Today we splurged, ALOT! The kids(especially Lizzy) have been asking for a piano for so long. We looked this summer and found them to be WAY out of our price range, especially after the disaster of a summer we have had on our finances! I have to be honest too in saying that looking was also for my own selfish reasons. I LOVE pianos and think they add a wonderful touch to any family room and I have always wanted one. I know that sounds nuts because my mom tried so hard when I was growing up to help me learn and encouraged me to play but being the stubborn child I was, I never really got into it. However, now that I am older I sure wish I would have done things differently. Well, anyways back to the big purchase. We were at Costco (I think the devil lives there!) and found these electric pianos for less than 1/3 the cost of an actual piano. Granted they are not the "piece of furniture" that I wanted to have but they are a start and something to build on for our kids. Academically speaking, I know that many reports show how much smarter kids are that play a musical instrument so that alone is a great selling feature. So....here it is the new piano. We are all so excited. I know Ron has been delighted as we played away (I guess you can't call it play...refer back to top of our story!) and made up words to our song during the middle of the football game. I am quite certain that our songs only added to the game. I am not sure Ron felt the same way....maybe tomorrow we should share that there are headphones that go with it. Nah.....I can only see it as bringing us closer together! Don't you?
So the little man got to play on the blue! Today was the BIG optimist Jamboree at Boise State and Jonathan got to play his first football game. There were 250 teams that played and got their pictures taken today. CRAZY!! Six minutes on offense and six minutes on defense for each team. Jonathan is the number 33 and his position is tight end. He did great and it was the best to see him walk on the field that he holds very dear to his heart. Our team scored! Yipee! But it ended with a tie game. Not bad for the first time many of these boys have ever played with pads and helmets! Go Bulldogs!
The kids are back at school already. Is it just me or did this summer really fly by? We made a family decision and decided to put the kids in our neighborhood school instead of taking them out with me. It was an extremely hard day for me realizing that I was just a mommy and didn't know anyone, any teachers, the schedule or the kids. (Thanks to those of you who called and checked up on me! I appreciate the support.) I suppose you all knew that I was a control freak but I realized just how much of one I was when I went to drop them off. Elizabeth has Mrs. Curtis and Jonathan's teacher is Ms. Woodfield. We shall see how the year progresses. I don't know anything about them, their teaching styles, their likes and dislikes, and the list goes on. Now I know how all of those parents feel when they leave their kids with me. I have seen their faces and wondered why they were so apprehensive. Well, I had that same face and couldn't wait until 3:35 arrived to hear how my babies were! Oh my! In my brain I know we have thought this through and this seems to be the best thing for them, but my heart tells me that my babies belong with me! Maybe it would help if I would get some paperwork home telling me who these people are that are teaching my kids.....would it be too much to ask for a background check and a teaching philosophy?
My mom took some time off to watch the kids for the last two days before the school year starts. (I really needed to get into my classroom to! I am thinking those parents expect at least a room they can walk through!) She decided to take the kids on a DU (Destination Unknown) trip. The kids were excited and spent countless hours trying to figure out where she was going to take them. (With my mom, anyone's guess would be a possibility!) The big "secret" trip, started with a day at the Discovery Center (Sorry, I didn't get those pictures. They were very cute though!), a night in a suite at the motel with a pool, a morning full of more swimming and then a couple games of bowling. Our kids were exhausted but they had soo much fun! What a great way to finish off a wonderful summer and get ready for the new school year ahead! Thanks Grandma! We appreciate your help watching the kids and giving them a great time! You are awesome!
Our 12th Anniversary has come and gone (Bad blogger, bad!) but I have to take a minute (A minute is all I have!) to say how lucky I am to be married to my best friend! In many ways, it is hard to believe that it has been 12 years but on the other hand, I cannot imagine ever not having Ron in my life! I am so very blessed! In honor of our 12th, here are 12 reasons why I love being married to this man.... 1) He loves me no matter what! Probably shocking to all of you but I can be a little moody at times (Haha! I am working on it though!) but he stays calm and collected no matter how much I try to get him all worked up! 2) He works hard and provides everything we need! He goes in to work so very early and is usually the last one to leave. I know he doesn't always want to but he does it for us! 3) He likes to laugh! (Okay, mostly at me but he likes to laugh and I adore his smile! When he has his sunglasses on and smiles, he is one fine specimen!) 4) He understands my need to be around my family! After my dad died, I have a very strong need to be close to the ones I love. I LOVE the fact that even when it is a little too much, he understands and is right there beside me! 5) He loves our kids and communicates with them in such a special way! I love to listen to him explain things to them and take the time to help them understand! What a great daddy! 6) He values friendships and is very loyal! (Great example for our kids and me!) Ron is the only one I know that still calls his BFF from elementary school, his BFF! No matter where they are or what they are doing, Ron will be a friend forever and nothing will ever change. 7) He enjoys the water! (Well, now he does!) This took some doing but he has become a little fish and I couldn't be happier! It is hard to imagine when I first met him, he could have cared less for the water and now he is the one begging me to go out on the lake! 8) He loves the ocean! I can't wait until we retire at the coast and can sit in beach chairs, holding hands and watching the surf! 9) He understands my panic at the beginning of each school year (I know it is crazy but I am always terrified each year just as much as I was the first year I was teaching), the craziness during the year (How many men do you know that ok the purchase of white wedding cake for a letter Q and U wedding?!?!) and then he awaits patiently until my tearful goodbyes stop. 10) He enjoys just hanging out and watching our kids grow up. He likes to have fun and can make an ordinary day fun just by being there! 11) He is a fanatic about Boise State Football! 12) He can make me happy with a smile, he knows when I need him close without me even saying a word, he is content with who I am and helps me to be the best I can be just by being by my side! Happy Anniversary Ron! I have enjoyed every minute of our lives together and cannot wait for the next million more! I love you!!!
Finally we were able to take the boat out and enjoy some time out on the lake! For one reason or another, we just haven't been able to go boating as much this summer. (Silly kids and all of their activities!) Ron finally made it up on skis, Elizabeth finally tried to do our version of "boogy boarding" (The boat pulls them while they just lay on the knee board. We think it helps give them the feel and to not be scared.), Jonathan almost made it up on the wakeboard and so did Aly, Tammy made it up on the skis again after all of these YEARS (haha Tam!) and Teila finally made it over the wake! Too much fun! I didn't get to ski because I have a yucky ulcer in my eye and have to wear my HORRIBLE glasses! I can't wait to get my contacts back! Boating is no fun with glasses!!! It was a fun way to spend the last weekend before school starts and we really get busy.
Tonight was the first night of football practice that Jonathan was able to wear all of the required equipment! All I can say is FUN-NY! First of all, most of the boys can barely hold their heads up with the helmet so they are constantly using their hands to push up their little heads. Then today (combined with the heat!) adding the enormous pads and the padded pants to the attire, they just rolled around on the field and some of them even needed help getting back up. Too cute! They all looked the same....For a visual, think 22 bobble heads in football gear, rolling around but making sure to beat on each others helmets if and when they get back up! Oh my!!!! Oh my, oh my!!! Jonathan did great (Well, Dad is out showing him different techniques so I am not sure great is the appropriate word!) and it was a hoot to watch them. I am not too pleased with the major grass stains on the perfectly white pants (Does anyone have any idea how to wash those things?) but it was fun to watch him learn a sport that he has loved pretty much his whole life. I know Ronie was getting the football bug as he watched because half way through practice he was up and walking around. (Last time he started to do that in Judo, he ended up on the mat, so maybe new coach?!?!?!) Elizabeth was able to go and visit her bestest friend Miranda for 1/2 the practice and then came back to pose for some pictures and the older girls even did some cheers for the boys. Football season is definatly upon us and we couldn't be happier.....I am really worried about getting those pants cleaned though.......
Sensei George was finally feeling better to visit us at the dojo! It was so great to see both him and his wife Midori! They have been missed a great deal by all of us!! He has the best smile that completely warms up the room and I can honestly say they kids love him and were very excited to have him back. (As well as the parents that have the utmost respect for him and his family!) He has had some problems with his blood medication and it was very scary for a while but as you can see he is starting to do much better. Midori and George also brought their son, John, with them last night and it was fun to watch Ron and him get caught up and discuss the good ol' days. Apparently, John used to "school" Ronie out on the mat when he was younger. The two of them clearly enjoyed competing against each other and even though they were throwing each other around, both of them had a huge smile on their face. (As well as streams of yucky sweat but you probably didn't need to know that!) Luckily I had my camera so I could take a few pictures of practice and the Koyama family! I never would have thought I would enjoy watching Judo this much. I am amazed by not only the sport but all of the tradition wrapped up into it. I also have become very close to the parents involved and that makes the whole thing perfect! (Oh my!! Can you believe I just wrote that?!?! I still don't care for the kids that throw around my son though!) I know I was suppose to be taking pictures of John for Sensei George and Midori but I couldn't help but take a picture of our little Jon! He was asked to lead the cool down portion of practice and I just LOVE getting to watch him do this. (I know it is silly, but doesn't he look just perfect up there? Oh...what a proud mama I am!!!)
I never really thought of us as "city folk" because to be honest we hate the traffic, crowds and shopping, pretty much all of the things people would like about living in town. So when a friend asked us to come to the county fair and watch her son show his goat, I thought it would be a great time. We like animals, being outside and it was free!! The first part of the experience was getting there. It was beautiful and it felt like we had actually gone into another place. I have to be honest and say that I have never really felt that around where we live it is exactly picturesque but along the river, with the gorgeous houses and the vineyards, it was absolutely breathtaking. Even the kids were in awe as we made our way to the fair. As we got out of the car, the first few words I heard were: Aly: "Where are all of the rides? Are you sure we are in the right spot?" Elizabeth: (plugging her nose) "EWW, Mom it really stinks like animals here. Did you park in the car section?" Jonathan: "I am thinking we need to find the ticket counter to play the games and win prizes. Mom, do you know where all that part of the fair is?" These were just a few comments that the kids made. Trust me there were many more and they all had sort of a confused look on their face as we walked through the fair to find our friends. The first thing we did was go and take a look at Haley's sheep. Here were some of the statements made there: Teila: "It is sooo loud in here, how do these kids stand it?" Elizabeth: (plugging her nose) "EWWWW, Mom it stinks in here!" Aly: "It is so hot, is there not a fan in here?" When Haley explained where the sheep's tail is and how she has to show the judge it's tail, no one said a word. (Okay, can I say that I was a little perplexed by that one! It didn't appear that the sheep liked it and/or something someone should be doing at all!) All four of my lovely children stood and starred at Haley like she had just committed some horrible sin. The looks on their faces were priceless! We had to wait to watch Jordan show his goat so we found special seats around the back so we would be out of the way and could really take in the whole experience. The best part was we sat right next to where the kids were washing the cows and to be honest, that would have been worth paying money just to watch my kids. I am not joking for 2 hours, they sat and did nothing but stare at the cows and the kids washing them!! I am not sure how the poor kids working their animals felt about their spectators but I enjoyed watching my kids. Here were some comments: Teila: "Oh my goodness! They are using REAL hair care products on that cow. You know ones that I use on my hair!" Jonathan: "Oxyclean??!?!??! Really, you use that on a cow." Teila: "They have a comb......a real comb!!!" Aly: "Why is that one lifting it's tail all the way up---EWWWWW! Look at what it just did!" (Of course, then once they knew why the cows would lift their tail, then all four of them would moan and hold their noses! Talk about embarrising!!!!) Elizabeth: "How come they wash that cow for soo long? He is just pooping and making himself dirty again!" Teila: "Why are they filing his feet? Oh my goodness, it is like a pedicure!" Jonathan: "Do you see that girl has laundry soap? Really mom, she is using laundry soap on the cow!!" Elizabeth: "The cow knows it's name! Look it stopped when she told it no, it is kindof like a dog!!!" Elizabeth: "Why is it mooing so much? It's not happy is it Mom?" The conversation was endless and a lot of fun to be involved in. The best part was the kids were actually learning and entertained by just watching!! After the day at the fair, I am not sure I can say we are "country folk" either. Hum... I wonder what that makes us?
Today, our little nephew was dedicated! Can I tell you how hard it was not to be there? It completely broke my heart, actually it was hard on all of us! However, my baby brother is such a hero and made it possible for us to watch the whole thing from the comfort of our home. (I swear it is not fair that all of those creative and cool genes were given to him! Maybe that is why you can hear angel noises just when speaking his name! Hum.....Haha, that is really not true but I think he is something pretty special!!) My kids LOVED being able to have church at home, in our PJ's with breakfast snacks and blankets. It was so cute to watch all four of them (my nieces are here because my sister was able to go WA for the dedication) huddled together on the couch in front of the laptop, singing songs just like they were actually there! We all cheered when Uncle Bob, Aunt Stacy and baby Greyson came on the screen! It was the next best thing to actually being there! It was a wonderful moment and once again we were reminded of the little miracle baby Greyson is! Such a journey where we have all been able to watch God show us a glimpse of His love and the plan He has for each of us through such a small baby! You can check out the video that Bob and Stacy made (Grab the Kleenex box!) if you click on the Westfall link from our blog. What a blessed day!
Ronie turned 34 on Saturday. I was really hoping to make it a great birthday that he would always remember. You know, the ones you had when you were a kid and you thought nothing could top it?!?!? I am to the point now that I believe that you just can't plan for those "magical" birthdays and especially not for my husband! First of all, he has been wanting a bike. Yes, I said bike!! (See where I got the "magical birthday when you are a kid"!) However, with Ron, he always has something very specific in mind and nothing else will ever do. So I have been searching for this particular bike for over 2 months now and apparently, I was searching at the wrong time because 2008 bikes are not being made anymore and it is too early for the 2009 models. Did you know this could happen for a bike? By the time I actually found one, I no longer cared for it to be a surprise. I wanted him to know the hours (NO JOKE!) that I had spent on the phone talking the sales person into selling me the bike instead of some poor soul (Whom I felt didn't need it as bad as we did! Haha!)that had the only one left in Idaho, on hold! There goes the "magical" surprise I had in store for him because the moment the man said the bike could be ours, I had Ron rush to the store to pick it up before he changed his mind!! Needless to say, Ron's birthday was spent at his work's BBQ and free car races after. I am not saying it wasn't a good day, but more of a typical day and not so magical! However, for what it is worth, Happy Birthday Ronie! We love you and hope this year brings you much happiness! Hopefully, we will find some "magical" moments throughout the year! Oh yea, I am posting a picture of the bike. If you like it, sorry there are only 2 more left in CA. However, you can wait until Sept. for the 2009 models!!
Uncle Bob, Aunt Stacy and Baby Greyson bought the kids Roaring Springs passes for the birthday gifts this year. Can I tell you that is really not my favorite place to go? There are tons of people, long lines, and it is so hard to keep track of the kids but away we went! It worked out great because Tammy Holm and her son Zack (Liz has a little crush on!?!??!) had just finished up swim lessons so they got to stay and spend the day with us too! Then the Brisbin clan (They are spoiled and have season passes!) came later in the day! We actually had a great time and enjoyed the "River" very much! I know the pictures mostly show one pool because it is so hard to take pictures at a water park. Have you ever tried? I do much better on the boat! We did go on several of the rides and even made it back in time for Judo that night! (I am pretty sure that nominates me for Mom of the year!) Thanks Bob and Stacy! We had a wonderful day and it was great to get out! The only thing missing was you!! We love you!!!
Today we splurged, ALOT! The kids(especially Lizzy) have been asking for a piano for so long. We looked this summer and found them to be WAY out of our price range, especially after the disaster of a summer we have had on our finances! I have to be honest too in saying that looking was also for my own selfish reasons. I LOVE pianos and think they add a wonderful touch to any family room and I have always wanted one. I know that sounds nuts because my mom tried so hard when I was growing up to help me learn and encouraged me to play but being the stubborn child I was, I never really got into it. However, now that I am older I sure wish I would have done things differently. Well, anyways back to the big purchase. We were at Costco (I think the devil lives there!) and found these electric pianos for less than 1/3 the cost of an actual piano. Granted they are not the "piece of furniture" that I wanted to have but they are a start and something to build on for our kids. Academically speaking, I know that many reports show how much smarter kids are that play a musical instrument so that alone is a great selling feature. So....here it is the new piano. We are all so excited. I know Ron has been delighted as we played away (I guess you can't call it play...refer back to top of our story!) and made up words to our song during the middle of the football game. I am quite certain that our songs only added to the game. I am not sure Ron felt the same way....maybe tomorrow we should share that there are headphones that go with it. Nah.....I can only see it as bringing us closer together! Don't you?
