Sunday, August 25, 2013

A Week in the Life {8/19-8/26}

Adam started back to school this week. He was pretty anxious to return to his school and he's enjoyed getting back into somewhat of a routine. Since Adam has major skills in technology he has been extremely busy, not only with setting up stuff for his classroom and the school, he's had to help dozens of other teachers set up their classrooms as well. School starts on Monday so he had to go in for several hours on Saturday and Sunday to make sure the school was ready to go. He comes home pretty exhausted but I think he is happy and anxious to start a new school year with students. Like I've mentioned before, this year he will be the Humanities (technology) Specialist at his school rather than a typical classroom teacher. He'll end up teaching half the population (some kindergarten classes plus 3-5 grades).

I attended two book clubs this week. Both were really fun. Book club nights are among the best nights of the month for me. I bought some hair accessories for my niece to be and we discussed the books The Book Thief and The Selection. I also started watching a new show: The New Girl. It's a lot of fun but I feel like I'm turning to mush. I've been feeling over stimulated and I have a difficult time sleeping. I think it's time to cut out TV and Internet (aka Facebook) for a little while. I've been back to writing, working on a semi new project I've titled Women of God: Understanding our Stewardship. Did you know that over 70 percent of people who leave the church cite women's issues as a major factor? I am writing a book for my daughters to help them understand our role as women and our equality with men.

Hannah is starting preschool next week. When we went to the open house at the elementary school where she will have her Pre-K class I started getting really anxious and emotional. I made it through the orientation but when we were walking back to the car I burst into tears and couldn't stop crying. I just feel like she's growing up so fast. I'm grateful that I've been able to stay home with her all this time and enjoy her without having to send her to daycare. It's been one of my greatest blessings. Hannah on the other hand couldn't be more excited. She has been counting down the days. Yesterday we picked up a backpack for her, and some school supplies. This week, the girls have really been into Dr. Seuss' Horton books.

Paige has been sick. Major sick. She's had respiratory issues and a really strange fever. She's a good girl and remains in good spirits, though she loves to cuddle with me when she gets like this. She sounds like a smoker when she talks. I worry about Paige when Hannah goes to preschool. She is going to get extremely jealous and miss her sister.

Looking forward to my family coming this week. Everyone is coming...Mom and Dad, Sean and Lindsey and Megan and Caleb. It's so weird thinking that by December both of my siblings will be married. We really lucked out with three fabulous in laws.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

A Week in the Life {8/12-8/18}

We had a fantastic week at home trying to acclimate to life after vacation.

After shopping, laundry, and cleaning we all went to Pump it Up with the ward on Monday. I think we were insane because Adam and I were still bushed after our trip but we made it through alive and Hannah and Paige had a lot of fun.

I think I forgot to mention we refinanced our house and now we are saving about $150 a month! We refinanced for a full percentage point cheaper and we got rid of our PMI because our home is valued at so much more than we owe which is nice. Our mortgage is so cheap, I can't even believe it. We may never move.

We spent the better part of the week at home just lounging. I ended up reading two and a half books (I'll probably finish the "half" today). The girls spent a lot of time playing dollhouse.

We got home and Paige became an instant pro at getting out of her crib and busting through our "child proof" doorknobs. It makes me sad, mainly because she is growing up so fast. She'll be two in two weeks on the 2nd of September. Crazy pants! For her birthday I (with the help of Stacey) tracked down an exact replica of her special blankie that she got from Costco two years ago. It is now worn and tattered so I'm hoping she'll accept a new blanket.

Hannah and I spent some time alone together. We went shopping and to story time at the library. We also went past her new school. She'll be starting preschool at an elementary school close by. The class consists of "typical peers" and "special needs" students. Not only will Hannah be learning the statewide curriculum for pre-K, she'll also be modeling behavior and be exposed to kids who need a little extra help. I'm hoping it fosters compassion and understanding. Another great part is that it is free for us, (vs paying $70-$110 a month). She'll also begin a music class in the fall, and she and Paige will also do soccer. I feel like a "real mom."

Aubree (Jones) Bosen and her new husband Matt got stranded on the I-15 north after a tour bus had a collision with a truck. Both lanes of traffic were closed and it took them 4 hours to travel 20 miles. Fortunately, she posted about it on Facebook so I suggested that they stay overnight with us in Vegas (they left Newport at 1PM and didn't get to us until 8PM). It was so much fun to see them and to meet Matt and catch up with Aubree. I've known Aubs since she was Hannah's age so it was pretty crazy to see her all grown up and beautiful and married. It wasn't the first time time we were able to help someone either. I picked up some friends from high school at the airport this week, after they dropped their cars off in my neighborhood to avoid high parking prices at the airport. It's fun to live in Las Vegas and see so many people on their way to and from California/Utah.

Adam got a new calling as the E.Q. Secretary. He'll be getting rid of his scout calling and his E.Q. teaching assignment which is bittersweet but I know he is going to to a fabulous job.

The biggest news this week is that my baby sister Meggie is engaged to Caleb Christensen! They are such a wonderful couple and I can't wait to get to know Caleb more. He's so awesome with the girls and they adore him. When I told Hannah Meggie was engaged she asked, "To who?" I told her it was Caleb of course and she said, "Already?" Already!? We've been waiting for this for months! They will be married December 27th in the Bountiful temple. I'm so proud of my sister and I'm already having dreams about her wedding. Last night I dreamed about being in the temple with her and I got so anxious/excited that I woke up at 2:30AM and I couldn't go back to sleep. I'll be needing to take a major nap today. Congrats to my beautiful sister and her wonderful fiance. It's the start of a beautiful life.

Monday, August 12, 2013

California Vacation 2013

Let me be the first to say we are exhausted. We spent the last two weeks in California, and while it was an awesome trip, we are ready to hibernate until school starts. I'm just going to give a little run down of what we did, and let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

We left Monday, July 29th and drove to Newport (with a quick stop to visit Rosalie and her family) where we spent a couple days in a resort with Kris, Terry, and Aubrey Turney. Tuesday we did Disneyland/California Adventure with Aubrey.

Wednesday we made our way down to San Diego to stay with Adam's uncle Dean and aunt Susan. They live very close to the beach and we ate ice cream and delicious Mexican food. We went to Sea World on Thursday and the highlight of the day was the Sesame Street Bay of Play and the Dolphin show.

Friday we said goodbye to the other Turney's and spent a few hours at Seaport Village then drove up to our hotel in West Covina. Saturday we went to Universal Studios where the highlight was the tram tour where Hannah freaked out over the King Kong 3D experience. We also loved Shrek in 4D and seeing the Minions from Despicable Me.

Sunday we went to Huntington State Park beach.

Monday was our anniversary and Disneyland/California Adventure. The clear favorite was our meal at Ariel's Grotto where we enjoyed delicious food, an even more amazing view, and the girls got to meet the princesses. It was an incredible experience.

Tuesday was another beach day, this time at Newport beach.

Wednesday was our last official day of our trip. We spent it at Disneyland/California adventure.

Thursday-Sunday we spent with the Turney's celebrating Avery's farewell. He's going to make an incredible missionary. We love him so much.