A Shopping Spree

Big Boy #1 turned ten on Tuesday. We decided to celebrate his birthday a little differently, and took him on a shopping spree for his big day. His gift? A box full of $1 bills.

After a dinner (and a very large dessert!) I took him to Toys R Us, where he wondered around looking for a place to spend his cash.

At one point he had three different bubble gum machines in the cart, but ended up with much more respectable selections. However, I'm not sure that "The Suite Life: The Game" can ever been called respectable???

Was it a good idea? I'm still not sure. BB1 does not like to make quick decisions (sooo his father's son!) That said, I think it was fun to mix it up a little - plus I had NO idea what to get him. Heaven knows that I would have never come home with The Suite Life game!

Almost Panama

Two weeks ago Diamond called from work to say that his job might be sending him to Panama City, Panama for a week, and did I want to come along. "Uh, YEAH!!!"

So I spent the next several hours browsing pictures like this:

Two days later I found out that Diamond did not get the gig. But at this point, I had a major itch to get out to town.

We decided to surprise the boys by taking them to Colorado Springs for a quick overnight. We were at the hotel before they figured out our plans.

The hotel had an indoor/outdoor pool that the boys LOVED:

The next day we toured the Olympic Training Center:

*Notice that the Caboose is not too thrilled with "Silver". He was much happier standing on "Gold." Below the boys are on a bobsled from SLC Olympics

And stopped at the Garden of the Gods:

It was nice to get out of town. No computer, no phone, no laundry. However, I have to admit that I am still itching. Maybe I just need something more like this:

The Very Young and the Restless

Overheard earlier this week: "She used to love me, but I ran too fast!"

Found in Big Boy #2's pocket:

Translation:
"How are you? Circle the yes or no. If you like me: Yes No"

Upon further investigation, this note was ghostwritten by our neighbor's daughter. (The first clue? When when BB2's name was misspelled on the back of note.) Apparently, BB2 was supposed to give the note to her friend, but he has since changed his mind.

"I'm not gonna give it to her mom. I'm not in love with her anymore."

Well, that settles things then. Except, um, for the part about why my seven year old is apparently involved in drama worthy of daytime TV.

The Master Bath

For the last three days:
*I have showered in Big Boy #1's bathtub.
*I have used regular soap on my face.
*I have used BB1s toothbrush.
*I have applied no lotion.
*I have been unable to access my deodorant.

I'm chapped and stinky.

I want my bathroom back!!!

Lunch with Virginia

Today I met my friend Virgina for lunch. I used to teach at the high school where she is still working. We chatted about the kids, she updated me on the latest department issues, and we talked politics. It was perfect.

Yet, somehow, I am left feeling melancholy.

I have always been passionate about my teaching. It wasn't what I did, it was who I was. That said, most of the time I can't imagine trying to juggle three kids, a demanding church position and a consuming career. But there are days when I miss it terribly.

I have been "at home" for almost three years now. (Since my first was born, I have worked part-time, on and off.) This is the longest break I have had. The faculty has changed quite a bit in those three years and I just found out today that the principal is retiring. Fewer and fewer people know me there. When I want to come back, will they even remember me? Will I be able to go back at all?

I have every intention of returning to teaching; just as soon as my kids get older, I get released from the Relief Society, and I figure out how to make everyone's schedules synchronized. I'm not ready to go back now, but I do want to go back.

Meeting Virginia for lunch was a treat. It is beyond fun to talk with her. She is intelligent, kind and passionate about what she does. I used to be like that. Now? I just wonder how I am ever going to get back.

Cutting Curls

I did it. I finally cut the Cabooses hair. He's two years and seven months old, so I suppose it was time.

I decided to take him to one of those kids places - which, it turns out was a good idea - seeing as he was crying hysterically before she even managed her first snip. Thank heavens they had Cars on DVD for him to watch. Once the movie got started and he resettled himself on my lap he was fine.

Me? Well, I felt a lump in my throat when she made her first cut. Seriously? I LOVE my boys curls!

She took THREE inches off. OK, it was definitely time for a trim. He looks like a boy again, which is a good thing, but no-one stopped me at the store today. (Usually several people ask about his curls every time I take him out. Yes! Of course it's natural!)

So I started to worry, did I cut too much off???

Our Weekend Plans

Space Cowboy

Last night was the Space Derby for Big Boy #1's Scout Troop. "Space Derby?" you may be asking yourself? Who knew there WAS a space derby?


Seriously, they are killing me with all these derbys! The Pinewood Derby was a disaster with BB1 crying the entire way home. The Raingutter Regatta was much better with BB1 taking first place. Now we have to make another balsam wood project? (And when I say "we", I mean my dad does most of it, and Diamond and I help with the finishing touches.)


So we've now made planes, boats and automobile. Is there a "Train Derby" ???

Is it Time?

The Caboose is well over 2 1/2 years old now, and has never had his hair cut. Not so much as a trim. Strangers are commenting on what a beautiful girl I have with increasing frequency, and so I am starting to wonder...

Is it time to cut his hair???

To be clear, there is NO WAY I would cut his hair short, but I am thinking of a good trim.

What do you think?

Banff

Diamond had some business in Banff, just outside of Calgary, Canada. He was able to meet his brother and spend some time enjoying the amazing scenery.

(If you want a better look, just click on the pictures.)

Diamond and Bryan beside a glacier

This is the same glacier, but another view.

King of the World?


And he gets paid to take these trips???