Yard Planning

Last night we were enjoying dinner on the deck. We were discussing plans for the backyard and asked BG what she wanted for the back yard. She said "I think I want a dog, and another baby, and a swing set." I guess we won't be asking her opinion on interior decorating anytime soon.

First day of preschool

I know I'm late in posting this, but at least I'm finally getting around to it.

BG started preschool a few weeks ago. She loves that she gets to pack and bring her own lunch. She is such a big kid! She was anxious to get off to school and wasn't too cooperative for pictures. She also picked out her own outfit and did a great job getting ready. She picks out her clothes most days and usually doesn't need any adjusting. Then again, I'm the kind of mom who is ok letting her express herself by choosing her clothes.

I didn't get any pictures of her at school because she ran into her classroom and never looked back. I guess it's a good thing that she loves school already. She has a cubby for her lunch bag and a hook for her bag.

Her school gives all the kids their own bag, so we didn't buy her a backpack. When she found out it is just a bag, she cried because she wanted a backpack.

I'm impressed with what she has learned already. She tells me that they work on their manners by saying Please, Thank You, and May I. She is much more vocal about the letters that she knows and will point them out. She can also count to 20 now (mostly, she misses a few of the teens, but it's different ones every time. I figure that means she knows them, just forgets them sometimes.) She loves to talk about her teachers and friends. She traces her name everyday and loves to show off her artwork. I'm so glad we decided to put her in preschool this year. I know she'll do great.

Baptism

I took the girls to CA to see their cousin get baptised. First, I must say that I am so proud of myself to flying alone with two kids to another state. We even had a layover! Both girls did great on the airplane, much to my relief (and I'm sure all the other passengers). I packed lots of snacks and activities and ended up not even needing most of them.

I was so glad that we were able to be there for Gavin's baptism. He sang a primary song with his dad and did such a great job. It's crazy to think that he is eight years old! A few days before our trip I was telling BG we were going to see her cousin get baptised. She asked if he was getting baptised in the temple and I explained that we only do baptisms in the temple for those people who have already died. She looked at me and said "When I get dead, I will get bath-tized in the temple."

What a good looking family! Gavin looks so sharp in his pin-stripped suit.

This is the whole group that was there for the baptism. It took much ice cream bribery to get all the kids to stand still long enough for a few pictures.

Pool Party

Last weekend we went to California for my nephew's baptism. While we were there, we also went to a birthday party, spend time with family, and spend lots of time in the pool.

I was a little nervous about BG in the water. Mostly because the few times we have gone swimming this summer she has been terrified and refused to let go of JM the whole time. My sister borrowed a life jacket for her to wear and it made a huge difference. She had a great time with her cousins.

Blanche enjoyed some time in the sun and LOVES the pool. She was so happy splashing away in the water.

It was so nice to have a pool to jump in when it got hot during the day.

Wishing it was November

In November we are taking a Caribbean cruise.
Without the kids.
It will be fabulous.

Is it November yet?

This has been a test. Had this been an actual emergency, I would have been freaking out.

I am a *bit of a hypochondriac. When I first started working for the MS Society, I was sure I had MS. When that passed, I was sure JM had MS. I no longer think either. I'm not allowed to go on Web MD unless it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, I end up with a disease rap sheet sheet as long as Mel Gibson's voice mail rantings.

However, of all the possible diseases or health problems out there, one of my top fears is stroke. I'm terrified of the idea of losing the ability to communicate while still having my mental faculties. (Anyone see that show where the woman has a stroke, can't talk, and they are about to take her off life support because they think she's brain-dead? Freaked me out.) So now, anytime I have an acute pain in my head, I fear stroke. Unless I'm drinking a Slurpee, I figure stroke is the only possible explanation for a brain freeze. Time is critical in the treatment of stoke, so I quiz JM on the signs so he will be ready should it happen. Let's all review together the signs of a stroke shall we?

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one of both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you aren't sure if they are exhibiting these symptoms, you can try one, or both of these tests.

1. Ask them to smile at you. If only one side of their mouth turns upward, it could be a stroke.
2. Ask them to close their eyes and hold both arms straight in front of them. If one arm drifts down or to the side, it could be a stroke.

It you or someone around you (like me) is exhibiting these symptoms, you should call 911 immediately. Make sure you know the time they first started; again, timing is critical for effective treatment.

This PSA has been brought to you by my own neuroses.

*JM would argue that "bit" is the understatement of the century.

Productive Day

Today has been oddly productive. Not that I'm not always working on something, but Saturdays have been pretty lazy the last few weeks. Here's what I've already accomplished today.

• Picked up my Bountiful Basket
• Weeded the herb garden
• Made these cucumbers for a BBQ tonight.
• Made homemade Focaccia bread
• Fed my family lunch
• Cleaned the kitchen
• Showered

I know, right?! Now I'm thinking I'll chop up some veggies for the freezer. Who knows where this burst of motivation has come from. I just know I'd better take advantage before it goes away.