Mad Props

Today I watched my sister Kori's three children while she got her hair done. Let me just saw, "WOW!! How do you do it every day Kori?" I was exhausted after two hours and she does this 24/7. I had 4 year old Jack, 3 year old Kenzie, and 4 week old Cache. Little Cache needed lots of burping and then decided that he didn't want to sleep anywhere except my arm. Kenzie didn't nap long enough and caused lots of mischief. Jack just wanted to be pushed on the swingset so badly, but ended up eating, watching Star Wars, driving the car, and playing Wii. Cache ate and burped and slept and cried and wanted attention. It was tons of fun and I love hanging out with them (cause I don't get to see them often), but three is....well, it is three children under the age of four. So let me just say to all you mom's out there, "YOU ROCK!" I am mad impressed with those mothering skills. Kori is a new mom and she is making it happen with grace and style, while her wimpy older sister is tired after two hours. Thanks Kori for letting me chill with your kids today and trusting me with them and keep doing your thing, cause you make mothering look easy!

My new toy

I like to compare myself to Monica (from Friends). I am a total control freak, love being organized, and one of my favorite possessions is my label maker. I have always wanted a shredder. What else does a girl need to complete their office get-up then a shredder? I could never quite stomach spending the money on one, but today, enough was enough. My filing cabinet is spilling over and the office needed serious help. Enter, the Fellowes P-58Cs, courtesy of Office Max and their shredder sale. Now, I have a shredder to shred to my hearts content. Good-bye old paper and hello identity protection. This happy little clam has slowly been pecking away at her pile of papers and throwing those tiny shreds in the recycling bin. It's a marvelous day!

Slow down trigger foot...

Well, gosh, darn it. It has been over three years since my last speeding ticket; I must have forgot to knock on wood this morning. LJ forgot his phone, so I took it to him at work and then I was rushing to get to class on time. The same cop has been in the same place on Cole Road just past Costco every day for the last two weeks, but could I remember that, Nooo! I just had to go a little too fast and drive right by him when there was no one else around, so of course his radar got me dead on and of course he just had to pull me over. Of course he gave me a ticket. I did not argue, I did not cry, I did not make up some elaborate story about why I didn't deserve a ticket. I sat there in my car and accepted my punishment like a big girl. I know I drive fast and I know I need to slow down and now I have an $85 punishment to remind me of those two facts. Thank you Boise Police for helping me learn a valuable lesson today.

My new favorite cleaning product

I just got done cleaning the bathroom and I thought I would share my new favorite cleaning tool. My mom introduced me to the Magic Eraser probably 5 or 6 years ago when they were moving. I knew it was great for getting marks off walls and baseboards, but I am slowly learned to appreciate just how versatile this eraser is. It works great for cleaning tile floors. I recently decided to use it on my bathtub. It has gotten my tub so clean. I started about a month ago, just scrubbing the tub. And I scrub with the eraser every week and now most of the scum and black line that you can't get rid of are nearly gone. My tub looks whiter and brighter then it has in years. Your tub won't look amazing overnight, but after a few weeks, it will look great. Give it a try and let me know how your results turn out. You just might find you like it.

And then there were none...

LJ's youngest brother, Kurt, got married this last weekend. Jenica and Kurt were married in the Boise Temple and then had their reception out in Nampa. It was a long and busy day. The last of the five boys is finally married. Kurt and Jenica are off to Parump, Nevada to begin their new adventure. We wish them the best of luck and hope they come visit often. Rick and Kellie did a fabulous job on the food and a good time was had by all. Congratulations Kurt and Jenica!!

The Happy Couple

Jake and Kellie

Anita

LJ with his corn dog

Rick with the popcorn

Rooster in the sand

So it begins...

Another school year has come and gone. I can't believe I have taught for six years. The time goes by faster and faster. I used to wonder why my mom could never remember what happened and in what year. Now I understand why. It just all seems to blur together in a haze of fog.
We went to Carrie Underwood last week. Awesome! One of the best concerts I have ever been to. I have loved her since week one of her debut on American Idol and she did not disappoint. Her opening acts weren't too shabby either.

I finished school Friday and started class Monday. I am in a Teaching American History Grant (hereafter referred to as TAH) and I love it. I get to learn more about History, collaborate with colleagues, and fill my mind instead of emptying to unappreciative ninth graders. Well, with class comes lots and lots of reading. So in the last week I have read, Liberalism and Socialism by John Dewey, American Progressivism by Pestritto and Atto, and Electing FDR: The New Deal Campaign of 1932 by Donald Ritchie. I still have about 4 more books to go, plus over 100 pages of primary sources to read, but it's all good. I am plugging away at it. I won't take the time to write a book review of these- you might fall asleep. I will say that Pestritto & Atto's book is a great collection of Progressive Era sources. I also really liked the Ritchie book. It is a clear, concise summary of the election of 1832, who ran in each primary, and the politics of that time. I highly recommend it.

So here is too another rainy week in Boise (what like the 5th in a row?) and another great week of learning.