Hallelujah, almost

Hallelujah, hallelujah, well, almost...

What a big mess!

An even bigger mess.

Cliff, aka, the man, working on the equipment.

From the mixer thing to the wheelbarrow, to the deep end.

They completed the deep end of the pool today. It was so hot and they really worked hard.

Greyson playing hard.

Look at that red face!

The completed deep end.

Chris worked on landscaping today. Here is the little are between the deck and the pavilion. He also planted a palm tree on the other side of the sidewalk. Sitting on the back of the deck are two palm trees for each corner and the plants to put in front of the equipment to form a screen. I think it looks really pretty and I can't wait to see the finished product!

Lauklan's Kindergarten awards

This morning, Chris and I had the opportunity to go to Lauklan's classroom and watch their awards program. It was a neat little program they did, with songs they learned through the year. Most importantly, Mrs. Platt spoke about each of the children individually and gave them their awards. Lauklan was just beaming, as you can see on the video.

The class singing to us.

The pass the earth ball around promoting peace.

Lauklan holding his reading medal and Math Superstars trophy.

I can't believe its on to first grade for him. Crazy!

Activity Days Recognition

Tonight we had the Activity Days Recognition for the girls in the ward that are ages 8 - 12. We had 2 out sick, and missed them a lot, but it was a wonderful evening. I really enjoyed the opportunity to focus on the girls and to see what they thought was fun and special about their program.

Kerstyn shared about the bracelet that she made, but of course couldn't find. We also had the opportunity to focus on Jensen since she will be 12 in a week and move on from the primary program. What a great group of girls we have!

Memorial Day fun

We decided to hang out by the pool this weekend, even though it isn't done. The kids even took a swim!

I must also take this opportunity to say thank you to all the veterans and especially those in my family. Chris served in the Army and in Desert Storm, Dad served in the Navy in Vietnam, Ryan served in the Army during Iraqi Freedom and also in Afghanistan. Thank you, thank you.

Great Job Kerstyn!

We found out last week that Kerstyn scored 5's on her FCAT test. We are so proud of her! A 5 is the highest score that you can get and it is quite an accomplishment! In third grade you take the FCAT in Reading and Math.


For a little treat for her, she got her first Webkinz. Here she is holding it as she gets started with all the computer stuff for it.Way to go Kerstyn! We are SO proud of you.

Swim?

NO, not yet!

This is the "belly ring". It supposedly alerts you to where the water would be over your head if you're an average height adult. Well, its over my head WAY before that line! :)

Kiddie pool and shallow end

Waterfall area and bench under the waterfall. See, we're already getting water in the deep end. Just not the water we want!

The kids call this the "little pool". It's know to adults as "the spa".

It rained, so we don't have it ready to swim, unless this looks appealing to you.

This is the acrylic topping on the lanai.

Here are all the supplies, waiting patiently for the interior guy to come back to do his job.

Our pavillion.

It has been funny this weekend because we were going to have a big get together to celebrate Memorial Day and our pool. But, we can't because it rained which meant that the interior of the pool could not be completed. So, I have gone out there in my bathing suit and sunned and acted like I'm enjoying my pool. The kids are running around and we're just hanging out by the pool that isn't really a pool. Soon though, right? Soon?

Massage, pedi and mani

I called first thing this morning and made myself an appointment for an hour massage.

I cooked pancakes for the kids and scrambled eggs and sausage for Chris and headed off!

I had a wonderful massage.

I experienced the BEST pedicure that I have ever gotten.

My nails are beautiful.

But, best of all...

I came home with a new attitude!

Thank you so much honey!

Bedroom number 2

I don't have a before picture, but the room was brown, just like the boys' room and our room, and the bathrooms... you get the idea, the WHOLE house is brown. I'm over it!

Aislinn's bed

Kerstyn's bed

Closet and play area

I did a much better job painting the girls' room today. I decided to tape off all the ceiling, base boards, doors, etc and I had a much better result. Also, I bought a drop cloth and saved the carpet from all my drops and spills.

Next week... Brennan's room goes from brown to green.

Rain

It hasn't rained much at all here in forever. Now, since we are at the stage with the pool that it can't be done if it's raining, it has decided to rain for days!

Why?

Way to go...

David Archuleta! I was hoopin' and hollerin' like a teenage girl! I thought he did just great.

Connections and apprehension

Connections first -

It is always just wonderful to visit with a friend. Then you even find out more ways in which you are alike. I had a great morning with Kasey, Wyatt and Ryan. I look forward to many more. Gosh, the two of us have quite a bit in common!

I'm getting old! I just reconnected with my first ever babysitter of Brennan. She is old enough to have two children of her own and has been married for almost 4 years! Help me please, I don't think that I realize that I am getting older! I still feel like she is a Beehive.

Apprehension last -

Cliff came today with a truckload of supplies. Here is the plan: Tomorrow, he comes with help to do the acrylic deck and put the tiles in the pool. Wednesday, the interior guys come. Thursday, they acid wash the inside and then start filling it up.
I should be able to swim by the weekend.

Where is my slide?

I'm feeling...

WORRIED!

Will it be done?

Will I be able to swim in it?

If it's NOT done, will I survive?

Will I have a nervous breakdown?

Will I EVER be the same?

Mother/Son Dance

Brennan, Lauklan and I went to the Round Lake Elementary Mother/Son Dance last night. I have gone with Brennan the last 2 years, but this time Lauklan got to go too since he is in Kindergarten. We had a great time together and even went to Dairy Queen after the dance for a little treat.

The three of us about ready to head out to the Luau.

Two of my handsome sons.

A little project

Before

After

What do you think?

Water in the pool

Our pool contractor told me today that he will have "water in my pool" before Memorial Day weekend.

I sure hope he means water that is safe to swim in, not rain water!

I'm trying not to get TOO excited, but I just can't help it!

Go Cliff (Cliff is our pool contractor)!

FHE

Tonight, I took the kids and me to a little pizza joint here in our little town for dinner. The kids were very good, because I did some GREAT threats before we entered. I need to remember those threats for future use. :)

On the way home, we had our FHE. We each got to pick a song to sing from the Children's Songbook and then we talked about how nice it is to be together when we are nice to one another. Peace in the home is a beautiful thing! I felt the spirit so strongly in that van of mine, which is a nice contrast to the chaos that is sometimes in there. It was beautiful!

I love my family, even though I sometimes don't act like it. I truly appreciate the opportunity I have to be Chris' wife and the kids' mom. They all teach me SO much! Tomorrow, I can do better, or at least I'll try.

I was tagged!

I was tagged by Tricia!

3 Joys
1. The gospel
2. My husband, children and family.
3. Sleep!

3 Fears
1. That I haven't done any good in my most precious roles.
2. Being alone in my old age. I DO NOT want to live without my hubby!
3. Snakes

3 Goals
1. To be less 'grumpy', aka stress less.
2. Read and relax more.
3. Keep my blogs current and continue to be faithful in blogging so that I have a journal and something that my posterity may have when I'm gone.

3 Current Obsessions/Collections
1. Cleaning
2. Nagging
3. Worrying about my pool

3 Random Surprising Facts About Me
1. I have a bachelor's degree in music. I was a bassoonist and that was, and is, my passion. Maybe again someday. I went to get my Master's degree in something a tad bit more practical, Elementary Education. Now do you think I use that one?
2. I have 2 older brothers, Mark and Reed. Mark is 14 years older than me and Reed is 10 years older than me. Despite the age difference, we have a blast. They are the best I could ever ask for.
3. I did not grow up in the church, but found the gospel when I went to college. I knew it was true as soon as they started telling me about it! I jumped on board and never looked back!

I tag...
Frances, Karen and Holly! You better do it Holly! :)

Yoo-Ma's and Papa's = FUN!

The 'princess' floating and eating strawberries.

Everyone having a good time.

I think that the kids wore Chris and Daddy out!

I'm so glad that I gave Ooh-Rah a bath just before he decided to get all dirty!

The kids, the parents, and even the dog had a great weekend! Maybe if our pool ever gets finished, we can have fun like that at our own house!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Poor Aislinn

Aislinn got another cold this week and this time, she just couldn't beat it. She started running a fever on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday afternoon, I took her in to the doctor. There was nothing wrong that Dr. Soto could find, except she know her history with colds, then coughing/asthma, then fever. So, she sent us off with a prescription and told me not to use it UNLESS, she started running another fever within the next 2 days. Well, 2 hours later the fever was back.

Last night was rough, she looked miserable, her nose wouldn't quit running and she kept coughing despite all the cough treatments that we have been doing.

This morning, she woke up much more like herself and she took a nice long nap.

A happy Aislinn makes a happy Melody.

No lunch!

I was furious today when I got Brennan in the car after school and he notified me that he did not get a lunch today while on his field trip.

I thought, you were outside all day, in the heat, walking, etc. and you haven't eaten since breakfast?

I asked him if he said anything and he said "No, I just figured you forgot to send me with one." I'm thinking, "Have I EVER sent you to school without lunch? NO WAY!!!"

I marched myself up to the front office and asked to talk to his teacher. She had no idea that he didn't eat because he was in another group from her. However, I had to wonder, "How do you not notice when one child is NOT EATING and everyone else is?"

Not happy, not happy at all! :(

Lets hurry

I'm ready for my pool to be done and summer vacation to be here. How about you?

Terrific Kid

Congratulations to Kerstyn for being the Terrific Kid!

Mount Dora Bible

I turned in our application and application fee today for Brennan to attend Mount Dora Bible next year. I have high hopes for his academic career there. I also feel that he will blossom socially and spiritually in that atmosphere. Click on the school name above to go to the website.

We are all really excited for this new experience. I can't believe that I am getting ready to have a child in middle school! Aren't I too young for that?

Boys beds

Lauklan and Greyson finally got bunk beds! They were so happy! I really like them too. It seems like they are really growing up. Now I just need to get them some real drawers. We are still using plastic ones. You can see Lauklan's in the second picture. I just know that no matter what we get, I have to be okay with them ruining it!

From April 19

I just loved these pictures and thought I would share them. I rarely get pictures of just Chris and I, and even more rare, is to get a picture of me. So, here you go...



I'm off to get Nashua and Nellie for me to get my hair done and then go on a date with my hubby! Dates make me happy. :)

Good and bad

Good first:

We have a pool deck and I took a bunch of pictures! I am SO EXCITED!





Continued good news:

I enjoyed Neil Diamond's performance last night and I know that Chris and I will have a great time with my mom in October at his concert.

Bad: :(

Brooke is gone (from American Idol). I was teary about that.

What is wrong with me?