Spring Break

Let the Swimming Begin
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 288

Today is the first day of our 2 week spring break. The kids, of course, are planning on spending the entire time in the pool.



When they aren't in the pool they plan to be lounging by the pool.



Should be a good 2 weeks.

Music Maker
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Day 289

Adam was taking piano lessons with my dad before we moved but I've been a slacker and took quite some time to find him a new teacher. And even when I did find him a new teacher she was all booked and I was put on her waiting list.

But the waiting in now over.

It's hard to believe that as we approach our first year anniversary of living in Arizona that there are any firsts still to be had. But, tonight Adam went for his first Arizona Piano lesson






This Place is for the Birds
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 290

Today the kids and I took a trip to the Gilbert Riparian Institute.

It's supposed to be a great place to spot many different species of birds, but the kids were much more interested in the tiny baby turtle.



They stood and watched him for at least 20 minutes!

The other highlight of the day was the fountain at the library next door where we went to use the bathroom.





Boys will be Boys
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Day 291

Adam had a friend from school over today. We have a house full of toys. Cars and trains and helicopters and legos-but what did the boys want to spend most their time doing? Using the hose to make mud in the backyard.



Joe's BBQ Grill
Friday, March 16, 2012
Day 292

The people who are currently living in our Utah home moved from Arizona. Since we were quite literally swapping places with each other we gave each other a few pointers for settling into their new home. The one tip they shared with us was "Eat at Joe's BBQ Grill. You'll love it." So today we FINALLY made it!



Luck O' The Irish
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Day 293

Today being St. Patty's day the kids had a very special breakfast.....of Lucky Charms.



Yup, that's how we roll around here.

The Rain, Rain, Rain came Down, Down Down
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Day 294

Today it rained, and rained, and rained.

And then it hailed!

Movin' Right Along

Dessert
Monday, March 5, 2012
Day 281

Sometimes I want something sweet after dinner, but we have absolutely no junk food in the house. That's when I have to get creative.

Tonight I had a terrible sweet tooth so I ended up with a bowl of cheerios that I sprinkled with coconut and then topped with chocolate milk. (Yes, I had Nestle quick in the house so I guess I can't say I had NO junk food. Just very little.)



Gettin' My House in Order
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 282

Health and Finances-the two areas of my life that are the biggest mess right now. So I ordered a couple items to help me start to get a handle on things and both arrived today!



Guess it's time to get to work!

Mismatched?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Day 283

Today was my first day back volunteering at the school since my surgery. I've been teaching the Junior Achievement lessons and I have 2 more in each class to finish. I put on my favorite black pants but then wasn't sure if my new shoes matched.  (My new shoes that were on Clearance for $5 and so I just HAD to have them!)



My mom taught me you can't wear conflicting patterns together but what do you think? Can I pull off plaid shoes with striped pants?

Student Conferences
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Day 284

Tonight we had student-led conferences at the school. I thought it was going to be 5-10 minutes in each kid's classroom. Boy was I wrong. We were at the school for over an hour!!!! They had SO MANY things to show us!



Of course I remembered to take a picture in Zoey's classroom and then completely forgot to take on in Adam's classroom. So I made him hold his land forms model for me once we got home.



Window Shopping
Friday, March 9, 2012
Day 285

After so many days of just being in bed (or on the couch) after surgery I have been feeling a bit stir crazy and boxed in so Harrison and I went window shopping today.

Loved these bright spring colors at Pier 1!



Also loved this furniture made from reclaimed wood. Thinking I want this as my next bedroom set.



Always an Adventure
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Day 286

Took a drive to Ikea today looking for one thing and ended up buying more plants instead. Yes I have a total plant obsession right now. If only I could just keep them alive!!!!

Anyway, after Ikea we stopped at Costco to pick up a patio furniture setting we've had our eye on. After weeks of thinking it over we finally decided we did in fact want them.

Of course it didn't fit in our car. At least not in the box. But we would not be deterred. First I took all the stuff from Ikea out of the car.



Then we unboxed the chairs and were able to make them fit that way.



Like I said, always an adventure.

Cleaning Day
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Day 287

This morning I decided it was past time to clean the humidifiers again. This is a chore I usually do on Sunday because the only way to truly (and easily) clean the hard water build up and slimy scale is to soak them in white vinegar. And I HATE the smell of white vinegar. So I get them all soaking just before we leave for church. That way they can soak for 3 full hours and I don't have to be in the house smelling them.

Didn't need it anyway

Goodbye Gallbladder!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day 274


Today I had my very first surgery! Trust me, it's not something to be celebrated. It wasn't fun and I wouldn't recommend it but all things considered I can't complain.


They took out my gallbladder and all I got in return was this lovely bracelet.






Seriously though I'm grateful at how smoothly things went. I didn't even have symptoms so it's actually kind of random that the problem was even discovered. And once it was discovered I hesitated at the idea because hey, if I don't feel sick why take it out now? But because of the way the polyp was situated it wasn't going to be too much longer before I developed pancreatitis and became quite sick. 


Surgery is never fun but this one is routine and so I checked in at 10:00 am and was home in my own bed by noon. Like I said, can't really complain. (Although I'm glad it's behind me now!)




Get Well Soon


Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 275


Zoey's teacher was so sweet-when she heard that I was having surgery she had all the kids make me a get well cards.





If 27 cards from kindergarten students doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will! I love that at that age they are so full of love such that nearly every card says "I Love you, Mrs. Miller." Usually followed by "When can I come to your house?" 


Someday My Plants Will Grow


Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Day 276


Sing that subtitle to the tune of "Someday my Prince Will Come."


Did you sing it? We can't go on until you sing it. LOUDLY.


Ok-moving on. 


I have mostly slept the last two days but I am starting to get around a bit today. The key word being a BIT. So I decided I probably should take a look at home my plants are doing since I'm sure nobody else has been taking care of them.


But first you have to watch this. Because this is EXACTLY how I feel when it comes to caring for plants.






Seriously, I love having plants in my home and yard but I kill them. I try SO HARD, I even use Miracle Grow...but I still kill them. 


So I was talking to the flower gal at Fry's the other day and she said that the number one killer of house plants in over watering, and that in the store they water them by just throwing some ice cubes on top and as they melt it gives the plants just enough water.








Here's the trying ANYTHING to keep my plants alive!


Happy Hour


Thursday, March 1, 2012
Day 277


After a few days straight in the house I was feeling a bit stir crazy and needed to get out. So we made a Sonic run this afternoon. Yea!




However, I did not get my usual. Today I went with a strawberry limeade. Yes, I have been off caffeine for 4 whole days. It's not a lot, but it's a start, right? A journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step.




Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!


Friday, March 2, 2012
Day 278

While the older kids were at school today I read some books to Harrison in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday. We were reading Would You Rather be a Bullfrog which was actually written by Theo. LeSieg, the pseudomyn used by Theodor Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss, when a book was illustrated by somebody else. Raise your hand if you already knew that!

Okay, anyway, we were reading and on this page....

Harrison said, "It wouldn't be fun to have a hundred sixty-four feet because it would take all day to tie your shoes."

Also of note today, I'm starting to feel like eating again so we finally made it to Joe's Farm Grill.




We tried to eat there on my birthday but all 3 times we drove past the line was clear out the door and down the sidewalk.



We weren't in any hurry today so we went early and waited in line. And it was worth it!


In the outdoor dining areas these signs are post all over.






I know they are referring to the two items as separate events, i.e. you could fall out of the tree OR you could encounter a scorpion. But just the same I dreamed of scorpions falling on my head all night. 


Family Fun Run
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Day 279


For the final fund raiser of the year the PTO sponsored a Family 5K Fun Run. Here the kids are ready to run!





I love this as a fund raiser because it promotes an active lifestyle and overall fitness AND because 100% of the money goes directly to the school. Personally I hate buying cookie dough or candy bars. But maybe that's just me.

Mike and Adam actually ran some of the way and finished in about 40 minutes. The younger two had slower legs, which was fine with me since I did just have surgery on Monday! We finished in just over an hour.






Lazy Sunday


Sunday, March 4, 2012
Day 280


Took a walk and sat by the lake today. I figured you all were tired of my standard picture of the lake and the fountains so I looked around for something else interesting to snap a photo of.