It's now midnight and my littlest one is a WHOLE YEAR OLD!
Where have 365 days gone?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's 11:29 p.m.
And one year ago right now we were checking into the hospital to begin the most intense half hour of my life!
Click here to refresh your memory of that night - I don't need to - it is so engraved upon my mind I'm not quite sure I'll ever forget!
Well that was Scott's version . . . here's mine.
And after it was all over we had a perfect little boy to hold in our arms! What an incredible joy he has been - we honestly could not even imagine life without him.
Click here to refresh your memory of that night - I don't need to - it is so engraved upon my mind I'm not quite sure I'll ever forget!
Well that was Scott's version . . . here's mine.
And after it was all over we had a perfect little boy to hold in our arms! What an incredible joy he has been - we honestly could not even imagine life without him.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I've Decided
I'm so stinkin' far behind on blogging that I've decided to just put up posts as I get them done and then at a later date go back and put them in the right date order. It's not quite so fun to blog when you know people aren't going to see them since they are buried in chronological order. And the 80's post after this one is a 'must-see'!
Reprimanded
Kirra finally returned to school today - thank goodness for the three day weekend so she only missed three days of school with the flu. Well, I can say thank goodness now, but last weekend i was so bummed when she got sick. We had so many fun things planned all we didn't get to do anything. We were headed to Tent Rocks on Friday and then a Balloon Glow that night. Saturday was supposed to be soccer and shopping. Oh, well - such is life!
Anyway - back to me being reprimanded. Kirra's 'animal habitat project' is due tomorrow, but could be turned in anytime this week. She was so excited to work on this thing. I guess her teacher built it up quite big at school so Kirra wanted to start on it at home even before I knew what we were supposed to do. Once the instructions were sent home there was no wasting time with Kirra! We had to find a shoebox and get started. The funny part to me was that she picked an "Ermine" - yes, it is a real animal. Think of a weasel and you're about there. I guess they had some books to look at and had to pick their top three choices in case someone else picked the same thing. Anyway she had zillions of ideas and they all started with modeling clay so off to Wal-Mart we went. She finished the scene in the box all in one day - two full weeks ahead of the due date. I can easily say she's NOT a chip off the old block . . . I am sorry to admit, but I am right up there with the queen's of procrastination.
Once the 'habitat' was done Kirra needed to write out some facts about the Ermine and put it on the side of her box. I was a little lax in getting the info off the computer and then printed on paper for her to copy. Another lesson in procrastination for me. . . the smashed finger came into play and made it quite difficult to write out all those facts. Even for someone who's been writing for years holding your pinky finger in the air and trying to write is quite difficult - try it and you'll see what I mean. She was a trooper, though and was so proud when she was done!
Whew. . . I still haven't said why I was reprimanded. Not wanting the little ermine's to fall out of the box I decided to drive Kirra to school this morning. Turned out to be a good idea since it took a little longer to get her finger wrapped in gauze and protected for the day that we had thought and we probably would have missed the bus anyway.
I have never driven my daughter to school in the morning - yes, you did read that right. She's been going to school at the same place since August of 2008 and I've never driven in the 'parent drop-off lane'. My inexperience was blazingly obvious since I did everything wrong today.
When you pull up to drop off your child they are to get out on the side of the car adjacent to the sidewalk - well Keian's rear facing car seat makes that not fun, and with a messed up finger, carrying a animal habitat I thought it would be darn near impossible. So I got out of the car and helped Kirra out of side door on the driver's side. Oh, that isn't allowed? Now I know! Apparently it is very dangerous - since cars could be coming up on the left side (there really isn't room for two cars) and me getting out of the car was totally holding up the line. Of course, me being me I couldn't keep my mouth shut and just politely let those ladies know that we had never done this before and the rear-facing car seat was in the way. They smiled like "whatever - just follow the rules" and I was on my way. I forgot to ask Kirra if her ermine's made it to her classroom, but since she didn't mention it I'm sure they are safely sleeping there tonight!
The daddy ermine is up by the lake catching fish, bugs, birds, bird eggs, or small mammals for dinner while the mommy ermine is taking care of her baby. They have delayed implantation so the gestation for an ermine is eleven months - only two of it really baby growing time.
Top view - love the tile? Hopefully I'll get a post about it up soon.
Side view with fact sheet on the side (there's one on the other side too). Ermine's are 7-13 inches in length and weight between 1 and 7 ounces.
Mama and Baby in their burrow. The ermine's are brown in the summer and white in the winter and mostly life in the Northern Arctic regions of North America and Europe.
This kind of stuff is what Kirra loves! I'm pretty sure she'd do art all day every day if she could!
Anyway - back to me being reprimanded. Kirra's 'animal habitat project' is due tomorrow, but could be turned in anytime this week. She was so excited to work on this thing. I guess her teacher built it up quite big at school so Kirra wanted to start on it at home even before I knew what we were supposed to do. Once the instructions were sent home there was no wasting time with Kirra! We had to find a shoebox and get started. The funny part to me was that she picked an "Ermine" - yes, it is a real animal. Think of a weasel and you're about there. I guess they had some books to look at and had to pick their top three choices in case someone else picked the same thing. Anyway she had zillions of ideas and they all started with modeling clay so off to Wal-Mart we went. She finished the scene in the box all in one day - two full weeks ahead of the due date. I can easily say she's NOT a chip off the old block . . . I am sorry to admit, but I am right up there with the queen's of procrastination.
Once the 'habitat' was done Kirra needed to write out some facts about the Ermine and put it on the side of her box. I was a little lax in getting the info off the computer and then printed on paper for her to copy. Another lesson in procrastination for me. . . the smashed finger came into play and made it quite difficult to write out all those facts. Even for someone who's been writing for years holding your pinky finger in the air and trying to write is quite difficult - try it and you'll see what I mean. She was a trooper, though and was so proud when she was done!
Whew. . . I still haven't said why I was reprimanded. Not wanting the little ermine's to fall out of the box I decided to drive Kirra to school this morning. Turned out to be a good idea since it took a little longer to get her finger wrapped in gauze and protected for the day that we had thought and we probably would have missed the bus anyway.
I have never driven my daughter to school in the morning - yes, you did read that right. She's been going to school at the same place since August of 2008 and I've never driven in the 'parent drop-off lane'. My inexperience was blazingly obvious since I did everything wrong today.
When you pull up to drop off your child they are to get out on the side of the car adjacent to the sidewalk - well Keian's rear facing car seat makes that not fun, and with a messed up finger, carrying a animal habitat I thought it would be darn near impossible. So I got out of the car and helped Kirra out of side door on the driver's side. Oh, that isn't allowed? Now I know! Apparently it is very dangerous - since cars could be coming up on the left side (there really isn't room for two cars) and me getting out of the car was totally holding up the line. Of course, me being me I couldn't keep my mouth shut and just politely let those ladies know that we had never done this before and the rear-facing car seat was in the way. They smiled like "whatever - just follow the rules" and I was on my way. I forgot to ask Kirra if her ermine's made it to her classroom, but since she didn't mention it I'm sure they are safely sleeping there tonight!
The daddy ermine is up by the lake catching fish, bugs, birds, bird eggs, or small mammals for dinner while the mommy ermine is taking care of her baby. They have delayed implantation so the gestation for an ermine is eleven months - only two of it really baby growing time.
Top view - love the tile? Hopefully I'll get a post about it up soon.
Side view with fact sheet on the side (there's one on the other side too). Ermine's are 7-13 inches in length and weight between 1 and 7 ounces. 
Mama and Baby in their burrow. The ermine's are brown in the summer and white in the winter and mostly life in the Northern Arctic regions of North America and Europe.
This kind of stuff is what Kirra loves! I'm pretty sure she'd do art all day every day if she could!
First Day of First Grade
We have a first grader! I loved the summer and having Kirra home with us! Apparently she loved being home too, because she wasn't sure about going back to school. I wrote her a letter on her first day of school so I will post parts of it to share these pictures. . . . 
Today is the first day of First Grade and you surely made it tough on your mommy! You have been dreading this day for the past few weeks and anytime we’ve talked about school you’ve broken down in tears. Last night it took you over two hours to fall asleep and you kept saying you didn’t want to go to school. The only reason you gave me was weeks ago when you said, “I’ve had such a fun summer and I don’t want to leave you again.” Of course I love that you love being with me, but you not wanting to go to school wasn’t something I was prepared for. You were the girl at the end of Kindergarten that cried because you didn’t want school to be over! Life changes are always scary and I can remember being apprehensive for each new school year.
I woke you up at 7:40 a.m. this morning – you had come to my bed at 5:38 a.m. when I woke you by covering you up – and you had your chocolate milk and cheesy eggs. You then put on your cute new purple outfit and we did your hair. I quickly got Kade dressed and we went outside for our ‘before school photo session’. I can tell by looking at the pictures that you were nervous and it was hard to give me real happy smiles.
When we got ready to leave poor Kade starting saying, “I don’t want Kirra to leave” and he scrunched up his little face and started to cry. I picked him up and held him on my shoulder ad rubbed his back while he cried big tears. It broke my heart! He loves you so much and it’s hard for him when you leave – he’s become so attached to you this summer – you guys have been best buds. 
This isn't a sad face because she has to go to school - its a sad face for Kade because he wouldn't take a picture with her.
I don't remember how we convinced Kade to be in a picture and be happy about it - but whatever we did - it worked!
Oh, ever the innocent!
Keian will be bigger than Kirra before we know it and all he wanted was DOWN!
Scott was in California on a business trip so he and Kirra talked on the phone before school. 
Looks like things were going well.
Today is the first day of First Grade and you surely made it tough on your mommy! You have been dreading this day for the past few weeks and anytime we’ve talked about school you’ve broken down in tears. Last night it took you over two hours to fall asleep and you kept saying you didn’t want to go to school. The only reason you gave me was weeks ago when you said, “I’ve had such a fun summer and I don’t want to leave you again.” Of course I love that you love being with me, but you not wanting to go to school wasn’t something I was prepared for. You were the girl at the end of Kindergarten that cried because you didn’t want school to be over! Life changes are always scary and I can remember being apprehensive for each new school year.I woke you up at 7:40 a.m. this morning – you had come to my bed at 5:38 a.m. when I woke you by covering you up – and you had your chocolate milk and cheesy eggs. You then put on your cute new purple outfit and we did your hair. I quickly got Kade dressed and we went outside for our ‘before school photo session’. I can tell by looking at the pictures that you were nervous and it was hard to give me real happy smiles.
When we got ready to leave poor Kade starting saying, “I don’t want Kirra to leave” and he scrunched up his little face and started to cry. I picked him up and held him on my shoulder ad rubbed his back while he cried big tears. It broke my heart! He loves you so much and it’s hard for him when you leave – he’s become so attached to you this summer – you guys have been best buds. 
This isn't a sad face because she has to go to school - its a sad face for Kade because he wouldn't take a picture with her.
I don't remember how we convinced Kade to be in a picture and be happy about it - but whatever we did - it worked!
Oh, ever the innocent!
Keian will be bigger than Kirra before we know it and all he wanted was DOWN!
Scott was in California on a business trip so he and Kirra talked on the phone before school. 
Looks like things were going well.
What a great big sister this girl is!
On the drive to school you pointed out where the bus will be dropping you off after school and asked me if I knew the way to your school. My children will forever be backseat drivers. We had to park clear up around the corner by the park and walk you in. As we got closer I could feel your excitement growing and your step getting lighter. Coach (your P.E. teacher) and Mrs. Miller (your principal) were both outside and you gave them hearty hellos. You started finding kids all over the playground that you knew and your EA from last year, Mrs. Supple – oh, how you love her! We couldn’t find your teacher for a minute and then found her at the top of the stairs holding a sign that said, “Griego”.
You were thrilled to be standing by Megan, Zachary, Eli and Matthew who were all in your class last year.
Sharing something very important with Megan.
Waving to yet another friend from last year. We're lucky that there are only three first grade classes to Kirra knows lots of the kids in each class.
You marched off with your teacher without reservation and I followed a few minutes late to make sure you were settled in your classroom. You were sitting on the floor chatting away with all the kids you haven’t seen all summer. I noticed that your desk and Megan’s desk are right together again – let’s hope you two are well behaved like you were last year.
Here’s your first day of first grade report:
You hopped in the car when I picked you up from the bus and said I have fun fun at school today! No one got any cards turned and no marbles in the sad face box and we even got five in the happy face. It was a way hot day and a confusing day. I didn’t chit chat with Megan and one time Daphne was saying “Kirra, Kirra and I said, Daphne we have to pay attention” (this was in Kirra’s most teacher like voice). We took a tour of the school – we have a new librarian you know. I got one sticker in my sticker book and my writing journal is green. I wrote about how I spent a WHOLE day at Daphne’s the other day. Mrs. Griego is awesome! We went to Mrs. Romero’s class for reading time.
So I’m sure there was stops and starts in there, but I wrote things down as much as I could remember in your words! 8-20-09
On the drive to school you pointed out where the bus will be dropping you off after school and asked me if I knew the way to your school. My children will forever be backseat drivers. We had to park clear up around the corner by the park and walk you in. As we got closer I could feel your excitement growing and your step getting lighter. Coach (your P.E. teacher) and Mrs. Miller (your principal) were both outside and you gave them hearty hellos. You started finding kids all over the playground that you knew and your EA from last year, Mrs. Supple – oh, how you love her! We couldn’t find your teacher for a minute and then found her at the top of the stairs holding a sign that said, “Griego”.
You were thrilled to be standing by Megan, Zachary, Eli and Matthew who were all in your class last year.
Sharing something very important with Megan.
Waving to yet another friend from last year. We're lucky that there are only three first grade classes to Kirra knows lots of the kids in each class.
You marched off with your teacher without reservation and I followed a few minutes late to make sure you were settled in your classroom. You were sitting on the floor chatting away with all the kids you haven’t seen all summer. I noticed that your desk and Megan’s desk are right together again – let’s hope you two are well behaved like you were last year.
Here’s your first day of first grade report:You hopped in the car when I picked you up from the bus and said I have fun fun at school today! No one got any cards turned and no marbles in the sad face box and we even got five in the happy face. It was a way hot day and a confusing day. I didn’t chit chat with Megan and one time Daphne was saying “Kirra, Kirra and I said, Daphne we have to pay attention” (this was in Kirra’s most teacher like voice). We took a tour of the school – we have a new librarian you know. I got one sticker in my sticker book and my writing journal is green. I wrote about how I spent a WHOLE day at Daphne’s the other day. Mrs. Griego is awesome! We went to Mrs. Romero’s class for reading time.
So I’m sure there was stops and starts in there, but I wrote things down as much as I could remember in your words! 8-20-09
Decades Dinner
Did you know the 80's are back? Well they are! Sadly enough it's not just because the youth in our ward had a Decades Dinner - if you visit the Jr. section of Wal-Mart you will find totally 80's! I actually got my stretch pants and jelly bracelets at Wal-Mart - the shirt and belt came from Goodwill. The skirt was a find from when Kirra and I were looking for dress-up clothes for her birthday party and the earrings were mine leftover from the early nineties. Oh, and the hair? Totally MINE!
I am one hot pink Mama! 
Do you love those leg warmers or what? I cut up an old pair of Kirra's soccer socks! And those totally 80's dyed wedding shoes - perfect addition to the outfit!
The girls did a fun job of personifying decades too!
Kellie, Jill, and Me - Kellie was quite a hottie that night!
The 80's chicks! Thanks for sharing in my enthusiasm Sharee - you are awesome!
Katie and Kendra - their outfits were some of my favorites. I keep wondering 'when did Kendra get so stinkin' tall?' Everytime I stand next to her I feel shorter and shorter!
Some of my favorite women in the world - and the drinks the girls made that night. Right now I can't remember what they are called - but we as the 'kitchen help' had a great time polishing off the extras!
The youth classes were each assigned a decade - the Laurels had the 30's and I thought their decorating ideas were so creative! The food for the evening was 50's diner style - burgers, fries, and an ice cream bar. The youth invited 'older' people in the ward and it was fun to watch them interact.
The 50's
The 40's
Told ya we loved these things!
Castle dressed the part too - 
This is our Bishop - one of the greatest guys you will ever come across in your life! He borrowed the hair for a photo shoot - it's becoming don't you think?
I don't know what I would do without this gal - I really couldn't ask for a better friend!
Man, we are good lookin'!
Cute Katie and Me - It pains me to think that she is a senior and will be going to college next fall. I love this girl!
What a fun night and a great activity. Any excuse to dress up and play a part is a good enough excuse for me! 9-10-09
I am one hot pink Mama! 
Do you love those leg warmers or what? I cut up an old pair of Kirra's soccer socks! And those totally 80's dyed wedding shoes - perfect addition to the outfit!
The girls did a fun job of personifying decades too!
Kellie, Jill, and Me - Kellie was quite a hottie that night!
The 80's chicks! Thanks for sharing in my enthusiasm Sharee - you are awesome!
Katie and Kendra - their outfits were some of my favorites. I keep wondering 'when did Kendra get so stinkin' tall?' Everytime I stand next to her I feel shorter and shorter!
Some of my favorite women in the world - and the drinks the girls made that night. Right now I can't remember what they are called - but we as the 'kitchen help' had a great time polishing off the extras!
The youth classes were each assigned a decade - the Laurels had the 30's and I thought their decorating ideas were so creative! The food for the evening was 50's diner style - burgers, fries, and an ice cream bar. The youth invited 'older' people in the ward and it was fun to watch them interact.
The 50's
The 40's
Told ya we loved these things!
Castle dressed the part too - 
This is our Bishop - one of the greatest guys you will ever come across in your life! He borrowed the hair for a photo shoot - it's becoming don't you think?I don't know what I would do without this gal - I really couldn't ask for a better friend!
Man, we are good lookin'!
Cute Katie and Me - It pains me to think that she is a senior and will be going to college next fall. I love this girl!
What a fun night and a great activity. Any excuse to dress up and play a part is a good enough excuse for me! 9-10-09History School
Can I tell you how lucky I am? VERY! I have this amazing friend, Kellie, who decided she wanted her kids to have a little more history in their lives so she taught History of the World to her kids, Kirra, and a whole bunch of friends. They had a blast and Kirra keeps asking me if Kellie is going to do History Class again next summer.
Teaming up with Daphne to work on a "Coat of Many Colors"
Cute, finished product.
Part of the group - some weren't around for the last couple weeks.
Part of the fun for Kirra was that most days we had friends come over after history class to play!
Not to be left out. . . . Kade got out his markers when he saw Kirra and Daphne and went to town making himself an art project.
Got to love that need to be included! 
Death masks!
8-1-09
Teaming up with Daphne to work on a "Coat of Many Colors"
Cute, finished product.
Part of the group - some weren't around for the last couple weeks.
Part of the fun for Kirra was that most days we had friends come over after history class to play!Not to be left out. . . . Kade got out his markers when he saw Kirra and Daphne and went to town making himself an art project.
Got to love that need to be included! 
Death masks! 8-1-09
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