Christy opens the cannon window at Ft Atkinson 

They arrive!

My week as a full time soccer mom has begun. I ran some laundry, stuck supper in the oven, did some dishes, and went to get #2 at soccer practice. Kurt arrived at 6:30 with kids #3 and #4. #1 stayed at the farm saying he'd come over "if we did something special". You all can guess how I reacted to that :)

I'm out of the dreaded 'pac until Monday, April 3rd. Today was supposed to be my official date of separation. I got to work, fired up my computer, and saw I had a calendar reminder that said, "Last Day at Work - 59 minutes overdue". So sad. I wanted to try and keep it up so it could continue to tally for me until our next mythical close date in August. It didn't work though.

I have big plans for my vacation next week. I want to order wedding pictures, finish wedding preparations, work on the kids' scrapbooks, figure out some curtains for the living room, and sell my grandpa's truck. I'd also like to make it through some more boxes. Maybe part of my plan should be to be a such a fantastic wifey-poo and evil step mother that Kurt sees the light and says, "screw the severance! Go ahead and quit!"

Irritation

Kurt and I have reached the point in our marriage where we irritate each other. JOY! It mostly has do to with my sister giving the entire family the plague last week which made our vacation less than relaxing. (I never knew one man could hold so much gas)("hold" might be the wrong word). Therefore, Chicago was fun but not f**king fantastic fun like I had hoped. We did have an AWESOME room at The Seneca. It was 1 block from the Hancock Tower and 2 blocks from Water Tower place. Despite the ick, Kurt, Amy, Rikki, and I had a good time. We had tapas at www.CafeIberico.com, we went to the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Science and Industry. We also hit the Cheesecake factory, and Second City. Oh yeah and World Bazaar and the Container store.

Now back to the irritating. The children are irritating, my job (which will NEVER end) is irritating, and spring break being over is irritating. Also, one of the stones fell out of my wedding band. The REALLY irritated me. I was mostly over being a crabby crabberson by Sunday. I'm trying to remain in a quasi good mood this week.

Next week we have the kids full time. I can't begin to fathom how much food and laundry that's going to entail. We pick them up Friday night and don't take them back a week from the following Sunday. Pray for me.

This and That

I've been in a scrapbooking mode lately. I've gotten quite a few pages done as well as finished our vacation album. I was planning on getting all the kids' baby books done while I was Unemployed. So much for that idea.

I downloaded a bunch of free fonts which is cool because I have such terrible handwriting. I'd love to have 12 x 12 printer, but we looked and they are terribly expensive.

My sister tells me Target has scrapbooking paper and embellishments on clearance. Of course, yesterday was the first day in months I haven't checked my email at work!

Thursday I went to CR with Kurt. I dropped him at the office then went in search of business casual pants since we're back to dress code. I power shopped and got 3 pair. It was $80 worth of clothing for $42! Gotta love sales and coupons. However, I was done shopping by 2:30 and not due to pick him up until 5. I checked out the phone book and decided to head to coralville to the Reminisce scrapbook store. It advertises itself as Iowa's biggest and best. I don't think it was either, but it was pretty nice. They had a lot of stuff I hadn't seen before. Apparently they have their own paper line and they are VIP vendors for other stuff. They were all a twitter because some scrapbooking celebrity was coming in that night. Thankfully, I'm not so far gone that I know who those people are!

Nicky and I have a lot of homework so I better get us started!

Annoyed!

I found out today that my center is staying open until AUGUST 25TH! I'm completely annoyed! I hate that they expect us to bend to their every whim with no warning whatsoever. "We're closing March 10" "No, wait make that March 29th" "NO wait, August 25th" "What you've planned a vacation, doctors appointments, and committee meetings? That's too bad. OH, and NO we don't know what your schedule will be".

I've had a lot of tenured employees with vacation leave because they were told they would be jobless. They are now in jobs where they don't have benefits.

I guess on many levels me still having a job is good. It's too late for me too pick up more school hours this semester, it will be better for us when when fill out loan applications, and it may help our custody case. BUT it's still annoying.

It's A Feast!

Sometimes I make great meals. Today was evidently one of them. As I set everything on the table, Christy proclaimed, "It's a feast! We've got turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and corn!" The turkey was on sale for .69 a pound. A family of 6 can't resist a deal like that! I've had it for a while, but this was the first week I remembered to get it out to thaw so we could have it for the weekend.

Kurt and I are both sick-ish. We've got hot and cold flashes, stuffy heads, and alternate stuffy and runny noses along with a horrible come and go headache. It's been since Wednesday night. I hope it ends soon.

On an awesome note, this was the last weekend I have to work. My program is going M-F from 8 am to 9pm this next week. Plus I took days off so I only work M W and F this week!

Kurt has to go to MO for work the first week in March. I'm not excited about it in the least. Plus since we have Parent Teacher conferences he'll have to go, come back, and the go again.

I got our vacation scrapbook done. It's 26 pages in 8.5 x 8.5 size. I'm really impressed with a couple of the pages. I should be a scrapbooking Diva and scan in some of the pages. Now I'm working on one of Ryan as well as miscellaneous pictures I have lying around.

A Feast!

The Kiss 

The Wedding Party 

Mr and Mrs 

The Wedding Feast 

White Roses 

The Exchange of Rings 

Still Waiting

I haven't gotten any wedding pictures from the Wonder Twin yet. He didn't have a cd to burn them to last night so when I went to get them today the mailbox was empty :-(

Why is it that right after I move or change my name I get free address labels in the mail? I had some arrive from the March of Dimes the day after the ceremony. UGH. It's hard to get something for nothing these days!

More Changes

As of 1 o'clock February the 8th, I became a Mrs! Kurt and I got married in our civil ceremony (in our living room). Rikki, Amy, and Brian were in attendance along with the magistrate and the dog. It was short and sweet. We are still having our Wedding in June in front of friends and family. This earlier ceremony came about so I can continue to be insured after my job ends.

The five of us went and celebrated at Biaggis. Kurt and I spent the night in the Roman Suite at www.super8ofurbana.com. It was VERY nice ( i was shocked)(plus we got a great deal since it was in the middle of the week).

Hopefully I will have pictures soon. It was a wonderful day. So far it's been a very successful marriage :)

OH and we sold the other house too!

In front of the Paddle Wheel 

Erosion exhibit at the American River Museum 

The Main Altar at the Basilica in Dyersville 

The Home Stretch

Tonite and Sunday are the last two nights that I will have to work until midnite. Starting on Monday, my program at work will start closing at 10pm. Thank goodness! Kurt and I need the sleep. Our schedules do not jive at all with me not getting home until 12:45 or 1 am.

Work has begun to have state services coming in to help us "dislocated workers". I have a feeling as we get closer to the closing date the staffing around here is going to be pretty pathetic.

I was a bad girl and skipped both my classes this week. I was just too exhausted to go.

Tomorrow is our pretrial hearing for the custody case. It's also the day that the mediation and trial dates will be set. Pray for an open date soon. Unfortunately it will probably be sometime this summer. Let's hope "good things come to those who wait" is true.

It's a struggle

Every weekend it's a struggle to get the kids to do their homework, brush their hair and teeth, take a shower and put on clean clothes. It's ridiculous.

Today we are going to go to Dubuque to watch the Bald Eagles. Christy loves eagles and the weather looks to be decent. Also, we are Fred-less so it's much better for a long car ride. 5 in the car is oh so much better than 6!

I've been up since 5:30 and am thoroughly irritated about it. I need a nap already. I made bacon and eggs on the huge electric griddle we got for Christmas. It worked out awesome + it's fully immersible for clean up!

Christy getting ready for her party 

My honey bunny wishing he were the one asleep! 

My adorable nephew Ryan 

Free at Last, Free at Last!

My center is closing March 10th - 60 days (well 59 now) and I will be unemployed. Bring on the severance baby!

Merry Christmas

We want to wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas. We hope you were able to spend the day with your loved ones. We also hope, that unlike us, you didn't eat yourselves silly.

Kurt and I are both beyond full. He is at home and I am at work. I had to work 6 pm to Midnite tonight. The boredom is the worst part of it. I've been here two hours and i believe there have been 3 calls in that time. Woooo Hooooo. I've already done all my work, cleaned out my desk, and organized my overhead. I should have brought a book to read or something.

We had a very enjoyable holiday. The kids were pretty happy with their gifts.....at least Nick and Christy were. Fred and Alex seemed disappointed....even though they got what they requested (the reasonable, non-ipod items anyway). We had our Christmas duck on Marcile's china along with her red goblets and Santa nut cups.

The six of us went to my parents for the traditional Christmas Eve with oyster stew. Kurt found a pearl in his oyster. My parents, my grandpa, my sister, my brother-in-law and my sweet little nephew were all there. I spent a lot of time holding and changing the baby. I noticed Kurt never held him. We talked about it today and he said he was afraid if he did he would want another. (Need to get that kid in his arms!)

We had to have the kids back to the PP by 10 so it was an early night. It gets harder and harder to leave them there. Hopefully we won't have to soon. It was back to my parents today for Christmas breakfast and lunch. It was very mellow involving much sleeping and looking at the baby. Not too exciting.

Tomorrow we're heading up to Rochester to get together with Kurt's family. It should be fun. We haven't been to his brother's house before.

Woooo Hoooooo!!!

Got my grades!
2 - A's and a B-!!

3.56 GPA for the semester.....3.22 overall.

Whew!

Christmas Robbers?

Last night was Christy's Christmas program. She told us last weekend that she was an elf and that other kids were Santa, cops, robbers, and a mayor. It was a hoot! The kindergarten thru 4th graders sang during the first part. Then the 5th graders put on a short play while the 4th and 5th graders acted as a chorus. The premise was that the robbers stole the key to Christmas. Christy looked scared to death. I'm sure the bright red spots on her elf cheeks made her look all the paler. She had 3 or 4 times that she spoke multiple lines. We are so amazed and proud. Being on stage in front of hundreds of people...Astounding progress for our backward, unsocialized former "home school" kid. She had a pointy green hat and pointy green shoes. Her elf smock had jingle bells on the ends. I had forgotten my camera. I still don't have the hang of this mom thing.

I got my birthday $ from my aunt so I bought the Garth Brooks cd set. It's not what i thought it would be but it's still pretty good. She also sent $ to get the dog groomed. Thank goodness. He's a little stink pot!

Fred is here today. He's gonna apply for jobs. Do I hear an "amen?"

In the Mood

...to bake cookies that is! I've got the lights lit, the Christmas carols going and the butter softening as the snow comes down outside. I wrapped a couple of presents this morning while I watched the View. I love days off!

Kurt is in New Jersey. I hate it when he is gone. Magoo is moping around too. Kurt said it's supposed to snow out there tomorrow. He comes home Saturday morning. I hope he doesn't get delayed.

I think a nap may be necessary while my dough chills.

Big Blue in the Snowstorm 

Wrap up and Review

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! I had a pretty decent day. It was my day off (what could be better than that!). I got some money from my Grandpa so Kurt and I went to pizza hut for lunch and then uptown for some pie. I came home, had a nap, and did some homework. I've had more exciting birthdays, but this one was pretty relaxing and relatively stress free. The best present EVER would be if our damn house would sell!!

I found the crock pot, the serving and mixing bowls, and the missing corning ware. They were in the bottom of the cupboard at the other house. I SWEAR I've looked there a dozen times. Kurt was convinced we'd been robbed. I couldn't see, how out of all that CRAP and 100's of boxes in the garage, a robber would have been able to single out the things i use on a daily basis.

Kurt has a huge project due tomorrow night. He didn't get home til 2 am last night (I only beat him by 15 min). Driving home in the dark and blowing snow was a special bonus. Yet another thing I for which I can thank APAC. He'll be even later tomorrow night.

Last week I took everyone to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was good! Christy thought it was a little scary, Alex was disappointed things had been left out and minimized, but everyone was glad to go. Plus it was free popcorn night!

The house is starting to shape up. The end of the tunnel is getting near for school. I may make it to the end of the year!

Uh Oh

My fortune cookie said "you will soon change your present line of work".

NOT good when there is great and realistic fear that my center will close and my job will disappear by the beginning of the year!

I wish:

• the dang house would sell
• we had the kids full time
• i were done with college
• i had a diet Pepsi right now
• Kurt and I could spend 24 uninterrupted hours together (preferably in a hotel with a king size bed, a hot tub, and room service)
• I knew if was going to have a job after dec 31
• we could find my crockpot, serving bowls, and the other box of food
• i worked regular hours so i wouldn't have to keep vampire hours
• i were asleep

It never ends

The continuous cycle of dishes, meals, and laundry that is. I'm supposed to be writing my paper, but all of these other things keep getting in the way. I did get all of my other homework done as well as getting my introduction written. Plus I have all of tomorrow as well as most of Tuesday to get it done.

We got a lot of work out of Alex this afternoon. Two girls stopped by and he kept raking the entire time (trying to impress them I guess). It's been pretty laid back around here. It's been nice to have days off from work. It would get pretty each to get used to that's for sure!

Stressing!

Stress, stress and more stress....that's the only thing we have a lot of around here!

I have a paper to write, I have 5 articles to review, and I have a take home test to do.

Work still exists, but who knows for how much longer.

We have a parenting class to take.

We need to find a recipe that calls for lots of tomato paste because that is our main food supply right now.

The Old Mill - Only 2 blocks away 

Happy Halloween

Just another exciting day here in paradise. I had chiro, school,work, school and work. I love Mondays sooo much.

Kurt took Nick and Christy trick or treating. I had the camera so no pictures I'm afraid. Nick was a duct tape Knight with sword and Christy was a Ninja. Kurt wore my Frankenstein head band/hat thing so he got some candy too!

I still haven't' taken a picture of the house, but I do have one of the Mill that's only a few blocks away...We have a slight view of the River from here.

Wednesday Kurt and I are going to Des Moines to see my nephew, Ryan and go to the Bon Jovi concert. I'm very excited. I don't think I've seen Bon Jovi since 1989!

Charging up the Batteries

I'm charging up the batteries for the camera because by this time tomorrow I should be an Aunt! My sister and Todd left for the hospital tonite and she is being induced tomorrow morning! I am incredibly excited to see the baby. I've been guessing and guessing and guessing what his name will be but so far I haven't hit on it. I'm taking Friday off to go see them (and to get away from my crappy job). I have a test Friday morning then I'm heading to DSM after that.

This place continues to be a disaster, but it is home. I told Kurt that I don't miss the old house and I'm perfectly comfortable here. Home is where he is...other than that it doesn't matter. However it is VERY nice to have enough space. He said he was thinking the same thing.

This kids seem to love the new house. They've been great the past few weekends. Lewis was a little out of sorts at first, but he shredded some Kleenex and all is well now.

I better hit the books. I hope I can relax in a couple of years once I'm done with class.

It's done

We are moved. We're completely disorganized and can't find anything but we've got it all out of the old house and into the new house.

WHAT a pain in the butt! It took 2 car loads, 1 pick up load, and 3 - 26' rental truck loads. We have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF. There was no screaming, very little swearing, and lots of snacks.

Thanks so much to Mom for bringing lunch, Dad for helping despite working 3rd shift, and to my new favorite number one brother-in-law, Greg (sorry Todd). We would have never ever gotten it done with out Greg.

I'll post some pictures once we get the trash out of the front yard.

Big Day

Today is big day. We're having a graduation party for Fred this afternoon. I'm trying to cook, clean and decorate the garage, do homework (mine and the kids) and pack to move (without messing up the house or the garage) while Kurt and his brother, Kelly change the brakes and rotors in Kurt's car.

Wierdly, I'm the first one up. The second weirdest thing is that Christy is the number 2 person up. We are ALWAYS last.

We've had a decent week. I was in training 8-430 tues-fri so kurt and I got to spend a lot of time together which was nice.

I've got major wedding details set which is also cool!

AWESOME!

Kurt and I went to Alex's 1st parent teacher conferences last night. We heard great remarks from all of his teachers. He doesn't have anything less than an A- in any of his classes. He is #1 in his art class. They all said he is articulate and stays above the fray when the other kids are misbehaving.

The one area where he is having trouble is, of course, spelling. None of the kids can spell.

We are incredibly proud of him and are SO relieved he is in school!

I HATE my job. I have to go back and close tonite from 6pm to midnite. UGH. I will be the only sup there. The list of things I CAN'T do is MUCH larger than the list of things I can do. I have to close tomorrow night too. I do have Sunday off though!

Our house is being shown tomorrow at 12:30 and there is an open house on Sunday from 3-4. I hope we get some offers!

Why?

Why is it always necessary for someone to piss on your parade?

EVEN MORE Big News!

Kurt and I have had an offer accepted on a house in Independence!!!

!!!

Move in date is October 15th.

Yikes! (And Kurt thought LAST year was the year of big changes!)

SO.....if you know of anyone in the market for a lovely house in Waterloo......

More News

Christy has joined the 5th grade band. She is going to be a trombone player. When I asked her if she wanted to go out for band she said "no." As I further explored it, she had decided for herself that it was too expensive. I hugged her and made her promise that before she makes any decisions about what she can or can not do she needs to talk to us. I told her we had a trombone. Her face lit up. I said it wouldn't cost anything for her to be in band so if she wanted to join all she had to do was tell us. She goes "I want to play trombone! I want to be in the band!"

We went to band tonight and signed the child up. Of course, she wasn't allowed to go with us. We were the only parents there sans children.

Lessons start on Tuesday!

Big News!

The stars appear to be aligning.....

Kurt and I are getting married :) It's looking like June 18th. (yes, I know it is a Sunday).

We are very excited. He told the kids. They were like, "ok". Kurt asked if any of them were listening. Christy said with enthusiasm, "I am!"

YAY!

HA!

Told ya so! I was right. The PP did, in fact, Round-up the lawn!

As my sister says, "What a freak".

Do Not Disturb

Kurt is coming home tonight!

At last

Fred finished his GED today with an 800 on the science portion. He now has an education (ha!). Plus I got him 90% signed up for health insurance. All that's left is for him and the PP to come up with the incredibly cheap premium by October 1st.

The next step is to get him off the child support and wait for him to come to his senses. We can concentrate on socializing and educating the other 3 now.

Also it is T- 2 days til my hunny bunny comes home. Thank God! I do NOT like being alone. I will gladly give up the middle of the bed to have him home.

Happy Labor Day!

It's so nice that I'm not laboring for once. I actually don't have to work anymore holidays this year. It will be first time ever since I started working that I've been able to say that!

We ended up not going to the Renfest. I looked at radar and a big storm was parked right over it. I didn't feel like drive 1.5 hours, paying $40 entrance, and then as Fred said, "Looking at a thunderstorm." I rented SAHARA instead. Everyone enjoyed it. It was pretty good; not as good as the book of course, but still fun.

Magoo and I went to my parents' for lunch today. I had ribeye and the dog had a pig's ear. My sister was up from DSM. The baby, 2.0, was kicking but not when anyone but Marn could experience it. Apparently, he doesn't like to perform.

Talked to Kurt, he was watching the ferries load and unload. He had another wonderful FRESH seafood meal. I'm jealous. This time it was big, juicy, sweet scallops. I may have to go to Red Lobster tonite!

Sugar Overload

Alex had to make no bake cookies for his foods class. It's not often that something is too sweet for me, but MAN these cookies are sweet! They turned out pretty well, but I'm wondering if he wrote the amount of sugar down correctly.

Apparently, I have an exceptional set of measuring spoons since I have an 1/8 teaspoon and a 1/2 tablespoon measure, neither of which are standard according to Mr. Food. However, the praise I garnered for the spoons was quickly replaced with scorn for my "plain salt" and "imitation vanilla". He said, scathingly, "iodinized salt is better for you." RE the vanilla I told him to look further and i have real vanilla from Mexico (no doubt harvested by exploited Mexicans).

I've decided to take the kids to the Renaissance Faire. They seldom beg for anything, but I woke up today to Nick in armor, Alex armed with a sword and dagger, and Christy picking out an appropriate medieval outfit. Fred, of course, was a lump on the coach.

YIKES!!

I had my first run in with the PP today. I went to pick up the kids since Kurt is out of town.

She got out of the van screaming and yelling; demanding to know where Kurt was. She then told me I didn't need to have the kids. I replied that we have custody on the weekends. She said, "Kurt does. You don't."

My heart was racing and I was shaking. I left and called Kurt. I drove a mile down the road and waited while he got it all straightened out with her. I ended up being able to pick up them up and bring them home. As soon as I got to the farm I turned around so I was headed out. I left the engine running and didn't get out.

Christy ran out to the car and hopped in. She exclaimed, "I love you" as soon as she got in. We got home at 2:15. None of them had eaten or bathed. Christy and Nick hadn't bathed since last weekend when they were here.

I can not imagine how Kurt lived there as long as he did. I'm shocked the kids aren't worse off than they are. I had planned on taking them to the Renaissance Fest tomorrow, but her reaction has me spooked. I'm worried that something bad might happen while we are there and it would give her fuel. I think we'll go see the March of the Penguins.

And so it begins...

I'm ill. Or I'm getting ill. My throat hurts, my eyes are itchy and watery, and I, of course, have my horrible cough. There are some nose issues too.

I have to close Friday night. I'm not very excited about that.

I ordered prints online from Walgreens tonite. I'm trying to pre-plan scrapbook pages for the Crop for the Cure on Sept 17th. I went to the scrapbook store here in town. It's been a while since I've been there. My absence has resulted in the store going out of business! Oops! Everything is 25% currently. I didn't find much I wanted however.

Tomorrow night I have Nick's 6th grade orientation. He seemed relieved that at least one parent would be there. (Obviously, Kurt can't go as he's on the coast; the PP's lack of attendance is also obvious!)

Sleepless in Seattle

Kurt is in WA right now. Just north of Seattle. He'll be there til possibly sept 9. I'm really the one that can't sleep, but thinking of titles is difficult!

I have tons to do. I should probably study 2-4 hours a day, i have work, I'm still chasing down school stuff with the kids, plus we're trying to get pre approved for a mortgage so we can move. AAAACCCCKKKK!!!

Is it over yet?

Tomorrow is the end of the first week of school. I'm exhausted already. I can't imagine how tired I would be if we had the kids full time.

I'm amazed I'm still awake.

The Gods are Smiling

We appear to have two children on the bus on their way to school.

Kurt went to the farm this morning to make sure the kids were up, clean, and ready to go to school.

The PP ordered him off the farm so he watched from across the road.

Christy goes tomorrow. We have orientation with her teacher today (which the PP has REFUSED to allow Christy to go to) saying she has an earlier appointment. Interestingly, I didn't see her name on the list when we were there.

Alex has missed yet another day of Cross Country practice. Today will make a week and a half. There a more forms we need as well as proof of insurance. If he doesn't get there soon it's going to be pointless.

Yesterday the PP chose to have Nick SKIP the REQUIRED 6th grade orientation so that he could watch the drive for customers. NICE. Kurt took flew down, got him, and took him to it. Nick was pretty nervous/shocked etc the first half but perked up the second. They met all the teachers and ran through a mock school day.

I wish we could get all this stuff straightened out. It would be nice too if we could trust the PP. HA! I crack myself up!

Raising children from across the road is pretty difficult.

Little School on the Prairie 

Albert the Bull 

Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead 

At the Falls 

Hard boiled egg on a stick 

The big Turkey and his leg 

Food of the Gods - Cheesecake on a stick! 

The Little Mermaid and the Danes 

We're back!

We had quite the trip! We started the week out in a blue Town and Country from Texas and ended up with a White Ford Freestar from South Dakota! We came home with the same amount of children with which we started out. We came home poorer and more relaxed. It was a good trip. Everyone behaved and had a good time (myself included).

We went to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead in De Smet, the Falls in Sioux Falls, and the USS South Dakota Memorial. We also had little side trips to Albert the Bull, the Danish villages of Western Iowa, the Loess Hills as well as a day at the Iowa State Fair.

My 15 year class reunion was last night. Kurt went with me. It was a surprisingly good time. About half of us were there. It was nice to visit with everyone and catch up. It wasn't nearly as wild as our 5 year (which was a relief)!

I start school and my new job tomorrow. The boys start school on Wednesday and Christy starts on Thursday. They are all excited. We hope the PP is going to be supportive. It's not looking good right now though as she is denying she ever told Alex she would pick him up from two activities a year. He is already a week late starting cross country practice. We are hoping for the best.

We are disappointed in Fred's decision to postpone going to college. He is pretty much planless. He's going to work at something somewhere. We have a terrible feeling it's going to be for free on the PP's farm.

We are now torturing the children by having them write thank you notes to Grandma and Grandpa. It's obvious that school is going to be a HUGE adjustment for them.

Vacation = Leisure right?

We are on vacation this week. Vacation is supposed to be relaxing right? Not around here. We've spent the past 3 days trying to get the kids ready for school. We decided the best plan of attack was to take 1 kid per day, get school clothes, and then school supplies. It hasn't been too bad, but Kurt was pale on several occasions. One was buying our daughter a bra and bikini underwear, the other was when I told Alex, "You're a man, you can decide what you want." Our Sears card is HOT HOT HOT. I'm surprised the company hasn't called to see if it was stolen!

Today Christy, Kurt, and I went and toured her school. She got to see everything, meet the secretary and her math teacher, as well as see where her classroom will be. There will only be 16 kids in her class which we feel will be a good transition for her. All the kids are excited about school. I don't think anyone could be more excited than Kurt and I are!

We also looked a 5 bedroom house that may be in our price range. It would be wonderful to have enough room for everyone and 2.5 baths!

I took the 3 youngest kids to get haircuts. Fred has decided not to attend college, to stay on the farm with the PP and to get a job. He said he'll start school in January. Hopefully that is true. His no school decision however has eliminated the need for us to get him school clothes and supplies.

I need to assemble everything we need for vacation tonite. I rented a minivan so that I will be able to stand the trip. It's been a never ending cycle of laundry, dishes, and meals here. Hopefully it will be cool the next few days.

IT'S A MIRACLE!!!

The PP has allowed us to register ALL 3 KIDS for school!!!

We are STUNNED!

What happened? Did she take our threats of suing for custody seriously?

Did she see us coming out of the lawyer's office on Wednesday?

Did she get struck by lightning?

Could she (gasp) be doing something that has the kids' best interests at heart?

Who cares...it is a miracle!

Now we just have to wait for Aug 24 and see if any of them actually go.

Not much new

So far the weekend has been relaxing. Christy is constructing a "Marble Course". She is quite the recycler. It is made of toilet tissue tubes, tape, yarn, and a raisin bran box. She's about to test it out on the front porch.

We were going to go to the river today for a picnic. However, I decided I can't face 4 hours in the car with the kids so I think we are going to head to Pine Lake State Park for our picnic. Tonight we may go the see a waterski show. (FREE!).

Fred continues to be Fred. Turns out Nick is a lot like him. If you want either of them to be quiet ask them a direct question. Alex has also had moments of "delightfulness" this weekend. Namely, when we told him he could ride a head on the bike trail yesterday if he kept an eye on his sister. We watched him catch up to her, lap her, and then end up on the opposite side of the lake from her. Good job, son. I scolded him, sent him back around, and then lo and behold he he came ALONE again. Nice.

We've told all the kids we're getting them haircuts during vacation. Hopefully if the PP comes near them with a bowl and scissors they will run screaming in the other direction.

Kurt was so sweet. He bought me a dozen roses without OBVIOUS PROMPTING (yeah right) at the Evil Empire yesterday. I paid for them and said (loudly), "oh honey! You are so thoughtful and spontaneous!" I'm surprised the look he gave me didn't wilt the flowers. The lady behind us laughed, her husband laughed nervously, and the 16 yr old male clerk looked frightened!

Swinging Single

That would be me! Kurt is on business in MN through Wednesday. It's just me and the dog. It's very quiet and very dull here.

We survived the weekend trip to Kurt's folks (despite no brakes in the truck). Kurt told me they went all they way to the floor. I replied, "it's an old truck". Little did I know (they still worked when I drove it!).

I thought i was going to die of heatstroke at kurt's parents. I couldn't sleep. I keep our house like a meat locker. Audra Kae had theirs at 78 degrees i think. She asked if we needed a blanket since the nights get chilly. At one point i tried to roll Kurt off the airbed so I could take it outside and sleep on the deck where it was cool.

We got 2 loads of stuff. It was nice being on the loading end for once so I could do a presort. The new fridge is NICE! Since we got home on Saturday, we called and got the kids on Sunday. We had a day of hauling stuff in and hauling the stuff we are replacing out.

I had free bowling passes so we went and bowled 2 games after supper. Nick is pretty good! Admittedly he had bumpers but he wasn't using them all that much. Alex, of course, was all about winning. At least he was a slightly better sportsman than usual. He really doesn't believe the "it's how you play the game" bit. Christy wore her purple butterfly shirt and a new denim mini skirt. The skirt is way too big, but i guess that is an improvement over way too small. It was nice to see Fred smiling again. Kurt was too tired to bowl, I believe. He probably slipped and fell at least 6 times. I bowled like usual. Some frames were HOT and some were very very bad. I did end up with 114 the second game however.

It's too bad it costs so much for 6 people to go out and do stuff. We all had some quality family time though.

Another Monkey joins the bunch! 

A Tropical Luau

The heat continued for the luau. It was sweltering. We had a good turn out. Lots of food, lots of drinks, and lots of standing in the kiddie pool. I even have the garage put back together. I think next year's luau will have to be in October so that we can breathe!

Today was AWESOME!!! All the windows are open to blow the stink outta here. Greg and Kim (Kurt's brother and sister-in-law) brought us some fun stuff from their house (so they can make space for the stuff they're getting from grandpa and grandma's house). They stayed for dinner. Kim even managed to get Fred to participate in a conversation!

I went shopping and out for apps with Rikki. It was a good day!

Hotter than H E double toothpick

Our AC has died. The repair guy is CUTE ;) He had to go to the shop to get the part. A bolt is stripped out in the blower. I almost had to get a hotel room last night. UGH.

It's going to be hot and tropical for the luau on Saturday. We still have some garage sale items we need to clean up. I got a blow up ukelele. I'm excited!

I'm drowning under laundry at the moment. I'm also dismayed at the shameful state of underwear for this family. Weirdly, I only wash undies for 4 of us. May have to have Kurt investigate what the deal is with that. Then again I may not want to know. (and yes, both Kurt and I are fully covered!)

I was supposed To be off at 4 today, but I'll have to make up time because of the AC guy. I think I'm going to attempt Fried Chicken for dinner tonite. The recipe starts out, "Take your bacon grease. If there isn't enough add a stick of butter". Should be yummy!

Potter Mania

We got two books. One for Kurt (that he is willing to share with the children) and one for me (that they have to keep their grubby little paws off). I finished it at work.

It was great!

Chapter 2 was AWESOME as was Chapter 23!!! I'm excited for the next one. I lent the book to rikki already.

OH and here's a piece of news...one of my coworkers friends met this guy online. Yep you guessed it...my ex husband. Apparently he is no longer using our wedding picture to get dates. What an idiot.

It's 80+ degrees in here. The AC is frozen or something. I may have to get hotel room.

Doldrums

We seemed to have hit the summer doldrums here. I'm scared to go outside because the mosquitos have a feeding frenzy around me. You can literally see them swarm anytime I step foot out of the house. Last week one bit me on my eyelid...MY EYELID!!! It swelled and swelled. Lovely.

Yesterday Kurt, Alex, and the PP toured a high school. Kurt said it went pretty well. I looked at the course catalog. Pretty impressive. I would think Alex would be plotting out which classes he could take while at the same time realizing the PP's totally deficient and grammatically incorrect plan is below subpar. Tomorrow, he and Kurt are touring a high school here in town. I may go along, too.

We drove Christy by a new elementary here in town on Sunday. She was pretty excited (not by anything that would actually help her get educated but we will take what we can get). I told her all she has to do is say, "Mom, I want to go to school". If only it were that simple.

Fred continues to be a pain. Kurt actually had a conversation with him though so that is progress too. Hopefully, the two of them are going to a Sci-Fi book club at Barnes and Noble tonite. The PP hadn't made up her mind if that were to be allowed yet. UGH. I pointed out that Fred doesn't need her permission he is after all 18. Kurt agreed it was a good point. I don't know if he has "processed" beyond that or not.

Nicky is going to have to be our next project. I need to figure out which school he would go to here and where it is. I think being on a swim team may be the way to go with him. It requires more thought.

The Aunt is here from CA and her friend Maria is here from LaCrosse and Guatemala. I had a morning of lunch, shopping, and debating the cosmos with them on Tuesday. That's always exhausting.

School starts for me in a month and a week. Hopefully there will be 5 of us attending classes.

Hot Tired Crabby

Pretty much sums up the state of affairs around here. OH! I forgot

• Mosquito bitten
• Headache-y

Happy Birthday America!

A calmer day here. All the children lived through the night (which is remarkable). I worked this morning til 1330. I went in early because I missed most of last week.

We're trying to get ready to go to my parents and the big Aurora celebration. We have kids doing dishes and bathing while Kurt is unloading the car.

Christy came downstairs wearing a purple and white butterfly shirt, green camouflage shorts, and grey wool socks with a red band. She did not see why she needed to change clothes. I would have taken a picture, but I realize that wouldn't have been nice of me.

We got a load of sparklers, smoke bombs, and snaps for tonite. It should be fun!

Ho Ho Ho! 

Update

It's high stress here. The children are causing us grief. Well it's mostly #1 and his crappy a** attitude.

Kurt's dad, Lyle, had heart surgery last week. It went very, very well but now he thinks he's a new man and can do whatever he wants. We spent 3 days in Sioux Falls with them. Kelly, Kurt's youngest brother was there, too.

On the way out Kurt and I stopped and saw the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN. It's 60 feet tall! I've always wanted to go to Blue Earth (just not for that reason). Back in the 1920's 7 members of my maternal family were killed in a train crash there.

We went to the fireworks downtown last night. They were very good. Hopefully it won't rain tomorrow and we can see some in my hometown.
We've had the kids since Friday night so it's been a constant cycle of meals, dishes, and laundry.