Saturday

We all had a busy day today. I was off to work early this morning around 7 am. I have a cold and am not feeling great today. I have a headache and "my sniff is blocked". (Drew said this when he got a cold when he was three. He was telling daddy he couldn't breath through his nose.) I slept ok, and felt better this morning then I did last night.

Most of the kids were up by 7 am. Madi was not happy to be awake. Adam had waken her and Ella up. Ella had asked him to wake her, but not that early. Parker was the only one still asleep. Jared put the kids to work. They cleaned the house and did their chores. The house is now organized and I didn't do it. I love it.

Madi and Adam went to Grandma's house to see their cousins and stay the night. Madi was so excited to see her cousins. E, her cousin, is here from Texas. We are going out of town next week and this is probably the only time they will see them this week. I have dilemma though. We have church at 11 am. Jared has to work tomorrow and do inventory at yet another store. I sing in the choir an we have rehearsal before church at 10:15 am. Do I leave them at grandmas until Jared can pick them up or do I go get them early to get back by 10. Even better, do I ask Grandma to bring them to church. Madi does have the scripture for primary as well. I don't know what to do. I will think about it a little more and decide in the morning.

Jared and I went on our date this afternoon. Drew was also at a friends so we just had Luke. We went to Costco to get a wedding gift for a reception we are going to later. We also went to the Hibachi house. It was decent but not quite as good as we remembered. I couldn't taste much so that could have been part of it. We came home to wrap the gift and rest before we go to the reception. I am looking forward to coming home and going to bed. We have been watching the series "Lie to Me" on Netflix. I have enjoyed it. Very entertaining.

I have scored 9 points so far. I didn't exercise today. I wasn't up to it today. One more day. And tomorrow is my free day. Yippee !

Yard Work & Pizza night

Busy day today. I was up at 5:15 am for Yoga. My friend that teaches said it would be a "easier" day. Easier must be a relative term. I was sweating like a pig and holding each pose was accompanied by shaking limbs. I have felt it all day.

I went to the school with Drew early today. He has been working really hard so I agreed to go with him to chat with his teachers. I didn't say much except to his English teacher. She dealt with me better than just him. His new revised paper should receive a much better grade. Everything else, He actually had in his notebook, with the exception of one assignment. She told him he could turn it in on Monday. He also found a few assignments in the no name pile for another class. He has a few assignments due on Monday. He is on track, which makes all of us happy.

I spent most of the day in the yard. The weather is going to change tonight. It was about 50 degrees today. Luke hung out with me most of the time. He did get a little bored and went in the house to watch a movie and took a nap too. I used the blower to move the leaves away from the edges and trees then used the mower to mulch the leaves for the garden and pick them up off the ground. I spend about three hours the blower. My arms are pretty tired. It weighs about 2o pounds, smells like gas, and left remnants of oil on my clothes, I did have a book to listen to on my iPod so I wasn't mentally bored. I also trimmed the shrubs in the front yard. I spent about 5 hours in the yard total. I am tired. I did take a short rest so that I handle the rest of the night.

Jared had inventory tonight and it didn't take as long as last week. He was in charge this week, since it was at his store. He was very pleased with the results. He was the last to leave at 5:30 pm. I was happy to have him home.

I gave Drew the evening off of homework. He finished his last few things for today and went to the park with a few friends. He came home for pizza with his friends before going to the movie "Megamind" a new animated show.

We had a few cousins over for the night. E and P came to stay while their parents were away. They are having a good time. P is Lukeys age and his best friend. They are very cute together. Madi and E are a year apart and as girls are, loud and squealing. Adam is a little jealous but he keeps "stealing" E away to do something he likes. Madi loves it. ;) We are watching more movies from the Storyteller. Popcorn for everyone.

I scored 10 points today. It was very productive day.

Unexpected Day off

I usually work on Thursday afternoons until about 8 pm. Unfortunately, the scanner I was scheduled to work on went down and won't be up until tomorrow. It was nice to have the day off, however, I have to work on Saturday to make up the hours and scan those patients that had to be rescheduled.

I spent the day paying bills, doing a little Christmas shopping and grocery shopping. I had the opportunity to check out the black Friday sales. It helped a bunch. I found that the things that are on the Christmas lists will be the best prices on black Friday. The on-line prices aren't good enough yet. I will be patient.

The kids were thrilled that I was home. I made tostadas for dinner. Jared was home around 6pm. We watched some fun movies from 1987. Jim Henson's Storyteller. It must have been a television series. There are 9 episodes of 30 minutes each. The Jared and the kids watched a few on Tuesday when I was on call. We watched two episodes. They were fun and we all snuggled before bed. Luke does his own little jig called "The Cockroach" It is a little dance to the music that ends up with him on the ground with his legs in the air like a dead bug. He came up with this on his own and it is really funny. It was nice to enjoy the evening with the family.

Except for Drew. Drew had lots of homework to do. It is midterm and he is struggling. He is getting there, but it has been a hard. He has been grounded for the past several weeks. He is burned out and so are we. We hope that it will get better soon.

I scored 10 points today. I ran 4 miles today. I got a short nap as well. I have been reading an article in the Ensign about dating. We are a few years away from the prospect, but it is best to put out the expectations in advance.

Adam loves to Read!

Adam has finally caught the reading bug. He has discovered the Lightning Thief Series. He has read two books this school year in the series and is in the third. He has always liked books, but they are usually the encyclopedia variety. Now he picks them up just to read. I am so glad. There are 5 books in the series and we only have three. We will have to pick up the other two for Christmas I think.

Madi and Luke "submitted" their Christmas list requests today. The top of Madi's list includes a Easy Bake Oven and Money for her American Girl doll. Luke wants "Stinky" the garbage truck and a new scooter. Since Daddy ran over his last scooter, it is probably time for another one. Tis the season, it is time to start looking for deals. You know I love a deal. Let me know if anyone has suggestions.

I scored 9 points today. I didn't exercise today. I got home at 12:30 am this morning and had to nap to make up my sleep for the day. I needed the break today. I also enjoyed reading the friend before resting. They always have such sweet messages.

Tuesday

I am still at work. I am on call and will be here for a few more hours. It has been a very busy day. Every patient I did during my regular 10 hour shift was unable to walk or move on their own. All but one was sedated and on a ventilator. II have changed hospitals, but patients aren't much better. These patients are in wheelchairs. I better get back to work.

I scored 10 points today. 5 more days. :)

Monday

Crazy day. Laundry and errands.

Took Madi to the dentist to replace a filling that popped out between her front teeth while flossing. It wasn't a traumatic event, just something that needed to be done. She is a brave girl.

Paid Adam and Madi for their grades. Adam made $25 dollars and Madi $20. We had to go to Target to spend the money burning a hole in their pockets. Adam got a new RC car by Hot Wheels. Luckily it was on sale and he saved $5. He was thrilled to be able to get his car even after he paid his tithing. Madi bought herself a new sweater dress, she isn't sure she wants to keep it. She has a thing that about things that are itchy or don't fit her in the right places. It has a belt, but it doesn't fit quite where she wants it. We shall see. I am trying to talk her out of it and trying something else. Maybe something without a belt. hmmm?

The weather this week is not going to be conducive for yard work. So we did leaves for Family Night. Yes, in the dark. Jared did the blower and I raked and did the mower. It was cold. The mower has a headlight, and we have lots of lights on the house. One good thing about the previous owners, they liked lights. However, I don't want to look at the wiring. :) We were done by 9 pm. The kids lasted about an hour. They were helpful though, while they lasted.

Drew is talking to me as I type. He is grounded til he brings his grades up. It makes it nice for Adam. He is always wanting brother to play but he is usually too "busy". He is also my babysitter. I love it when he gets to babysit for free. He is a sweet kid, that is trying to figure things out. He is talking and talking and I am listening. I want him to keep talking so I don't say much. He says "HI" btw. He is also making his second peanut butter and jelly on wheat bread for the day. No wheat bread is not his choice, but it is mine. He will get used to it.

I scored 10 points. I can't find my new Ensign, so I am reading the New Era. I have enjoyed it though. It is in easy to read language and everything. Yoga this morning was good. I was tired and didn't quite get my 7 hours last night. I did get to take a sleepy to make up the difference. Ahh! I love a nap.

Primary Program

We had the primary program today. Once a year the primary of each ward does a program. Each program is planned by the primary Presidency and the children of the ward give their testimonies of Jesus Christ.

It was a very sweet program. Madi gave a talk she had written for primary back in may. It was very enlightening for a 8 year old girl. I will post it tomorrow. Adam shared his part about prophets. All the music brought a sweet spirit and I was teary throughout the program.

Grandma Mattie came at the request of Miss Madi. She was pleased to be invited.

I made Ginger cookies today and had to have some. I have been craving them all week. It was worth it. :)

I scored 69 points for the week. 1 more left. Yipee.

Fishing Date

What a fun day. Jared and I haven't had the chance for date night for a few weeks. So today he arranged for me to go with fishing with him. Drew stayed with the kids and we were off. We left the new job chart and instructions and were off.

We both needed a new hat. So our first trip was to Walmart for winter head attire. We both ended up with two

Friday Night Pizza Night

Friday is usually pizza night at our house. The kids love it. Where we get our pizza varies, but we usually have pizza on Friday. This started a few years ago, and now the kids kind of plan on it. It works out pretty well. It gives me a break and we have a fun family night of movies or games.

Tonight the kids are hanging out with Grandma Mattie while I go to Relief Society. It has been a long time since I was able to go and enjoy an evening with other sisters. I am so excited. I signed up to make a few crafts and dinner will be provided. Jared is working late, so Grandma Mattie is taking them to a movie. Drew is "hanging" with a friend. Everyone is happy.

Had a good day today. Got up early for yoga. I love it. I felt so good when I got home. I finally weighed myself this week. I don't like to get on the scale. It seems that it hasn't changed much, and that is frustrating. I can feel my clothes getting looser and my body changing, so I don't put much stock in the scale. I think that is a good thing. Anyway, I have lost 4 pounds since starting the challenge. I was thrilled to actually see it go down, however, it told me something I already knew. :) Went to work and had fun. I love it when my job is not work. If all goes well, I will score 10 points today. I don't make any promises. I may decide to have sweets. It will have to be pretty good though.

Veterans Day 2010

Whata great day to remember the sacrifices of our armed forces for the freedom we enjoy. We are indeed blessed to have the opportunities we have. We are allowed practice our religion and speak for ourselves. Thank you to all those that have made it possible to worship God the way we choose and to the freedoms to be educated and speak for ourselves.

Space Derby

I didn't get much done at home today. I spent the day running errands. I slept in until 6:30 this morning. Jared got up to exercise, so I joined him and Adam. We did arms today.

I went shopping today, while Luke was at school. I found a ton of things. I had to put things back so I didn't spend too much money. I needed new jeans and some sweaters. Jared needed a few shirts. I picked up a few stocking stuffers as well. I scored. I found a pair of CK jeans in the clearance section for $16.99. I found that sweaters are cheaper in the junior section then the women's. They were also less picked over. I found three. One on clearance for $6. I had a good time. I haven't had time to do that for a long time. I spent most of my day running errands. Picked up a few prescriptions, bought a new pair of shoes for Adam, and new sock for Madi and Luke. Adam's coat is too small, so I went looking for that. The one I found will have to go back, it is too small as well. Darn it.

I attended Drew's SEOP today. That is a fancy word for saying appointment with the school counselor. We were trying to determine the path he wants to take for high school. I was surprised that he was so determined to go to college in the Mechanical Engineering field. That hasn't changed since he was in the 4th grade. He just has to kick it in gear now. He has also decided he wants to run for student council next year. I think that would be a good thing. He has a lot of more talent than he things, and he can influence others for good.

We had the space Derby today. Jared and Adam made the rocket. It was a little late starting, but they got there on time. Adam had a good time and it was a fun event overall. They even had a bagpipe serenade to start. One of the Leaders plays the drum for a bagpipe band. THAT was cool. He didn't win but he had a great time and he learned a lot. The scout leaders did a great job setting up a course between two scaffolding. Thanks Guys.

I scored 10 points today. I am looking forward to a break soon. I could use a Dr. Pepper. :)

Week 7 Day 2

I worked today. I didn't have to be at work until 8:30 so I was able to get everybody ready before I went. I got home at 7:15 pm. It was a busy day so it went by quickly.

Jared made fish tacos for dinner. They were yummy. He made homemade pico de gallo with the tomatoes we pulled off the plants before it snowed, and guacamole. He baked the fish sticks, and put them on top of a corn tortilla, and a little tartar sauce. He topped each with cabbage and little fresh squeezed lime. De-vine!

Adam asked for talk time tonight. He is my one that needs me to tuck him in and have prayers with him daily. He asked for stories about himself when he was little. He was the cutest little boy. I told him about his 4th birthday. He woke up the next morning and asked if it was still his birthday. He was so sweet and genuinely concerned. He reminded me that we went to the dinosaur museum and to Joe's Crab Shack. He is like an elephant. He doesn't forget anything.

I scored 10 points today. We had a good discussion about Nephi's broken bow this morning with scripture study. Adam's lesson on the Esau and Jacob story was cute. He drew pictures to go with it. He did a very good job.

Week 7, day 1

Today is a rainy day. The weather has changed dramatically from last week. Lots of rain, wind and drop in temp about 20 degrees. Friday and Saturday the were in the upper 60's. Fall has finally arrived, I think for good. We have lots of yard work to do, but it will have to wait until the weekend when we have time.

Typical monday chores so far. Laundry, clean up the house, and today grocery shopping. Shopping on monday is pretty calm. One child and the stores are not busy. I have been out of quite a few things so I had to stock up today. They had a decent sale on steaks so we picked up a few of those as well. We have Oven Baked Stew, Fish Tacos, Spaghetti Casserole, Sweet potato corn chowder, and Mac and Cheese on the menu this week. I just hope to get them all made this week. Because I work three days this week, I have to make things easy. Jared is very helpful in the evenings when I am not home and that makes a huge difference. As long as I have a menu, he follows it pretty good. I try to make sure they are things that are easy for him as well. Fish tacos are his specialty. Sweet potato corn chowder is a new one, but one I hope to put in the crock pot. We will have leftovers at least once this week. I think I like shopping on Monday and will try it again next week. I hope I got enough milk.

Homework with the kids today was a task. Each of the boys feel overwhelmed when they have to much to do. They seem to fold and are paralyzed to move forward. I get frustrated more than I should. Anyone have suggestions how to help them stay on task without getting frustrated? Adam needs help with his multiplication tables. That would probably help. I am working on that. Trying to keep up with Drew and his 7 classes is a challenge. He forgot his math book today. We went to get it and his teacher was unavailable. He also had three assignments in his notebook, mostly finished and due last friday. UGH!

I scored 69 points last week. I started week seven today. I am still doing pretty well, but have been craving more sweets. Mostly because they are around, so I am hoping it gets better. Switching to whole grain hasn't been that difficult. I am going to try to transition to whole wheat flour, and need to get a grinder, and wheat. That would be the first step I guess. lol I haven't stored things that I didn't think I would eat. Time to start with the wheat. I did yoga this morning and came home to find the rest of my family doing P90 X with Daddy. I was impressed to find Jared sweating and in good spirits about it. Adam and Drew were also doing push ups and a cool down. Luke had even tried his own version of push ups that looked more like a "stink bug". They were all pleased with themselves. Due to the time change everyone was up earlier than usual. Way to go Daddy and Boys. Madi saw what they were doing, and turned around and went upstairs to watch TV. She wasn't interested in joining the group.

We read scriptures today as a family. Drew left and we were done. Adam is in charge of family night tonight. He wants to do the story of Jacob and Esau from the bible. He read the story in the bible and was intrigued. We found the story in the Old Testament Reader for him to share. Madi wanted to keep reading scriptures so I let her. Adam was not happy about her reading aloud. It was annoying him and he told her so. I hope someday they get to be friends all the time, instead of just occasionally.

Sunday

Church today was fun. Madi was recognized for her baptism. She sat up on the stand for the opening song and announcements. She and another little boy were asked to come and be recognized. She was beaming. She wore her baptism dress and had her scriptures on her shoulder. Very sweet. Many members congratulated her and welcomed her to the church.

I attended the blessing of K12 today. I wasn't sure if I would make it. I got up early, and got myself ready. It started at 9 am and I was planning on leaving my house at 8:30. I was right on schedule and decided to sit and watch my Sunday program. It wasn't on. I couldn't figure it out, until I realized that we were supposed to roll the clocks back 1 hour. It was only 7:03 am. I had a little more time that I expected. I thought it was funny.

It was a sweet blessing. Hank and Lori shared their testimony. I got to hold K12 for almost an hour. I enjoyed snuggling him. It has been a long time since I got to hold a little one. It was great.

I scored 10 points today and 69 points for the week. Not to bad for a crazy week with lots of treats available.

Madi's Baptism

Today was Madi's baptism. It was a fantastic day. It went pretty smoothly. Jared and I woke up around 7 am. Everyone had showered the night before so we didn't have to get the kids up early. We got ourselves up and ready before we roused the kids. Madi was so excited and got up on her own. I helped her get dressed and did her hair. I figured we wanted to do our pictures before the baptism, since I didn't think we would have time to do her hair later. She wore a pretty white dress with a lace bodice and sheer skirt. It had a empire waist and lace around the neckline and waistline. It was tea length. She had darling silver sparkling ballet flats, and a white flower in her hair. She looked very pretty.

We arrived at the stake center, right on time around 9:40 am. We were the first to arrive. K8 and his father came next. They also brought a dress for Madi to be baptized in. K8's grandma made the dress when his oldest sister was baptized. All his sisters and several cousins have used it as well. Madi's wasn't so sure he wanted to use it until she saw it. It was much cuter than than the polyester jumpsuit she could have worn instead.

They had a great turn out. They invited many friends and family members. Madi invited her primary class, primary presidency and a few neighbors. We were so pleased to see the Primary President and our sweet neighbors. Madi's best friend HJ came too. Her teacher from school last year wasn't able to come, but gave her card and a gift. Grandma and Grampa Fillerup, Aunt's Em, Amanda, Tanise, Tara, and Tana, Uncles Hank, Aaron, and Ben. Grandma Mattie and her friend Kay, and Grandpa McIntire also were there. Most of her cousins were there as well. Madi was thrilled with all the people who came to support her and K8.

The baptism started at 10 am. MST or McIntire Standard Time made it around 10:10. I started crying with the opening song and was teary for pretty much the entire event. Madi and K8 planned the program and did a great job. Madi had chosen the opening hymn and prayer. The opening prayer was "I am a child of God". We sang all the verses. It is a tender song for us. We had all the cousins sing this song at Rhett's graveside service and brought back bitter sweet memories. K8's mom was leading the music, and we had to take a break from singing throughout the song. The spirit was very strong and sweet. Grandma Mattie gave the opening prayer. The first talk was given by K4. It was on baptism. She did a very good job. She was followed by K6, who sang "When Jesus Christ was baptized." She has a beautiful voice. Then came the baptism.

Madi went first. I couldn't help get teary. I waited in the wings for her and had a unique view. Jared went in the water first and helped her down the stairs from the other side. He explained what was going to happen and held her right hand. He raised his right arm to the square and baptized her. I cried the entire time. She came out of the water beaming. She had received a new white towel with her name on it and the date from K8's grandma. (Adam also got one for his baptism.) We wrapped her in it and watched as K8 was baptized by his dad. It was very sweet.

After the baptism, I helped Madi get dressed. We were first ones ready. I was surprised. I was worried about taking too long, so we didn't dry her hair. We probably could have. We have a tradition of writing notes to those being baptized. There were several notes written with words of congrats and thoughts of wisdom. We read them and they made Madi feel very good. After everyone was dressed and back in the chapel, Grandpa Fillerup gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was very thoughtful. He got a bit teary, and said some profound things. He told Madi that the Holy Ghost is a friend, comforter and protector. If she will remember that it will do her well throughout her life. Then they were both confirmed by their father's. Jared gave Madi a sweet blessing. He blessed her to be an example to others and always follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

After that, Bishop McIntire asked that the mother's give their testimonies. He mentioned that in Mosiah, the 2050 stripling warriors went to battle because their parents could not. The knew the Lord would protect them because their Mother's "knew" it. Well, I do know it. I hope that my children know that I know. I bore my testimony to Madi about what her choice will mean for the rest of her life. I told her to rely on the Holy Ghost to seek answers to prayers and to follow its prompting. Life will not be easy, but if she continues to follow the commandments and do what is right she will be able to live with him again. We finished with a closing song of "How Great thou Art", and a closing prayer by Grandma Linda, the K's grandma.

We had a luncheon for everyone that could come after that. We had beef brisket from Wallaby's, salads, dessert and a pinata. We had a lot of fun. The food was delicious and everyone had a lot of fun. It turned out to be a great day. Madi got a new journal and shared her thoughts of the day. She got new scriptures that she was very pleased with. She also got several gifts from family and friends. We are so lucky and blessed to have so many people around us that support us. Thanks for everything.

Friday

Well, we are ready for the baptism. I cut the boys hair. Finished the errands. Cut the rolls for the luncheon. Everyone is showered and in bed.

It has been a long week for all of us. Looking forward to a few days off.

I scored 10 points today. I look forward to tomorrow.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I worked today and got home about 6:30. Drew made dinner tonight. He made sloppy Joe's and french fries. He spiced up the Manwich with hot sauce, garlic and onion salt, and diced onion. He did a good job. I ran an errand for him so he was very willing to help. He wanted a TapOut Hat. I found it at Burlington for half price. It was awesome.

I picked up Madi's scriptures as well as Luke's pocket Book of Mormon. They will love them.

Jared went fishing for work today. He had the opportunity to go to Strawberry, for a "team building" trip. He said it was fun, but he is very tired.

I scored 10 points today. I am almost done with week six. Less than two weeks and then I will get a break. I am finding that I don't crave sugar and look for healthier choices in my eating. Even on my free day I find that I look for healthier choices, but don't feel guilty about a splurge of french fries. :) I am head to bed so I start my day over again. One more day and we can take a break.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Not much happened today. I worked today and got home around 7 pm.
Luke went to preschool and daycare today.

Madi had Activity days today and made Humanitarian Aide school kits. She was thrilled to help others less fortunate than herself.

Adam had scouts and learned about leadership. They played follow the leader and learned to lead and follow, which is equally important.

Drew had a "Come to Jesus" moment with Jared this morning. We all have to have those once in a while. He admonished him to be better than he himself was. If he wants to be something great in life, he is going to have to work for it. Jared was very smart at that age and still is. However, he does not feel that he achieved his highest potential. He likes his job, but feels he could have done something he does more. I tell him it is not too late, but he ways it is. Anyway, Drew was properly subdued afterward. He came home from school, did his homework, picked up Luke and worked on his scout merit badges. Hopefully, it is not short lived.

Work went well today. It went quickly, without being out of control. I work for the next two days. I scoured 10 points today. I ran 4 miles today. I am now off to bed to start over again.

Election Day 11-02-10

Today was a busy day. I spent the day running errands and preparing for Madi's baptism. Jared worked from home today. Remember I said he was feeling weird yesterday? Well, it got worse. By 3 am he was having trouble getting his muscles to move. He has had this before, so we were not really concerned but he was jittery and feeling sluggish. He was in some pain as well. By 3:15 he decided to go for a walk to see if that would help. I was concerned about him and went with him. The stars were beautiful at that time of the morning, and there was no traffic. It was a little chilly however. He tried to run, and that was funny. He looked like Steve Martin when he ran in "The Jerk". A little slow and very little coordination. We both got a kick out of it. He was in his slippers, shorts and a sweatshirt. He still could not relax when got home, so we watched a little TV. By the time we got back to bed it was about 4:30. Needless to say, we slept in. He decided he would be more productive from home. I ran to his office to so he could finish his work at home. He is doing much better now, he probably got more done, since no one could bug him.

I spent the morning finding scriptures for Madi. I went to the distribution center in Orem for the best selection. Of course, she requested the one set that was on backorder. Deseret Book did have what we needed, but it was the one at the mall and not the one next to the Dist. center. It was more money, but it matched the bible we got her. I have gotten each of the kids a set of genuine leather scriptures and a bag for them to carry them to church. She requested pink scriptures, but settled for a pink bag since pink or white were not available. It took three weeks for her decide so I couldn't change that. I figure it is something they will have for the rest of their lives, so we get the best. I did find a hot pink patent leather quilted scripture "purse". It ended up being $4.99 on sale. It is perfect. I was so grateful, the only other one that was a remote possiblity was $25. She will love it. I did have to back to the dist center because I wanted the embossing on both books to be the same for name. My errands also included a full length slip, flower for her hair and new sparkly silver ballet flats to go with her dress. She is ready to go.

We filled the pinata with the candy we found at the $1 store for half price. You can't go wrong with Hersheys chocolate, starburst, jolly ranchers, double bubble gum, and licorice. I also found a few other trinkets. With the exception of paper for the tables and a costco run, we are ready. The rest of this week will be busy. I work tomorrow, thursday and friday. Luckily no late shifts so it shouldn't be hard to get everything organized. I am a planner and feel much better when things are done in advance.

I had a lunch meeting for the MRIpad today. I have been offered a new opportunity. I am not sure if it will work and will share that with you when I figure it out.

Drew's math teacher called to inform me that he failed Algebra last quarter. I was unaware that his tests were a large part of his grade and he didn't test well. We thought if he turned in his homework, he would do fine. Not so. He will have to make up the quarter doing "packets" . He is also going to be transfer ed out of the period he is in. He is capable of better, and his teacher felt it would be better to get him away from some of his friends. I agree. It may mess up his schedule, but it may be better in the long run. I am very disappointed, however, I know this is for his growth as well as mine. We will figure it out.

I scored 11 points today. I voted today and scored a bonus point. I am glad I did. It is my duty as a citizen to vote my beliefs. I am more of an independent voter than I thought. I feel it is best to listen to both sides and do what I feel is right for me and my family. If we as a Americans aren't willing to take advantage of the opportunities we have, they may be taken away. I think many felt the same this year. As the country as asked for change.

Monday, November 1st, 2010

Week 6 day 1.

Usual routine. Clean house and laundry. Minimal day for the kids. Jared had another back shot today. It should help, but he feels weird right now.

I scored 10 points today.

Happy Halloween

Luke wanted Mickey Mouse on his "Punkin"

Madi wanted a Kitty of course.

Luke and his spurs. This was a last minute addition Daddy pulled these out before we left. We went in the middle of a rain storm. We took an umbrella, but it was cold. We made it about a block and called for a ride. We had a good time. We came home, had pizza, and dressed warmer. We went back out to our old neighborhood. It had more houses closer together in a smaller walking distance. Luke was so tired when we got home. He almost fell asleep on the doorstep of our friends house. He was a trooper after 1 1/2 hours. Adam was done with his costume after our first attempt, so he just walked and put his candy in his pocket. Most people didn't care, just a few gave him a hard time.