Happy Birthday to Me!

Okay, I'm not soliciting presents or even birthday greetings. Just stating that it's my birthday and I'm not sad about it. Thought I might be. I think Kristina has helped. She has been reminding me for a week that my birthday is coming. I think she was more excited than I am. And I got an awesome present. Many of you know I collect cookie jars. And many of you know I love the Wizard of Oz. Well, I got a Dorothy Cookie Jar (thanks Mom and Dad). Gotta love that.




This weekend my family attended the Twin Falls, Idaho Temple dedication. How could we miss it since Dean and I both grew up there. It was wonderful. All three of my baptized children were able to come in the temple with us for the dedication which was amazing. I wish we could have had Kristina baptized in time but that will come.



Well, take care and have some cake for me today. Birthday cake has no calories you know (or at least you shouldn't have to count them).

Back to School Anxieties

Oh, can it be? Yes, finally. The first day of school. I usually do a happy dance on the first day of school but this year was a little different. While I was glad it was time for school, I had some back to school anxiety of my own. The obvious anxiety was for Kristina. I actually went with her to school the first day. But after seeing her make friends and being comforted at the girls that took her under their wing, my anxiety was eased quite a bit. The last two days she has come home happy talking about friends so I am breathing easier each day.

Sidney is doing great. She LOVES school and has a great teacher so I don't worry about her at all. Her only problem is that she doesn't like to get up in the morning. Otherwise, she is a happy camper.

Then there is Spencer. Spencer had problems with bullies last year and one of his best friends went off to junior high this year so he was worried. The good news is that the bullies have not bothered him thus far. One of his friends switched school schedules so he rides the bus with Spencer and as long as he is with Spencer, the bullies back off (I think they are scared of the friend's parents). Parental intimidation can be a great thing. My worries for him are easing up.

And then there is Christian. My oldest son is now a high school student. That statement should explain it all. He says high school is great. He did his math homework tonight without complaint (WOO HOO--that's a big accomplishment). We're off to a great start. But I find myself reliving some of the anxieties I had when I sent Christian off to kindergarten. Will he make friends? Will he be a good student? Will he have good teachers? I think I am as anxious for him as for Kristina.

So there we have it. Back to school anxieties on the part of the mother. And now it's time to show you how cute my children looked on the first day of school. They all laid out their clothes the night before which has become tradition. Well, Christian didn't but if you count the clothes that were on his floor simply because he hasn't cleaned his room in a while then you could say he participated in this ritual as well. And they all posed for their traditional back to school photo. As you can see on Christian's face, he was thrilled about this one. What can I say. he's 15. I have a better photo but I think this one best captures his disdain for the camera. I love these kids!

Olympic Fever

Who can't get caught up in the Olympics after a moment like this? It's a good thing school hasn't started yet because our household has been up late every night watching swimming and gymnastics and any other sport that is on.

Gotta run. Women's gymnastics is back on. We love Nastia Liukin (she's Russian born you know). And I feel a kinship to little Shawn Johnson. Look at those legs. Gymnastics--where big calves are celebrated for what they are worth.

Summer Fun

If you've been checking my blog now and again, I apologize for how behind I am. It would look as though we did nothing following the fourth of July. Oh, contraire. We have had a crazy busy summer. Here's just a few of the things we've been up too.

Swimming, swimming and more swimming. Kristina loves it although she doesn't know how to swim yet. She's making a good effort.

A few movies. Wall E of course, Kung Fu Panda and Journey to the Center of the Earth. Christian has done more than we have but he's 15 and lives for his social life.

A trip to Idaho. We introduced Kristina to many things American. Among them the Blue Angels Air Show, an outdoor picnic at Uncle Bob and Aunt DeeAnn's, and a rodeo. I sure wish my Russian were better. I'd love to know Kristina's impression of her first rodeo.







Many many bike rides. And many many crashes. Sidney and Kristina both have had their share of scabs this summer.



Many many late nights. Dean and I are tired. We are ready to get back to a regular bedtime for everyone.

And, of course, I've had a bit of fun myself. On July 19th, Denise and Paul McGuire, Dean and I went to see the Police in concert. What a great show! Elvis Costello was the opening act. Mitch, if you are reading this, you missed out!





And at the end of July, I attended the Close to My Heart convention in Orlando, Florida. I had a great time and the class I taught went off beautifully but I must admit, I was looking forward most of all to the extra day I scheduled in my trip so that I could go to the Magic Kingdom. You can't put me within a few miles of a Disney theme park and not expect me to go. Had a wonderful time with my friends, Diana Veenendaal, Janette Jones and Kim Perkins. We missed Keri Scoresby who got sick and couldn't make the trip but I dedicated my Splash Mountain ride to her. When I get to heaven (let's hope that's where I'm going), I really must meet Walt Disney and tell him how much fun he has brought to my life.



And now, the countdown to school. We are one week away. How much summer fun can we cram into the remaining week? Probably not much considering we have to do back to school shopping, back to school nights, a dentist appointment and various other tasks but we'll do our best to end the summer vacation with some fun.