catchin up

HI everyone,
It has been such a long time since I have blogged.....and I haven't even loaded any new pictures on the computer to post on here...I have been a little busy....Yesterday was Clarissa's first day of kindergarten..I thought I was OK until I got there and delivered her...then all I could do was cry because my last little baby is gone...she was so ready to go ...she didn't even beg me to stay , she wasn't nervous or anything...it doesn't seem so long ago that she told me she didn't ever want to leave me to go to school ..and now she is....although she only wanted me to take her ..she made Rob stay home..I am not sure why that is..I tried to talk her into it but she refused to let him go to school with her.
The other kids' first day of school was August 27th and the night before was the open house...we went to the open house then out to dinner..we came home and Chi chi was limping...we took her to our neighbor ...who also happens to be our Vet and he told us to go to the office. HE followed us down there..she has a spiral fracture and he leg was broken in three places...there were no puncture wounds or bruises...so we don't know what happened. The break was in a difficult spot to fix so even with 1000's of dollars worth of surgeries it would most likely not be fixable. So we would have to amputate....I didn't know what to do...I was home with the kids..so I told Rob to decide..he opted for "The Sleep Shot" ( that is how we explained it to our kids) The kids were devastated and didn't even want to go to school..I feel guilty killing a dog over a leg.....but what do you do?
SO the next weekend we got a kitten to ease the pain..I refuse to get any more dogs....and a cat is WAY less work...so it was a compromise ...and it worked to make the kids feel better.
My house feels empty without Clarissa during the day...in 11 years I have never had an empty house like this...maybe if the kids were gone for short periods of time or something...but there is a finality to it all..I know she is only 5 and I have many more years...but there is still this little piece of me that knows that things will never be the same and it makes me think about my future and what things will be like without all of the chaos...I will surely miss these days in my life no matter how hectic it sometimes is...I love the noise and the familiar sounds of my home.

Almost summer vacation......hurray!

Hi to all........
I know it has been a long stretch..Sorry for all who inquire on our family. I am in my last week of summer quarter..and I am struggling worse than ever before..they shorten summer quarter to 6 weeks so you have 11 weeks worth of material in about half of the time and I took some hard courses along with 20 credits which was just INSANE! So needless to say..I don't have much of a social life. I knew I needed a chemistry tutor right away and they could not find one for me until last week..and well it is a bit late--and she doesn't know her chemistry very well because it has been such a long time since she has taken the class herself ..so I have to explain alot to her myself and we aren't getting very far when my final is on thursday..so I could possible fail this class which will set me back so far because I won't be able to apply for nursing school until 2010..I will have to wait a full year. I am thinking if I have to wait that long I may change my major--we will see what happens. PRAY for me!
ALthough I am struggling in school I am glad it is almost over so I can start spending time with all of my friends and family , clean my house, weed my flower beds and work on our missionary trip needs.
The boys have been going back and fourth from here to Landon's and I hate summer for that reason...it seems that all of the good things that we used to celebrate are ruined by the fact that I have to share the kids with landon..oh well such as life.
I know I haven't caught everyone up on all of the updates on everything--I haven't even downloaded any pictures that I have taken in the last 7 weeks.....Clarissa decided to cut her own hair..so now the long beautiful hair she had is gone and she got a tinkerbell pixie cut..which looks terrible on her and she will have to start kindergarten this year with ugly hair.....Preston was published in a children's poetry book--the books will arrive here in Januray and he is going to autograph them for anyone who orders one. Bryce, Carl, Preston and Cole are gonna start football in a few weeks..I spoke with the coach last week. Jeralyn is pretty much up to the same things..buy crazy and getting more more and more self conscious , I think. Typical eigth grader...I know I never want to go back to the age!
I went to a movie last weekend with Melissa---it was so great! I loved it...it was Mamma Mia and I am definatly buying the DVD when it comes out!
Well, that is all I can think of at this point--next week when I have time--adn no studying I will catch up again!

I am LOST......

I don't know what to do with myself now that I don't need to study every waking moment..taday went out to breakfast with Melissa....went to Wally's to pick up Cole's birthday supplies and now I am cleaning a bit here and there..wondering what I will do with myself all weekend. SO much free time. I could start working on the boys' rooms, finish Jeri's room, scrapbook, garden, or finish all of the house paperwork I haven't had time to do ?? SO many options...I think I shall pick a fun one...SO I am going to dust off my scrapbooking stuff and possibly get out the quilting supplies maybe sew up a table runner or two for the fundraising auction we are having in August. Our last auction was a success...but we still need about 7000.00 dollars for our trip. I am hoping we get it soon because all of this fundraising can wear a person out!
Rob is working 7pm until 7am and it is hard on all of us..but even harder on him to adjust ..this is his first week so I am sure by the end of the month it will get easier. I no longer need daycare though...I am just hoping when school gets out this week that they will let him sleep until I get home from school.
Well I should go clean some more...in all of my free time --I haven't gotten to clean and I miss it..only because I hate having such a filthy house!

Finals Week!

Well I am in finals weeks---I had my philosophy final on Tuesday so I am officially done with that class. On the same day I finished my last nutrition assignment! Wooo hooo! Which leaves me with Math ...final on the 11th...and English last essay due on Tuesday..got my rough draft done last night..taking it to the English lab today to get it fine tuned. Gave my final speech yesterday and my written final is on Monday! Then I will be able to rest for a week! ( Actually 4 days until my on-line class starts). I am taking 20 credits over the summer and they aren't going to be easy...but it is only going to be 6 weeks...which will make it even harder but I am ready...almost! I am taking Intermediate algebra, Chemistry, Sociology and Psychology 210. Psychology 210 will actually be a 10 week online class...but the rest are 6 weeks classes through BBCC.
I bought a pool pass for my kids, and I am going to buy a laptop ..so I can take it to the pool with me and work while the kids play at the pool. That way they are not cooped up in the house all day and I will feel better about giving myself time to work.
We are having Cole's birthday party tomorrow after school...his birthday is in July..but he wants his school friends to be there and I will be in finals week during the last week in July , so this works out better for him. He just wants a trampoline/pizza party...that is fine with me. I need to head out to school..chat at ya later!

It's getting closer.......

To the end of the quarter...Thank God! I had a bit of a mishap last week and didn't turn in my assignment or take my test for my on-line class by the appropriate time....so I had a bit of a scare because due to a family emergency my instructor hasn't been as active in the classroom...so I thought I was going to have to drop nutrition which would be bad because there is only 3 weeks left of the quarter...I would probably get a better grade next quarter just because the cirriculum stays the same and I have the answers to most of the tests....so it was tempting... but my teacher let me take the test when she finally got back to me and she accepted my late assignment. HURRAY! So although I will have to accept my grade as it is...I am glad I don't have to pay for the same class twice.
I have been studying so much lately...the only time I really get out is lunch on Tuesdays with a special friend, and when my family takes a trip to Wal-mart or to the lake to run the dogs. I swear I need to scrpbook my relationship with Wally's. I have also been doing some fundraising activities for my mission trip.
Clarissa is 5 today! SHe thinks she is a grown up now...and I can almost see it...she has definatley grown out of the baby and toddler looking stage and has grown into a beautiful young girl. I have her kindergarten registration papers....it doesn't seem possible. They are doing all day kindergarten next fall, due to gas prices, the bus barn doens't want to take double trips anymore. Although, it is good for our family because I will no longer need daycare....it is also an ending to a chapter in our life, which is sad in a way. But I am happy to be in this stage of our life and family.
School is coming to an end, the kids are getting restless and I am looking forward to being able to spend some more time with them.
This kid has been bothering Bryce at school apparently, the kid is new and he has been bullying Bryce...I don't know why Bryce is the one that keeps getting picked on...I know he is a smartmouth and bully at home...but not usually in public..hehe...Anyway he wouldn't discuss the issue with me because apparently he think I wouldn't handle it the way he wants to handle it, he refuses to let me call the school, he thinks it will make it worse and he will look like a baby or something. so yesterday , he and Rob devised a plan. I Am always scared of Rob's plans!
But apparently the kid told Bryce he has an older sister that is coming to school to help him beat up Bryce( I think, I should let you know how the bus system works, they drop off the kids from the further schools at whichever grade school is closest to their house, so the older kids walk home with the younger kids). Well, the girl is in one of Jeri's classes. So Jeri Offered to ride the bus home also, so she would be riding the same bus as this guys older sister. Usually the younger boys just walk home without Bryce so they offered to stick around for the extra 15 minutes and wait for Bryce. This kid who has been picking on Bryce has already gotten " talked to" on the bus for kicking and hitting Bryce, so Bryce is convinced that he will try and beat him up.
Well, now this kid is and his sister are going to have to fight off 5 kids rather than just one. Rob instructed Jeri to just stay close by and if the sister gets involved...then Jeri can get involved...HE also instructed the boys to just be watchful and get involved if need be ..because Bryce isn't afraid of getting hurt, and he isn't afraid of anyone...but he doesn't need to be ganged up on either..he is just a "little guy" after all. Of course I am hearing all of this on Rob's lunch hour because these "manly" boys don't want their Mommy rescuing them???? What is this a conspiracy?? I think it is great that all of my children are going to back one another up...like they are supposed to ...but I don't want fighting..and Rob didn't even tell them to take a cell phone in case they need me?? What is that?
SO I may just drive up to the school and see how it all plays out...and try not to interfere...if I can help it!
Well I need to get back to work...I posted these pics from some of the nights that we take the dogs out to the lake for fetch...I don't have much time to walk them in the mornings now...so we take them out to the lake a few times a week for running.

May 14th

Hi All,
Well, the puppies are ready to go to their homes...I believe now that they are minipin and weiner dog.....Cute as can be and very little. I have homes for 2 of them..but I need a home for the little girl now..her owners backed out.
School is going...I have 2 research papers I have to write this weekend....for the most part--I will be able to fine tune them next week...so I will be spending alot of time at the library this weekend. One is for philosophy, I am writing about Martin Luther King jr. and his non-violent resistence. For my English paper I have to write a paper, apply a topic that pertains to the book " All the pretty horses" by Cormac McCarthy. All I can tell you about that book is that.....it is no pick me upper. It is a western that has no mercy or sunshiny feelings in it...so I am struggling to find something interesting enough for me to research.
Rob is doing well at his job. However...he went to the doctor today, he hasn't been feeling well. So pray for him. I am hoping it isn't diabetes...it runs in his family and I think he has some symptoms.
The kids are doing well....I feel like I am neglecting them some..because school is all consuming for me at this point. Next quarter I am only taking 20 credits so it will be a little bit better.
The trampoline was a really good thing for my kids...they love it and I keep forgetting to get the camera and take pics of them jumping about. It is good exercise for them! They are handling my homework desk pretty well..they always come behind me and ask...MOm...Are you doing homework? That way they know if I say yes--they will go ask Dad...for whatever they need. That is really nice of them, I am so glad they are helping in their little way to support me.
Clarissa is turning 5 next week and she thinks she is a "grown-up" now. 5 is apparently the BIG number! We are having a wedding birthday.
Bryce is acting so much better , I think the counseling is helping...just so he has someone neutral to talk to about his troubles. Apparently Landon and my divorce still bothers him some...I feel bad about that...but such as life. JEri is going to counseling....her issues are a bit stronger...so it is just an ongoing process..but so far so good..I like this counselor.
Cole is acting out a bit, I think he is trying to compete with the older kids...Carl lost a tooth today...I think he was embarrassed or something to give it to me because it had a cavity..haha! HE told me he really does brush his teeth...hahaha! Preston is keeping up with everything...growing up into a "little man" and everytime I look at him and see how big he gets ..a little peice of me weeps. My little baby..hasn't been a baby for such a long time--he is 8. They will all be gone before I know it.
Well I need to get dinner started...I hope you all have a great week!

It's May...Hurray!

HI All ,
Today is the first day of May...I am sure that is exciting for some people...it is exciting for me because I know I only have 5 weeks left of this quarter...UGH! I took way to many credits and it is to late to back out now...I will never take 25 credits again..so to all the people that told me I shouldn't do it....You were right! I pretty much have no life! I get up at 5:00 am to study...go to school...come home, eat lunch and study until bedtime. Rob has been having to take care of the kids and clean ( he doesn't do very much cleaning...our house is embarrassing..but he is keeping enough dishes clean so we can eat). I make dinner and eat dinner with my family...and that is about it.
I am getting a 4.0 in only one class..thank God it is a class I need for nursing! Philosophy I am getting a C...I think I can raise this grade..depending on how well I do on my research project..UGH! I have been scoring 100% on all of my assignments..and I scored a 90% on my mid terms..it is the first week of assignments and the first test that have brought my grade down so much...I didn't understand it all at first. I am struggling with algebra a little also--I am getting C in that class...it was my last test that brought my grade down..I think I could have gotten at least a B, but there was construction on the way to school and I was late to class 15 minutes, to take my test and I didn't get to finish the test. Yeah, and college isn't like high school...they don't care! HAHAHA! So that had been my week of mid terms! Oh well..as long as I pass...The only classes i absolutely have to get an A in..are the pre-req's for nursing.
The puppies are doing well...they are so cute! They are walking around and playing. ChiChi is feeling at home because she has turned into a YAPPER! great just what I didn't want! Anyway..she is cute and I love her! So I will deal with her imperfections!
Jeri is excited because next weekend in the Avril concert---so we will be heading to Spokane. Rob took the boys paint balling last weekend..I have a feeling this is going to be an every weekend pastime..although I am a little worried about the bruises...it is so bad...I feel like it is a bit of child abuse , but the boys assure me it isn't. Poor Preston, came home with huge welts...I didn't want him to go in the first place because he is so young, I don't know if he understands what he is getting himself into?? But he assured me he has fun ....oh well.
Well there is our update...I hope you are all enjoying the spring and sunshine!