Summer Vacation

Okay, this is for all the stay-at-home moms that work their tails off to entertain, teach, feed, and work for their kids who are on summer vacation! Their first week of freedom was full of blood, sweat, and tears....and I'm not talking about theirs! I love my kids and yet I am struggling to find the balance between letting them veg and teaching them about chores (again! It's a never ending struggle in our family!) I have grand aspirations for them. Yet the work involved (by me) to get them where I think they should be is exhausting!!

On a side note, some of the stress I'm feeling is because of the fact that I am most likely moving. On Thursday there was a notice on my garage door that the rental house that we live in is being sold at auction in 2 1/2 weeks. If the house sells I will receive an eviction notice within 3-4 weeks at which point I will have anywhere between 3-30 days to vacate the premises. It's frustrating to realize that the rent we have been paying has not been going towards paying the mortgage. This is all part and parcel of the foreclosure process and I sympathize and understand that a lot of people are underwater on their mortgages. Dealing with banks and all that is a nightmare! What I'm upset about is the fact that there was no communication...a little advanced notice would have been nice.

Ice Cream Social

Directly following our return from the 4th grade field trip to the museum, I rushed over to the 2nd grade hall where a 50's social was going on.


Mrs. Stimac was a phenomenal teacher! I think that Tyler paid close attention to what she was saying throughout the year because she's so cute...and he is a ladies man. He would often come home and comment on what she was wearing, or the way her hair was done.


I wasn't able to stay much longer than the time it took to take a picture with my soon to be 3rd grader...I had to go pick Joelle up from a friend's house, get home, rest for about 20 minutes, and then go off to work! What a busy, crazy, fun day it was!

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!