Organized Chaos

Where did the summer go....

This summer seems to have just flown by and this poor blog got seriously neglected but it should get better now that the kids are back in school and we are getting back into a routine. And you did read that right...the kids are back in school...woohoo!!

We have had a really fun summer, between going to Florida, salmon fishing, hiking, bike riding, water balloon fights, and trips to the park we were on the go and out playing almost everyday. When the sun stays up for 16 plus hours a day you very quickly throw a schedule out the window. There were nights that Jess would get home that we would head out to fish and stay out way to late or go take a drive up to the mountains for a hike or the the kids would be out playing with friends and by the time you realize it is late it was all ready 11:00, so needless to say we had no routine, no schedule, we just went with the flow. But now it is time to get back into a normal routine, set bed times, and I get a few hours of peace and quite so I can actually get some work done...yeah!!

Cayla was very excited for the fist day of school, I think mostly becuase she was excited to wear her new clothes...oh my little fashion diva. We spent an hour Sunday night deciding on her clothes for the next week. It so much easier when we have everything planned out so there are no disagreements during the week. I am going to have to take a picture of her closet becuase it is a serious explosion of pink. She has decided that she loves wearing skirts, which is a new thing, she used to hate them, now she loves then but have you seen some the skirts for little girls...they are little micro minis and most jeans are no better why do little girls need low rise, hip hugger jeans, and the shirts, why do girls tee shirts need to be skin tight? Needless shopping was an experience!

Connor was not as excited for school becuase as he put it, he would rather play all day then go back to school. He moved up to a new school this year so he was a little nervous about that as well. But then I reminded him of how cool the playground was and he perked right up. And thank goodness Connor is typical boy and as long as he does not have to wear jeans, which he still hates because that have snaps and zippers, and I buy him some new star wars shirts he good to go!!

The kids both got really good teachers this year but neither one had any classmates from last year in their new classes. Thankfully they still knew some kids from scouts and the sports they played last year so it was all good. They both came home yesterday super excited and all smiles. They both had a great first day. I had promised them brownies when they go home, which they both love. And since it was the first day there was no homework, so they both headed out play until Jess got home. As requested we had spaghetti and meatballs and home made bread-sticks for dinner and the two of them talked non-stop about their day. It is so nice to hear them both so excited about school, let's just hope that continues!! 

I am off to get some work done while I have the house to myself.

Have a great day!

The Blog is Back

I was ready to just let this blog go and not worry about blogging anymore especially since I joined facebook but then I was back in Florida a lot of people mentioned missing my updates...so the blog is back. I am going to try and update it regularly like I used to way back in the day, we will see :)

Besides today being the 4th of July it is also my Mom's birthday. Mom- hope you had a great birthday. We all love and miss you!!!

I hope you all had a great a great 4th of July. We went and watched fireworks last night a 11:30, it was not even close to being dark more like dusk but it worked. It was definitely a small town production but it was nice becuase they did it at the local park and everyone just chilled out on blankets while the kids ran around until the fireworks started. 

As they were getting ready to to start shooting off the fireworks I was trying to get my camera settings set, so I asked if my lovely family would please smile for me and this what I got...

But you know I love it. This is a true representation of my family. They kids are always joking and Jess can't just smile he has to be a smart ass and stick his tongue out. Jess says he just helping me get faster...lucky me :) But I did manage to take these...

Well I am off to do to shot off poppers with the kids. Did you know even sparklers are illegal in  most of Alaska...crazy state. Anyway more to come soon.

Have a great day!

And the race was on....

Tonight was Connor's first boy scout Pinewood Derby and he was so excited. He and Jess worked on his car back in December before Jess left so it has been sitting and waiting for the race. This was our first time racing so I was not sure what to expect and had to keep Connor expectations in check. He was up against over 40 other boys in his age group so I knew going in his chances of winning were low. He won 1 heat and lost 2 others but at least he won one...yeah!! Plus it is all electronic and based on times so who knows in the grand scheme where he ranked but he had fun. Plus one of his good friends that is older came in first place in his division so that gave him something to cheer about.

And since I am always hearing that there are never any pictures of me...hmmm maybe this why. The kids still have trouble holding my camera still so most pictures end up blurry but I guess they capture the moment.

Well I am off to bed. We have soccer games in the morning and girl scout actives in the afternoon, so tomorrow will be another busy day!!

have a great day!

I survived...

Connor has a blast today at our Arctic Survival Field Trip. Me on the other hand, well I am just happy I made it with most of my dignity intact. I did not have to go sit in the bus to warm up, I did get the fire started and we made a shelter of sorts...but most of all Connor was happy I was there.

I guess the bus drivers did not want to go back to where the first group went yesterday. I guess they felt it was too far to drive.  It was quite the ordeal this morning would we go, could we go, finally they got everyone to agree. We could not have asked for a prettier day but in Alaska pretty does not equal warm. We were at about 4 degrees with the wind chill but beautiful blue skies.  Yesterday they went up to the higher part of  Hatchers Pass,  with groomed trails. Well today the rangers were not expecting us at the lower level so nothing  but the trail to walk in was groomed. Once you got off the trail, which of course we had to do, I was sinking in snow up to my waist.  It was crazy! Our group was the first's to cross country ski, which they decide to do up on a hill. Well trying to walking up this snow covered hill was interesting to say the least. I could not have looked any more uncoordinated if I tried. Every time I stepped I would sink in the snow and then try to drag myself out while walking up a hill...fun times. Ever seen a turtle flipped over on it's back trying desperately to flip back over...yeah that was me except I was trying to just walk.  The kids were not bothered in the least they have some much energy the crawling and scarpering up the hill. But I did it, thanks to some help from a few of the dads, who i am sure all had a good chuckle!

Poor Connor, I afraid has inherited my athletic ability. He tried cross country skiing, I wish I had some pictures but I was still recovering from the hill and I was helping the kids get on different boots and skis. Anyway Connor was lucky to make it around the loop once.  I lost count at how many times he fell, he just could not figure out his balance, plus they were just on snow, not a true trail so the snow was not even at all. But he was not fazed in the least but has decided he did not like cross country skiing but wants to ski down a mountain so that is all good.

Then were were off to build a snow cave and make fire..woo-hoo. I swear we lecture these kids about matches then we sit back and let them make a fire. I did get the fire going...yeah me. They each had 20 matches and I am pretty sure we lit them all. And then we dug out the side of another hill where the boys made seats and a slide. I helped them hang garbage bags to block the wind. Oh yeah fun times.  I was so seriously out of my element, these other dads brought shovels and they are making snow bricks and all this crazy stuff. But my group was happy and had fun so I guess that is all that matters.

And now I am beyond tired. When we got home both kids were cranky and snipping at each other, so fingers crossed they will both fall asleep soon and I will be right behind them.

Have a great day!

Wednesday Wrap-up

Wow...last week just flow by. The kids were out on spring break and we had something to do each day. It was a lot of fun but busy, which seems to be the current theme. We had a few play-dates, went to friends church for a spring break carnival, went to lunch a Chile's as requested by the birthday girl, and hit dairy queen a time or two for some ice cream and their indoor play area.

Both kids started soccer practice this week and they have their first games on Saturday. I guess that is standard here, the first games should be interesting. Plus it is all indoors so I am curious as to how that will work with a bunch of little kids, I am picturing mass pandemonium.

When we moved here one of the things I was excited about was a dedicated playroom for the kids. But it has never worked as I imagined they still drag stuff downstairs to play on the tables. Well I think I solved the problem, I found them a great table that is big enough for them to both play on but no so big it over powers the room. Well since I got it set up the playroom has gotten a ton of use!

Tomorrow I am one of the chaperons on Connor's Arctic Survival field trip. We get to build a fire, make a shelter, and lots of outdoorsy stuff. I am going to turn into a Popsicle as Jess plays in the sand and laughs. I am sure it will be fun but a day outside when the high is supposed to be in the low 20s if we are lucky, not my how I would choose to spend my time. Oh well...it will be fine, at least that is what I keep telling myself!

Wish me luck, I am off to bed. I will update tomorrow once I thaw out :)
Have a great day!

Happy 6th Birthday Miss Cayla

Holy heck what a crazy busy day...Cayla requested a big breakfast to start the day. And then we spent an hour putting together her new toys. We got her a barbie cruise ship, which she loved but it had a million stickers that had to be put on just so. Then we played and picked up before the house was invaded by the neighborhood kids. Since Cayla's party was canceled because she was sick we invited people over tonight for cupcakes and ice cream. She had a blast but it was busy and I did not take one picture...oh well I did take this one after the fact. And she said she had a great birthday so that is all that matters!

Here is a little bit about Miss Cayla...
Where were you born?  Washington
How old will you be this year? Six
Nicknames: Cayla Mac
Are you taller than your mother?  no
Do you cry often during movies? no, that is silly why watch a sad movie
What is your biggest pet peeve?  Connor
Favorite color: duh, Pink
Favorite foods: Ice cream, pizza, pears, and lasagna
Favorite beverage: Hawaiian lemonade
Favorite cold cereal:  Frosted flakes
Favorite Smells: Mommy and pears
Favorite time of day: Afternoon
What is your favorite game? Barbie Princess Island
How many pillows do you sleep with? A bunch
Do you play an instrument? no
What was the last movie you saw? High School Musical 3
What is your favorite article of clothing? Pink and white bathrobe and High School Musical shirts
What is your dream vacation? Grand-mommy and Pop’s house
Who is your best friend? Abby and I have lots of other friends but I love Abby the most
What do you love most about Dad? His big hugs
What do you love most about Mom? Her big hugs
What do love most about Connor? everything, he makes me laugh
If you were an animal what would you be? A pink flamingo
What is your favorite "me- time" activity?  Art and play with Barbie’s and pet shops
What do choose for dinner every night? Pizza and pears
What is the emotion you feel the most?  Happy
What was the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Nothing, well we moved but that was fun too.
What is the best thing that happened to you this year? Having my birthday, girl scouts
The best thing learned this past year? Art, painting
What was your favorite thing about being five years old? Everything
What's are you most excited about being six years old? I’ll be starting first grade

Have a great day! I am off to bed!

The Yucks...

Well we have been invaded by the yucks. Cayla came home from school Thursday complaining of her throat and fell asleep as soon she got home and woke up with a fever. So no school on Friday which was her party with her class so she was upset about that. Next week is spring break, although why they call it spring break baffles me but anyway, I told we would bring in cupcakes for her class the Monday they go back to school.Well after a trip to the doctor yesterday she had a horrible case of strep throat. Her big birthday party was schedule for today but we had to cancel that too which led to more tears...poor baby.

And then this morning Connor woke up at about 4:00 complaining of his stomach and then he preceded to puke most of the morning. Lovey way to wake up. So I ran around the house washing sheets and blankets and pets. So I am really hoping today was the worst and we are on the mend. Cayla is feeling much better now that the medicine has kicked in and Connor is keeping everything down, so I am hoping by Tuesday which is Cayla's birthday we can have a few people over for cupcakes and ice cream.

So since we no longer had a party to host I decided to go ahead and take apart Cayla current loft bed. She had a basic metal frame loft bed with a desk. Well last week on Craig's list I found a wood loft bed for only $100 that was steadier and gave her more storage so I bought it. Now taking apart Cayla's bed should have been simple, all i need was an allen wrench until one screws would not come out, it was striped. So after frantic emails to Jess, who was probably shaking his head the whole time he was responding, and a call to my dad, I finally got it out using the drill. What was supposed have been a quick project turned into a two hour ordeal. Oh well it is done and one of my neighbors is going to come by tomorrow to help me carry her new bed up the stairs.

So tonight I crawled into bed the same time as the kids and I was asleep as soon as my face hit the pillow. Well I Miss Cayla was not ready to go to sleep and woke me up an hour later hungry. So now I am wide awake and I know I am going to be tired tomorrow. The joys of being a mom!

I am off to watch Saturday Night Live.
Have a great day!

Hello...

Man I keep saying I will be better at updating and I am just not following through...sorry. We have been crazy busy the last few weeks and it is just going to get busier.

Cayla had her girl scout thinking day last weekend, this where the girls learn about other countries. It was a lot of fun. A lot of work because we had to create our own booth with activity and food but the girls had a blast. Tomorrow morning we are attending a girl scout science day, which Cayla is super excited about. And then in the afternoon we get to sell cookies...oh joy!

Tonight Connor had his boy scout blue and gold diner, this where they celebrate the creation of boy scouts. They had a raffle for $50.00 of scout bucks which Connor won. He was so happy! And he is his fathers son, because he wants to go buy a bow. The scout buck can be used at sportsman's warehouse, but they are also good at toys r us so we will have to see what wins out.

And in between all of that we went to the dentist. Both kids are doing great, still no cavities...yeah! But the dentist did say he suspects both kids will need braces...which they heard and freaked out over because that means no more gum. But that is still a few years away!

I also got all the invitations done for Cayla's birthday. At first she was insisting on a Barbie cake, you know the kind with the Barbie stuck in the middle. Well after a few tries, because she wanted a real barbie, not the half doll they sell to make this type of cake, we have decided cupcakes might be a better option...yeah. So now I am making strawberry cupcakes and chocolate cupcakes., that i can do no problem!

Jess is still doing good. In case you want to see some of what he has been up to check out this, C-17 Gear-Up Landing. I guess he had to fly in to help get this thing off the run way...fun times!

Well I am off to bed.
Have a great day!

Repeat...

That is what my world seems like right now a whole lot of the same thing, which revolves around the kids activities. Their schedule is getting busy again, which is good becuase they have more energy than I know what to do with. If  I could bottle it, I would be RICH!!

• They are both still doing scouts and we have a lot of upcoming activities that they are prepping for so that has kept us busy.
• They are both going to a science lab after school, which they love.
• Indoor soccer will be starting in a few weeks.
• They are going to do a short basketball mini camp.
• And we have also been going to pool.

So in short be have been keeping busy but they both still have all this energy but the days are getting longer so that means more outside play time...yeah!!!

Jess is still doing good. We talk to him on a regular basis so that is nice. I bought our plane tickets to Florida, we will be home on May 22 and leaving June 17. So that should be a nice long visit, which we are all looking forward to!

We are still waiting for the volcano to explode. No worries it is a 150 miles away, we may get a bit of ash but they talk about it everyday. They have a cool website that they kids like to look it and see what is happening.

When I was driving yesterday I saw an animal running across the road and I am thinking to my self damn that is a big dog...duh not a dog but a very confused moose...only in Alaska.

So that is what is going on here. Hope you all are doing good.
have a great day!

I need a nap...

It has been a busy couple of days. The kids have had stuff everyday this week. Yesterday the kindergarten classes at Cayla's school had a parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. They were all so cute marching down the halls. They all wore red for good luck and made cute masks and hats.

Last night Connor has his boy scout pack meeting. So I had to get all of his patches on his uniform. What a pain that was but it is done now...yeah! And it is not like you can even see them in this picture because they are on the sleeves.

Today we went to an indoor play area to check it out. It was a lot of fun so that is where we will be having Cayla's birthday party. So that is off my list...yeah! While we were out and about I took this picture of the mountains. Since it dumped a foot of snow yesterday everything is all white again. The large area covered in snow is one the frozen lakes. All the tracks are from dog sleds and snow mobiles. 

Well I am off to the grocery store, again. I hate when I forget something that I needed!

Have a great day!