Conversations to {not} have

Driving down the road my phone rang and I answered it. (Don't look at me like that Joan!) :) It was my insurance guy. I had to get a new one because the old one up and retired (the guy not the insurance). Totally bummed :( It was nice to have an insurance guy you knew. But back to the story. My new insurance guy that doesn't know me AT. ALL. says, I got your message that you would like to add a vehicle to your policy. Why yes I would, I remark. Ok, do you have the VIN number Which is really asking do you have the vehicle identification number number, but I that's ok, I don't really think he was slurring his speech on purpose so I proceeded with {out} caution. Yes I do...but, I'm driving right now so I can't get it for you. Then...

OH...I guess I shouldn't tell my car insurance guy that I talk on the cell phone while I drive should I?

*Pause*

He responds: Well, no I guess not, but it's not like we all don't do it anyway!


I think I'll like this guy. :)

Random Updates

This is the face of a girl that made her first goal of the season in her last game to help her team go undefeated. She often spends a lot of time on the defensive end of the field and she did make a spectacular block on a penalty kick as well.

Fancy footwork...her specialty.
The SCORE!
THE SMILES!
I almost didn't bring my camera...forgot it, then went home. But on the way, I said, well I didn't bring my camera so I guess that means you'll score today and she nodded in the affirmative. I snuck home and brought it anyway...so glad I did. :)

This is the face of a girl peeking through the crowd to find Mom and Dad looking back. She sang her heart out at the Kindergarten Hero's program. Meanwhile Mom cried her eyes out. They sang First Grade, First Grade (to the tune of New York, New York) Her teacher told me Savanna cried everytime they practiced...she made it through just fine in her performance but I didn't. Of course it didn't help that the also sang The Hero Lies Inside and I'm Proud to Be an American. Just not fair to emotion ridden mom.

This is the face of a 'Cool, Awesome, Medium Biggish' Boy wearing his 'Very Handsome' (not the shirt itself--just makes him that way) shirt, graduating from Joyschool.This is how Ethan 'looks at the camera for me...just don't make eye contact!

Throwing the cap!

OTHER FUN THINGS THIS WEEK:
Sierra's Celebration of Learning complete with readings from her first Sci-Fi Novel read in spotlighted darkness and fog from a fog machine.

We learned the truth about Ethan's noise allergy. It's not TOO much noise he's allergic to, it's not enough.

Tim has only 8 days until his school camping/river rafting trip starts.

Looking forward to another Celebration of Learning for Tim and Emily and a band concert to round the year out.

I can't believe summer is here already. Overall this year went by way too fast.

What are the odds...

That we will make it to church in time for me to say the opening prayer as opposed to last time, when I sat down just as the song ended and someone else stood to pray for me. :) Our new second counselor better hope the stars align tomorrow!

It's all about LOVE...

Some 50+ years married loveLast weekend I traveled with my aunt and uncle, Ray and Joy. It was a long trip 9-10 hours each way leaves a lot of talking time. I've always had a soft spot for my favorite Aunt and uncle, but this trip reminded me why. They have been married for over a half century. My aunt Joy has needed supplemental oxygen for the last 3 years. Ray teared up remembering how he almost lost her, he was quick and dedicated to make sure her needs were always taken care of. They like to joke together. He says, "If you don't wear your oxygen don't come running to me for help. But he was quick to add, DO send someone else." They know life is precious and fleeting, they are making the most of it. Joy still laughs at Ray's corny jokes. I do too. She matter of factly explains that she is a fast eater and he is slow. In their early days she might have cleared the table before he was done eating, they recognize their differences and embrace them. As we talked Joy mentioned they had never been a walk close together, hold hands kind of couple, but the rear view mirror seemed to sum it up. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. They for sure are.

Grandma Love

Nothing quite like holding your granddaughter for the first time. I know Joy has waited a long time for this opportunity and frankly I teared up watching them.

Granddaughter Love

This picture says it all though. Baby Amelia loves her grandmother too.

Grandpa Love

Ray was not shy to hold the little one. I'm not sure, but he may have been singing one of his famous songs. One that probably made Amelia's mother roll her eyes. It made me smile.

Little Boy Love

A good friend Carol and her son Andrew came along as well. Carol helped me drive and Andrew entertained us. Their love touched me as well. Carol, is a mother to emulate. She is kind, patient, full of listening, inventive, firm, supportive, and many more things. I really loved watching them interact. Here they are counting up how many red cars we passed on the way down. Tip to the wise...Unless you want to go broke, go with yellow cars!

First Time Mommy Love

It was a real treat to see my cousin Sharon in action as a Mom for the first time. She has embraced all the ins and outs of motherhood and does an excellent job. This picture evokes the emotion of motherhood for me.

First Time Daddy Love

Sometimes Dad's are unsure as how to jump into the parenting process. Not so with Ken. He is a champion Dad, has the rocking and shushing routine down pat. He will be an excellent guide for Amelia.

Happy Family Love

What more could a baby ask for but two attentive, loving, dedicated parents. Yep, she's one lucky girl and you know what? I think she knows it.

I'm one lucky girl too. Left home to their own devices, my family managed to not only survive but thrive. Emily had the kids up and ready for school on time, Mike took off work to have a Dad day with Ethan, food, clothing, baths were executed. The house was cleaned up for my arrival home and I was greeted with these timeless Mother's day cards.

Details...

First off, I used to be funny. Remember this post? or this one? Yeah, for some reason I'm not funny any more. It is now a goal of mine to be funny again. Thankfully I don't want to be an OVER achiever, so my post tonight does not count.

Here's a question for you. Is it more work for a Mom to get a whole family ready for a weekend trip, or just a weekend trip for Mom and leaving the rest of the crew home?

BZZZZZ Yes...it is MORE work to leave everyone home.

Same amount of laundry...
More food planning (them and me.)
More coordination (rides to this that the other, walking schedules, babysitting schedules, carpool coordination, soccer practices, birthday parties etc. etc. etc.)
Same amount of work related last minute customer servicing.


The good news is that I get to leave on a fun-filled weekend visiting my favorite cousin, her graduating husband and their adorable baby.
I get to drive with an awesome friend and my favorite aunt and uncle.
I get to worry about the stress of the next few days and then leave it. (I've already told my friend I'll feel all that Mommy guilt until I hit Layton (10 minutes away) then I'm done and it will be fun, fun fun.

{You know what is not fair? There is no Daddy guilt when they leave for a weekend.}

I get to take my camera to a beautiful place and photograph some beautiful people.
I might get to see my sister in law and my 5 month baby nephew that I haven't seen yet. (cross your fingers on this one)

I get to drive in my new car.

Yes you heard that right...we have a new car. It doesn't seem new, I've driven many times before, it's comfortable and will take some time until it's not 'Joan's car' anymore, but the kid's are already sold on it.

I guess some thanks are in order...

THANKS MIKE! for making this weekend happen for me. :) You are the best.

THANKS EMILY! for all that you will do this weekend.

THANKS JOAN! for last minute help and babysitting and just being you.

THANKS Tara! for babysitting and an ear to lend.

THANKS Paula! for carpooling and coordinating and all that.

THANKS CAROL, for being my co-driver.

THANKS SHARON for having a baby so we can come visit.

Oh yeah...and THANKS SAVANNA! for losing your first tooth the night BEFORE I left so I didn't feel bad about missing it. :)

{And please pray the Tooth Fairy remembers to come!}

Field Trip--Savanna Style!

I broke the rules and took Ethan on Savanna's field trip. I feel justified, though, as I was not allowed (or tortured) to ride the bus and I had to pay my own way, so why not...it's Dinosaur Park after all.

Here comes the bus!

Standing in line.(She did her own hair today!)

Digging for bones.

No fear...nope no fear at all.

(Actually the little girl on the right had fear. She looked as if she would cry when she heard all the dinosaur sounds and first saw the mighty lizards. I assured her that they were just pretend. She worriedly asked if I was sure and when I said yes, she looked at me with a look of disgust and a said, in a normal but somewhat disillusioned voice, 'I was hoping they were real!'.

Stylin' posing!The most DANGEROUS Creatures in the world!

Waiting...

Savanna's most excellent teacher.

A class that roars.