20 Something Days and Counting.

Well, 2^nd grade is almost over. Where are we at? Russ doesn't like school. He is doing all right, not great, but not failing either. I feel bad for him. You never want your child to dislike school and 2^nd grade seems too young to not like school. Sigh. He has a great teacher and am hoping for another great teacher next year; I cringe to think where we'd be if we didn't have a good teacher. I wrote to the principal and asked her to place Russ in a good class since I don't know the teachers and I am afraid of what we'll get if the computer spits him out into any old class. So, I am hopeful she'll put him with someone that will continue to work with us to keep him successful.

His friend situation is still a concern. He has friends at school, but doesn't want to invite anyone over and he doesn't get invited over. He seems to eat and play at recess with the same group. I think at recess he will sometimes play with different kids or by himself. He's always been good at playing by himself without a care. He was like that when he was little. It is hard to tell what really goes on at recess, his memory for stuff like is bad and sometimes he's off in his own world that he just doesn't pay attention or process what is going on. It's frustrating.

I was at a PTSO meeting a couple of weeks ago (I am going to be on the Board next year. I have the easiest job – co-secretary) and we were meeting the principal and I told her who I was and that I had sent her a letter about Russ. Apparently she knows Russell, not in a bad way, which is saying something because there are over 1100 students at his school. Apparently she has sort of taken the librarian's twins and 'adopted' them as grandkids and the twins (girls) and Russ are in the same class and they all share the same birthday. Apparently the twins love Russell and spoke nonstop about him while they spent a weekend with the principal and her husband. She and her husband know all about Russell's likes and dislikes, his shark knowledge, etc. And this just furthers my point of frustration, Russ has no clue that the twins like him so much. Okay, maybe that is more of a girl vs boy thing. Who knows?

Russ is in 2 sports this season (soccer and tennis), not exactly great planning on my part. He doesn't like soccer this time. It is more the coaching style than it is soccer, I think. They are pretty serious soccer people and ride Russ pretty hard during practice b/c he is kind of a space case and his ADHD meds are wearing off, plus he's just not a coordinated guy. Never has been. So, while he needs the extra attention, our concern is that positive feedback and the negative feedback need to be equal. That is debatable. I think the other factor is that Russ doesn't do well when people are on his case a lot; he loses his confidence in what he's doing and then shuts down. We've talked to the coach, it does seem to be a little better on the coaches' part. We'll see. He doesn't hate soccer, but on Wednesday mornings he's already commenting on how he doesn't want to go. I never have to drag him out the door, if I did, then I think we'd let him quit. Oooh, that was painful just typing it. We are just taking it week by week.

After this season we are going to let Russ decide what he wants to do and keep it at one sport. I think he's voting for tennis. He's not great at tennis, but the coach has a totally different style. His feedback isn't negative, it is more constructive. Plus in tennis he has something to do with his hands. It seems like when he has something in his hands he's less likely to go off in his own world.

We are still in private speech. That is going well. We are up for a renewal, so we'll see if Tricare will give us more sessions. We've been lucky so far, so I am hoping for the best!

Anyway, as you can probably guess, Russ is counting down til summer break. Next up, summer plans! They are shaping up well and now I think I am kind of counting the days too!

Bumper Thumper

I am really using the list!!

 

When we moved here last July, we had the Minivan for just a few weeks. I had to take the kids on base to see the new pediatrician and get squared away with Russ's ADHD meds, etc. We were running a bit late and it was my first time to the hospital on base. I parked the van and immediately thought 'I shouldn't park here'. The parking lot spaces and aisles are narrow, there was a big truck across from us and I see every larger car has backed into their spot. I blow off my sense to repark and get the kids in the building –we were running late. Sure enough, when we returned my bumper had a dent and that truck was gone and you guessed it - no note. It just made me sad, you know. I think we had just made our first payment on it. All I could do was cry. (Ok, I was still nursing a 6 mos old and it was 100+ outside – hormonal and hot, not a good mix)

The Honda dealership in town doesn't do body work, but the guy gives me this card of a retired man who sets his own schedule and comes to you to fix those kinds of dents. My other option is to take it to a body shop and they'll replace the bumper. So, I called the dent guy in February. I know, I waited a while, but what I can say, I procrastinated. Well, the dent guy, Alex, is a retired master painter and former Sheriff as it turns out, AND he only takes cash, wink, wink, nod, nod. I got no problem with that. He comes and looks at the bumper, says he can do it for $200. $200, why the hell did I wait so long??? My deductible is like $500 and not having to deal with insurance is a bonus. Done.

Now, Alex makes his own schedule, so I had to rearrange around him, but for $200 I might have even let Russell miss school!!! Ha! He was going to do it at our house, but asked if he could take the bumper to his house and work the dent, paint it and use his heaters to get a good dry finish. I learned how to take off the bumper, (pretty simple), and that the van was missing half the anchors to hold the darn thing on. Never were put in, hmph, Honda. He brought back the bumper the next day; it looks so good, you can't even tell it was dented. It was $200 well spent and now all the moms that I see at gymnastics, ballet, etc. want his name and number b/c apparently everyone has some dent that needs to be fixed and everyone wants a good 'cash only' guy!!!

SSSSSSSSPPPRRRIIIIINNNNGGGGG BRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAK!!!!!!!! (You know, in the “Spring Break, Woo Hoo” kind of voice)

Time to get typing on Spring Break. This is going to be difficult, as Rowan is trying to add his 2 cents by tapping on keys while I am!! He has a lot to say these days, but man, his typing skills are just not up to par!

Well, as it started out, I had no real plans for spring break. I wanted to do something, but travelling with the 3 kids alone is just not my idea of fun. Adam is so busy at work and that week was not looking good for him. So, when Pam & Dad suggested we meet in Anaheim for Disneyland, I was all for it! All I had to do was pack and drive the kids to CA, a feat I was sure the minivan and I could handle!! The plan was to drive to CA on Saturday, stop by my Aunt Kate's house, pick her up and go to see my Nana at her assisted living facility and then drop Kate off at home and head to the RV park where Dad, Pam & Adelle, (let's call them DPA from now on), were. The beauty of this is is that they are all within a 10 mile range. Then the kids and I would stay in the RV with DPA and then head home on Thursday, meaning 3 full days at Disney and 1 day to rest. A good plan!

Dun, dun, dun, duuuuunnnn. The week before Rowan gets this weird tummy bug, but seems to be getting over it. Okay, we're still good. Then Friday morning, as in the day before our departure, Russell is throwing up and Rowan starts up again too. Ok, Plan B? Umm, make Plan B!!! Plan B turned out to be wait and see what happens, if more throwing up, then hopefully leave Sunday, just one day late. Plan B in place, but luckily the turn around time was quick and we are still on for Saturday departure – phew! Mickey Mouse, here we come!!!

The drive to CA was GREAT. Could not have been any better. I've really figured this mom thing out. I packed a lunchbox for both Rachel & Russell, full of snacks, a couple of drinks and then they could eat what they wanted when they wanted and I didn't have to pull over to help. I sat Russ next to Row, who had diaper bag filled with yummies and toys that Russ could give him during the drive. As it turns out, Rowan wants what Russ has or what he thinks Russ has; like I said, I have totally figured this mom thing out! With Disney DVDs galore, we head out on the drive. Made it in just less than 4 ½ hours, hitting some traffic in Orange County. Just in time to pick up Kate, some lunch and go see Nana. This is a topic for another blog, but we had a nice visit, the kids behaved wonderfully and we left as nana was tired and so were we! We made it to DPA with plenty of time to walk the RV park, play at the cool playground and get out all our wiggles, have dinner and get ready for Disney Day 1!!! Let me add that the RV is HUGE. It has a bathroom with 2 sinks, a bedroom and then the kitchen/living room area has 3 beds and room for the pack n play, so while we might refer to it as 'camping', it really isn't camping.

Here we go, DAY 1…. Sunday, one week before Easter. I was expecting huge crowds and seemed like there were a lot of people, so we were expecting the worst. Remember how I said I got the mom thing down? I took Russell's lunchbox filled with snacks and attached it to the stroller. So, all day the kids could get a snack when they felt like it and I didn't spend a fortune on churros. I even took a plastic cup with a lid and could split drinks for the kids – a huge lifesaver b/c they think they drink a whole one, but they can't. Damn, when I am good, I am good! Okay, but back to Disney. We head to fantasyland first and go to Peter Pan, the line is 20 minutes and know that is the shortest it will be all day. We get in line and start looking around and notice that the rides in view have NO lines. I look at the family behind us in line and realize I KNOW them. The husband works with Adam at Nellis. How crazy is that??? That made the 20 minutes zip right by! So, after PP, we head to Snow White, Pinocchio, Toad's Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, Matterhorn, and Small World. All with either no wait or maybe 10 – 15 minutes. And in between, I am sending my dad to get fast passes for Buzz Lightyear and Autotopia, which he was awesome at doing and I think he got a kick out of my master planning!!! We finish all those rides and it is barely time for lunch. Rachel loved the Matterhorn – she said – that was too fast and too scary, let's do it again!!! Ha! Russ didn't like the Matterhorn, but really enjoyed Small World. He said something to the effect of – SW was so relaxing after Matterhorn and that's why he liked it. Next we hit Star Tours (the kids loved!), Buzz (another fave), Star Tours again and then time for lunch. Back to Buzz and Autotopia (boy has that changed in the last 10 years!!) and then over to Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Winnie the Pooh. Row even went on Pirates and didn't freak out. In fact he went on tons of rides and never freaked out. He would want to get up and get out when he thought the ride was over, but other than that he seemed to really like looking at everything and everyone. Day 1 turned out to be really great and we did way more than I had hoped for. The crowds dispersed well and we just took advantage of the short lines, it was great. The kids did well, but they were pooped by about 4pm and it was time to go. Rachel was so pooped that she fell asleep in the stroller. Kept nodding off and jerking herself awake. We have that sit n stand stroller, so her seat is a bench and there is nothing for her to lean against if she nods off. Poor thing. After cracking up at her for a few minutes, I did just carry her to the tram so she could snooze a bit. And at the tram, she woke up perky and ready!

On to DAY 2….. We decided to go to California Adventure (DCA) this day b/c we were unsure of the weather that was headed our way. I made dinner reservations for a Princess Dining Experience that evening, so we were in for a full day. Again, another good day, although a little warmer and humid due to the rain headed our way. I have never been to DCA, so I was looking forward to seeing why people like and dislike the park. We started with CA Soaring, a ride that makes you feel like you are hang gliding over CA. I wasn't sure how the kids would react b/c it lifts you in these seats and your legs dangle down. They LOVED it. Russ figured he could sit criss-cross-applesauce in the seat, Rachel followed suit and that made them more comfortable. At the end they had their feet out and pretending to dip their toes in the ocean. It was a fun one. Then onto Monsters, Inc (twice) – the kids were big fans. We watched the Muppet 3D movie; the kids cracked up, which made it fun for us big people! You felt like you were in the original Muppet Show Theater. That was cool. And those old guys were up in their seats making the usual funny cracks. Then Adelle, Rachel & I rode the Tower of Terror. I have to say that this is probably the best ride I have ever ridden. It was so fun. Rachel hated it, I tried to warn her beforehand, but she was determined to go and she was in tears afterwards. She learned to listen to mom a little bit better after that. Basically you are in a giant service elevator that goes up 13 stories so fast, you feel like you are going down. So while we were flying up, I thought we were going down and I was thinking, when did we go up??? Then you get to the top and these doors open and you realize you were going up. Then you make the big drop down in 3 drops. So it goes, drop, a little bounce, then a big drop, little bounce, and the last drop. Then you start the whole thing all over again. Back up you go!!! So fun and totally smooth. It was awesome. Awesome, awesome, oh, and did I say awesome????

Let's see… after Tower of Terror, Russ played on this Wilderness play structure with g'pa and the rest of us sat in the shade had some water and snacks. Then dad & I rode CA Screamin', the Disney roller coaster that you shoot off to like 50mph from 0, go upside and it has some pretty good drops. I think I would have liked that better if I hadn't just eaten a frozen banana! We waited in line for a Toy Story ride that is 3D and you shoot these goofy guns at like carnival games. That was a lot of fun! Everyone loved that and would have done it again, but the line was pretty long. I think we waited 30 minutes for it. The kids did good on that line, but weren't willing to wait again. Next up was Grizzly Run – a rapids ride – pretty standard. It was fun, wet. Rachel did this one and liked it. Then we had some time to spare before dinner. If we didn't have dinner reservations, we would have been done with DCA. So we headed over to a kid's area called Flik's Fair. Pretty simple rides, rode a couple and then went to dinner.

Oh boy, the Princess Dinner. First I could not believe the number of parents that hauled a princess dress around all day so their daughters could change into it before dinner. Crazy. Rachel had on a princess tshirt and had chocolate smeared all over it and her pants from a chocolate covered Mickey ice cream earlier. So, the deal with this is you go down and meet Ariel – she's the hostess princess and take pictures. Rachel did this and loved it. Then as you sit and eat, other princesses make their royal appearance (announcements, horn blowing, the whole deal) and they walk to every table to chat, take pictures, whatever. You get to pick from like 5 things for the meal, all were decent choices – tri tip, cioppino, pasta, chicken, etc. The kids had their choices too. At the table they have those 3 tier stands filled with finger foods, salad and fresh fruit ready for when you sit down. I liked that b/c we were hungry and it was waiting for us, no waiting for the food. After dinner they bring out these huge dessert platters for every table with assorted pastries, chocolates, etc. You get a lot of food, I think it is still overpriced, but what you are paying for is not waiting in line to see princesses at the park. Since I have just the one princess who may not be into princesses ever again, I thought it was a fair splurge for Rachel and fun to treat DCA since they pay for almost everything else. We saw Snow White, Cinderella (Rachel's fave), Jasmine, Mulan and one more, Belle, maybe? Anyway, Rachel liked talking to them, but didn't want to take pictures with them. Dad had his camera ready to snap a shot just in case!

Now let me give Russell's take on the whole thing. He was tired, we all were, and the children's menu had nothing he wanted. His choices were spaghetti & meatballs, tri tip with mashers, mac n cheese, grilled chicken breast tenders and maybe one other thing. He won't make a choice. I told him make a choice by blah blah time or I would choose for him. He doesn't choose, plenty of warning, I order him the tri tip b/c at home he likes it and mashers. Well, he says after he wants the chicken. Too damn bad, we already ordered, next time make your decision when you're expected to with everyone else. So, the meal was over for him in his mind, he was bordering on the turd side and after we left dinner, he was being rude to everyone and making comments about the worst meal of his life. Needless to say, Russell got a firm talkin' to. It is amazing how a boy who wants to get 'cool sharp prizes from Disneyland', (his words exactly), can change his attitude. But, he still got no dessert and we turned out the lights early for bed time. Typically Russ is so good, that if this is the bad/worst behavior, we can deal, but we still need to learn to not be rude to family/friends when things don't go our way.

DAY 3, a fresh start! So this was the question mark day for the weather. We decided to go back to Disneyland and take a chance. The weather was perfect, a little bit cool, but not too bad. This was the day with the biggest crowds, which was unexpected, but since we had done so much on Sunday, it didn't matter. Adelle & I rode Space Mtn while dad & Pam took the Rs to Toontown to play and see Mickey & Minnie. Space Mtn was fun, Adelle pointed out every cute guy she saw and I pointed out every guy that checked her out. Ha! Met up with the gang in Toontown and headed for Indiana Jones. Rachel was too small, but g'pa bought her an ice cream and she was good to go, well stay. Adelle & I took Russ and he loved it. I knew he would. Then he rode again with g'pa & g'ma – you gotta love fast passes!! Rachel made Adelle take her thru the Tarzan treehouse again while we waited for Russ, dad & Pam. We ended up having lunch at the Golden Horshoe, wasn't planned, but it turned out to be a fun thing. We saw a goofy play while we ate and relaxed. It involved a lot of audience participation and Russell just laughed the whole time. It felt good to sit and be entertained. I kept Row and the rest went to Tom Sawyer island, which is called Pirate's Lair now. The kids loved that and had sweaty foreheads!! Adelle, Rach & I rode Splash Mountain, which was Russell's fave at Disney World. He didn't want to ride this time, no big deal, but by the time we were off the ride, he had cotton candy!!! Ha! Rachel didn't like Splash and said when we were on an incline up, "I'll go wait with g'ma and g'pa!!!" Too late. She survived, wasn't traumatized, but I am not sure she'd do it again! Then we did Haunted Mansion and Star Tours again and called it a day.

We were all exhausted after a full 3 days. But it was a great time and very memorable! I really liked how the big people outnumbered the little people, that was a bonus. Doing stuff with DPA is always easy & fun. My dad is super anal about watching the kids and not losing them in crowds, which I appreciate. And he always had his camera ready so I didn't have take a lot of pictures, I can just get copies of his. I appreciated that too. There isn't too much drama, they are an easy group to be around. Just some teenaged drama with Adelle, but if she left her phone off and didn't text all day, that wouldn't be an issue. That could be a whole other topic!

Our last day, Wednesday, we went to the Santa Ana Zoo after it rained. Not a great zoo,( better than the Vegas Zoo), but a quiet park environment that was spacious, not crowded – a good little outing. The kids stayed at the RV in the afternoon and I went to see Nana one more time and I had a nice visit with her.

Thursday we headed back home. Missed all the traffic and made it door to door in just under 4 hours. Damn, you just can't ask for better than that! Besides all the fun family time, the trip reaffirmed to me that I need to get out of Vegas more than I am. It just felt good to get away from the flat brown city and I can't wait to get away again!

A few pics....

Easter morning

Rachel totally wiped after day 1 of Disney - she's asleep!!!

Autotopia - new & improved from when I was Rachel's age

Rowan gets his own ears, name on 'em too!!!

Spring Break, 1 st day of Disney

You gotta love Blogspot, pics are not easy to work with, but here they are nontheless. This overlaps a bit with FB, I post more pics there. FB is much more user friendly for uploading photos. I am hoping to write about spring break next.

Aim and Adam’s Big Night Out

In January, my mom came to Vegas b/c of work and to visit. She stays with us - she can stay a little bit longer than she would normally b/c AAA doesn't have to pay for her hotel. It was a weekend during the NFL playoffs and my mom suggests that Adam and I go out and take advantage of the free grandma babysitting! My mom is pretty good about that when she is here. We wanted to watch the games, so we decide to go to the new casino near us called Aliante Station. We find a great table at the bar in a Mexican food restaurant, right in front of the big HD LCD TV, we are totally set. The waitress knows we are there for the game, no rush to move our table, we are totally set. Adam and I LOVE NFL, especially playoffs and we were playing in this goofy playoff Fantasy Football League - we are just giddy with excitement. The game totally sucked. It was the Cardinals vs Panthers game and it was so over by the first half. Now don't get me wrong, we loved that Arizona won, it's just that we were out, sans kids, could really watch the game and we just wanted it to be a really good game. At halftime we gave up our prime table to walk around the casino, gamble a bit, maybe see a movie, whatever, it's our big night out. We checked out the movie theater, there wasn't really anything we wanted to see and anything semi-interesting didn't start for another couple of hours. We aren't big gamblers, so we played some 21 on the machine and lost $5 when it was all said and done. Time check – 7:20pm. What the Hell??? There was no way we could go home before 8pm and we had already eaten, we didn't want to leave and go someplace else- where would we go? So, we went in to the TGIFs at the casino to have a drink and at least make it until 8pm. Okay, we get in TGIFs and there is a very drunk Cardinal fan that provided us with 45 minutes of great entertainment. This guy was like our age, so drunk, slurring his words "I have waited a 100 years for this" "Go Cardinals" "Finally! Go Cardinals" He spouts off some dates in a drunken manner that don't make sense. His girlfriend comes to pick him up, he's so drunk, he's licking her face instead of kissing her "Hi baby" (all drunk and slurring) Then the whole "I have waited 95 years for this" rant. Every time it was a different number, hilarious! Oh and he's cheering at all these inappropriate times, like at commercials or when the ref calls a time out -classic harmless drunken behavior. We finished our drinks and headed home. Here it is our big night out, we are all excited and home before 8:30pm.

By the way, I am so impressed with myself – this wasn't even on THE LIST and I wrote about it anyway!!!

She Really Does Look Like A Connie

Rachel is enrolled in a couple of classes thru the city of NLV rec center. The classes are awesome and super cheap. You can't ask for a better deal. She takes ballet and gymnastics. We ended up taking both classes with a little girl named Laura. I got to talking with her mom every week and she is just so nice. Her mom works for the vendor at the commissary, so I'd see her while grocery shopping on base- just a really nice woman. For example in gymnastics, she always reminds the teacher that Rachel is left-handed and afraid of heights, so when Rach is struggling with cartwheels or doing something on the high balance beam, she always speaks up before I do. Such a nice person. So as the weeks turn into months, I realize I don't know Laura's mom's name. At the commissary she doesn't wear a name tag that you can see and I always think to bring it up, but it never comes up while we are chatting away and watching the girls in class. So Tracey enrolls Jaime in our gymnastics class and she and I make this plan for Tracey to introduce herself and then we could learn Laura's mom's name. The plan doesn't work! And it backfires b/c she hears Tracey and I calling each other by name and now she knows our names and we don't know hers. Tracey sees her at the commissary too and we can't get her name. One day I decide, I am going to write down my name and phone number b/c we have talked about meeting up at the park with the girls so they can play, going to see Sesame Street Live together. I figure if I do it, she'll either call me and say this is Laura's mom, _______. Right? Or, she'll write down her contact info for me. As it turns out, they invited Rachel to Laura's birthday party. Rachel is so excited to have a bday invite, she won't let me look at it and I am dying to know Laura's mom's name. Her name? It is Connie. I tell you, she really does look like a Connie. And we are taking the girls to Sesame Street Live in a couple of weeks, so new friend for me too, hurray!

Do I Have Powdered Sugar and Syrup????

The guest suite seemed to have a revolving door from February through the beginning of April. Andy was here (I know I blogged about that already, I am not THAT behind) and the end of February marked a visit from Schelley Olhava, then in March a visit from Jess and Maddie Boynton and the end of March Christine and Brielle Rodrigues visited. All were great visits and I hate to condense down to one entry, but I am going to attempt it. Sorry gals.

We'll start with Schell, who came for a weekend and it turned into a pork filled weekend. It wasn't the plan, but we fed Schelley pork at like every meal! How is that possible??? Ribs, bacon at breakfast, leftover ribs for lunch, more bacon at breakfast and Schelley chose to continue the pork theme with a pork taco for dinner the last night!! I don't think Adam had seen Schelley for about 5 years. I saw Schelley about 3 years ago in Portland while on vacation with my dad, Pam and Adelle. It was a great visit. We showed Schelley the sites one doesn't normally see in Vegas – the Springs Preserve, Red Rock Canyon, the vast expanse of housing that covers the valley. Aka, the non casino trip! We tried to get reservations to a local Thai food place that Schelley knew about, but since they don't answer the phone during non business hours, we did not get to go. Next time we will feast there. (We went there Easter weekend, and a feast it was! Too yummy for words!) Oh and I'd like to make note in my blog that Schelley has crowned me Best Hostess since I emailed her to ask her what she likes to eat for breakfast. It is a crown I wear proudly and if getting it was that easy, what other titles can I acquire??? Any title from Schelley is a total compliment!!!

Next up, Jess and Maddie! They flew in from San Antonio. We haven't seen them since June of last year, so it was so great to see them! I really miss Jess, we traded babysitting a lot and is just all around a super duper friend. Definitely one of those friends you hope to meet while your husband is in the service – always there for you! I am lucky to have made a few of those types of friends since we moved away from home. We had a full week – something every day. One day we ventured out to the Las Vegas Zoo, which is in a residential neighborhood across the street from a non strip casino and the big Cox Communications building. It has no parking lot, you park on the street and chickens come out to greet you. Let me say this 'zoo' (and I use that term lightly) had more chickens and bird poop than I can even describe. We could have taken a chicken or 10 home with us. We go up to pay and I have a coupon – they didn't honor it. Flat out said they don't honor that coupon. This was kind of surprising and startling. Not that I am cheap, but I mean honestly, it was from the Entertainment Book, I didn't make the coupon or anything like that. I think honoring coupons is just good business, but what do I know??? We get our tickets and go in. In Florida, we had a little zoo that we all kind of laughed at b/c it seemed pretty hokey. Well, the LV Zoo makes the Panama City Beach Zoo seem like the San Diego Zoo. It was that bad. And did I mention the chickens? There were a couple of lions, a chimp that watches TV and a whole mess of chickens!! That was the low of the week. We ventured out to the Mirage to see their dolphins and lions, tigers, jaguars, oh my! Of course, the Springs Preserve, b/c we take everyone there! And it wouldn't be a visit with Jess if we didn't get out and do some shoppin'. Jess and I also got semi-addicted to a new game on the Wii – Carnival Mini-Golf. It was hilarious, we played it for hours while the kids played, napped, went to bed, etc. Also while Jess was here, Rowan had some major milestones – taking first steps, eating his first popsicle and I think cutting his first tooth too. I think he was totally showing off for Jess – stinker!

And then Christine and Brielle came for a long weekend that seemed too short. I haven't seen C&B in a good 3 years and Brielle was a baby. So this visit was such fun getting to know Brielle and of course, catch up with Christine. It didn't feel like 3 years had gone by, I felt like I just saw her last weekend. An awesome feeling. Since they flew in around lunch, Adam stayed home to give Row a nap and I took R & R to pick them up and we did some sightseeing on the strip. I have to note seeing C & B at the airport – Brielle is like Christine's Mini-Me, except her hair is shorter than Christine's and bounces up and down, so she does have a resemblance to Side Show Bob. And I say that with love; even Christine says she looks like Side Show Bob and can't wait to tease Brielle about it when she's older. We had lunch at the Rain Forest café, walked down to the M&M store, watched the 3D movie and huffed it down to the Bellagio to watch the fountains. Rachel did not wear socks with her shoes and got huge blisters. Thankfully there was a CVS on the strip where I could pick up a round of water for the gang and band aids. The strip has it all. We also ventured out to the Valley of Fire, which is so beautiful. Even more so than Red Rock Canyon. We picnicked a bit; the kids climbed around on the rocks and played in red sand. The weather could not have been better. Let's see, then Monday we headed to the Springs Preserve – I know, we take everyone there! Something fun about the SP is that every time we go, we enjoy something different. My kids have been lots of times, so when we go with someone new, they always are interested in something different so we experience the SP in a new way. It is so big and has so much to do, it really does happen every time. Of all the people that have come to visit, Christine and my mother in law, Jamie, are the ones that I really looked forward to taking. I just knew they would appreciate it maybe more than I do.

Let me also add that Brielle is a riot. First, she is total tomboy and doesn't like to be called pretty, she's 'cool'. Not even pretty cool, just cool. She had cous cous for the first time and loved it. She called it Blues Clues, which was so funny. She told me she really liked Blues Clues at dinner. She really is a fun kid that gets it. You can joke with her and tease her and she just gets it, there's no other way to describe it. I really enjoyed getting to know her. Of course, being the tomboy she likes Russell and Adam more than me, but that's okay!! Sniff. Ha!

The visit with Christine was a great one. I look forward to future visits and hope that we can meet up down in So Cal for some play time too. Oh, and in reference to the title of this post. Since I have my hostess title, I emailed the ladies to ask what they like for breakfast and the kids' fave foods. If the kids aren't happy, then no one is. So, Christine emails back, do you have powdered sugar and syrup, in regards to eating waffles for breakfast. Do I have powdered sugar and syrup? I mean honestly, who do you think you are dealing with here? Do I have powdered sugar and syrup?

The Rachel Update

Well, I am on the ball – Row went to bed early and Adam is packing for a trip to NM, so time to get this blog on the ball!

OK, Rachel's big fall. One day after Pre-K, Tracey suggests that we pick up the kids – Rach and her son Jaime, go to the park for a walk and the kids can ride their bikes. Great idea! Babies in strollers, preschoolers on bikes and moms can yap. I love a good yap with Tracey!

A side note… I don't know why, but my kids don't like to use the brakes on their bikes. Russ would rather fall or drag his feet on the ground rather than use his brakes. Rachel won't use them, even though all she has to do is pedal backwards.

So, we are walking and talking, the weather is great; kids are doing well until Rachel starts down a small hill. Of course, as stated before, she won't use her brakes. She starts to pick up speed and is screaming. I am yelling - Pedal backwards, use your brakes, etc. I park Row in the stroller with Tracey and start to run after Rachel. Just as I am catching up to her, she is headed for a curb that surrounds the planter. In my mind, I am prepping for the blood, the ER, the dentist, huge bump/scrape on her head, whatever may come. Just as I grab on to her, she hits the curb and goes flying over her handlebars, does like a somersault over the bars and lands on her back, barely a scratch. Well, you wouldn't know this from all the screaming and tears and DRAMA. I get her calmed down, get her back on the bike for a little bit until she tells me she just wants to walk. Okay, fine. I leave her and Row with Tracey, put the bike back in the van. Before I do this, she grabs her play cell phone out of the pouch on her bike.

While I am at the van, she leans up against a light pole and "calls" grandma. Tracey heard the whole thing. Apparently the conversation went something like this:
Grandma, it's Rachel. I just fell off my bike. (Pause)

Yea, it really hurt. (Pause)

Well, I was riding and my bike went too fast down the hill, I couldn't stop and I fell off my bike. It really hurt. (Pause)

I did cry, cuz it really hurt. And I cried and cried and cried. (Pause, looks up at me walking up to her)

Ok, mom's here, I gotta go. (Pause) OK. Bye. (Flips her phone closed)

And now, she doesn't like riding her bike some 4+ months later.

 

And while I am on the subject of Rachel, let's visit the Pre-K issue. With Russ, he qualified for ESE Pre-K in both OK and FL b/c of his speech and language delays. We paid nothing, didn't have to research any preschools, he just went to the appropriate elementary school. I did have to research the elementary school in FL, but that was a bit easier in a way b/c I could pick whatever school and not have to consider the cost. Also in FL, the pre-k schools (not at elementary schools) were much more accessible than they are here. Decent costs, plenty of choices, and most were all very good. (Think good Christian women working part time b/c they love kids and the extra money!) And the other element in both OK and FL is the state sponsored voluntary Pre-K programs. Meaning the state subsidizes one year of preschool for children the year before they enter Kindergarten. You just have to attend a licensed facility that participates in the program. So, the cost for parents is a lot more reasonable. Here in Nevada there are not as many great little part time preschools, it is all mainly full day preschools/day care and no state subsidizing for the year before Kindergarten.

When we moved here over the summer, we missed all the preregistration for any preschool, except for the YMCA. Tracey had Jaime enrolled there and I wanted Rachel in something, so I enrolled her there also. I wasn't crazy about it. The times didn't work well, the 'head teacher' (who was terrific) went on a leave of absence indefinitely without any explanations from anyone and I just saw a lot of yelling at the end of the session when the head teacher wasn't there. I can yell at Rachel all I want at home for free. So, I put her on the list for a pre-k run by the city and just waited. Well, the next day I got a call and she was in, which never happens, but with the foreclosures and people moving, they have had a big turnover this year. I like it better there – the teacher is very good, lots of experience with little children, very patient, soft spoken, more mature. The curriculum is the same as the YMCA, but the times work better and the parents are so much friendlier than at the Y. There is a nice group to chat with while we wait for the kids to finish up. But, still it isn't perfect and we don't want Rachel going there next year and doing the same thing. So, we decided we are going to have to buckle down on the finances and pay for the pricier pre-K. I started the preschool hunt.

First I had to narrow down part time schools in our area, besides the two she had attended; there were like 3 or 4. I narrowed down to two based on parent recommendations from parents I have talked to at ballet, soccer, etc. One was a Co-Op preschool and was a Lutheran preschool, Lamb of God. I toured both, liked both. The Co-Op is more reasonable, but parents work two or three mornings per month, filling in as the aides, therefore saving salary costs and tuition costs for all. Well, I don't have anyone to watch Rowan for me three mornings a month, so that ruled out the Co-Op. Lamb of God it is. Rachel's pre-k in FL was called Little Lambs, so I have a good feeling about it. I felt comfortable there and I feel like Rachel will get what she needs to be prepared for Kindergarten. I was there right before 8am on the day of open registration and had walked in the office and looked at their clock, not quite 8am. I asked, "Is it close enough to 8:00 for you?" The lady at the desk laughed and said, "You bet!"

I enrolled her in 3 days a week, but had to do the afternoon class, 12:30 – 4:00pm. I figure I'll take her and get Rowan back for a nap and then I can have some Aimee time to work out, blog, do whatever I need to do. Typically I would put her in the morning class, but it was full. However, the more I think about the PM class, the more I like it. I tend run errands in the morning and I can do that with Rachel and Rowan. She helps entertain him and me as we run around. She starts in September, has to wear a uniform (that will be an adventure, as Rachel loves her dresses and the color yellow!! A worthy future blog for sure), and I think it will be a good experience for her.

 

Finding the Time

So, Christine was here a couple of weekends ago and I was telling her all these stories about the kids and things that are going on with us and several times I heard something to the effect of - You should write that in your blog. (It sounded much better coming from Christine's mouth and not my typing!!) It has been really hard to find the time to sit and type some thoughts. I am going to make a quick list to look at and hopefully I'll just make the time to write about each item on the list. Sometimes when I sit at the computer I just blank on what I want to write about. I am hoping this list will inspire me!! Of course now I am trying to organize my thoughts – do I make my list chronological, alphabetical, or just go for it with no rhyme or reason??? I am going for it with no rhyme or reason!!!

Rachel falling on her bike and pretending to call g'ma – fall 08

Grandmas – mine, g'ma Rizzi, my mom wanting to be called g'ma pam, not g'ma Flippin

Russ not really liking school, sigh. Soccer (the mom who gives out way too much info, Adam not really liking the coach, probably our last season)

Our house in FL, tenants, stimulus money for active duty people caught like us

Rowan latest greatest feats – talking, walking, two teeth, so much personality

Connie – the mom whose name I didn't know for several months

Rachel – preschools for next year

Our Spring Break trip to DisneyLand

A new bed and a good night's sleep, too many gray hairs (trip to get highlights), weight loss, time to exercise, read, blog, write the book, do anything! I love DVR.

Loving FaceBook and catching up with old friends, some of whom have blogs, super cool! (Kris – cooking, Debi – reading)

My cat Kadie, swiffer wet jet theory and how I don't think I can let go of her ashes or Riley's for that matter

Still not liking LV and possible assignment overseas next time around

All the visitors we have had and will see soon – Schelley (pork at every meal!), jess & maddie (the world's worst zoo), Christine & Brielle (valley of fire), Trina (coming soon), Pricers (in laws, Blake & Morgan, drama, Lotus of Siam)

Summer plans – get the hell out of Dodge! Well, Vegas for maybe a month – yes!

The cash only guy that fixed the minivan bumper for only $200.

OK, I think that is it!!! Plenty o stuff to write about and I think I have listed all of it.

Aimee According to Russell and Rachel

So, this is another note floating around Facebook….

 

This is a cute idea. Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. Tag me back if you haven't done this, I'd love to hear the answers!

According to Russell, 8

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Do your jobs.

2. What makes mom happy?
Giving you a Valentine's card.

3. What makes mom sad?
Something that's not good.

4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?
Tickle, (smirk)

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Dance

5. How old is your mom?
18

7. How tall is your mom?
10 cameras long

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
You tell me.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Always plays Cars recording (the movie on DVR)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
I don't know

11. What is your mom really good at?
Lego Batman the video game

12. What is your mom not very good at?
I'm thinking about it.

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Wash the dishes.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Fiber One bars and tacos.

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
By doing her best.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I don't know, that's pretty hard.

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Play Lego Batman and help each other.

18. How are you and your mom alike?
We are family.

19. How are you and your mom different?
Because you're a female and I'm a male, a young male.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

Cause I love you so much.

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Target and probably Costco.

Now according to Rachel, 4

1. What is something mom always says to you?
I love you

2. What makes mom happy?
a hug

3. What makes mom sad?
cry

4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?
we tickle

5. What was your mom like as a child?
you turn into a baby

5. How old is your mom?
14, no 15

7. How tall is your mom?
so big

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Clean up and build.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Run around with the baby

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
????

11. What is your mom really good at?
at the playground

12. What is your mom not very good at?
at the playground

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Um, I don't know

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Oranges

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
You did it!

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
a princess with me

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Eat a banana

18. How are you and your mom alike?
girls

19. How are you and your mom different?
Mommy's good

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
You give a hug

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
to the airport

Tennis Anyone?

Well, I have to quickly write about Russell's first tennis lesson. I signed him up for some lessons at thru the city rec center. So far everything we have done thru the center has been good, so I thought this would stand a chance at being good too. I was only a little bit wrong – it was great!!! We have only had one lesson, but it was worth every penny just for that one hour. Russell enjoyed every second. He just smiled the entire hour, even when they had to pick up all the balls all over the court. What really made me happy was just witnessing the pure joy on his face, it was amazing. It has been a long time since I have really seen that. Probably not since this summer. It was really cold that night and he had on a knit ski cap and it totally reminded me of when we lived in OK and Russ was about 3, playing at the playground and loving life.

As far as the tennis skills, I think he did well for never picking up a tennis racquet before. There was one game that they held a cone upside down and they had to catch a ball after it bounced. Russ only caught like 1 ball out 25, but he never gave up and he just kept trying and smiling. But as far as hitting the ball, he did well. The coach was so positive and had so much energy – you could tell that tennis is his passion and coaching kids really energizes him. That guy said something positive after every swing, hit, miss, try, etc.

On the ride home, Russ was on cloud 9. He really liked it. And one thing he mentioned that surprised me a bit was that he thought tennis was good for him because he had to really focus on the ball and nothing else.

By Popular Demand

Some of you are not on FaceBook and haven't seen my great creation..... Ha! Well, here ya' go! And here is the link to the recipe for the chocolate cake and frosting.... Thanks again Schelley!

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/

Sick City

Yeah, so you can guess, we are sick. It started with Rowan the day after his birthday. I thought it was the shots he got. Nope, that icky cold virus going around. Ugh. So for a week plus he has not been sleeping well, congested, cough, fever – the works. (On a positive note, it really is his first bad cold, hurray for breastmilk!) So, last Wednesday I took him in to the Dr. and the Dr. said, if he's still running a temp. tomorrow bring him back. AAAHHH!!! But I am here TODAY. So, we ended up back at the Dr. on Friday and sometime between Weds. and Friday Rowan got an ear infection. Now, I am a little suspicious only b/c it went from, Oh his ears are fine to Oh, definitely an ear infection. Whatever. He still isn't sleeping well and rubbing his ear a lot. Hopefully tonight will be better. Oh, wait, I forgot to mention that Adam is gone and so it is all me. Yaawwwwnnnn… achoo! Yep, I think I am getting the bug (just call me Aimee ZiCam Bright), Rachel has the bug and is complaining about her ear. She complained so much that she even let me clean it, look inside with my otoscope and put drops in it. It looked red to me; guess we where we are going on Tuesday? So far Russell is staying strong and healthy, but ever since Kindergarten, he rarely gets sick. Hopefully he'll miss this round of the crud. Adam doesn't get back until Saturday. Sunday I plan to sleep all day.

The Birthday Report

Well, time to report on the birthday festivities for the month of February. We started with Rowan's 1^st birthday on the 4^th. We just had a fun little day at home. Rowan loves whipped cream and waffles. So, he got that for breakfast and kept asking for more whipped cream. We made pizza for dinner and had yummy sugar cookies with lots of frosting. A great day all around.

Then on the Friday, the 6^th, Andy and his friend Rachel came from Portland. They came to do some run in the Mojave Desert, not for the birthdays, that was a bonus. Then my dad, Pam & Adelle also drove down Friday night, not for the run in the Mojave, but for the birthdays and to see Andy. It was cold and rainy all weekend and Andy & Rachel got up at like 3am to get ready and drive to the desert for a run in the windy rain and cold. That sounds like A LOT of fun, doesn't it? Weirdos. Rachel has a boyfriend and we always wonder about them b/c Andy and Rachel are always out doing stuff together – backpacking, running, etc. After this weekend, I am beginning to think her BF is a smart guy – who would want to run in the desert in the rain and cold? You know? Rachel was teilling us she's a runner and her BF is a cyclist and neither enjoys the other's sport. So, it works out for them. Back to the weekend…. Andy made a great pre-run dinner on Friday night with some wild rice called Oregon Jewel. According to Andy it is the best wild rice ever. Schelley, I had him bring some for you, it is waiting for your arrival in LV : )

While Andy & Rachel were freezing in the desert, the rest of us went to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. We had not been before and the kids loved it. It is small and crowded, but it was nice to get out of the house. Adam, Dad and the kids went back to the house and those of you who know this, Adam is horrible with directions and getting around. His report to me was – I don't think I impressed your dad with my driving skills. Ha ha. Pam, Adelle & I did a little shopping – gotta keep the teenager happy!! I did put the teenager on a time hack (military term) to keep us movin' along and not shopping all night. Adelle was pretty cute with the time hack – she'd check the time frequently and report how much time we had left. In fact, in Juicy Couture, I got a few weird looks when I said, "Adelle, 5 mninutes, Hack." These ladies looked at us like I was from Mars. Pretty funny.

Sunday, we had planned to go to Red Rock Canyon and do some hiking, but it was still raining!!! Dad, Adam & Russell headed out to Bass Pro to fart around. Pam and Adelle went back to Juicy to shop some more. Rachel went back to Oregon and Andy and I stayed home with Rowan and Rachel. I made a hamburger cake which turned out AWESOME. During this time, Rowan caught a cold and was very grumpy. So that night we did the cake and presents for both the boys. Needless to say they had a very fruitful birthday.

Let me report on the cake. The cake was delicious!!!! We made hamburgs and hot dogs for dinner, so I had thought it would be fun to make a cake that looked like a hamburger. After reading endless tips online on how to make it, I realized the key to a successful hamburger cake would be Peanut Butter Frosting. I don't like to make frosting from scratch, I always screw it up. Unless, it has cream cheese, I can do that, don't ask me why. So, I searched for a recipe and didn't find one to my liking. So, I turned to Schelley, as I always do when in a recipe dilemma. Of course, Schelley has made PB Frosting and gave me a great recipe. Hello, BONUS – it was made WITH cream cheese. I didn't even ask about a recipe with cream cheese, I just wanted a good recipe. It was meant to be, I had to make the frosting. Can I just say – YUM. Yum yum yum. It like melted in your mouth, it was so good. It is now everyone's fave frosting. YUM. I also used fondant for the lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Whipped vanilla frosting for the mayo and red icing for the ketchup, All of that was pre-made or pre-colored. It was a really fun cake.

On Monday, everyone went home. It was a houseful, but didn't seem like it. Adam left on Tuesday for New Mexico and he'll be there until the 21^st. Russell's actual birthday is Feb. 12^th. So, I made cupcakes for his class – beach and shark cupcakes. The shark cupcakes had blue frosting with a grey cardstock fin sticking out of the water and the beach cupcakes had white frosting with graham cracker crumbs and little umbrellas for embellishment. The kids loved them. Russ's classroom has a beach theme too, so the kids really liked that. Russ had a great day – calls on the phone, emails, a video email from the McKinneys singing Happy Birthday with the cha cha cha and at the end a triumphant HI-Ya! Hi- Ya indeed, a great way to end the birthday celebrations.

 

As It Turns Out, A Super Sunday

So, this morning around noon, someone rings our doorbell. This hardly ever happens, except with the UPS guy. I look thru the peep hole and it looks like a potential holy roller, but I open the door anyway. As it turns out a 13 year old boy in one of the quadrants of our neighborhood/community was missing. 13. He had gone out about 9am to walk his dog and they found the dog, but no boy. So they were passing out flyers in hopes that someone saw something. Adam had been out jogging that morning, but hadn't seen anything.

Your heart just stops beating for a second when you hear news like that. 13. We offered our help if they needed more people to pass out flyers, whatever, anything. Although sometimes the best way to help is to stay out of the way, as there were probably 100 people out at the gate with the police. The helicopter was out, people were out on their ATVs searching the desert area behind our neighborhood; it seemed like a lot was being done to find him. Then around 2:30 or so, everyone was gone and the neighborhood was back to its norm.

Adam and I were worried for this boy and his family. As a parent, you can only imagine just a bit of the terror they must be going through. It was hard to get excited for the Superbowl. However, during the Superbowl, Adam was checking the Internet to see if any news had turned up. They did end up finding him all the way down near the strip, right around the time the police and everyone had left here. The article said that he was distraught, upset, and seemed unharmed.

What a relief! We have no clue what of the details are, but just glad that this had a positive outcome. News and situations like this just want to make you hold your children a little bit tighter, you know? We often wonder if we are overprotective of our kids and today the answer was and still is absolutely not.

We Finally Have Our Crawler!

Many of you may know that Russell & Rachel were NOT crawlers. Strictly rollers, (rolling around on the floor to get where they wanted to be), then they pulled up and walked. They walked along the couch, behind toys and then they just toddled off all by themselves. It was funny that they were both the same and they both started walking at 11 months.

Now, after what seems like weeks of trying, Rowan is crawling. He started right after Christmas. He would get on all fours and rock back and forth and then belly flop on the floor. He would get so mad and pissy and about it too. Then one day he started pulling up on the couch and we thought, oh maybe he'll skip crawling. No way, he doesn't even like to pull up any more – like it is a waste of his time. He crawls all over the place and it is so cute. That little diaper butt wiggles back and forth and he's making some sweet little sound as he travels about. He is pretty fast too. He loves to crawl upstairs from anywhere into Russ & Rach's room. I swear he is with me one second and the next thing I know he is in with the other two, loving life.

He does this thing where he crawls and then sort of kneels on knee and gets his other foot in position to stand up. We used to think that he wanted to stand, but no, that means "Pick me up". He doesn't seem to be too interested in walking right now.

Some other fun things he does right now – he points to everything. Tonight he was pointing to the counter. I thought he wanted a bink, so I gave him one and he shook his head no. How cool is that? The other day at Speech, he pointed to a poster he wanted to look at. So, I took him over to it and when he was done looking at the poster, he waved bye-bye at it.

He loves when Rachel will reach over and hold his hand in the car. He just laughs this big joyful laugh. Thinking of the car, he had to get a new car seat. I am a bit of a car seat snob, so I got him a big Britax that he can use until he's ready for the booster seat. He seems to really like it. Maybe it's just me, but I honestly think he likes it better than his old seat.

Oh! He says "Uh oh" all the time. He drops stuff and says 'uh oh' so matter of factly. Then you give him whatever he drops and he waits a bit and drops it again. Uh oh. You get the pattern, it could go on and on. He'll even look at you when he drops something on purpose and then tells you 'uh oh'.

I would almost swear he says "All Done" when he is done eating and you aren't right there with him. It sounds like 'aaaa duhn'. He still won't say "Mama", I have heard him say it recently, but nothing consistent. He is still all about the 'dadadadadadadaaaaaaaaaaa'.

And after taking a break from giving kisses, he's back at it. And lots of 'em. Good slobbery ones too.

Still no teeth. I got him this onesie that says "Teeth are overrated". Well, they are right now, he eats just about anything without them : )

Well, that is the Rowan update. He'll be one on February 4^th and Russell will be 8 on the 12^th. Where has the time gone?

I need to blog about Rachel and preschool, Red Rock hiking, Kadie, guitar hero, and more visitors – the guest suite is booking up fast!!!

The Holiday Report

First, I have to mention that one of my Fantasy Football teams won the Superbowl in our league. I love beating the boys and taking their money! Yea me!! This year's winnings will go towards the treadmill fund. Ours is broke and well, it is time for new one.

This year's holidays were a lot of fun. We drove to Yuba City to spend Christmas with my dad, Pam, & Adelle. It took about 9 hours to drive there in the VAN. I had to buy a roofbag for the van to load up presents. That actually worked out well. The kids did great, Rowan was done about 8 hours into the drive, but he survived and so did we!!! Ha! We had a nice week at my dad's house. They were thrilled to have us and that always makes you feel good. Adam finally got to meet my Uncle Denny & Aunt Michelle and one of their daughters, Sherilyn. He also got to meet my dad's mom and her husband Elmer. AND, as if that weren't enough, he got to meet all of Pam's immediate family, which is an experience in and of itself! The kids got to experience a big family Christmas, with 20+ people. Russ really loved it and wants to go every Christmas. He was really fun – helping set the tables for Christmas dinner, deciding that all the women should sit at the table that had the floral tablecloth and floral china. He even made a sign for the women's table! Ha! His seating arrangement didn't quite work out ; ) Rowan was appropriately cute and was the cuddly pass around baby. Rachel was tired, so she was Rachel. It was a full day, something we aren't used to having on Christmas. But, we enjoyed it and are glad we made the effort to go. Next year, I think we'll stay home. It is a lot of work to pack up all the kids gifts and such.

I think the highlight for me was taking Rachel to see the Nutcracker in Sacramento. My mom took me for many years to the Nutcracker in SF. I think we went every year with Schelley and Barbara Olhava. It was always such a special day and the SF Ballet's Nutcracker was (I assume still is) over the top. The stage sets, the dancing, the costumes – all superb. Now, the Sac Ballet isn't quite as spectacular, but for what they have as far as resources, I think it was well done. Rachel was so excited to go and she was wearing this adorable little snowman dress and leggings and she looked perfect! I was just so thrilled when the orchestra started playing and Rachel immediately exclaimed – It's like Little Einsteins! She pointed out the conductor and then had compared it again to Little Einsteins. It was so cute. Then the dancers started entering the stage and I have to admit I teared up. I never realized how important it was to me to share this experience with Rachel. It's something I'll never forget and I look forward to seeing it again with her.

The drive home was going well until we hit traffic in Barstow and that added 1.5 hours on to the drive. Yikes. We got home on the 27^th and it felt good to be home. It never fails, no matter how great of time you have away on vacation, it always feels good to be home.

Adam's mom, stepdad and Morgan came for New Years and we did Christmas all over again with them! That was fun. We stayed up until midnight (Russ & Rach included). We went out and made a raucous. The kids loved that and were all jazzed about what was next. Go to bed? What??? Ha! New Years Day Jamie and I hopped to Dillards for their 50% off sale and got some great bargains. Friday we went to Ethel M Chocolate Factory which wasn't anything too great. They have a wonderful cactus garden to tour. That was fun. Then we went to a BBQ place my hairstylist highly recommends – Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ. And since my middle name is Lucille, we had to go! They have fried pickles. And, if you haven't ever had a fried pickle, they taste exactly what you'd think a fried pickle tastes like! Pretty good, but not something you eat more than a couple.

So here we are back to a normal week. Russ went back to school Monday, Rachel on Tuesday and Rowan and I have colds. Adam back at work and is busier than ever. My New Year's resolution is one that I hope to accomplish. I have been playing with the idea of writing a children's book. I even bought a book about writing children's books. A few years ago Russ said the funniest thing to Pam – We could go to time out together! She had asked him if he wanted to get her in trouble by allowing him to do something I had already said no to. Then he said the quote. I have always thought that would make such a fun book. So, I have written a draft, it needs a lot of work, but I really hope to finish it and send it off and see what happens. Now that I have typed it and published it in my blog, I must really try to do it!!!!! I'll keep you posted….

Snow Day in Vegas??? Unbelievable.

Today, Thursday, December 18, 2008 is a no school day due to snow in Las Vegas. Have I now seen it all???? Maybe not, but what a surprise. Yesterday it did snow at our house, but this morning it is raining and I thought for sure the kids would go to school. But, I guess the district is so big that some areas of Vegas have a lot of snow and if you close one school in the public system, you close them all. It is weird that they closed school today and tomorrow is the last day before Winter Break.

Yesterday was such a great day. Russell had no school because his school had Parent Teacher Conferences. So, being the ultimate mom, I planned his dentist appointment the same day so he wouldn't have to miss school. Miss school for the dentist? Yes, because the children's dentist we are using is 25 minutes away (and so worth the drive) and Russ goes to school until 4pm, so he would have to miss school to go to the dentist. ANYWAY! Russ did great at the dentist, even had 4 sealants put on his first permanent molars, no cavities and a good cleaning. Rachel…. Well, she's another story. She would not have xrays taken and she pretty much did a scream / yell the whole time the dentist looked in her mouth. Which is typical for Rachel the last 2 times she went to the dentist in Florida. All that said, no cavities either and not worth the screaming for the cleaning. We'll try again in 6 months. But, no Happy Meal for the screamer. That was the deal and she broke it. We went to McD's and got Russell his meal and she was so sad. Russell kept trying to convince me to get her one anyway. She told me we could go back to the dentist tomorrow and she'd cooperate. I said No. Then she said let's go back today. Russell has been on this protect Rachel kick lately. If she gets in trouble, he's trying to tell us some excuse for her – she' scared, it was an accident, she didn't mean to, etc. It is very sweet.

We had a good conference with Russell's teacher. We all went to the conference, which was fun. During the conference, Rachel had to use the bathroom and Russ took her (by the hand) to the school potties. When they left, he said they'd be gone for a while and he was right! Too cute. Russ is doing a lot better than the start of school. His teacher is awesome and she really understands Russ and works with him to accommodate his needs in class. She said he's well liked in class and is the resident artist; they have his art all over the place. When they choose groups, Russ never initiates getting into a group, but someone (different every time) always makes sure he gets in a group. She said he is communicating in class well, everyone pretty much always understands him and when he's having a hard time getting it out, he has friends that will finish his sentences for him and Russ always thanks them for helping him. She said he doesn't talk a lot on class, but he is listening well and will tell Mrs. Cayer about a conversation other students have to get her up to speed. His challenges are turning in work timely in class and writing. He hates writing and he hates typing. He just can't get going on writing assignments and by the time he does, many times it is time to move on. Not sure how to overcome that. She suggested maybe we try a fun journal at home where we write a question every day – the sillier the better and have him write a sentence or two to respond. We will try that. We felt good about her observations and suggestions and feel good about Russ being in her class.

One other school story…. The kids in his class had to draw themselves as an elf and the directions were: the funnier looking you make yourself, the better. So, at school before the conference and not knowing the directions for the picture, we see Russ's elf and it is way different than anyone else's. Adam was a little worried, comparing Russ's work to the others. Russ's picture had a yellow face, shark teeth, huge pointy ear, goofy hair, etc. and all the others pretty much looked like themselves. In the conversation with Mrs. Cayer she had told us about Russ's picture and how he was the only one that could think and accept making himself look weird and he really got into it. Cool! Russ is a different thinker and he is always thinking.

After the conference it started to snow. We did a couple of errands and went home! Once the snow built up a little, the kids went out and played. They managed to scrape a few snowballs together and throw them at each other. We also baked cookies. I had to make some for Rachel's class (no school, so now we have a lot of cookies…) and we made some for us. Typically we really have to supervise the kids when they decorate Christmas Cookies. Rachel always needed help spreading the frosting. But this year, they didn't really need us or want us the whole time. They sat at the table and did cookies, one by one. Some have mounds of frosting and sprinkles, some are carefully executed works of art, but all of them are beautiful! Adam and I did get to decorate a few, but we really just let them do their thing and listen to them talk and work together. When we were at the table, Rachel would always ask for help that she didn't need. So, while we would have liked to it there with them, it was fun to observe from 'afar' and appreciate it all. Such a great day!!!

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