2013 orientation day!

Today was a big day for Will and Brianne!

Brianne had her 6th grade orientation at Indian Hills. The night before she was VERY anxious and worrying about getting to classes and her locker. I decided I would go in with her and stay for the first part, get her to her first class, give her a big hug and let her go! That's exactly what I did too! She seemed much better once she got there and found some friends to chat with, but once I got her to her classroom the nerves returned for a moment. I gave her a big hug, told her how to get to her next class and said "have a great day" and walked away. I know she'll be fine! She's a strong kid under all those "nerves" she likes to display on occasion! And besides she's only there till noon today... no biggie! I can't wait to hear all about her real first day on Monday- that will be a BIG day!

My experience with Will was a little different. He did not require me to go in with him (although I believe had I not already planned to go with Brianne he probably would have let me) so I just dropped him off about 30 minutes early so he could find his locker and try it out before going into the orientation. His day is basically a full school day followed by football practice, so he is excited. Still a bit nervous, but his nerves are more about the SIZE of the school. He's not worried about much else- in fact he's loving the idea of being in high school and playing football etc. He's even planning on attending the first "stomp" dance tonight. So fun! I know that Monday will be a whole new adventure because he'll be riding to school with his brother, a senior this year, so I'm sure he'll be feeling pretty dang cool! Such a big year... I'm excited already!! :)

Lake Powell, Vegas getaway and more!

Since Chan and I are both working this summer our time off was very limited (as was our budget) so a big summer vacation was out of the question. But thankfully Chan's parents offered to take our kiddos to Lake Powell for 5 days right before the boys began mandatory conditioning for football. Boating at Lake Powell is one of their absolute FAVORITE things and I can't say I blame them! It's beautiful there, peaceful, and super fun! They swam, watched some crazy summer rainstorms, did night swimming with glow sticks, had a dance party on the swim deck and ate some yummy food. They came home with sun kissed skin and big smiles on their faces! They left on a Wed (Pioneer Day actually) and I had that day off work. So right after they left I went to town cleaning my house! I went through the basement like a housekeeping tornado and even cleaned the carpets! Then I went upstairs and continued on until the house was smelling and looking good!  I even did every stitch of laundry and had it put away! It was an awesome feeling and the best part was that I KNEW it would stay clean for at least 4 days because the kids were away! SWEET! I went back to work with Chan the following day and then Friday we decided to have our own getaway before the kids came home. So we jumped in the car and went to Vegas for the weekend. We stayed at the Aria, which was amazing, and we didn't really do a whole lot other than hang out in our room! We just wanted some down time together and that's EXACTLY what we got! We did venture out and walked the strip, saw the fountains at Bellagio (again), walked the stores in Ceaser's Palace, ate at Planet Hollywood, walked part of Crystals mall at the cosmopolitan, and my favorite was sipping Chai tea and eating the best cinnamon roll EVER at the Aria pool. It was heaven. It was just the perfect little getaway and it's funny how the minute we get in the car to go on our little "trips" we turn into the silly kids we were when we met! We have so much fun together and I am SO grateful for a husband who sees the importance of spending time alone. He's the BEST! Now back to reality (darn it) and working again!

 I also managed to find the time to do a garage sale! I've been looking at some of my "stuff" lately and saying to myself, "How long have I had that?" I am discovering that I am sick of a lot of those things and decided to try and sell them to anyone who will fork over money for it! HAHAHA! So I spent 2 days going through closets (ONE whole day was practically spent in Brianne's room) and making piles of things to sell. I was SHOCKED at the amount of "Stuff" I had accumulated! Most of which had not seen light of day in YEARS! So off I went to the dollar store for stickers and poster board and away we went! This past Saturday I got up early and went out to face the people! Our home is in the PERFECT spot for a garage sale! I put up 6 signs (which really was a lot- I probably could have done 4) and I was BUSY!!! I was done by 1:30 and had sold practically everything! The best part you ask? I earned enough to buy school clothes for my kids! YAY!!! Can't beat that! And there was still a bit left over for me that I'm hoping to use to purchase a new bookshelf! Happy Day!

School time is almost here! So over the next three days I will be taking the kiddos to purchase a few items for school. I refuse to buy too much of anything, clothes or otherwise, because I only want to buy what they NEED. And inevitabley the teacher will send home lists of things THEY want them to have! So we'll get a few things and I enjoy that one on one time with them while we do it. I registered all of them last week and I am still in a bit of denial that I have TWO in high school and a middle schooler. YIKES! But it's going to be a SUPER fun year!

I wish I could have a vacation on a beach somewhere before it all starts, but after this week begins "Hell Week" for the boys (their 2 a day full pad practices before their official season begins) and then it's orientation for Will and Brianne and it all starts! Oh well, maybe we'll be able to get in ONE more day at the pool! **sigh**

Young Women update...

Well they finally called a new Young Women Presidency and I am thrilled to say that I am staying on as Secretary! YAY!! I was REALLY hoping that's what would happen! Brianne is THRILLED that I will still be in there when she goes into Young Women this fall and so am I! Woo hoo!