Changes

It was just summertime, then school started and the Olympics ended and suddenly we're busy as ever and there's a definite nip in the air tonight, showing signs of more change.

Here's Jordan on his first day of seventh grade:

So far so good.

Inspired by Kim Sue and her cute daughter's gift to her teacher on the first day of school, Jemma and I filled this pail with some things for her new kindergarten teacher and presented it to her when we met her today.

The teacher gave Jemma a "Kindergarten Survival Kit," which was cute - a little bag with a starburst candy (because she's a star), an eraser (because it's ok to make mistakes), a penny (to remember she's valuable), a sticker (because their class will stick together) and some smarties (because of all the things they'll learn). The cutest thing about it was how Jemma really took each little thing, and its meaning, to heart.

Five for Friday

1. Jordan got up early this morning to go to Jr. High Orientation. I'm remembering how I love the first few weeks of school when, with renewed ambition, he hops right up with the alarm - dreading the thought of sleeping past it. In about a month it'll probably be back to me shaking him awake and prodding him out of bed....

After the orientation there was a pool party for all the Sevies (7th Graders). I had to be very discreet about getting a photo (for fear of embarrassment). They had a great time and I think most of them are anxiously excited about starting school on Monday.

2. I did it! I made jam! I was at the store and there was a display of Sure-Jell packages and these plastic containers. It was almost like they noticed me! It was a pretty easy process but...we haven't tasted it yet.

3. Yesterday the kids really wanted to go swimming. As we were leaving Jemma wasn't wearing her shoes and I had my arms full of stuff, so I told her to wait by the door while I ran to the car and came right back to carry her. Jordan and his friend had been lagging behind us, but when I turned around to go get Jemma this is what I saw:

Isn't that so sweet?

Photo credit here

4. Chris sometimes teases me about my time-management skills - or lack of. With the kids going back to school soon I need to be more in control of my days, rather than letting the time control me. I have not been very good about focusing on my "word of the year" this year - FOCUS. No matter what I'm doing I'm usually thinking about what else I should be doing. I really must change this, and soon. With their new schedules and my work schedule, more than ever I will need organization and focus for the coming school year. Any advice in this area is welcome.

5. On a more positive note, the menu plan I came up with last week was a success. It was less stress just knowing what was for dinner. And we had some great leftovers for lunches!

Never Say Never

I never thought I'd be a real dog owner

And until recently I'd never heard of places like this:




If I had heard of such a place, I would never have thought I'd go there and buy something.



Never thought I'd celebrate a dog's birthday.


Oh the things we do for our kids! But of course it was fun.

More Olympic Spirit and School Shopping

The kids are so excited to start school, but they were both concerned about not being prepared with backpacks, school supplies, shoes (Jemma) or dress-code-appropriate pants and shorts (Jordan). So yesterday we went to The Gateway, because it's always a fun place to spend an afternoon.

After an ice cream treat...

...and finding the necessities at Old Navy and Office Depot (we kept it simple)



...they played at the fountain on the Olympic Legacy Plaza.


The water is always fun on a hot day, but it was especially fun this time because they were choreographing all the water to the Olympic theme music. Very festive.

Late Nights and Early Mornings

You know what's keeping us up late these days...

Swimming, gymnastics, beach volleyball, track... Gold medals, World Records, Olympic Records....

Jordan can't seem to pull himself away from all the action. Jemma seems to be inspired by it. I wonder if I should be more serious about the aspirations of a 5 year old - she wants to "sign up" for everything now. Last night she set up this crazy track all through the house with blankets and shoes and was running around and around it, exhausting everyone but herself.

So the kids might not have to get up early - yet - but I do. I'd prefer not to, but it's so hard to fit exercise in any other time of day. Lately we've been running outside, rather than at the gym -just to mix things up a bit, and because the morning air is so refreshing. I took my camera along this morning so I could document some of the beautiful sights on our 3 mile route.

Food Food Food

I've started a new blog - one dedicated to FOOD. It was an impromptu decision as I was trying to come up with yet another weekly plan. Hopefully it will help me be more organized.

Do you have any favorite food blogs or websites?

What's your strategy for keeping stocked and prepared?

The Staycation

Rather than try to squeeze in our San Diego trip before school starts we ended up taking a staycation today. I keep seeing articles and hearing mention of this term - the staycation. It's what people opt for when a more conventional vacation isn't feasible or doesn't work out.

Last night Chris said he'd arranged for the day off and suggested we go to the lake. It ended up being a great idea.

The lake was beautiful.

We relaxed and enjoyed the sun and the water, got some great wakeboarding and skiing in, and had some peace and quiet. You could almost say it was a perfect way to spend the day...

except for a few work-related phone calls:

...and an encounter with some very green water (poor Jordan):

Here's the lone white duck that lives in the harbor.

So if you're looking for a quick way to get away, I highly recommend the staycation!

Apricots Galore

We are about to have an abundance of ripe apricots.

Do any of you have a good recipe for freezer jam?

Happy August

photo from flickr

August is here, and that means:

photo from flickr

Back to school. It's a big one around here. Jordan is going into Jr. High and Jemma is starting Kindergarten! I feel completely unprepared.


Happy birthdays. We have a lot of family birthdays this month, including the anticipated addition of two nephews - thanks to Jessica and Lauralee! It's also Hooper's first birthday this month. (Remember our puppy?) Jemma's got that day well-marked on her calendar with festivities in the planning. And I'll be 37 by the time this month is over.


Vacation? We've been thinking about/semi-planning/intending to take a trip to San Diego this summer. Now here's August and the calendar is quickly filling up with obligations, appointments, meetings, registrations.... Wish us luck.

What are you looking forward to in August?

4 Blessings, all at once

So much for being consistent with the 52 Blessings Project posts. Somehow I got off track. But since I started the project, I'm going to continue....

#28 Wellness

It's pretty much a given that when some part of you is out of sorts, you appreciate your full health more when it returns. This week was my first full-functioning week since my July 9th gum graft. I even ate an apple the other day!! Big news, right? (I will appreciate knowing this when I have my next graft.)

#29 Excercise

Yes, I'm considering excercise a blessing. I worked out out every day last week, Monday through Friday, and it felt like a blessing! Perhaps another effect of being compromised for awhile. Hopefully this optimism continues.


#30 Scriptures and #31 The Ensign

Taking the time to partake of some spiritual food has been a blessing. It's always there for the taking. How often do we snack on it and not feast on it? I've noticed when I really take it in it affects all aspects of my day - for the better. Makes me more aware, alert, in-tune. Helps me feel more centered, less scattered.

Some of my favorite articles from recent Ensigns:

Coming to Know for Ourselves

The Spiritual Component of Healing

May We So Live