Museum of Natural History

This was a last-minute field trip, but I really looked forward to spending time with Scottie and learning as well.....you know, interest things like:



The size of a blue whale poop

OR:

How uncomfortable the old Mesa jail is:

OR:

How much someone weighs in Mars. (Scottie weighed in at a whopping 27 lbs)

OR:

How cute photographed people look in front of a large dino skeleton:

OR

How to pan for gold...this one might come in handy in this economy!

Crimpy Hair Day

This is what happens when your cool mom puts countless braids in your massive hair the night before you want to look cute...She's the greatest mom I've ever had!

Pinewood Derby

Okay, here's the scandal: Pinewood Derby Day was approaching and the Poulsen Clan (really, just Larisa...& Scottie, a little bit) was working hard to finish his fabulous car. Unfortunately, the night before the weigh-in, we (Larisa) discovered that the axles and wheels of the official car kit didn't fit in the correct slot of the actual car we had made. Let me explain, I bought a kit featuring a car body that was already shaped and only had to be sanded, painted, etc. So, suffice it to say, we were in a panic...and by "we" I mean ME! Weigh-in day came all too soon and the block of wood that was supposed to look like the car, well, er, didn't. Anywho, I spent all day fixing it up and making it look like a Wii remote. Scottie had no say in the matter, but was pleased none the less. Phew!

As far as results go, the first race, he won first...and then it went downhill literally and figuratively! The wheels were wobbly and he didn't do terribly, but now we've learned and we'll be ready for next year!!

Joelle's Dance Recital

Let's start with Tap Dancing!



Now.....On to Ballet...

Russian Ballerinas have nothing on Joelle!

Spectrum Campout

A few weeks ago, our elementary school hosted a campout. It was so fun and although I didn't sleep great, it was worth it.


Here are a few of the tents...



Tyler and his friend, Afsan...I couldn't get Scottie to stop running around long enough to take a picture!



This is a self portrait around midnight...to prove that I was there while Greg was peacefully and comfortably sleeping in our bed at home. What's wrong with this picture?!?!

Gilbert Golden Scholar

Scottie is brilliant...yes he is a Golden Scholar. Fancy!




This is his teacher, Mr. Hoyt, who beats him when he doesn't perform well...It's working!

Monday Musings

By the end of Mondays I am usually beat. Wait, I'm like that at the end of every day, but for sure Mondays are the hardest. They are super busy- mainly because I am catching up from the weekend fun!

Today, I have allowed the words of others to hurt & disillusion me. I hate it when I do that. On top of that, I know it's not healthy to dwell on it, and yet I find myself doing just that. In psychoanalyzing myself I have learned that:

1. I care too much what others think, and while I recognize this, I have a hard time changing what seems to be an innate quirk.
2. I feel guilt too much for the stupidest things.
3. I am a natural peacemaker and have the tendency to not "rock the boat" for fear of upsetting others even to the detriment of my sanity.
4. Soul-searching, while healthy, doesn't do me any good unless I choose to change. Easier said than done.

Okay, my pity party is over. What I really need is a vacation ALONE without anyone to NEED anything from me. I'm tired. Yikes, this is a little darker than normal! Going to bed...