Just Exactly when did the Tables Turn?

When my kids were little they would embarrass me. Especially Zack and Megan...don't know why these two in particular, but it's true. I suppose the reason Zack would embarrass me was because he was so curious. He wanted to know about everything and he wanted to know why. His FAVORITE thing to say was "cause why?" and to this day Aaron and I still ask each other this all the time....CAUSE WHY? And Megan, she was the girl who would blurt out whatever was on her mind at exactly the time it was on her mind. I can't tell you how many times I found myself back peddaling in conversations because of her "sharing" what she'd heard mommy say earlier....like I said, embarrassing. So, in the famous words of my father in-law "What I'd like to know" is....when did I start embarrassing my kids? Now that I know I have this power it's just way too much fun for me! I found that I'm especially embarrassing to my Megan....oh, the joy and rapture this brings me....I found this out recently when we were at the One Act District Competition and I asked her in the auditorium what she thought of one the high schools performances....she was so offended and told me under no circumstances would she engage in "that kind of conversation" with me.....I was litterally dumbstruck....yet, somewhat tickled. The next time we were in an autorium we were watching the Choir Concert at North Star. There was a kid there dressed in the tightest black shiny pants I've ever seen on a guy....all I had to do was just lean towards Megan and she was slapping at me and whispering "no, no, no!" she was ready to get up and walk out and I hadn't said a word! (insert evil laughter here.....)

technical difficulties

I'm having some technical difficulties with my backround. I've never ever had this problem and it's making me want to scrap this blog and start a new one. I don't know what the dealio is but will have to have a more technical person (Josh or Aaron) take a look at it and see what the heck!

I'm having other "technical diffictulties" in my life right now too. I try to keep things positive here in my blogisphere...so that's why I've not written much lately.

A few things....

Our Joe is 8 now. He's getting baptised!! We asked him if he'd like his brother Josh to do the baptising, as Josh holds the Priesthood and has that authority. He was so very excited to say YES!! Joe really loves his brother and now that they share a room he loves him even more. Joe met with our Bishop tonight and was on his best behavior, which is a big big thing for him! Afterwards he asked the Bishop if he could tell me about the interview and of coarse, he could. He told me "We had some laughs and some serious times, it was real good." Another very exciting thing is that we are going to Utah next week and Joe is going to be baptised while we are there. He has decided that he would like his Grandpa Schafer to Confirm him a member of the Church (which is what happens after baptism in our church, this is where members receive the gift of the Holy Ghost). It's a happy time in our family!

Speaking of Utah...we are all so excited to go!! One more week!! We will only be there for a few days but it's going to be so great to be with family. Aaron's brother from California and his family will be there and I don't think we've all been together for several years. It will be so fun to have all the cousins together. I get to see my son, whom I've missed terribly, and haven't seen for 3 whole months! We get to celebrate my inlaws 50th wedding anniversary, which is quite a big deal. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is that long long drive....and with Aaron in the van. I love my husband but I do not love driving with him long distances. He's not very patient with noise levels...he has sensitive ears. And, with many kids in the van...it's noisy. Good thing for DVD players in vehicles and REDBOX. Maybe we need to throw some benadryl in the mix...ha ha...

One last thing......Tonight I took the little two to McDonalds for icecream and to play in the playplace. They had such a good time!! They made new friends and were both in such a good mood. When it was time to go I only had a little trouble getting them out of there. After a couple warnings that it was time to go I finally said "Okay, I'm leaving, good bye". I heard Hannah tell her new friend "My mom is leaving and I really love her so I need to go with her". What will I do when she's a teenager and there are no little ones around to help me feel so loved and needed?

New Coat

I am a thrift store shopper. I love a good deal and hate to pay full price for anything! I went to several thrift stores and was not able to find a coat for Joe, who is 8. Today Aaron found out the school had been loaning a coat to Joe to go out for recess (embarrassing) So, Aaron and I decided to buy him a brand new coat. It's so sparkly and shiny! Well, maybe not sparkly or shiny but it's new and it's cool, Joe told me so. He was so sweet and so thankful.

This is the actual coat he picked...couldn't find a good picture, I guess I'll take one with him wearing it sooner or later..

I'm not sure who's bright idea it was to create a ginormous Reeses Peanut Butter Cup (each cup weighs a half lb!!), I saw on the way into Sears (where we purchased Joe's coat), but I'm pretty sure they are EVIL and working with the DEVIL! I sure do want one.....

EXCITED

We're going to UTAH in the middle of November!! Can't wait to see my son!! Not looking forward to the very very very long drive, but looking forward to seeing all the fam and hopefully some friends!!

One Act

It's time for the One Acts (high school kids perform a one act play at festivals and then district competitions and hopefully on to STATE!) This year they are performing Oliver Twist. I'm excited to see how they cut this down to a one act...no longer than 30 minutes. Megan and Josh are both involved...Megan is in the ensemble and Josh is playing Fagan.
They will be performing this play with English accents....I already know what this means for our home....everyone is British now, or at least trying to be.....even the littles are speaking like lit'l poppets.

Why Clean?....it's just gonna get messy again....

This is a statement I have heard far too often in my years of motherhood. I truly love love love a clean house, it makes me feel so happy inside!....I just can't seem to keep one. I know working makes it ten times harder to keep on top of this and I know this because I have had the fortune of being a stay at home mom several times during my mothering career. Unfortunately this is not one of those times and I'm being driven to the breaking point...really, I'm going to have a breakdown!! I am so SICK and TIRED of cleaning up pieces of garbage off the floor!! What is this about???? HELLO??? We have a garbage can in the bathroom and also in the kitchen why is there garbage on the floor??? This seriously unnerves me!! I am also SICK and TIRED of threatening, I mean reminding my kids to do their chores! We have had the same system for several years now...it is not a new thing!!! They have one chore that needs to be done daily and sometimes more than once daily and they rotate every week. It's easy and not complicated.

One of my kids especially hates to do the dishes...she really does everything in her power to look like she is doing the dishes...she will be in the kitchen doing heaven knows what for an hour or maybe even two....I see her, picking up dishes and I think...oh she's doing the dishes!!!....(our kitchen is not connected to the living room). So, I hear her, I see her and she states she's done and goes to bed. I go in the kitchen to find a counter full of dishes nicely stacked and none of them washed!! (we do not have a dishwasher, the electric kind anyway). So, with this girl I have learned some things. She will trade doing the dishes for other things like cleaning out the refridgerator (a job I truly hate!!) and my favorite, she will trade doing the dishes for a 30-40 minute massage and I really like massages and I really don't mind doing the dishes. Aaron really hates when I do this but I think it's still teaches her something...like the art of negotiation. And I really like massages!

I can not tell you how many times I'm told "no one else cares about having a clean house" or "you have OCD" or the one I heard today, which really takes the cake.....I walked in the bathroom and called the child in who has the bathroom this week. I showed him the towels and clothing on the floor and the trash decorating the floor around the trash can and he said "no one's coming over, no one's gonna see it" and I said " I am standing in here and I SEE IT!!!" and he said "maybe you should wear a blind fold".

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Conversations

Hannah: Sometimes you are mean and nasty and sometimes you are nice.

Me: Mean and Nasty????!!!!

Hannah: okay, just mean.

Things I'd hoped to never hear....

I love your lips because of all the fuzzy stuff on top....it's like you have a mustache.

Witchcraft HOO HA HA!

Last week was North Star High School's production of The Crucible. This is the first year we have a new drama teacher, Brenda Broeker and I just can't say how impressed I am with her. It was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I can not believe these were high school students!! One of the kids' father took some awesome photos on parents night. Josh played John Proctor. His performance was so wonderful and everynight I cried and cried at the end. I was sad that there were no photos of Megan during the court scene but did a good job. This was her first speeking part! Again, I just can not say enough how wonderfuly Josh's performance was....that boy is talented....and I'm his mom!

To see all the pictures go to http://scobb717.smugmug.com/

Oh, and the title...this is the chant the kids would yell out after their huddle each rehearsal and show days....I got to witness this a couple times......so cool!

Scenes from the play...pretty much in order.....if you do not know the story...here is a little synopsis.....John Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams but he has since repented, but Abigail still wants him so she and her friends get together in the woods and Tituba makes a charm, which Abigail drinks to curse Elizabeth Proctor..for you see, she wants to be his wife. The girls get caught and end up blaming many of the town folk of witchcraft to deflect the blame from them....so all these people get arrested...including Eliabeth Proctor. John is pretty upset about this...John has an evil temper! So, he gets his housemaid (who was one of the girls in the forest) to admit the girls are lying about all the townspeople. Well, Abigail, gets all the girls to gang up on the Proctor's housemaid, Mary, and she ends up saying John Proctor is a wizard and he made her sign her name in the devils book......and John gets arrested. The judge and the magistrate end up sentencing many to hang....they realize that the girls were lying but not until after many have died for witchcraft....so they can not admit they were wrong so they try to get Elizabeth Proctor to have her husband admit to witchcraft so others will follow and they won't have to hang. John at first decides he wants to live and admit to witchcraft even though it's a lie....he then after much heartache (and a stellar performance from my son) that he can't lie and ruin his name....he hangs at the end (with my daughter Martha Corey).

This was so much work for these kids!! I am amazed at the grace in which they handled the subject matter. This play was written by Arthur Miller in 1952 and was based on the real witch trials of 1692 in Salem Massachussetts. The characters are all based on real people.

A Fan of Jane

Yesterday I wanted to watch Jane Eyre. I've never read the book but now I totally want to! I started it right when we got home from school. I told the little ones they would have to suffer through it. Hannah pranced around playing and singing and didn't mind it being on but didn't watch it either...but Joe was so into it!! My favorite was when he was telling Matthew about the end...(if you don't know the end then don't read the rest of this). He said something like this "Matthew guess what??!! The guy had a big secret!!??? He had a wife in the attic and she was crazy and she burned down part of the castle and the man got blinded and got a huge long beard but Jane still loved him." And now my son has become a fan of a classic!!

Every Girl's a.....

I'm just sayin'.....

The Wheels on the Bus

For school Hannah had a family project. We all worked on this together with Hannah being the creative designer. She chose all the beads and the colors. Josh did Zack's face and Hannah did our dogs faces. The rest of us did our own face. Hannah had a great time working with our family to finish her project and tomorrow she will turn it in.

Hard

Joe can be hard. He has always been so full of energy. Sometimes I just like to remember when he was easier. He really struggles in school and at home. He gets so angry and very often there is little or no warning to when this anger will present itself. I know he feels bad about it afterwards. Today I was reading a note sent home about how his class gets to have show and tell on Friday and I said something like "oh, how cool! You get to have show and tell on Friday" and he just blew up and was yelling at me to stop talking about it. I was baffled, as I am quite often when he gets so upset. After a while he told me he was sorry. I'm still not quite sure why he was so mad and I don't think he knows either. These situations occur everyday all day long. He is working with counselors at school and we are working with him at home. I started volunteering in his classroom and it's interesting to see him there. He doesn't participate with big group activities....he knows it will set him off so he chooses to keep a distance. He still listens and follows along but he chooses to stay in his seat instead of sitting on the carpet with all the other kids...his teacher is okay with this and I'm glad but it also makes me feel so sad. I think every mother wants their child to fit in and I know he's "different". I worry for him and his future. Will he learn to control himself, will he be able to fit in when needed.....will he learn to see the bright side? I just love him so much. I want him to be successful in whatever he wants to do or be. I want him to be happy.

Last Sentence

I found this author I really love. When I read her books I think to myself...now this is a woman I could be friends with. I truly enjoy her. I just read a book of short stories by her and the last story was especially nice. There is a time in it where the characters are discussing what they would say to their children if they could only use one sentence.....their last sentence....and I started to think, what would I say? I thought of all the moments with my kids...all the excitement, struggle, fun times, bad times, laughter, tears, sorrows, triumphs, hysteria, guilt, pride, disappointment, love, longing, playfulness, humor, stubbornness and utter sweetness......and just when I thought I could never come up with just one sentence, one came right to me.....

It's been worth every single minute!

*ps....Happy Birthday to my sweet little Grandma.....I miss you every day!

Conversations....on the way home from school.

Joe: I brought a graham cracker to school today to eat with my lunch.

Me: Oh really? Didn't it get broken in your backpack? ( I imagined this lone graham cracker floating around in a baggie in his backpack, my kids eat school lunch, so they don't have lunch containers)

Joe: I put it in my pocket (no baggie). It was just crumbs but I ate it anyway!

Me: Yum...(lint and all)

North Star High School Presents.....

There is much excitement at our house..... Megan and Josh were both cast in the next school play. I personally have never seen The Crucible but am looking forward to watching my kids and my friends kids perform it. It plays October 6-8 and I hope all those in Lincoln will come and support our school. It's a very inexpensive way to enjoy theatre.

Megan is playing a woman in jail named Martha Corey and Josh will be John Proctor, one of the leads! I'm so happy for both of them and the rest of the cast.

Do You Ever Wonder....

What it would be like to have lived a different life? I mean, like in a completely different time. I remember watching Little House on the Prairie when I was young and thinking that would of been the perfect time to be alive. I should of been born in those days where things were more simple....no tv, no computers, hard work, homemade everything, families being together. I know it would of been hard...but imagine the feeling of accomplishment. I think of the pioneers and how hard they worked to make their journey. I can't imagine the heartache they went through losing so many loved ones.....would it of been better to live through that than the stresses of today? Sometimes I think of these things....what do you think? Do you have a favorite time period in history that you would like to have experienced?

Some Random Stuff (in no particular order)

Matthew is 13! Officially a teenager....now we have four! Matthew really helped me out so much this summer. He watched the smaller kids many times and with little complaining. Here's what I've noticed though.....with teenager years comes a lot more mouthing off. The other day Matthew found out what happens when you mouth off right to your mom's face......he was taken down to China Town! Yes, I can still take him down, I'm still stronger.....but only by a little.

He is enjoying going to our church youth group and he's becoming a very wonderful young man...even if he is a little too mouthy.

Matthew or Chewy as we still sometimes call him.

I love to catch my kids being sweet.

This summer was a busy traveling one for us. I went to Utah twice in 6 weeks. The first time was to go to parent/student orientation with Zack. We drove down (it's a very LONG 12-14 hour drive, depending on how many times you stop). The first time it was me, Zack, his boyfriend Greg, Matthew, Joe and Hannah. We stayed in Utah for about a week. When we came back it was me, Zack, Greg, Matthew, Hannah and Zane. We left Joe with my sister and my Aunt and we took Zane, my nephew, with us. It was really so nice having Zane with us and it was so quiet having Joe in Utah. Oh, I missed him but I also enjoyed it without him...is that bad? He's such an intense little person and it's a lot of work being his mom. Six weeks was a long time though and he and I were both very ready to be reunited. When we went back to Utah it was me, Zack, Zane, Josh and Megan. We arrived in Utah very early in the morning and I went right in to my sleeping prince and hugged and kissed him! He was so happy to see me and he spent the entire day glued to my side. The next day brought some of those awful tantrums he'd been saving up for me.....back to work. I'm still glad he's home though! Utah brought many reunions with old friends. A good ole GNO thanks to my friend Lia! I had such a lovely night reminiscing and laughing! I've missed all that so much! It was just so awesome! I wish, as usual, there will come a day we can move back to our beloved Utah......

Megan, Josh and Joe at RUMBI ISLAND GRILL....man, we've missed that place!

Matthew, Zane and Hannah at South Towne Mall

Megan on the car ride home.

She got her braces off this summer!

Her teeth are so beautiful to match her beautiful face.

Speaking of my daughter.....I took her to TJ Maxx yesterday to get a lunch bag. She is trying to eat more healthy and wants to take her lunch to school. They had many super cute bags. But being true to her nature, she wanted a plain one. (Just so you know, I want one of the super cute ones.....I'm taking my lunch to work because I'm trying to eat healthy too.) Anyway, I told her to pick out a shirt too. So, she did. If you know Megan you know she is not an affectionate person....she really does not like hugs AT ALL!! If you know me you know I am a very affectionate person and I LOVE hugs A LOT!! So imagine my moment of joyous wonder when my daughter who has not given me a hug of her own accord in several years....gave me a hug with both arms!!!.....when we were walking out to the van.....so we were in public! Miracles really do happen!

Megan's new shirt and her plain lunch bag.

and her super cute purse that Aunt Jenny sent for her birthday.

Even Josh was heard to say "hey that purse is so cool".

School started this week. Hannah is now a kindergartner! It's a very exciting thing! Joe is in 2nd grade and has a fabulous teacher, who is totally willing to work with all his little idiosyncrasies. Matthew is in his last year of middle school, 8th grade. Megan is a Sophomore this year. She's really looking forward to all the after school activities...Drama and Speech. Josh is a SENIOR! He's looking forward to finishing this year and starting college and going on a Mission.

Joe and Hannah...first day of school.

Oh I almost forgot to tell the cute story about Hannah....a few days before school started she and Joe were cleaning her room and she found Joe's old Spiderman backpack, she said she liked Spiderman and was going to use it for school (see, her mom forgot about getting her a backpack...oops). So, she was so excited when the night before school I brought her home a princess backpack. She wore it the whole evening around the house. So, even though she LIKES Spiderman, I think she LOVES princesses!

Josh had a birthday too. He's 17. He had a wonderful present from Grandad and Carolyn. A trip to California and he got to bring his girlfriend, Tori, with him. They had a marvelous time and got to do so many cool things, the beach, a play in Hollywood and a trip to Knotts Berry Farm among the many. He had a blast and it's something he will always get to keep in his memories.

Josh (and Tori) with his new batman underpants!

When we went to Utah the 2nd time we brought a present for Grandma and Grandpa. A little kitten named Buttons. Now all their animals are from us...don't know if that's such a good thing...we are feeding their habit. So, little kitten came to us from Tori. She really wanted to find a good home for her. I know the home Josh found for her is a good one....she will be quite spoiled there, I'm sure. It was nice to visit with the grandparents we got to go to church with them and out to lunch. We were sad that the Murray Schafers were on vacation for most of our trip but very happy we got to see them, if only for a little while, on our last day there. I should of taken picures! My favorite was when we were talking about what to do for my in laws 50th wedding anniversary coming up this November and my niece Elizabeth thought it would be a very good idea to have a party for them and maybe play some "old people dodge ball"! LOVE IT!!

Buttons....she loves being in small places. She did surprising well on the LONG trip to Utah.

Josh, Megan, Zack, Joe with Grandpa and Grandma at SWEET TOMATOES (I have missed that place so much!). Grandpa would not look at the camera....he was trying to get Joe to pose like a normal little boy....but, you see, Joe is a super hero...not a normal little boy.

When we left Utah...we left Zack there. He's going to the University of Utah going for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Saying good bye to my son was so much harder than I thought it was going to be. I bawled and bawled and he laughed and laughed. You see, he doesn't know what it's like to say good bye to your child. I was his world when he was a baby and he slowly grew up and became a man and now the world is out there and he is going for it, following his dreams. I still get tears when I think of him sometimes and sometimes those tears run down my cheeks. Last night Megan said "Zack starts school on Monday...oh and did you hear he got that job at Jamba Juice?" Then I started thinking about him....thinking about him starting a new life, thinking about how much people will love him...he's so fun and makes people laugh. And the tears came and spilled down my cheeks and Megan was laughing. You see, she doesn't know what it's like....saying good bye to your child.

The last picture taken of Zack before we left for Utah.

Lost In Fun

This year on my birthday Aaron had to work and the three older kids went to the Temple in Omaha. So, Hannah, Joe and I went to Lost in Fun. I very fun indoor playground.

conversations

Aaron: (after noticing Zacks nails painted green) You aren't gonna become a drag queen are you?

Zack: Only on the weekends.

Funk

Lately I can't think of anything to write about on my blog. I haven't been taking any pictures lately. And it's so hot here!! It makes me feel so lazy and lethargic.

Here are a couple things of note:

Zack is going to be living in Utah full time in less than a week....I'm having mixed feelings about this. I'm so happy for him. I'm going to miss him. He's ready though....he is at that age where he really thinks he knows so much more than he really does. I remember being this age, I remember thinking the same thing. I find it so interesting that the older I get the more I find out I really don't know much. Anyway, like I said I'm happy for him...so excited!! He's so talented and I know the future looks bright for him. I will miss him, terribly, but this is the cycle of life......now it's his time.

Joe has been in Utah for a little over 5 weeks now. It's too long. I miss him and I know he's missing us. I also think he's driving my sister and my Aunt crazy. I'm so thankful to them though. I have been so sad to find out how much contention has been alleviated without him here. He is so intense and being his mom is emotionally draining!! That being said, I am his mom! I'm proud to be his mom and I wouldn't trade it for anything!! I love him...he's hard but he's mine! I can not wait to see him in just under a week!! woo hoo!!

My nephew Zane has been here for 5 weeks. I'm sure it's not been as fun for him as he was hoping...he's an only child and there is not really any privacy in a home with five other kids. I do think we've had some fun times and we will miss him when he goes. Here's one thing I've noticed about him....he's so polite to me and so helpful!!! I hope my kids watch and learn! Thanks Zaner!! (He really does hate for me to call him that, but he will always be Zaner to me).

Aaron is enjoying his new job. He's working in management at Noodles and Co. It's so him...he has missed restaurants. It's strange to adapt to him being gone so much after he was home so much.

I'm remembering just how hard sleeping during the day is during the summer....I love my schedule during the winter when everyone is at school....not so much when they are all home. I find it so hard to sleep. I feel guilty for not spending time with them.

Oh, I must mention this....I'm so excited to see my Utah friends for a good ole GNO. I am nervous though....I don't look as good as I want to. I've always fluctuated in weight and I'm on my heavier side right now. I'm mad at myself for not having the self control it takes to STOP EATING bad things!! I wonder why can't I be the girl who DOESNT eat when she's stressed instead of the girl that feeds her stress with food! But, I'm going to suck it up and try to suck it in and just have fun with my friends!! Thank you Lia for hosting!

Hopefully next time there will be pictures!

Conversations

We saw Transformers in 3D last night (thank you Jen Jen!). At the end Hannah came up to me and....

Hannah: I almost cried at the end

Me: Why?

Hannah: Because it was almost like a wedding, and people cry at weddings.

Now, when you see this movie you will know that this if funny....that she would get that out of it.


Joe has been at my Aunt and Sister's house in Utah. I think this is such a good experience for him and I love hearing about the things he's doing and saying. He recently found out about the laundry chute in Grandma Jo's bathroom.....

Joe: Tell me the truth! Has Zane ever jumped down the chute?

Jenny: No, did you go down the chute?

Joe: No, I was thinking about it but I decided if I did I'd probably break both my legs.

Some Stuff

* We (Zack, Greg (Zack's boyfriend) Matthew, Joe and Hannah and I) made our trip to Utah for Zack's new student orientation at the U of U. It was such a wonderful, lovely trip. It just wasn't long enough and I didn't get to see everyone I wanted and didn't get nearly enough time with my brother and sister in law's family. Lucky for me I'm going back at the end of July. So, hopefully I'll get to see all my friends....we need to do a girls night out or something!

*The U of U is such a beautiful and BIG school. I'm so excited for Zack. I never went to college and I'm so proud of him. I know he will be a big success in whatever he decides as a career.

*We left our Joe there with my sister. We took her Zane with us. I miss Joe but must admit the house is very quiet without him. 6 weeks is a long time though. I know he's having a good time there and being spoiled rotten by Aunt Jenny and Aunt Jo. Hannah misses him but she's surviving. It's been so cool having Zane with us. He's growing up and has been so kind and considerat to me....I think he needs to give my kids lessons.

*Megan was supposed to go on a pioneer trek for Youth Conference with our church. She begged and begged not to go. She even came up with a contract of all the things she would do for us if we didn't make her go. She HATES camping with all of her heart and unfortunately she doesn't have anyone she feels close to in our youth group...which is basically just her and another girl. So, we compromised. She went to the first day, which consisted of going to the Temple and then having games and a sleepover in the barn on a farm of one of our church members. She still has to do everything on the list....My favorite thing on the list is....I get to hug her anytime I want all summer long and she has to hug me back. She also said she'd do anyone's chores who are not home. and basically anything I ask her to do. I wish she'd gone on Trek but have to admit the hugs are quite nice.

*Work has been crazy busy for me. Because I work overnight I get to see some interesting people. Nothing like summer to bring out the crazy, drunkiness in people....among other things.

*Josh just got home from his trip to California. He and his girlfriend, Tori, stayed with my Dad and his wife Carolyn. They had a grand time. I'm glad he's home....i missed him. Thanks DAD!!

*Life is busy.

Conversations at the LDS Distribution Center

We are in Salt Lake City!! So, of coarse, I made a trip to the Distribution Center!

Me: This is a special place where they sell lots of church things so we need to be reverent.

Hannah and Joe: Okay

Me (after we walked out to the parking lot): Joe, you were not very reverent.....why weren't you being reverent?

Joe: Because I'm a gangster.

The sheet blanket thing

When my older kids were small I used flat sheets and fitted sheets on their beds....I soon discovered that making bunk beds with flat sheets is a nightmare.....so flat sheets soon were outlawed and we just used fitted sheets and blankets....much easier. Aaron and I were talking with Matthew tonight and he was telling us how hot he's been during the night. I asked him if he's using a blanket and he said "no, I'm using one of those sheet blanket things". At first Aaron and I were quite perplexed, I almost went to his room to see what he was talking about......but, then we both realized.....he has no idea what a flat sheet is....to him it's a sheet blanket thing.

conversations during dinner

Joe: I love you soo soo much Mommy!

Me: I love you too!

Joe: I love you all the love in the world!!

Joe: Even when I'm a grumpy old grandpa I'm still gonna love you!

Hannah: When I'm an old grandma I'm still gonna love you but you'll be dead.

Vote

My niece Amy is a finalist in a singing competition to sing the National Anthem in their local rodeo.

Go to this link http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Jordan-Independence-Day-Festival-Western-Stampede/220528384640553?sk=wall&filter=1.
click on "photos" and scroll down to find Amy, she's contestant number 9. She's wearing a scarf. Click "like". The contestant with the most likes will win!
She's a beautiful girl with a beautiful voice!

Josh sings a solo

Every year Lincoln North Star Concert Choir sings a special song at the end of the last performance of the night. This year the song was It's My Life by Bon Jovi. Josh auditioned and got the solo. It was so awesome!! It's a little hard to see part of it as they kids were wearing glow in the dark painted shirts and jewelry and it didn't show up on camera so well...but they did such a good job and it was so cool to see my son rock it!!

Our Graduate

So many memories these past few weeks....Zack as a baby and as a little boy...he's always been such a delight and sometimes quite a pill....but he made it!! He made it through this first part of his life and now he'll start a new chapter. I just couldn't be more proud of him.

late night conversations

At 945pm Hannah came upstairs with something troubling her....

Hannah: Mom and Dad do we live in Lincoln? Joe says we live in Lincoln.

Aaron and I: Yes we do.....

Hannah: NUH UH!!! WE LIVE IN AMERICA!!!

Technology

The other night I was laying in bed with Joe and singing to him (this is a favorite bedtime ritual for the littles) and he looked at me and said "PAUSE" because he wanted to tell me something. I think someone needs more human interaction!

STRESS

Zack is graduating...on the 28th. It is very traditional here to have an open house for the graduate. We are having said open house this Saturday.....I am STRESSED OUT!! We have been cleaning and cleaning....we have been doing yard work....we have been getting photos ready.....we are planning for food.....did I mention the cleaning? I hate how you don't really realize how dirty things are til you really focus on it. I mean, with working full time alot gets left undone.....so the more I clean the more I see that needs to be cleaned...it's a vicious cycle of never ending torment for me. I also am struggling with the whole "I wish I lived in a nice home and not in an old run down one"......*sigh*. I just really want it to be nice for Zack....
Speaking of him, Zack I mean, last night was his last choir concert and it was amazing! The boys both did such an awesome job!! But since it was his last he was bit weepy, well, maybe alot weepy. He asked me later why I wasn't crying too...because I am a cryer ya know......I told him I didn't know why. I've thought about it and I think there will be many tears coming....but not til this open house is OVER! Speaking of the Open House....anyone is invited...if you want to come to Nebraska ....or you are already in Nebraska.....it's at our house from 11-2 This Saturday the 21st. We'd love to see you!

Just SO Proud

I look at all my kids have accomplished and I just feel so thrilled. I feel a long post a comin' but not today.....today I'm off to Zack's last Theater Banquet and Megan's first.

Such a girl....

The other night we were all in the van together....this happens very rarely now a days.....but there we were, so it was a tight fit. Hannah and Joe were sitting next to each other (note to self...do not let this happen again). One of them poked the other in the eye and then the one who was poked slapped the others arm. So, they were both crying. After a while this was too trying for Aaron so he said Stop crying! And Hannah said " I can't stop til I been crying a whole lot". Yep...she's a girl alright.

Love Letter

Dear Eureka Air Speed,

You Really SUCK!

And that's why I love you so.......

HUGS and KISSES,

Carpet

Conversations

Josh: Everyone! Listen to this (talking to our whole family). Today at our band competition I opened the case to my french horn...took out the mouth piece and found orange playdough in there!

Me: Hannah did you do that?

Hannah: No....

Joe: I didn't do it either!

Me: Hannah did you put orange playdough in Josh's french horn?

Hannah: It wasn't playdough......it was a crayon (this part said very quietly).

Josh: Why did you put a crayon in my mouth piece?

Hannah: I was trying to get the bagel out of there.

NAKED!

Last night was swimming lessons....a favorite thing for Hannah especially! This time around is even better because Logan is in her class...Logan is her boyfriend at daycare...she loves him, she tells me all the time. But anyway....in the locker room there is a wonderful little machine, you put your swimsuit in there, close the lid and it spins all the water out....it's awesome! Hannah LOVES to use it. After she took off her swimsuit she ran over to the machine put her swimsuit in there and held the lid down....... all the while she was BUCK NAKED. I finally got her to come over and get dressed. While dressing she looked over to see another little girl running her suit through the machine. Hannah looked at her and then leaned over to me and whispered loudly "SHE'S NAKED!" If only I had a picture of the look on her face when I said "You were just over there doing the same thing and you were naked too." Apparently her nakedness hadn't occurred to her.......She finished dressing in silence.

Some Stuff

*Still struggling with Weight Watchers...I've gone to three meetings in the last three weeks. I've lost 1.8 lbs...but still have a ways to go. I refuse to give up....I'm gonna keep on keepin' on.

*I've been trying to get to the gym at least twice a week...I acually ran a mile and a half without stopping the other morning....it felt so good! I think I could of kept going longer but my knee was hurting and my lower back too....I am getting old.

*Working over nights is hard sometimes...I like it okay, I just miss being able to get things done during the day....when I wake up in the afternoon life gets so busy...so the house is not as clean as I want it to be and I just feel so hurried all the time. It's also a bit discombobulating waking up during the day....there's always a bit of panic for a couple seconds until I remember, oh yeah...it's daylight and I'm supposed to be asleep....

*I am getting so excited for my trips....California in May with Megan. I look so forward to having that time with just Megan and me. Also, my sister is meeting us there and I can't wait to see her. I also am really glad I get to spend some time with my parents...it's going to be awesome! I also get to see my sweet girls, Courtney and Erin, who I used to be a nanny for and now they are both in their 20's and did I mention I'm getting old? Then in June I GET TO GO TO UTAH!! My Zack is going to orientation at the U and him mama gets to take him....CAN NOT WAIT! I'm missing all my family and my home girls! We to do a girls night or day or whatever...

*Aaron's still looking for full time work....*sigh*

*Working in the ER has made me appreciate my kids more.....as hard as teenagers are...it could be so much worse. Thanks kids...big hugs to you and don't drink and don't do drugs and listen to your mama....(like my kids even read my blog....ha ha ha ha )

*I get loopy and silly when I'm tired.

*I still have 2 and a half hours to go before I get to go home to my bed....

Bangs or no Bangs.....

I just can't decide.

Happy Day!

Zack got his acceptance letter from the University of Utah's Theatre Program. This is such good news and we're all so excited for him. He has orientation at the end of June.....which means.....I get to make a trip with him to Utah.....whoopedee woo hoo! I can't wait!

Take a Starlit Stroll LNS Prom 2011

Saturday was the big night....and a busy one for this mama. First, Josh was running late and it was stressing me out. I kept telling him to get dressed...he though he had plenty of time. He told me in the car "I didn't know it would take so long to get dressed". Hmmmmm maybe he shoulda listened to his mama! So, we didn't have time to go to Tori's before they were meeting their group downtown for pictures. So, we went straight to the Haymarket where we waiting for Tori to arrive. Josh was so excited to see her in her dress. She looked stunning! I got some very cute shots of them. They stayed downtown and went to a cute little ice cream shop called Ivanna Cone and then went to prom. I was bummed about not getting any group shots of them but I had to run home and pick up food (thanks to Megan for helping me get it ready) so I could run over to Zack's friend Lexi's where his group was having dinner. I got some great shots of Zack and Greg, they both looked fabulous, and helped with dinner.......well, maybe I really just stayed and chatted with the moms....but hey, that's okay. The boys had an excellent time and Zack even texted me some pictures while they were at the Prom....it was nice. I really can't believe I have boys this old....I just don't feel like I'm old enough....

A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY DAD FOR MAKING THIS ALL POSSIBLE! THANK YOU THANK YOU DAD! YOU ARE THE BEST!

Enjoy the pictures.....I think they turned out real nice!