A new record

For the first time in conscience memory....

I turned the HEAT on in September.
Granted, it's the last day -- but in my mind...that is only a minor detail.

Ridiculous...YES. I KNOW.

HEAT in SEPTEMBER....has the world gone completely mad?

Are the BOLD LETTERS letting you know just how strongly I am opposed to this idea?!?
It was truly painful. (I think the fact that feeling returned to my numb hands contributed to the pain.)
With the wind, rain and high of 50 degrees today...I just couldn't stand it. Trying to work was challenging, given that my work requires typing and my fingers were at stiff as popsicles.

And of course, the rudolph-like noses that the girls and I had also contributed to the decision.

Turning the oven on and setting the dinner rolls on top -- just to try to get them to rise -- also a contributing factor to the decision.

Seriously though...Mother Nature...let's go back to the weather we had a week ago. (Remember when I said, "if the weather would stay like this...I would tell EVERYONE to move to Ohio? I promise, bring back the 70's, sunshine and blue skies and I will spread the word that Ohio is THE.PLACE.TO.LIVE.)

Greg assures me it's going to warm up a bit. I sure hope he's right. I dug out my slippers today (yes, my slippers - a permanent accessory for me from November - May) but it was painful. I'm not ready to trade in my flip-flops and shorts.

For those Westerner's reading this...I don't want to hear that you are still running your air conditioning or swimming in your pools.

I really don't.

On the campaign trail...

Addysen is running for Student Council president. She (we) spent the weekend decorating posters and t-shirts. Tonight was Speech Writing 101. (I have to say (and yes, I am biased) that even though only in 5th grade, her presentation skills are already better than some of my former SUU Comm 101 students).

I've been having flashbacks to many years of poster-making and speech writing. It's kind of strange doing the same things with my daughter. Hello, 18 wasn't that long ago, was it?

Cannon ran for class representative and unfortunately lost by one vote. He was pretty bummed about it -- but is already talking about, "next year." I'm just proud of them for trying.

The speeches are Thursday morning, with the election to immediately follow. Keep a happy thought for us.

Every So Often

Kenzie:
"Mom, you are the good parent. You let us read three stories. Good job, Mom!"

(Brynnley would have told an entirely different story however. She was sent to bed early at 7:30 because she seems to have trouble controlling her naughty mouth. Notice which child's comments I chose to quote.......!)

Quack, Quack

Yesterday, Kenzie came in the bathroom while I was brushing my teeth. It was still dark and quiet throughout most of the house. Upon walking in she said, "what is quacking out there?"
I said, "Where? Outside?"
She said, "No, in your bedroom. Something quacked at me when I walked in."

Puzzled, I looked into the bedroom.

Promptly, I figured it out.

Greg was still asleep....snoring.

Or, as the case may be....quacking.
Turns out, her three-year-old description was right on target.

Quuuaaacccckkk!

~SIX~

Being an "even" birthday -- it was a party year. We had to work around two early morning soccer games and Greg's sleep schedule. (He's working nights.) Today was also the Race for the Cure (which two of the girls' parents were participating in.)

The weather was perfect. The kids were mellow. (Ok, not necessarily our kids, but the friends that attended the party.) We got the cake frosted 15 minutes before the first guest arrived. The gifts were very generous. Everyone got to hit the pinata before it broke. The candy was plentiful...probably too plentiful.

The birthday girl is sound asleep.

How do your children get ready for bed?

I don't know how things go at your house...but this is how Cannon got ready for bed a couple of weeks ago. I had the little girls in the bathtub and had no idea that he was in the office -- rockin' out -- rather than getting his pj's on. I may be biased, but I am quite certain this kid's got a bright future. (And clearly, given the moves, he takes after his dad.) Personally, I like when he sings in Spanish. Let me reiterate...a very bright future.

It was two weeks ago...

Addysen started 5th grade....top of the totem pole at their school. She's excited because she got picked to do the announcements every morning. After being told she was WAY too fast, she's learned to slow down while reciting the pledge. We (translation: I) have already attended three informational meetings for her...now we're debating whether or not to join the 5th grade band. Flute or trumpet?
Cannon started 4th grade. He likes being with his friends again -- and his teacher is very nice....however, he's commented that the school day seems longer. We're trying to get back into the routine...He absolutely LOVES cub scouts and is excited for soccer to start again this week.
Our little boo da loos started kindergarten. WOW. She loves riding the bus and starts chit-chatting with her friends before we've even finished waving good-bye. Her teacher seems really nice and so far, the school year is off to a good start. Now, if we could just get Brynnley and Kenzie to stop messing around at night...getting up early wouldn't be so difficult.

Wreaking havoc

Every once in a while, wreaking havoc takes its toll...notice the sleeping child in the middle of the destruction.