One Week Down....

The first week of school has been an adventure. It was filled with lots of fun comments by little kids. I love the things they come up with. It is fun to see their little personalities. One of the little kids said this week, "What the ____." (You fill in the blank) It made me laugh. Another said, "women don't have jobs." That made me laugh too. Probably my favorite part is the songs. The kids love it, and the dancing is amazing. One little girl said she wanted to be a top model, then proceeded to show me her runway walk. It was hilarious. She has some pretty funny poses, and loves to show them off.

My kids have adjusted to school. Ashley ran 2 1/2 miles at Wednesday's practice. That was pretty cool. We did not have to deal with too much homework. Well, that is except the homework they brought home for me. The amount of paperwork is obscene. Do we really have to fill these out for every class? Crazy!

I was glad to get to Friday, and I am looking forward to a long weekend.

Just for fun!

Day two of school was going along nicely, until I was informed of a lovely little activity the administration had planned for us. Never mind it is the second day of school, and we barely know where our own backpacks are, let's just throw in a little fun. Just in case we were feeling too comfortable with ourselves. At 2:00 pm, the fire alarm went off. It went fairly smoothly for being the first fire drill of most of these kids lives. We managed to stay in a relatively straight line, and get out the door quickly.

Wait, I forgot to tell you what happened earlier. We have a few kids in our class that need to be contained while at recess. So we take them to the "little" play ground. Everything was going well, okay almost well. One kid did trip and smack into the brick wall with his head, but he's okay. I was watching these little five year old kids playing, when all of a sudden one of them starts screaming his head off. I look over there, and swarming around him are wasps. I ran and grabbed him, and got bitten for my efforts. I have not been bitten by a wasp since I was a child. Man, it is painful. I think I am slightly allergic as well, because within a few minutes, my wrist and hand joints were aching, and my hand was swelling. I was bitten on the top of my left wrist. It is still smarting a little. The little boy cried for a little bit, then acted like nothing was wrong the rest of the day. I admit it, he is tougher than me.

I can't wait to see what new adventures await me tomorrow. I hope it does not involve wasps and fire drills.

Oh, I almost forgot. As I was walking in the lunch room I hear this little voice calling "Jann!" It was my little friend E. I guess things were too crazy in there yesterday, because he did not see me until today. It was fun to hear him call my name. I went over and said hi. Also funny, are the two little boys in my class that also go to my church. They can't quite figure out what to call me at school. I think they know that Sister Gartside is not quite right. It is pretty funny.

Oh Boy!

Today was the first day of school. I am in for a very crazy school year. I came home absolutely exhausted. What a difference from last year. To be fair, I was not in the class from the beginning of the year. I came in about half way through, and the kids were used to the routine and following it. Just trying to get these new kindergarten kids to walk down the hallway in a line, seems like a monumental task. I am sure they will shape up in no time, and things will be running smoothly. I really enjoy the people I am working with, and that makes a big difference.

After getting home, my kids stuck pretty much to the schedule. I can not imagine how things are going to be when the full force of the homework is in effect. All I can think is oh boy.

I did not think I would get weepy this morning, but seeing one daughter move onto high school and another move to middle school was emotional. I thought it would be old hat for me, but it was not. Kelsie did great. She was a little overwhelmed by the number of students, and the crowded hallways. She found all her classes, and for the most part did well. Ashley is feeling overwhelmed with all that will be required of her this year. I know she is going to be busy. Amanda had a rough first day too. One of her teachers became very ill, and will be out indefinitely. That messed up her schedule, and caused her much anxiety. She was a mess by the time she got home. Hopefully that will all be worked out in the next few days.

Well, that is the first day report. Now, I am heading to bed or I will not be able to function tomorrow.

Sad News

My mom called yesterday with some very sad news. My cousin's ex-husband, David and their daughter, Cecilee were killed on the flight that crashed in Moab on Friday. I was so sad to hear this. My Uncle and Aunt, cousin, and their family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Cecilee leaves behind a young daughter. It is a tragedy. You can read the news report here.

Welcome

Welcome to the newest additions to my family. I am biased, but these kids are really cute.

Introducing my great niece, Sadie Marie


Introducing my great nephew, Jacob


Introducing my great nephew, Nash

Organization

Warning: this is a post about organizing my life. Read at your own risk.

I have been struggling over the last week with my mind running wild with worry over how I am going to handle my life. It helps if I can write it all down.

School Day Mornings Schedule:
4:45 am - Ashley up to practice viola
5:00 am - Amanda up to get ready for school
5:30 am - Amanda & Ashley's breakfast/family scripture study with me
5:45 am - James will take girls to seminary
6:00 am - James on his bike to work
6:00 am - Kerrie up to practice viola
6:30 am - Kelsie up to get ready for school
6:45 am - Nicolaas & Nathan out of bed. Breakfast for remaining children/round two of family scripture study with me.
7:10 am - Take Kerrie & Kelsie to the bus stop
7:15 am - My shower
7:30 am - Boys ready for school
8:00 am - Boys to the bus stop
8:10 am - finish getting ready for work & put dinner in crock pot
8:20 am - leave for work

Monday Afternoon Schedule:
2:30 pm - head home from work
3:00 pm - Kerrie, Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan home from school
3:15 pm - Snack for kids
3:20 pm - Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan start homework, Kerrie to practice viola
4:15 pm - Pick up Amanda & Ashley from Cross Country practice
4:30 pm - Amanda & Kerrie to start homework, Ashley to practice viola
5:00 pm - Dinner
5:30 pm - Ashley to start homework
6:00 pm - FHE
7:00 pm - Ashley to practice viola
7:30 pm - Finish up all homework
8:00 pm - Kids to bed
8:30 pm - Preparation of Tuesday's dinner.
9:00 pm - Bed

Tuesday Afternoon Schedule:
2:30 pm - head home from work
3:00 pm - Kerrie, Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan home from school
3:15 pm - Snack for kids
3:20 pm - Kelsie, Nicolaas, Nathan & Kerrie start homework
4:15 pm - Pick up Amanda & Ashley from Cross Country practice
4:30 pm - Dinner
5:00 pm - Ashley & Kerrie to viola lessons, Amanda to start homework
7:30 pm - Ashley to start homework
8:30 pm - Preparation of Wednesday's dinner.
9:00 pm - Bed

Wednesday Afternoon Schedule:
2:30 pm - head home from work
3:00 pm - Kerrie, Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan home from school
3:15 pm - Snack for kids
3:20 pm - Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan start homework, Kerrie to practice viola
4:15 pm - Pick up Amanda & Ashley from Cross Country practice
4:30 pm - Amanda & Kerrie to start homework, Ashley to practice viola
5:00 pm - Dinner
5:30 pm - Ashley to start homework
6:30 pm - Leave for Wednesday night Activities
8:30 pm - Finish up homework
9:00 pm - Kids to bed
9:30 pm - Preparation for Thursday's dinner
10:00 pm - Bed

Thursday Afternoon Schedule:
2:30 pm - head home from work
3:00 pm - Kerrie, Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan home from school
3:15 pm - Snack for kids
3:20 pm - Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan start homework, Kerrie to practice viola
4:15 pm - Pick up Amanda & Ashley from Cross Country practice
4:30 pm - Amanda & Kerrie to start homework, Ashley to practice viola
5:00 pm - Dinner
5:30 pm - Ashley to start homework
6:00 pm - Finish up all homework
7:00 pm - Ashley to practice viola
8:00 pm - Kids to bed
8:30 pm - Preparation of Friday's dinner.
9:00 pm - Bed

Friday Afternoon Schedule:
2:30 pm - head home from work
3:00 pm - Kerrie, Kelsie, Nicolaas & Nathan home from school
3:15 pm - Snack for kids
3:20 pm - Kelsie starts homework, Kerrie to practice viola
4:15 pm - Pick up Amanda & Ashley from Cross Country practice
4:30 pm - Amanda & Kerrie to start homework, Ashley to practice viola
5:00 pm - Dinner
5:30 pm - Ashley to start homework
6:00 pm - Ashley to Physical Therapy
7:30 pm - Ashley to practice viola
9:00 pm - kids to bed

Saturday Schedule:
9:00 am - kids to do weekly chores
9:30 am - leave for Maryland Youth Symphony
5:00 pm - home from Maryland Youth Symphony
5:15 pm - prepare dinner
6:00 pm - Dinner
6:30 pm - Kids to finish up homework
7:00 pm - prepare clothes for Church
8:00 pm - kids to bed
8:30 pm - prepare meat for following week's crock pot meals.

I have no idea when I am going to do the grocery shopping, but I am guessing it will have to be on Thursday or Friday evening. If everything runs perfectly (ha) this schedule will work for us. I am sure we will struggle to keep up with all of this.

Memo to all Gartside children: please be kind to your mother, and follow above schedule.

Remember

Remember the time when you were young, and loved to ride your bike? Remember when you were playing a game with your best friends, running and laughing so hard that you can not stay upright, so you lose your balance and scrape your elbow? Remember a time when life was light and fun and you end your day saying thanks that was great? WAIT, this is a post about my husband. Yes he has regressed to his youth. Most days he can be found on his bike. Yesterday, he went to scouts and played a lovely game called spud. He was laughing so hard, and running that he lost his balance, fell down and scraped his elbow. He actually has a scab, and he could not be happier with that.

IT'S NOT FAIR

Here is a conversation I had with Ashley tonight.

Ashley: I don't know what I want for my birthday.
Me: Ashley, yes you do know what you are getting for your birthday.
Ashley: What?
Me: You get one wild guess.
Ashley: Mom, that is not fair.
Me: Are you kidding me? You are actually telling me it is not fair that you are going to Italy for your birthday.
Ashley: It's not like I had a choice. You are making me go. The only reason is because you want to go.
Me: You poor baby. Your mother is making you go to Italy. Oh the abuse. I can not believe you are upset about being taken to Italy.
James: It's not like you get a choice, it's a gift. You do not get to pick your own gift.

Ashley pouts. I am laughing. Oh the injustice of being taking to Italy for your birthday.

That Time Again

When my children were young, I used to count down the days until summer vacation would end. I think it was because for a short period of time, someone else was in charge of them, and they were learning good things that I did not feel I could teach them. Boy has my attitude changed. I am dreading the end of summer this year. We have had a lovely summer. Aside from our trip in July, we really did not have much planned. We have just spent time together. We have gone to bed ridiculously late, and slept in until a time that I am embarrassed to tell. There have been days that we have not gotten out of pj's. I love rolling with my own schedule. I have never been one to take kindly to being told where I needed to be, and what I needed to be doing. In fact, that is generally a sure fire way to get me to do the exact opposite. I am rather stubborn, which is a flaw I have been trying to correct for most of my life.

I am truly worried that I will not be able to handle my schedule this school year. It is a bit crazy. It is a good kind of crazy, but crazy none the less. I guess I should not be complaining about it at all, as I chose to bring these wonderful children into the world, and with that comes responsibilities that I will not ignore. Also with it comes the worries and questions of motherhood. Am I doing the right things for my kids? Do I have them involved in too many things? Should I push them to do more? Should I hold them back from doing too much? Am I allowing them to make enough of their own choices, or do I bulldoze my way through with what I feel is right for them? It is a fine line to walk, especially with teenagers. I find that I must remind myself, that the whole point to this mothering thing, is to raise independent, functioning, mature adults. If I am doing too much for them, when the time actually comes for them to leave home, will they be able to get along in this world without me? It is hard, because I want to shelter them from the harsh realities of life, but I know they must learn to be happy in life, despite those harsh realities.

I will get on board come Monday, or maybe it will be Tuesday with the reality that our blissful summer is over. I will put on a cheerful face at 5:00 am when the alarm clock is going off. Well, maybe that is pushing it a bit, but I will try. I will put on a brave face as I send two girls off to high school, two girls off to middle school, and two boys off to elementary school. How did that happen? I am sure I will be a little teary, but I will try to smile. I will try to follow through with my grand plans to be so ultra organized that I do not drop the ball on anything. I am laughing as I wrote that last sentence. I mean, who am I kidding? The thought of the homework alone is enough to send me to my bed.

I will go back into denial for another few days, and face reality another day. I just can't today. I will hold onto these last few days with everything in me. Happy last days of summer. Then come Monday, I will just cheese the nasty. Yes, this is my new favorite saying for putting a brave face on something not so great. Thanks Nic for that new saying.

Cheese the Nasty

I love dinner time. It is always full of funny things my kids do and say. Tonight, James made spaghetti for dinner. He made two different kinds to appease me. He likes the whole wheat, and I do not. I am pretty good at eating mostly whole wheat, but I just can not get my taste buds on board for this wonder. It is just too heavy for me. As we started dishing up, the kids all wanted my kind. It was really funny, because James would say, do you want the good kind or the other kind. The kids have him figured out, and answered with the other kind. That pot of spaghetti went pretty fast, but the kids were still hungry, so they started accepted the "good" kind. Nicolaas said he would take it and just cheese the nasty. He then proceeded to dump gobs of parmesan cheese on top. I could not stop laughing. What a character.

Ninety One Miles

When I first met James, he was riding his bicycle all the time. It was not unusual for him to ride 60 miles a day. In fact our first date was a ride up Sabino Canyon in Tucson. Over the years, he has slowly gotten away from riding. I think the turning point for him was when he got out of school, and got a desk job. Time became an issue, and bike riding went on the back burner. I have known for years that he was missing this riding. He just would never take the time for himself. Last Christmas, I got him a new bicycle. It was a complete surprise for him, and pretty fun for us to see his reaction. I knew he would take the time to ride it if he knew I had spent money on it. He hates to waste money.

He has been riding his bike this summer. It has taken a little bit to get back in the saddle again, but he is doing well. When he first started he could only ride into work, but this week he rode home three times. His commute is thirteen miles each way, so that means he rode ninety one miles this week. The great thing is, I see a joy in him that has been missing since he stopped riding years ago. He is just a happier person. It is very fun to see.

ANTM

On September 3rd it will be time to indulge in the very superficial show, America's Next Top Model. This year has an added twist. There will be a contestant on named Isis, who is transgender, from Maryland (aren't we all proud of that). Isis identifies herself as ‘a woman born physically male.' Yuck! Here is his (I refuse to say her) picture.


Tell me what you think.

Dusk

I am sitting on my front porch enjoying a beautiful evening. Is is really August in Maryland? There is no humidity, and the air is cool and sweet. It gives me a feeling of serenity. I am listening to music by a high school classmate of mine, Kevin Burdick, and watching my white dog romping in the yard. My grass is freshly cut, and Bongo makes a picture playing in it. The song I am listening is called To Good For This World. Kevin wrote it for his daughter who died. It is pulling on my heart strings. It is one thing to imagine that kind of heart ache, but to know the man it happened to, is really touching. I remember being in choir with him, and enjoying his sense of humor. He was a lot of fun to be around. He was always smiling. To hear him sing this song, I can hear his heart in it.

Well, my perfect evening is being spoiled by the mosquitoes. I think I have at least ten bites. Time to go spray the itching bites with propolis echinacea throat spray. It really does work fabulously.

Beijing

I just love watching the Olympics. Last night's opening ceremonies to the Beijing Olympics was amazing. I think it will go down as one of my all time favorite torch lighting. It is usually kind of boring to watch the runner take the lap around the stadium to the torch, but man, was it cool to see it happen in the air. When I saw the final torch barer, and could see the wires hooked to his body, I was waiting for something awesome, and I was not disappointed. Here he is being lifted into the air.

To truly appreciate this, you have to understand that this man was at the top of the stadium that holds 90,000 people. I have no idea how high up he was, but it looked impressive to me.


I am excited to watch the events. It should be really fun. Some of my favorites are gymnastics, swimming, and diving. Very exciting. FYI Ralph Lauren designed the U.S. team's opening ceremony outfits. Not surprising, they were in a suit with white pants and blue jacket. I felt sorry for the athletes, as it was very hot, and they were sweating like crazy.

One of my favorite parts was when China walked in during the parade of nations. Walking alongside Yao Ming was a little boy named Lin Hao. He is nine years old. During the earthquake this year, 20 out of 30 of his classmates were killed. He pulled himself out of the rubble, and went back and saved the lives of 2 of his classmates. It is a touching story, and a stunning picture to see him walking in front of his nation's athletes.

Welcome Home

James has been in Denver, communing with the geeks in the statistics community. I think it has been fun for him. Well, he said it was a mixed bag. Some really good, and some really bad. I bet he was wishing he had a baby to pinch to get him out of some of those presentations. Of course, I never used my babies in such a horrible way.

For me, it has not been fun. I have missed him very much. I am fortunate and spoiled. He travels for work maybe once every 2-3 years. I hate it every time he goes. Suddenly, every noise I hear at night wakes me up. I do not sleep when he is not here. The kids hate it too.

Amanda has nicknamed him Mr. Einstein. That makes me laugh every time she calls him that. All week she has said, "I miss Mr. Einstein."

He gets home in a few hours, and we will be very happy to see him.

Retainer

One of my girls is in some major hot water right now. She took her retainer out to get a drink of water, and put it on the tv stand. The dog got a hold of it, and it is now a mangled mess of plastic and wire. We went to the orthodontist today to get a new one. Because it was ruined due to negligence, we are responsible for the cost of the new retainer. It will cost us $140. I told her she had to work off the money. I said I would pay her $5 per hour, so she owed me 28 hours of work. I then informed her this was in addition to her regular chores. She is moaning quite loudly as you can imagine. I have given her laundry duty. I think it is an appropriate punishment, and will hopefully help her to never do it again. They had to take a new mold. She was not happy about that either. I was thrilled with this. The more unpleasant this is for her, the less likely she will be to repeat it. Then there was a bubble in the first impression, and they had to do it again. Cruel mom that I am, I just laughed. When she gave me a nasty look, I said "this is me, not feeling sorry for you." I hope the whole thing was sufficiently horrible that she will be more cautious in the future. I love it when natural consequences are in play. They just work so much better than anything I could have dreamed up. Isn't motherhood a bundle of joy?

Pictures from Utah

I keep finding pictures I forgot to put up on my blog. In this set are pictures from our day at Temple Square. In it is one of my very favorite ever photos of James. It has him with his natural smile, which I have a hard time getting in a picture. Fun memories.

More Pictures

Here are just some fun pictures from our trip.