Lil' Swimmer

I had Carl swim with Caleb yesterday during his lesson so I could snap some pictures. He is really doing such a good job. Today they put the floaty belts on and Caleb went to the deepest part of the shallows where he couldn't really touch and started kicking around and telling everyone he was a fish. He was so proud of himself when he was swimming on his own.

I think his sensory issues are enough that he will not like putting his ears underwater...ever. That's okay. I don't either. I just want him to be proficient enough to enjoy swimming for leisure.

I signed up Eva for a session of swim lessons. They will overlap next week so I'll have Caleb with lessons in the morning and then I'll have to put my suit on again in the evening (Mon/Wed) for Eva. I don't know if Caleb will pass the Perch class this time around. He has to be able to jump in and swim the length of the shallow end of the pool by himself with a floaty belt.

In other news:

I can't decide whether or not to take my kids to the Omaha Zoo this afternoon. I think I will. They are open late for members tonight and they are giving out free train passes.

My reefer sweater will be finished by tomorrow. I only have 4 more rows to go on the ruffle edge along the bottom. That doesn't sound like a lot but I think there are over 400 stitches (estimate). I should easily finish it up tonight after the kids are in bed.

I haven't heard from Carl yet but I'm sure he is suffering from horrible jet lag and he probably isn't even settled into his hotel yet since he went straight from the airport to his meetings.

The bunk bed is now two separate beds and they are set up in their rooms. They LOVED going to bed in their new beds. Before their mattresses had just been on the floor. It is nice now to have beds and it is motivating me to now decorate their rooms and organize them like I want.

Lil' Swimmer

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/lil-swimmer.html

Passport? Check.

The passport arrived this morning. Carl is at the airport right now ready to go on his whirlwind (now week long) trip to France. He is flying to Bordeaux and will spend a few days there before joining the university students last leg of their student abroad experience (aka sightseeing). He'll be going to some places out of his old mission area so that will be fun for him. I'm sad he's gone but I'm glad he finally got everything resolved and could leave the country. I've never seen him so stressed and depressed since I've known him. When the passport came this morning you could see the weight lifted off his shoulders.

I'm going to spend my "free" time tonight finishing up my Reefer sweater. It is almost finished and is looking really, really good. Probably my most awesome knitting to date.

Passport? Check.

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/passport-check.html

Where Has the Time Gone?

The day is half over and I haven't blogged yet!

Here is what's new:

1. Caleb has a loose tooth. Wendy, my tooth guru, told Carl that everything was okay and he's probably just going to start losing his teeth earlier than expected. I did some checking around online and there are other 4 1/2 year olds that this has happened to so I'm not as freaked out as I was before. It just doesn't seem right that my kid can already be losing teeth!

2. Caleb started swim lessons today. He freaked out only because we had to wait to get into the pool. Once he was in there he was a pro! Hopefully now that he knows the routine, he'll be better for me. I did have to use some creative rewards (aka: bribes) to get him out of the pool and into his dry clothes.

3. Carl has his flight to France booked and he leaves tomorrow afternoon. He had to reschedule one appointment and push back another but it looks like everything is going to be fine. All he has really missed is his free time in Rouen (where he served for several months on his mission). I missed out on sock yarn, too. Small price to pay for having my husband here this weekend. I needed that.

4. We scored a free bunk bed. I've been looking for one for ages. By ages I mean about a month. I don't know for sure yet if it can be two stand alone beds or not.

5. I'm working hard on getting all of my county fair and state fair entries finished. The county fair entrants need to be turned in on the 30th and the state fair ones are due on the 16th of August.

Where Has the Time Gone?

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/where-has-time-gone.html

Paris: The Update

Looks like Carl won't have to go to the appointment in Denver after all. The passport is on its way. It will either get here tomorrow or Tuesday. Looks like the call from the congressman put him to the top of the list. Thanks for the tip, Peggy! Now we're sad we didn't think of it ourselves earlier last week so he could have had it in time to leave on his normally scheduled flight. But, if for no other reason, I'm glad he was here this weekend because the kids have been so wild and I've needed backup more than once. Not to mention I was able to get and finish Book 7 which I probably would still be reading if he hadn't been here.

Paris: The Update

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/paris-update.html

We'll Always Have Paris

It looks like Carl might be getting out of here after all. He secured a Monday morning appointment at the passport office in Aurora, CO. He's out running around town getting new passport photos made and getting stuff from his office. He's got me busy trying to find flights for him. I think I found a pretty good option. I'm going to miss him but I'm SO GLAD he's going to finally be able to go.

We're still not totally out of the woods yet. Until he has a passport in his hands we are holding our breath. But, we are somewhat optimistic that he'll actually be able to make his appointments on Wednesday.

We'll Always Have Paris

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/well-always-have-paris.html

I'll Be Back...

See You Tomorrow!

I'll Be Back...

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/ill-be-back.html

Book 7

I just finished reading book 6 a few minutes ago and I can't wait to find out what happens in book 7. Since Carl can't go to France today I'll be able to leave the house at midnight tonight to go and pick it up. I wasn't going to do that but now that I've finished re-reading the book I don't think I can wait until tomorrow morning.

Book 7

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/book-7.html

Blind Faith

Carl's packing did not help. No passport. He could go to Chicago or Denver but their earliest appointments are in August. That won't really help him since he needs to be in France by Wednesday at the latest. I'm feeling horrible for him. We're trying to do all we can but this trip may not happen. There must be some reason that he's not supposed to go but we might never know what that is. He's probably going to get chewed out by the Dean as well. It really isn't his fault. He applied for his renewal over 10 weeks ago (the website said that they were taking 4-10 weeks) so he thought he was okay to not pay the extra for expedited service. Our recommendation: If you're traveling in the next YEAR, you might want to pay for expedited service or your passport won't arrive on time.

Blind Faith

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/blind-faith.html

Rock It

Donna B. has kindly nominated me to be a Rockin' Girl Blogger. I'm glad she enjoys my wacky blog. It still fascinates me that people I haven't met in real life actually care about what's going on in my world...but I guess I care about what is going on with people I've only met through blogging...so I guess it's not THAT crazy.

I'm supposed to nominate 5 Rockin' Girl Bloggers now and I just can't do it. You're all ROCKIN' to me!

In other news: Carl's passport is in Connecticut and they have until 5:15 pm today to finish it for him to get it in time for him to leave tomorrow. They have marked it as URGENT-FINISH TODAY but we shall see if he gets it on time. He is exercising great faith in the government and his power of prayer by starting to pack this morning. I'll keep you posted.

Rock It

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/rock-it.html

I Love You This Much!

I love Caleb so much that I got up at 5am this morning (and pretty much every 2 hours before that because I kept anticipating the alarm) so I could make sure he got into my preferred session of swim lessons at the Y. Member registration started this morning at 5am and there were only 5 spots. I got one. I'm going back to bed now.

I Love You This Much!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-love-you-this-much.html

Gay Pair-EE!

Carl is leaving for France on Friday. Maybe. His passport isn't here yet. He sent it off well enough in advance (according to the government) but it is still not here. He has been calling everyday these past couple of weeks telling them to HURRY UP! We'll see how that goes.

Carl also ordered a phone that he can use overseas. It has a UK number and a 1-800 number that I can use to call him for free for the first 45 minutes. This is something he didn't do far enough in advance so now he has to pay expedited shipping to get it before he leaves.

I'm pretty sure he is going to have a lot of fun even though this is a work trip. He's going to bring me back something but doesn't know what.

If your husband was going to France, leaving you at home alone with the kids for 12 days, what would you want him to bring back for you?

Gay Pair-EE!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/gay-pair-ee.html

Just for Laughs

CLICK IT!

Just for Laughs

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/just-for-laughs.html

Dear Apple,

Dear Apple,

You can make a device that will fit all of my favorite music and books into my pocket.

Will you please figure out how I can get some comfortable ear buds so I can LISTEN to all that stuff I have in my pocket?

Sincerely,
Ms. Sore Ears

Dear Apple,

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/dear-apple.html

Mid Week Magic

I need some help. This isn't really my job at church but it is really clear that our midweek Enrichment activities are not working and I'd love to have some ideas to suggest. There are only about 4-5 sisters in our ward that attend and most of us attend all of them. This does not mean that 4-5 are there every week. This means that at any given activity one or two of those are going and they are the only ones at the activity.

It makes me think back to our days at Purdue and how awesome our midweek activities were (BEFORE midweek activities were actually a part of the Enrichment program) and I'm wondering how to get more people involved around here. I won't even go into how I've been trying to get a service auction in place (I don't think our Enrichment counselor is "catching the vision" of what an amazing activity this is).

What we have going on right now: a book group, a cooking group, and a card making group.

Our ward is a little more traditional than the ward in Purdue. We don't have 60 kids in the nursery and a plethora of young marrieds. What kinds of activities are being supported by your wards where you live? What would you attend? We've just had an influx of new people move in and it would be nice to have some activities for them (AND ME!) to attend.

Mid Week Magic

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/mid-week-magic.html

Groceries

I went grocery shopping yesterday while Ashley was here with the kids. I was in desperate need of replenishing our stores. I didn't even have any FLOUR or paper towels! The horror. I know.

I went to my new grocery store of choice--Russ's. I got everything on my list but was also open to some impulse buying because our fridge was pretty empty. I noticed some Hormel refrigerated prepared meat. That sounds gross. They are really just packages of stuff like shredded beef in salsa and beef brisket that are already cooked and all you have to do is warm them up and add your own sides. They are regularly around $7 so I never bother. But, Russ's had them on sale for $3.98. I thought I'd give them a go since it might be nice to have that around while Carl is gone so I don't have to cook as much. I bought 3 (the previously mentioned ones plus a chicken breast). I'm always in the habit of checking my receipt from there because they will pay you the full price of anything that comes up as an overring. Do you see where I'm going with this?

They had to pay me $21 and let me keep the product because they rang up as $7 and not at the $3.98 price. Woohoo. They are so friendly and the store is so clean that I almost hate to be so happy about the incompetence of their pricing.

I also got some huge boxes of Fruit Loops for $2 that were on closeout because they have Shrek the Third on them.

Oh yeah, and green grapes are $.98 a pound.

It makes me not miss my mouse-ridden Super Saver at all!

Groceries

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/groceries.html

Zoo Pals

We had a fabulous time at the zoo on Tuesday. Here is the best picture I got of all the kids. They all had a really good time.

Sam and Joe left early this morning. My dad drove in last night and they are on their way home right now. I think they're going to miss us. But, we have made plans to have Camp Nelson every year.

Today marks the beginning of the first "normal" day I've had around here for a while. We've had so many visitors these past few weeks. It has been fabulous but I must admit it will be nice to just "chill" with my kids today. I might take back this statement by the end of the day.

We had a nice visit from two of Carl's friends from high school. They were driving through yesterday and stopped by for lunch. I met them when I visited Carl in Rio Linda before he left on his mission (1995) and neither one of us has seen them since. They live in Valencia, CA and have a 3 yr. old daughter. We had a nice lunch and then they were off to North Platte, NE to see a brother get married.

I took Carl and the boys to see the Harry Potter movie yesterday. The adaptation was really well done. My only complaint: I wish they would have included more of the Order of the Phoenix. I love how they did Dumbledore's Army, the scenes with Fred and George (love them!), and Dolores Umbridge STOLE THE SHOW! Wow. What a great way to spend an afternoon.

I'm more and more convinced that Harry is going to survive the 7th book. Carl's friend, Scott, put it in a good way. He said that if Harry dies at the end the series, the books would be about a boy with a crappy life (all his family and friends die) and then he loses at the end and why would J.K. Rowling want to do that in a YA book series? I'm certain it is going to be a bittersweet ending---we already know at least 2 main characters are going to die---but we've got to hope that good will prevail over evil.

What do you guys think?

Zoo Pals

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/zoo-pals.html

7/11

I make cards. Some would say that in addition to caring for my children, this is my job. I'm able to make a fair amount of cards to help support Autism Research and Caleb's therapy. I have a room devoted to crafting. I have a couple of boxes full of cards ready to sell and/or send for my own personal use.

Today is Tiffany's birthday. She's been my best friend since 1989. I didn't even send a card.* Will she forgive me?

Circle

yes no maybe

You can bet that a card will be on its way soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIFFANY!

*Some might argue that a blog post wishing you a happy birthday would suffice. But, you're SO WORTH a real handmade card...and more!

7/11

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/711.html

Kickin' Some Butt

AMAZON.COM! How dare you! I got an email from amazon saying that I won't get my Harry Potter book on the day it comes out because I qualified for Super Saver shipping on my order. If I want it on the day it comes out I have to "upgrade" to standard shipping! I don't think so AMAZON.COM! I just canceled my order and will be hauling my cookies to Walmart or Target to get my copy.

I'm taking my brothers to see the movie tomorrow. Can't wait!

*for those of you that knew I was super sick yesterday---I'm feeling much better! Lots of sleep, a priesthood blessing, and 7up got me through it.

Kickin' Some Butt

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/kickin-some-butt.html

Walk it Out

I totally stole this from Cjane this morning. You need to watch at least a little bit from both videos!

Walk it Out

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/walk-it-out.html

Part Two

My dad loves the EARTH so he is doing his part by recycling his old cans into wind chimes. It is the Oklahoma thing to do.

Eva and Caleb couldn't be bothered to come inside the house to play. They spent most of the afternoon in Goldsby on the trampoline.

We got them to stop jumping long enough to open some of those champagne poppers.
I also lured them away from the trampoline by taking them and my brothers (Sam and Joe) on a ride in my grandpa's "car". We went up and down the street. We usually take it back behind the barns but it was too muddy for me to risk it.

My dad loves ugly dogs. I don't have pictures of all of his ugly dogs but he got a new puppy. They found it and it was all messed up and had maggots all over it. It is now doing just fine and looks an awful lot like my old dog, Doug. Eva certainly loves animals. Everyone is trying to convince me to get her a dog but I'm not even close to succumbing to the pressure. I don't need another poop machine around here. I've got enough on my plate for now, thank you very much.

We spent the last bit of the time in Goldsby packing up the boys for their stay here with us in Nebraska. Sam is having a lot of fun. He lost a tooth tonight during our 07/07/07 party (FUN FUN FUN!). It was pretty gross. Joe is having fun, too but really misses home. He has cried a couple of times and I feel bad for him. I was warned that this would happen. He loves his mama and dad. It is so sweet. We're going to spend the day at church tomorrow and then try and go out to the Omaha Zoo on Monday...maybe Tuesday. They only have a few days left to experience Nebraska. So far they've seen A LOT of corn.

Mmmm. Corn.

Part Two

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/07/part-two.html