My Newest Decorating...

is for preschool! We are all ready to go. The back yard is clean, the pictures are printed and laminated, and my calendar is all ready! Lots of toys and puzzles to start each day. The mats are waiting for kids - although it was a little tricky fitting all 10 in my living room. Keep an eye on my other blog to see what we're doing each day!

Preschool!

I have a new blog for my preschool kids. Feel free to check it out and see what we're up to!
http://seepreschool.blogspot.com/
Okay, so seriously, I thought today was fantastic. We had a meet the teacher day for all of my new preschool students. I had 10 kids, 10 parents, and a bunch of siblings in my house. A little chaotic, but it was fun! I feel so "in my element" when I am in charge, and when the kids are having a great time. I have 10 kids in my class - which is a lot! - but I am thrilled to be teaching again.
Preschool officially starts on Tuesday, Sept. 2nd at 9 am. I have a lot to do before then - but I can't wait!

For my birthday...

Around the beginning of every school year, I start fielding the question
"What do you want for your birthday?"
And every year - I have no idea. I guess I am at that stage in my life that if I want/need a new something, I assess the money stuff and either get it or not. SO ... for those interested, this is the best I can do for my birthday list.

• Peace on Earth, Good Will toward men. (doesn't everyone want this?)
• My husband to actually read my blog. :)
• a pedicure - always a good thing.
• 10 hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep.
• my kids to go all 24 hours of my birthday without whining, hitting each other, or complaining.
• someone to come in and mop my floors - I really don't like to do it, but it looks really good when it is finished!
• all the boxes (the last of the boxes) in my bedroom to be unpacked AND PUT AWAY!!!
• a nice dinner at a fine dining establishment (No Antlers hanging from the walls.)
• a new pair of shoes - my brown Mudd shoes are about worn out, and I love them. I have been looking for the same style, but to no avail.
• a good friend with which to hang out. I miss all of the great friends I had in Phoenix.

So that's it. I know all of those aren't easy to come up with, so I will gladly accept e-cards on September 8th. I will be 32. (No foolin'.)

The First Day of School

Here is a picture of Ben on his first day of first grade. (I apologize about the quality - it's from my phone - of course, in my hurry to get him and the girls out the door - I couldn't find the camera!) His teacher's name is Mrs. April May. (heehee) There are 3 kids in his class that had Star Wars Clone Wars backpacks - just like Ben's. He met a boy named Alex this morning who was wearing an Indiana Jones t-shirt. Ben was wearing his Nintendo "Know your Enemies" shirt with Bowser, Koopa Troopas, and Gumbas on it, and they sparked up a complete conversation about Nintendo games that they have played. I'm glad that he made a friend. I know he is a pretty friendly, easy-going kid; but I always worry. I just want him to have friends, and a good time. I think he's excited to be back at school. :)

Al's New 'Do

After many moons of food in her hair, endless tangles, and battles too numerous to mention, Al got her hair cut. We went to Emily, Luke's mom, and she did a great job. Here is the before picture: And here is the final result:
I think she likes it, and I know she'll love not having knots every morning.

We miss this...

I miss Phoenix. I miss the familiarity - it's nice to know where to go to get whatever you want, or at least who to call to find what you want. (I was looking for carpet squares for preschool yesterday. One call to Heidi and I found them with no problems!) I miss the lack of humidity! But most of all, I miss our friends. At least we get to visit! Here is Audrey and Grant: Two cute red-headed kids, totally not related, less than a month apart. Adorable. P.S. I made this quilt for him!

Here's Alex and Malia. They haven't seen each other in two months and they picked up like it was yesterday. I love it. What beautiful little girls! We miss you guys!

Our big plans

Happy Olympics Day! It's 8/8/08. It's sad, but I remember clearly 8/8/88...

This weekend, we are headed to Phoenix for a week. Grandma's going to fly here, shop for a little while. Then, Grandma, the kids and I will pile into the van and drive on Sunday. I have plans to stop by Heather's new house, and maybe say hi to Rebekah too. It really depends on how rotten the kids are being in the back of the car! We are excited to get to Grandma's and swim! We know that we are going to go to IKEA this week, and stop by our old house to check on the landscaping - I may have some work to do. Aaron will join us at the end of the week. He and I are going to go to the Mesa Temple as members of the military are not allowed to go to Juarez right now. Then, we are going to try to take Ben to see the new Star Wars movie.

WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!