Poor matt

His girlfriend of 3 months broke up with him last night. Fortunately teenage hearts heal quickly. Looks like the snow is over for us. Kristen is going to a friends house to work on a project and matt wants to go to best buy. Other than that, more laundry etc. Kristen has been experimenting with the makeup. She wanted to know what the dog would look like with mascara. Fortunately she came to her senses before I had to take makeup away for a year.

Christmas Day at the Magic Kingdom

After checking out of the hotel, we headed to the beach one last time. Saw a herd of dolphins swimming up the coast. Totally cool. Next onto Disneyland-Kristen was waiting for this the entire week.

To begin, I hate crowds, Randy hates crowds, Matt did not want to be there because of his fear of rollercoasters. So what do we do, go to the place where dreams come true(only if those dreams do not include going on rides with out a 75 minute wait) on the busiest, most crowded day of the year! Make sense to you? The reason for doing this? Food. We could be guaranteed that we could get food. Anyway, after a 20 minute wait to get into the employee parking lot(Simba-long walk through downtown disney. Rode the monorail to tomorrow land. Did autotopia and a star wars type simulation there. Moved onto frontier land where we road the mark twain ship(only adult ride with no line). Did the thunder mountain railroad rollercoaster. It looked tame. Wrong. Matt looked extremely angry the whole time. Kristen was ecstatic. My neck hurt by the time we got off. Next off to Pirates of the Carribbean. Relatively short wait. They modified the ride to include things from the movies. Good changes. This was my favorite and Matt's. Next waited about an hour for Indiana Jones ride. They made changes too, but not for the better. Definitely not worth it. Ended up eating mediocre mexican food in California Adventure before leaving to head up to a hotel in Ontario to get a headstart on traffic for the trip home the next day.

Whale watching cruise II, California Adventure and what Californians do on Christmas Eve

Whale Watch: We dragged ourselves out of bed by 7am(this is harder than you would think) and tried the whale watch again with our handy dandy whale check vouchers. Please read prev blog entry if you do not know what I am talking about. This time we saw a pod of dolphins. They were having fun in the wake of the boat. I hopefully got one good picture. Beautiful day for it.D.L. Drove through Laguna Beach. This is a place I would like to come back to. For a family beach trip, I would want to stay in Dana Point. For a trip with just me and Kris or some other girls, Laguna Beach is the ticket. Much too artsy for the boys.

got to Disney land and survived the maze to the parking garage. Did California Adventure today. It was nice. Kris and I did a water ride, we all did the Ferris Wheel. Did the muppet 3-d show. Pretty good.

What Californians do for Christmas eve: They go to Denny's! Who would have thought it!

Seaworld

Yesterday was Seaworld and we are all tired of being together day. Randy was the most irritable but we all had our moments. The Shamu show was new. According to my friend karen, the previous one was 10 years old. Randy got some good footage and pictures. We pet a dolphin, so all the crucial shows, went into a few exhibits. Super crowded. Everyone in San Diego was there apparently. Stopped at the Fish Market for dinner. Randy's boss highly recommends this place. Matt got a huge bucket of clams. Randy got swordfish, Kris got a shrimp caesar salad, and I got mahi-mahi. Everyone had a good meal except me. The Mahi-mahi did not give up without a fight. We then went in search of laundry det. The dispenser in the hotel has none. I know they have it, but won't refill it. 7-11 comes through again. Did one load of laundry last night. Just enough to get by.

Whale watch and dinner

Yesterday we did a whale watch from Dana Point. Dana Point is where I wish we would have stayed. Next time. No whales or dolphins. Just sea lions sleeping on a buoy. Seas were really rough so I guess all the critters were down deep. R. says if we can get up early enough, we might try again tomorrow morning before California adventure. today is Seaworld. Last night we met my internet friend Karen in Santa Ana. Apparently we were all trying to meet at a restaurant that did not exist. Ended up eating at Pat and Oscars which is lower price Italian. Really good. None of the 4 kids had a good time. To be expected, but it is not always about them. Our kids were better behaved but they were older.

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Yesterday we travelled down to San Diego Wild Animal Park. Huge facility. Animals in more natural habitats. Lots of babies.They are a breeding facility so no major surprise there. Started out with a train ride out to all the large enclosures. Saw a silly baby elephant who was showing off. Lions, a sumatran tiger, lots of birds and monekeys, apes, all different kinds of African and asian hoofed species. Saw an elephant show and a bird show. Everyone liked this one better than the San Diego zoo except Matt. Kristen bought a stuffed lion. So now the count is up to three that she is sleeping with. The froggy pillow, the hardrock cafe bear and now the lion.

Today we are going on a whale watching cruise and then meeting my friend Karen at a Mexican restaurant in Santa Ana.

Huntingdon Beach and the Ducks

Randy felt he had to conduct some business, so Kris and I hung out at the pool. When he was finally done, we headed to Huntingdon Beach for some fun in the sand. Actually found some decent shells which I am sure the kids will fight over. Went to the Huntingdon Pier and had dinner at the end of it at a restaurant called Ruby's. Another 50's diner! This state is liviing in the past! After that we headed to the Honda Center previously known as Arrowhead pond to see the Anaheim Ducks crush the Dallas Stars. We were in the second highest row of the arena. Good view for the most part. Matt had a great time. Usual assortment of fights, annoying fans trying to convert LA King fans into Duck fans, etc,etc. Oh, I finally got to try an INN and Out burger. Former Californiaites claim these things are the best thing on the planet. Not so. McDonalds on a bad day is far better. Don't need to experience it again. Today we will be going to the San Diego Wiild Animal Park and walmart for things I forgot.

San Diego Zoo and Hard Rock Cafe

12/19/2006:
We went down to the San Diego zoo for the day. Lots of fun and walking. Kristen exhibited her non rule breaking traits by refusing to walk on the moving walkways. It said stand so she was going to stand. Randy taunted her by walking back and forth. Beautiful weather continues. Randy got some great shots of animals and some of the kids. After the zoo, we went to Hard Rock Cafe in downtown San Diego. Food was good and Kristen got another bear for her collection. Matt got a long sleeved tshirt and I got a lemon martini. Got back to the hotel and finished Christmas cards and postcards. Did a load of laundry much to the dismay of the staff. Virtually the entire hotel is a constuction zone.

The beach

Yesterday we went to the beach. But first there was breakfast. Went to a 50's diner called Tommy. Blue plastic furniture. Really cute. Expensive.$47. Started out going on the beach briefly at Screppy's restaurant just to take a family picture. We discovered the surfliner train that runs along the coast runs about every 20 minutes. Randy took one of many pictures of that. Since we had to pay .50 for every half hour, we moved onto to San Clemente State Park. There is a rock out in the distance that has sea lions. Randy got some pictures of that. My camera could not get close enough. Went down on the beach where Kris and I waded in the water while Matt and Randy walked up the coast. The storm from the other day cleaned up the beach pretty well from shells, so Matt found it boring. Moved onto the San Clemente pier, after a hellacious walk up a path. The walk was straight up a cliff. Did not make me happy. Randy and Matt had to race each other. Way too much testosterone there. I digress. back to the pier. Beautiful area of town. Nice family beach. Kristen and I spent more time on our new hobby watching surfer dudes. These guys make tremendous eye candy. Even Kristn was checking them out. Ate "lunch" at a restaurant on the pier. Since breakfast was huge, this was supposed to be a light lunch. Matt got fish tacos, Kris got a calimari sandwich and Randy and I got salads. Both of these salads came in the size of containers you see at Olive garden for an entire table. I ate a 4th of my spinach bacon salad and Randy ate 3/4 of his chicken casear salad. Kristen finished his. Did a little shopping. Bought a tshirt, mousepad with the San Cl. pier on it, lip balm and sunglasses for Kristen. Back to the hotel so Kris could swim and we could all veg out. Ordered in for dinner. That's about it. The S.D zoo and hardrock cafe today. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Beaver, Utah to San Clemente, CA

We woke up to snow in Beaver and drove through an hour of varying stages of the white stuff. Road crews more concerned with plowing the shoulder than the actual road. Made good time after that. Randy hates Nevada and this trip reiterated that to him. He has vowed never to stop in Nevada again. A. No rest stops. B. crowded and poor traffic directions. We stopped in a McD. parking lot and ended up eating food we brought. Arrived in the Los Angeles Basin around 1:30 and got to the hotel at 3pm. No traffic at all on any road here. Almost surreal. Hotel is ok, not great, but ok. Matt says the pool is a ghetto pool. Kristen and I both have colds and she has a scraped foot and knee from the foggy pool in Utah. We drove up the coast to try to fin d a nice restaurant. Ended up at Denny's. It was an adobe building, but inside was a 50's diner motif! After that the fun began. We could only turn right out of the parking lot.(not the way we came). We ended up going into the innards of Dana Point and then into the innards of San Juan Capistrano(very quaint town) in search of Interstate 5. We never did find the ramp to 5 South, but did end up back on the Pacific Coast Highway and made our way back to the hotel. Kids went in the ghetto pool for a little and now we are all back in the hotel room for the night. It is 8:15 local time and I am ready for bed.

Beaver, Utah

We left the house at 8:03 am and arrived here at the Comfort suites at 5:15pm. We made great time. Very little traffic problems. Had Dinner at the timberline restaurant across the highway. Discovered that Utah does not like tomatoes and they consider salad dressing a side dish. Very nice room with free wireless. Kids are in the pool swimming. Off to San Clemente in the morning.

Well, we are off....

It is 10pm and we are pretty much ready to go in the morning. Some stuff is in the 'rango, but most of the big stuff still needs to go. We are leaving around 8am and hope to be clear of the state by noon. Everyone seems to be doing ok other than all the stress getting ready for a trip.

Graduation/California/Matt

Graduation: There is so much to say about this, but I still feel overwhelmed. The time flew by, despite all the worry, work and stress. Hard to believe it is over.

California: Why was I so stupid to think I could do Graduation, California and Christmas in the same two week time period! Wrapping last of the gifts tonight. Kristen and Matt had a blast playing with the Zacks gift. I actually managed to wrap at least one of them without setting it off. Have to ship them all off tomorrow.

Matt: This kid is going to be the death of me. Not taking notes in science so expected result is achieved on tests(expected by everyone except matt), slacking in English so grade dropping there also. I think I need to begin planning on summer school for him. Looks like Kristen will have the relatives all to herself.

Oh the well outside is frightful....

It is 18 degrees(this is the high), a layer of ice and then snow. And yes we have school. NO wimps(or sane people) out here. R. does not want me taking the Durango since he is afraid I will wreck it. Nice. Kids got haircuts last night. Tonight is Driver ed for Matt and hopefully decorating. Christmas shopping at lunch. Fortunately I work real close to Kohls and Borders and the mall.

It's over!

I finished my last class, turned in my last assignment! The only thing left is the ceremony and the goodbyes. Cap and gowns are nicer than I expected. I love the hood. I have wanted a hood ever since my graduation at Ship and now I get to have wear one at least for a few hours.(it is rented-cost prohibitive to buy) I was not as emotional as I expected. Probably because the instructor had an ego the size of Kansas and totally did not get our cohort. We have been the black mark on ESU's record so to speak and they will be just as glad to get rid of us as we will be to say goodbye to them. I am pretty sure she was given instructions that all of us had to pass this course. They want us all gone.

While I was gone, Randy cleaned out the refrigerator and Kristen mopped the kitchen floor. When I get back from PA, the house will be cleaned 2.5 years of neglect. Matt went paintballing and Kris went swimming. Randy was fishing and I did laundry. Matt did some more driving, getting more practice at that crucial 65 mph. Plan is for him to get highway time in western utah/NV depending on conditions. Kristen was even brave enough to go along with them this weekend.

Election day in Colorado

It was depressing. Not who won or lost. In my precinct I was only the 223 person who voted out of 1000. I voted electronically for the 1st time since leaving PA. Boulder county gives up old habits hard. It was one of the longest ballots in CO history. All kinds of voting problems in Denver-3 hour waits to vote, parking ticket, etc. This state needs to get it together. Apparently everyone in the city of Denver wanted to vote at the botanic gardens-at least you had something nice to look at while voting.

Matt and Mom

Matt's play was this weekend. The girl, her mother and I went Thursday. He did great. She gave him spider mums and a stuffed flower. Friday I had class so Randy and Kris went. Saturday we all went again. Glad it is over. Randy's new camera took awesome pics and videos. That is the good news. Matt can't seem to exist without being in trouble. Randy happened to go into his room and found two wooden swords, apple cores and a lighter in his bed. Grounded him for a week. Then his grades for the 1st quarter came.
Orchestra-A
German F
Math D
Science D-
Us History D
English D

Grounded for even longer now. Kids both spent yesterday cleaning their rooms


Me: This was my second last weekend of classes. Hard to believe. Happy/Sad at the same time. Three more projects to finish and then off to PA. I have the Colorado association of libraries conference this weekend. Randy will be in California Wed-Friday.

Matt has requested paella for dinner for those of you of the cooking persuasion. Kristen has no food requests until we get there and then she will have some of course.

Matt is driving!

Matt had his first driving lesson today. He started out in a middle school parking lot, then moved on to a the dirt road going to Union Res. and then drove home from there. No driveway yet. Go Matt! He did all this with Randy. Tomorrow is my turn. Stop laughing Mom! He will not go down any hilly steep roads like I did all those years ago. At least not yet. He is required to do 10 hours of Mountain driving though. Matt driving in RMNP-shudder. I don't even like driving there!

quickly checking in

Don't have much time. So this is going to be rambling...
Matt got his learner's permit Monday. Matt found out he will be wearing red tights, yellow shirt and a hat with a plume in one scene. His grades are pretty much in the toilet with science being the worst. He still loves Jen and ramen noodles.

Kristen broke up with Drew, but her old boyfriend Trevor, from Mead now goes to Trail Ridge. There is a dance Friday. Kristen is now an aide in the library. She no longer has debate, but now has World War II which she wants to drop because it is so ridiculously stupid. She is in cheerleading club. She knows 3 hand movements and one jump. The poor waif wears my slippers because she has none of her own.

Me? I have two more class weekends and 5 projects. If this does not send me over the edge, nothing will. Every evening until 9pm I am apparently repeating 7th grade. I help Kris with all her homework and then mine does not get done. Did you know that the tiger preys on Moose? I didn't either.

sabrina 2

Well doggie did not get sick, no diarrhea no vomiting, no toxic shock or seizures. Kristen and I slept downstairs to confine her in one area and what did the sweet dog do? Paced and paced, up and down, tried to get on the love seat with Kris, cried all night because she wasn't sleeping in a bed. No sleep for me. If this dog does not get sick, I will be ready to kill her. Just like some people can hold their liquor, my dog can hold her chocolate.

Sabrina

WE went out for icecream. Dog decided she needed a snack. The trash has been fine lately. But, she ate an entire bag of choclate balls filled with fudge, peanut butter or caramel. Since she does not have opposable thumbs, she ate the tin foil that they were wrapped in to look like eyeballs. Only evidence of this is the plastic bag they came in. GRRRRRRRRR. It is not as though she is not getting attention or food.

Life in the fast lane 2

had to leave to go to Kristen's conference. All is well. There was some confusion about whether she should be in lit lab(NO, she should not). She is being harrassed by her partner in tech so after next week she will be an aide in the library for the next quarter. Went to the bookfair at TRMS and spent 35.00. Not much for me.

Matt is pulling his usual, not doing work and hiding undone homework assignments. Busted. He spent the past two days catching up or at least for the most part. Hopefully, he can stay caught up now. Much yelling and tears. Not fun to be the mom or the kid.

Tomorrow night Matt has driver class 6-9, Thursday is his concert, Friday is more play practice. Saturday, they both have bowling and haircuts and then she is spending the night at her friend Emma's and Matt has his dance with Jen.

Sunday, we are doing Nothing!

Next Monday matt has play practice, Tuesday another bass lesson, Wed more driver class, Thursday picking R. up at the airport. Friday-Sunday, I have class again and then 10/23 we take Matt for his learners permit and picking up a bottle of wine to calm my nerves.

Life in the fast lane

Let's see...life has been busy as ever. No rest for the weary.
10/8-7:30took Randy to the airport to catch a flight to Singapore. Yes, he made it safely. I was more nervous about it this time due to what is going on in Korea.
8:30-arrived home with breakfast from McDonalds. This satisfied the beasties for about 10 minutes
The day went downhill from there.
Both kids were irritable and fighting with each other all day(typical of post Randy departure)
Fought with Matt to do late science homework. Fought with Kristen to stop talking back. Kristen had confirmation. Took Matt to old country buffet and then to Borders. My stomach hurt the rest of the night. After that, picked Kristen up and went to Walmart for groceries. Kids fought about who got to sit in the front. (remind you of anything?)
Got to go...to be continured

Matt does laundry

Now that Matt is 16, a decree has been made that he do his own laundry. Lesson 1 was tonight:
Whites do not include grey,tan, blue or black
Socks will not get clean if they are still halfway inside out.
No going downstairs to the computer while working on laundry.
What the difference is between medium and xlarge loads of laundry
It is not necessary to fold t shirts before putting them in the washing machine.

Matt's birthday, bowling date, class ring, I want cake

Matt's birthday:We went to Chili's and took Jen with us. Apparently she is a vegetarian. Did not seem to be a problem that she was surrounded by carnivores. Matt got an mp3 player that now has become melded with his body; some books, a rammstein t shirt, a penn state t shirt, a mighty ducks jacket. He got money from Leon. He started driver training class last week. 10/23 Randy and I will be taking him for his permit. Bring on the prozac. Stop laughing mom.

The date: It seemed to last an eternity for me. We were at the library for him to help her tear down the book sale at 3pm. Approx 5pm they got to the bowling alley and we went to starbucks. At 6:30 we realized we would have to retrieve them and did so. They both had a good time apparently. Next up: the dance 10/14. Matt wants to go paintballing that afternoon, but am undecided.

Matt came home with class ring forms yesterday. Very confusing and very expensive.

WE never made Matt a birthday cake. So Kristen decided last night was time. Unfortunately, she grabbed the wrong box. She made a yellow cake mix. Since we all agreed peanut butter icing would be wasted on a yellow cake, she put cream cheese on it. Tonight we will be reicing it with probably choc. She found cream cheese alone does not spread well on cake. Kitchen is still a wreck from the cake making and the maid being too exhausted to do anything about it and yes Heidi, I still have not done anything about this problem.

Sabrina

She must be the only dog on the planet who burps after drinking water.

Let's see

Kristen-Things are still going strong with Drew. She has been experimenting with makeup. Slowly getting better. This last time she did not get any below her eye. She did get some above her eyebrow. Generally three different hair styles before she settles on one before school. Her grades were good. All B's and one C. Kristen has a carnival at TRail Ridge on Friday

Matt-Grades are not what they should be-hopefully he is working on it. He had his second bass lesson. Play practice has started. Tonight he has his 1st drivers ed meeting. Tomorrow we are going out to dinner at Chili's and taking Jen with us. Friday Matt has play practice and Sat he is helping her with a book sale and then they are going bowling.

Randy- obsessed with fishing. He caught 7 on Sunday. We all went over there to the local pond with him. I tried to read while listening to Kristen whine about being bored. The dog was there too. She apparently is afraid of fish. Every time he caught one, she would begin to shake. Matt fished for awhile and then carved Jen's name in a stick. Sabrina did go wading. Not real happy about it and even less happy when we got home and had to hose off the pond scum.

Me-feeling a lot better after getting drugs from the doctor. My bp is a little high so I have to go back in two weeks. I am meeting my mentor at Chilis tonight, so they are all on their own. Then coming home and wrapping presents and baking cake. He actually cares about none of it-only cares about Jen. He has fallen hard! I am so far behind in grad school stuff. Causing a fair amount of stress! I can't seem to stay awake late or get up early any more? Can you say burn out?

Randy leaves 10/8 and will not have to go to Korea. That may be a separate trip or someelse will have to make it.

Update on MattJen and the weekend

Matt has been asked to Jen's homecoming dance and has accepted. He says he is wearing all black-big giant veto stamp on that. This will occur while Randy is in Singapore so I will have to drop off and pick up. I told him he needs to check with me since he must rely on me for transportation.

Camping:Can you say cold, can you say wet(as in the white stuff), can you say mud when the white stuff melted? We camped near chambers lake-9000 elevation and it was pretty miserable.Matt and I both had bad colds going into this weekend and now they are worse. Oh and there is this 19 year old girl there who was kind of hitting on Matt until she found out he was 15.

We got home at 2:30 and the kids showered and went to make up the games they missed from the 1st week of their bowling league(I did not know this league ran until April when I signed them up for it!). Regular bowling is at 9am Saturdays. (Kris will miss it again this Sat since she has a confirmation retreat until 3pm Saturday.) I digress...back to today. Kris had to be at confirmation from 5-7 pm tonight and then Matt had a high school game night from 6:30 to 8:30.

Tomorrow-Matt has one on one play practice where he will learn to talk like a drunk. Can you just imagine what we will be listening to for the next 6 weeks.

I am getting my hair colored Tuesday night. Tuesday afternoon, Randy leaves for California. Wednesday night is parent teacher conferences for Matt. He has been told all electronics disappear if he is not passing everything. Which also includes myspacing Jen.

Matt's birthday celebration

He is choosing to help Jen at a local public library book sale and then go bowling instead of a party. This feels weird-A-my son is VOLUNTEERING at a LIBRARY, B-he is choosing to go bowling(which he will have done earlier in the day) over a party.

Good mommy bad student

Last night I helped Matt study for a math test. He said it really helped. His father was too busy. He eventually came up and helped but not until after Matt and I got help on line. I then took Kristen to the store for posterboard. My homework-not so much done. Today I spent all day at the Denver Public Schools bookfair. Fantastic speaker, Steve Layne if you ever have the chance, dont't pass him up. We are picking up Matt's bass tomorrow.

Matt and Kris go to the doctor

Today was checkup day and yup you guessed it-they both needed shots. Kristen did not even notice hers. Matt pulled his out the first time, but I was relentless. The second time they were successful. Matt said the needle was 7 inches long. Just found he got a part in the school play in November. The play is Macbeth did it and he plays the part of Ralph. He tried out for Juanito.

Matt's music video

Matt and his friends Scott, Matt and James want to make a music video of them sword fighting-they are not a band-they plan to dub in music. I explained he can only legally use 30 seconds of any one song(copyright). He is now rethinking this-knowing that I will never allow him to break this law-part of the librarian code.

Matt

Matt and I are here while Kristen and Randy went camping. I have numrerous class projects to work on and Matt has activities scheduled. Took him out for Chick parmisian last night and he remarked it was a long time since it was just the two of us. He is a different person. He says he thinks he is too competitive with both Randy and Kris. Anyway, these are some of the things he talked about:

His friend Scott has made a cd of anti school songs(all hits when I was in school)
Matt loves Twisted Sister, Pink Floyd, ACDC, Black Sabbath. I asked him if he listens to Alice Cooper-he says yes, he really likes her-which proves he has not listened to HIM!

He also would like to get Marine corp tattoos on his arms. Doesn't want to join the Corp-just wants the tattoos-not too sure he realizes needles are involved. He won't be doing this while I am supporting him that is for sure.

I miss my girl, but she is off having fun with her Daddy, who by the way leaves for Singapore on 10/8. There should be a California trip before then.

This week

8/22- I took a day off to spend with the kids so we went to Casa Bonita. Picture of kids inside eating and picture outside in front of the fountain. Magic shows, cliff divers, kind of hokey but fun. Next we went to the gokart track in Boulder and afterwards got blue rasperry slurpees.

8/23 1st day of school. Matt is a sophomore at Skyline and Kristen is a 7th grader at Trail Ridge. I was so concerned about Kris(my guilt and knowing how shy she can be) that I was awake from 1:30 on. She did great. She loves her classes-her electives are technology where she will learn how to build a website and do video editing, Debate, and band. She has even made a friend before lunch time.

Matt's electives are German and orchestra. His comments-his math teacher could not be any more boring;his biology teacher irritates him. The picture of him wearing his hunley shirt backwards was taken before he left for school. The other pic is Kris before school.

The most wonderful time of the year

It is back to school time in Colorado. They both go back in 3 days. One is completely ready and has been for a week. The other not so much. He does at least have a backpack, legal pad and pens. High schools don't give out a supply list until the 1st day. He has IMP math, US history, English, Biology, German, and Orchestra and a study hall. Don't know what Kris has yet.

Kris has decided she likes to sew! Sewed three dog toys this weekend.

Three of us went to see Accepted this weekend-not even worth a rental.

Went bowling today or the kids did. I read a chapter in my fundamentals of Collection development book. I decided to sign them up for fall bowling leagues every sat at 9am. It might help them connect to other kids in the neighborhood and keep Matt too busy to hang out with his ninja sword fighting friends.

I am taking Tuesday off to spend time with them. The plan is to go to Casa Bonita in Denver. Here is the link.

http://www.casabonitadenver.com/

Cooking-I made banana pancakes Saturday morning and tonight I am making stuffed peppers.

Did you know....

Blockbuster sells teen magazines and that Tiger Beat is still published?

Ramblings

I have really been a slacker about posting....
Here is the update on everyone!

Sabrina....
-has horrible breath because she keeps eating the onion and zucchini leaves from the garden
-apparently loves coleslaw and asparagus
-has been banned from Kristen's bed(see the Kristen update)
-is glaring at me as I type this

Kristen

We redid her bedroom last weekend-she has a purple desklight, trashcan and bedding set.
She is a little neater and does not want doggie on her bed at all. We moved the dog bed upstairs. Kris has turned into quite the teenybopper. She loves reading "those" magazines, has pictures of several of her favorites on her wall and is emailing her favorite fan letters and has "chatted" with some of them online-not too sure I believe it was really them, but she does so, so I am going with that. She loves email. Sent me 11 emails that she needs a new belt. She is listening to adds on TV for sales and concerts. Who IS this child?

Matt

Matt is addicted to email as well. He gets several emails a day from his intended,Jen. Last weekend he went camping with Randy down to the Cumbres and Toltec. They had a great time. Tuesday he gets his schedule so then we will go back to school shopping for him. Denial will no longer be an option. He spends far too much time playing computer video games, but then again, Kris monopolizes the TV to watch her teen idols. Matt totally does not understand this. Ah the joy of having a boy and girl this age.

Randy

Still working for Ranoda. Still fishing when he has the time. In fact, he and Matt are going late this afternoon. Kristen and I will go shopping for the elusive belt and sneaks. Rumblings of a potential trip to California and Asia. His Indiana boss is contemplating moving out here.

Me

I got my grades for my summer classes-A's in both. In fact my young adult lit class, I got 100%. That gave me the push I needed to get textbooks ordered for the fall. So here we go again. I can do this. Work is good, I am loving my job, but missing "my" library if that makes sense. My boss is great-I consider her a friend as well as a boss. I am working a few hours today to get one last part of my presentation put together for the all library staff meeting at M.M.S. Going out there to set up was like being in the Twilight zone. They are turning our Target into a Supertarget, so I am missing it bigtime. Walmart just is not cutting it. Kmart is awful and the closest Shopko is in S.D. Tomorrow I will take the kiddos to a movie-probably Zoom with Tim Allen.

Now I'm scared

Matt is actually looking for a cookbook. He wants a recipe for Carne asada.

Back in the routine

The kids are back and getting back into a routine. Not arguing about chores as much so that is a good thing. Kristen is swimming and Matt is playing his nascar game while I am trying to pull things together for my class this weekend. NO camping this weekend since Randy was as sick as a dog yesterday and is still not 100%. Kids and dog are happy about that. Next year we will have to come up with a camping compromise. Choc cupcakes gone, jelly krimpets are down to one back. Matt has requested scalloped oysters so we will have that on sunday and banana cake with banana rum icing if I can find banana rum. I remember Heidi making this when we got back from the Bahamas and I have loved it ever since. Living room needs to be vacuumed since a puppy hair explosion. She likes the toy Kristen got her but hates the squeaker noise.

My day by Sabrina

Mom always complains about me waking her up so since I heard her tell DAd, I always wake her up by 7, I let her sleep. Besides, the froggy pillow is soooo comfy and I have all this room now that I pushed all of Kristen's clean clothes off the bed. Mom and DAd left after they gave me an early dinner of some new yum-a-liscios dog food. I want more of this and drat they shut the pantry door...but what have we here, the bag with the picture of this delectable stuff...I will just sniff it...oh no, my tooth seems to have nicked it a bit...what the heck....RIP!!! the bag is in shreds but there are some tasty morsels remaining. YUM! Oh, I just noticed the pizza box fell over. Pepporini and mushroom-my favorite! I will just clean this up for them. Oh dear, in my haste to clean this up, I seem to have shredded this box. What to do, what to do. I think I will take a nap on the loveseat to ponder....ZZZZzzzzzzz

Three Weeks since my last blog-oops

I guess I have been busy.

Ok here are the inane things on my mind right now:

Personal DVD charging cords fit a Compaq laptop(will not charge it, but will fit in the same slot)

DMV in Colorado lives to create hassles for people in Colorado

I am so ready to be done with grad school

The words fried and pickles do not belong together on a menu-neither do cajun and tortellini

No one should be allowed to shoot off fireworks after 7/4 and scare Sabrinita.

We own way too many DVD's

I have a SCARED dog trying to sit under one of the high chairs at the computer counter. Not a good idea when I am sitting on one

5 months to graduation day-Yippee!

The giant ananconda type snake living next door still breathes life.

Will I ever remember my sister's home email address? Nah-why oh why did she switch....

The pit bulls on all sides of us have been having an all day conversation about how much they hate the latino music that has been playing.

TTFN

The job

Well in case you did not know, we now have comcast cable high speed so you will be able to reach us on our home line.

I am posting this on my ibook which is connecting wirelessly to our highspeed connection. The job has been overwhelming, fun, challenging, exciting all at the same time. The 1st thing my boss did was give me this laptop which did not have a wireless card. It is a G3 laptop so wireless cards are no longer made. I found one for slightly over 100.00 on ebay which the district techs installed for me yesterday. This will enable me to work from home as well as access any wireless network in any school I will be in.
Connie, my new boss is wonderful. So far we get along great. We have a lot in common. In fact my second day on the job, she came over to pick up a cable that I had in my laptop bag that she needed and we sat out on the front porch for two hours getting to know each other while drinking a beer. Yes, I actually finished a beer.

What I will be doing....I am responsible for end user support for the Horizon library automation system, updating and maintaining the media services website, overseeing the grant writing process for my department and all the libraries, training, coordinating and running professional development opportunities and developing library policies and procedures for the 22 elementary and 16 secondary schools. I attended a grant writing workshop in Colorado springs and will be taking a two credit grant writing class in the fall through Emporia. Also I act as a liason between media services and the technology services. It has been a LONG two weeks since I had class last weekend. I work from 6:30 -5pm Monday through Thursday until August. So far I have not figured out a good balance between home and work and school. Yesterday, I took the kids to the pool and went to Borders. Today the kids and I are going up to Crystal Rapids in Loveland which is a wave pool. I will not be swimming, I will be doing the reading I need to for my Management of Information agencies class next weekend. Doggie has a camp reservation and Kids and Randy will be going camping.

The GRADES

The Good:
Kristen's
A Tiny Raft(science elective) A
Reading B
Band A
Health B
English B
Math B
PE B
Pups and Patterns(math elective) A
Science B
Social Studies B

Way to go Kristen!


Now for Matt-
Orchestra A+-Yeah Matt

The Bad:
PE C
English-C
Social Studies C
Science C


The Ugly:
German-D Comment: Assignments not completed
Math D-

Matt's grades are unacceptable to us since we know this is not his best. He was awarded appropriately based on the amount of effort he put into it. He did however pass onto 10th grade so this is the bright spot.

Here Fishy, fishy

While I was at class all weekend, Randy, Matt and Kris went camping and fishing.

Kristen caught 4 fish and Matt caught 3 and Randy caught one. Delicious trout for dinner tonight.

How can this be???

Matt had a dentist appt today and the hygenist said his back teeth look good, but he is not brushing his front teeth?! Does he have to be a nonconformist in every aspect of his life? You would think the toothbrush would hit those front teeth at least accidentally once in a while. Today was the first day of finals. Three more days for me at Mead. Yeah!

Weekend update

Kristen's party was a success, but ended up being two hours too long in my opinion. Went into work for two hours afterwards to ward off an attack by Tori the terrible. Started working on what amounts to an annual report of the state of the library today. Randy and Matt ended up coming home last night due to high winds and went back for the camper this morning. Kristen and I went to the pool while Randy worked and Matt "studied" for finals. Randy and Matt caught 5 trout so we had baked trout with lemon and butter for dinner. yum. Kristen was pretty grumpy the rest of the day. Post birthday let down I guess. Randy is still working at 10pm and I heard him mention on the phone to Singapore those dreaded words " If I fly there.....". Tomorrow night Matt has a dentist appt and then I am meeting classmates for coffee at 7:15.

party update

The party is well underway! Brenna, Chandra, Meagan and Emma are here. They have played Nintendo DS and now are out swinging. They found a snake in the yard. She got a beading kit, a stuffed frog and matching pillow, Ice princess DVD, lip gloss and a charm bracelet.

Party Day

Kristen is 12. Woohoo for her! The obnoxiousness is still persisting. As every year is uncharted territory as with Matt, no one knows what awaits. H-why couldn't you have had kids first and give me advice? Her room is finally clean-happy dance about that. It only took since April 21. A mere 5 weeks and numerous threats. Her royal highness started the day disappointed because I would not run out and get McDonalds for breakfast.

gifties

Randy got Matt and Kristen t-shirts from the National Palace. Kristen is getting a japanese kimono and a butterfly cell phone cover and I got pearl drop and diamond earrings in a beautiful heart shaped box.

Randy is home

He got in around 5:30 but this project is still in crisis mode so he is down in his office working. Totally unfair after spending the last 26 hours travelling. He may be leaving on Memorial Day for Minneapolis and will probably be going back to Asia(Malaysia this time) in three weeks. Kristen has been totally obnoxious and I will be glad when her birthday is over. Randy and Matt will probably go camping somewhere this weekend to escape the onslaught.

little bits of nothing

• Sabrina was crying last night because for some reason her water bowl and food bowl were in different places
• We are borrowing a friend's lawnmower who is particular about his mower
• I have an eye exam tonight which I may end up rescheduling
• Lots of things to do tonight
• Matt has a cold which he thinks gets him out of mowing
• Awake since 3am so I cleaned out lots of work emails. Now all I have left are emails from my new boss-7 pages worth.
• Kristen has to finish her archery time line-stupid assignment when you consider this is for a PE class

Every one is tired

Kristen found parts of her book report in the library. Other parts she had to redo again. Last night was her concert. It went really well. I will have to make a copy of the tape so Randy can see it. Randy will be coming home 5/25. Everyone is really tired this morning. Neither kid wanted to get up. Only one with any energy is the dog. This weekend is going to be haircuts, Matts wants friends over and bowling on Sunday after church.

It's gonna be another long day

Kristen lost the instructins for her book report for the second time. She has a concert tonight. My goal is to survive her. Major meltdown in progress and I am out of wine.

What a day

Just generally bad day at work. Nothing went right. The worst possible person will probably get my job. Kristen is really obnoxious right now, she is stressed because I am leaving Mead. Matt had a concert tonight. He was told to take a shower before hand which he did and then fell asleep with wet hair. Put on his concert clothes 30 minutes before he had to be there to discover his pants don't fit. Unless 7-11 sells mens black dress pants, not a lot I can do. He wore his black jeans. Told him to wet his hair. He used an unknown substance which he chose to call gel. I know there is no gel in the house. Orchestra teacher handed out letters for those students who went above and beyond. Only criteria missing for him is an A. He has a B. He does not want a letter like he does not want honor roll. Per Matt, people would expect too much of him yet. GRRRRRRR. He suggested the concert would be better with pyrotechnics. Double GRRRRRRR. Kristen is getting ready for bed under protest. It is not fair to her that Matt stays up a little later. I am in desperate need of a day off but can't take it because I am an idiot and told new boss I could start one day after finishing at current job.

Bath night

Today was Sabrina's bath night. The end result is great. Nice and soft fluffy doggie that smells like the scent of citrus. She was better than she normally is but still not great. She sounded like a wounded sheep the whole time. Tomorrow will most likely be spent in book report hell since Kristen lost the instructions and her teacher will most likely not give her replacement. They only have 12 more days of school. They are so ready for summer. I am so ready for them not to have homework issues or meltdowns. Tonight was great though-no meltdowns or meanness on anyone's part. Sabrina has a different opinion of course.
As my new job gets closer, the more excited I am getting. I thought it would make me sad to leave, but the more demanding and inconsiderate the teachers are, the more anxious I am to get out. The principal is clueless as to what I do which explains why she submitted the job posting for the wrong position.

Matt and Kristen are flying east this summer, but

After this evening separate planes might be best , or better yet separate planets. Yes, they are getting along that well. Matt's comment to Kris: Humans need air to breathe, but you wouldn't know anything about that, would you? And here I thought I might miss them. I am ready to send them to their father in Singapore.

What I wanna be by Matt

He said last night he wants to be an orchestra teacher and he won't need to go to college for that......

Supreme Sunday

From Sabrina: This weekend was terrible. First I got caught in a miniblind string in Kristen's room and then today I stepped in gum. Good news, HE is gone again. Yeah!

From Holli: Great weekend. Went out to dinner for an early Mother's day to Olive Garden Friday night. Sat Got my final assignments for the semester finished and went shopping at Borders. Grass got cut before R. left and packing was uneventful for a change. Today: Took R. to the airport and then took a nap. After church took kids to the go kart place, they had fun and I am currently reading Beach Road by James Patterson. Heading to see the movie Hoot tonight. Busy week coming up, but can deal with it with out grad school and having to cook every night. planning grilled cheese and soup tomorrow night.
After I get home from movies, if not too tired, will start the cleanup of this house. I am thinking the maid will start 7/1 since I get paid 6/30.

Blah, blah , blah

It has been raining and cool most of the week. I of course hate this. Mom says I have not been the best dog. Just because no one else sees the nutritional value of egg shells, doesn't mean I should not partake of this delicacy. She was mad at me for that. Kris says all I do is eat and sleep. Not true, I am the constant vigilant guard dog. No dog shall enter the perimeter on my watch. Last night Kris felt sick and mom kept her door open. Inch by inch I crept, closer and closer to my objective. I sat next to the bed and cried, whimpered. No reaction. Finally I threw caution to the wind and leapt up onto the bed only to have her yell at me to get down. I landed on something hard and it might have been her legs. I need more surveillance next time. Matt is staying home from school tomorrow due to Cinco de Mayo and gang threats. Randy leaves Sunday and may not come home until right before Kristen's birthday. Cumbres and Toltec is out due to that and Kristen is busy planning for her party. She wants to hold a lottery to see which are the lucky girls that get to come. Mom told her to pick 5 of her closest friends.

Newsflash

We do not have a live in maid, nor do I foresee it in the future. Everyone needs to stop living as though this is reality and not a fantasy. To make myself feel better I made scalloped oysters for dinner and do not intend to share( well, Matt says he wants some, so he can have a tiny, tiny amt)

A princess kind of day

All hail the queen. Kristen feels that unloading/reloading half of the dishwasher is enough work for the day. "All I do is work 24/7" Huh? After church we get to have the division homework meltdown and your room must be clean or else everything will be sold meltdown(she started cleaning up her room a week ago)

Crash Buchter

Today I spent the day frantically trying to find something professional to wear for my second interview for the Asst media coordinator position and working on three projects-got one done-Yeah! Took the kids to Gameforce to trade in games for different ones. They got James Bond and Nascar. Kris can not drive for more than few seconds before crashing and bringing out a caution. Entertaining to watch. Kris's toe is better but medication is making her feel not so well. Kris has a new email address now also. Will email that to those who need it. Made carribbean jerk chicken for dinner. How is that for an exciting day?!

Easter II

You can't see it very well, but Kristen paid to have her hair dyed red. Won't pierce her ears, but already is into expensive hair appointments AND SHE LEARNED HOW TO BLOW BUBBLES! GO KRIS.

Easter and beyond

Easter has come and gone. The kids had white trash Easter baskets(walmart bags) and no Easter egg hunt. They each got a book and a music CD and minimal candy. Doggie got her kong(which she has since hid) filled with doggie treats. Went to wild basin lodge for brunch. no tortilla soup and pretty disappointing overall. Drove around in RMNP and came home and worked on my project answering inane questions, one of which I forgot to change the answer to...Where do you find guidelines on Kosher Food? Old Testament. Pictures of kids have been emailed privately. Now onto the next paper that must be completed by Thursday evening. Very hectic two weeks so guess what has to happen?! If you guessed Randy needs to head to Singapore by Friday, you win the jackpot! Anyone want to come out and help me parent(translation=chaueffer) two kids around? Anyone? Anyone? H- I don't know how you do it all the time, well you might have notice at least. TTFN

Things

Crazy-busy here.
Tempertures have been so hot. In the 80's every day.
Took kiddos shopping for shorts and Easter clothes. Made me want to drink afterwards
It seems Matt has been trying to get around the system. He took a network card out of
Randy's office and was connected to someone else's wireless network to create a myspace account where he connects up with other friends etc. Since these sites are monitored by sexual predators, I now have access to his accounts and he no longer has a computer. In fact the operating system had to be reloaded, etc. Kristen has reverted to early childhood and is playing with bubbles. Bubbles are also on Sabrina's list of things to be afraid of. Kristen had her first track meet and competed in the shotput,discus, longjump.
Due to staffing issues, the principal in her infinite brilliance cut the art program for next year. So 21 7th graders wer protesting yesterday which evolved into 200 students walking out and the police being called. The paper was there also.
We are going to Wild Basin Lodge for Easter Brunch. Yum. Randy has the day off so he is going fishing.

Matt's summer

Matt filled out his first job application. There was an ad in the paper for a concessionaire minimum age 14. He is not happy about this, but it is done and in the mail. He feels this job is beneath him, he asked if there would be a signing bonus. BAHAHAHA

Time to get caught up....

Randy's Birthday: Went out to Roadhouse for a good dinner. Came back home to open presents. The kids gave him CDs and I gave him a CD and an MP3 player which he loves. It is nice to finally buy him something he likes and is happy to have.

Kristen track update: Her events are basically every field event and the hurdles. Off to buy bactine and bandaids in bulk!

Holli's most excellent adventure: I am writing this from my hotel room in Emporia Kansas. My hotel is in a walmart parking lot and in the hotel parking lot is a starbucks drive through. Shopping and coffee-could life be any better...(I do have 15 hours of class to get through though.)

Matt had no time to design a RR track for poppop because mom totally monopolized the computer-translation=Mom's homework and there is a mountain of it, comes first!

Asst director of district media services? There is a possibility that my entire focus for grad school will go out the window. The director informally interviewed me for this position if she can get the rec for it from HR(no easy task). Will depend on money and job description.

Dr. L. is a quack. I think my hand was never broken and he was trying to milk the Workers comp company for everything he could get out of them!

Cheese, lovely cheese

I love cheese! All kinds! They are torturing me by yelling cheese and I come running only to find out they were playing a joke. Kris and Matt do it several times a day. I can hear a cheese wrapper being opened miles away!

Signed,
Sabrina

Spring break

Matt is looking forward to spring break! despite the many obvious reasons-time off, spending time with family,etc.
His number one reason is he will sleep good because he will be sleeping in "his chair". It may have been comfortable when he was 10, but now?! He will never give up that chair, never nevernever!

Matt-Cake Baker Supremo

Matt made his first cake! In honor of Randy's birthday-Matt made him a chocolate cake. Kristen will ice it tomorrow night. It was kind of scary at first when he could not open the egg container. He has his own unique style in cracking eggs, but it is in the oven!

Kristen is sick :(

She called at 11pm last night with stomach cramps and chills. Went to get her. She has a fever still, but not as bad as last night. Randy and Matt are going fishing today, so Kris and I will hang out here while I do homework and she watches tv most likely. It is 8am and she is still asleep, so don't know if her stomach is still bothering her.

Kristen and Matt

Kristen started track this week. She loves everything about it except the running.(translation=loves hanging out with friends and loves the track clothes she gets to wear). Tonight she is at a sleepover. She has an interesting health class project. Instead of writing report on the digestive system, they each picked a part out of a hat to make a 3-D model. She wanted the esophagus(tube), but got the liver. Meghan got the worst one-the anus.

Matt is performing in the high school performing arts festival at his high school tonight.

Mom and Dad are going out .

I guess I will sleep. They switched my dog food and it is quite tasty-not pizza or ribs but still tasty.

They like him best?!

Randy got a check from Nana and Pop-pop for his birthday. It was more than they gave to my mom. She is a little sad. Randy thinks it is funny. Mom said keep right on laughing and he will be eating that check.

Anna and Jen

Matt brought home a party invitation to his friend Anna's birthday party. It is a dance party and he wants to go. Unfortunately he will miss most of it since we will be travelling back from PA. We will head straight from DIA to this party. This Saturday Matt is going along again to help at the library volunteer project-Jen will be there. Hmmm and he wants to take a shower in the morning so "my hair looks nice".

Kristen had the district geography bee. Questions were superhard, but she did alright. The school took 2nd place. She was on one of 4 teams from the school.

My Russian vampire slayer

Not only was Matt a vampire slayer in another life, but he was also Russian who loved vodka. Apparently he was not domestic. I had to talk him through washing a baking sheet including water, soap and sponge and dryng.

My deep dark secret

I am coming out of the closet. Last night the temptation was too great and I showed in public that I am a kitty treat lover. They are sooo delicious. The vet has the best kitty treats. Unfortunately everyone saw me and I could hide my shame no longer. Meow.

HMMMM

Today I had my nails done. There were these two greyhounds in their posing a threat to my 2nd family. Must destroy. Kris and Matt kept me in the outer entrance. Came home to find out cleaning was on the agenda. Kris drew vacuuming and cleaning up the black pit of the coffee table. Matt drew dusting and bathrooms. He needed rubber gloves and asked for a gas mask. They all went down to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church/School so Mom could help organize it some more Bee brought her 15 year old daughter to help also. They got along very well I hear. Flirting 15 year old style going on. She was wearing his new mighty ducks cap most of the time. HMMMM. He wants to go along the next time she goes. Double HMMMMMMMM. Going to rent videos soon as their reward for cleaning.

Can't sleep

Mom is up not sleeping so I don't get to sleep. Kristen is sleeping with her instead of me. I snuck in and when Mom found out, Bammo, banished to Kristen's room. For those of you following the many sagas in this house:
Matt's backpack has been found but anythng of value gone. Guess thieves not interested in Skyline textbooks. Academic fallout from Sound of Music continues. Another principal meeting in mom's future.
Kristen stressed over amount of math homework and screamed at mom. prompted matt to say he is putting house under martial law. Whatever he meant by that. Kristen misinterpreted something her PE/health teacher said and almost brought down the wrath of the American Dental Association on the school.
Mom gets new cast tomorrow. Debating between purple red or green. She had coffee with friends tonight. Cheered her up. Kids watched rat race for the millionth time. Mom is doing her volunteer work at the Beautiful Savior Church school library Sat too.
Me-I have a nail appt Saturday. Kristen bought me filet mignon treats at the store.yummers.

Matt's no-good, horrible very bad day!

Last week his CD player was stolen from his backpack during PE class and today his entire backpack was stolen. Since his locker is so far away from all of his classes, he has his entire Skyline High School life in there. All of his textbooks were stolen in addition to all his homework,notebook,some CDS and some other stuff. He and I are meeting with the Assistant Principal tomorrow morning to come up with a plan. Then at noodles tonight, his rootbeer exploded like a geyser. Poor kiddo. So $100.00 later, new backpack and school supplies! He is very worried about his geography project due tomorrow!

It's been a while...

Sorry that I have not updated my humans....
Randy-gone to Singapore on Fri, 3/3 not back until 3/18
Everyone else- gone for hours each night because of the musical. Matt had to be there at 6:15 and did not get home until after 11pm. Three straight nights of this was too much. He did great. Played the violin and mandolin. Very cute little 5 year old who stole the show.
Food was been good since Randy left. Mom went to the store and bought all kinds of junk food including tagalong cookie ice cream. Yummers. Went out to IHOP friday night where Matt got a Monster burger and Kris got choc chip pancakes. Last night they went to an A/W drive through for burgers. Mom said they are not going out during the week.

House is a wreck-mom says it has NEVER been that bad and as soon as her paper is done, massive cleaning will occur. Beautiful weather here in the 60's until Friday when it is supposed to drop 30 degrees and snow!

TGIW

So glad it is the weekend. My boredom has ended. We are playing rescue dog, bearclaw slipper an d freak the humans out when I jumped over the coffee table and a reclined part of the sofa to get to rescue dog. I did annoy Mom when Kristen let me out at 6am and I did my doggie impersonation of an alarm clock. Randy got back from California last night and went into Maxtor to begin his farewell. Mom is making pork chops for dinner and even made me one! Yummers. I have been licking the floor in anticipation. Mom finally got her late project done and now is workin g on designing a new library network for a fictious library. She is in a spica splint which actually fits tighter than the cast. She is working on laundry and the kitchen. Next week it is music, music, music. Matt has play practice M-W and then the hills will be alive.... Th-Sat. Kristen has a concert on Tuesday, Randy leaves for Singapore Friday and will get back 3-15. Mom has tons of work to do, Kristen is doing well in school-SHHH she will be getting an award for working hard in PE next Trimester. Matt is going for the shock value of every action and spoken word. If you want to know what he did in a previous life, email me. Mom played it cool which was the thing to do. He plans to take more electives than humanly possible next year- He may actually be taking two honors courses. I know he can do it! Maybe I should convince him he was a scholar in one of his previous lives.

My one armed mom

Things she can not do well one handed:
eat
dishes
stir
pour drinks
pet me
deal with the lack of help or the attitudes about helping
recline the sofa on the right side.
fold clothes
buckle the seatbelt
keep her piles of textbooks from falling
type
open bottles or jars
write

She has to take a standardized test for CU on Wednesday. She had to ask for special accomodations. Today is the oil change for the durango and shopping at Sears. Matt needs to be the man in black for the Orchestra during Sound of music. Director does not want anyone to see them when the lights go down. He says he will need to bring lots of caffeine into the pit because the music is putting him to sleep. Anyone want to call him and sing the hills are alive,edelweiss, or do a deer, be my guest. His "girlfriend"( just a friend according to him) will be there with him. Her name is Lauren. Kristen's boy of choice is Brandon. He was voted the hottest boy in 2nd grade and apparently has retained that title for her.

Valentines Day

It was a fun day! Randy ordered a lollipop that student council sold to Kristen and mom. He and the kids got flowers for mom and a borders gift card. The kids each got their own pack of beef jerky and Randy got fishing stuff. Mom made seafood and I licked the floor for hours. Mom is not happy with Matt. Apparently he has not being much math or German and is being called on the carpet for it. No electronics until grades are up. Matt took an oath on his German book that he will do this. A little snow this morning with the possibility of 4 inches by tomorrow morning. It is going to be cold here for the next week. About time. Matt of course is hoping for a snow day.

Good news, Randy is going back to Ranoda. He turned in his resignation at Maxtor. He can keep me company, wait what am I thinking, I do not want him home. He is the furniture police. He is actually going to California next week. That is more like it. Party animal time. His official end date is 2/28 with Maxtor. Matt is not real thrilled that he will be home either. He is also the homework police. Gaming time will be coming to an end quickly

YES, YES YES

Matt came home with a progress report for English and has 231/245 which equals 94.2 % which equals A in English, Hallelujah God!

The weekend of the sleepover

This weekend was the weekend of the sleepover. Kristen went home with a friend after the middle school dance. Mom brought a friend of his here after the dance. Thank goodness she stopped for food first. It was like the noise of buzzing mosquito all night. All they did was play video games and talk about video games. They were told to shut it down at midnight. After they were told 3 times, they finally shut it down around 3am. Mom and Dad did not sleep well. Kristen's friend lives in Greeley and mom discovered they live about 2 miles from Will and Evie so this is what they did after picking her up. Here is what they found out:
Will/Evie-Evie just had rotator cuff surgery and they are going to a big show at UNC tonight with Laura and family. They are heading east in April and will be gone 5 weeks so they can head down to Florida to attend Kori Kulp's graduation
Kori(Kevin's daughter) is attending UNC in the fall.
Kurt and family-Kurt and Kathy still separated. Kathy is living in Ft Collins and trying to get into nursing school. Money is a problem. Their two daughters(the K names escape me) live together in Ft Collins, both attending Front Range community college.
Kelly and Dave are divorced. He has custody of the kids and she can only see them under close supervision by Kathy, Evie or Laura. She is in rehab and won't tell Will and
Evie where. Kayla has really blossomed now that her mom is out of the picture. Sad, but understandable. DAve and the kids live in Gillette, WY.

NASCAR season starts today. Yippee Skippee.

It snowed!

We finally have snow! Only an inch, but snow. I forgot what it was so I was scared to go out! Matt forgot to tell mom I was out of food, so breakfast was kind of lean-1/4 of kibble and bacon strips. Mom is mad at Matt-Good! He deserves it.

Busy, busy week

Hello everyone who reads this!
Global warming is alive and well in the front range. Today's high was 65 degrees! Break out those capris and shorts. All is well here but very busy. Need to make a hair appt fast. The Nancy Pearl librarian action figure. Students are looking at this (which is sitting in front on the school library circulation desk and today a student asked if that was me. No, but if it looks like me, something needs to change! Shaggy could use a trim. He is going to be busy, busy. Evening rehearsals start for the Sound of Music next week. 5:30-10pm. Yuck. That means I have to stay awake that long! The book fair is going strong and the parent teacher conferences are going well. Kristen's conference went well. Science apparently is more a struggle than we realized but she still has a B. Matt's conferences are next week. Note to self-have a drink before going. Just kidding. That will be a busy day since I will be in Denver all day attending a medical librarians meeting and meeting with the director where I will be doing my practicum. The next night is the last night of parent teacher conferences at Mead. I applied for a library job today so maybe the practicum will not happen. It is in the University of Colorado law library as an assistant but hopefully with the possibility of going professional. Who knows, maybe just more interview practice.

Submitted by Sabrina's mommy

The weekend and more

I am writing this from the doghouse. Today is mom's birthday and I decided to surprise her and wait for her on the loveseat. Drat, I forgot Matt comes home first and he yelled at me. Matt and mom are not getting along. She tells him to do something that takes him away from his videogame and he tells her that her birthday present is refundable. Anyway, back to the weekend. Mom was gone all weekend and Dad was mad at the kids for downloading garbage onto mom's computer. I hate when mom goes away. Sunday, we watched the superbowl. Yeah Steelers. We also watched some silly shows like worst sports disasters. Not too thrilling. They went shopping to Walmart and apparently were waited on by a bunch of slow old ladies. At least they went shopping, Mom said. She gave them a list. Sunday they baked a cake. Mom could not find banana cake mix so we are having lemon with cream cheese icing. Mom said her favorite cake is banana with banana rum icing. She says Aunt Heidi made that when they got back from the Bahamas. They all helped to make it. Matt's job was to get the eggs out of the refrigerator and put them back. Today, mom was sooooooo happy to get Aunt Heidi's present-A bunch of stuff came but the excitement was all over the Librarian action figure. Doesn't look all that thrilling to me-no squeaker and does not smell like bacon. Did I ever mention how much I love bacon. For my birthday I want a bacon cake. Tomorrow is parent teacher conferences so no lovely cooking smells.

Cake, cake, cake and grades, grades grades

We want cake. Everyone else wants Chocolate, Mom wants banana.
Matt's grades finally came:
D- Science
D plus geography
B plus orchestra
C plus drama
D math
C plus german
C English

He passed, glory day there were no F's!

Bacon, bacon, bacon

I love bacon. I had three Bacon beggin strips as an appetizer this morning. Yummers. What they have been eating: shrimp quesadillas, mahi-mahi, mussels in tomato sauce(no one liked this.) Good news and bad news: Matt got D's in geography and math, but is now getting b's. Mom thinks Matt has a girlfriend. Her name is Lauren and she is in the orchestra. Kristen is doing well in school. She is developing the middle school attitude and plays that stinkin' dog video game more than she plays with me. Guess what?! I learned to run sideways. I can also now spin myself in a circle. BAd thing about that is I get dizzy and fall over. I have been herding Matt this morning without success. Mom needs to get to bed earlier. I am too tired staying up with her. She says not for another year.

He is giving my food to the birds!!!

Yesterday,mom went shopping and bought me dog food. (actually it was bird food, but apparently I was too stupid to realize the difference) Today DAd took it outside and gave it to the birds. I am so upset. Huge sale on spgahettii-os and goldfish at the store so that is what they brought home.
Speaking of food we miss out here:
birch beer
rainbow bread
Aunt Kitty's Chicken corn soup
Butterscotch krimpets
Tony's Tuna Subs
Scrapple
Chicken roll
Utz's greasy potato chips

Stuff on a dog's mind

Today was Kristen's last b-ball game of the season. They got eliminated in their second game of the tournament. Kris has a sore throat and talks like a frog. Matt is Matt. Not much new there. Sometimes he shares moments of his life and then there are other times. Right now he is playing his video game and gently petting me. In fact I am curled up behind his legs. This is the life. That stupid squirrel toy still freaks me out every time I see it. Mom is determined not to go to bed until the house is cleaned up and all her homework is done. She has an online chat for her library networking class that is so over her head. This time all three professors have assigned work loads that are unbelievable. Sleep is definitely a luxury. Breakfast this morning was pizza rolls. Mom doesn't even care what they eat as long as they eat. Dinner tonight is salmon for Matt and Dad, breaded shrimp for the Kristen and Mom is having fried oysters. I will take all of the above over the stinkin' Kibbles and bits.

My athlete and scholar

Kristen made the honor roll. Yeah Kristen! To celebrate, we all went out to the restaurant of her Choice, Red Lobster. That's my girl. It is all good!

Links to the kids school websites

http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/MEMS/index.htm

http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/Skyline/falcons.html

It's a Monday!

I hate winter. It is cold and I freeze my tail off by going outside. I think cats have the right idea. A litter box is the way to go. Mom and Kristen went to Karen's house to do scrapbooking all day. It was such a relief that they came back. I thought they were moving out by the amount of stuff they took with them. Maxtor had a free night at the ice rink so they all left right after dinner. Matt did well I am told, Kris not so well. Same old problem, if she can't do it better than Matt, it is not worth doing. Sunday, Dad and Matt went to Doug's to play trains and Kris and Mom watched the football game while I slept. When they left to go shopping, I got on the loveseat. Must learn to recognize sound of Durango so I don't get caught. Decided to practice herding again this morning. I stopped Dad(evil one or e.o.) from leaving kitchen with cereal. Almost tripped him. Mistake. He was not happy. Kept mom at the stove and then she got mad at me. Something about no time for this nonsense. It is not nonsense. If I am ever going to be a sheep herding dog, I must practice. Kristen got her progress report-all B's with 2 A's. Way to go Kris. Lucky Me, a piece of lettuce fell on the floor. I want pizza not lettuce. Tomorrow night I have a nail appt. Oh lucky me. Sorry so boring, but not much is really going on. I did chase a bird off the deck yesterday. If they all leave the yard, I get to eat their food which falls on the ground.

Fabulous Friday

Yeah it is the weekend! I keep trying for the furniture but am unsuccessful at convincing them to relent. Tomorrow, Mom and Kristen are going to Johnstown to do some scrapbooking and Matt and the evil one will do something on their own. Sunday, Matt and the evil one are going to do some model railroading and Mom and Kristen will be home with me. I love girls' weekends. Tonight they all went out to dinner to Rumbi's Island Grill. Matt tolerated it because he did not wanto be bothered to leave the house. Kristen hated it because her rice bowl came served with green vegetables. Oh the horror of it all! Do you think anyone could have thought of me eating nothing but Kibble and bits twice a day. NO! Matt did offer to give me flamin hot cheetos but Mom said no. Meanie. There is still a little snow in the backyard but not enough for a snowman. I went out and did a sound check of all my doggie friends. Doggie to the left is present and accounted for as are the two to the right and the two to the rear and the one rat dog/poodle combo diagonal. Mom is annoyed, but I need to make sure all is right in Dogland. No squirrelies today.

1/18 update

Aahhhh! This new furniture is comfy and cozy. I have dibs on the loveseat. My brother came home and immediately called Mom and told her he found a black rat on the loveseat. Traitor. He suggested they put tin foil on it tomorrow morning. Say what? I don't think they have enough to keep me away. Tomorrow's project: Figure out how to work the reclining feature. Everyone got home late since Mom ran the scoreboard at the girls b-ball game. Mead lost 40-8 in the 1st game and 41-28 in the second. Kristen won't get to play until at least next year, but got to hang out with some of her dudette friends. Matt is doing calisthenics in PE. He can do 37 situps in 30 seconds(avg is 30). Way to go Matt. Only can do 2 pushups in same time period. Better practice Matt!

A dog's ramblings

Why am I always in trouble when I roll around in the grass and want to come in? I like looking like a hay bale. Matt and Kris went to target in search of a padlock for Matt and come home with bags of stuff. They both got a Nintendo DS system. Kris got a game that allows her to train dogs. Hello, I am here-train me! A lot cheaper. Matt started a new semester at school. He apparently learned nothing from his disorganized last semester. His pockets are still holding all of his papers. He does this to drive his mother crazy-can't think of any other reason. She laid down the law-nothing lower than a C. I can see the battle lines are drawn. Kristen is growing her bangs out and Mom says she looks like cousin It. Don't know of any cousin by that name. Super windy here last night, hard to sleep. Breakfast is over for the day. Time to beg for good food. Kristen is eating shredded wheat. Looks like straw, Matt is eating spaghetti o's. Yummers. Mom has not selected her breakfast yet!

Lazy Day

Today no one is doing much of anything. The new furniture came and everyone loves it except me. I can't even get to the window seat. As a peace offering, they brought down my dog bed. Big hairy deal, I still am not a happy puppy. It is a pretty dark blue color which will not show my hair.
Basically since this stuff came, my humans have done nothing but watch TV. Oh yeah, they made lunch and did not share. Kristen is now making jello. She seems excited about this. My mom just said she and Kristen are going out for ice cream. I guess I am not going again. I will sit here and glare at anyone who looks my way. Just wait, they all go back to school tomorrow. Victory will be mine!

My humans according to Sabrina

What I did today....

Ate breakfast
Played with Mommy
Annoyed Kristen while she played the gamecube
Pested everyone while they ate breakfast-they deserved it when they start the day with pierogies and pizza rolls
Chased a squirrel-let him live
Chewed on my zebra cat
Took a long well deserved nap while they all went to see Chronicles of Narnia
Hid upstairs while they took down the tree-boxes still in living room but making progress
Helped mom make dinner-I practiced my herding skills. Mom can not leave the kitchen while cooking or I will trip her. Stared at her while she ate. She did not share. Must try new tactic-quiet approach not working

My humans according to Sabrina

O Christmas Tree

Will that thing ever come down? I can't get to the window seat to watch for potential threats to my humans. My bed is squished next to Kristen's and I want my personal space back in front of the window. My mom says she and my humans have a four day weekend. Yeah! Maybe there is hope! The good news this week is that Matt has school only half days since he has some bizarre torture called finals. I get more attention. Not more food but more attention.

Welcome to my blog

This is my first attempt at blogging. I am Sabrina, a highly intelligent black labrador retriever who pretends to be stupid so nothing too major is required of me by my humans. My human mother is catching on. I am pet and confidant to Matt(age 15) and Kristen (age 11). I tolerate my human father. I generally leave the room when he enters. I celebrate when he goes out of town. My greatest triumph was having him leave for 12 days. It was bliss, I tell you. My house is surrounded by barking dogs who generally have nothing to say. I tend to ignore them unless I feel my humans are threatened. My world has been infested with furry rats with long tales. These creatures must be made to feel my wrath. I chase them in my backyard but have yet to catch them. As a cruel joke, my human aunt bought me a squirrel toy that talks back at me. It knows one word-Squeak. Enough for now. Time for my nap!