Just a small note, No I have not disappeared....though the though has occurred. We have been busy trying to fit everything in before school starts next week. This weekend is Houghton's last swim meet for the summer he'll have 3 weeks off before the fall season starts. ( I have no idea what I will do with all of his energy...he's going to be bouncing off the walls!!)
I am very proud of myself. I sat out in the heat (under the canopy..in my new chair!) and made sure I drank enough fluids. I actually came home this afternoon and did not feel the beginnings of heat exhaustion!!! I know that could be really bad but I made sure to stay hydrated...the bad part of it all is that I don't like to drink water....so I improvised and used the crystal light to go packs with water and drank gatorade.
Houghton did really well and dropped time in the 3 events he swam....he continually amazes me with how much he improves!
We're off to church now (since we'll be at the meet tomorrow) more to come.......
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Our Adventure
I am on VACATION!! Whew...what a whirlwind. It has been great so far!
We are currently at my Dad's place in Omaha....where it just so happens to be the swimming Olympic trials. We bought tickets for 3 days (tue/wed/thu) and have been fortunate enough to have been given tickets to the finals Sun and this evening as well!! Houghton has been having a great time...the only problem was when I went shopping in the speedo store...they had such great swag!! We got to see Michael Phelps break a world record...can't remember the event though...I know it's late. We also saw Katie Hoff break another world record. It has been a great facility and really cool!! We have had great seats and really cool to visit and see history in the making.
So far we have been through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska. We spent last Tue evening with Aunt Julia and Tio Rene...and Rene made us a wonderful steak dinner!! The weather has been the best part of our trip. When we left Tucson Wed. morning, it was a bit overcast and driving through the desert was great only getting to about 87 degrees. We miscalculated bit and getting out a little later than we planned got us into Carlsbad NM a little behind schedule. I also made an error and we missed our turn from El Paso which probably cost us time. However noone was mad and we did just fine....we're on an ADVENTURE!!! So we made it to the Carlsbad cavern just in time to see the bat flight. It's really cool! Every night (while they stay there) around sunset-ish they leave the cave....it was AWESOME!! Then we checked into our hotel and finally got some sleep. It was nice not to have a schedule. We then took the natural entrance hike down into the caverns. It was beautiful...(thanks to the Thompsons for the recommendation...and the back pack!!) Mary was quite a trooper and wasn't too much on Paul's shoulders. She wanted to walk quite a bit but when she didn't it was great to have the back pack. We then ate lunch 750ft below the surface where it's a balmy 56 degrees....which was ok while we were hiking but sitting down to lunch...we got a little chilly. So we took the big room tour and saw more...we couldn't get enough! Once we left Carlsbad, we headed to Roswell. Not as kitschy as I would've thought. We checked into our hotel (which they were much better than expected!) The kids and Paul took a break to swim then we went to dinner and splurged on DQ for dessert! Then, we passed out in our beds! The next day (Fri) we spent driving to Denver. Beautiful and not as mountainy from the south. Again, the weather couldn't have been better. The best thing ever to get for the drive is a DVD player. I am tellin' ya, that thing saved many tantrums (unless it was about which movie) I would never let my kids watch that much TV at home but sometimes you just have to bend the rules!! We arrived in Denver and unloaded the car...we tipped the bellman well!! It was great, we explored the area and went to eat. It is a great little downtown mall area and they have a free shuttle that runs up and down so if you get tired to just want to make it to the other end you just hop on....really cool...plus the kids thought it was a ride!! We spent Sat. at the Aquarium which was cool and had lunch at the restaurant by the big fish tank. After a brief nap....we went to see Wall-E....a very cute movie and Mary sat through it all!!! On Sunday we made sure to get up way early and get a good start since we found out we had tickets to the finals that evening. We made great time and got in around 4ish. After a quick turnaround and unloading of the car...Houghton and I went to the trials....That brings us to today!! We went to the zoo...the zoo here is fabulous! It has always been a favorite of mine. They have a new butterfly exhibit which appealed to both of my kids for different reasons....Houghton for the science part...Mary, just because they're butterflies!! The also have a rainforest which is really cool!!! While at the zoo we got word that we had tickets to the finals this evening...again really neat!
We are currently at my Dad's place in Omaha....where it just so happens to be the swimming Olympic trials. We bought tickets for 3 days (tue/wed/thu) and have been fortunate enough to have been given tickets to the finals Sun and this evening as well!! Houghton has been having a great time...the only problem was when I went shopping in the speedo store...they had such great swag!! We got to see Michael Phelps break a world record...can't remember the event though...I know it's late. We also saw Katie Hoff break another world record. It has been a great facility and really cool!! We have had great seats and really cool to visit and see history in the making.
So far we have been through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska. We spent last Tue evening with Aunt Julia and Tio Rene...and Rene made us a wonderful steak dinner!! The weather has been the best part of our trip. When we left Tucson Wed. morning, it was a bit overcast and driving through the desert was great only getting to about 87 degrees. We miscalculated bit and getting out a little later than we planned got us into Carlsbad NM a little behind schedule. I also made an error and we missed our turn from El Paso which probably cost us time. However noone was mad and we did just fine....we're on an ADVENTURE!!! So we made it to the Carlsbad cavern just in time to see the bat flight. It's really cool! Every night (while they stay there) around sunset-ish they leave the cave....it was AWESOME!! Then we checked into our hotel and finally got some sleep. It was nice not to have a schedule. We then took the natural entrance hike down into the caverns. It was beautiful...(thanks to the Thompsons for the recommendation...and the back pack!!) Mary was quite a trooper and wasn't too much on Paul's shoulders. She wanted to walk quite a bit but when she didn't it was great to have the back pack. We then ate lunch 750ft below the surface where it's a balmy 56 degrees....which was ok while we were hiking but sitting down to lunch...we got a little chilly. So we took the big room tour and saw more...we couldn't get enough! Once we left Carlsbad, we headed to Roswell. Not as kitschy as I would've thought. We checked into our hotel (which they were much better than expected!) The kids and Paul took a break to swim then we went to dinner and splurged on DQ for dessert! Then, we passed out in our beds! The next day (Fri) we spent driving to Denver. Beautiful and not as mountainy from the south. Again, the weather couldn't have been better. The best thing ever to get for the drive is a DVD player. I am tellin' ya, that thing saved many tantrums (unless it was about which movie) I would never let my kids watch that much TV at home but sometimes you just have to bend the rules!! We arrived in Denver and unloaded the car...we tipped the bellman well!! It was great, we explored the area and went to eat. It is a great little downtown mall area and they have a free shuttle that runs up and down so if you get tired to just want to make it to the other end you just hop on....really cool...plus the kids thought it was a ride!! We spent Sat. at the Aquarium which was cool and had lunch at the restaurant by the big fish tank. After a brief nap....we went to see Wall-E....a very cute movie and Mary sat through it all!!! On Sunday we made sure to get up way early and get a good start since we found out we had tickets to the finals that evening. We made great time and got in around 4ish. After a quick turnaround and unloading of the car...Houghton and I went to the trials....That brings us to today!! We went to the zoo...the zoo here is fabulous! It has always been a favorite of mine. They have a new butterfly exhibit which appealed to both of my kids for different reasons....Houghton for the science part...Mary, just because they're butterflies!! The also have a rainforest which is really cool!!! While at the zoo we got word that we had tickets to the finals this evening...again really neat!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Phew...
Wow, so I have been busy....not really enitrely but it sounded good.
"Hi, my name is Molly and I am an addict"
I have been reading other people's blogs and I cannot stop. I am not sure where it started but someone mentioned a blog and I checked it out. So super funny and most of all witty (which I am not but dream one day it will just happen to me) and so I have bookmarked them and check them everyday. It multiplies too! Everyone has links referring to someone else's blog...I just can't stop! These people who blog seem to be able to do it with much more frequency than me. I do wonder what kind of lives they have....the grass is always greener....**sigh**
"Hi, my name is Molly and I am an addict"
I have been reading other people's blogs and I cannot stop. I am not sure where it started but someone mentioned a blog and I checked it out. So super funny and most of all witty (which I am not but dream one day it will just happen to me) and so I have bookmarked them and check them everyday. It multiplies too! Everyone has links referring to someone else's blog...I just can't stop! These people who blog seem to be able to do it with much more frequency than me. I do wonder what kind of lives they have....the grass is always greener....**sigh**
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Clean at last!
Whew! I had today off of work and spent the entire day cleaning. I am still in my PJ's! However, we have company coming tomorrow and it was the big push I needed to get some stuff done! I even pointed out to Paul that the clutter is pretty much gone enough to have someone come and clean our house for us!!! THAT is exciting! There are still a few minor things but I have my car loaded up with stuff for goodwill. I cleaned out my closet and got rid of about 20 pairs of shoes. (don't worry I still have many left!) I also got rid of lots of clothes, mostly winter stuff and things that I was keeping for wishful thinking. I didn't get attached and figured if I was hanging on to something that I didn't like just because it was a good piece was not good logic if I am not wearing it! If that makes any sense....I feel much better now. I also have room for new stuff!!! I am actually enjoying the space right now though. I don't feel up to shopping....maybe because I am tired!!!
Taaa-Daaaa!!!!
We now officially have 2 choir singers in the family! Houghton had his audition this afternoon for the Phoenix Boys Choir and was accepted. He was extremely proud and very excited. He was even more excited when he found out that he gets to sing with Paul (the Men's choir) at the Christmas concert! He told anyone and everyone who was around the good news. We now have a 'new parent' meeting to go to next week. I am sure we'll get all of the gory details and the parental requirements....money, time, more money etc. Fortunately, we're prepared! Paul is somewhat familiar with the goings on around there! Georg (director) seemed to be quite pleased and wants to use Paul and Houghton for marketing!! I am sure Houghton might like it more than Paul. We'll see. I am just glad that the training choir does not go away for camp!! I am not ready for that drama yet!!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Seattle....BUSTED!!
Yes, Paul took his exam and well, not so good. Even though we don't (and won't) have the results for a while, he did not have enough time to answer all the questions. He felt good about knowing the material, just not enough time. Paul is pretty sure he won't make it even though there could still be a chance! Soooo, no Seattle for me. Well, I technically am supposed to go anyway but, we are going on a 15 day road trip and I have used up all of my vacation time at work. I am very proud of him though and will enjoy the fact that I have him until next year! Let the projects begin!!
Also on the homefront, We received Houghton's sumer homework for next year. I am excited. Good books and he is encouraged to "write, write, write" and so the both of us are going to work on journaling. Also, we are going to write about our roadtrip. He also received a recommendation from his music teacher to try out for the boys choir.
It made me smile since Paul is still in the Alumni choir (now called 'the Masters') so we talked about it since it will be a big commitment on Houghton's part as well as ours. Fortunately the choir building is not too far from home. We will have some juggling to do I am sure since he will still be swimming. He decided to forgo soccer this fall to do choir....so we'll see. It's Pauls job to call and set up the audition.
Mary and I are still doing swim lessons for the remainder of the month. Then, once school is out we are going to play it by ear since there's a lot going on. She is swimming soo well!! She is also potty training. I don't remember Houghton being this difficult. She really picks and chooses when she wants to go on the potty. At least now, she's choosing to go more on the potty but it's definitely on her terms!
We spent Mother's Day at the Wildlife World Zoo. It was nice me and the kids and my mom and Glen went. It was very nice weather, a little on the warm side, but good. It is a nice zoo but expensive!! They do have the white (albino) alligator. According to the sign they keep it inside so that it won't get sunburned! So, Mary was very excited and jumped up and down and so did the alligator, right at the glass! Mary screamed and was freaked out! The alligator was attacking the glass!! Knowing that the glass was there made it funny, but really kinda creepy! Needless to say if you ask her about the trip she'll tell you "the alligator scared me!" It's cute!!
This is Houghton and Mary in Grandma & Grandpas tree after our trip to the zoo!
Also on the homefront, We received Houghton's sumer homework for next year. I am excited. Good books and he is encouraged to "write, write, write" and so the both of us are going to work on journaling. Also, we are going to write about our roadtrip. He also received a recommendation from his music teacher to try out for the boys choir.
It made me smile since Paul is still in the Alumni choir (now called 'the Masters') so we talked about it since it will be a big commitment on Houghton's part as well as ours. Fortunately the choir building is not too far from home. We will have some juggling to do I am sure since he will still be swimming. He decided to forgo soccer this fall to do choir....so we'll see. It's Pauls job to call and set up the audition.
Mary and I are still doing swim lessons for the remainder of the month. Then, once school is out we are going to play it by ear since there's a lot going on. She is swimming soo well!! She is also potty training. I don't remember Houghton being this difficult. She really picks and chooses when she wants to go on the potty. At least now, she's choosing to go more on the potty but it's definitely on her terms!
We spent Mother's Day at the Wildlife World Zoo. It was nice me and the kids and my mom and Glen went. It was very nice weather, a little on the warm side, but good. It is a nice zoo but expensive!! They do have the white (albino) alligator. According to the sign they keep it inside so that it won't get sunburned! So, Mary was very excited and jumped up and down and so did the alligator, right at the glass! Mary screamed and was freaked out! The alligator was attacking the glass!! Knowing that the glass was there made it funny, but really kinda creepy! Needless to say if you ask her about the trip she'll tell you "the alligator scared me!" It's cute!!
This is Houghton and Mary in Grandma & Grandpas tree after our trip to the zoo!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Pack rat NO MORE
So, I am trying really hard (or trying to try really hard) to throw things out. I have lots of things saved. I have now enlisted a self-help book to "help" me. Strangely enough in the book the author talks about how people buy organizing materials, containers shelves etc. but don't realize that 20cu ft of stuff is not going to fit into 10cu ft of space. No matter how you rearrange it. So, since I think he wrote this book specifically for me (amazing since we've never met), I am going to give it a shot. I just wish I had more time. (don't we all!?) Paul is thoroughly excited and is doing his best to be encouraging. I also know he's not really holding his breath!
Things are always crazy around here and I have been totally exhausted by the end of the day I haven't really gotten much done. I think I might have to rearrange my schedule and actually "schedule" cleaning time. It is a bit overwhelming and I am trying to take one room at a time.
My reward is going to be paint. Yes, paint. I really want to paint the whole house and do some home improvement stuff so once I clean out the clutter hopefully it will make everything easier to do some painting etc. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.
Things are always crazy around here and I have been totally exhausted by the end of the day I haven't really gotten much done. I think I might have to rearrange my schedule and actually "schedule" cleaning time. It is a bit overwhelming and I am trying to take one room at a time.
My reward is going to be paint. Yes, paint. I really want to paint the whole house and do some home improvement stuff so once I clean out the clutter hopefully it will make everything easier to do some painting etc. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.
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