The great beach trip

My senior boy

Matt turns 18

He started his day by opening the gift from Nana and Poppop. Breakfast of tastykakes and ramen ensued. He liked the gift certificate, pictures and food. He then opened Randy's gift to him which was a Darth Tator tshirt from the Boise airport. Kristen gave him a Ask the Ninja handbook(humorous book based on the videos on youtube)We gave him a card that plays the theme from Star wars, an ipod that only works with version 8 of itunes. Need to get IT people to upgrade my laptop tomorrow and an itunes gift card. We then proceeded to watch the two skits of Tina Fey doing Sarah Palin on SNL. Barely made it to church on time. Lunch was BBQ potato chips for him. Kristen made his cake and iced it. Randy and I dealt with van issues. It now has two new rear tires due to the screw I picked up somewhere. He says I am too hard on the brakes and gas. My new nickname for him is the brakemaster. Went out for dinner to Outback. Matt and Kristen consumed their weight in cheese fries as an appetizer. Matt had Teriyaki steak and now is so full, that the cake is waiting until tomorrow night. Matt claims not to feel any different. Randy just gave him the you are now an adult and are responsible for your actions as an adult lecture.

My cute little boy

Thanks for sending the picture to me Nana and Pop Pop

Kids conferences a week late

Because you asked...
Kristen
Band A
Health A
French B
English C
Algebra B
Biology A
World Geography B

Matt
Recreational Games A
Weight Training A
Stage Tech D
Mystery and Suspense C
Food Science B
Living on your own B
Orchestra B
Music Theory B

Now back to Matt...

He was such a cute toddler and preschooler. He loved Thomas the Tank Engine, Sesame street, Power rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles. One Halloween he dressed up as one of the 7 dorfs(dwarfs. It is hard to believe my tall grown up son used to like to sit in a laundry basket. Who could forget that vanilla scented pacifier that came home from the hospital with him? Also who could forget that train that Nana and Pop Pop gave him for his 1st birthday? Learning to ride a trike and then a bike, now learning to drive a car(get a job so you can finally get your license, kiddo!).Lots of enjoyable time spent on Nana's patio, watering and washing toys and cars. Talking on the phone to telemarketers telling them about an upcoming trip to Arby's. The arrival of his sister brought more challenges and changes to his life....

We interrupt the reminscing about Matt for updates...

Matt and I came to an agreement(truce) about what happens when he turns 18.
Kristen's paper is done
Doggie's diet of Cheerios has helped. She slept through the night. We shall see what the vet says today.

Matt year 1

As Matt's 18th birthday approaches, I have decided to blog about his life. He feels this is beyond embarrassing. Too bad. We looked at the scrapbook baby book I made a few years back and it will be too hard to take those photos out so I will just describe and reflect.
Picture1-Matt is 4 weeks through his 8 week hospital stay. He is wrapped in a blue hospital baby blanket with a feeding tube coming out of his nose.
I remember so many things about the hospital stay-the wonderful nurses, the 3 NICU doctors including the one who wore cowboy boots.I think he was my favorite. I remember lots of hours feeding, holding and rocking in that room. I remember the IV in his head and the feelings of joy, frustration, anxiety and fear as we went about the 1st weeks of his life. I may have reacted to events differently if this were not my first child. Nothing prepared me for what our lives turned into having a child in the hospital for 8 weeks. I remember the Burger King on the way home. Did not help the weight problem. I still have stirrings of negative feelings when driving past the exit for the hospital. Fortunately, I am not in a position to do it often.

Musical Trivialities

For something different, Matt, Kris and I went to Musical Trivialites at Borders. A friend told me it is a blast and they go every week. My friend was not there tonight, but we were. The theme tonight was Johnny Cash. A DJ plays songs based on the themes and sprinkles in trivia questions. You just walk up to him if you think you know the answer and if correct, you get to pick a prize from a bunch of CDs and posters that were not top sellers at Borders. Matt knew the answer to the 1st question and was just about run down by this large person. Matt backed off. It was entertaining for 2/3 of us. Kristen was ready to leave by the end of the 1st song. Things I learned tonight:
Ray Charles' nickname was the genius
#1 country song at weddings is High Friends in Low Places
Bruce Springsteen did a song that Johnny wrote
Johnny's singing at Folsom prison inspired Merle Haggard(an inmate) to become a singer
Matt and I are going next Friday when the theme will be smoke and water in honor of the release of Brisingr by Christopher Paolini.

Bandgeek needs to stretch

Who would have thought marching with a 5lb clarinet could be hazardous to your health? Bandgeek did not stretch on Tuesday night and now has a pulled/torn muscle. She is on strong anti-inflammatory medication that will probably make her sleepy and dizzy. Told her if that is the case, she will stay home from school tomorrow. She can't miss school, she cries, she has biology tomorrow. Translation=I can't miss class with my drop-dead gorgeous, makes my heart go pitter patter biology teacher. Plan was to cut the grass, Matt offered to do her portion(love it when this stuff happens. Mower made a screeching, squeaking sound. He turned if off and tried to restart it and NADA. It needs its owner, who happens to be camping.(do not love it when this stuff happens).

Photos added to Flickr

Bandgeek

Busy, busy week

Sorry I have been so silent, but life has been busy here in the land of teendom.

Monday- Mom had a benefits fair after work, sheentered to win a Wii but failed. Raced home to make dinner.

Rundown interrupted for Mattism-Bad presidents are not bad because of their own fault, they happen to be president during a war they did not start, so it is not their fault.
Tuesday-Mom raced home to make dinner. Kristen had band practice from 6-9 and Matt had music lesson from 7-7:30. Kristen announced that she now has to be there at 5:45. Huh? When did that change happen? Mom needs notice for changes. Mom made mac and cheese for her but she could not eat it. Kristen has been taking me for short walk every night after dinner. I was not going to miss out on this just because Kristen had marching band practice. No leash? Ok, I can deal. Kris opened the door to leave and outI went. This was followed by lots of yelling and screaming. I did not need this. I got dragged back in the house. Mom then left with Kristen and came back grumbling that Kristen was not being nasty. I totally agree. Where is my walk.

Wednesday night-Back to school night at school,mom dragged both of them with her. Matt did not want to go. Kristen made sure I got my walk though. Thank you Kristen!
They came back several hours later with mom and Matt arguing something about a paper due the next day and Matt saying she never assigned one. Matt tends to lose these battles. It did not get as loud as usual though. Kristen did not seem too happy that she could not go on the computer though.

Thursday-Mom came home with subs.She only bought 4. Where was mine? Oh yeah, since my digestive problems I have not had one single scrap of table food-not even one grape, slice of cheese, frozen vegetable or crunchy noodle. I have been relegated to trying to trip mom as she makes dinner so she spills something. She does not seem to appreciate these efforts. Anyway, I digress. As soon as they were done eating, Mom, the Evil one and Kristen left to go to the high school-something about marching, football and cameras. Matt stayed home with me. Big Whoop. All he does is text and play video games. He did clean up the kitchen as Mom instructed. Apparently Kristen had her first marching band performance. Mom said she did great even if they have confusing uniforms. Football team lost 48-6. They were gone like 5 hours. No walk again.

Friday-Mom had to meet library friends after work, so the Evil One took Matt and Kristen to chilis. They forgot to feed me. I did not eat until like 6:30pm. I thought I was going to have to eat a chair or something. Dinner time is not as exciting as breakfast. I get my scoop of pumpkin with my food at breakfast. Seriously, have you all tried this-raw pumpkin with your kibble? IT is the best and keeps a body regular if you catch my drift?

Here Mousie, mousie, mousie

Based on the empirical evidence, The mouse or meeces are alive and well. Cleaned out cabinets under sink, bottom shelf of pantry and bottom of coat closet. This all needed to be done, but not happy about the way. Have to clean out under the vanity in the laundry room, but too tired tonight. Randy will be going to get rat poison or some such thing tomorrow. Kids have been threatened/warned about leaving food out.

It is the most wonderful time of the year

No, not Christmas, but the pitter patter(or loud stomping at the stampede decibel)of little feet down the hallways on the way to their new round of classes. Yes, school has begun once again in the SVVSD.

The Freshman:
Night before-tears and fears.
Morning of-excitement and anxiety to the point of throwing up.
After school-smiles
She has the following classes:
Day one(red day)
Band-loves it
Algebra-loves it
Biology-loves it-just wait till you dissect a pig, you won't be feeling the love then
Honors English-teacher is a spaz(replacement for original teacher who took a year off to sell insurance-go figure)

Day 2(gold day)
Band
Health-longest class ever
French-thinks this will be hard, but payoff is a trip to France in year II
World Geography-teacher is outstanding, but she will have a student teacher who is like 40 years old.

The Senior:
Day one
Recreational Games-yes this really is a class
Suspense and Mystery-thinks he may like this
Food science-yes he is taking a cooking class
Living on your own-does not think he will like this-same teacher as food science. She is talking community service projects

Day two:
symphony orchestra-hates the music, he wanted string orchestra. tough.
Weight training-no real comment
Music theory-thinks it will be boring, but will help him pursue an education in music
Stage tech-thinks he will like this, but lots of after school requirements

He still resents me beefing up his schedule. too bad, last chance for learning something for free, unless you count the taxes I pay and all the fees for these various classes.

Vacation now a staycation

Ok, we get no rain all summer. I take a day off and we have currently 52 degrees and a downpour that is supposed to last all day. We need the rain, but please just a little break so I can take the kiddos up to Estes to spend all my money at the fun park. I had no takers to go with me to Rapid City or Casper. DSon't know the plans for the day yet.

Highlights from yesterday:
steak fondue
Matt's impression of a Mexican/Canadian
Watching war games with Matt
Not working
Getting emails from my friends in NH, CA, GA, FL

I am seriously considering turning the heat on. The forcast for some areas is SNOW! yES, I said snow,snow, snow, snow.

Next FoodNetwork Star and Dental Hygiene

Conversation with Matt this evening:
Matt: It would not take too much for me to be a Food Network star.
Me: Oh?
Matt: yeah, you just need to do something simple but creative.
Me: What would be your signature dish?
Matt: Ramen with chili powder
Me THAT IS IT??
Matt: I would have to make something else like teriyaki steak with pineapple.
Me: But you do not like pineapple
Matt: I am trying to train myself to like it again.

Kristen has decided to improve the dog's dental hygiene. She bought a doggie toothbrush and poultry flavored tootbpaste. Pictures will have to be uploaded later.

Differences between my children

Today is high school orientation for Kristen. Looking back there are a few differences between Matt and Kristen

Clothes-Matt wore something probably off of the floor.
Kristen carefully selected her outfit and conferred with at least two friends and tried it on late at night.

School Supplies-Matt resisted getting any. Kristen and same friends described them on the phone to each other in great detail.

Morning of orientation-Matt was hesitant to go, had to be dragged from bed. Kristen was up at 5:20 and immediately texted friends to see if they were up. This starts at 7:30.

First day of school will seem like two star systems colliding. Can hardly wait for the explosion.

So the high school experience begins for Kristen

Today is the 1st day of bandcamp. We went shopping yesterday for water bottle(huge battle over this), sunglasses, notebook and plastic page protectors. Today, she got up at 5:30 so she could shower, dry her hair, straighten her hair and pack her lunch. She was ready by 7am so all of us are hoping we get to sleep a little later tomorrow.

Matt is scheduled for no hours at the bowling alley, so he will be calling his boss(who we all agree is an idiot) to find out what's what. He will also be applying for a part time cashier job at Budget Home Center. He and I will be seeing the batman movie this afternoon.

I am going out for lunch with a friend today. Can't wait.

Sabrina apparently has forgotten where her water bowl and food bowl are. Doggie Alzheimer's?

15,000 books later...

All the books for the new libraries have been shelved! Yes 15,000 is the correct number. It has been the single most stressful event I have been through in my library career. Being responsible for 3 new schools' libraries has been tough. I have yelled so much at freight carriers I am sick of yelling.(good news M and K). The warehouse guys have been phenomenal. They deserved every one of the 3 dozen cookies I made them. I have been so exhausted that tonight I am washing the baking sheets for these cookies that I made on 7/14.Nice thing about dealing with vendors is that they buy you stuff especially if they think you will throw business at them for the next school opening.(next summer)The complete tally is:
1 bloody mary
1 venti starbucks
1 lunch at Popeye's chicken
1 b bq lunch at Famous Dave's.

Adding to this stress is the mousie problem. Silver lining is that Randy cleaned out the floor of the pantry and vacuumed the basement. He also repaired the springs on the loveseat and rocking chair. Note to kiddies: Unless you want to buy us new furniture, the throwing yourselves into the furniture needs to cease and desist.

I am typing this on my new dell latitude laptop. It has a DVD player/burner but apparently I am more PC challenged than I realized. I can not open the DVD thing to even watch a movie. Waitng for Randy to get home from fishing.