day 3

I got up with the sun this morning and walked the dog. We went a little over 3 miles and I realized half way through that I had gone too far. It was just so nice and cool (only compared to the 110 degrees in the afternoon) that I didn't want to go home just yet. Sunny is a good, big dog and loves to be outside. So do I, especially when the sky is pink.

When I arrived home, Ben was waiting for me on the driveway. I was surprised to see him and asked him what brought him outside so early in the morning. He had a question: "Is this outfit okay for school?" I took a look at his striped shirt and plaid shorts and smiled. "What do you think?" was my response. He shrugged and said, "I don't think it really goes together." I told him it would probably be better to wear the stripes OR the plaid, but probably not at the same time. He ran upstairs, changed, and came to the breakfast table in style.

For the third day in a row, Dad has been there when I've dropped off the kids at school. Not because he's overly attached to them (as if there is anything wrong with that) but Aaron's car is in the shop and I have to take him to work after I drop the kids off. It's great timing.... being down to one car the week school starts. But I have to admit it's been "fun" dropping them off as a family. Simon gets a little sad when they leave the car, but Zack cheers him up quickly with a few simple silly faces.

Today when Luke jumped out of the car he said, "Mom! Where is my backpack?" I asked him where he left it. "Um... on the couch." Oops. I told him that he would have to go without it today and that he could put all of his papers in Ben's backpack. Their lunches were in the same bag and luckily Ben was in charge of it. Had Luke been responsible for it, it might not have made it to the school either. Dad gave Luke a high five through the rolled-down window and we smiled as he ran off, backpack-less, to catch up with Ben who was already at the playground.

We watched as both boys joined in a game of dodgeball (their favorite part of going to public school :) As we drove away, we saw Luke get pegged in the face with the ball. It was so sad, but he smiled at the kid who threw it at him, and walked to the outside of the court to wait his turn to get back in the game. I wanted to blow a whistle, stop the game, tell my boys to get inside van and drive away. Instead, I pulled out my cell phone and snapped a quick picture. Aaron and I laughed about it all day, but I kind of felt like crying about it too. Day 3 and no tears shed, yet. But I can't make any promises.
Their teacher wanted to meet with me after the final bell rang. I love that there are only 12 students in the class and that she has the desire/ability to talk with us on a more personal level. She told me she was worried about Luke because he hasn't said much the past three days. I told her not to fret. He's not shy, but he won't talk unless he has something to say, and he usually doesn't have anything to say. On the drive home, I asked Luke if he remembered getting hit in the head in dodgeball and he said, "Um. I think." Then I asked him if he said anything in class and he said, "No, not really." I am sure it will take us all a little time to warm up to this public school routine.

After dinner, Dad went to the church for a bit and the rest of us wanted to play Boggle. Unfortunately, the school-kids needed to write a short story. It's not fair that they were gone for 6 hours doing work and have to do more when come home. Why can't we use our family time to do something we WANT to do? Would it be so detrimental to their "education" to play a game where you spell words? Apparently so. Ben wrote a story about a tiger escaping from a zoo at night. He used capital letters at the beginning of every sentence and periods at the end. Luke wrote a story about four brothers who found a meteor in the middle of a soccer field. The youngest brother (who was only two) jumped on the meteor and started flying around the field. They finally got him down and put him in jail for disobeying. While we were reading (and laughing at) Luke's story, Simon got a hold of Ben's finished homework and ripped it in three pieces. We taped it back together. I wonder if his teacher will believe his excuse tomorrow about why his homework isn't perfect. Simon got put in jail/bed for disobeying.

It's now 10:15 pm. I am tired and frustrated. I wish I wouldn't have walked so far this morning. I wish I would have been able to play a game with my kids today. I hope that Luke will remember to duck next time a ball comes flying towards his face. I hope I am doing the right thing for my family. We didn't read scriptures tonight or say prayers like we usually do. But the sun will come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, they'll be sun.... and another day of public school.

first day of school

I'm so behind, but today needs to be documented.

Ben and Luke went to their first day of school EVER today. They are in the same 3rd-5th grade class. I have to drive them out to this little school (about 10 minutes away, totally worth it for the small-town feel). There was about three other cars in the parking lot and ten other students in their class, 20-something in the entire school. Can you say "Little House on the Prairie"?

Zero tears were shed by anyone, including mom. Dad was able to be there to drop them off, which made everyone happy. When we arrived, their teacher was out to greet them and while we were talking to her, Ben and Luke ran off to play at the playground. We saw them mingling with friends and decided that goodbyes were unnecessary. Everything that needed to be said has already been said. These boys are two of the sweetest, smartest, kindest children I know. I wasn't worried about them for a second. I know they will behave and listen and do all the right things. I am so proud of them and feel privileged to have them in my home.

Zack tested out of Kindergarten and into 1st grade, and even though he wanted to attend school all day, it just didn't feel right.. He will be home with Simon for another year and we are all excited about it. (this is a decision we made just a few days ago....) Zack is also a smart boy, but he still has a lot to learn about manners and helping and being productive. I know this next year he will grow up a lot being the one in charge at home for a few hours. This afternoon he played "sargent" and got Simon to clean up all of the toys and Legos before lunch... and they both felt so accomplished! Simon would be such a sad little toddler in an empty house, so even though they're both troublemakers, I am excited for the time we will have together. It's only 6 more weeks before a little girl will shake up the routine and join the excitement at home!

We are all feeling blessed and happy and busy... Life is good.

I pledge allegiance, to the....

You know you've had a disappointing week when THIS is the highlight:

Let it be stated that he was walking along a very busy 6-laned highway. The first time we passed him, he was flying solo.. The second time we passed, Ben was sitting in the passenger's seat and had the camera ready. We were surprised to see that a lovely lady had joined him and brought him a drink. Apparently, some women are attracted to patriotic packages.

not really worth posting, but i'm gonna anyway...

worst things about this week:

• temperatures from hell.
• having to run errands with four kids.. with 112 degree heat and a pregnant tummy.
• going to pack meeting by myself-- I mean, with four boys.
• having to put the kids to bed without my husband.
• wanting to call my mom and cry, only to realize it's 2 AM in Chile.
• not ever being able to catch up on housework.
• being in charge of/responsible for too many things.
• Simon not napping-- ever. So annoying!
• not fitting in anything.. not wanting to wear the things that actually do fit.
• not having time to put a gazillion pictures on the blog.
• school shopping for my kids (such a sad thing for a homeschooling mom)
• not sleeping well-- charlie horses, having to pee every hour, etc.
• feeling annoyed and emotionally unstable...

best things about this week:

• watching The Help with girl friends... yes, it was a late night, but so worth it.
• a neighbor bringing over a delicious dinner. It could not have been better timing.
• fun field trips.
• talking to my sisters on the phone. they are almost as good as mom.
• lots of time in the pool.
• watching Simon grab a hose and spray down unsuspecting adults at pack meeting.
• eating delicious Indian food with a few families in our ward. YUM!
• a thoughtful present brought over by a sweet friend-- for no reason at all.
• spending quality time with my boys-- knowing that everything is going to change next week.
• bubble baths
• getting complimented by strangers about my awesomely behaved kids.
• eating at cafe rio for lunch. that place always makes me feel better.
• seeing a man walking down a busy road wearing only an American flag speedo (+ shoes & socks).. I will upload the picture soon.

wreck

I've been kind of a wreck these last couple of days. Two weeks ago, I was doing great... feeling blessed and had the energy to clean my house and keep up with the insane amount of responsibilities I had. Last week I was coping-- getting by with my "must do" list but not having the energy to do anything else. This week has basically been a disaster. I am literally on the verge of tears every time someone asks me how I am doing. I am not crying while writing this post, and that's a good sign. I think I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It's Friday tomorrow and maybe, just maybe, I will see my husband this weekend.

There's nothing really wrong, particularly. But I really think I can blame everything on the heat. I swear I was just saying how this summer has been mild.. but ever since we returned from our trip to Utah (where it hailed/rained on us everyday) I have been completely miserable. Today it was 112 degrees. We were out running errands or in the car ALL DAY and I just wanted to die. Running errands with four kids is miserable enough... add the blazing temperatures and a pregnant tummy and you have a recipe for depression.  I need a therapist.  and some strong medication. and a nap that lasts two months.  I can't believe I still have two months before this baby is born.  Heaven help me.