounds!! I wish I could say I've lost it all, but I'm only half way there. Still, I don't regret our experiment, I love challenging myself to try new things.

Jaxon and Kade are doing well and are happy at their new charter school. I laughed when I heard Jaxon's teacher is wondering how she's going to keep up with him....I know the feeling! He devours books faster than you can keep them coming. Kade is doing great too, he always has such a positive attitude. They both love playing sports w/ their friends, it's fun to see how excited they get to tell me about their latest game. The teachers and staff are wonderful, it seems very intimate and safe. Carpool is running smooth, there's only one girl who rides with us and she's ADORABLE. I think the boys are smitten by her, they are so sweet always opening her door.

I'm loving having my 'space' back. The first day I felt like a dog marking it's territory. I'm able to keep the house clean and feel more on top of things. I stay busy being a mom, a house manager and a wife. I have time to workout and keep up on the laundry and groceries. When I decided to send the boys back to school, I made a goal to never go to bed w/ a messy kitchen and to have my workout done by 6:30, so far it's working like a charm instead of rushed, hectic mornings they are happy and peaceful.

I learned so many great things from homeschooling last year, one of them is to have a better attitude when it comes to homework. Luckily this school doesn't give much. I've vowed to pay more attention to their studies and have discussions each night, (it's much easier than having their entire education on my shoulders). Jaxon gets his homework done at school and Kade only has about 10 minutes. They both continue to do personal reading at night (and in Jaxon's case any other spare second).

Sophia had her first day of 'playschool' at our house. Three other moms and I trade off one day a week. The girls play, have a snack, do circle time (learning the letter, number, color and shape of the month, we talk about the weather and sing a song). Then we have a small lesson and do a craft. They LOVE it!! It's SO fun seeing their young minds soaking up information and so eager to participate. It's nice having a house full of girls for a change.

Little Mama

Sophia and I are loving our one on one time now that the boys are in school.

We spend our days having tea parties, playing dolls, dress up, reading, doing yoga and chores.

She is my shadow and I'm loving every minute of it.

With home school it was hard to give her enough attention, plus I have more patience now.

Her nickname is 'little mama' because she's incredibly nurturing and loving.

At ballet, she helps everyone get their tutu's and makes sure they all get a drink.

She has a special radar helping her to know your needs before you even realize you need it.

Her shyness is slowly fading and she's stepping out to nursery, dance and soon joy school...

Her vocabulary's rapidly growing and so are her mad dance skillz!

Life is good with our 'little mama'.

First Day of School 2009

The first day of school came fast...feelings of relief and sadness flood over me. Relieved to have the weight of their entire education off my shoulders and sad to let go. I love those little guys SO much, I can't wait until they get home and tell me all about it. Jaxon read me a poem about his first day of school and how he can't wait for summer, it was pretty funny. Kade asked if we could have a sick day...needless to say, we have to work on their attitudes.

Side note: Kade didn't pee his pants, he spilled at breakfast!

Pioneer Day 2009

This year we were in Utah for the celebration of Pioneer Day. To learn what it's all about click HERE. We spent the day hiking and then did sparklers that night. The kids loved it, we had a great time relaxing with my brother Jeff and his family.

Pioneer Day 1997
When I was 20, I slept out on the lawn of the Salt Lake City building with my brother Joe and some nieces and nephews, so we could get front row seats to the big parade the next morning. It was eventful to say the least...this drunk guy was buggin us all night. The police sent him to jail for the night but he was out and showered by the time the parade started. Unfortunately, he came back and started bugging us again. Despite that and the chaos around us, it was fun...good times!

Melanie and John

This is my beautiful niece Melanie. She is a law student in Boston and was married a few days ago to her long time boyfriend John in Florida. I don't get to see her much but I sure do love her! Congrats to the both of you...have a fabulous time in St. Lucia.