We have air!
That's right my friends, we have spent all summer up until yesterday without air conditioning. (Though, I have to admit our low electric bills have been pretty nice.) Our relatively new AC unit was a dud. Faulty parts. Luckily, it was still under warranty, but the specific unit we bought is no longer made and getting a company to help us out was a long, horrendous process. And we have spent a lot of nights where the temp in our house was in the upper 90's PLUS humidity. It has been unbearable.
We've kept our thermostat at 80 since it's been fixed. It's amazing how cold 80 can feel. I will never again take central air for granted.
Mark my words.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Summer Break: Day 22
Day 22 already? Woohoo! We're a fourth of the way through!
Today I got out of the shower to find this:
Along with dirty foot prints all over my rug and a naked 2 year old who had recently marked his territory behind the yellow chair.
I used to let the crazies watch tv while I showered just for my own peace of mind. They are pretty good at being lazy in front of the television when they have the chance. But this summer, silly me, I instilled a rule limiting tv time and now they're really selective about which shows they watch. It rarely works out for me to shower while they're sitting still.
But, my day got better. I have a friend with a pool...which is a rarity around these parts. We spent a good few hours in the water and it was heaven!
Today I got out of the shower to find this:
Along with dirty foot prints all over my rug and a naked 2 year old who had recently marked his territory behind the yellow chair.
I used to let the crazies watch tv while I showered just for my own peace of mind. They are pretty good at being lazy in front of the television when they have the chance. But this summer, silly me, I instilled a rule limiting tv time and now they're really selective about which shows they watch. It rarely works out for me to shower while they're sitting still.
But, my day got better. I have a friend with a pool...which is a rarity around these parts. We spent a good few hours in the water and it was heaven!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Summer Break: Day 8; back tracking
I almost forgot...
A couple weekends ago, we decided to spend Friday evening at one of those summer family concerts in the park...not knowing at all what no-name local performer would be entertaining us that evening.
As luck would have it, it was a mediocre Elvis impersonator. What a riot! He had the clothes and hair down, though he was older and overweight. And he was not bad on vocals, but he faked the guitar. He held one, pretending to strum, while pre-recorded music played.
We had a great time nonetheless.
A couple weekends ago, we decided to spend Friday evening at one of those summer family concerts in the park...not knowing at all what no-name local performer would be entertaining us that evening.
As luck would have it, it was a mediocre Elvis impersonator. What a riot! He had the clothes and hair down, though he was older and overweight. And he was not bad on vocals, but he faked the guitar. He held one, pretending to strum, while pre-recorded music played.
We had a great time nonetheless.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thirty-Three
Today is Spencer's birthday. I'm starting a petition to turn this day into a national holiday. I for one, and you'll probably agree, think it's the perfect reason to shut down banks and postal service for a day. (And maybe even Universities...Spencer deserves a day off.)
And to Spencer...I couldn't be happier that you were born.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
At least he raised his hand...
On Sunday, I was teaching a lesson to the jr. primary (that's the younger half...kids ages 3-7).
One little boy raised his hand.
I called on him.
His response: I can't wait to go home.
It's a sure sign I'm not cut out to teach the kids. My poor kids have to come home to me, too.
One little boy raised his hand.
I called on him.
His response: I can't wait to go home.
It's a sure sign I'm not cut out to teach the kids. My poor kids have to come home to me, too.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Summer Break: Day 14
I imagine hell to be one endless grocery shopping trip with three young children.
I need to start repenting now.
I need to start repenting now.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Help: Mike's Turning 30
It's about time I give an update on my sleepy big brother. One of my cousins pointed out that he's going to have to stay awake for a LONG time to make up for all this sleeping he's been doing.
Mike is definitely making improvements. But it's just small things spread over several months so it's been hard to know what to write about. There isn't one single defining moment. It's certainly not like the movies where someone goes from comatose to talking in an instant.
He is not so much in a coma anymore as he is in a "vegetative state." Which for some reason sounds much worse to me. But really, it's better. Mike has opened his eyes, though is not yet making real eye contact. Physical therapy is going well. I hear Mike is getting in some pretty good workouts. How someone in a vegetative state can workout, I'm not quite sure, but that's what I'm told.
And some of the really good news is Mike's pain levels are up. No, I'm not harboring any resentment from childhood wrestling matches. But him feeling pain is a great sign that something in his brain is doing what it should be. His nerves are reconnecting.
A major downer this week, however, is that Mike is turning 30. I think turning thirty in a nursing home sounds pretty rotten. Can you imagine going down in your twenties and waking up in your thirties?
So I want to bombard Mike's room with well wishes on his birthday. He turns 30 on Monday, June 21. If you are interested and willing, whether you know him or not, please send Mike a note or a card. Email me (kmbsmith@gmail.com) or leave a comment with your email and I'll give you Mike's address.
Mike is definitely making improvements. But it's just small things spread over several months so it's been hard to know what to write about. There isn't one single defining moment. It's certainly not like the movies where someone goes from comatose to talking in an instant.
He is not so much in a coma anymore as he is in a "vegetative state." Which for some reason sounds much worse to me. But really, it's better. Mike has opened his eyes, though is not yet making real eye contact. Physical therapy is going well. I hear Mike is getting in some pretty good workouts. How someone in a vegetative state can workout, I'm not quite sure, but that's what I'm told.
And some of the really good news is Mike's pain levels are up. No, I'm not harboring any resentment from childhood wrestling matches. But him feeling pain is a great sign that something in his brain is doing what it should be. His nerves are reconnecting.
A major downer this week, however, is that Mike is turning 30. I think turning thirty in a nursing home sounds pretty rotten. Can you imagine going down in your twenties and waking up in your thirties?
So I want to bombard Mike's room with well wishes on his birthday. He turns 30 on Monday, June 21. If you are interested and willing, whether you know him or not, please send Mike a note or a card. Email me (kmbsmith@gmail.com) or leave a comment with your email and I'll give you Mike's address.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Summer Break: Day 10; Mad Hatters
***This post is dedicated to my mom who has apparently had enough of my whining.
Yesterday Park was itching for a creative outlet. Unfortunately all the art supplies were nicely tucked away in in bedrooms of his napping brothers. Since the Sunday paper was out I suggested he use that. I even folded him a traditional triangular newspaper hat. That was not sufficient for Parker or me. I had every intention of leaving him alone with the newspaper and masking tape and taking a Sunday afternoon nap. Pretty soon we were regular milliners and created clear until his brothers woke up and we had to make more for them.
Parker and Reid turned theirs into wearable collages. Gray was satisfied to keep his black and white and I embellished mine with a few Sunday ads. I can't imagine why Spencer didn't want in on the fun (except that he was enjoying a Sunday afternoon nap only to wake up from time to time to tell us how awesome we were).
With as much complaining as I've been doing lately, I really, really love my family. Sunday got off to a rough start. Our wards were realigned yesterday and there were a lot of changes made at church that were tough for me to swallow. Who knew that newspaper hats would be the perfect distraction? I found so much comfort in my rockstar family. They make me happy.
Yesterday Park was itching for a creative outlet. Unfortunately all the art supplies were nicely tucked away in in bedrooms of his napping brothers. Since the Sunday paper was out I suggested he use that. I even folded him a traditional triangular newspaper hat. That was not sufficient for Parker or me. I had every intention of leaving him alone with the newspaper and masking tape and taking a Sunday afternoon nap. Pretty soon we were regular milliners and created clear until his brothers woke up and we had to make more for them.
Parker and Reid turned theirs into wearable collages. Gray was satisfied to keep his black and white and I embellished mine with a few Sunday ads. I can't imagine why Spencer didn't want in on the fun (except that he was enjoying a Sunday afternoon nap only to wake up from time to time to tell us how awesome we were).
With as much complaining as I've been doing lately, I really, really love my family. Sunday got off to a rough start. Our wards were realigned yesterday and there were a lot of changes made at church that were tough for me to swallow. Who knew that newspaper hats would be the perfect distraction? I found so much comfort in my rockstar family. They make me happy.
Friday, June 11, 2010
It Feels Like Rain
Today's rain totally reminded me of moving to Columbus. Spencer and I moved in seven years ago this very weekend. It was Friday the thirteenth and we moved into a haunted apartment. Not a joke. But that's a story for another time.
Spencer and I sold both of our cars right before we left so we could drive together in the moving truck and not have to tow a car. We seriously drove that truck for a couple of days until we found something.
It was bright and sunny when we pulled into Columbus, but the weather around here is so fickle. By the time we got things straightened out with our apartment (which was supposed to be ready and waiting for us but was NOT) it started pouring rain. In Ohio, the weather can go from sunshine to a torrential down pour in seconds. Especially in the summer. It was POURING. Can I write that one more time? POURING! And the phone company who was supposed to have had our phone line ready and waiting for us did NOT (for like four days and we had no cell phones). Not that we had anyone to call for help anyway.
So all alone, Spencer and I moved tiny amounts of furniture in at a time. Every time the rain would let up a little, we'd go get something else from the truck. The two of us (in the rain) maneuvered each piece of furniture around the odd corners that apartment complexes always provide. And since we were trying to move as much as we could during those moments of lighter rain, we dumped everything haphazardly all over our living space.
We grocery shopped in our big moving truck (with half of our furniture still in it) when it was raining too hard to get anything accomplished. I still have this vivid picture of us wearing university t-shirts and sprinting through ankle deep puddles in the Big Bear parking lot. We stopped at White Castle for 45 cent sliders. (A fast food chain we had never heard of but quickly realized it should be avoided at all cost.)
It was such a strange and difficult day. Yet oddly, very fun. The memories of it make me so happy. I think Spencer would agree that the following summer was the best summer of our lives. I don't think I have ever been happier than I was then.
Spencer and I sold both of our cars right before we left so we could drive together in the moving truck and not have to tow a car. We seriously drove that truck for a couple of days until we found something.
It was bright and sunny when we pulled into Columbus, but the weather around here is so fickle. By the time we got things straightened out with our apartment (which was supposed to be ready and waiting for us but was NOT) it started pouring rain. In Ohio, the weather can go from sunshine to a torrential down pour in seconds. Especially in the summer. It was POURING. Can I write that one more time? POURING! And the phone company who was supposed to have had our phone line ready and waiting for us did NOT (for like four days and we had no cell phones). Not that we had anyone to call for help anyway.
So all alone, Spencer and I moved tiny amounts of furniture in at a time. Every time the rain would let up a little, we'd go get something else from the truck. The two of us (in the rain) maneuvered each piece of furniture around the odd corners that apartment complexes always provide. And since we were trying to move as much as we could during those moments of lighter rain, we dumped everything haphazardly all over our living space.
We grocery shopped in our big moving truck (with half of our furniture still in it) when it was raining too hard to get anything accomplished. I still have this vivid picture of us wearing university t-shirts and sprinting through ankle deep puddles in the Big Bear parking lot. We stopped at White Castle for 45 cent sliders. (A fast food chain we had never heard of but quickly realized it should be avoided at all cost.)
It was such a strange and difficult day. Yet oddly, very fun. The memories of it make me so happy. I think Spencer would agree that the following summer was the best summer of our lives. I don't think I have ever been happier than I was then.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Summer Break: Day 4
Today I spent the kids mandatory quiet time searching the classifieds for employment. Unless I am willing to operate the clothing press at the dry cleaners, I'm kinda stuck at home with the crazies for the summer. I kinda forgot that until I further my education, there aren't a lot of job opportunities doing anything remotely interesting. And although a master's degree is always on my mind, that doesn't solve any problems here and now. (But really, it's only two years and the rest of this summer break until all three kiddos will be in school all day...Yes, I've already begun the countdown.)
After the morning I had, the dry cleaners is sounding pretty appealing.
POST EDIT: To avoid confusion...After crying to Spencer on the phone about how I can't handle three kids home all day and wishing I wasn't a stay at home mom, he casually suggested not staying home if it was making me so unhappy. I decided that was not a bad idea and checked the classifieds. I thought ANYTHING has to be better than staying home with three kids. After reviewing my options, I think I'll stay home for the time. Having said that, I'm certain I'm taking the harder route. Work sounds like a nice break.
After the morning I had, the dry cleaners is sounding pretty appealing.
POST EDIT: To avoid confusion...After crying to Spencer on the phone about how I can't handle three kids home all day and wishing I wasn't a stay at home mom, he casually suggested not staying home if it was making me so unhappy. I decided that was not a bad idea and checked the classifieds. I thought ANYTHING has to be better than staying home with three kids. After reviewing my options, I think I'll stay home for the time. Having said that, I'm certain I'm taking the harder route. Work sounds like a nice break.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Summer Break: Day 1
Why is it that we rush to get Parker to school by 9:00am, but when we're heading to the zoo we're out the door by 8:40 without a problem?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Graduate
I've been out-of-control busy volunteering at Parker's school. Why are all the activities saved for the last three weeks of school? Couldn't these be spread throughout the year? I've been to field trips and field days and picnics and promotions. It's exhausting. And there are very few parents willing to volunteer. Are there really that many working parents? or just lazy parents? Either way, I've been happy to help and it's been great getting to know the teachers and a few parents.
Though today is the official last day of school, yesterday was kindergarten promotion. It was adorable. The kindergartners put on a cute little program for all the parents. And now I am the proud parent of a kindergarten graduate. Parker's teacher has been FANTASTIC. I couldn't ask for better. She will be missed.
I was trying to collect phone numbers from the parents of some of his friends at the little program yesterday. Parker asked for Braylens number amid all the boys. I asked him about it...a little surprised. My boys are usually proud members of the No Girls Allowed Club. Parker cleared it up when he said it was because Braylen knows how to play the wii.
Parker is horribly shy in front of a crowd. He was near tears as he was waiting to sing. This is him avoiding me at all costs in attempts to keep it together. But once the singing started, he loosened up...a little.
I'm already freaking out about summer...and it hasn't started yet. Wish me luck.
Post Script: I picked up Park from school and said we could go anywhere for a last day of school treat...Graeters, Culvers, Dairy Queen, Sonic, Steak 'n Shake, the sky's the limit. Want to guess where he picked? Speedway. The boys got Icee's from the gas station convenient store.
Though today is the official last day of school, yesterday was kindergarten promotion. It was adorable. The kindergartners put on a cute little program for all the parents. And now I am the proud parent of a kindergarten graduate. Parker's teacher has been FANTASTIC. I couldn't ask for better. She will be missed.
I was trying to collect phone numbers from the parents of some of his friends at the little program yesterday. Parker asked for Braylens number amid all the boys. I asked him about it...a little surprised. My boys are usually proud members of the No Girls Allowed Club. Parker cleared it up when he said it was because Braylen knows how to play the wii.
Parker is horribly shy in front of a crowd. He was near tears as he was waiting to sing. This is him avoiding me at all costs in attempts to keep it together. But once the singing started, he loosened up...a little.
I'm already freaking out about summer...and it hasn't started yet. Wish me luck.
Post Script: I picked up Park from school and said we could go anywhere for a last day of school treat...Graeters, Culvers, Dairy Queen, Sonic, Steak 'n Shake, the sky's the limit. Want to guess where he picked? Speedway. The boys got Icee's from the gas station convenient store.
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