Crazy afternoon!

After a fairly normal day, I was on my bike in my favorite cycle class when I got a text message from Brennan.

4:30 :"Mom, who is picking us up?"

"Dad. Is he not there?"

"Nope."

"Call him."

"I was sent to voicemail."

I call his cell. I call his office. No answer either place.

"Mom, they say we have to be picked up in 5 minutes. Kerstyn is wigging out."

I get off my bike, run to the kiddie gym. Sign the 3 kids out and run to the car. I drive like a mad man and arrive at the middle school at about 5:45.

Then, I get to rush back to Chris' office where I find him speaking with clients. I have to get in his car to get Kerstyn's piano stuff out of his car and rush her to piano. Her lesson starts at 6 and we didn't get there until about 6:10.

I then take all the other kids home, tell them to shower and give Aislinn a bath and wash her hair. Just in enough time to load back up and go back to pick Kerstyn up from piano. I dropped her off at home to shower and do homework while I ran over to Grandma's to get the younger kids who are now there with Chris doing little projects.

We didn't get back home until around 9 and I finally got the kids in bed by 9:30.

One word, EXHAUSTING!

Let there be trim and doors!

Chris and I stopped by the building today during lunch. This is what we found! We are so excited.

Hallway with molding

Although sideways, here is a shot of one of the doors.

This is Chris' office with the baseboards.

We are really excited to see the progress at the new office. We can't wait to get into that building!

Duty to God

We, meaning the young men and their parents, had a meeting during the third hour of church today. The topic was the new Duty to God program for the church.

We heard from the Bishop, Young Men's President, the Quorum Presidents and the church. The new program is much more driven by the boys. They set goals and work to achieve them. I really like it. To me, it gives them more responsibility and ownership. How exciting!

After church, we all loaded up and headed to the airport to pick up Grandma. She's been in Germany since August 6 and it was time for her to come home. We're glad your back.

More suits and dinner

Chris and I went back to Men's Warehouse tonight with 3 of Chris' suits. They will alter the suits for free, since we purchased them there, for the life of the suit. Chris has lost about 30 pounds, so it was time to bring those guys in!

While there, we also purchased 2 more suits that I think look great on him. I can't wait to go back and pick them up next week.

Following our suit fun, we went across the parking lot to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner with Bobby and Kim Garrison. It was fun for all of us.

Date nights are good...

Maggie's Memorial Service

Chris and I attended Maggie's Memorial Service this afternoon. She is definitely gone too early!

She was there for Chris when he needed her. She allowed us to rent office space from her when we were needing and wanting to open up our own firm. We are forever grateful to her for that and for all of the mentoring and support that she gave to Chris through the years.

See you soon Maggie...

Kids with their teachers

I took these pictures on the first day. I love to get pictures of the kids on the first and last day to see how much they have grown through the years. I can't believe how big my babies are getting! I pray they have a great school year.

Aislinn and Mrs. Platt. Aislinn is in the Dual Language Program, as is Greyson, they both have 2 teachers, one that does English and one that does Spanish. Mrs. Ennis is Aislinn's other teacher and they both had Greyson last year. They are amazing. Good luck to all of them.

Greyson and Ms. Munoz - He also has Mrs. Vallee, but I didn't get a picture with her yet.

Lauklan and Ms. Chappel

Brennan and Kerstyn outside the middle school. I was trying to not embarrass them too much...


They are finshed with 3 days of school and so far, so good. They are all still getting up and remaining positive. I wonder if it will last through the week?



Aislinn is super cute, she tells me all the time that she is in Kindergarten at the big kid school. Gotta love them all!

I finally got the pictures and posts done from NYC, so make sure to go down and check them out.

Kerstyn's art

Kerstyn worked on the painting below with Janie, our babysitter. She did it to share when it is her turn to be the "Spotlight" in Primary.

I was really impressed in her work. Way to go Kerstyn!

Back to school 2010--2011

The kids all went back to school today! I had a picture taking frenzy going on here this morning!

Chris and all the kids

Me and all the kids

Aislinn Kindergarten

Greyson 1st grade
Lauklan 3rd grade

Kerstyn 6th grade
Brennan 8th grade

Wow! Those kids are growing up!

Middle School orientation

I took Brennan and Kerstyn this morning to their orientation at the middle school. We got their schedules, walked around to find all their classes and saw several friends!

They are both excited for this new adventure. It is Brennan's first time there since he was at Mount Dora Bible the last 2 years. We'll see how it goes... Kerstyn is beaming with excitement too. She is also very excited about taking band.

Following that, Brennan had a doctor's appointment, then I had to work.

However, this evening, we headed to the temple to participate in Millennial Day II. I love going to the temple and it has been to long, so I'm looking forward to it.

We decided that we are going to try to attend the temple once a month and we'll shoot for the third Friday. Maybe that way, we'll get there more often.

Coming home

Building contractor sign. We're making progress... ;)

I was too tired last night to drive home since we didn't arrive at Mom's until 12:20 this morning. So, I jumped in the bed and then drove straight to the office this morning.

I worked all day and then Chris and I went out for a dinner at Sonny's while wonderful Janie, watched the kids!

Chris had a rough day today because he found out that Maggie, a good friend and collegue or his, that is also the lady that we rent from and share office space with, had a stroke and was being disconnected from life support. Her employees told him today that it was only supposed to be a matter of time before her body would shut down. It just tells us that life is short and you never know when your time is up.

Last Day in NYC

Mom and I leave NYC today and after we got up, we decided to ask the concierge where we should have breakfast. He suggested going to Sarabeth's which is right across the street from Central Park near the Plaza Hotel. Mom and I absolutely loved it!

After breakfast, we walked back to the hotel and packed up our things. I had a facial appointment at the spa at 1 and that was absolutely wonderful. Following the facial, Mom and I loaded ourselves back in the taxi and headed to eat at Stage Deli. It wouldn't be a trip to NYC if I didn't go there. Mom and I ate our half meals and then split a baby blueberry cheesecake.

We arrived back at the hotel in time to go get our bags and head to JFK. Time to fly home. However, the trip was wonderful and the time that I got to spend with family was priceless!

Memphis and more NYC

Gail and David had to head back to Salt Lake City this afternoon. However, on our ride up to Gail and David's room, I noticed that the top of the elevator had mirrors and I thought that was neat. So, here is a picture of Mom, Gail and I on the elevator with mirrors.

Later in the afternoon, around 3, Mom had an appointment to have her makeup done. I gave her an appointment for her birthday and I think she really enjoyed it. She got some eyeliner, a brow liner and some eye cream and her makeup put on by a professional. I had an appointment at the same time for a manicure and pedicure, but it was canceled because the lady that was going to do it had a death in the family, so I went back downstairs in the Waldorf lobby to sit with Mom while her make up was done. To my surprise, the lady did mine too, for free, since my appointment was canceled. I felt like I had tons of make up on, but we had fun. After we were done with our makeup, we got a taxi to where our play was going to be. I think it was on 6th, but I know it was near Times Square. Anyway, Jeffrey came to meet Mom and I for dinner at we ate at a pizza restaurant right across the street from the play. The food was tasty and we enjoyed our visit with Jeffrey.

Mom and I saw Memphis and we LOVED IT! The only problem, it was too short. ;)

Following the play, we walked through Times Square at night and then got a cab back to the hotel.

Some shopping and eating

This morning, we didn't get out of the hotel until about noon and we headed a few blocks to a neet little restaurant and we sat outside. The weather was very nice, the service was awful and the food mediocore, but we had good company...

Anyway, while sitting there eating lunch, some famous person walked by that of course, I didn't see. Then we went and did some shopping at Bloomingdale's where I purchased another black dress. I don't even want to count how many I have, but it is quite a few.

After shopping we headed over to Jeffrey and Jay's condo to visit a little. Following our visit, we walked a few blocks to enjoy some dessert at Cafe Lalo. Mom and I got the chocolate fondue for two and loved it.

That evening, we went with Jeffrey to another neat little restaurant and enjoyed a nice dinner. Doesn't it seem like all we do is eat? ;)

Sunday in NYC

Mom and I flew to JFK airport this morning and arrived about noon. We quickly got a taxi to take us to Manhattan to the Waldorf=Astoria where we checked in and met up with David and Gail who were already there.

They had reservations for us at Inside Park at St. Bart's and we went over there for lunch at 2.

Jeffery's performance started at 7 at Lincoln Center and it rained on us the entire time. Some of the time it was just a drizzle, but the other times, it was a steady downpour! Luckily, David went before the performance and purchased some garbage bags that we put over our seats and over our bodies. Thank goodness for those things! They literally kept us from being miserable.

David all covered with garbage bags waiting for the performance to begin.
Gail texting away while we wait.
David post rain and performance.

Gail post performance. We were wet, but happy!

Following the performance, which was wonderful, Jay and Jeffrey took us to dinner at Isabella's. The food was wonderful but the company extraordinary!

From left to right: David, Gail, Jeffrey, Caroline, me and Mom. Jay was sweet enough to take this picture.

Typhoon Lagoon and leaving

Chris and I went to the gym this morning for him to work out in the cardio cinema and for me to cycle. After all of that, we met back up at home and I packed for my trip to NYC with Mom.

We headed out to Typhoon Lagoon around 1 and stopped at Golden Corral to feed everyone before entering the park.

They swam and slided and floated and walked. It was fun.

We left the park around 8 and I headed to Mom and Dad's while Chris took the kids back home.

I'm off to NYC in the morning with Mom and I'll return Wednesday night around 11.

Happy 68th Birthday Mom!

I couldn't have asked for a more giving and caring mother!

I learned, the day that I moved into the dorm at college, on August 16, 1992, that I needed my mom more than I realized. Pretty much from that day forward, I have talked to her every day! Yes, every day!

Any woman that can teach school for 40 years, go through chemotherapy, and beat Leukemia, deserves all that she can get!

I love you Mom. I pray to be at least half the amazing woman that you are.

Happy Birthday!

One meeting to the next

Today:

Work

Pick up kids

Turn right around and go back to school to a meeting

Talk to a friend

Go to book club, though I don't read the books.

Return home and tidy up.

Curl up in bed next to an amazing man.

Pretty good, huh?

Not really sure

I'm not really sure if I am excited about the kids going back to school on the 23rd. We've had a pretty busy summer, but we've had a good time too.

Brennan has been doing scout things most of the summer. One week at Eagle Encampment, one week at Scout Camp and 12 days gone with the National Jamboree. I've seen more growth in Brennan this summer than ever. I saw a shirt at the Jamboree that someone was wearing that I really liked and as I type this, it makes me think that it is exactly what Brennan has experienced this summer. The shirt said, "Scouting isn't about the knots. Physically strong, Mentally awake, Morally straight." That sums up where Brennan has grown this year. He is physically stronger, more mentally awake and continuing on his morally straight path. Good things are happening, I sure hope they continue.

Kerstyn has really become a pre-teen. She'll turn 12 in November and she is physically as big as I am. She is super excited about going to middle school and I know that she will do well. Kerstyn was a great big help to her grandma during the move and I was really proud of what a great job she did. She and I have a very similar personality, so sometimes we get 'grumpy' with each other. She did start piano this summer though and is loving every minute of it. I think she's going to be great.

Lauklan is looking forward to third grade. He wants to be big like Brennan and do all the fun scouting things that he is getting to do. We have to constantly tell him, that when he is Brennan's age, he can do those things. He is a great helper around the house, he loves projects and working with his daddy. This boy is gonna be great!

Greyson is excited about becoming a Tiger Cub this fall. He isn't too sure however about first grade. He will do great though. He is starting to read and is still unsure about his ability to do well. I know, however, that he is going to do great. He is super sensitive and very caring. His kindergarten teacher said he was awesome! I have to agree.

Aislinn. Well, Aislinn is something else! That girl thinks she is 13, not 5. She is more than excited to start kindergarten and almost every day asks me how much longer until the first day of school. She is a spit fire! She'll be reading in no time and she is like Kerstyn in the aspect of wanting to know everything that is going on. You're not going to get anything past her, that is for sure.

Wow. The kids are growing up. I'm really glad I just typed all that stuff. It allowed me to focus on each of them a little and remind myself of what a gift each of them are. Now, if I can only not mess them up too much...

Ouch

I haven't met with my trainer in a week and a half. Tonight, we were back at it.

We did all thirty minutes of arms. I was weak and pathetic. We did more push ups than I care to count. 3 sets on the Boso ball then 3 sets regular. I almost kissed that hard concrete floor.

Following that fun time, I stepped myself onto that Stair Master for 35 minutes of intervals on level 12.

I was HURTING!

I felt kinda wimpy too. :(

But, the good news was that after I got home and was cooking dinner I got an email saying that Holly had Ammon earlier in the day. Cool birthday for that boy, 08/09/10. Congratulations to all!

Who has your back?

President Carter shared a little with us today at the end of sacrament meeting about his experience at Philmont. He told how President Erickson was always behind him as they hiked 70 miles and that he would listen for his footsteps and find comfort and peace in knowing that he 'had his back'. President Carter related it to the Savior always having our back.

I had Brennan move over next to me in the pew as President Carter was talking. Brennan, Chris and I had an amazing opportunity to spend time together at the Jamboree. Time that I know will impact our lives and relationship forever. I asked Brennan who had his back at the Jamboree. (He went with a troop that was not LDS. The council put the boys together.) He said, "nobody". Then paused and asked, "in my troop?" I responded, "At the Jamboree, Brennan, who had your back, like President Carter is talking about?" He then responded with a tear in his eye, "Dad. You and Dad had my back".

Yes.

I testified to him that we would ALWAYS have his back and so would the Savior. I am so proud of him.

Can you tell?

Busy

Chris and I dropped Brennan off at the Garrett's this morning at 9. He was headed to the Stake Beehive and Deacon Activity at Lake Weir.

I cycled this morning and Chris did some cardio in the Cardio Cinema and then met with his trainer. We both left very sweaty but happy.

This afternoon, Chris had a presentation and I went with him. I always enjoy watching him 'do his thing'.

We picked Brennan up from the Garrett's around 4 and then headed home. A few hours later we all loaded up and headed to Lake Mary to watch Cats and Dogs. We ate popcorn and drank sprites. Following the movie, we had tasty ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery.

It is nice to have everyone back together. I don't think I've had all 5 kids with me in over a month! With one at a time at Yoo-Ma's for over a month and Brennan's extensive time scouting this summer, we've been quite busy.

It's nice to all be together.

Back to routine

After working today and trying to keep Brennan from sleeping all day, Chris and I got a date night.

Brennan is still physically exhausted from the Jamboree. He is having a hard time staying awake during the day and we're doing our best to keep him awake to get him back on schedule. The last two nights of the Jamboree he was awake for all but about 4 hours. One night to pack and to get through a severe thunderstorm that arrived that night after all tents and things were packed. The next night was on the bus and arriving at Orlando at 1 in the morning then not home until 2:30. Needless to say, he's tired. I personally know that this experience has been exactly what he needed and I sent him away a boy and he came back a young man.

Chris and I went to dinner at Sonny's then to see Dinner with the Schmucks. It was cute. I was just glad to have my hubby...

Build - Out progress

They are speedily working away at the new office. We're still hoping for a move the end of September. Here is some of the progress. I write what the area is below the picture.

Paralegal offices

Waiting room minus a wall so you see through to a conference room too.

Cut out for reception window

Processing room

Attorney office

Paralegal office, real estate assistant office and bankruptcy paralegal offices.

Chris'office

Conference room

Kitchen and file room. Kitchen to the right, file to the left.

Good things are happening.

Pictures from Chris from Jambo

Chris got some shots while at the Jamboree that I didn't get. Here they are:

SCUBA

Rappelling

Below the shotgun is smoking after he fires.


We received word about 4 hours ago that all the boys and their stuff were on the bus and they are on their way back to Orlando! We pick him up tonight, probably around midnight.

His last day

We received one text from Brennan today. He was so close last night to completing all his rockers, but he and we, were concerned that he wouldn't have time today to do any more activities since they are scheduled to start breaking down the campsite.

We texted and texted today and no word. So, Chris called his Scoutmaster to see what was going on around 10 this morning. The Scoutmaster confirmed that the boys did get until 12:30 today to go do whatever they wanted, so we hoped, and prayed that Brennan was off completing his last few tasks.

This afternoon, Chris received a brief text from Brennan. It read, "Completed all my activities and met with the Subcamp chaplain". We were ecstatic! He did it! He got it all done!

JOB WELL DONE Brennan! We are so proud of him!

Jamboree, Day 3

After arriving at the Jamboree a little before 9 this morning, we went to do some of the Outdoor Activities that Brennan needed to complete. First off, SCUBA!

Getting his SCUBA instruction and diving.

Snorkel instruction. SnorkelingAfter those two water activities, he grabbed his lunch and headed up to some more of the activities. Motor cross was first on our list today.

He did great going up and down all that fun stuff!

Finish!

Then, we headed to the Buckskin games area where he did knife throwing.

Then, he received instruction on roping.

He even tried it out a little. If you could catch a cow by its tail, Brennan would be a pro! ;)

After that, he headed to the ax throwing, then whipping and black shot shooting. We had to leave after the roping though to go catch our plane. We received a text that night stating that he completed the Buckskin games and got all of his activity centers completed.

Tomorrow, he has to complete 2 more of the outdoor activities and one more of the exhibits and he will have earned all of his rockers.