One quick story...

I am home for the night, but my campers are still out there. Last night the girls and I slept in the RV and Gunner and Junior were in the tent. It was so windy and for some reason we only packed 4 stakes. Not a good idea. Em started out in the tent with Junior and Gunner. Then Abs wanted to be out there so Em was more than happy to join me in the RV. Of course once we were all settled, Junior bit Abs on the hip and left a huge bruise, so the tears started. Once Abs started crying, Junior started crying. I think Gunner was ready to join them. So then Abs came into the RV and the boys stayed in the tent.

Gunner was so tired and in the middle of the night, the wind really picked up again. Half asleep, all the noise made Gunner think that Junior was throwing up. He grabbed Junior, unzipped the tent and put Junior outside. Junior started crying and said "It's windy Daddy, I want to sleep inside!". Gunner realized that Junior wasn't throwing up and it was the wind, so he grabbed Junior and put him back in the tent and they both fell fast asleep.

Never a dull moment...

Day off

It was dark this morning, with tons of lightening. Not a drop of rain fell, so I imagine it is waiting until we get to the campsite and then we will have a downpour. We have decided that I will go out tonight, stay all day tomorrow, and then come home after the kids are tucked in so I can grade papers, get everything finished up for school, and work on my big project for my class on the 2nd.

I got an email from Ab's teacher and apparently the sugar cubes were optional and not necessary unless they wanted to bring them. Not the story we received from Abs last night! Oh well, she has them and there are enough there for other children to share so they can each build a giant pyramid. I assume their trip around the world has taken them to Egypt, after just finishing up a trip to Germany. I sure miss Germany!

Chris is headed out to get Em and then drop off the RV at the campsite before returning for the rest of us. He has lunch with Em today since she was citizen of the month. I napped. We road 16 miles this morning and followed it with a 2 mile run--well I did. Gunner can't keep up with me yet, but I am working on him! The run felt good, and I could have gone further if I didn't have to pee so much. Having three kids sure ruined my body in that respect, I have to pee constantly! Good thing they are so cute, and will hopefully take care of me in my old age.

We got clips put on our bike and I found a pair of bike shoes for $30. They are sinfully ugly, and were originally more, but I told him I could pay that much for something so ugly. But, when he offered them for $30, my frugality took over and now I love them. I was so worried that I was going to crash or something while using them, but thankfully it was relatively easy. One less thing to worry about.

I found a disco triathlon, doesn't that sound like fun? In 5th grade I was in love with Andy Gibbs and the Bee Gees. Of course my first tape was the Beatles live in Germany. I can't believe that 40 is just a mere 3 1/2 years away. A few years ago I decided (since Gunner was gone) that we should get to take a trip for our 40th birthdays, somewhere fun and exciting. Gunner's two years older than me, so I guess I better start planning something! Maybe we can time it around jobs, deployments, and my mom's schedule to book her for babysitting and all will be well. Egypt? Thailand? Spain? Somewhere exotic?

I registered for my two classes this summer, and I will be sitting in class during the heat of the day from 11-4, monday-thursday. It could be worse, and the workload can be nothing like it was last summer or this school year, so I am hoping I can drop the kids at daycare in the morning (they have to be there by 8) and then head to the gym for a workout before going to class.

Best laid plans of mice and men....

Rain, rain, go away.....

Especially when Gunner is taking us camping again.

I asked him if he wanted to postpone it, but he said "I want my children to remember me taking them camping all the time, not just once". I can't argue with that. They will remember. Let's just hope they can experience it without rain sometime!

Gunner is off doing the grocery shopping now, and I am lying around the house. I should be packing. We were going to grocery shop tomorrow, but Abs tells us at 8:30 tonight that she needs 165 sugar cubes by tomorrow.

Tomorrow is bike ride day. I've got a ton of other stuff to do as well, especially since we have only 6 weeks of school left! I've almost survived a year! In some respects it flew by and other ways it dragged on and on and on.

Junior got booted from daycare for "lesions". I told Gunner in order to make sure that he got an appointment today that he needed to tell the appointment line that Junior had "lesions". He gets an appointment right away and takes Junior in.

The doctor walks in.
Doctor: These aren't lesions.
Gunner: I know that. You know that. Daycare does not.

Junior's getting another referral to the dermatologist and hopefully they can get his itching and scratching under control. He's destroying his poor little arms, legs, and feet.

Junior has also learned the word...terrible. Aww man, this is terrible. Mommy, this is terrible. What can I do, this is terrible. Terrible, terrible, terrible. It's enough to drive anyone insane, if it wasn't so cute. Of course I don't have to listen to it all day.

We live on post, and don't venture outside in the front yard much. Today we were all out there and off in the distance we heard the ice cream truck. The girls ran to get money and when they got outside, half the neighborhood was out there begging for money so that they could get ice cream. Ummmm....their parents drive nicer cars than I do, carry purses I can't afford, and I have a job! Em got smart and decided it was cheaper to go to the shoppette to get ice cream instead. She's learning!

Wish us luck on our soon to be waterlogged camping adventure.

The nurse called

I am going to stop answering the phone during the school day when it says unknown, because chances are that it is the nurse at Ab's school.

Me: Hello?
Nurse: Hi, is this Ab's mom?
Me: Yes. What's wrong?
Nurse: Well Abs tripped over a desk in music and hurt her back.
Me: Are there any marks?
Nurse: A big red one
Me: Where?
Nurse: Lower back (and she gave me a number, I guess which is supposed to mean something to this non nurse person)
Me: Did you put ice on it?
Nurse: Yes, she's almost in tears from the pain.
Me: Is there swelling?
Nurse: There is a bruise already. Can you please come take a look at it?
Me: Ummmm.....I'm a teacher, so I am kind of stuck here unless you think it is a dire emergency.
Nurse: Well.....
Me: Call her dad at this number xxx-xxxx.
Nurse: Okay

I get off the phone and my 22 second graders ask if we can take a trip to meet the nurse at Ab's school. Doesn't that sound like loads of fun?

So Gunner was coming up to school so that he could help me out with some paperwork, putting together books, taking things home, etc. I texted him and he told me he was on his way and would check on Abs since the nurse just called.

About 10 minutes later Gunner walks through the door.

Me: Is Abs okay?
Gunner: Of course.
Me: Is there a red mark?
Gunner: No
Me: Bruising?
Gunner: The bruising she thinks she sees is where Em put that tattoo on her back and it hasn't worn off yet.
Me: Was Abs crying?
Gunner: Nope. They gave her a pain scale of 1-5 and Abs said it was a 4. They didn't realize that Abs thought the pain scale should be from 1-20 and had chosen the 4 based on the new and improved pain scale ala Abs.

Apparently the nurse didn't know what to think, but the not even sad Abs went off to class with her ice pack.

We're having pizza tonight, minus the pepperoni. Don't want Ab's life to be in jeopardy or anything.

I can't make it to the gym tonight due to other commitments, but I do plan on working on some strength training and core exercises here at the house. That's almost a guarantee to be more sore tomorrow than if I had gone to the gym!

Monday Training

With Gunner home, this blog is turning into the Idonothingelsebutgotothegymandworkout blog.

Hard to blog about military stuff when he is off work for a month. I could blog about how we still don't have orders, so no idea when or if we are moving. They need to quit dragging their heels. I've already made mental plans for 57 different scenarios, so they need to help me narrow it down a little.

I had a meeting after school and then hit the pool with my fellow teacher turning triathlon nut. After a good swim, it was home to play with kiddos. Then I hit the gym, hard. I ran a good 4.5 miles, 20 minutes on the stairmaster, weights, weights, and more weights.

When I got in the sauna my quiet time was interrupted by two of the loud-mouthed army wives that were there before. This time they were talking about how they went home for leave. Their husbands apparently left them home with the kids and no car while they were out carrying on with their friends at the strip joint. It's apparently all good now because they stood out there screaming and yelling at them when they came home and woke up the neighborhood. I just wanted to scream and yell at them to be quiet! When they finally left, one GI just groaned and said "Thank goodness". I'm going to have to change my workout times so I don't have to listen to them!

Junior was doing so well on potty training and after spending the weekend camping and wearing diapers, he doesn't want to go anymore. Today was his first day back at daycare and they finally convinced him that it was fun to go potty. It worked, so we'll see if we can get back to business with him.

Em was voted citizen of the month. Abs asked if the pepperoni I bought at the commissary was because I was trying to kill her. Junior was out in the front yard yesterday in camo underwear, a shirt and pink boots. I'm sure he will appreciate the pictures one day? Pictures to come.

My friend is having a baby this Thursday and we passed on our crib and dresser/changing table. The end of an era. We bought it for Em way back in Germany for what we thought was big bucks at the time. It survived 12 years, 3 kids and 5 moves. (side note--when we moved into housing here at Hood, the mover offered to buy the crib from me because he said his 17 year old daughter was serious about some GI and he imagined there would be grandchildren in the near future and he wanted to help prepare. I couldn't say anything nice, so I just ignored him.)

Tomorrow is another busy day. Em and I are going to have mother/daughter facials and then I have to hit the gym and get some work done. I am taking friday off this week and want to find a great place to ride!

I almost forgot...

I've been busy running around to the campsite, to class, back to the campsite, home....you get the picture. They are still out there and it rained most of the day. They are filthy and happy. More on that later.

I almost forgot to tell you what happened on Friday.

My phone rings during class cause I once again forgot to shut off my ringer. I was giving directions so I silenced it without looking. I finished up and then checked called id, and it was Ab's school.

I start imagining what is happening there.

I check my messages and it is the school nurse and she sounds urgent and tells me to call immediately, and that she was going to try the school.

Worries me more.

I call back within 30 seconds and get the nurse.

Me: Hi, this is Ab's mom, you just left a voicemail and I am returning your phone call.
Nurse: (still sounding urgent) Yes, we have Abs in the office and she's been exposed to pepperoni.
Me: Pepperoni? Seriously?
Nurse: Yes, she told me that she is deathly allergic to it, but I don't see record of it.
Me: To Pepperoni? As in the stuff on pizza? (in disbelief)
Nurse: She is itching and her throat is scratchy. Does she have an epi pen? Does she take medication? Do we need to medevac her out?
Me: We are talking about Abs _______ right?
Nurse: Yes
Me: She's not allergic to pepperoni.
Nurse: What?
Me: No, she's not allergic to it, she went on a field trip on Wednesday and someone had pepperoni pizza and then touched her and Abs decided she was allergic to it and she was itchy. Go figure, I have no idea.
Nurse: she's really scratching and it's red
Me: I imagine it is, if she is scratching it. She's not allergic to pepperoni, and if she was she shouldn't have eaten it. Send her back to class, she's fine.
Nurse: (starting to relax) Do you want to talk to her?
Me: Oh yeah.

Abs: Hello? (said in a weak sickly voice)
Me: Hey Abs, heard you ingested a little pepperoni
Abs: Yes, and I am allergic to it.
Me: No you aren't, but you freaked out the nurse
Abs: I really am allergic to it.
Me: Then drink a cup of water, go to the bathroom and you will be cured?
Abs: Are you kidding?
Me: No, get back to class and no more pepperoni.
Abs: Okay. (defeated)

I do listen to my students when they say that they are allergic to something. Once one told me he couldn't eat fish, so I called the nurse, and she said he could. I called the parent who freaked out and said he was deathly allergic to it and raced up to the school. I guess you can never be too safe. I did assure the nurse that if Abs was allergic to anything that I would make sure her teacher and the school was notified.

Once when Em spent the night with a neighbor girl at our old house, they served baked potatoes. She told the mom that she was allergic to them and asked for mashed potatoes instead. The mom was apologetic the next day that she almost gave her a baked potato.

If anyone asks, I must be allergic to celery.

They are really going

It's pouring down rain outside. It was hailing earlier.

The kids are busy loading everything up and running through the rain. Junior is hanging out in the housecar.

I tried to pack their clothes and Gunner told me I was packing too much. Apparently they need to rough it.

I was trying to pack too many blankets.

Abs has her Daddy Doll and her stuffed dog. Em has her American Girl doll. Junior has two fuffies, a pillow and a stuffed something or another.

They are having chili dogs tonight. Apparently the outlaws are going out there to have dinner with them....in the rain. They are cooking chili dogs, over the fire. Apparently the awning from the RV is going to be enough? Tomorrow morning they are having camp donuts (from scratch mind you), fruit, sausage and something else over the fire. I have the feeling by the time breakfast is done, it will be time for lunch. They are making chicken and dumplings over the campfire tomorrow night. Sunday morning they are having bacon and pancakes. They are having sandwiches for lunch both days. Smores are of course on the menu.

Gunner bought a hibachi and is planning on putting rocks all around it, so they can feel like they are camping out and roughing it. Did I mention that I love this guy????

I really wish I could be out there the whole trip, because I am sure it would be a great adventure! I am sending my canon rebel so that he can document the times that I am not out there.

He's so excited. The kids are excited. I'm excited for them! More to come...

The Big Camping Trip

The first camping trip with all three kiddos is a go for tomorrow.

There is an 80% chance of rain. I have class, so I am going to go out there, have dinner, hang out, and then head home so I can finish up my homework and such.

I'll head back out there on Saturday, after class, when there is only a 40% chance of rain.

Gunner sent me a text today that gave all the percentages for the chance of rain, and then asked me if it was okay if he took the kids because he really, really, really, really wanted to go camping. How can I say no?

The RV has most of the bare essentials packed. The meal plan was made, changed, rearranged, and purchased today.

Sleeping arrangements have been created and he has even had all the kids out there to make sure everyone would fit in a trial run. Apparently if I come then Junior has to sleep in the playpen because there will be no room in the bed. I don't see how there will be room for anyone in the bed, at least if you are wanting a good night sleep! It's all good though, and I will go out on Saturday and spend the night since on Sunday there is only a 30% chance of rain.

Gunner has the map printed out, and the bathrooms highlighted even though the RV has one. He knows where all the playgrounds are and where he wants to go fishing. He bought a minnow bucket today and was on cloud nine. Ummmmm......he went fishing while we were stationed at Fort Lewis, spent like 8 hours out there and returned home with a few trout. By the time he skinned them, I couldn't eat them and we didn't know how to cook them correctly. I've gotten a lot more adventurous since then and as long as it is cooked and not celery or chow mein noodles I can eat it!

Oh, and the only one without a cold is Em.

So we will be out in the rain, already sick, trying to camp, and hopefully having the time of our lives so that Gunner will want to take us out again. He's started a camping book where he is compiling all the information, and where he will add all the things we will change next time. He is so unlike me. I try to be organized, but truth be told I will always overpack and probably still have to make a run to Walmart at least twice.

It will be fun. And worst case scenario, we are stuck in a small RV with three screaming kids, a bathroom that I know is clean, a DVD player and a microwave....and did I mention air conditioning?

I might need to pack a set of earplugs, a camera, and a triathlon book for good measure.

The Bug

I was over at Just another Day In Paradise, who recently completed a half-marathon while her husband was deployed. Her husband has been bitten by the running bug and they are currently planning their travels/runs. I love it!

The bug has also bitten Gunner, as on the 2nd of May while I am sitting in class, he will be cruising around Fort Hood on a 50 mile bike ride. He just turned his bike in today to get new pedals, and mine goes in tomorrow. Now to to think about shoes, which I am sure I can locate a good deal online.

I skipped the gym yesterday in order to write a paper. It's still not finished, but the outline is there and I should be able to crank it out today after a trip to the gym.

I think I am catching Ab's cold. I don't have time for this!

I think I may have convinced a fellow teacher to do the triathlon with me. She's just as green as I am.

.......I'm home from the gym...control your excitement. They started this new thing where you have to sign in for a spinning class up to an hour before it begins. Sounds crazy, but people get kind of violent. So far I like it because I can attend the spinning classes now. Junior's daycare provider was going in during lunch to reserve her bike and some people were going before work. That's insane! So I hit an hour spinning class, ran two miles immediately after--ouch!

I heard from said friend of mine from school and she is going to do the triathlon with me, so it makes me feel a little better. She's also the one that I am going to do the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon with as well.

Tomorrow is Ab's big TAG field trip. She's super excited about it. I emailed her teacher and told her that Abs had packed a robe and a stuffed camel. Her teacher made some random announcements today about the field trip and included that robes and stuffed camels were probably not necessary. Abs was disappointed, and told her teacher that I wouldn't buy her a jacket!?!?!?!?! Geez. I ran into her teacher tonight at the gym so she filled me in on Ab's disappointment. I guess if that is all she is getting disappointed about, her life has to be easier than most other 8 year olds.

More details on Gunner's camping obsession are coming soon. The boy is about to drive me crazy! I'm so glad he's home though.

Orders

Seriously, if we are moving, I hope they cut orders sometime in the near future, so we can have SOME idea of a timeframe and make plans accordingly. I know some people have them, but who knows what the whole story is.

I am super sore today in my left calf. I went for a short 2 1/2 mile run and took it very slow. It felt good to stretch it out, and I was plugging along. I even did it outside, and I think I can become addicted to that! I didn't even realize it had been that far.

It's supposed to rain this weekend and it is the first weekend that Gunner wanted to go camping. I have class on Saturday, but I was going to go out there Friday and then back out Saturday afternoon. Hopefully it will be dry enough to make it a good experience because he's determined to get out there. He's now printing recipes for a campfire, but I am not sure if the burn ban will affect those plans. My sister once mentioned something about cookies on top of pie filling and something else and cooked in a dutch oven. I think I need her to send me the recipe.

The girls were happy with their Easter baskets and Junior was ecstatic with his Diego rescue pack. I can't say that we were overjoyed with the song that it plays over and over and over again. I guess the Easter Bunny should have been paying closer attention to that feature!

I can't believe it is already time to go back to school. This three day weekend flew by. I think I might need a day off this week. I'll have to look and see what is going on. I better use up all my days!

A friend took pictures at the race on Saturday and in each one I look like I am walking. I guess I need to work on my form? Gunner said I keep my arms too tensed up, and I need to lengthen my stride. Hmmmm....imagine what I could do if I ran correctly!

The 10K

Got up early this morning and it was cold! Only 53 degrees, but to this Texan, that's downright chilly!

We met the teachers from school there, and took off. I got my best time, but considering the only other time I have done a 10K was a year ago in the heat of the summer, I couldn't have done worse! I am very happy with my time. I felt good though and was the first out of everyone in our group to finish, so that made the competitive side of me happy. (I remember my SIL telling us once in an email that downhill skiing with my brother was like an all out blood war--hey, a little competition is good, right?)

Gunner did a great job too. :) Yep, I beat him as well. I just can't help it, if I knew the person that came in first, I probably would have died trying to beat them as well. Or maybe not since she is a marathoner and is going to do the Boston Marathon next weekend. I know of another teacher that wants to do the San Antonio half marathon with the bands and everything. That would be a lot of fun!

No races for the next two weeks since I have class and the big upcoming camping adventure. Gunner got the RV from his parents last night and I guess will be working on it this week with Junior.

I'm off to work, drop the girls off, and then meet at a friend's house for fajitas, margaritas, and a soak in the hot tub. Happy Saturday!

The joys of teaching 2nd grade

When I arrive to school in the morning, I have my hair down because it is still drying. Usually by about 10 am, I have it wrapped back up in a bun or something to keep it out of my face and make it easier to chase children.

Yesterday I had this conversation with a student:

Student: I have a secret to tell you.
Me: Okay, shoot.
Student: I need to whisper it.
Me: No one can hear, go ahead.
Student: No it's serious.
I lean in and put my ear down towards her, and my long hair is down this morning.
Student: (whispering in my ear, which is right next to their mouth) I have lice.

Geez. I'm still itching.

What's an extra few miles?

12 to be exact. I was trying to convince Gunner that if we were willing to ride 50 miles that we could easily ride the 100K, since it was just an extra 12 miles. He's not feeling it.

I have two books to read and review. One looks really good.

I am not motivated to go to the gym tonight. Junior fell asleep this evening and when I went in and woke him up he screamed and screamed. He finally made his way back to bed and is out again. Poor little guy. He needs his naps, but fights them tooth and nail during the day. So I am sure he won't sleep tonight at all. Lucky us.

Abs was up half the night screeching intermittently every few minutes. Apparently she kept dreaming about a boomerang that did not return but a scarecrow did. We are exhausted. Couple that with Junior coming in our room at 3:30 this morning, and my idea of getting a good night sleep did not occur.

I'm kind of in a funk today. The purge of the house needs to happen and soon...

While typing this blog, I took a break to peruse my amazon cart to see what I liked and didn't like.

I looked, read, and then went to another site and signed up for a triathlon. Never done one.

This should be interesting. Never a dull moment around here....

Therapy in the sauna?

I hit the gym today, ran, stepped, lifted, and listened to army wives in the sauna. I didn't even have to turn off my iPOD in order to listen to the not-so-quiet conversation. My blood started to boil, and another woman in there just looked at me and rolled her eyes. I hate army wives that complain about everything, loudly, in public places. Maybe it's just me.

I skipped dinner with the outlaws and opted for a run instead. It's been so beautiful that I am half tempted to run outside, but I always chicken out and head for the treadmill. I know how far I go and how fast I go inside, and I am worried I'd be a slacker outside with no one watching me. Who wants to look like a wimp at the gym?

I recruited several teachers to run or walk the 10K with me this weekend. This led to a creation of a run/walk club which I am now a member. Ummm.....I don't even know if I can run the whole 10K, but they were asking me questions? Oh geez. I told them I buy books on every subject I am interested in, and read, read, read. I'm trading in my guided reading books for how to run a triathlon, the triatheletes bible, a book on increasing your speed in cycling and running as well. Oh and I think I had a book in my cart that was for weight training for runners. I love books. I'll spend the next month pondering over my selections before I click that submit button and make my final order. Gunner just grins and makes room on the bookshelf for the next round of books.

Of course it might have to wait a while since I just ordered three new sports bras. How come they need to be so darn expensive. I have the (insert maiden name here) rack, so I have to buy bras that can keep the girls from knocking me out. I really want a reduction, but who wants to slow down that long? It's on my list of things though. TMI, I know, especially since my brother and Uncle read this blog. (I sure wish my Dad could read everything I write though, he would get a kick out of it all)

Oh and I have a new obsessions with roadrunnersports.com. I love their running pants and so I ordered a new pair and two pairs of capris. I was wearing out the washer and dryer, not to mention the one pair that I had.

Gunner and Junior got haircuts today. Potty training is still going strong, but he will not poop. Tonight he did it in the tub, so I guess the silver lining is that at least it was in the bathroom?

Gunner took the kids to eat with his parents while I was at the gym. I came home to find them all playing the wii--yes, we gave in and got one. The girls have decided that game night is much better than movie night. I have to agree! Of course it got Abs wired up and it is 10 pm and I am still hearing strains of opera music coming from her room. I wish I had her energy....and her voice. She's been busy creating vocabulary tests for us at every turn, and her writing has really improved. We are still waiting for the OT referral, but it doesn't look promising. She did graduate from PT though, and it's nice to not have to race out there twice a week, but of course leave it to when Gunner is home, for it to be over!

Gunner finally shaved today.....I bet it was just because we have a run this weekend. He'd look pretty ridiculous with his high and tight and a beard. I'm betting by the end of leave he will be woolly.

Tomorrow is my friday, and the thought of jeans makes me happy, and it's not just the small size on the tag in the jeans, although that helps immensely. It also helps when people stop me to tell me that my pants are baggy, or when I have to hike them up because they are too loose!

Oh, and the giant purge? It will resume this Friday. Anyone need some canning jars?

Bunnies, Lions & Camels, Oh My!

We made bunnies for the bulletin board. What a nightmare.

Gunner is cutting out templates of camels & lions.

Didn't hit the gym and had mexican food for dinner--not a good combination.

A picture from this weekend of Junior with the Army monster truck. He loved it! The girls....could have cared less and wanted to move on.

Batman?

Block leave has begun. Great for Gunner, not so great for me when I had to get up to go to work this morning.

Gunner's first day at home with Junior was a huge success. He pottied all day on the potty, and kept his Batman underwear dry....until he pooped. Win some, lose some.

When he was finally in his diaper again and dressed for bed, he stopped playing, asked for his diaper off, and then went potty.

But this smiling face in Batman underoos was too cute.He's in desperate need of a haircut. Maybe I should let Abs practice?

Hit the gym, ran 3 miles.

I'm in the process of signing us up for a 50 mile bike ride. There are two choices and one ends with BBQ and beer, but it is over an hour away. The other is just half an hour away.

Which would you choose?

My confession

I am a packrat.

I get it from my side of the family.

My children are fast following in my footsteps.

I think Gunner has packed it up too, since I went to throw away something totally useless and he balked. I smiled. I threw it away. He laughed and agreed. We don't need it! I'm really trying here.

If we do PCS in a few months, we can't drag all this stuff with us. Do we really need it all? How do I become a minimalist?

The baby stuff won't go with us. The girl clothes that Abs outgrows are going to be gone.

It's time to part with the clothes I don't wear and are too big.

I don't need three hole punches.

Do we need to keep the two printers in the garage? I probably have over 50 pairs of shoes and wear about 10 of them. And don't even get me started on the piles and piles and piles and did I mention.....PILES of TA-50!

I really want a new dining room table, like this.

I.love.pottery.barn.

Realistically I will never spend that much on a table because I have three kids that like to paint, color, and do arts and crafts.

In just two hours today Gunner and I filled the garbage can. We are still way over our weight limit, but it's progress.

At our next house I will not save EVERYTHING. And yes I said that the last hundred times I moved, but I am at my breaking point and over my weight limit.

Clean sweep, it's time to make a call to "The Great Place" and help me purge! And...um....when you're done......I'll hand you directions to the next house you need to visit!

Oh and if you want the best stir fry recipe, visit Andrea. I am having this for the second time this week. I leave out the rice and add more veggies, but it's w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l.

Thinking

It's been three years, but I still miss my dad every day.

Almost done...

I am done studying. I think I have crammed everything I can into this brain of mine, and I must be ready for the test.

It was early dismissal today at school, and you would have thought that their parents fed my students red bulls for breakfast. Luckily it seemed to be a school wide epidemic.

I had a problem parent today, but took it to the principal and showed him my documentation and got his backing that I was doing everything right. I finished up my PDAS stuff but never got to my long list of things to do.

Gunner is obsessed with camping. His list is growing. He dreams about it. He talks about it. He plans for it. We have the dates set and we have nowhere picked out yet to go. He starts leave tonight at midnight. I wish I was going on leave.

I found a 50 mile bike ride in the neighboring town. I am trying to convince him how fun it will be. I found another 10K for us to do. I'm going to burn through my sick and leave days so that I can enjoy some time off. I'm so glad that the kids cooperated and I was able to save them!

Off to get a good night sleep so I can be ready to go in the morning!

In honor of Facebook

ABW will not even venture a guess as to why there are huge chunks of Ab's hairs that were found on the floor by the computer today.

She is now sporting a cowlick like her brother because in true Ab's style it was in the front.

I was just telling someone how turning 8 agreed with her....how could I jinx myself like that!