Schools Out For Summer

Last day of school, 2013. Aspen 5th grade, Liberty 3rd.

I have still not recouped from May. It was nuts- something every minute of everyday. I am surprised the household laundry ever got done and that we all had clean underwear.

At one point when the home teachers stopped by unannounced, Mick and I met them at the door to visit with them on the porch. You know May is crazy when the house is embarrassingly messy for guests we consider friends.

One day the school held an emergency drill. As expected I remembered my ID to get on the school grounds to pick up the girls. Vanessa and I are each others emergency contacts for our kids. She helped with the drill. I picked up her kids. I made my way to get her son, stood in line, showed my ID and signed him out. Next I picked up Lib and Dana while pushing Sunny with Wyatt and Abbie trailing behind. After a few stops for chats with teachers and friends, I made my way to the exist for a visit with Vanessa and friends before walking home. Soon Vanessa's kids ran off into the school (aka: the burning building!) for something they had forgotten and others ran to the swings. My head was spinning everywhere trying to keep track of all the kids among the crowd. By the time Dana returned I was so scatterbrained and ready to get out of there that I left without picking up Aspen. Meanwhile, she was yelling at me- from outside the burning building- but I could not hear her. Finally Vanessa got my attention. I made my way back to Aspen, showed my ID again and checked her out. I am certain she will never let me live this down and will be recalling it long after I am dead and gone. Who does this? Oh, just me the crazy mom.

May 30th was the last day of school for Lib and Aspen. It was a crazy busy day that capped off the crazy busy month of May. School was out at noon and as tradition has it, we planned to kick off summer with our "Schools out for summer party". I spent the morning entertaining ornery Sunny (should have named her something less happy, although I am hoping she will grow into her name), filling over 100 water balloons, getting guessing games together, preparing food and venturing over to the school to watch the kick ball tournament- 5th grade vs the teachers. Teachers schooled the 5th grade, 14-4.

Aspen is in the middle, hand on her hip, blue pants, white shirt.

At noon, I heard the school bell ring and 10 3rd graders trickled on over to the house with Lib. They were laughing, excited and playing all over the back yard. The fifth graders took longer to arrive. When they did all 13 of them came with big elephant tears streaming down their faces, barely able to talk. I hugged them all and cried right along with them! "We want to go back and say goodbye" they all asked. So I sent them all back to the school to say more goodbyes and told them to come back happy and ready to party. It was an emotional day.

They party was well attended (lucky me!) and we had a fun time playing water balloon volleyball/catch and other games. By three o'clock, I was toast. Thankfully there were some friends to help me and Mick was our official hot dog roaster. These two pics are the only ones I took over the two and half hours.

Dana, Kade, Audrianna, Lib and Wyatt

Next up was Lib and Aspen's piano recital. They both played two numbers confidently and performed so well in front of the large crowd. I was proud of them and could tell they felt accomplished.

Aspen left right after her pieces to go to soccer tryouts for next season. She made the select team and will be traveling the state next year in search of stiffer competition.

I was in bed, sound asleep by 10:00pm that night, and up bright and early the next day to take Abbie and the carpool crew to preschool. The madness never ends but I love it!

Hooray for summer!

H e Double Hockey Stick and I'm Feeling Better From Yesterday

I think my hormones are playing tricks on me. Or at least that is where I'm placing all the blame. For the past few weeks I have been attempting to ween Sunny and have been having an emotional roller coaster ride. It has not been kicks and giggles. Weening, this time around, has been difficult.

There have been moments where I have been slightly(or, maybe extremely is a more accurate word) over emotional and irritated. In fact just today I might have spoken the word hell out loud as in "you are bugging the hell out of me" to my children... while they had friends over. Oops, not my finest moment. I could have sworn I only thought it, but then it just spewed out my lips like cheeks bursting with milk.

My kids might be accustomed to my second language (Spanish, French, English, Cursing...), albeit in a slightly less personal and derogatory way, and more of a "Good hell! Who just forgot to take a bath inside the tub instead of on the bathroom floor?" sort of way. However, I did not mean to introduce their friends to it. I apologized profusely to these two young ladies and to my children, but forgiveness will be a tell tale sign when and if my children's friend's parents allow them to play again.

(Note to self, write an apology to parents.)

I feel horrible at the same time that I laugh at my stupidity of actions during a moment of frustration. Try and try again. That is my motto.

Oh the joys of womanhood, parenthood, motherhood and Jenhood...

I am wondering if this has happened to anyone else? Not the swearing, because I'm sure you all know how to peaceably contain your frustrated selves, but the hormone-roller-coaster-during-weening-a-breastfeeder, mess. Anyone?

Side note: I cannot wait to have my breasts back, my body back, my brain back and hopefully some normal hormones back- if indeed they ever return.

After weening three previous babies, one would think I knew that this ride was coming, but I don't remember it. Not one bit. Maybe it's akin to forgetting childbirth?

Anyhow, that was today. Now on to tomorrow and hoping no one sets me off so much that I actually voice my swearing to their faces again.

I've been thinking...

...and I like to think.

Thinking is good.

On average I think up at least one blog post per day. They are usually well written, not to mention well thought out and organized. Typing it out of my fingers never happens(enter all excuses here). Then the post is gone, lost forever with the mass of brain activity passing through my busy mom brain.

A problem, only because I need to write to get thoughts out of my brain because only then are they finalized and make sense.

My most recent brain posts, in a nutshell which will likely not make sense:

1) I love being a mom. I love Sunny. Sometimes I tell her I love her little turkey drumstick thighs as I nibble on them a little. She giggles then I giggle. All I could think when she crawled today was NO! Her movement means I'm doing my job and she is doing her job. She is growing. Growing is good. I am taking care of her. I am doing it well.
I am so happy I finally dared to have #4. What was I so afraid of? Oh right, all the stuff about parenting that I don't like. Stress, anxieties, sleep loss, spoon feeding, another schedule to lump on top of the already full five, loss of me time, loss of me, stagnancy of the mundane and remembering I will be in this routine for a few more years. The funny thing about it, is I know I chose it. 
Then as I even consider or give voice to the bad, the negative, I feel guilty. I feel guilty because the good is so sweet, because I am so blessed to have cute turkey legs to nibble on. I feel guilty because society, church, people who love me prefer I only give attention to the good and ignore the bad. I feel guilty because I find it incredibly inauthentic to do that, try as I may.
Next I get angry because I feel like I can't be 100% of myself 100% of the time to 100% of the people in my life.
In short, life is hard and I feel like I spin in the above circle constantly and that I am the only human being there.

2. I really need to start exercising... bad! I am just too lazy to put in the effort of visiting with a cardiologist, speaking with a dietitian, then putting an exercise plan in place. I also wish I was still getting paid to exercise.

3. Liberty is doing so much better in school this year. Sure makes my mommy heart happy to see her hard work paying off. Sure makes my mommy heart sad when kids make fun of her for wearing glasses and having braces. I pray that I will always have the ability to understand her struggles and know how I can help her.

4. Thinking I want to start a new blog and phase this one out. There is more than just mommy hood to celebrate, discuss and write about. Still thinking on a catchy name. Thinking I might chicken out even though I feel like I shouldn't.

5. My goals this year. Study for the G.R.E. Decide what field to study. Make progress in that direction.  Prepare to help earn money for the family and plan the right time to do it.

First Day of School

This years first day of school went by so quickly for me. I baked our usual back to school cookies, relaxed and enjoyed some peace and quiet and life with two kids again. Aspen said she could smell the back to school cookies when she was walking home. I remember telling my mom that. I recall the scent of the first day of school with cookies. The culmination of a new day with new friends and new teachers must be balanced out by the comforting scent of home-baked cookies welcoming you home. What a great, yummy tradition. Abbie missed the girls terribly. It was a good thing she wasted a few hours by sleeping in until 10 AM.

Aspen is in her last year at Ellis Elementary. I cannot believe that my baby will be a middle schooler after this year. Times flies. She is blossoming into quite the young lady. She is such a good helper with chores. I will miss her while she is at school. This year she didn't mind me walking her to school because we had Sunny and Sunny is still cool. Thank goodness someone is still cool in this family. Sending her on her last first day of Elementary made me a bit sad, nostalgic and excited all at the same time. After feeling this way, I find it a given that I will miss my kids being little, just like all the old ladies tell me I will. I did not believe them about 6 years ago.   

Liberty is now an upperclassman. Being in third grade opens up a myriad of opportunities. She could join the choir, chime choir, learn to play some instruments and go to the big kid activities. No worries though, she is not a little joiner like her older sister. She is content with computers, library and recess. She did mention that she loves PE. I love that she is happy with simple things. I love that she is a good friend and such a helper with Sunny. She is such a good playmate with Abbie, that her spunk and fun attitude will be missed while at school.

We are looking forward to a great year with awesome teachers in Mrs. Frandsen (Liberty) and Mrs. Burton (Aspen)

How wild to think that next year Abbie will be in Kindergarten! Crazy.

PS: My favorite first day of school note:

Cravings

2 months. 

Sunny Buckets rolled from her back to stomach this afternoon. With a swift turn of her hips she plopped on her belly like a beached whale, back arched, enjoying her new view. She was stunned, I was excited and then immediately sad. My baby is growing up. As a way of monitoring progress in my children, I crave these events- first smile, first laugh, first roll- until they happen. Then I want time to still and seal up the newborn cry, fisted fingers and wobbly head so I can witness it forever.

No such luck.

Now I'm on to craving toy interaction, sitting up and rolling for travel. Such a bipolar cycle to place myself in.

--------------------------

Lib the snorkler

Tomorrow marks the last week of summer. I am singing hallelujahs to school beginning. To a schedule of which to gauge my days. Having four children has made me crave a schedule. Wake, breakfast, three out to school, feeding, naptime- FREE TIME FOR MOM!, pick up Abbie, errands/work/playtime, more naptime and feedings, kids come home, homework, piano, soccer, dance, run here and run there, throw in dinner then bedtime to get ready for the next day. I assume this schedule will make more time for other things like better focused family time and exercise, but I know the days will continue only with 24 hours.

Knowing myself, a week into my new great schedule and I will be dying for summer to begin again. Never thought I'd say it, but I miss the summers with toddlers. Those lazy days without schedule and with whim on our side. To bad those are a thing of the past.

School clothes are bought, last minute fun is planned and throbbing trepidation is settling in. Aspen is at her last year in Elementary School, Lib finds herself behind before she even begins 3rd grade and Abbie has her final year of preschool. Growth times three.

My hopes are:
     *That Aspen settles in with some good friends before middle school and enjoys her last year of        innocent childhood consisting of Barbies, running around in swimsuits, and not noticing the opposite sex.
     *That Lib continues to enjoy learning... label free, and absorbs enough to process then spill back out... enough.
      *That Abbie will let loose, play, learn by doing and enjoy her last year of freedom until the ABC's and 123's are crammed into her charming little head, forever.
      *That Sunny and I will take more walks together. More naps. Maybe even take her first bike ride just as soon as she sits up!

Liberty's great #8

On her birthday morning, opening presents from mom and dad.

Balloons to wake up to!

Liberty Lou is 8!

During this last pregnancy I was worried about Liberty keeping her own special birth day. The only day I did not want to give birth was on May 2. That was Liberty's day. Sunny was scheduled to arrive on May 4th, (exactly the same as Liberty's due date). Timing was close. I worried about where I would be and if Mick and I would be able to celebrate her great number 8 with her. Birthday's are important!

So, Mick and I decided to let her have a friend party on her actual birthday. Conveniently, Lib requested a pajama, pizza, movie and popcorn party. I went with it happily, thinking it sounded simple and easy since I was not feeling well, about to deliver and and maybe grandma would be in charge of hosting.

Lib invited Kade, Jezza and Dana and her sisters. They had a lovely time playing, eating and watching a movie. Lib felt special and happy- Mission accomplished!

  
Later that week, her family party went on without me. Mick hosted while I was at the hospital. Everyone came to support Lib and  I felt happy she felt loved and honored by all. Eight is an important birthday!

Lib decorated her own cake this year.

Thoughts on the day

-Felt good today, for a 33 week pregnant lady. I'll take it.

-Aspen tried out for the school talent show, and made it. She performed today playing "Fur Elise" on the piano. It was a perfect rendition (with a few nerves which made it a quick rendition) just like she promised it would be since we straightened her hair last night, in preparation. In fact, her exact quote was "I feel more educated when my hair is straight". She also said it helps her get A's and do better at anything she is does. She even went as far as to promise her straightened hair would help deliver a solid performance today. She may be on to something.
I was proud of her. She did great.
I think straight hair gives her attitude and boy did we see a lot of that today. Attitude is good when harnessed, really difficult to deal with when not. I'm thinking that today she could of also auditioned for the Disney Channel and made it. Drama, drama and attitude mixed with more drama. Love her still.

-When giving her a bath today, Abbie asked me not to clean her wiener. "No worries, I won't because you don't have one. You're a girl silly". Where does she get this from? I'm totally blaming it on Liberty since minutes before Lib told me her's was clean. Here I thought I've been giving the girls proper terminology and trying to teach them differences in boys and girls. Hasn't worked so well, apparently. Sure made for a good laugh though!

More Than I Give Her Credit For

Liberty is always the first home from school. Typically she is out of breath, arriving within 4 to 5 minutes of the school bell. She is speedy and consistant. Aspen straggles in a mere 15 minutes later. I used to chalk up their differences in arrival times to Aspen socializing with friends and Lib just wanting to get home. Lib likes being home, makes sense.

Then earlier this year, I realized Lib would run through the door, drop her backpack and yell "Hi mom!", as she continued on her way to the bathroom. I guess when nature calls one tends to hurry. So we've had endless conversation about why restrooms are located at school. Still she runs home and straight to the bathroom.

Today Lib was even more out of breath and made it home in three minutes.

"Wow, you made it home fast today", I admired.
"I was racing the bus before it turned the corner."
"Did you win?"
"Yep!"
"Way to run! Do you race the bus every day?", I inquired.
"Yep", she said on her way to the toilet.

What To Do, What To Do?

Today's thoughts are preoccupied with a meeting I will attend tomorrow. It is an IEP (Individualized education plan) meeting in regards to Lib. I'm not a fan of these meetings because I find that I get emotional, lose my train of thought and don't always tell the "educators" what and how I really feel about Liberty's educational needs. But this year, I feel we are at a crossroads. Things need to change. More needs to be done.

Tomorrow's plan is to go with questions and keep my cool while expressing my desires for her future. The hardest part about that plan is that I don't know what the future holds and I can only make decisions based on past and present performance.

I love this kid and despite her learning disabilities or how she is assessed academically to produce scores, she's intelligent. She's tactical, observant, hard working, makes good decisions, is organized and always thinking. There is no doubt she'll make her educational pursuits in life. She will be happy choosing to do what will make her happy, it's just her nature. I just want it to be less difficult for her to get to that destination the best and most enjoyable way possible and I wish I knew what direction that way was.  

Last day of school, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Lib and Mrs. Janie Macfarlane- 1st grade

Aspen and Ms. Jamie Rupp- 3rd grade

What a mixture of emotions for me when the girls pass life's milestones such as this one.

On one hand they are growing up (HOORAY!), but on the other hand- they are growing up (BOO!). I'm not always sure how to feel, so I plaster on my smile and go about giving kudos for a job well done- on everyone's behalf while occasionally shedding a tear.

I have felt grateful beyond words for these two superb teachers in the lives of my girls. Especially Mrs. Macfarlane for being a champion for Liberty's successes, however small they might have been. I'm so grateful she allowed Liberty to feel good at what she knew and be herself in the areas she thrived.

I worry so much for next year with that girl. She's far behind her peers, academically. But socially and artistically- if those were assessed, she shines.

I worry for Lib's future, for the effort she will have to put in to do her best educationally. I worry for gearing up for another year of one and a half hours of homework each night- for both of us! I don't have the patience I should, day in and day out. I constantly pray that there will be a break through with her learning, and for anyone who might be able to assist Mick and I in helping her. Secretly, I get so mad at myself as her mom, who doesn't know how to tear down the walls in her lovely little brain. But I don't hold those keys and it is so frustrating. So far, I count my blessing for those who we do have in her circle of help, and they are such competent professionals that both Liberty and I feel comfortable with.

Her's a note I sent Principal Sue about these great ladies:

Dear Sue,

First off, I want to say Thank You!

Thank You for being such a great Principal of a outstanding school. Our family loves Ellis Elementary! Your hard work and effort does not go unappreciated by us. We have loved having our children attend Ellis which has offered them so many opportunities. Having a neighborhood school our children can walk to, learn and play at while creating fond memories, has been important to us. It has been so rewarding to watch Aspen and Liberty grow and learn through great teachers and staff that are genuinely invested in seeing their academic, social and creative successes.

This year Aspen and Liberty have been particularly blessed with the best teachers- Miss Rupp and Mrs. Macfarlane respectfully. We trusted in your decision to place them with these two great teachers and have been so pleased with the outcome.

We are so thrilled that you were able to hire Miss Rupp and that she has been Aspen's teacher. She has helped calm and focus Aspen's attention to the task at hand by commanding a quiet atmosphere for learning and respect for other students. Her classroom management is top notch for learning, and we would bet all her students have grown leaps and bounds this year, as Aspen has. Her loving, positive comments, have provided good feedback for Aspen and us, and boosted Aspen's self esteem. We appreciate Mrs. Rupp's hard work and dedication to preparing Aspen both socially and academically for the years ahead. We have also admired her ability to push Aspen to reach goals ahead of time, and to advance her reading. 

Time and time again, it has been confirmed to us the blessing of having Mrs. Macfarlane be Liberty's teacher this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing Liberty to be in her classroom! It has truly taken an army of people this year to get Liberty to where she is. We are so grateful to you, Mrs. Macfarlane and all your staff (including Mrs. Hanson and Mrs. Pruze) who have given their love, time and talents to Liberty's success. Liberty has grown leaps and bounds, despite her setbacks and a great deal of credit goes to Mrs. Marfarlane for her professional abilities, energy, patience, compassion and drive to see Liberty succeed. She helped secure more individual academic help with resource and helped tailor Liberty's homework to fit her needs to insure success and to keep us all from going crazy! Her classroom is super organized, relatively calm, creative, fun and an overall great learning environment. We have appreciated that she noticed Liberty's learning strategies and incorporated that into teaching Liberty individually. Mrs. Macfarlane is so great at teaching. She runs a tight ship with 6/7 year old's and quite frankly, deserves a medal for having 26! this year. We'd love to see her rewarded for her efforts by having a slightly smaller class next year. She is a wonder and hope to see her still at Ellis when Abbie makes it to 1^st grade! 

Sue, you are a delight! Carry on in all the good work you do as an advocate for our children, as well as countless others. Thanks for accepting this note, as all our thanks and thoughts would not have fit on tiny lines. Not to mention you having to read our horrid handwriting!

Sincerely,

Mick and Jennifer Perkins

At First...

...only one tooth was lost, then the second. Now Lib's become our Toothless Wonder.

One morning at school breakfast, Liberty bit into a muffin and out came her tooth. She picked it up off the floor knowing full well what kind of money a good tooth goes for these days. It came home packaged in a tiny white tooth decorated envelope, courtesy of Mrs. Macfarlane. I have a feeling Lib's not the first to proudly take home one of those cute little envelopes.

Munching on popcorn during her movie date with Aunt Tawna, tooth number two popped out. Holding Lib's second little tooth, Mick shook his head and sighed with a wincing, crooked smile, "my babies growing up".

I'm just thankful missing baby teeth and the growth of adult teeth does not indicate adulthood. Not one of the three of us is ready for that adventure yet.

A Couple Firsts

Hot Cocoa cheers to a good night had by all!

Of the many benefits to raising children, seeing them experiencing and enjoying a new adventure, ranks high on my list. The rush, the fear, the push of any "first" is such a thrill. As a parent I get to experience firsts not one time around, but possibly three. Life is sweet to me!

Such was the case when Liberty hit the ski slopes for the first time. She was nervous to go. Pouting all day that she was "not going!". I relented with my begging, you-will-love-it approach, and switched it to a kinder, I'm-not-going-to-make-you-go-if-you-don't-want-to, and it worked! Five minutes before departure she decided to join Aspen and I.

This was also an important first for Mick. He relinquished some control reigns over to me, consenting to allow me to venture by myself (heaven forbid!), driving up the winter canyon (*GASP*), with two of our children (easy as pie compared to three...), TO GO SKIING (a sure as fire death trap in his eyes)! I was so proud of him. It was a big, BIG step to his safety Sally reputation he's had going on for some time now.

"Hurry up Mom, we want to go back out!"

Liberty took a lesson while Aspen and I brushed up our skills on the bunny hill. By the time we all met up for Liberty's first run down the mountain, Lib was a mean skiing machine! She had her pizza held firm and followed instructor Matt down down down. I credit Matt for being such a patient, good, thorough instructor and hope he's around next time.

"Can we do it again? I want to go again!"

Such a delight to see Ms. Lib enjoying another great first. We went up the mountain again. She rocked her first lift experience with only a minor crash landing, partly because she got entangled by her over protective mother. As I skied backward in my inverted pizza, she caught on better and better, turn after turn. Going down a cat walk, she sailed ahead, assuring me "I can do it myself, watch". And she skied solo from that moment on.

Another natural in love with the sound of snow slithering under her skis sure makes my heart happy. Many thanks to Mr. Money Bucks for funding our adventure and being faithful and sending up prayers that we would all return in one piece.

Can't wait for Liberty's "second" attempt.

Needless to say, my tuckered out little first timer passed out shortly after consuming her much needed apple cheese and cocoa.

Lovely, part three

These Made Me Smile

Liberty's List

Aspen's List

Punky Brewster?

Remember Punky?
She used to be my favorite television personalities... when I was young mind you.

Punky always wore crazy-cool socks, shoes and outfits.  Every young girl tried dressing up like Punky at least once, likely unknowingly.

Today's young are no different.

Introducing Punky Perkins, one of my new favorite personalities...

...and proud of it from red hair extension down to black knee highs and pink plaid shoes.

How could I resist capturing such a proud moment?

Yard Sale!

Aspen and Liberty hosted a yard sale selling all their friend Shaylee's "baby stuff".  Most of their selling time was spent rearranging easel signage, rummaging through the goods and performing cheer stunts and chants for marketing and promotion edge.

Liberty came inside several times in search of her spare change. For a dollar she purchased some make-up (baby stuff?) for which she put on immediately.

In agreement with Shaylee, Aspen purchased a pair of roller blades (she's been DYING to own a pair) in exchange for her work at the sale and one dollar. This beat KSL or any other yard sale listing price. I had visions of Shaylee's mom coming to retrieve the newish pink pair of expandable blades her daughter had sold for a meager dollar, so I confirmed with Shaylee the shady deal that went down. "Come back and get them if you need too" I whispered to her. No blood on my hands. 

Aspen donated a Polly Pocket dress to aid in the retail value of Shaylee's naked Polly that had been placed on the table. Incidentally, after two hours, a kind passerby pulled over and purchased the said dress worn by the respective Polly for a whopping $2.50. "It was for her granddaughter" said Aspen, "she was excited to buy it!"

Bless you stranger, bless you.

Optimism was at it's peak. A purchase had been made. Their metal money can could now jingle. Smiles of success were evident on their faces. Then it was time for a new marketing campaign... and a new sign: "1 dolor Pony Rides!" I wanted to purchase a ride but saw no evidence of a pony. It took me a minute to realize we owned the pony in our backyard. Plastic construction and the pony's miniature size counted me out for a ride.

A few preteen kids stopped by the sale on their bikes. Visible through my window, words were exchanged as Aspen's suspicions kept her hand on the money can. Soon the boys rode off. Quickly Aspen came inside.
"Mom, some boys came by the sale and told us were were stupid".
"That's not kind", I told her thinking maybe they were in search of a real pony ride too, "I hope you just ignored them".
"We did".

Soon after, I witnessed yard sale items being cleaned up and put into bags. The money can was exchanged with frowns between Shaylee and Aspen, then the goods were taken back to Shaylee's house. Only Aspen returned.
"Mom, Shaylee's mad because I told her that one dollar was mine since the lady bought my Polly Pocket dress, and because I helped sell it."
"Then you got your skates for free" I calculated "but you've hurt your friends feelings. Which is more important to you, your friendship with Shaylee or the skates?"

Minutes later Shaylee was back, smiles were on faces, and Aspen still had a dollar and a pair of roller blades to her name.

Week One Down

One week has passed since my last post. One grasshopper dead. One let loose. One cool skin kept.

Wish I could say I've been on vacation, but alas, only a schedule is to blame. Boring. I know. Although I did get my entire set of cabinets and wood floor polished for the first time since the big remodel. It only took a year. Too bad the clean lasted until cracker time. Thanks to this little jewel:

Also, a nightly computer thief has been in the house. A certain someone has been on every chat board on the web waiting word for which conference BYU chooses to align themselves with (the devil?), and where USU will go in BYU's merciful (we hope) selection. Why must purity be so concerned with money and fame? One will never know. Throw us a bone BYU, throw us a bone.  Mostly just to ensure my computer becomes mine again. Please?

Meanwhile, first day of school (3rd, 1st) pics and awesome quotes:

"Your not walking me to school mom! That is so embarrassing."
"I'm not, I'm walking Lib to school, right Lib?"
Lib shakes her head up and down with a smile and a out reached hand.

"Look mom, I picked these flowers for Ms. Rupp!"

 "How was your first day?" I asked Aspen upon her return.

"Ms. Rupp is strict mom"

That explains why I found Ms.Rupp's flowers lying squished between books and papers. Poor Ms. Rupp. I hope she survives Aspen this year. I might need to buy her some flowers myself, for penance.

"Lib, you pegged your skinny jeans- I love it!" "I just rolled them."

"Here's some flowers for your teacher Libby". "I don't want to give my teacher flowers". "Just hold them for the picture then". "Okay". SNAP

"Mom, don't leave" Lib said with pleading puppy brown eyes. "Will you come back to get me?"

Of course I'd come back to get someone who thought I was the coolest person in the world. Can't miss that opportunity.

Stay tuned to see if I'm cool enough for the the first day of school next year.