Laboring Day Weekend

Ashley got her braces put on Tuesday morning. Yes, she missed the second day of school. She has been hurting since, poor baby. I told her, just think, 18 months and you will be done. Yippee.

Ashley came into my room this morning with pink eye, coughing, and stuffy nose. So, she stayed home today. I had a doctor's appointment today for my neck and headaches. I will start physical therapy next week. I will go three days a week, and hopefully will get some relief from these headaches.

I went into the middle school to help out for a little over an hour. Their guidance office secretary up and quit. So they are scrambling for help. I was glad to be able to help for a little while. I think they have had a hard start of school, with the new schedule and everything confusing.

Then off to costco, my favorite place to shop. I got home right before my elementary kids got here, and then picked Amanda up at 4:15. I was glad to have everyone home, and no worries of homework tonight. Amanda comes home everyday and just crashes. She is gone from 5:45 am until 4:15 pm. That is a very long day. I am really pleased that she is so involved. I got an email from one of her teachers saying, she is doing really well. She is participating in her classes, which is really good news. She is off to a good start.

When I got home, I watched Strictly Ballroom. I just really like that show. It was very fun to watch.

Starting tomorrow I have all sorts of plans for our four day weekend. They are not fun at all, but very necessary. You see, my house looks like major explosions have been set off. In my front hallway, are bags of clothes from my neighbors, who clean out their house and put their leftovers on my porch. Do not get me wrong, I love that they do this. I do not have to buy any clothes for Ashley or Kelsie this year. Also in my front hallway, is the common dumping ground of backpacks and lunch boxes and shoes. It is almost like they can't carry them one more step, so there they are. I have tried for years to break them of this habit, but everyday, I am yelling at them to put these items away. I seem to vaguely remember my parents doing the same thing. Sorry, Dad and Mom. I am getting paid back in spades. My front room looks like an explosion of papers. All the courtesy of the school. Man, it seems like they should be able to do something about all those papers. It is obscene. Yes, I know, I should have had a recycling bag there to put them in, instead of the floor, but I just couldn't see my way past the bazillion forms I was filling out. Crazy. Of course this has started to snowball throughout my house. There are things on every counter I have. Not to mention the six loads of clean laundry sitting in baskets in my family room, that we all just walk around. Am I the only one here capable of folding and putting away clothes. Of course, having all these loads not folded, means the kids are picking through them daily to find clothes. What a mess. On top of that I am not doing new loads, because I haven't folded the ones already done, and I just can't stand to have it grow. So instead my laundry is building up in the basement as well. I am not so concerned about this, as I don't see it everyday, so out of sight out of mind. I don't want to face my kitchen. Let's just say it isn't pretty. Why am I the only one that cleans all the countertops off. The others seem to think if the dishes are done, the kitchen is clean. Now, I must tell you about my floors. I have made the mistake of teaching several of my children how to make french toast. So, my floors now have the coating of sticky syrup. There is nothing like the sucking sound of your shoes walking on syrup, and I do wear shoes in my house as I am afraid not to. The puppy is loving it, as he now has a sugar addiction. We are good pet owners. Now, upstairs. Well, I will just say, it is more of the same. So for Labor Day weekend, we are all going to labor in the house. Except for James, who is preparing for a job interview, and we want him to do well with that.

My mother would be horrified. Nope, I can't seem to get past wanting my mother to be pleased with me, and measuring everything I do by her standards. I have decided I am just not made of the same stuff as she is, but that does not keep me from trying.

Okay, I hope you are laughing as I am trying to face this monster with a little humor.

School

Well, the back to school blues are over. The kids got off to school this morning, and it was a good morning. They were all happy and excited. I have already been over to the elementary school. Nic forgot his glasses. That will probably happen another zillion times. He does that a lot. Here are the pictures I took this morning of the kids. I am still a little dazed about high school, but Amanda is handling it really well.

Back To School Blues

It seems so strange, and it has never happened to me before, but I am completely down about school starting. I am usually glad to get back to a routine, and some time where I can clean my house and it stays clean, because no one is here to mess it up. This year, I would be completely happy if school were a few months off. Maybe it is because of the summer we have had. We did not really get to do anything fun as a family, and I am sad about that.

Yesterday, through all the orientations, and back to school activities, I was kind of walking around in a fog of denial. It did not help that at Amanda's orientation, the ninth grade team leader said, "you have less years left in school, than you've already been to." I understand that logically, but emotionally I'm having a hard time with it. Amanda is completely taking it all in stride, but not her mother.

Ashley finally got her schedule for eighth grade, and we find out today who our elementary kid's teachers are going to be.

Well, enough of these yuck feelings. I am going to get on my bike, and ride them away. That work's doesn't it?

My Hubby & Kids Are Originals Too!

They all have the exact same one, so here is all my family collectively, as doing each one seems redundant.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Beyond Cute & Beyond Not Smart

Amanda & Ashley went to the Turpin's house to watch Jeffy and Ethan. They were supposed to come to my house, but Nathan threw up a couple of times yesterday, and I didn't want to pass that along to them. When I went to pick up my girls for their ortho appointment, Ethan was so cute. So here is the conversation we had.

Ethan: Hi. What's your name?
Me: Ms Jann.
Ethan: Hi Ms. Jann. I'm Ethan, and this is my brother Jeffy. Welcome to our home.

Jake and I were laughing. He was Mr. social. It was great. My girls got in the van and said, "that was fun, I hope we get to do it again." So there you go Cami & Jake, they loved doing it, and would totally do it anytime you want. They think going over to your house and playing with your kids is great fun. Ashley said, "Ethan and Jeffy are really fun kids."

After we left their house we headed to the orthodontist. Where all of my kids were either being checked or having work done. Where did I get this bright idea, and why did I think that was the way to do it? Never again. I can handle all the girls or all the boys, but no mixture of the two groups ever works very well. I know this, but somehow thought this time would be different.

Amanda got a new wire, and that really hurt her. Ashley got spacer in the back, to prepare for full braces, next week. She will be completely done in 18 months. They removed two brackets from Kerrie's very loose baby teeth, and put on a new wire. Kelsie got her braces off for now, and has a pretty purple expanding retainer. Nicolaas is super crowded, and will need to start work next year. Nathan has his six year old molar's impacted and growing sideways in his gums because there is no room for them to drop. So he will start work in the next few months. I mean, how in the world is it possible to have six children in orthodontia. Incredible.

I had all these grand plans for trips next year, that I am seeing slowly desolving into metal, literally. I think we are even going to have to skip the traditional Florida/eye doctor trip. Totally bumming me out.

They will all have beautiful smiles in the end. The doc. told me, we just have not been blessed with children with good, straight teeth. They have all had such different problems, and it looks like Nic will be the only one that is fairly straight forward. The rest have been difficult to fix.

Amanda started when she was nine. Ashley was ten. Kelsie was nine. Kerrie was eight. Nathan will start at seven, and Nic, when he is almost ten.

My Week

I wanted to have a record of the crazy week before school. So here is my crazy schedule.

Monday:
1pm-Kennedy Kreiger Appointment.
6pm-PTA Meeting

Tuesday:
12:15pm-All six kids to the Orthodontist.
3:15pm-Amanda to cross country practice.
5pm-pick up Amanda.

Wednesday:
11:30am-Huntington Pool Parking Lot to meet the Elem. teachers.
3:15pm-Amanda to cross country practice.
5 pm-Pick up Amanda.
6pm-Church to take cub scouts to Bowie Baysocks baseball game.

Thursday:
7:45am-Middle school orientation for Kerrie.
9am-High school orientation for Amanda.
2pm-stuff folders for the school.
3:15pm-Amanda to cross country practice.
5pm-pick up Amanda.
7pm-Elem. school Kindergarten orientation, to meet the incoming K parents, and invite them to joint the PTA.
8pm-I will be totally ready for a fun B-day party.

Friday:
3:15pm-Amanda to cross country practice.
5pm-pick up Amanda.

Saturday:
10:30am-Viola lessons for Kerrie & Ashley.

Oh the busy week before school. I want my kids to read this one day and realize how much their mother did for them.

Just When I Was Feeling Good

James and I have been doing weight watchers. It has been going really well. James has lost 7 lbs and I have lost 8 lbs. It is great to see results pretty fast, and also to have our family become more active. We take walks together now, which is really fun, especially now that we have the puppy to go along.

Tonight we took a long walk. I was just thinking that we are doing a great job, when Nathan sits down next to me on the couch, pats my stomach, and asks me if I am pregnant. OH MAN! James was laughing, and I couldn't help but laugh also, seeing as I was just patting myself on the back for the good job. A little humble pie is always good. I will not crow just yet. Thanks Nathan.

I'm An Original

Thanks Corinne for this. It was very fun.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

I Need To Get Out More

Once again my friend Julia, finds some very fun things to put on her blog. Thanks.

Your Travel Profile:

You Are Well Traveled in the Midwestern United States (50%) You Are Well Traveled in the Western United States (47%) You Are Well Traveled in the Southern United States (46%) You Are Well Traveled in the Northeastern United States (43%) You Are Somewhat Well Traveled in Western Europe (29%) You Are Mostly Untraveled in Eastern Europe (20%) You Are Mostly Untraveled in Southern Europe (7%) You Are Untraveled in Africa (0%) You Are Untraveled in Asia (0%) You Are Untraveled in Australia (0%) You Are Untraveled in Canada (0%) You Are Untraveled in Latin America (0%) You Are Untraveled in New Zealand (0%) You Are Untraveled in Scandinavia (0%) You Are Untraveled in the Middle East (0%) You Are Untraveled in the United Kingdom (0%)

How Well Traveled Are You?

Puppy On My Mind

We got our puppy. He is so cute, and very smart. Mostly, the kids are so thrilled with him. Well, most of them are. Nathan and Kerrie are a little afraid, but hopefully they will get over that fast. He wakes up every morning very hyper, so I send him off on a "walk" with Amanda. She gives him a good running workout, and she doesn't know it, but he's giving her a good run.

Ashley and I went to the airport on Friday morning to get him. He came in on a flight from Texas. I can't really figure that out, as he came from Missouri. There was a couple there picking up a puppy also. The woman was so hyper it was funny. She and Ash were acting about the same age. Her husband looked at me, and we both busted out laughing. He then told them he was going to put them both in a corner until they calmed down. It was pretty funny. This woman kept walking around the corner, looking for the dog. After all her and Ash's vigilance, I saw the puppies first. They got a little pug, who looked not nearly as cute as our little white fur ball. When we got Bongo out of his travel crate, man did he stink. We headed right to petsmart, to their grooming center.

The rest of my kids were sorely disappointed because we came home without a puppy. I just could not bring him home smelling like that. Two hours later, Amanda and I went to pick him up. I liked him a whole lot better the second time around.

Ash had a friend come spend the night Friday night. She knows so much about dogs, that if we ever have a question, she's our girl.

At this point, I am not sure if our cats will ever forgive me for bring a puppy into the house. They have been hiding in the basement since he got here. The kids have been terrific to go down and play with them, so they don't feel displaced.

All in all, it has been a good experience so far.

What City Do You Belong In?

Thanks Julia H. for this. It was fun.

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam. Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

Expecting a New Addition at the Gartside Home!

For all you you freaking out about my title, no, I am not pregnant. We are getting a puppy on Monday. His name is Bongo, and we are all excited to have him come. He is a little American Eskimo, that weighs about 7 pounds right now. Ashley has been begging for a dog, for the last year, and finally talked her dad into it. Our last experience with a dog did not turn out so well, but ever the optimist, this time will be better. We have been reading a lot about breeds of dogs that work with kids and cats. Also, we have learned, we did it all wrong the last time. Hopefully we are a little smarter, and will have success this time around. We have had many discussions and family home evenings about the rules surrounding our new puppy, and everyone has agreed to abide by the rules. He will only get to be about 19 inches tall and weigh about 20 pounds, fully grown. Here is a picture of him.

I Think It's Sinking In, Maybe.

Last night Amanda and I went to the high school for a meeting about sports at Hammond High. Okay, so maybe I am silly, but it really had not sunk in that I now have a high school child. I was sitting there thinking, I am feeling so old. I am not exactly sure where I have been, but it seems like the time is just flying by. Four years of high school, and that is it with my oldest. Amazing. I look at this mini adult child and I am amazed that I am her mother.

It used to really annoy me when my mom would tell me that the time would go so fast, and then my kids would be gone from my home. I thought it would take forever. Especially when my kids were little and so much physical work to take care of. I guess I get it now. Mom was right, as she always is. I still won't drink her special healthy mushroom drink! Or sniff her vodka cold remedy. You think I'm kidding? I'm not. She takes our teasing pretty well.

Amanda had her first coaches practice today. She said it was fun. I hope she feels that way tomorrow when her muscles are hurting. I love that she is doing this. On to high school. WOW!

WHY??????????????????

Please, can someone tell me why little boys put little round metal objects into their ears. Why do they think this is a good idea? Did he just see it somewhere, look at it and decide, "I wonder if that will fit in my ear?" So, up runs my daughter, (I forget which one), "Nic has put some thing in his ear." James was in the hall, so Nic got to him first. He took one look and said, "go see your mother!" Why do men do that? Why am I the one that has the solutions to this issue? Nic came to me, and I looked inside his ear, and sure enough, there is a small round metal piece, stuck inside his ear. It is obvious he had been trying to remove it on his own, as evidenced by the very red area around the opening. I tell you, I felt like screaming. So I got my tweezers and turns out, the small round metal object is a magnet. It came out the second I got anywhere near the opening of his ear.

I am still asking myself WHY???????????????????????

Eclipse

Okay, if you have not read the book, and you do not want spoilers, please do not read this post.

I was sorely disappointed in this book. I was horrified that my daughter read it. Although, we did have some very productive discussions because of it. However, She was a little young for some of the info, and it embarrased her. I guess it was a good experience for me to have as a mother. I will never blindly trust an author again, even if I have read previous books that were clean and fun.

Here are the things that disappointed me:
Sexuality without enough context of right and wrong (kind of got the feeling of raging teenage hormones without discussion that controlling them had to do with a right and wrong decision.
Marriage is presented as something horrible to an eighteen year old girl (no need for a piece of paper, as if that is all marriage is. Never mind that without it, you are breaking eternal laws)
I missed the innocent romance of the first two books
The author had to know she had young, impressionable teenage girls reading her book, and she had the opportunity to teach purity, and right choices. Obviously she didn't.
I know the values this author is supposed to have, and claims those values come through in her writing, but not with this book.
What was with the swear words?
Worst of all, Ashley was sorry she read the book, and so was I

I am returning the books to the store, because I refuse to finacially support this book. I am sure there are others that will think I am over reacting, but keep in mind, my thirteen year old daughter is a little less innocent because of this, and that makes me angry.

Another Missed Church Service

Tomorrow I will miss church again. I have only been to two Sunday meetings in a row, once this whole summer. Nicolaas is still on restricted activity until we see the doctor on Monday and he has his bandages removed. James has reserves this weekend so he isn't going either. When I was with Julia on Friday she offered to take my girls to church. Thank you so much Julia, you are wonderful to help out. I feel like we have relied on members of our wonderful church to help us so much this summer. I do not know what we would have done without all the help. I guess there is a season for everything, and right now it's my season to need some help. I just hope it passes quickly. I would not like to stay in this season for very long. Much rather be on the other side. However, if no one ever needed help, how would any of us have the opportunity to receive the blessings of service.

CT Scan, Hairspray, and a little Becoming Jane

Our day yesterday was a bit crazy mixed with a whole lot of fun. Nicolaas had a CT scan at noon. He had to drink that horrible barium stuff, so we had to be there at 10:30 so he could get that down. The technician brought it out, and he took a few sips and tried to hand it back. I told him he had to drink the whole thing. The technician said, no, just what he can get down will be fine. When we got back for the scan, the person doing it, told me Nic had to have the whole thing down by noon. I was sick, because I hadn't pushed him to drink it. So the poor kid had to drink about 2 cups in 5 minutes. Then the lady came back and said he had to drink two more cups, and she couldn't do the scan for another hour, and could we walk around outside to get the barium through his system faster. I was not happy with them, and told her I wished the other lady had informed me of all this. On top of that, it was like a hundred degrees outside, and Nic has not been released from restricted activity. Sure, we were going to walk a ton in those conditions. Nic did his best, and we got the thing done. We didn't hear back from the doctor, so things must be okay.

Then, I met Julia at the Columbia Mall, and we had dinner at the food court then went to the 6:30 showing of Hairspray. I loved it. I want to see it again, and I think I will buy the soundtrack. I can already hear my Nathan singing the songs. I loved John Travolta in it. He was so convincing as an insecure woman. It was fantastic. Of course, I love "sing alongs" (as my husband calls them.)

As I was coming home, I called home, and talked to Amanda. She was babysitting for me all evening, because James was not home from work yet. Ashley was at a friends sleeping over, so she was on her own. I asked her if she wanted to go see a movie tonight. She was pretty excited. So we went to the 10:15 showing of Becoming Jane. I really enjoyed that one as well. Although I am always sad when there isn't a happy ending. Amanda said she didn't like it as well as the "Austin" movies, because they always have happy endings. I guess I agree with her, but I did like this too. It was funny, because I called around to see if anyone else wanted to go, and no one could, but while we were waiting for the movie to start, in walks a couple of ladies from my ward. They sat by us, and that was fun. I always loving seeing movies with a group of friends.

Eight Gallons of Milk!

I went to the store on Tuesday because we were almost out of milk, and it does not last long in my house. Kelsie called me on my cell and asked if I would buy chocolate syrup for chocolate milk. I thought, why not, they don't get it very often. That was my first mistake. You would think I would learn. I brought home the milk and with what was left in the fridge it totaled eight gallons. I am thinking this should last us until the end of the week. By Wednesday night, my little darlings had guzzled ALL eight gallons. I could not believe it. That is more that a gallon each in 24 hours. I am still in shock. So, no more chocolate syrup at my house. I am better off buying one gallon of chocolate milk. Thank goodness it was fat free milk, or I shudder to think of the amount of fat that would have been consumed in that short period of time. Amazing!

eclipse

Ashley and I were totally waiting for today when the book, eclipse, came out. I bought two copies because I didn't want to wait for Ash to finish before I got my hands on the book, and it felt entirely selfish to make her wait for me. So, we are both getting our vampire fix right now. By the way, I am loving the book.

Ashley was so funny. On Sunday, she came in my room with a huge grin on her face. I know this face, it is the face that says, "I want something, and if I smile real sweetly, maybe I will get it." I just said WHAT? All she said were two words, "eclipse & Tuesday" I just laughed. Then she asked me what the plan was, and were we going to do something special, like an eclipse party. I probably should have done something more than just buy the books, but at this point it was beyond my abilities. I don't think she was too disappointed.

I went to Costco thinking they would have the book. Nope, they don't have it. I was completely surprised. So I just had to go to Borders to get it, even with the milk in the car on this very hot day. The milk survived, and we have our books. YIPPEE!!

More Hospital Pictures

Something Benign!

I took Amanda in to see the Orthopedic Dr. about the bump on her leg. I am happy to report that it is absolutely nothing to worry about. It is right by her growth plate, and is common in kids her age. It is a bone growth and cartilage that is benign, making the bump. He said unless it hurts, or is bothering her in anyway, they will leave it alone. He wants to see her in three months to make sure it isn't growing larger. It was nice to have some good news.

Nicolaas' Grand Adventure

Friday evening after the crazy day of x-rays and teeth pulled, I was exhausted. I was in my bed when about 10:30 I heard Nicolaas in the hall crying. Kerrie came in to tell me his tummy was hurting and he wouldn't get up. I was thinking, great now a stomach flu. I told him to come in my room and he could sleep in there with me. He would not get up and walk. I got him onto my bed and asked him where it hurt. He pointed to the right side of this stomach. I pushed on that side and he cried out in pain. I looked at James and said, "we'd better take him in." When we got to the hospital the nurse said they would probably do a workup for appendicitis. James called Brian, our wonderful home teacher, at about midnight, to come help give a blessing. I knew once we found out what was wrong they would go into surgery and there would be no time at that point to get someone there for a blessing. I was so glad Brian could come. The blessing did a lot to calm my nerves.

The doctor ordered an x-ray. When it came back it showed that Nic was constipated, so the nurse gave him an enema. Nic was so funny. When I told him he was getting one, he said, "that doesn't sound good." He was a trooper through that. The doc came back in and started pushing on his tummy again, and it hurt when he hit that right side. So he ordered a CAT scan. At about 3:00am Saturday morning we found out he had early onset appendicitis. STINK!!!!!!!! The ER Doc called a surgeon he said was really great with kids, and that they would do the surgery in the morning.

I sent James home with a list of things I would need for the stay, and an order to get some rest. They moved Nic into the inpatient ward, and we tried to get some sleep. We both slept for about two hours, then the surgeon came in and talked to us. He asked Nic, "how are you doing." Nic said, "fine." Then the dr said, "then what are you doing here." It made us both laugh. He examined Nic. Of course he had to push on that right side, and Nic was not happy. He said, "You are the third doctor to do that." The dr. then told him the other drs. had told him exactly where to push. He told me the surgery would take place at about 8 am. I called James, and he came back to the hospital.

The OR nurse came to wheel Nic to pre-op. While we were waiting there, the anesthesiologist came in and explained things to us. She told Nic he would be asleep during the operation, but that he would probably feel some pain after. After she left Nic said to us, "I guess I get to take a trip to painville." We all laughed. Then James said, "Let Dr. Gartside examine you now." Nic said, "You aren't a real doctor, you're a geek doctor." Boy did that make me laugh. When the nurse that was assisting with the operation came in, he said, "boy are you special, they called in a whole team of people to work on you today." I was thinking, I hope they aren't to upset that their Saturday was disturbed.

I cannot even begin to tell you how hard it was to watch my little boy going into the OR. It was almost more than I could stand. We had to put a lot of faith into the doctors there, as we did not know any of them, and also that Heavenly Father would take care of him.

About 50 minutes later the surgeon came out, and told us that everything had gone really well. He was able to do the a laparoscopic surgery, and he had pictures. I am going to put them on at that bottom of this post. It was amazing to see.

Nic did so well, and he has recovered beautifully. What an amazing little boy. We came home Sunday morning and he has been acting like his old self, just walking a little slowly. He is completely off pain medication now, and doing great.

Nic's favorite part was the hospital bed. He loved making it go up and down. Oh and the free food. When he got to order breakfast, he asked how much it costs. When he found out he could get anything he wanted and that it was free, his eyes got huge. He thought that was pretty cool. When the doc asked him if he wanted to go home, Nic told him no. He was so great through all of this. I told him, "thanks so much for this wonderfully fun adventure he was taking us on." He calmly told me, "your welcome." Man, I love this little boy.


This is Nic's appendix before the surgery.

This is the appendix gone with the staples in.

It is amazing to me to be able to see the doc's handy work.

Bumps and Teeth

Amanda has been making comments about a bump on her leg for months. I have ignored this, because Amanda frequently asks if something on her body is normal. I usually take what she says with a bit of reluctance. Well, I probably should have listened more closely to her on this. Last night she was commenting again about a bump on her leg. I asked her if it was hurting, and she said no, but that it was itching. So I glance over, and there is definitely a large bump on the front of her leg. I called the doc this morning, and took her in. She has something on her bone, and the doctor does not know what it is. He sent her to get an x-ray, and you can see something there. It looks very strange. She will see an orthopedic doctor on Tuesday, and hopefully we will find out what in the world this bump is. I hope this will be taken care of before the 15th, as that is when the cross country practice begins with the coaches. I also hope it will not interfere with this, as she is really enjoying it.

While we were on our way to the doctor's, the dentist office called and said they had a cancelation and asked if Ashley could come in today to get her teeth extracted. Her appointment wasn't until October during school hours, so I was glad to get it done now. The orthodontist asked us to get them out, so he can start braces with her. They are baby teeth, that just are not coming out on their own. After they got the two out, the dentist asked me if I wanted the other two removed. She said we could wait, but that we would probably have to come back again. She didn't think they would fall out on their own. Poor Ash, I felt so bad for her, but I gave the go ahead, and the dentist numbed the other half of her mouth and got them out as well. She has had so many of her baby teeth removed by the dentist. It just isn't fair. I think the total is eight. All her baby teeth are out now, so at least that is some small comfort. She will get her braces on the second day of school. She should have them for eighteen months, and then she will be done. She will be the first of my kids to be done with orthodontia. I had to laugh, because when I was making the appointment, she has to come in a week earlier to have spacers put in, which falls on the day I was taking the other five kids in. So now all six kids will be at the orthodontist at the same time. They will fill almost every chair in the office. It should be pretty funny. I must remember to take a picture of that. Oh, my life would be so dull without kids.

Wax Anyone?

Yesterday for scouts we made little candles for cooking. You use a tuna fish can, cardboard, string and parafin. I had done this last year, and it was a huge hit with the boys. So, I figured it would be a good idea to do again with my new boys. All the boys that did it last year have moved on. I could not remember where I bought the parafin last year, so I figured I would go to Walmart, because they have everything right? Wrong. They do not carry wax. I needed to buy balloons for the young women's activity as well. Walmart was out of small balloons. I couldn't believe it. After being told to try Michaels, I stopped there, only to find out their wax was super expensive. So, then I decided, I'll try Home Depot, it's right here. Nope, they don't have it. At this point I am pretty tired of running into stores. Oh, and did I mention, my air conditioning in the car isn't working at the moment? I seem to remember I got it last year at a grocery store. I headed to Weis. After walking the entire store, I could not find it. I asked at the information desk, and the guy said he doesn't remember seeing it in the store, but if it was he thought it would be down aisle 1 on the left. So back to number 1, but nope, not there. I am almost sure at this point, that I purchased it there last year. Finally, I said a prayer asking for help, because I am at my wits end. (Probably should have done this first) Then the next aisle I walked down, there it was at the very end at the very top. I was so grateful to not have to go to another store.

At this point, I was tired and hungry. Usually this is when I would grab a pepsi and snicker bar, but I have started weight watchers, and I am determined. I grabed a ripe nectarine and some bottled water. When I got out to the car, I realized I had forgotten to buy ballons. I ate my nectarine, and headed back into the store, to buy balloons. Luckily they had them. By the time I got home I had spent several hours running errands that should have taken me much less time. I was running behind, and had been gone a good portion of the day. Which meant, my kids had trashed the house. I whipped them into shape, cleaning up, and started dinner. I usually forget about dinner on Wednesday's and we hit a drive thru window on the way to church, but again, fast food does not really fit into weight watchers very well. I made taco soup which is fabulous, and pretty easy to make.

We were a little late to the church, but so were my scouts, so all turned out well. We are going to cook pancakes on homemake ovens in two weeks. It should be fun. I was glad to have another den meeting go well. I never really saw myself that involved in scouts. I considered it James' job. He did get his eagle after all, so he's the pro. However, I am glad I have been able to learn about the program and help Nicolaas. It has been fun for the most part.

School Supplies & other Busy things

So, this last week, I went shopping for school supplies. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that it costs so much, but every year I am shocked. It was an all day affair, with trips to a couple of different stores. It is also exhausting. It took me almost a week to sort through everything and get it into kids bags with their names on it. Boy was that a job that I am glad is done. I have waited in the past until right before school starts, and I learned quickly that was a mistake. The stores run out of things, and they are so crowded with moms trying to buy for their kids, it's a nightmare. At least this time, I was not fighting the crowds. However, I am not done yet. I still have to buy supplies for Amanda. I have not gotten her schedule and list yet. If there are any high school moms out there, when does their schedule come?

Then, yesterday, I went down to Potter's Violin Shop, to exchange cellos. Kelsie and Nicolaas have both outgrown their instruments, so I figured I had better get that done before school starts, as again, you fight the crowds of other parents renting instruments for their children. We have been very happy with the shop. They are great to work with, and have quality instruments. The other thing I love about them, is they will let you take the money you spend on two years of rental to purchase and instrument. Then once you have done that, they will take it in trade at any time for a larger instrument, and give you the credit for the full purchase price of the original instrument as long as it is in good condition. The only down side is, they are in Bethesda, but not too far from the Temple. There is also a little taco shop run by three sweet ladies, that is so small there is only room for maybe two customers at a time, but I love their food.

After the violin shop, we went to the scout shop, also on the same street as the violin shop. I needed to get Nic a bear book, as he has earned his wolf, and moved on now that he is nine.

When I got home, the kids had done their chores, so off to the pool we went. That was really fun, but hot. Then we rushed home to drop off the younger kids with Ashley, then took Amanda to running practice at 6:30. The kids were a little angry, that they only got to swim for two hours. We usually stay for three or four. After practice, it was off to an activities committee meeting, followed by a little guitar hero with Cami.

It was just one of those very busy, full days. Now all we have left is the school clothes shopping, and we are ready to be back in school.