tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152798512012-02-06T22:06:22.232-08:00AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.comBlogger7411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-59404471124816722712012-01-09T11:31:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:18:01.328-08:00

I hate stereotypes. I hate stereotypes of all kinds, but I especially hate stereotypes about teenage boys. It may be because I'm a teacher and I know that kids are kids, period. I know it's also because I'm the mom of three boys -- and two of them are teenagers.Let me tell you about my sons and their teenage friends. They love to sit and talk. They love to just "hang out" at my house.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-90819394618246745802011-12-24T09:52:00.000-08:002011-12-24T10:24:30.243-08:00

Playing with the Pooh ornament...The best place to watch TV is from behind the tree of course...This is his favorite spot. If I can't find him, I look behind the tree. He feels warm and cozy back there and it gives him a sense of peace -- it feels like home to him. Things have been hard for us the past few years -- I've been looking for that same warm and cozy feeling -- but I have to

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-71922498434087205602011-11-22T21:06:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:21:20.967-08:00

I'll admit it. It's hard for me to be thankful lately. My life has gone steadily downhill since we returned to the States about 7 years ago. We have lost our savings, our home, Lance's good job, our good credit rating, our retirement account and pretty much any hope of ever living the American dream. I have lost several friends who don't know how to relate to me anymore -- but I've kept a few

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-6967985192179674012011-11-10T18:22:00.000-08:002011-11-10T18:27:56.787-08:00

Lance won't let me decorate the house for Christmas, because he has RULES. Actually, it's only one rule: No Christmas anything before Thanksgiving.But I sneak around. I buy decorations and hide them in the cabinet above the washer, where all the cleaning supplies are. He never goes into that cabinet. I listen to Christmas music when he isn't home and I hum carols under my breath when I'm

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-54342085369046933032011-10-18T17:22:00.000-07:002011-10-18T17:28:27.787-07:00

...how to play Ultimate Frisbee with a catfish......how to dumpster dive for a free breakfast at Top Pot Doughnuts......that the Wingdom hotwing challenge might kill your taste buds for up to a week......that you can keep 40 naked men out of your dorm hall by building a barricade with a big-screen TV, couch and a lot of cardboard......that it feels like you are eating healthy if you alternate

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-47641958200056544262011-09-29T18:17:00.001-07:002011-09-29T18:38:58.404-07:00

We moved Trenton into Seattle Pacific University last week. It was hard. One of my dear friends told me this about moving your child out of your home:"It is surreal. It goes against every maternal instinct in your body."She was right! BUT. I was so impressed with the university. Two full days of parent/family orientation really helped me feel much better about Trenton being there. The

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-83276386319879162182011-09-09T19:47:00.000-07:002011-09-09T19:51:33.135-07:00

He's 4 today. I can't believe it.Trenton leaves for college in a week. I really can't believe it.I haven't blogged for a while because I am having a hard time with this season in my life. I'm trying to follow the old adage... if I can't say anything nice...We are all healthy. That's good. When I count my blessings, I always put that at the top of the list.I think I'm most thankful for this

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-43664194487674420572011-07-23T09:38:00.000-07:002011-07-23T11:06:37.166-07:00

He is so cute now, but just wait a few years.I went out for coffee with a friend. When I returned home two hours later, Caden was overjoyed."MOMMY" he yelled, running towards me with arms outstretched. "MOMMY IS HOME! I LOVE MY MOMMY!" He threw himself into my arms and covered my face with kisses. It was as if I had been away for days.Tristan looked up from the couch where he was reading. "

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-33457696182549917132011-07-18T14:50:00.001-07:002011-07-18T14:58:41.615-07:00

Trenton and I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to shop for his dorm room today."No browsing," he said. "Let's just get the stuff I need and get out of here." "What are you; my husband?" I asked. "Hey! Look at the cute-""No!" he interrupted. "No cute. Just what is on the 'essentials' list.""But-" I began. I tried to steer the shopping cart over to a display of adorable storage containers but he

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-67871364468028423762011-07-14T11:51:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:01:55.198-07:00

This summer is all about closure in my relationship with Trenton. Honestly, moving your child out of your home is sort of like getting a divorce. What do you do with all his stuff? Should you keep some of it? Where to store it? What is his to take and what should he leave behind?Then, you have to figure out how to relate to him, now that you are not living together anymore. And of course

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-56573549352347181682011-07-01T15:53:00.000-07:002011-07-01T15:57:53.251-07:00

Rainbows are beautiful. Dirt, not so much.Caden loves the word "beautiful"."Mom, look at that booteeful dog!" he says, pointing at the ugliest dog I've ever seen."Mom, see some booteeful flowers!" he exclaims, bending over to pluck a scraggly weed.He calls jagged gray rocks beautiful, piles of dirt beautiful, and dead leaves beautiful. I squint, frown and shake my head when he isn't looking."

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-83195993219808975452011-06-06T09:04:00.001-07:002011-06-06T09:07:36.614-07:00

Baccalaureate and graduation were both perfect. Beautifully decorated and planned. Christ-centered, student-centered and with just the right amount of humor mixed with sentimentality and pomp & circumstance. It was lovely to see my family as well. I could not have asked for a better weekend! Most of all, I am just so damn proud of him. :)

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-54050045230713455152011-06-02T10:46:00.000-07:002011-06-02T10:53:14.329-07:00

My boys have been blessed to go to an amazing school with absolutely amazing kids. We have scrimped and saved and sacrificed to send them there. Better yet, they both LOVE their school! I have teenagers who want to go to school and want to work hard. How lucky am I??Two days ago, each student got a hand-made bracelet with their name on it. Every single student -- 380+ kids. Someone has

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-4362826851161574232011-06-01T21:09:00.000-07:002011-06-01T21:56:51.673-07:00

My oldest son will graduate from High School in just 3 days.Three. Days.It was just yesterday that he started his first day of his last year of High School.Just a week ago we were touring the high school -- me, his obviously pregnant mom and him -- a slightly embarrassed 9th grader.Less than a month ago he was graduating from 8th grade. I still remember his class singing a Switchfoot song.Only

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-56280506130297916522011-05-20T11:32:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:40:35.673-07:00

Pull into the driveway. Get Caden out. Hand him some bread to take in. Grab two bags of groceries.Get inside. Place the bags on the kitchen floor. Caden bangs his elbow. Kiss the owie. Wait until he's calmed down.Back outside. Grab two more bags. Caden meets me at the doorway. He has to potty.Throw the bags on the kitchen floor beside the other two.Potty is more like poopy, which takes

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-92136069359647948732011-05-11T11:33:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:40:21.860-07:00

This Mother's Day was bittersweet for me, because I realized it would be my last Mother's Day with my oldest son actually living here, in this house.(Unless, of course, he moves back home after college while he looks for a job. Which I hear is entirely possible.)Being a mother is all about letting go. You let your child take his first steps. You let him go to school. You let him go spend the

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-25311637157301817682011-04-28T17:33:00.001-07:002011-04-28T17:37:03.128-07:00

One of the scholarship offers Trenton got from Seattle Pacific was a $1,500 per year "alumni" scholarship. This is because I went to SPU as a post-graduate to get my teaching certificate after I graduated from the UW with my useless degree.Trenton was about 1 1/2 when I first started the program. He hung out with me on campus sometimes, and my friend Amy, who was attending SPU, watched him

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-35087833505964676822011-04-22T10:43:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:45:24.693-07:00

Today is Tristan's 16th birthday and I can hardly believe it! He was my "baby" for so long, but his 15th year was THE ONE. You parents know what I mean. The one where they shoot up 8 inches in one year and suddenly look more like an adult than a child. Luckily for me, Tristan's personality made the switch as well. Suddenly, he is more responsible for his schoolwork, is more respectful, and

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-57074752913382970262011-04-05T19:30:00.001-07:002011-04-05T19:53:41.537-07:00

Spring always sneaks up on me, but not in a nice way. More like a "mean little brother who is hiding behind the door" way. One minute my boys are bored to death, and the next minute they are so busy that I'm not sure where either one of them is at any given moment. It's like we hit the month of April and warp speed at the same time.The next two months are full of AP and SAT testing, overnight

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-23748497686425614622011-03-24T23:19:00.001-07:002011-03-24T23:29:11.280-07:00

Last year, we went to Spring training in Arizona for spring break. Except for the scary parts of Nevada, it was a lot of fun. This year, we decided to stay home because we have no money and just enjoy each others company. Here is what happened this week:It rained. A lot. And it was cold and windy.My pay did not arrive. All $3,000 of it. I still don't know when it will arrive.My father-in-law

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-13809125724343101482011-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:002011-03-07T14:17:57.301-08:00

I know I've talked a lot about Trenton lately. I will admit, he has been the focus of this school year. How can it not be that way? It's his time to shine. I'm not so old that I don't remember my senior year in High School. OK, so I BARELY remember it.Anyway, he hates attention. Always has. I finally quit going to awards assemblies and most track meets because it bothered him so much. I

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-7007321117155193402011-03-05T00:56:00.000-08:002011-03-05T01:04:55.856-08:00

Trenton wasn't worried about the exam portion of the math scholarship competition. He was worried about the interview, because he doesn't know that he wants to major in math.So, we emailed his adviser at the university, who reassured us that honesty is the best policy and that they don't expect freshmen to know what they are going to major in. And that scholarships are not based on that.Except?

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-34094168775969404572011-02-18T17:56:00.000-08:002011-02-18T18:18:43.956-08:00

Last weekend, we went to George Fox University for Trenton's scholarship competition. He competed in math, which consisted of sheer horror an exam without calculators followed by an interview, and he also auditioned for a music scholarship.Here's the thing. Trenton plays the drums, but he holds his sticks *backward.(*Note that I actually wanted to type "backwards" with an "s", but according to

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-53438497007541038272011-02-18T17:54:00.000-08:002011-02-18T17:55:34.648-08:00

My kids are all so weird. Especially this one.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-50868952159191468482011-02-09T10:35:00.001-08:002011-02-09T10:44:19.492-08:00

Spring sports fees: $600Senior trip fee: $180Senior graduation payment: $75.00College holding fee for housing: $300AP Calculus test fee: $80.00Cost to travel to the upcoming scholarship competition at George Fox this weekend: $300.00Tax refund: GONE!!In other news, this little guy is finally talking more. I still find it strange that I have a toddler and two teenagers. My conversation in the car

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-21021684719397482072011-01-28T23:09:00.001-08:002011-01-28T23:20:31.899-08:00

Trenton has always been old for his age. Really, really old. As in, he stopped believing in Santa at age six because it wasn't "possible". As in, he started to add sales tax to his purchases while in elementary school and made a budget up for his allowance. As in, he would lecture me about paying our bills on time whenever he saw a pink envelope when I let him go get the mail. When he was

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-58181634192937130892011-01-15T00:56:00.001-08:002011-01-15T01:03:43.821-08:00

Trenton got another scholarship offer; this time for $15,500 per year (renewable every year) to Seattle Pacific University. Unlike George Fox, this one came in the mail and was actually addressed to me AND Trenton.My name was on it, so I HAD to open it.Is it totally bad that my first reaction was to hide it? Wait! Wait! Let me explain. SPU is like 10+ hours away, but George Fox is only 4 hours

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-45210513601801632072011-01-01T20:44:00.001-08:002011-01-01T20:59:10.917-08:00

For the last few years, I've welcomed the new year with wide-open arms. This is because I didn't possibly think the new year could be worse than the last. For example:Jan 1, 2008: "Happy New Year! It can't be worse than 2007, when I decided to quit teaching because we had a surprise baby 12 years after our last baby....and then we found out that we can't really pay our bills unless I am

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-10622110369018361762010-12-23T21:23:00.000-08:002010-12-23T21:41:12.720-08:00

‎There's a song that I like called "Better Days" and part of the chorus goes like this:"Tonight's the night the world begins again..."For me, Christmas Eve is the start of the new year, not January 1st. It is a time for me to remember what -- or rather, who -- was sacrificed for this world and think about how I can give thanks in the upcoming year for that sacrifice. It's when I resolve anew

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-51299938926448165432010-12-13T22:45:00.000-08:002010-12-13T23:02:41.839-08:00

Today I finally realized what the heck happened to my Christmas spirit.Seventeen years ago, I started teaching in public schools as a long-term sub, but quickly switched to a private school when I was offered a full-time position. I've taught at private, Christian schools every since--up until Caden was born. And one of the best things about my job was the fact that I could teach about

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-72351930321607589672010-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:002010-12-02T10:15:27.176-08:00

I have the holidays blahs. I know why, too. It's the same cause every year: No money + no time = grumpy mama!Also? Facebook doesn't help. I am one of the people affected by the economy. I can't buy ANYTHING. I mean I am behind on my bills and I have nothing, nada, zip for Christmas for my children. Then I go to facebook and see people posting pictures of their new Christmas outfits, new

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-48340124852194529342010-11-19T23:50:00.000-08:002010-11-20T00:01:38.236-08:00

Trenton got his first scholarship: $10,000.00 if he attends George Fox University. They called him personally to offer it to him.He doesn't have to decide yet. He was invited to visit the school for a weekend in February and compete for even more scholarship money. His other top choice is Seattle Pacific University, but we haven't heard anything from them yet.I am so proud of him, but today, as I

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-59196104263329708702010-11-08T20:25:00.000-08:002010-11-08T20:32:02.870-08:00

Today I promised myself I would prepare for the holidays, and then I did the budget and realized that isn't going to happen, and I will be running around at the last minute trying to find gifts again.So instead, I will mentally prepare for the holidays. Of course, I'm not sure how to do that either.I did try to save up, but Trenton's Senior Fall Stuff sucked all the little bit of money I had

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-60000556054000068112010-10-29T17:07:00.000-07:002010-10-29T17:13:59.999-07:00

Christina's post reminded me that it's time for my annual Halloween rant.This year, the focus is on "I can't believe you did that."As in, I can't believe my neighbors think SEVERED HEADS are a great Halloween decoration idea. Hanging from trees. And also, skeletons dripping with gore. I would include a picture, but I can't get close enough to one of those houses when I have Caden with me.When

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-65443897716666547352010-10-21T19:48:00.001-07:002010-10-21T19:51:12.277-07:00

Today I was shuffling books around in my part-time library/curriculum directory/purchasing job and two girls came in to study. I ended up helping them quite a bit and it was like a drug. I felt energized, enthusiastic, and happy.I miss teaching.I came home and told my husband that yeah, having an MLIS is nice and all, but I'll probably just go back to teaching in a classroom when Caden is old

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-27635321909860110032010-10-13T23:28:00.000-07:002010-10-13T23:34:35.351-07:00

It is still summer here in Califoregon.Women recycle the same four sleeveless tops and two pairs of flip-flops.Kids go to school in their faded summer t-shirts and worn shorts.Fat orange pumpkins sit incongruously under trees still flush with green leaves.Dads reluctantly mow the lawn.Mothers vacillate over whether or not to buy a warm Halloween costume or a thin one.I miss Seattle, where fall

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-41587208835859150872010-10-10T00:22:00.000-07:002010-10-10T00:29:15.942-07:00

Caden loves pumpkins. Every time we see one he shouts "PUMPKINS!" He also shouts "STOP!" every time he sees a stop sign. That is way less cute than the pumpkin thing and also slightly dangerous.So today I drug I took the two teens and the cute one to the pumpkin farm, where the teens wandered around aimlessly and Caden ran around from pumpkin to pumpkin. He also rode a pony because ponies

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-2634666878535979762010-09-24T20:30:00.000-07:002010-09-24T20:34:54.280-07:00

My old phone is dying.I've had the same cell phone for 8 years now...ever since we moved back to the states. The thing has been chewed on (by Caden), dropped probably hundreds of times, lost, found, spilled on, and worse. And yet, it kept working. I'm not someone who buys something new just because. If it works, I keep it.Lance took his hunting money and bought me an iPhone 4.0 for my 40th

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-85696425264430183512010-09-21T22:27:00.000-07:002010-09-21T22:48:48.376-07:00

Must. Get. Tshirt.Today I turned 40.Since 40 is supposed to be a time of Introspection and Deep Thoughts, I herded Caden outside to chase the dog while I sat in the sun and pondered the Meaning of My Life.That lasted for about 30 seconds, because Caden found my gardening gloves and proceeded to throw them over the fence into the pond.I had to fish them out, which wasn't fun because the pond is

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-17935409491583311902010-09-09T00:11:00.000-07:002010-09-09T00:19:26.112-07:00

I haven't blogged lately...I am working my writing jobs, plus the curriculum specialist job and I HATE it. I love the people; hate the job. I wish it was over, but not yet. In the meantime, I am swamped, stressed and soooo exhausted! I feel like all the personality has been sucked right out of me and I am nothing but a robot mom shell. Or something like that.Plus, this week has been

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-60781580004737678042010-08-19T09:21:00.001-07:002010-08-19T09:21:20.263-07:00

If you haven't read the comments on my previous post, go and do it. Ya'll crack me up!!

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-87053371381500422392010-08-16T17:09:00.000-07:002010-08-16T17:16:00.877-07:00

So I'm in the bathroom at Target, minding my own business, when suddenly a hand appears next to my leg. It belongs to the person in the stall next to me, of course, and it starts groping around.I didn't know what to do. Should I talk to the hand? Ask it what it wants? It came too close to my leg, so I moved my leg and made a noise like this: "Umrumph."The hand kept groping. Still no word from

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-47611179562408363302010-08-05T09:26:00.000-07:002010-08-05T09:35:22.215-07:00

A year ago, I received my Master's in Library and Information Sciences, and promptly set it aside. After all, I have my hands full writing, and caring for Caden. And his brothers. And their father. And the dog that is not supposed to be my dog. And the pond that is spawning hundreds of fish for some reason. Plus a few frogs.Anyway.A new charter school in my district was advertising for a

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-13348003790886928302010-07-24T11:48:00.001-07:002010-07-24T11:50:29.758-07:00

Scout follows Caden around everywhere. She's so protective, even when he's sleeping. I love dogs! Well, labs anyway. :)

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-20444343782538359852010-07-14T20:18:00.000-07:002010-07-14T20:27:19.993-07:00

When we got home from vacation, we found a letter from the college board addressed to Trenton in the mail. Naturally, I opened it. It was the results of his English Lit AP exam."HOLY CRAP!" I yelled."Crap" said Caden. I shushed him half-heartedly. I ran to get Trenton."Your AP score is here!" I said."Did you open my mail?" Trenton asked me. I ignored him."YOU GOT A FIVE!" I hollered before he

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-69843377542230906092010-07-13T16:44:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:54:52.243-07:00

So I have this kid who is very, very smart. Ivy-league smart. Almost-perfect SAT smart. Perfect AP exam scores smart.But I don't have anywhere to send him to college.Now, if I sent him to a public Oregon university, he could get enough grants and scholarships to go for free. I seriously mean, loan-free FREE. How awesome is that?The only problem? The Oregon public universities are not real...um...

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-38645284079932285152010-07-10T19:20:00.001-07:002010-07-10T19:44:06.463-07:00

We've been in Washington State, visiting family and friends. First we went camping on Mt. Rainer. Guns made out of tree branches are part of the camping tradition.Having your beloved older cousin read to you (and this girl, who is 5, can read CHAPTER BOOKS) is an added bonus. Then there's this pic of my two "big boys", which I love because they look so much alike:After camping, we came back to

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-87179707439564098322010-06-20T15:58:00.000-07:002010-06-20T16:00:36.412-07:00

Tristan picked out a Father's Day card for Lance.It had a lot of sappy writing in it. Only it was all in Spanish, which none of us can speak/read.Tristan signed his name at the bottom of the card, and wrote:"I mean every word of this card."And that's about all you need to know about my youngest middle son. He makes me laugh every day!

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-56448153763367800822010-06-15T17:19:00.001-07:002010-06-15T17:29:04.187-07:00

Well, he's not my baby any longer, but he was for a long time! And now I have two children in high school. Oh; and one still in diapers, LOL. I'm thinking I should get on the potty training. With the first, I was all like "HURRY UP AND POTTY TRAIN!" With Caden, I am all like, "Hey diapers are so much easier." Apparently the older I get, the lazier I get.Last Thursday was Tristan's "graduation"

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-23574711853555282042010-06-05T18:24:00.000-07:002010-06-05T18:27:46.863-07:00

Took Trenton to take the SATs this morning. Thought about college and tried not to cry.Dropped Trenton off at the high school graduation tonight. Blinked back more tears, because next year it will be his turn, and this is not even possible, because I was just in high school YESTERDAY. I swear it is true. All I have to do is fluff up my bangs with some Aqua Net and I'm there.All those people who

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-28839478553249023802010-06-02T00:17:00.000-07:002010-06-02T00:30:25.291-07:00

Today is my 20th wedding anniversary.I'm not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand...wow. Making it to 20 years.On the other, how old am I now? Really? That old?And where is the life I thought I would have? We had so many dreams when we first got married. You tell yourself you will do this, and have this, and be this. And then...you reach 20 years and....not so much. Or even, at all.There

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-17086739127855769162010-05-26T10:15:00.000-07:002010-05-26T10:18:39.963-07:00

Not Christmas, although the weather feels like it.It's the end of the school year craziness! I haven't blogged for a while because I have been so busy. In the last two weeks we have had:District track finalsState track championships (they placed 2nd!!)SAT prepBand ConcertAwards Assembly x2When I had babies, I thought my life would be less busy as my boys grew older. Then I thought that maybe when

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-182359071652023982010-05-16T10:12:00.000-07:002010-05-16T10:37:17.768-07:00

Trenton wasn't supposed to run the 100 relay at the track and field district championships on Saturday.He's a great sprinter--he made it to the finals in the 100 individual--but there were 4 other sprinters that made up the relay team that had been running together all season. This team of four was favored to win the event.On Friday, during the qualifying round in the individual 100, the fastest

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-91886976793846063562010-05-12T21:00:00.000-07:002010-05-12T21:12:04.748-07:00

I've gotten some comments lately on my blog posts about what an awesome boy mom I am.Honestly, you guys, I am SO not!If you've followed my blog for the last (how many?) years, you know I desperately wanted a daughter when I found out I was pregnant with Caden. I prayed and prayed. And when I found out it was another boy? Well, let's not go there, shall we?Those were some dark days.I grew up with

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-24401175979248606362010-05-10T17:10:00.000-07:002010-05-10T17:18:31.789-07:00

Alrighty. A day late then.One thing I've always taught my boys is that experiences are more valuable than things. My mom taught me this, and I am passing it down to my sons. (Thanks Mom!!) Experiences last forever in our memories. This is one reason we took them overseas for three years. It's a lesson that can get lost in the everyday grind that brainwashes us to have more, get something bigger,

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-53187343495840894372010-05-03T21:50:00.000-07:002010-05-03T22:12:28.931-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma tree sit waiting.Their roots are deep, entwined,Old and strong.They wait for a strong wind,So they can have another dance together.I wrote this poem a long time ago, when I was in college learning how to be a teacher. The instructor took us all outside to show us a sample lesson we could do with our future students. "Find a tree!" she chirped enthusiastically. "Write a poem!"I

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-12455016391054851692010-04-29T16:41:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:52:46.870-07:00

So I'm at the grocery store to get a mocha (love those in-store Starbucks shops) and I grab a small package of cookies because it is snack time and Caden still has to sit in the car for an hour while I drive carpool. And I forgot to pack him a healthy snack. Strike One.Caden clutches the cookies in his patented Toddler Death Grip.It is when we reach the checkout stand that I realize I forgot to

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-74137450820093131672010-04-21T23:59:00.000-07:002010-04-22T00:04:59.320-07:00

This has been the year.You know the one. The one where your child morphs into a teenager. For some, it happens earlier, but Tristan was a late bloomer. In fact, I had sort of forgotten it was coming.But come, it did. He grew 3 inches. He lost his baby fat. His voice dropped dramatically.And the hormones."Mom," he whined to me last night. "I am in a really bad mood and I don't know why!"Trenton is

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-44095333225408905542010-04-18T15:13:00.000-07:002010-04-18T15:15:07.025-07:00

Wanna win an ipod touch and help someone adopt at the same time? Check out:I've been following her blog for a while now and she has been through h*ll and back...infertility and an adoption where the birth mother changed her mind...it was devastating. But she is very close to bringing her daughter home now! Yay! Good luck Bon!!!

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-4836518354765404872010-04-12T12:05:00.000-07:002010-04-12T12:08:42.879-07:00

Tristan has a friend whose mom has breast cancer. He and his friends decided to try to raise money at the annual Pear Blossom Parade. They wore pink shoes as they marched with the band and volunteers carried buckets for donations. I was so proud of my loving, kind-hearted selfless boy. My heart swelled to gigantic proportions. I puffed up with pride. I am a good mom! I raised him right! And then

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-61376321562040204952010-04-03T22:18:00.000-07:002010-04-03T22:20:28.279-07:00

I love this poem. I stumbled on it this evening and decided to share it with you. I hope Pastor Jim Kane doesn't mind. (Pastor, if you are reading this, I tried to comment on your blog but I kept getting an error message!) A Garden View: An Easter Poem They sit side by side in slippery, somber silence Watching a son wrestling with His father’s plan. Wonder, out loud they do ‘What is he

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-6699706020221406552010-03-29T06:47:00.000-07:002010-03-29T07:22:03.900-07:00

Trenton and Tristan acted like kids again, which was the best part of the whole trip.We started our trip with a short, 6-hour drive to my sister's house in northern CA, where we had a lovely and relaxing visit with her and her husband and my mom. It was so nice!Then the next day we huddled in the car for 13 hours. It's a long drive from northern CA to Arizona. Do you know that I've never seen a

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-31518196650943199852010-03-19T14:49:00.000-07:002010-03-19T15:03:03.443-07:00

Caden thinks crashing the Mario cart means he wins. Tristan is wearing his favorite lucky penguin pants. I am so glad my boys don't really care about fashion at all.Some of my favorite bloggers sometimes post "Friday Quick Takes". I am not sure what a "quick take" really is, but it seems to be updates on the blogger's life. So, here are mine:We got the pond house! Yay! The picture I posted? Was

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-20480017454426293472010-03-15T08:11:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:14:53.220-07:00

For some reason, I've never seen this before, although I'm sure some of you have. I mean, just think about it. After we fix the schools with NCLB, we can move on and fix other things using the same strategy!No Child Left Behind - Football Version1. All teams must make the state playoffs and all MUST win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-85059894886685312882010-03-09T07:57:00.000-08:002010-03-09T08:01:15.739-08:00

I've read countless (yes, literally countless) articles and books about how to fix teachers and the educational system but this article by far is the best I've read. Or at least, is the one I agree with the most.Building A Better TeacherAnd here's a quote: "Central to Lemov’s argument is a belief that students can’t learn unless the teacher succeeds in capturing their attention and getting them

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-2480976178304147272010-03-09T07:56:00.001-08:002010-03-09T07:57:39.640-08:00

Joannah's dear husband went home to heaven on Sunday. Please pray for her and for his family.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-69632438534561197802010-03-04T13:49:00.000-08:002010-03-04T13:59:47.986-08:00

We are second in line for the pond house, so chances are it's no go. Some guy from the bank rang my doorbell at 7:30 am this morning to see if "we are still living here". I don't know where we'll be or what we'll be doing in a month from now. I wonder why some people have easy lives and nice houses and fancy cars and other people are sick or infertile or broke or beaten up.There are people who

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-40251642485418792512010-03-03T15:04:00.000-08:002010-03-03T15:21:16.438-08:00

We have started to look at rental houses, because the auction of our house is set for April 23rd.Happy Foreclosure to Us!Anyway, Tristan is cracking me up. He has a problem with every single house, from the state of the grass in the yard to the color of the doors to the shape of the room.I am choosing to believe that he is going to be an architect when he grows up, rather than acknowledge that he

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-70716242117303013122010-02-23T07:35:00.000-08:002010-02-23T07:58:39.529-08:00

(He wants to be a teenager like his brothers.)How Not To Be A Freelance Writer:Sit down to write your article.Get up to grab a diet root beer.Sit down to write your article.Check email.Check Facebook.Smack yourself on the head. Start to research your article.Get distracted by secondary information. Will Japanese beetles ever migrate West? I hope not! Nasty little critters. Research migration

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-64010352386893071202010-02-14T12:38:00.000-08:002010-02-14T12:47:47.688-08:00

Trenton keeps getting mail from colleges. Every day, he gets at least 2 or 3 letters from universities even though he is only in the middle of his junior year of High School. The letters all have "passwords" so Trenton can go to "special" places on their websites and see how great the schools are."Too cold," Trenton said, tossing aside a letter from the University of Chicago."And it's too far

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-72415002573127820712010-02-13T10:54:00.000-08:002010-02-13T10:55:56.008-08:00

...praying for my friend Joannah, who has an amazing faith and amazing love and is just amazing all the way around...

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-64372821452981072852010-02-10T19:13:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:18:03.356-08:00

When Trenton and Tristan outgrew their Thomas Train pieces, we gave them to our friends. Today, our very kind friends mailed them back to us! Caden thought it was Christmas AND his birthday AND all other present occasions rolled into one.Trenton and Tristan had fun building him a track layout. It was bittersweet watching my teens play with the trains a decade after they last touched

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-30356604202847955852010-02-08T21:50:00.001-08:002010-02-08T21:58:57.115-08:00

When Tristan first began to talk, we couldn't understand a word he said. Most of the time my conversations with him went something like this: Tristan: Mama! Bewanoapwa!Me: I love you too!Tristan (face turning red): Doh! Bewanoapwa!!!Me: Uh...Then I would run and get Trenton. Trenton was only 5, but he could speak Tristanese.Tristan: Enton! Bewanoapwa!Trenton: (rolling his eyes at me even then):

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-14134029969904438962010-02-03T17:06:00.000-08:002010-02-03T18:38:59.152-08:00

Every Wednesday, I volunteer in the elementary school library. This is the school where I used to teach. There is no money for a librarian, so the high school librarian works both libraries. On Wednesdays, she lets me run the place. :)I love being able to work from home so I can care for Caden, but every Wednesday I am reminded of how much I love teaching. This is because:Children make me laugh.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-50527390231093218272010-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:002010-01-28T19:09:29.918-08:00

What my 17-year old ate for dinner tonight:3 hamburgersEntire plate of oven friesLeftover chicken and riceBowl of chex mixSlice of cold pizza....and now he is eating 2 pieces of toast and peanut butter for dessert while studying for his Chemistry final.Those of you with small boys, forget about setting money aside for college and set it aside for food instead.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-54400941497801608962010-01-27T21:54:00.001-08:002010-01-27T22:10:30.799-08:00

A friend asked me why I haven't been blogging lately. The answer lies in the title of this post. I don't feel like I have anything nice to say about my life, so I don't say anything at all. My husband keeps getting interviews, but never gets the job. We are going to be homeless soon because who in their right mind would rent to a freelance writer with an unemployed husband? My oldest son is

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-43714615522486546892010-01-16T19:21:00.001-08:002010-01-16T19:21:45.087-08:00

Three blogs I've been reading that are following the personal stories of American missionaries living in Haiti if you want to read them and pray. Bring kleenex.http://www.livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/http://thatschurch.com/http://www.mangine.org/

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-63078323332139566702010-01-14T13:53:00.000-08:002010-01-14T13:57:38.539-08:00

My husband has been out of work for over a year.The bill collectors keep calling us.We are losing our home to foreclosure.I have to ask the school for help to pay Trenton's AP exam fees.But I am still going to give to help the effort in Haiti. How can I not?

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-49583148974040889412010-01-11T22:13:00.000-08:002010-01-11T22:16:31.420-08:00

"Ouch," I winced, untangling my hair from Caden's firm, sticky grasp."Why do you even wear your hair long?" asked Tristan."For the same reason I've never gotten a tattoo: I can't make up my mind about what to get," I replied, pulling more hair out of Caden's mouth this time.Tristan grimaced. "That, and the other thing," he said."What other thing?""You know. You are waaaay too old to get a tattoo.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-46438492281124815412010-01-08T12:56:00.001-08:002010-01-08T13:26:16.453-08:00

I've been a bit OCD about my blog lately. I've changed the design several times and you've probably seen at least two of the designs. This one, I'm sticking with. I think.It is so warm here that I have been taking Caden on daily afternoon walks. The rest of the country is in a deep freeze. Maybe the Pacific Northwest should just become its own country. Like Texas is. A Korean lady at the store

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-92118739433570773862010-01-05T12:45:00.000-08:002010-01-05T12:55:11.961-08:00

One of the reasons I have such high hopes for 2010 is because it is squished in between two rather horrible years, so it needs to be a good one. 2009, as you know, was pretty much The Worst Year Ever. 2011 happens to be the year that my oldest son graduates from High School, which means I might just sob through most of the year as I mark off his "lasts".When my children were babies, I breathed a

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-70040144737897206842010-01-01T12:20:00.000-08:002010-01-01T12:29:32.176-08:00

It's 2010.Stinky, nasty 2009 is gone. Hey hey hey...Good-bye!I won't miss you.I am not going to recap my horrible year, but I will say that too many of my friends have also had horrible years. My fondest wish for the new year is that things start looking a little brighter for all of my loved ones!Happy New Year! Looking forward with hope. ;)

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-61659165579265814032009-12-24T13:37:00.000-08:002009-12-24T13:40:21.320-08:00

He came to dwell among us(Here! In this messy place!)So we can dwell with Him on high(No way. How cool is that?)MERRY CHRISTMAS!!XOXOAprilMay

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-1766231970483282472009-12-15T08:01:00.001-08:002009-12-16T08:10:04.247-08:00

We moved to Korea when my oldest son was entering 4th grade. The school was a small one, but it had a music teacher. She came to see me after a few weeks to ask if she could arrange for drum lessons for Trenton, as she thought he had a great sense of rhythm. For the next three years, he learned from some amazing teachers.When we returned to the states, he entered a very large school, with a large

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-33218380411640350092009-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:002009-12-14T15:20:19.889-08:00

Last night (Sunday, believe it or not) the Sheriff delivered to us lo and behold! A Merry Christmas "gift". The auction of our home is scheduled for April 23rd.Fah ra ra ra ra.One the one hand, I feel like an utter failure. I can't even keep a roof over my children's heads. On the other hand, I am relieved I will no longer be saddled with a huge loan that is far more than this house is currently

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-60464102469479995262009-12-04T21:42:00.000-08:002009-12-04T21:44:58.715-08:00

The most common reason people land on my blog is because they are searching for terms relating to quitting teaching (which is sad) and they end up here.The second most common reason people land on my blog is because they are searching for terms relating to "substitute" and "husband" and they end up here. And for the life of me I can't figure out what these people are looking for?? Because if you

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-69250891754600408672009-12-04T08:34:00.001-08:002009-12-04T08:36:18.548-08:00

It's hard to plan a fun old-fashioned family Christmas tree hunt through the woods when it is supposed to be in the high 20's-low 30's. I hear Lowe's is selling trees though. Maybe we could make it exciting somehow. Do you think I could get them to spray some artificial snow around?

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-87686352156107717382009-11-30T14:06:00.001-08:002009-11-30T14:10:24.155-08:00

Here are our cards this year! I like the modern design, but Lance doesn't. Too bad he has no say. I don't love the sun, but I didn't really notice it until we were done (a photographer, I'm not), and wild horses couldn't drag my boys out there again for more pictures. Not that I had any anyway.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-76721518842667796232009-11-25T19:05:00.001-08:002009-11-25T19:06:17.373-08:00

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful anyway. Being thankful in spite of is harder than being thankful because of, but it also reminds you of what is truly important. I am building character this Thanksgiving along with my waistline.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-38534631273076205682009-11-22T21:38:00.000-08:002009-11-22T21:43:41.740-08:00

Official Disclaimer from my husband: "I am not really that fat!" Not content with the disclaimer and showing an unusual amount of vanity, he then asked me to post another photo to prove it. So here is my husband being funny in the Museum of Natural History. Note that both my husband and son thought this was HILARIOUS which shows you what I live with on a daily basis:I'm glad they're back. :)

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-32020847779925680382009-11-17T13:07:00.000-08:002009-11-17T13:11:21.348-08:00

"So what is the coolest thing you have seen so far?" I asked Tristan last night. They've been on the east coast tour for six days now.He thought about it for a minute. "The Holocaust Museum," he replied. "Not that it was cool. Not at all, but..." his voice trailed off."I didn't know," he finally said. "I mean, we learned about it at school and all, but...I didn't know."Worth every penny, this

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-32330234715682743162009-11-13T21:41:00.000-08:002009-11-13T21:48:06.246-08:00

An actual conversation I had with a Northwest airlines representative today:Me: (very polite) "I would like to change a reservation."R: (just a moment)Me: (on hold for 10 minutes)R: "Flight information please?"Me: "My husband and son are flying into Salt Lake City from DC. Then they are changing planes. There are two planes leaving Salt Lake City at the same time. One is going to Portland. One

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-65526055164431579432009-11-13T08:56:00.000-08:002009-11-13T09:03:04.662-08:00

Three years ago, my oldest son and my husband went on a 10-day historical tour of the east coast. They had gorgeous, Indian-summer weather.Yesterday, my middle son toured Jamestown in a flood and hurricane-force winds. A tree fell in front of their bus on the way back, trapping them for over an hour. The power in the hotel went out. Today they are at Colonial Williamsburg...sort of. Much of it is

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-13726234293284759392009-11-09T14:39:00.000-08:002009-11-09T15:27:41.085-08:00

I took Tristan shopping yesterday to buy him "required" items for his upcoming trip to Washington DC. Like a clear plastic poncho. I don't know why he can't just bring his normal raincoat, but whatever.And yes, this is the same trip my husband and oldest son went on three years ago; a 10-day historical tour of important places on the east coast. Williamsburg, Jamestown, the Smithsonian museums,

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-5893077808660688792009-11-04T19:42:00.000-08:002009-11-04T19:58:15.156-08:00

I wrote about my observations about Facebook shortly after I joined. It's been three months now, and I've noticed I can neatly organize my "friends" into certain categories. Unlike real life, of course. (My tongue is firmly planted in my cheek right about now.) And yes, I fit into one of these!The compliment-seeking friend: This lovely person posts a gorgeous photo and then immediately updates

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-60717035491177731482009-11-01T16:52:00.000-08:002009-11-01T16:55:05.158-08:00

I couldn't bring myself to spring for an actual costume because he is too young to trick-or-treat, but I did find some skeleton jammies. Only guess what? They glow in the dark and I mean GLOW. I could read a book by them. We had to change into regular jammies.

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-36480128377359635302009-10-27T15:01:00.000-07:002009-10-27T15:10:18.373-07:00

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that I have an October tradition where I post a rant about how much I hate Halloween on my blog. Let's recap:Here is my rant from 2006.Here is my follow-up post from 2006 whereupon we celebrate anyway.In 2007, I didn't rant at all.Here is my 2008 rant.Here is my 2008 follow-up post whereupon we celebrate anyway.This year, all I'm going to say is

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-21656765946293634902009-10-23T13:57:00.000-07:002009-10-23T14:08:46.921-07:00

My friend Christina and I both dream of writing a novel, but that dream has been pushed aside by the demands of motherhood. November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWrimo), a time when many aspiring writers try to churn out a 50,000 word novel in one month and guess what? Writing is not something you should "churn out", unless you enjoy reading pure crap.Not other people's crap. I am

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-13451716619669994102009-10-19T16:34:00.000-07:002009-10-19T16:37:16.569-07:00

Two hunters found Scout today, three days after she went missing! Luckily, my husband had not left for home yet. They had heard through the grapevine that a dog was missing, and when they saw her huddled under a tree, they called to her. They remembered her name. She came right to them when they called her, and they brought her to the hotel.She was very hungry but none the worse for wear from her

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15279851.post-87266949239495142872009-10-19T06:58:00.000-07:002009-10-19T07:02:42.965-07:00

I've lost another precious puppy.My husband took her duck hunting and lost her due to his own carelessness. It's been three days now, and he has looked for her non-stop, but he needs to come home.My feelings are mixed: Anger at my husband, heartbreak for my sons, resignation because it's just another thing to add to my List of Crappy Things That Have Happened To Me This Year.We have decided not

AprilMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03792808556842224049noreply@blogger.com5