Busy weekend

We had a busier than usual (but good) weekend.

Zach and I had cubscout day camp. Zach was so excited. I love the Wolf enthusiasm for cubscouts. Everything is new and exciting and fun.

Madison signed up for several hours of Girl Scout Cookie boothing at the local grocery store. (I had to help for a couple hours as well) Since most of the booths this year are on Sunday, we had to fit all her booth time into the one and only Saturday they were able to get.

John's sister was in town from Texas for a few short hours. She ran in the Phoenix Ragnar del Sol this weekend. - which was a 197 mile running relay. Corrine says it was fun. Sure, I can see the allure of going on a road trip with a bunch of other women, staying up all night, laughing, bonding, but it's the part where they kick you out of the car and make you run, even when it's the middle of the night, that I don't think sounds so fun. (picture stolen from Corrine's blog- Texas Nelson's- John's sister is third from the left)

I had to give a talk in church on Sunday. Given the fact that I although I was sure I was going to, since I did not in fact throw up, I'd say it was a success.

Corrine's bag was pretty full when she left, (despite the fact that she left behind some very pretty dresses from Maddie's cousin, Kaeli) so she had a tough decision to make- the tutu she ran in, or Girl Scout Thin Mints.

Needless to say, Madison and Christopher took turns wearing the tutu all night last night, but Christopher seems to know on subconscious level, that at some future date, he might not be too thrilled with any photographic evidence of this, so he rips it off when the camera comes out.

Also, I think we decided on having Nick take English on-line so he can take both drama and orchestra. At least that's the plan so far.

It's here. Oh, and they're here too.

♪♫♪ It's here, it's here, it's here it's here! ♪♫♪

And by "it" of course I am talking about my furniture.

I know, I am kindof ridiculously excited about it. It is just stuff. Materialistic things.

But I've waited a really long time. (Seven years.) And I saved my very own hard earned money. (I actually have callouses from stirring and cutting caramels-true story) And it's really pretty.

In fact, I'm having a hard time letting the kids near the desk. The desk that we bought so they would have a place to do their homework where it wouldn't be in danger of having orange juice spilled on it. (another true story) Last night Madison wanted to sit at the desk and research sea horses for a school report, and take notes in a spiral bound notebook, and that once harmless metal coil started to look a lot more like razor wire sitting on my desk.

The people at Cortate were super nice. I know they were at the mercy of the shipping people and the builders just as much as I was. They knew I was a single mom this week, so Hope (the owner) had her son Greg, follow me home, and set up the furniture in my house- twice! It took two loads in the trailer. Needless to say- I gave them caramels.

I had it all arranged in my head, where everything was going to go, but I was unprepared for how pretty the back of the desk was going to be. It's now my favorite part. Sadly, the desk is up against a wall right now. I need to figure out how to rearrange my furniture now to fix that travesty, but at the same time not look weird and awkward. (the furniture arrangement, not me. I gave up on that battle a long time ago.)

And in other news, the girl scout cookies arrived today too. Madison and I worked for the better part of the day delivering, but still have many more people to go. It seems I am incapable of not carrying on a lengthy conversation at each and every doorstep. (who, me? Talk alot? No way.)

I miss this girl

I sent Maddie off to Girl Scout camp yesterday. It's her third year. The first two years she chose a camp with horses, this year she chose one with a lake. (In my head she's at the camp in the original The Parent Trap).

Like I said, the first year I sent her she was only 8. I think it was harder on me than her. Sending my baby girl off for four whole days. She jumped on the bus with hardly a wave good-bye. So, she's been twice now, and twice she's come home full of stories and songs and excitement to last at least a week. It was obvious she had fun.

So I was a little puzzled this year when it was time for her to get on the bus, and she said "I'll just stand here by you until it's time to go."

Even when one of the leaders tried to encourage her to get on with the lure of air conditioning (the weather here in Phoenix isn't so pleasant these days) she declined her offer so she could stand by me for awhile longer. (I personally think it was cause the lady was a little scary with her ultra-bubbly-had-one-too-many-extra-shots-of-caffeine-in-coffee personality and her crazy MC Hammer-like pants.)

I'm not complaining, just a little puzzled that my little girl with the "see ya, wouldn't want to be ya" attitude is suddenly a momma's girl.

I'll happily take it though.

I have one baby girl and she's gonna be a teenager before I know it.

And my friends with teenage girls are scaring me a little these days.

you'd think I'd learn

This is Madison's third year at girl scout camp.

EVERY YEAR they require that we have her doctor sign a form saying that she is healthy enough to go.

And EVERY YEAR, I forget.

The last two years I remembered the day before, and had enough time to call the Dr.'s office, apologize for being a procrastinating slacker, and could they please fit her in and fill out a form for me.

This year I remembered at 6 pm the night before.

Madison and I ended up spending our evening sitting in a clinic which meant we were up pretty late packing and shopping for last minute incidentals.

I would also like to take this moment to apologize to those who got a phone call at 10 pm Pacific Time because I gave my iphone to Christopher to entertain him while I was crazily busy trying to help Madison and neglecting the rest of my kids. (Christopher ended up putting himself to bed an hour later because he got tired of waiting around for me.)

Catz update week 7

It was definitely a better week.

4.1 pounds!! For a grand total of (drumroll please) 18 pounds!!

I was crossing my fingers, and hoping for 3, but would have been happy with 2.

It's been a tough week food wise. I cheated and ate 2 girl scout cookies. No, it was 3. Not the Samoas or the Thin Mints. I think I worry that once I start with those, I won't be able to stop. But I really wanted to try one of the new cookies. It's a white chocolate cranberry one. I still wasn't sure, so I had to try it again. I liked them, but not loved them. I prefer my Cran-Orange White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies better. Also the kids left an open package of the lemon ones on the table, and before I knew it, there was a cookie in my mouth.

But I did not purchase the icecream, even though I really, really, really wanted to.

So this is my very last week. (for now) I think there will be another challenge in a month. I would really, really, really like to lose another 20 lbs before summer. I haven't seen numbers on the scale like that since before Zach came along. All in all, I think I'd like to lose 60-80 lbs this year. (I'd have to lose 90 to get down to my pre-baby body, so I think 60-80 is fairly reasonable)

I've seen these numbers on the scale loads of times. The only difference between this time and the last few times is I am noticing a little more muscle. I have shoulder muscles. Who knew?

Next week, if I am brave, I will post pictures. Before and After. I am fairly certain I will still hate my "After", and probably not even show my family.

as if this weren't hard enough

I have cases of Girl Scout Cookies in my house.

What I'm doing

I haven't posted much about anything for awhile, and don't really plan on blogging much more for the rest of the week either, but thought I'd just post a little something about what is going on and why I don't have time to blog much this week. I do this mostly so my mother doesn't worry I am dead or something, and so my faithful blog followers (all half dozen of you) know I haven't fallen off the planet.

Basically, in a nutshell, I am working on a couple "While You Were Out" projects.

Last week Nick was off at a week long Boy Scout camp at Camp Geronimo and had a total blast, saying it was one of the best weeks of his life, despite having his underwear flown up the flag pole (we suspect it was boys from another troop). Nick was still bully magnet material, but for the most part, all the boys in his own troop stuck up for him when he was the target of kids from other troops. He was both surprised and touched. I explained that it must be the "little brother" syndrome. You know, big brothers are allowed to pick on their own little brothers, but if anyone else tries to mess with them...

So, while he was away, I moved Christopher out of the nursery and in with Zach, and repainted the room for Nick (cause he was so not down with the pale green jungle theme going on). I painted and taped and painted and taped some more. For like 4 days. I'm still not quite done, need to find some bedding, spray paint and construct some things, and hang stuff on the wall. Nick loves the results so far.

Christopher, however, is having a hard time adjusting to the new sleeping arrangements. We think he is trying to claim Nick's bed as his own. The first night he woke up screaming at 4 in the morning, I went and comforted him, apologized to Zach, put the screaming Christopher back in bed and went to my own bed. About 20 minutes later, the screaming and crying finally stopped. I thought he had fallen back asleep. Nick said he had climbed out of his crib (although no one has actually witnessed this yet, it was believed he could not) and went and kicked Nick out of his bed. We might be in the market for another bed sooner than we had hoped, because I am afraid he might hurt himself climbing out of the crib in the middle of the night. But that will just make it easier for Christopher to go in and bother Nick in the middle of the night in an attempt to claim his room back.

This week, Madison is leaving for Girl Scout camp tomorrow. She's super excited. She'll get to ride horses. I am going to re-do her room while she is gone. She's not so big on the princess theme any more. (she was 4 1/2 when I painted it last) I'll think she'll like what I have planned. I'm excited.

I'll update with before and after pics when I get everything just the way I want them (more or less any way)

We ♥ Scouting

In the last weeks, my two oldest advanced in rank in scouting.

Madison just graduated from a Brownie to a Junior. They had a little bridging ceremony to celebrate this fact with her troop.

We had debated whether or not to continue with Girl Scouts, but she's excited to keep with it. So never fear, those of you who rely on Madison to supply you with Samoas and Thin Mints are still safe for another year.
I'm sending her to "sleep away camp" again this summer. She is so excited.

~~~~~

Nick advanced to the rank of Star.

Unfortunately as I will not be winning "Mother of the Year" anytime soon, and John was out of town, I didn't show up to his Court of Honor, and had to resort to stealing this picture off a friend's blog. (Thanks, Rachel!)

Despite the fact that no one showed up to support Nick on this recognition night, we are fortunate to know those who will look out for and support our kids when we are unable (or forget) to be there. These pictures were just e-mailed to me. As I sit here and look at these pictures and let the guilt wash over me, I am thinking I will try to buy Nick's forgiveness (even though he's already given it freely) and buy him a snazzy sash to display his merit badges. Maybe some super cool green pants too.

He will be attending not one, but two scout camps in the next couple weeks. Next week is camp Geronimo, (week long overnighter) and the week after that is Lake Pleasant (day camp). He couldn't be more thrilled.

In preparation for that though, I need to go and sew some patches on his shirt (it's been a year and half and he still doesn't have the troop numbers or council patch sewn on). In my defense we tried once. I decided I don't like the badge magic (iron on stuff) that I used on his cub scout uniform, because the more you wash it, the more they tend to fall off, but the badge magic goo stays on and just looks gross. (And believe me, those shirts get washed. A lot.) So, I tried to sew on the patches, but I am retarded, and ended up using bad words and throwing the shirt at John to do it. He ended up breaking the thimble, shoving a pin through his finger, and bleeding all over the shirt. (more bad words were probably used).

So, I need to figure out how to sew in the next couple days. (unless I can bribe someone else to do it for me? any takers? Bueller? Bueller?)

My day-

This is how I plan to spend a good portion of my day-
I have 13 cases of girl scout cookies taking up residency in John's office, I guess it's a good thing I didn't have any other plans for today.

Ice skating with Maddie

Madison's girl scout troop went ice skating yesterday and boy was she excited to go. We'd been watching the new rink go up for about a year now every Monday as we'd pass it to go to her tutoring lessons. When it looked like it was finally up and running, she would start asking me when we were gonna go.

It was fun. Because it was a girl scout activity they took us on a little tour first. We watched a movie about the making of ice-skating rinks, then we toured the facility, watched some performers practice (they have two rinks, one for the masses, and one for performers and hockey players) then they showed us the Zambonis they use to clean the ice. The kids each got to sit on a Zamboni, and at one point one of the Zambonis returned from cleaning the ice and dumped a bunch of "snow" onto the grate that empties into a holding tank which I think they clean up and recycle to resurface the ice with again.

I probably haven't been ice-skating since high school. There was a park somewhat near my house with an outdoor rink that was pretty fun to go to. But like I said, it's been years. I watched the skaters for a minute at Rockefeller Center in New York City last winter, and wished I could be one of them, but figured I'd probably break my wrist or something and ruin the rest of the trip.

Madison was a fun little skating buddy. She was nervous at first, holding onto both me and the wall, then by the end skating on her own. She loved it. She said that yesterday was "the best day ever". Then she would say other cute things like, "Thanks for skating with me mom, it wouldn't have been as fun without you." And "Mom, you're always there for me whenever I fall" and my reply would be "that's my job".

We both had fun. It was easier for me than I thought it was gonna be. Their skates are pretty sturdy. I only crashed the one time. Madison's tail bone was hurting by the end of the day, but she said it was totally worth it. I think she even revised her list to Santa last night to include ice-skates.

Corn Maze

I took the older three to their very first (and my very first) corn maze the other day. We were supposed to meet up with some girl scouts, but very few showed up. Parents and siblings were welcome to come so I brought Nick and Zach too. Fortunately it worked out that everyone either made new friends or had friends there, and the kids went scattering in every direction. It was fun.

To tell you the truth I was kinda worried about going to corn mazes in the past, I had never heard of anyone getting stuck in there forever, but I figure there had to be a first time. It wasn't that bad, It took us an hour and a half to get through, (but I was following the lead of two 8 year old girls) and I'm not sure if this is how all corn mazes do it (cause I have nothing to compare it to) but they gave us this little punch card and you had to find 6 different stations in the maze and punch your card. At the station there were posted maps so you would know where you are are could kinda figure out where you want to be. Also it was day time, they are open well past dark, and I am thinking a nighttime trek would be completely different.

She's back!

Maddie is home safe and sound. John came home last night too, and it felt good to have everyone home asleep in their beds where they belong. She had a fabulous time and would turn around and go again next week if we let her (or could afford it). She missed us but not too terribly, she said she only used one tissue. The boys are happy to have her home. It was the sweetest thing, I heard daily about how much they missed her. (Now they are downstairs fighting over blocks of all things)

I bought her a disposable camera and will be taking it to get the pictures developed today, so I will try and get her to blog about camp on her own blog. (link to the side).

Baby Girl

I sent my baby girl to her very first sleep-away camp today. She's only eight. That seems too little to send her away. But at this camp all the girls are 7 and 8. It's just for four days, and she's only been gone like 3 hours, not even half of what she is normally gone on a school day, but just knowing she won't be home in a couple hours makes me miss her.
I know she's gonna be okay. That's why I signed her up. She's outgoing and easygoing, and independent, and friendly, and everyone she meets is her new bestfriend. They're gonna do crafts and sing songs, have a cook-out, go hiking, and even do some horseback riding. She's gonna have a great time. But she's still my one and only baby girl, and I can't help but worry.

End of School

The end of the school year is still a couple weeks away, but you can always tell it's coming fast by the way the kid's activities start wrapping up. Wednesday night Nick had is final orchestra concert for the year. He plays the viola. He really likes it, and is genuinely surprised by the lack of boys in the orchestra. Since John and I have no musical talent whatsoever, and I might be heard to say something really obnoxious super clever like "The only thing I can play is the radio", we naturally have forced music lessons on our kids. So far they are grateful for it. The lighting in the school cafeteria was terrible, and we didn't have the best seats, so I did my best to take some pictures of the event.

On Friday it was Madison's girl scout graduation thing. They had a little ceremony, got some more badges for me iron on to her vest (I'm getting quite the collection) and then we had (what else?) brownies for dessert.

This is Madison with one of her best friends, Caitlin. They've been friends since kindergarten. Madison is my little social butterfly. She makes friends pretty easily. Girl scouts has just been one of those ways she's made so many friends.

Girl Scout Cookies!

I never thought I'd say it, but I think I might actually be sick of them. Between taking orders and delivering all those boxes, i was glad to see the last two finally leave today. I'd been trying to drop those off for a few weeks, we finally just took them to church today and told them to catch us later with the money. Yesterday Madison and I got the opportunity to "work" at a booth at the grocery store. The shift was only an hour long, and it totally was not enough for her.

I did get myself another box of thin mints and John needed more Samoas, but I think my jeans will be happy to see the end of the boxes of cookies as well. This year it was all about the Thin Mints for me. That is totally weird because it has ALWAYS been all about the Samoas. Before Madison was a girl scout, I was always picking up just another box at every cookie stocked card table I came across. So Madison joined girl scouts last year and I did my part by buying a bunch from my new favorite Brownie, and I bought thin mints as well. I stuck ALL the boxes in the freezer hoping that would deter me, it does a bit with the Samoas, you could break your teeth on those babies, but I discovered just how divine Frozen Thin mints are. The irony of it is is that Thin Mints in the pantry are no where near as tempting as they are straight from the freezer. However, I did learn a little tip from another brownie mom and she said you take a frozen Samoa and stick it in the microwave for 7 seconds and it is all gooey and heavenly. Haven't tried it yet. But I will.

I'm glad Madison is having so much fun with girl scouts. She totally loves it. I belonged to a troop for a short while, but I don't even think I earned a badge. I had doll parts and material and stuffing in my closet for years and years, waiting to be a doll, but I don't sew, and it was an ugly doll, and that's the only thing I remember attempting to do. Then the leader moved, and I had no desire to be in a troop where I didn't know any body so I quit.

Of course Madison was baptized last December so she's involved in Activity days as well, but between them both she gets to do about as much as the cub scouts, so she can stay involved in each as long as she wants.

sugar hangover

So I rolled out of bed at 7:00 am this morning feeling like a truck had hit me. A big one. My body ached all over. It hurt from my head to my toes. I'm not sick, and it's not the flu. It's the ice cream from DQ, the girl scout cookies, the cake at Zach's soccer party (but it was just a little piece, and I dropped half of it), and the Easter M&M's and Starburst Jelly beans I munched on before bed last night. (My guess is those little buggers are what really kicked my tail this morning). So begins the vicious cycle all over again of my life-long battle with sugar addiction. I feel like garbage now, but I'll have a hard time staying away this afternoon. Good thing I polished off those thin mints yesterday. A couple weeks ago I bought this little bottle of roll-on stuff from Bath and Body Works. You roll it on your wrists and it smells like grapefruit and fennel and it's supposed to help you with cravings. They had other ones for stress and headaches, but I knew this day would come so that's the one I bought. Hopefully my $10 will be worth it.