My Flutist

Siena went to Curry Music Camp at the beginning of the summer and then when she got back she didn't practice her flute until school started again. My fault. I know. I kept telling her she should practice, but then didn't make her. So the day school started, she got back to it and played this beautiful song that made my heart ache and made tears come to my eyes. I don't know why. It is amazing how certain music can touch your soul. It could be, too, that I was impressed with how much she improved while at camp. Imagine if I had gotten her to keep practicing during the summer! Anyway, I loved the music so much I had her come and play it again so that I could record it. The song is called "Ashokan Farewell" composed by Jay Unger. It was used in a PBS documentary on the U.S. Civil War.

Back to School

I've had a smile on my face for two weeks and it's because the kids are back in school. They started on August 3rd, bright and early and full of energy. It's not that I didn't enjoy them this summer, but we were getting stir crazy.

Siena is the big kid on campus as an 8th grader this year.

Lily entered 4th grade and was excited to get back to her busy schedule at school because the summer was not exciting enough for her.

Spencer will start preschool in September, but in the mean time we are working on recognizing his numbers and letters. He loves having work to do, too.

Why I haven't posted very much lately.

During the beginning of the summer when Siena was at one of her camps, I spent a few hours in the early morning on the computer. While I was busy in my own blogging fog, Spencer played on the playstation and asked if he could have a go-gurt for breakfast. By the time I came out of my haze, I realized he was so hungry he had eaten 5 go-gurts. I decided I needed to spend less time on the computer and more time with my children. At least he picked something slightly healthy. Usually, he sneaks marshmallows or cookies when he knows he has the chance. You can tell by his face that it didn't sit too well with his stomach.

15th Anniversary

I can't believe how old we are, but Paul and I have been married 15 years as of August 13th. We are a little worse for wear, but our love remains strong in the fabric of our lives. I couldn't have made it through the tough times without his strength and support, and the good times wouldn't have been as sweet without his laughter and love.
You were meant for me, Paul. I knew it then and I know it now. I love you.

Summer Activities

This summer we just hung around AZ

doing a little of this

and a little of that.

It wasn't terribly exciting. But we did do a few fun things.

We went swimming

and bowling.

We made rocket ships,

we played with friends,

and we went shopping and played in sprinklers. All in all, it wasn't too bad, but it was too hot!

Best Buys of the Summer

Want to get your kid to stop doggy paddling and start swimming under the water? Well, I've got the thing for you. Buy a pair of goggles and a dipping and diving penguin, and you are set! I got them from Walmart for about $5-7 each and within the first hour Spencer started swimming underwater all around the pool.

Some of you who saw my post from last June with Spencer swimming under water might be confused, but before summer ended last year, he learned how to doggy paddle as if he were a dog himself. He refused to swim under the water anymore. He could get anywhere he wanted so he didn't see the need to go under. I tried so many tactics, but he refused. Finally, his little friend Kyle came to swim one day and said, "Look at what I can do!" and he stuck his head under the water for a quick dip. Then the challenge was on and Spencer started sticking his head under, too. The next day I went out and bought the goggles and penguin and he was off and swimming. Thanks to his competitive spirit and a fun toy, he is doing great!

The toypedo is another great toy to buy because it is fun to watch under the water and if you miss catching it, you have to swim down to get it.

A Wicked Night

Paul and I went to see the Broadway show "Wicked" on Friday night. It was really quite good. I even enjoyed it more than the book to some extent. While I appreciated having the background information that the book provided, the play was clear, concise, and entertainingly funny. The actors' voices never cease to amaze me and make me so envious to have talent like that.
Elphaba and G-linda were amazing.

The binoculars were handy for examining every detail of the costuming right down to the ribbons and fuzzy balls on the pointed shoes of the cast members.

It was fun to have an evening to dress up and hit the town with my man even though my sexy shoes gave me blisters.