Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 16, 2009
Maggie had a big business project at school where part of it was they had to apply and interview for actual jobs they were going to do in the faux town that was created. Here are her interview questions and answers. I thought they were cute.
1. In what school activities are you involved?
I'm in choir, patrol, and I was in track last year. Choir helps me work with others. Patrol helps me be safe and know and respect the rules.
2. What skills do you have that would make you a good employee?
I work good with others. I'm responsible and trustworthy.
3. Do you like working alone or with other people?
I can do both. I like to work with other people when I'm having fun.
4. How would your friends describe you?
Spunky and hard-working. I make new friends a lot.
5. Who is someone you admire? What is it about this person that you admire most?
I don't really admire anyone. I want to be my own person.
1. In what school activities are you involved?
I'm in choir, patrol, and I was in track last year. Choir helps me work with others. Patrol helps me be safe and know and respect the rules.
2. What skills do you have that would make you a good employee?
I work good with others. I'm responsible and trustworthy.
3. Do you like working alone or with other people?
I can do both. I like to work with other people when I'm having fun.
4. How would your friends describe you?
Spunky and hard-working. I make new friends a lot.
5. Who is someone you admire? What is it about this person that you admire most?
I don't really admire anyone. I want to be my own person.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hawaii Final Day
Sorry it's taken a few days, but the last days were crazy!
Morning sunrise. Then, we got some clothes on and ran off to a couple of local spots to take our annual family pics. Had to fight the wind, but I think we got a couple of cool ones. Most important was capturing the essence of our year.
Morning sunrise. Then, we got some clothes on and ran off to a couple of local spots to take our annual family pics. Had to fight the wind, but I think we got a couple of cool ones. Most important was capturing the essence of our year.
After a quick trip to the beach, we spent the remainder of the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Of all the things we did this week, I have to say that this might have been the highlight for me (close with swimming with the turtle and boogie boarding). If you haven't heard of it, it's zoo-like, but instead of animal attractions, it has Polynesian island attractions. There are 7 island represented in small areas. In each area, there are traditional buildings built, activities, and mini-shows demonstrating the song and dance of the island. A great educational experience for the kids, yes, but it was truly amazing. I absolutely loved every minute of it. I love to experience different cultures of the world, and this was not lacking. It made me realize how little "culture" we have here! I suppose it's because we are such a young country. The day/night ended with a traditional Luau, complete with pig from the ground and a lei ceremony. The flowers were beautiful. I also loved seeing the little kids doing traditional hula dances. So cute! Then, there was a more professional show, with probably 100 participants. It was fabulous. It told the story of a boy growing up, but it was mainly to show the different island cultures in dance and song. The finale was a fire dance with a fire eater and tossing fire sticks and all that. It was way cool! It was worth every penny and spending the whole day there. Absolutely the highlight of the week for me.
Trip to Hawaii. $Lots. Day at the PCC. $Not cheap. Seeing your 12-year-old gawking at the hula dancers. Priceless.
No joke. This is really what he looked like. :)
More pictures added. Click Here.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Hawaii Day 5
Fun day today. First, we went to a local fave, The Pancake House in Koa, for the most spectacular breakfast I've had in ages. Papaya crepes, Portuguese sausage and marinated pork, homestyle potatoes, pancakes, french toast, eggs. It was "marvelous." In fact, held us over for food until like 3 PM! I think my favorite part was that we were the only white peeps in there. All locals. Very cool.
Then, we went to a local LDS ward. We lucked out. It was one of the best Sacrament meetings I've been to. One of their young men (although a little older from what I gathered) has been called to the Tacoma, WA mission and is leaving. It was his farewell. Several young people spoke and gave great talks, and there were a couple of musical numbers that were great. Two young men sang a duet in fantastic harmony, very Hawaiian sounding. Loved it. At the end of the service, an older gentleman stood up at the front and started singing "Aloha 'Oe" (Farewell to Thee). Everyone joined in at the end. During this, there grew a huge line up to the front of the chapel where the going out elder stood, and people came up, put a lei around his neck and hugged and kissed him good-bye. Found out later that the gentleman who stood up to sing was actual the father in the movie Johnny Lingo (old, famous Mormon show). The whole ceremony was quite something to see.
Next, we went to Pearl Harbor. That was something to see, too. Watched a show on the history of the USS Arizona, then we took a boat shuttle out to the site where the ship had sunk and there is now a memorial built on top of it. Quite humbling and reverent. Went back and Dave showed them the cool missles and old guns on display. It was cool.
Went to Kailua Park and beautiful sandy beach. Little bit overcast and windy, but the water was warm and great for riding the mini-waves. Very shallow quite far out. Great for the boogie board although none of us were very good at it. Still, I could have stayed out there all day if I weren't such a wimpy girl these days. It's hard work! Once I got out of the water, it was windy and cold, so time to go. Hit the showers, then dinner at a local Hawaiian plate cafe before heading home.
Lovely day. Last big day tomorrow. Polynesian Cultural Center is the big thing on the agenda. Looking forward to it.
More photos added. Click here.
Then, we went to a local LDS ward. We lucked out. It was one of the best Sacrament meetings I've been to. One of their young men (although a little older from what I gathered) has been called to the Tacoma, WA mission and is leaving. It was his farewell. Several young people spoke and gave great talks, and there were a couple of musical numbers that were great. Two young men sang a duet in fantastic harmony, very Hawaiian sounding. Loved it. At the end of the service, an older gentleman stood up at the front and started singing "Aloha 'Oe" (Farewell to Thee). Everyone joined in at the end. During this, there grew a huge line up to the front of the chapel where the going out elder stood, and people came up, put a lei around his neck and hugged and kissed him good-bye. Found out later that the gentleman who stood up to sing was actual the father in the movie Johnny Lingo (old, famous Mormon show). The whole ceremony was quite something to see.
Next, we went to Pearl Harbor. That was something to see, too. Watched a show on the history of the USS Arizona, then we took a boat shuttle out to the site where the ship had sunk and there is now a memorial built on top of it. Quite humbling and reverent. Went back and Dave showed them the cool missles and old guns on display. It was cool.
Went to Kailua Park and beautiful sandy beach. Little bit overcast and windy, but the water was warm and great for riding the mini-waves. Very shallow quite far out. Great for the boogie board although none of us were very good at it. Still, I could have stayed out there all day if I weren't such a wimpy girl these days. It's hard work! Once I got out of the water, it was windy and cold, so time to go. Hit the showers, then dinner at a local Hawaiian plate cafe before heading home.
Lovely day. Last big day tomorrow. Polynesian Cultural Center is the big thing on the agenda. Looking forward to it.
More photos added. Click here.
Hawaii Day 4
Time is passing too quickly. It's actually the morning of the 5th day, so we only have two more nights.
Weather has been a little disappointing. Dave loves it, but I wanted cloudless sun. I knew not to expect it this time of year, but still, a girl can hope, right? Day 4 was overcast a good part of the day. We did, however, get to the snorkel place during mid-day sun hours. That was fantastic. I guess it was murky and rough waters more than usual, but I would never have known. I thought it was incredible. At first, Maggie wasn't happy. Having problems with her snorkel gear. I have learned, though, not to push or react to her. I just casually said it was fine; I'd be happy to sit out with her. Told her it was totally up to her what she wanted to do. Didn't fuel the fire. After a few minutes, she settled down and asked to go try it again. Now, if I had *suggested* she go try it again, no way would she have agreed. It had to be her idea. (She's going to read this. Maggie, I LOVE who you are and that you are such a strong person with strong ideas. Don't get me wrong!). Anyway, when we went back in, we switched snorkel gear, and she did much better with my mask. In fact, we saw a huge sea turtle hat we ended up following around for at least 20 minutes. It was so cool.
After a while, they announced on the loud speakers that the tide was high and visibility was very low. A whole lot of people were giving up. And, since we had spend a few hours in the water already, we were ready to go, too. We got showered off and changed and then found a yummy Mexican food place.
Got back to the house, settled down for a little while, went out and got shave ice again (yum!), and then we went to see "A Christmas Carol" at the little local theater. OK. So, it was absolutely MARVELOUS, but not a show for little kids or for people who scare easily (despite being a Disney film). It was quite intense! But, if you can handle a little ghost scare, Robert Zemeckis did an incredible script write, making it more literature than movie. Something to study in an English class. I want to go see it again in 3-D (this was was 2-D). Now, Maggie was not such a fan. Well, she liked the movie in the end, but was quite freaked out! There were some good scares!
Then it was bedtime again. Another wonderful day in paradise.
Weather has been a little disappointing. Dave loves it, but I wanted cloudless sun. I knew not to expect it this time of year, but still, a girl can hope, right? Day 4 was overcast a good part of the day. We did, however, get to the snorkel place during mid-day sun hours. That was fantastic. I guess it was murky and rough waters more than usual, but I would never have known. I thought it was incredible. At first, Maggie wasn't happy. Having problems with her snorkel gear. I have learned, though, not to push or react to her. I just casually said it was fine; I'd be happy to sit out with her. Told her it was totally up to her what she wanted to do. Didn't fuel the fire. After a few minutes, she settled down and asked to go try it again. Now, if I had *suggested* she go try it again, no way would she have agreed. It had to be her idea. (She's going to read this. Maggie, I LOVE who you are and that you are such a strong person with strong ideas. Don't get me wrong!). Anyway, when we went back in, we switched snorkel gear, and she did much better with my mask. In fact, we saw a huge sea turtle hat we ended up following around for at least 20 minutes. It was so cool.
After a while, they announced on the loud speakers that the tide was high and visibility was very low. A whole lot of people were giving up. And, since we had spend a few hours in the water already, we were ready to go, too. We got showered off and changed and then found a yummy Mexican food place.
Got back to the house, settled down for a little while, went out and got shave ice again (yum!), and then we went to see "A Christmas Carol" at the little local theater. OK. So, it was absolutely MARVELOUS, but not a show for little kids or for people who scare easily (despite being a Disney film). It was quite intense! But, if you can handle a little ghost scare, Robert Zemeckis did an incredible script write, making it more literature than movie. Something to study in an English class. I want to go see it again in 3-D (this was was 2-D). Now, Maggie was not such a fan. Well, she liked the movie in the end, but was quite freaked out! There were some good scares!
Then it was bedtime again. Another wonderful day in paradise.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Hawaii Day 3
First, last night was a tremendous storm including lightening. Very fun! Maggie had a dream about a poisonous rooster attacking us. Ah, the adventure of Hawaii!
In the morning, it was still overcast. We debated what to do since we had planned to spend the day at the beach in Waikiki. We wanted to risk it, since we've found out that the weather forecast here, when it says rain, means it might possibly sprinkle a moment or two. Nothing like what we're used to. So, although it was overcast and yucky when we left for Honolulu, we took the risk. By the time we got there, about 45 minutes later, it was sunny and beautiful. Perfect beach weather. Not too hot, not cloudy, not rainy. And, we got to the beach early enough that there weren't many people there. We spent the morning on the sand. About noon, when more people were crowding the space, we got out of there, sand in our shorts and all. Very pleasant. Did a little shopping, then got back in the car.
Drove home to change clothes and de-sand-tize our bodies. Headed to the infamous Shave Ice place (Motsumoto's) where they put ice cream on the bottom, then the shave ice (note no "d" at the end of "shave"; that's what it's called here) on top. It was marvelous (Dave's good food word). Really, it was awesome.
Next was the shrimp truck, Giovanni's. Took a buttload of shrimp back to the house to devour. Yum. Fresh shrimp. Caught today. Can't get any better than that.
End of the day was Dave and I heading to the temple to do a session while the kids stayed home to watch a movie. Problem #1. Temple ends up being closed for renovations until July. Bummer. Problem #2. Stupid little DVD in the little house leaves much to be desired, so kids didn't get to watch their movie. Oh well! No big deal around here. We're in freaking Hawaii! All's good.
We will be ending the day with some fresh made chocolate cream pie we got at a local bakery. Nigh-night!
More Photos Added. Click Here
In the morning, it was still overcast. We debated what to do since we had planned to spend the day at the beach in Waikiki. We wanted to risk it, since we've found out that the weather forecast here, when it says rain, means it might possibly sprinkle a moment or two. Nothing like what we're used to. So, although it was overcast and yucky when we left for Honolulu, we took the risk. By the time we got there, about 45 minutes later, it was sunny and beautiful. Perfect beach weather. Not too hot, not cloudy, not rainy. And, we got to the beach early enough that there weren't many people there. We spent the morning on the sand. About noon, when more people were crowding the space, we got out of there, sand in our shorts and all. Very pleasant. Did a little shopping, then got back in the car.
Drove home to change clothes and de-sand-tize our bodies. Headed to the infamous Shave Ice place (Motsumoto's) where they put ice cream on the bottom, then the shave ice (note no "d" at the end of "shave"; that's what it's called here) on top. It was marvelous (Dave's good food word). Really, it was awesome.
Next was the shrimp truck, Giovanni's. Took a buttload of shrimp back to the house to devour. Yum. Fresh shrimp. Caught today. Can't get any better than that.
End of the day was Dave and I heading to the temple to do a session while the kids stayed home to watch a movie. Problem #1. Temple ends up being closed for renovations until July. Bummer. Problem #2. Stupid little DVD in the little house leaves much to be desired, so kids didn't get to watch their movie. Oh well! No big deal around here. We're in freaking Hawaii! All's good.
We will be ending the day with some fresh made chocolate cream pie we got at a local bakery. Nigh-night!
More Photos Added. Click Here
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Hawaii Day 2
Still on Seattle time, so we were all up by 6 A.M. (some 4:30). Time enough to sit in the backyard and watch the sunrise. It was magnificent. Dave and kids got suits on and jumped in the water in high tide. Maggie got feet scraped up, but all worth it.
Cleaned up, had breakfast, hopped in the car for some island exploration. Found a couple of good spots we want to check out later in the week (with suits on). Stopped at a surfing competition going on and watched that for a few minutes, but only after Isaak, climbing a tree, took a dare from some 4-year-olds to jump off, despite him having a bum knee. So, yup, he hurt it worse. After a few agonizing minutes of him moaning and finally tears falling down his cheek, we decided we'd better take him to the doc. Stupid kid.
So, off to Honolulu to the E.R. However, he had some ibuprofen in him, and the wait was going to be really long, so I was a really bad mother and said forget it. I'm sure you're fine. Keep taking the ibuprofen, ice it, and wrap it. You'll live. Which is what he's doing now.
After the almost-trip-to-the-E.R., went with Dave to the police station where we had to wait for him to "register" his firearm. Whoopee. That was truly exciting.
Went to Sushi to a spot Dave had wanted to hit, and it was marvelous. Expensive, so we didn't eat much, but it was good.
Went to the Dole Plantation per Maggie's request which she just forgot about until I reminded her. It was cool. Has the largest labrynth in the world (in 2008). Maybe there's another one bigger now, but it was pretty cool regardless. So, we ran around there for a while, then ate really good pineapple sorbet and shopped at a fun gift shop. Highlight of the day for sure.
On the way home, we drove up to a spit, walked out to the edge, and observed CRAZY waves. Dave said he could stay there all day. I could, if it had been a little warmer. End of the day haze and clouds were rolling in.
Came back to the beachhouse where we found a dead cochroach by the sliding door. We ARE in Hawaii! Dave and the kids went swimming again in the backyard. What a way to start and end the day!
Tomorrow's plan: hit Waikiki beach and hopefully enjoy the sun most of the day. Need a lazy day or two for this to really be a vacation.
More pics: Click Here
Cleaned up, had breakfast, hopped in the car for some island exploration. Found a couple of good spots we want to check out later in the week (with suits on). Stopped at a surfing competition going on and watched that for a few minutes, but only after Isaak, climbing a tree, took a dare from some 4-year-olds to jump off, despite him having a bum knee. So, yup, he hurt it worse. After a few agonizing minutes of him moaning and finally tears falling down his cheek, we decided we'd better take him to the doc. Stupid kid.
So, off to Honolulu to the E.R. However, he had some ibuprofen in him, and the wait was going to be really long, so I was a really bad mother and said forget it. I'm sure you're fine. Keep taking the ibuprofen, ice it, and wrap it. You'll live. Which is what he's doing now.
After the almost-trip-to-the-E.R., went with Dave to the police station where we had to wait for him to "register" his firearm. Whoopee. That was truly exciting.
Went to Sushi to a spot Dave had wanted to hit, and it was marvelous. Expensive, so we didn't eat much, but it was good.
Went to the Dole Plantation per Maggie's request which she just forgot about until I reminded her. It was cool. Has the largest labrynth in the world (in 2008). Maybe there's another one bigger now, but it was pretty cool regardless. So, we ran around there for a while, then ate really good pineapple sorbet and shopped at a fun gift shop. Highlight of the day for sure.
On the way home, we drove up to a spit, walked out to the edge, and observed CRAZY waves. Dave said he could stay there all day. I could, if it had been a little warmer. End of the day haze and clouds were rolling in.
Came back to the beachhouse where we found a dead cochroach by the sliding door. We ARE in Hawaii! Dave and the kids went swimming again in the backyard. What a way to start and end the day!
Tomorrow's plan: hit Waikiki beach and hopefully enjoy the sun most of the day. Need a lazy day or two for this to really be a vacation.
More pics: Click Here
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hawaii Day 1
We pulled it off. Some family knew, but we wanted to surprise the kids. So, we told them that we were going up to Seattle to see grandparents and that we were going out to breakfast with Grandpa in the morning (this morning). Off we went first thing this morning. Kids had no idea. We drove right up to the airport terminal (drop off) before lil' Audra finally said, "Um, why are we here?" We just got out of the car and got the bags out, refusing to answer any questions. Tension/excitement rose. Isaak remained clueless and just followed us along wherever we directed him, but Audra finally figured it out by looking at the gate number and the departure board. She went and told Isaak, who didn't believe her until I told him she was right. Then, excitement was in full swing.
Plane ride was uneventful except for some turbulance which always makes Dave poo his pants. He doesn't like to fly. 5 1/2 hours later, we arrived. It is beautiful. It is humid. The temperature is hovering around 70-75. Some showers so far, but at least it's warm! Not like Portland/Seattle rain! Rain and sun will share the skies this week.
We rented a little beach front house on the Northeast side of Oahu. The sand is coral sand where are, a little rougher than your classic white sand, but still totally toe-able. No injuries to tootsies. There is like a tidepool right there, and then a row of rocks, and then the surf beach. Makes it easy for the kids to wade around in where the water is all calm. We'll be having some fun.
We plan to just relax and explore. We plan to do one day at the Polynesian Center, but other than that, we're just winging it. I'll write about each day's adventure. Today's adventure is ending in Dave trying to find where he put the week's cash somewhere in the house. Ah, the joy.
Here are some pictures: Click Here
Plane ride was uneventful except for some turbulance which always makes Dave poo his pants. He doesn't like to fly. 5 1/2 hours later, we arrived. It is beautiful. It is humid. The temperature is hovering around 70-75. Some showers so far, but at least it's warm! Not like Portland/Seattle rain! Rain and sun will share the skies this week.
We rented a little beach front house on the Northeast side of Oahu. The sand is coral sand where are, a little rougher than your classic white sand, but still totally toe-able. No injuries to tootsies. There is like a tidepool right there, and then a row of rocks, and then the surf beach. Makes it easy for the kids to wade around in where the water is all calm. We'll be having some fun.
We plan to just relax and explore. We plan to do one day at the Polynesian Center, but other than that, we're just winging it. I'll write about each day's adventure. Today's adventure is ending in Dave trying to find where he put the week's cash somewhere in the house. Ah, the joy.
Here are some pictures: Click Here
Sunday, November 8, 2009
November 8, 2009
Emailed a friend of mine who inquired about Isaak:
"Isaak’s doing great. Had a parent conference with his block teacher, and he basically said if he could have 90 like him, he would. He pays attention, gets to work, stays on task, gets his assignments done. It was fantastic to finally have a positive conference! Although, last year was good, too. For him, it’s just been about middle school. Getting out of elementary made all the difference in the world.
This year, he’s taking AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry at the high school. He actually has no class in-between those two, so he just studies, then he walks to the middle school, so he spends about half his day on each campus. Everyone seems to treat him well and like him. He’s on the high school math team which is quite competitive, and he keeps up with them. He took home his first individual math competition trophy last week. He’s still as awkward as poo, but he seems to have found his niche. Although, even among the math nerds he sticks out a lot of the time. At the competition this weekend, he was paired up with a girl his age from another school he didn’t know, and his way to first interact with her was to put his arm around her. Not like boyfriend, thing, just friendly, but boy! Did she shrink away from him! Some other girls saw and laughed and stuff. He was clueless. Idiot. He also got a minor knee injury last week, and he continues to baby it (walking straight-legged on it) even though I know it’s fine. He looks like a complete buffoon. It’s like he has to re-learn to walk right because he forced himself to baby it for a week.
I just roll my eyes most days about some of his quirks. "
"Isaak’s doing great. Had a parent conference with his block teacher, and he basically said if he could have 90 like him, he would. He pays attention, gets to work, stays on task, gets his assignments done. It was fantastic to finally have a positive conference! Although, last year was good, too. For him, it’s just been about middle school. Getting out of elementary made all the difference in the world.
This year, he’s taking AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry at the high school. He actually has no class in-between those two, so he just studies, then he walks to the middle school, so he spends about half his day on each campus. Everyone seems to treat him well and like him. He’s on the high school math team which is quite competitive, and he keeps up with them. He took home his first individual math competition trophy last week. He’s still as awkward as poo, but he seems to have found his niche. Although, even among the math nerds he sticks out a lot of the time. At the competition this weekend, he was paired up with a girl his age from another school he didn’t know, and his way to first interact with her was to put his arm around her. Not like boyfriend, thing, just friendly, but boy! Did she shrink away from him! Some other girls saw and laughed and stuff. He was clueless. Idiot. He also got a minor knee injury last week, and he continues to baby it (walking straight-legged on it) even though I know it’s fine. He looks like a complete buffoon. It’s like he has to re-learn to walk right because he forced himself to baby it for a week.
I just roll my eyes most days about some of his quirks. "
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November 1, 2009
Ah, Halloween. Well, the kids are to that in-between stage. For a couple of years now, Isaak has already said he's "too old" for Halloween and has opted to just stay home and hand out candy. He's been completely happy with that, of course, since he doesn't like candy which makes trick-or-treating kinda senseless. Add to that the fact that he's never really had a core group of buddies to hang out with, so he's just hung at home. My, how things are different this year! Isaak now has this group of buddies that do all the normal meet-at-lunch, hang-out-after-school stuff that kids his age do. Yeah, they are loud and obnoxious, quirky kids, but they're HIS buddies, and that's saying something. I never look a gift horse in the mouth!
As for Maggie, she still wants to trick-or-treat, but she also wanted to have a party. So, I relented. I let them invite who they wanted to, and I prepped and planned a big old shindig at our hours for their friends and a few of mine. Isaak had about 8 friends and Maggie had about 5, plus some parents and my friends with families; totalled more than 30 people. The boys were incredibly loud and rough, but that's what 12-year-old boys are like, I've learned. The girls just huddled up together, which is also what 10-year-old girls do (they don't want to have anything to do with the boys yet). Groups went out trick-or-treating here and there, but mostly there was just loud noise and chaos.
In one room, I darkened the whole room, put black lights, a strobe light, and spooky music in there. I heard lots of "Thriller" going on. In another room, I had 6 covered bowls where they had to stick their hand in and figure out if the stuff was supposed to represent eyes (boiled eggs in jello), brain (steamed cauliflower), guts (spaghetti and sausage), vomit (pumpkin insides), snot (bananas and pudding), or heart (canned whole tomatoes). Lots of disgusting noises in there! There was a table with cookie decorating, but I only think a couple little kids did that. Then, I made a ton of fun, Halloween food, and a couple friend brought some great stuff, too. We watched Coraline (so creepy!). I only had to get after the boys once for going to far when they went out to ding-dong-ditch.
I learned a couple of things that I will improve upon for next year. Young teenage boys are not trustworthy. I heard later that a lot of our handing-out candy went into their own bags. Also with the ding-dong-ditch idea. I know it's normal, and we all did it, but I still need to reign them in a bit. Also, kids don't appreciate the funky foods so much. I won't go to such efforts next year until I just have my friends over. I'll do the fun stuff I know they'll eat, but not some of the other stuff that took lots of time to make but didn't get eaten much. Not worth the effort. Worth a try, though! I also learned that Maggie's friends are sweet, gentle souls, and Isaak's friends are, I say again, loud and obnoxious. I may look at transforming part of the upstairs for just the girls and let the boys have free reign downstairs. We'll see where they all are in a year.
Yes, that means I will do it again. They kids really seemed to love it. Maggie was so excited, I thought she'd pee herself for days leading up to it. Isaak is just so laid back and content, he would probably be happy with anything, but I sure love to see him having real friends. It's really amazing to me.
As for Maggie, she still wants to trick-or-treat, but she also wanted to have a party. So, I relented. I let them invite who they wanted to, and I prepped and planned a big old shindig at our hours for their friends and a few of mine. Isaak had about 8 friends and Maggie had about 5, plus some parents and my friends with families; totalled more than 30 people. The boys were incredibly loud and rough, but that's what 12-year-old boys are like, I've learned. The girls just huddled up together, which is also what 10-year-old girls do (they don't want to have anything to do with the boys yet). Groups went out trick-or-treating here and there, but mostly there was just loud noise and chaos.
In one room, I darkened the whole room, put black lights, a strobe light, and spooky music in there. I heard lots of "Thriller" going on. In another room, I had 6 covered bowls where they had to stick their hand in and figure out if the stuff was supposed to represent eyes (boiled eggs in jello), brain (steamed cauliflower), guts (spaghetti and sausage), vomit (pumpkin insides), snot (bananas and pudding), or heart (canned whole tomatoes). Lots of disgusting noises in there! There was a table with cookie decorating, but I only think a couple little kids did that. Then, I made a ton of fun, Halloween food, and a couple friend brought some great stuff, too. We watched Coraline (so creepy!). I only had to get after the boys once for going to far when they went out to ding-dong-ditch.
I learned a couple of things that I will improve upon for next year. Young teenage boys are not trustworthy. I heard later that a lot of our handing-out candy went into their own bags. Also with the ding-dong-ditch idea. I know it's normal, and we all did it, but I still need to reign them in a bit. Also, kids don't appreciate the funky foods so much. I won't go to such efforts next year until I just have my friends over. I'll do the fun stuff I know they'll eat, but not some of the other stuff that took lots of time to make but didn't get eaten much. Not worth the effort. Worth a try, though! I also learned that Maggie's friends are sweet, gentle souls, and Isaak's friends are, I say again, loud and obnoxious. I may look at transforming part of the upstairs for just the girls and let the boys have free reign downstairs. We'll see where they all are in a year.
Yes, that means I will do it again. They kids really seemed to love it. Maggie was so excited, I thought she'd pee herself for days leading up to it. Isaak is just so laid back and content, he would probably be happy with anything, but I sure love to see him having real friends. It's really amazing to me.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 11, 2009
Not such a hot week for me...
- Very full work week, which isn't such a bad thing were it not for...
- Caught a nasty virus that turned into bronchitis. Sound like I have croup (is that how it's spelled?). Not sleeping well, feel like poo, was not getting any better. Finally went to doc and got some happy drugs. Feel better when those are in me.
- My thumb drive got broken off when it was in my laptop. It had all my edits for my book and notes from my publisher's conversation. Hours of research and work not easily reproduced possibly down the drain. I cried. I never cry. I'm more upset at how stupid I was. I know better than to not back up my work regularly. I know better! Anyway, I've had it sent into some data recovery place in California. We'll see. Stupid stupid stupid.
Well, I guess that's all the bummer stuff. Not the end of the world. I have wonderful family and great friends, and it all works out. I was just thinking the other day how cool my kids are and how much I like hanging out with them. We really have a good time. They are easy to parent (for now) and cooperative and fun and laid back. Our house is generally very peaceful and is only loud and obnoxious when certain friends come over to hang. But, I'm fine with that. I wanted to have "that house" when I grew up; you know, the one all the kids go to to hang out? I'd rather have them all come here, make a mess, and be loud than to have my kids always gone. So, I have "that house" now, at least for Isaak's friends, and I love it! And I love that he HAS friends that want to come hang out. It's so cool! We just took him to see his pychiatrist. Decided to decrease his meds since he's doing so well. He had almost nothing to say to us. He's doing so well!
Anyway, totally rambling, but I got a post out this week! Woo-hoo!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
October 4, 2009
I'm sorry I'm such a feast and famine blogger. When Sunday comes around (the day I TELL myself I will update), I just think about what happened that week and think how boring it all is and how no one in their right mind would really care about reading it.
We're all sick here. Well, so far Dave isn't, but the kids and I have a cold. I thought mine was getting better but then the last two days have been worse; AND now the kids are coughing. I think Maggie has it the worst. She just took a nap. She NEVER takes a nap. Definitely not feeling well. Nice crackly cough, too. I never know when to keep them home when they don't have a fever or are throwing up or anything like that.
My friend, Dana, gave us AWESOME tickets to the Mariner's game last night. So, I farmed out the girl and dragged Isaak on the 2 1/2 hour trip up to Seattle to see the game. K, so it wasn't dragging him. He was really excited. Turns out, it was an AWESOME game! We had an absolute ball. Of course, he'd just asked me to go get him another hot dog when Junior hit a home run. I just missed it! And there was this awesome play where the first baseman caught a straight fly and THEN touched first to get the guy out who was running to 2nd. Nice double play.
Best part of the night, though, was watching a lady get thrown out just a few rows in front of us for being loud and obnoxious. She went out swearing like a sailor!
We're all sick here. Well, so far Dave isn't, but the kids and I have a cold. I thought mine was getting better but then the last two days have been worse; AND now the kids are coughing. I think Maggie has it the worst. She just took a nap. She NEVER takes a nap. Definitely not feeling well. Nice crackly cough, too. I never know when to keep them home when they don't have a fever or are throwing up or anything like that.
My friend, Dana, gave us AWESOME tickets to the Mariner's game last night. So, I farmed out the girl and dragged Isaak on the 2 1/2 hour trip up to Seattle to see the game. K, so it wasn't dragging him. He was really excited. Turns out, it was an AWESOME game! We had an absolute ball. Of course, he'd just asked me to go get him another hot dog when Junior hit a home run. I just missed it! And there was this awesome play where the first baseman caught a straight fly and THEN touched first to get the guy out who was running to 2nd. Nice double play.
Best part of the night, though, was watching a lady get thrown out just a few rows in front of us for being loud and obnoxious. She went out swearing like a sailor!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Maggie's Art
She's getting ready to prepare a porfolio to submit in her application to the Art school for next year. I'll keep adding photos as we get them.
http://picasaweb.google.com/audra3141/MaggieSArt#
http://picasaweb.google.com/audra3141/MaggieSArt#
ABC Friday Fun Day
This year for our Ward's Youth Conference, they came to me and asked if they could do something for my clients. The youth arranged a bunch of activities (like bubbles and water balloons and playing with shaving cream), and my clients were invtied to come and play for a few hours. It was held in the parking lot of the church. Each child that came was given a "buddy" (youth) and were helped through whatever activities they wanted to do. It was so fun! It was good for my kiddos to get to know new people and for the youth to get more families and acquainted with kids with differences. My favorite part was the Kickball game. No rules and lots of cheering for kids, some of whom can barely kick the ball at all. I saw tons of smiles and laughing in some boys who are easily frustrated by a sports game like that. They could play! And people were cheering for them! It was wonderful.
You can see pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/audra.jensen/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCIP0yK6lk--ZlAE#
And video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzja2jgqXlU&feature=PlayList&p=7EB62DCE65A77109&index=0&playnext=1 These are short, little snippets, and they should play one after the other.
You can see pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/audra.jensen/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCIP0yK6lk--ZlAE#
And video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzja2jgqXlU&feature=PlayList&p=7EB62DCE65A77109&index=0&playnext=1 These are short, little snippets, and they should play one after the other.
September 2, 2009
So, our kids don't start school for another week. Everyone else around here starts today. I hope we don't go longer. Very irritating. The kids are itchy to get going. Especially Maggie. Well, she says she just wants to find out who her teacher is. I don't think she really wants to go back to school.
We've had a really good summer. Little trips. Nothing big. But, the kids were able to relax and just enjoy being a kid. Lots of playing. Our house is full almost DAILY with loud boys. I never thought that would happen, so I'm so grateful. It's loud and obnoxious and some of the boys just irritate me to death, but I can't believe they come in droves to hang out with Isaak. They play hide-and-seek (weird for 12-year-olds, but they love it) and Bakugan (little toy thingies), but mostly they play Halo together. Very "normal" tween thing to do. They seem to accept him for his little oddities, and he seems to fit right in with them. In fact, as the summer as progressed, I've seen more kids coming, and more and more of them are more "normal" than the first ones. I think he's fitting in more. I hope this is a good year for him! We were given the option this year to send him to a self-contained "gifted" classroom at a different school, and we decided to let him stay where he is. I think we made the right decision. He'll still be taking AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry at the high school, and I think that will be sufficient for him. In fact, I think he'll even get his first college credit for his AP Calculus class.
So, last night we went out to dinner (found a Fudrucker's in Portland; Isaak was thrilled) and discussed the upcoming year and their "responsibilities." Then, we came home and Dave gave the kids Father's Blessings to start out the year. They were really nice. Some interesting things: In Maggie's, he talked a lot about her strong spirit and personality. I think he used the word "stubborn" about 20 times. He said that being stubborn can be a great thing, and that it will do her well when she needs to stand up for what is right. The most interesting thing in her blessing was that he said that if she could know some of the things she has already been through before this life, that it would frighten her, that she was a valiant spirit who fought and did wonderful things before even coming to this life, and that she was reserved to come until this perilous time because of her strong spirit. He also said that her spirit was very much like my spirit. I like that.
Isaak's was also amazing. He talked how proud we are and how this is the first year we have not spent hours and hours worrying about the school year. Most interesting in his was that he said that Isaak knew and volunteered to come here, knowing the challenges he would be given. He said that Isaak was allowed to bring with him some of the "brain power" (not the words he used; he was much more eloquent) that most of us have to leave behind *because* of the challenges he would face, and that those talents have helped him and will continue to help him. He also warned him that he's going to start hearing things and being around more people who may not always make good choices, and that he should stay near the Spirit and strong so that he can stay centered.
Dave also gave me one. What sticks out in my head about that was that I was comforted that the time I have to take away from the family with my work will have no negative impact on the family. I have not talked about worrying about that, but I do. It was very comforting to hear that I was doing what I should be, that, in fact, I am gaining more wisdom as a parent, myself, through my work with other families. He also told me how much he loved and admired me and that he was grateful to have me in his life. Nice to hear (understatement), but also good for the kids to hear.
I have a good man in my life.
We've had a really good summer. Little trips. Nothing big. But, the kids were able to relax and just enjoy being a kid. Lots of playing. Our house is full almost DAILY with loud boys. I never thought that would happen, so I'm so grateful. It's loud and obnoxious and some of the boys just irritate me to death, but I can't believe they come in droves to hang out with Isaak. They play hide-and-seek (weird for 12-year-olds, but they love it) and Bakugan (little toy thingies), but mostly they play Halo together. Very "normal" tween thing to do. They seem to accept him for his little oddities, and he seems to fit right in with them. In fact, as the summer as progressed, I've seen more kids coming, and more and more of them are more "normal" than the first ones. I think he's fitting in more. I hope this is a good year for him! We were given the option this year to send him to a self-contained "gifted" classroom at a different school, and we decided to let him stay where he is. I think we made the right decision. He'll still be taking AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry at the high school, and I think that will be sufficient for him. In fact, I think he'll even get his first college credit for his AP Calculus class.
So, last night we went out to dinner (found a Fudrucker's in Portland; Isaak was thrilled) and discussed the upcoming year and their "responsibilities." Then, we came home and Dave gave the kids Father's Blessings to start out the year. They were really nice. Some interesting things: In Maggie's, he talked a lot about her strong spirit and personality. I think he used the word "stubborn" about 20 times. He said that being stubborn can be a great thing, and that it will do her well when she needs to stand up for what is right. The most interesting thing in her blessing was that he said that if she could know some of the things she has already been through before this life, that it would frighten her, that she was a valiant spirit who fought and did wonderful things before even coming to this life, and that she was reserved to come until this perilous time because of her strong spirit. He also said that her spirit was very much like my spirit. I like that.
Isaak's was also amazing. He talked how proud we are and how this is the first year we have not spent hours and hours worrying about the school year. Most interesting in his was that he said that Isaak knew and volunteered to come here, knowing the challenges he would be given. He said that Isaak was allowed to bring with him some of the "brain power" (not the words he used; he was much more eloquent) that most of us have to leave behind *because* of the challenges he would face, and that those talents have helped him and will continue to help him. He also warned him that he's going to start hearing things and being around more people who may not always make good choices, and that he should stay near the Spirit and strong so that he can stay centered.
Dave also gave me one. What sticks out in my head about that was that I was comforted that the time I have to take away from the family with my work will have no negative impact on the family. I have not talked about worrying about that, but I do. It was very comforting to hear that I was doing what I should be, that, in fact, I am gaining more wisdom as a parent, myself, through my work with other families. He also told me how much he loved and admired me and that he was grateful to have me in his life. Nice to hear (understatement), but also good for the kids to hear.
I have a good man in my life.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Long Weeks
This is Isaak writing on Mom's blog. You've probably heard from my mom that Scout Camp was fun, but hard. We had to sleep in platform tents and go to merit badge classes. Out of the 4 classes I had, I'd say First Aid was the worst, because it doesn't have any flare, besides the "unconscious" dummies. We learned about what to do when someone is unconscious, which lead to CPR, which was at first taught to my Swimming class. Swimming was tough; the water was a bit too cold at 10 A.M. but warmer later. Cooking was fun, but it wasn't meant to be, because we didn't really pass off most of our requirements, but played games like Mafia and Lava Monster instead. (Sooner or later I have this feeling that someone may sue those merit badge counselors!) Environmental Science was my favorite, and that turned out to be the only merit badge I got at camp. That was because, unlike First Aid, there wasn't much spice in it. We got to observe nature and sketch drawings. It was said to be the hardest merit badge earned at camp, but it was the easiest for me! The food at camp was usually great; I tried enchiladas and breakfast cake, but when there's something at camp that I don't even attempt to try, I just have a bowl of cereal or I make the meal a peanut butter jelly time! (Too bad there weren't any dancing bananas, or even regular bananas at all! But there was a skit that included the Peanut Butter Jelly Time song.) I loved the skits there. There were some remade classics and some new ones. I think this camp will never be forgotten.
Kiwanis Camp was different than Scout camp, and the previous Kiwanis Camp years. We went rafting and went to the Mt. Hood Skibowl! It was absolutely fun! But there were drawbacks. I almost got hypothermia during canoeing, because it was about to not just rain, but there was an upcoming thunderstorm! What's worse, when I headed to my tent, a bee landed on my nose, and stung me! The stinger was fat, and it hurt. I needed meat tenderizer on my nose and Benidryl (did I spell it right?) before I go to bed. It doesn't hurt anymore, and my nose probably stopped swelling, but it left a mark, and I think of a different condition, I have a bad cold and skipped Sacrament Meeting today. But the past two weeks have been quite an adventure, pushing me out of my comfort zone in the summer and I got to do greater things. Hopefully the next years will be even better!
Kiwanis Camp was different than Scout camp, and the previous Kiwanis Camp years. We went rafting and went to the Mt. Hood Skibowl! It was absolutely fun! But there were drawbacks. I almost got hypothermia during canoeing, because it was about to not just rain, but there was an upcoming thunderstorm! What's worse, when I headed to my tent, a bee landed on my nose, and stung me! The stinger was fat, and it hurt. I needed meat tenderizer on my nose and Benidryl (did I spell it right?) before I go to bed. It doesn't hurt anymore, and my nose probably stopped swelling, but it left a mark, and I think of a different condition, I have a bad cold and skipped Sacrament Meeting today. But the past two weeks have been quite an adventure, pushing me out of my comfort zone in the summer and I got to do greater things. Hopefully the next years will be even better!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
August 2, 2009
Isaak made it home safe and sound from his first overnight Scout camp. I think he had some inflexible moments, but nothing major, and he said he had a great time. Today, I take him to Kiwanis Camp, overnight camp for kids with disabilities, for a week. This year, he's old enough to do a "Tent and Travel" camp where they are camping and doing daily excursions like River Rafting and rope courses. I didn't mean to sign up for one camp after another, but that's just the way it happened.
Maggie gets to spend the week up north with family and friends. She's excited. And I'm excited to have a week home alone! Dave's still on Army duty for another week, so it'll just be me and my work. I plan on getting the first draft of my book complete (fingers crossed) although I do have some clients I have to see. But, I'm really going to shoot for it.
I took the kids to La Push last week with my sister and her kids. It was fun! It's her family annual tradition that we plan to keep crashing. The kids love it.
My good camera battery ran out, so here are some cell phone pics. I got a disposable camera after I took these, but I haven't gotten them developed yet. What a pain film camera's are! :) Those are mostly of when we went into Forks and took silly tourist pictures. It was so fun.
Maggie's crazy hair. She's trying to grow it out. At least I'm encouraging her to. :) She looks better without bangs.
Heh heh
La Push beach. It was overcast and "eery." We kept a watch-out for werewolves.
Maggie gets to spend the week up north with family and friends. She's excited. And I'm excited to have a week home alone! Dave's still on Army duty for another week, so it'll just be me and my work. I plan on getting the first draft of my book complete (fingers crossed) although I do have some clients I have to see. But, I'm really going to shoot for it.
I took the kids to La Push last week with my sister and her kids. It was fun! It's her family annual tradition that we plan to keep crashing. The kids love it.
My good camera battery ran out, so here are some cell phone pics. I got a disposable camera after I took these, but I haven't gotten them developed yet. What a pain film camera's are! :) Those are mostly of when we went into Forks and took silly tourist pictures. It was so fun.
Maggie's crazy hair. She's trying to grow it out. At least I'm encouraging her to. :) She looks better without bangs.
Heh heh
La Push beach. It was overcast and "eery." We kept a watch-out for werewolves.
So, who's seen Harry Potter and who wants to discuss it with me!?!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July 18, 2009
Came out to Sequim to see my family and the Lavendar Festival--huge herb party. Crazy hippie and old people who come to sing songs about purple flowers or something. Quite a sight to behold.
Little Audra with Lemon Lavendar ice cream. Her hair never looks better than this, by the way. I don't know what it is.
Nice looking kid. :)
It really is beautiful when it's all in bloom. However, this is where...
...this happened. That is the stinger of a bee that got me on my foot. I haven't been stung since I was a little kid. I don't know if I'm semi-allergic or what, but it hurt like no one's business! Not at the time, so much, but as the day went on. It was excrutiating! I could barely walk. And, the worse part was I had to "hide" it from Maggie because she already has an irrational fear of bees (thanks to her dad), and seeing my pain certainly wouldn't help on that front!
My sissy!
Little Audra with Lemon Lavendar ice cream. Her hair never looks better than this, by the way. I don't know what it is.
Nice looking kid. :)
It really is beautiful when it's all in bloom. However, this is where...
...this happened. That is the stinger of a bee that got me on my foot. I haven't been stung since I was a little kid. I don't know if I'm semi-allergic or what, but it hurt like no one's business! Not at the time, so much, but as the day went on. It was excrutiating! I could barely walk. And, the worse part was I had to "hide" it from Maggie because she already has an irrational fear of bees (thanks to her dad), and seeing my pain certainly wouldn't help on that front!
My sissy!
The cousins.
Took the kids to Harry Potter (second time for me). Liked it about the same. Enjoyed it, yes, but definitely have some complaints about what they changed and left out and what they chose to focus on. But, it's all good fun!
Heading off to the other fam next, for Anna Marie's baby blessing. Looking forward to it!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 12, 2009
Finally cropped some fotos from our California trip. So, I took our friends Carla and Kyndall (who Maggie is attached to at the hip most days) with us. Carla used to live down there (San Jose area), so she got to visit old friends and family. She was kind enough to watch Maggie (and Kyndall) while I was working most of the days. The girls had a ball. I think it's a memory we'll have for years to come.
I love this picture of Kyndall.
This is a good one of Maggie. I love the colors.
I love railroad tracks.
The girls spent about 4 hours in the pool every day.
I didn't get any pictures of us at Great American, but we had a blast. I even got Maggie to ride a real roller coaster with me. She was reluctant at first, but then she wanted to get right back on afterwards. I went alone on a couple other, bigger ones, and truly thought I was going to die on one. It was so dang freaky! The day was perfect. Weather was nice, no crowds, we hardly ever had to wait in line, great company. It couldn't have been any better. Highlight of the trip.
This is the mentor group I was with during the week at Michelle Garcia Winner's clinic. She's there hiding in the back. It was an amazing week. I learned so much. I also got to "hobnob" with her and her staff at her house when she held a speaker's conference that weekend. That was pretty fun. Now, I gotta get this book done so she keeps thinking "good" thoughts about me! My goal is by the end of summer, so I gotta keep working. Meanwhile, my business is busting at the seams. Which is good... and bad. I just wish I had more time to do all I want to do.
Ah, the complications of life!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
IEP, Choir, and stuff
Had Isaak's annual IEP. He's done SO well this year, we really have to nit-pick to find good goals for a year. But, they're there. Some organization goals, some to help him understand instructions, and to help him deal with when he makes a mistake or misunderstands something and how to deal with it appropriately. He's made tremendous progress, and he knows it, so he got a little "down" having to listen to what he still needs work on. But, even though he got a little emotional, he said he was fine, and didn't completely lose it like he used to. He's learning to control so much better.
In addition, the 7th grader will be going to AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry at the high school. It hurts my head to think about it.
Went to his choir concert. Wow! Can't believe how "developed" some middle schoolers are. I mean physically, but also in voice. They seem so grown up! He's a shrimp. It was pretty cool, but he got all emotional at the end when they were singing good-bye to the 8th graders. Boy, he does wear his emotions on his sleeve. I don't want him to stifle that, but I also don't want him to be seen as a weirdo. Hard balance to find.
We joined a gym near the house. Took the kids yesterday. We all trotted on the eliptical for a half hour. Pretty fun! Little Audra's heart rate got up to 190. Is that OK? I don't know. My was around 155 and Isaak's around 180. It'll be good for us.
We slept in this morning, and Isaak's missing Math, but who cares! It's been a stressful week!
In addition, the 7th grader will be going to AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry at the high school. It hurts my head to think about it.
Went to his choir concert. Wow! Can't believe how "developed" some middle schoolers are. I mean physically, but also in voice. They seem so grown up! He's a shrimp. It was pretty cool, but he got all emotional at the end when they were singing good-bye to the 8th graders. Boy, he does wear his emotions on his sleeve. I don't want him to stifle that, but I also don't want him to be seen as a weirdo. Hard balance to find.
We joined a gym near the house. Took the kids yesterday. We all trotted on the eliptical for a half hour. Pretty fun! Little Audra's heart rate got up to 190. Is that OK? I don't know. My was around 155 and Isaak's around 180. It'll be good for us.
We slept in this morning, and Isaak's missing Math, but who cares! It's been a stressful week!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Isaak's poetry
For his English assignment, they had to write 10 poems using other poetry as a template. Here are his:
A sneaky, secret chameleon,
I mark a little connection to what mastery one should work toward.
It vanishes and becomes the Cheshire Cat; you could see its smile.
Its mouth opens quicker than a heartbeat and catches a fly in the woods.
Its tongue launched straight ahead… straight ahead… with powerful precision.
Its smile returns, wider and larger, but it can’t leave a contented burp.
A perfect, hypothetical human,
Full-grown, well-educated, all-around, and smiling, he is ready to take on anything.
Anyone in need of being taken care of can be taken care of in his presence.
Anything obstacle covering the path he seeks can be removed with wits and courage.
His reputation deeply swells… deeply swells… in powerful precision.
His smile returns, wider and larger, with the similarities of the chameleon’s fill.
I’ve seen children
That spent time playing
I’ve seen children
That tripped and cried
I’ve see children that act as an example like
Being the tallest tree in the forest.
I’ve seen children
I’ve seen children act important
and bossy and hateful.
I’ve seen children that react and cower
As they get picked like
Giants shoving trees out of sight.
I’ve seen children
I’ve seen children stay inside and play video games
To get their brains wired
I’ve seen children
That loved
Their mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends.
Oh yes, I’ve seen children…
Whenever thunder cracks the hills,
Whenever walruses wail,
Whenever sprinkler overdrive
Pours on mills,
From the depths arises a yellow tail.
It, struck before,
Attracts a shock.
How does it survive such a nasty mock?
The creature rises, resembling a seal.
It heads towards the eye of the storm,
When lightning and thunder
Come down for their meal,
By at the tail makes a dorm,
By at the tail makes a dorm,
And then,
By the shock it flushes again.
There was an old man with two eyes.
They can pop quite far with surprise.
His wife thought her aid
Malfunctions again
Until she saw the old man’s popped eyes!
I have known
Pretty young girls
And handsome young boys;
Their matches.
Date after date
And location after location
They kiss, and cry
And wave goodbye
Sometimes they part
And join up again.
Today
I hug the tree.
With their
hooting,
guffawing cries,
hyenas spread
creature
comedy.
How doth the
smelly little rat
Improve his
garbage reek,
And invade
dumpsters all around
In every house
he squeaks!
How vulnerable
he seems to be!
How predictable nearby;
The cat
pounces and
eats the rat—
HAAAACK!
How can’t she die?
A jittery stranger in the deep
Ambles
Underneath,
While way up high its many dangers
Pass by above
His sheath.
The burgundy signal
And he gets
Swept away
By the playful puffs of gray
Tickling in
Every way.
He settles in a dung heap
But never
Launches stench,
Rather takes care of the leafy gods
In the
Open trench.
He digs in through rich chocolate
And creates
Helpful humus,
For Mother Earth suffocates
And he must save her
And us!
He is shunned by its thick lard,
Size, shape,
And being,
Care can only be so helpful
As if it
Must sing!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
A flying dog is in my house;
His existence is enough.
He flew in through the window
And broke my mom’s Greek vase.
Stephanie asks, “Can we keep him?”
But he’s a great disgrace.
He flew and smashed nine dishes,
He flew and startled the cat,
His paws left marks in Play-Doh—
Hey! Give back Sebastian’s hat!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
A flying dog is in my house;
His existence is enough!
He played tug-o-war with my suits on hangers,
His barks are louder than shrill yells,
He wrestled Stephanie’s stuffed “Betsy”,
And Cupid shot him when he saw silver bells.
Every minute he influences thrice
That includes twice of my concern,
If only he would fly a—
No! Stop pooping in my fern!
Will he ever learn?!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
A flying dog is in my house;
His existence is ENOUGH!
I
liv
four
skul
cant
wat
four
skul
I
wac
up
just
too
goh
too
skul
I
studie
their
to
luk
ahed
Id
sta
untill
I
goh
too
bed
Sins
wen
Im
thru
Im
fre
too
rom,
mature
as
evir
frum
skin
to
bohne
Sucses
is
strait
ahed
in
vyo;
Im
ready
four
soh
much
too
doo!
K, I'm completely flabbergasted. I actually didn't believe he wrote these and had to go back and see the original works to see if he really did just use them for ideas and write these poems on his own. I'm utterly in shock. Really amazing poetry here. I'm going to have to go study them, now.
A sneaky, secret chameleon,
I mark a little connection to what mastery one should work toward.
It vanishes and becomes the Cheshire Cat; you could see its smile.
Its mouth opens quicker than a heartbeat and catches a fly in the woods.
Its tongue launched straight ahead… straight ahead… with powerful precision.
Its smile returns, wider and larger, but it can’t leave a contented burp.
A perfect, hypothetical human,
Full-grown, well-educated, all-around, and smiling, he is ready to take on anything.
Anyone in need of being taken care of can be taken care of in his presence.
Anything obstacle covering the path he seeks can be removed with wits and courage.
His reputation deeply swells… deeply swells… in powerful precision.
His smile returns, wider and larger, with the similarities of the chameleon’s fill.
I’ve seen children
That spent time playing
I’ve seen children
That tripped and cried
I’ve see children that act as an example like
Being the tallest tree in the forest.
I’ve seen children
I’ve seen children act important
and bossy and hateful.
I’ve seen children that react and cower
As they get picked like
Giants shoving trees out of sight.
I’ve seen children
I’ve seen children stay inside and play video games
To get their brains wired
I’ve seen children
That loved
Their mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends.
Oh yes, I’ve seen children…
Whenever thunder cracks the hills,
Whenever walruses wail,
Whenever sprinkler overdrive
Pours on mills,
From the depths arises a yellow tail.
It, struck before,
Attracts a shock.
How does it survive such a nasty mock?
The creature rises, resembling a seal.
It heads towards the eye of the storm,
When lightning and thunder
Come down for their meal,
By at the tail makes a dorm,
By at the tail makes a dorm,
And then,
By the shock it flushes again.
There was an old man with two eyes.
They can pop quite far with surprise.
His wife thought her aid
Malfunctions again
Until she saw the old man’s popped eyes!
I have known
Pretty young girls
And handsome young boys;
Their matches.
Date after date
And location after location
They kiss, and cry
And wave goodbye
Sometimes they part
And join up again.
Today
I hug the tree.
With their
hooting,
guffawing cries,
hyenas spread
creature
comedy.
How doth the
smelly little rat
Improve his
garbage reek,
And invade
dumpsters all around
In every house
he squeaks!
How vulnerable
he seems to be!
How predictable nearby;
The cat
pounces and
eats the rat—
HAAAACK!
How can’t she die?
A jittery stranger in the deep
Ambles
Underneath,
While way up high its many dangers
Pass by above
His sheath.
The burgundy signal
And he gets
Swept away
By the playful puffs of gray
Tickling in
Every way.
He settles in a dung heap
But never
Launches stench,
Rather takes care of the leafy gods
In the
Open trench.
He digs in through rich chocolate
And creates
Helpful humus,
For Mother Earth suffocates
And he must save her
And us!
He is shunned by its thick lard,
Size, shape,
And being,
Care can only be so helpful
As if it
Must sing!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
A flying dog is in my house;
His existence is enough.
He flew in through the window
And broke my mom’s Greek vase.
Stephanie asks, “Can we keep him?”
But he’s a great disgrace.
He flew and smashed nine dishes,
He flew and startled the cat,
His paws left marks in Play-Doh—
Hey! Give back Sebastian’s hat!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
A flying dog is in my house;
His existence is enough!
He played tug-o-war with my suits on hangers,
His barks are louder than shrill yells,
He wrestled Stephanie’s stuffed “Betsy”,
And Cupid shot him when he saw silver bells.
Every minute he influences thrice
That includes twice of my concern,
If only he would fly a—
No! Stop pooping in my fern!
Will he ever learn?!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
Flap! Flap! Woof!
A flying dog is in my house;
His existence is ENOUGH!
I
liv
four
skul
cant
wat
four
skul
I
wac
up
just
too
goh
too
skul
I
studie
their
to
luk
ahed
Id
sta
untill
I
goh
too
bed
Sins
wen
Im
thru
Im
fre
too
rom,
mature
as
evir
frum
skin
to
bohne
Sucses
is
strait
ahed
in
vyo;
Im
ready
four
soh
much
too
doo!
K, I'm completely flabbergasted. I actually didn't believe he wrote these and had to go back and see the original works to see if he really did just use them for ideas and write these poems on his own. I'm utterly in shock. Really amazing poetry here. I'm going to have to go study them, now.
Total Dorkness
Yes, I'm a complete dork. I'm completely obsessed with everything Twilight. I check the offical New Moon movie website (http://www.newmoonmovie.org/) at least several times a day. I'm making big plans for when it comes out with a ton of friends. I've read/listened to all the books at least a dozen times now. It's crazy. I suppose I need one stupid outlet in my life.
With that said, Dave got me the most spectacular shirt that I love. It says "...and then Buffy staked Edward. The End."
Gotta love good humor, even at my expense (or Edward's, to be precise).
With that said, Dave got me the most spectacular shirt that I love. It says "...and then Buffy staked Edward. The End."
Gotta love good humor, even at my expense (or Edward's, to be precise).
Saturday, June 6, 2009
June 6, 2009
Shall I try to blog again? Who knows if it'll stick. Let's see what I have to share...
I am keeping a professional blog, too. Right now I'm adding more to that one.
http://socialthinkingvancouver.blogspot.com/
There are some old videos of Isaak on there. Kinda fun to watch. I'm working on getting some old videos from Penny transferred from video to the computer. Having issues with the software, but once that's figured out, those will be fun to share, too.
Family updates. Dave works. He cooks. He sleeps. He cleans. He plays Halo with the family.
I work. I don't cook. I don't sleep well. I travel. I kiss and cuddle and smother kids. I also play Halo with the family.
Isaak thinks. He laughs. He eats bananas. He takes AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry next year at the high school. He has a best friend. He beats the family playing Halo (3 against 1).
Maggie sleeps in. She draws. She paints. She gets paint all over her room and carpet. She leaves her clothes everywhere. She learns piano quite easily. She plays Halo with the family.
More to come soon.
I am keeping a professional blog, too. Right now I'm adding more to that one.
http://socialthinkingvancouver.blogspot.com/
There are some old videos of Isaak on there. Kinda fun to watch. I'm working on getting some old videos from Penny transferred from video to the computer. Having issues with the software, but once that's figured out, those will be fun to share, too.
Family updates. Dave works. He cooks. He sleeps. He cleans. He plays Halo with the family.
I work. I don't cook. I don't sleep well. I travel. I kiss and cuddle and smother kids. I also play Halo with the family.
Isaak thinks. He laughs. He eats bananas. He takes AP Calculus and pre-AP Chemistry next year at the high school. He has a best friend. He beats the family playing Halo (3 against 1).
Maggie sleeps in. She draws. She paints. She gets paint all over her room and carpet. She leaves her clothes everywhere. She learns piano quite easily. She plays Halo with the family.
More to come soon.
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