.

9/28/2010

Discussions at our house

1. When can we get a dog? Or a cat? Me: But whose going to clean up after the poop? How about we get one that doesn't poop?- says Emma. Brilliant idea.

2. When is Emma going to like Kindergarten? Thank you to the Grandmas who put her name in the temple. She now says, "I only have one butterfly in my tummy." and, "I am famous because everyone is praying for me." Tanner stayed home legitimately sick. She wanted to know why his butterflies let him stay home. I told her his aren't butterfly's. She said than they must be sharks.

3. When is Charlotte going to poop? She has gone over 10 days. I took her into the pediatrician. She's fine and not to worry he says. But we do worry! Especially about when and where we are going to have that blowout.

4. When are we going to Disneyland? (at least a couple times a day this is asked). We don't know I say. But really, we bought our airfare and hotel. We've booked our surprise vacation for the end of January!

5. Can I go to football practice? Ryan is the assistant coach. I love that guy. The head catholic coach says he looks at coaching as a ministry of sorts. Lots of fatherless kids. Moms have called Ryan to talk to their sons. I try to keep the little kids home so Ryan can focus on the team. Tanner started the last two games. It's clicking. Can't wait til it's over. :)

6. Where's Jackson? Who has Jackson? JACKSON! He's a stinker right now. Into everything. Way worse than my other kids. But he's funny. He's my best talker and cracks jokes back at us. And he likes the fridge. Butter is like candy or something.


Photobucket

7. I have to excercise. Whose gonna give me some time alone- I say? I'm trying to change my diet. I'm working out everyday. I'm starting to like to run. Almost 8 weeks at it. I ask Ryan all the time, When is it going to drop off? When are my last 100 pounds gonna melt out of me? He's over me. He tells me to keep it up. It is coming off. But he can skip lunch and now weighs what he weighed in High School. Such a crock I say. I serve him big portions. Of pie especially.

8. When you gonna get a ride on a fighter jet? Me to Ryan of course- this is called an Incentive Flight. He rolls his eyes at me. He tells people I wish he was a pilot. Not really ;). But still, I asked if he can make some "connections" so we can take our family Christmas picture on a jet. He came home recently and told me two things. First, he was nominated for some award. He had to go before some interview panel. He didn't know some current events about the military. He said he "bombed it but whatever". But he won. He was recognized. I asked if his award was an Incentive Flight. He didn't know. Maybe if he makes it to DC he said. BUT, the second item, He made those "connections". We get a family picture on a jet. We're imposter's, I know.

9/14/2010

Letter from the Principle

Got this sent home with the kids last week.

"...I would like to explain the situation with the Active Shooter exercise held in the old primary school yesterday."

Let me clarify, the old unused school is just a few feet away from the new (but still old) primary school building that is being used. They share the same parking lot. As I was dropping Emma off to the kindergarten line I was crossing the parking lot and heard fire. I thought we were under attack. I stopped, looked around. Grabbed the kids. Wondered if I should run or duck or call 911 or what. But everyone seemed calm. And I figured since I was new to base, and no one was running in fear, it must be an exercise or something. But it was unnerving. (Jackson kept saying, "what's that mamma?what's that?") Especially, in light of Fort Hood last year.

back to the letter.

"we received some concerned calls from parents who were upset that we had not informed them of the exercise. Just to be clear to everyone, the exercise did not take place in our building. And no on was informed, because I was directed not to inform parents. The integrity of the exercise was important and since there was no threat to our students, this direction was followed. If you have concerns, please contact base leadership."

Just my 2 cents, but I think it is pretty scary for kids that have had parents deployed in combat. Which is a huge percentage of our base. And thus, the location of the exercise is insensitive. And second. I think I should kick up my reaction skills. I guess I would know how I would behave if under fire.

Where I've been

At Landon's Birthday Party.

We had a family one for him. I postered the kitchen and set the traditional birthday table for him. His dad took him out to lunch here on base. He's four. But I still get him home for 2 more years.

Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket

Where I've been

At school.

Emma goes just 3 hours, from noon to 3. I can see the school from my house. Tanner goes to school in the morning with the Walkie Talkie so I can check in on him when he picks her up and walks home with Emma. (Ryan thinks I'm an overprotective nut. He teases me about this Walkie Talkie thing.)

Emma has had a hard time with school. She was not too fond of it- ie, ripping at my arm and sobbing when I left her. I could hardly bear it. Ryan started swinging home and picking her up to drop her off. Since the hospital is just right around the corner I have been able to count on him to help me. I love the base. So much more convenient for us.

Photobucket



Photobucket


I still feel like I have 4 at home- half day kindergarten doesn't even count! Oh the days are demanding. Everyone needs help. Everyone needs me. I can't imagine not having this mother calling- what did I ever do with my time before them!

Photobucket


Photobucket

After school. Snack time and I get Tanner to help me with Charlotte.
Photobucket

Where I've been

At the Boise State Fair and Boise Hot Air Balloon Festival. (two different events)

Dinosaur Exhibit. Iphone pic.
Photobucket


Photobucket



Photobucket


This kid needs a leash backpack. He tries to "walk" himself with his own leash.
Photobucket



Photobucket



Photobucket


Where I've been

Football. Football. Football.

Ryan is one of the Assistant Coaches. So Ryan's there too. 4 nights a week plus weekend games.

Tanner on the Boise State Blue Field
Photobucket


Photobucket

Jackson wants to play. He yells at the kids just like the coaches do.
Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket


Where I've been

Swimming at my moms.

Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket



Photobucket

9/01/2010

happiest place on earth

for Charlotte is in the pouch- like she is here, hanging on me. And I love seeing her smile up at me.

Photobucket