No More Homework!!!

I love the last day of school. It means freedom from schedule, sleeping in, no homework, late nights playing outside, BBQ's with friends, vacations, doing absolutely nothing, and did I mention NO HOMEWORK!!! I am sure you all will hear me complaining in a few weeks that the kids are driving me crazy and I can't wait for school to start...the grass is always greener, blah blah blah!! The kids are super excited and Jason has promised to not take on any teaching or traveling for the summer...that has me super excited!!! I am hoping that this will be a really great and relaxing break for our family!! I am sure there will be many parties at our place...you are all invited!!! Happy Summer!

summer noun, the third season of the year, between spring and autumn

Memorial Day

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD

I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend! This photo is of the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" A few years ago I had the amazing experience of watching these soldiers guard this tomb and the changing of the guard. If you haven't had the chance to see this I highly recommend adding it to your places to go and see list.

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard" 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1. 3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. 5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30". Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

On the ABC evening news, it was reported recently that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabel approaching Washington, DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They refused. "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment; it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

Very, very proud of our soldiers in uniform!


memorial noun, a monument, a marker, a statue

So You Think You Can Dance is back!!!!!!

So You Think You Can Dance started up again on Thursday!! Really, what were we all going to do without American Idol??!! This video was from last year...absolutely loved Neil and Sara!! They held auditions in SLC for this season...word is Utah's got talent!! Enjoy!!

Supernanny...Help!!!

Shortly after we moved into our home we started building a fence...an absolute necessity with children as active as ours. Brian was 6 years old and Ethan was 4 years old. Leave it to Brian to find entertainment using a fence post, duct tape, and Ethan. During the fence building activities Brian came in the house, and we could hear Ethan screaming. We asked Brian where Ethan was and he calmly said "he is outside", we asked why he was screaming and Brian again calmly said "I taped him to the fence". Jason and I went outside and sure enough...Brian had duct tapped the little guy to a fence post!!! There was a good 10 feet of tape used for the event. Ethan hasn't ever learned (bless his brave little heart)...he is still willing to be the fall guy for most of Brian's experiments.

help noun, assistance, support, guidance, verb, to do something for someone, to assist

Over the river and through the woods....

Last Saturday we spent the day at "Great's" house helping to plant flowers in her yard. This has become sort of an annual get together (2nd year running) for our family. I should note that her yard is dang near perfect...I am not kidding...most weeds do not dare enter...the weeds that are brave enough to enter adapt into what looks like exotic flowers!!! Grammy has spent over 35 years tending to her yard and the love she has put into it shows. I have incredibly fond memories of playing and climbing trees in her back yard. I am so grateful my kids are going to have those memories also. After the flower planting we had a BBQ. Uncle Bruce grilled the best burgers and hot dogs my kids say they have ever had and after lunch the kids proceeded to talk Bruce's ears off...thanks Bruce, the kids absolutely adore you and are still talking about what they are calling their "Uncle Bruce Time". Uncle Reid gave some great pointers on growing cucumbers, and Aunt Sue makes a mean potato salad and can toast a bun to perfection.
We love all of you and can't wait for next year!!!

memory noun, something a person remembers, the ability to remember

I hate snakes, I hate 'em!!!

I have always said that if we find that they named our street Rattler Rd. for a reason we would move. Well this morning Brian came running in the house saying there was a snake in our backyard and it was a kind he had never seen before. I went out to investigate and sure enough it was a rattle snake. When I told Jason (he was standing on the deck...big tough guy) it was a rattle snake he rolled his eyes and shook his head. He slowly made his way over to where we were (with the no way my crazy little wife knows what she is talking about look on his face) and said "that's a rattle snake"...is there an echo out here????

City Slicker!!!

Today we went to get the vegetables to plant in the garden. Ethan kept asking if we could get an eggplant. I said no...and he continued to beg and plead with me. I then told him he probably wouldn't like it and he replied "that is not true, I love scrambled eggs!" After I quit laughing I was able to explain to him that eggplant is a purple vegetable and that eggs come from chickens...have I failed so horribly as a mother that my 8 year old actually thought eggs grew on a plant??!!

vegetable noun, an edible plant grown for food

Gone Fishing!!

Today was the "Kids Annual Fishing Day" at Salem Pond. It's an opportunity for kids with a disability to catch a fish. An event Brian looks forward to every year. So much in fact that tomorrow he will already be talking about going next year. Jason has been the one to go with Brian since he was in preschool. This year Jason couldn't go so it was my turn. "Bad Mom" confession coming up...please don't judge until you finish reading this entire post. I can honestly say I was not looking forward to this. I am not sure exactly what my aversion was...I didn't want to catch a fish, clean a fish, be around 1500+ people... I really don't know what my problem was. When I woke up this morning I promised that my bad attitude would not ruin Brian's day...really mature of me, I know. I put on a big smile and got on the bus (yep, a big yellow school bus). Already I was starting to relax and even got a little excited. The people that organize this event are absolutely incredible. They are so well organized that you feel like you are one of a only a few dozen people there. We signed in, got a "fish bag", Brian got his hat, and we headed off to eat. After eating...the food was actually good...we headed down to the bank to fish. The volunteers were so patient and kind. They handed Brian a fishing rod and told him to start reeling in...the fish are pre-hooked and cast out...my kind of fishing!!! Brian was so excited when he saw the fish getting closer. The grin on Brian's face was almost as big as the grin on the 200lb burly tough volunteer helping us...again, fantastic volunteer staff!!! After his "catch" we went to the cleaning station where Brian said to the man helping him "please don't hurt him, okay?". Then we went off to play. Brian ran around with all of his little friends and had a great time. As I sat and watched I was overwhelmed by the number of children who live with a disability and my heart ached for these little ones and it was then that I realized why I didn't want to go today. I am sure I subconsciously was aware of the feelings I would face by going. My sadness was quickly overcome with a huge feeling of peace. I continued to watch as these kids played and communicated, most times without saying a word to each other. It was almost like watching the waves of the ocean...perfectly timed and in sync. Brian was at home with these children...they speak his language, love unconditionally, and have no expectations or judgement of one another...they allow one another to just be. I was actually sad when they said it was time to go. On the bus ride home my Little B sang "My Country" with his buddies and entertained us all with a free concert. On a daily basis I feel the need to "explain" Brian to anyone he talks to. I am so afraid he will be judged or made fun of for his social skills and quirky comments. Today I didn't once feel the need to do that. I am so grateful for Brian and completely humbled that I get to raise him. I get it Brian, I'll be talking about next year's trip tomorrow too.

fish noun, 1) an animal that lives in the sea, seafood, verb, 2) to try to catch a fish or get something from someone

Brianisms

Me: Brian, put your pajamas on and get into bed. (for the 5th time)

Brian: Do you know what your problem is?

Me: What? (hook, line, and sinker)

Brian: You are not a kind human. I am a kind human and you are not a kind human, and it isn't something you can learn.

kind adjective, 1) nice, good, helpful, willing to please

Jen needs...

A friend was telling me that you can google your name with "needs" (i.e. Jen needs) and it will in fact tell you just what you need.
Here are a few of my needs (I must admit, google knows me pretty well)...

Jen needs a road bike.
Jen needs a job.
Jen needs space (ain't that the truth!!).
Jen needs some sleep.
Jen needs help.
Jen needs some sunshine, golf, boating, travel, the ocean, and kickboxing.
Jen needs a break.
Jen needs to have a session or two with a therapist.
Jen needs to be a parent and get off message boards.

and finally...
Jen's doing fine.

I tag Lisa, Kristen, Kate and Devon. What is it you ladies need???

need noun, 1) a lack, verb, 2) to lack something that is necessary or essential 3) must

5th grade...here I come!!!

Yesterday was the dreaded end of year IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting for Brian. I say dreaded only because I have been known to shed a tear or two thousand at these meetings. We sit down with Brian's teachers (special ed and general ed), therapists, and District Reps to discuss Brian's present level of function/performance, annual goals, and special education services. Seeing it all on paper always makes the Autism part real. Jason has been out of town and so I faced the meeting alone. His teachers told me he is doing fantastic this year and that he has almost caught up to grade level (just under a year behind). Go Brian!!! They all say what an absolute joy he is to have around and that he provides comic relief at all times..he gets that from me :) !!! Next year he will remain in the Autism program (at a new school closer to us...shorter bus ride!!), he will continue with speech therapy (dang the lame "th" sound), and will continue to participate in a general ed class for part of the day. We are so proud of Brian...he has really worked hard this year.

ability noun, 1) capability, power or knowledge 2) skill, expertise

Got Change??!!

HANNAH...THE HUMAN PIGGY BANK!!

Value of penny...1 cent
ER Copay.....$100.00
Pack of latex gloves...$2.50
Mother of the Year Award....Priceless

bank noun, a commercial institution where money is kept and loaned

If Husbands blogged...

Coming Soon....Bloggers Anonymous

obsession noun, a fixed idea

The Final Countdown...

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Oh how I love thee...let me count the ways

We are all missing you Jason (one week down, one to go). Here are just a few of the things we love and miss about you...

**You do the dishes...they miss you sooooo much
**You take out the garbage that I lazily toss into the garage...it misses you sooooo much
**You let the dogs out in the wee hours of the morning and give them a treat when they come back in...they really miss you sooooo much
**You help tag team wrestle the kids to bed...I miss that sooooo much
**You tell me how pretty I am almost everyday while looking at my un-showered, disheveled self...my self esteem misses you sooooo much
**You lock up the house every night...the burglars don't miss you soooo much
**You have the greatest smile...I miss seeing it soooo much
**You would pick me up Pepsi on your way home from work and it just doesn't taste the same when I have to get it myself...I miss a good caffeine fix soooo much
**You give the best hugs and "nose rubbers", according to Hannah and Josh I don't do it right, they both want you...The kids miss you sooooo much
**You are a great husband...I miss you sooooo much

We love you and miss you!! Can't wait to see you next week!!!

miss verb, to notice someone's absence, to feel sad someone is gone

Trick me once, shame on you; trick me twice, shame on me!!!

I got up one morning and began my routine of getting ready. I started brushing my teeth and instantly my tongue was on fire. Jason and I are known for playing jokes on each other and he had definitely gotten me this time. I decided not to say anything to him so he wouldn't be expecting what would be coming his way. The next morning I started the routine all over again...brush teeth...instant fire in mouth!! Stupid me, he did it again!!! So the plotting begins...continue not to say anything and wait a few days to execute the attack. The next morning I rinse the toothbrush really well before brushing...no fire!! I have now added the extra rinsing to the daily routine. Well the days turned to weeks and I had forgotten about getting even. The other day I walked into my bathroom and found Joshie pumping germ X onto my toothbrush. Eureka! The prankster had been discovered...he claims "I helping you mommy". Well Joshie, next time why don't you try helping daddy, his toothbrush is the blue one!!!