Teachers, we support you!

I would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all the teachers of the Gresham-Barlow School District.

Our children go to school every day and enter a place where they are loved, cared for and educated. They are curious, they are happy, they are confident and they will have a bright future- thanks in no small part to the people who work so tirelessly for them every day.

I understand that both sides (the school district AND the teachers) have concessions to make in order to avoid a strike. I understand that school budgets are taking a beating, and we ALL have to make sacrifices in order to recover. I understand that my children simply won't get the same education I did, years ago, in the same schools. Change happens.

What should NOT happen is a school district completely ignoring the backbone of their organization when it comes to safety, schedules and compassion. What should NOT happen is an official distict website using language so slanderous and disresepctful to the district's employees that I- as a parent of the district, not a teacher- cringe to read such a passive agressive slap on the cheek. What should not happen is a school board walking away from negotiations while my children's education is on the line.

I have seen some things that, in my opinion, the teacher's association could bend on. I have seen the anger, the passion, the hurt that has the school board on the defensive. And guess what? I have an opinion about that.

Sometimes, just acknowledging some else's frustration goes a long way toward finding common ground. I have seen the teachers do that. Now, as a parent, I ask the district to do the same.

If a strike happens, I will be very disappointed. I will feel sad for my children, for the families of the teachers, even for some school board members whom I believe really WANT to reach an agreement. I will be sad for the district that helped form me and so many around me.

If a strike happens, my children will not cross a picket line. I do not believe that my eager to learn students will get the education they deserve while their beloved, hard working teachers stand on the sidewalk in a last attempt to be heard. Instead of sending my children in to get a sub-par education at a school which has always provided them an excellent education, my children and I will stand WITH those people who stand FOR them. My children will return to school when those schools are what every child deserves.

I ask any Gresham-Barlow parent to join me in this. We simply cannot support our schools without supporting the teachers within them.

I am confident that if the school district goes back to the table (and STAYS there as long as is neccesary), with the intent to find a respectful solution- our teachers will do the same.

Teachers: THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart- for all you do- thank you.

Mommy/Son Dork Tour 2012

First off, sorry I haven't been updating much. Bad me. I know I said I'd be around more since I'm off Facebook, but life is busy. And I have to say that I am really enjoying the less internet-centered life.

Still, I have to share: Skyler and I just returned home from a 2 night stay in Forks, Washington. This was super, amazingly fun. Really cool. In fact, even if you hate Twilight- or live under a rock or something and don't know what it is- you should still go to Forks.

Perhaps now Dusty won't have to listen to me begging him to move to Astoria...because I think I now want to move to the Olympic Penninsula (though I don't think I could handle a town with THAT small of a population...perhaps Port Angeles would be a better choice for us).

Skyler and I set off on Friday morning with a plan: head to Astoria, Oregon via the old St. Helen's highway and then travel all the way up Highway 101 to Forks. I brought lots of water and snacks and an audiobook. Sky brought a good attitude, lots of enthusiasm and multiple disposable cameras. We even bought a map. And we looked at it right side up (<--- Aren't you proud, Mom? Everyone else: there is a story here. I'll explain someday.).




We made it easily to Astoria, then crossed the bridge- which is LONG! Wow!- to Washington. We were happily listening to the book, chatting and enjoying our time...when suddenly I realized we were in Oysterville. This was majorly confusing to me, since I was almost positive that Oysterville was NOT on our route. Probably I should have looked at the map better. Since I didn't, we had to backtrack quite a way! I'd somehow gotten off of 101 about 30 minutes before I realized my mistake. But still, we have a sense of adventure and figured that- hey, at least now we know what Oysterville looks like!

...Until a couple hours later when I realized I'd gotten off of 101 AGAIN, and had just added ANOTHER extra hour to our trip. See why I had to buy a map? Because I didn't own one. Because I can't read them. Probably (MOM), I would have been able to read it had it been upside down! :-)



Finally, we got back on 101 and actually stayed on track, because Skyler decided he'd better take over the map reading. Finding our bed and breakfast was quite an adventure, since I had planned to rely on the GPS function on my phone- not realizing that I wouldn't be able to use that function in Forks, because T-Mobile sucks when it comes to coverage in remote areas. Luckily, the people of the town are pretty friendly, used to tourists and willing to help out a woman on the verge of tears in a gas station.

Saturday morning we did a tour of Forks' Twilight spots. That was fun! I loved it and Sky was willing to have fun because I was having fun. We took some silly pictures and laughed a lot.



Then we headed to LaPush. LaPush left me struggling a bit. Traditionally, I have always been Team Edward and Team Cannon Beach Is The Best Beach Ever. I have to admit- seeing the beaches at LaPush has my loyalty to BOTH teams starting to shift. It was AMAZING. Oh- and really cold.








Sky and I finished up Saturday night with a walk around the property of The Palmer Lodge (the B & B we stayed at) that left our jaws dropped. As the rain slowed and the sun faded, we got to watch a herd of around 70 wild elk walk out of the forest and into an open field to hang out for the evening. I have seen exactly ONE elk that wasn't in the zoo in my entire life. Sky has NEVER seen an elk out of captivity. This sight alone was totally worth all the driving.

After the elk sighting, Sky and I decided to "hit the town". There is exactly one activity on a Saturday night in Forks that the inn keepers could think of: bowling. So we headed to Sunset Lanes Bowling Alley, where score is kept on paper with a projector system, bumpers have to be physically placed on the lanes at the start of the game, and the newest song we heard was from the 80's. It. Was. Awesome. We still have no idea what our final scores were- I've never had to calculate them myself! Even so, I have never had so much fun bowling.

On the drive home Sunday we opted to head through Port Angeles, then head to Kingston so that we could take a ferry to Edmunds and then have lunch in Seattle. I realize we pretty much took the two longest possible routes, but the journey to and from Forks was as awesome as being there! We were amazed at the sight and beauty of Lake Crescent. We MUST camp there someday, now that I don't totally hate camping*. The ferry ride was great, too- but by the time we reached Seattle we were pretty ready to get home. We love Seattle, but it WAS a lot of driving and exploring for only three days.

What a trip. I feel like some amazing memories were made, and I am so glad that Skyler isn't *yet* at the age where mom is just NOT cool enough to hang out with! I know it'll happen eventually, which makes times like these just so much sweeter.

Snow! Or maybe not.

In their annual attempt to actually get people to watch their broadcasts, the news stations are going on and on about snow. The kids are convinced that they will get 2 weeks off school for a blizzard. Dusty, who seems to regard the possibility of snow 'round here like a 7 year old regards Santa (ping-ponging between optimism and reality), keeps telling me it is "supposed to get pretty bad tonight". I am prepared to work tomorrow*.

*I'll be complaining about not having a snow day, but I'll be there.

We DID get a little, tiny, itty bitty bit of snow on Sunday morning. Here is Alex enjoying the snow (Sky was at his Dad's, where snow was elusive):







Alex yelled "Happy Holidays!" every time he threw a snowball at the window. Not sure why, but it was so cute that I couldn't bring myself to burst his bubble by telling him that Christmas is over. And, yeah, his scarf is pink- he likes it.

Sky is hard for me to get pictures of because he isn't the type to make picture taking easy and he just isn't around the house as much as Alex. I'll try to get some soon, so that I can keep it even.

The boys have recently started music lessons- Alex is excited about learning to play the piano, and Skyler is trying his hand at guitar. I love it when the boys open new doors, especially when they do it with enthusiasm!

And now...better go make dinner. Because if I don't do it soon, the stupid weather report may actually turn out to be right and the power will go out or something.

Hello, Santa!

Hi there! I realize it's been awhile. Since my mom is probably my only reader (Hi, Mom!) and I pretty much tell her everything in person, I figure this isn't too big a deal. But just in case there IS another person out there who is reading (Hi, Dad!), I figured I'd give an update.

Christmas is here! Well, almost. Sure it's still *only* the 23rd. But I'm already half crazed and have gained 3 pounds which, in my opinion, makes this a holiday. Skyler is about to get a Christmas wish he has wanted since last year- a Harry Potter Lego Hogwarts Castle. I (Santa) am GIDDY over this. I can't wait to see his face...at 5am on Christmas morning (On second thought, I COULD wait...but it won't happen). Alex is anxiously awaiting Santa tomorrow night. Aunt Ashley had "Santa" call Alex last weekend, and Al-B. did a fantastic impersonation of Buddy the Elf (think "SANTA!!!!", and if you don't know what I am talking about you need to go watch Elf. Right NOW).

This year Dusty's family is doing a homemade Christmas. This presents a challenge for me, because for some reason people assume I am crafty. In reality, I am NOT crafty. I am OCD and as a result appear crafty after spending 5 hours on something that would take an *actual* crafty person 20 minutes. Still, regardless of how it happened, I am anxious to share some of the loot I made (and Dusty helped with). Until gifts are unwrapped I can only show one thing, since said gift is for children and I'll assume they aren't reading my blog. The rest, I'll post later. Unless I get distracted- which, unfortunately, could happen.

Here is my idea: Paper Airplane Kits. Sky and Alex are obsessed with paper airplanes. If I take them to work with me, I give it 5 minutes before the recylcling bin is empty and my head is being pelted with flying objects. So I decided to make this worse by giving them tools to make even MORE flying disturbances.



The boxes came from Costco. At less than $20 for 14 boxes, I can afford to make many kits AND organize my cupboards:



To the boxes, I added names and a quote from a B.O.B. song that the kids will probably do an eyeroll at, but I love.





Into the boxes went airplane materials- colorful paper, graph paper, crayons, tape, paper clips, a mini stapler and stickers.



If the kids who get these kids run out of the room yelling "I HATE THIS!", I'll probably retire the idea (and buy them a book on manners instead). But assuming this kit goes over well, I'm thinking perhaps I have an idea for future birthday parties!

Alex the school superstar!

Since I never did get around to updating, I should say that after a few worried nights and lots of little prayers- Alex got in to the same school that Skyler goes to. Which is the school that Grandma Val works it. Which is really cool.

Alex began school just over 2 weeks ago, because Kindergarten kids work on a gradual entry system. Kindergarten is 1/2 day here, with the exception of every other Wednesday. On Wednesday, one group of kids goes all day and the other stays home. Then it rotates. Bad for scheduling childcare, great for the kid excited to eat lunch at school.

Alex woke up early today, bright eyed (Well, he's Alex so I guess he is ALWAYS "bright eyed") and ready to go. He had his bookbag packed. His outfit laid out. His lunchpail on the counter.

The lunchpail was a big deal to Mr. Al B. On his very first day of school, he walked out of the school- stormed out, to be exact- and said "Mommy, I only bwing my lunch pail on Wednesdays. Not evewy day. And all I got fow snack was TWO cookies and one dwink of watew. TWO COOKIES, MOMMY. I am STAWVING."
*Note: I am not really thinking the child was at risk for starvation. He was in class for 2 1/2 hours. And ate right before he went. And as soon as he got home. Against all odds, he survived.

The best part about this lunch obsession was that when I put his backpack on him to go to the bus stop, he was really not loving the fact that it made the backpack weight about as much as he does. Kids. Can't starve 'em, can't make 'em in to pack mules. Sheesh.

Aside from the snack obsession, school has been going great for Alex (and Sky too!). So I knew today was going to be a good day, and it was. He came out of school happy and exhausted- just the way I like him. On the way to school Skyler sat at the front of the bus with his little brother, and as they drove away in a giant Twinkie-On-Wheels together for the first time...I stood on the sidewalk and resisted the urge to break into cheer.





Kids are adorable. So is quiet.

Giant Cupcakes for dinner! (Or not)

First of all, here is my word to all websites/computer systems/people who control such things: Can y'all stop updating ALL AT ONCE? In one day, I went from being fairly computer literate to barely knowing how to turn the dumb thing on! Facebook, Internet Explorer, Pandora...and now I sign on to blog and I find out that Blogger updated, too? AHH! I am not this good at change. Stop now, or at least get a calendar and schedule once big adjustment at a time, please.

And now, on to the meat of the matter.

Tonight, we had giant cupcakes for dinner. Mmm...I love me some red velvet or strawberries & champagne cupcakes. But tonight, we went a little less traditional. We went with meatloaf.

Yep. You read right.

I have been in a cooking funk lately. Except for learning how to can, which I'll post about this weekend because as it turns out, sealing stuff in mason jars is really super cool. Between school starting and work being a bit draining and fibro attempting to be a royal pain in my, well, everything (for the record, I am winning in THAT particular battle of the wills, thankyouverymuch)- lavish dinners have kind of turned in to crock pot faithfuls and sandwiches. I hate when this happens because when it comes down to it- I love to cook.

I needed inspiration. And I needed dinner made in one hour and twenty minutes in order to get to the school's open house. And I miss my mom. So I thought- what do I love that mom makes? Tacos. I'll make tacos.

Wait. All I have for tacos is ground turkey and beans. Ok, scratch the tacos. Burritos? Oh, yeah...you need tortillas (obviously Mexican food isn't my forte, because I actually got excited for a minute before remembering this key ingredient). No burritos. Hmm...Well...I DO have ground turkey...MEATLOAF!

By this time I had approximately 40 minutes left. Not much time for making meatloaf. But I DO have a really great giant cupcake pan that I bought to make meatloaf cupcakes in for April Fools Day! Alright. Plan Q. I will make mini meatloafs in the giant cupcake tin.

But it is such a shame to HAVE a giant cupcake tin specifically for tricking your children, and not USE it. Lucky for me, I also had leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge.

35 minutes...

So I throw some parmesean,carrots, cabbage, gluten free bread crumbs, eggs, italian seasoning and ground turkey in the food processor, get it to the icky mixed together stage and stuff it in muffin pans. This is about the time that the boys come in to the kitchen and ask what I'm making. I tell them "We are having meatloaf cupcakes for dinner". And I get the following responses:

Alex: "YAY! CUPCAKES FOR DINNEW!" (I'm thinking Alex missed a key part of my statement.)

Skyler: "Uh...ok" (And then he gives me that look that tells me he thinks I'm crazy, but I've done my job as a parent so he is afraid to say anything to that effect.)

While the meatloaf was cooking I reheated the mashed potatoes and mixed in some all natural blue and green food coloring. In retrospect, blue and green was probably a bad choice, since NOTHING green looks yummy. And "natural" food coloring works just fine...if you are color blind. But, somehow, after the mashed potatoes were applied to the tops of the meatloafs as you'd apply frosting to a cupcake- it fooled the boys.

I set the "cupcakes" down on the dinner table. Reactions:

Alex: "CUPCAKES!"

Skyler: "Uh..." (Skyler had heard the part about them being meatloaf, but really believed that the mashed potatoes were frosting. Which just took me higher on the "crazy mom" scale, I'm sure.)



Dusty was much more quiet than usual, and Skyler was understandably hesitant, so Alex took a hint and waited for someone ELSE to try the cupcakes first. He was disappointed when Skyler bit in to it and said "This is...is? Is this potato?". His little sugar filled hopes came crashing down. But he tried it anyhow and decided that it wasn't so bad. And ate all of his kale. And mine, too. So I suppose that means that dinner was a success*?

After a really awesome open house- Skyler showed me his classroom with an enthusiasm that I've never seen from him before, and Alex got to show Daddy the library- they BOTH asked for another "meatloaf cupcake"!

Which means, ladies and gentlemen, that I have my (cooking) groove back!


*Just a note on the cupcakes: If you do this, don't use paper cupcake linings. Trust me.
Also, the coloring looks funny because I really AM a mean mom. Not ONLY do I lie to my kids about eating cake when they are REALLY eating meatloaf- I fill said meatloaf with veggies until it is really "meat-and-whatever-mom-has-in-her-veggie-compartment loaf".

We HAVE a SHOPPER!

I may have died and gone to heaven.

Before I had two boys, I had visions of tutus. Cheerleading. Pink. Bows.


(Seriously- isn't that adorable?!?!? You can find it at Made By Meade on Etsy!)

I remember a sense of shock when I found out that Skyler wasn't going to be of the pink variety. What on earth would I DO with a boy?

And then came Alex. Again?!?!? Where am I going to fit the bows in?

Over the years I have adapted. Adaptation, in this case, has taken the form of learning to distinguish 10,000 shades of blue from 20,000 shades of green and holding out hope that someday I can get a pedicure with with my neice. I suppose I should also admit that Georgia, the only other female in this household, wears pink collars. REALLY pink collars. (Dusty shot down the tutu.)

But today, a miracle happened. Perhaps I am being rewarded for being a trooper about this whole girly-girl-gets-2-boys bit.

Skyler likes to shop. He loves football and baseball and golf and wrestling, but he also enjoys an afternoon at the mall with Mom.

Today Skyler and I went school shopping. Since school starts in the morning, I realize this was a bit of a last minute deal. But since I've been in this rodeo before and know how fast kids grow, I put it off until the last minute.

This afternoon Skyler and I started off with lunch at the Spaghetti Factory (did you know that they are awesomely gluten-free friendly?). The Spaghetti Factory is "our special place". I know that it is a chain restaurant, and that it isn't THAT good of food, but I really hope that when Skyler is older and drives past the OSF, he'll think of me and our Mommy/Son dates.

Then we hit the mall- looking, by the way- like mother and son (thanks to hair dye and Converse).



Skyler didn't just want clothes. He wanted the EXPERIENCE. We tried jeans on (and decided on bootcut- YAY!). We looked in mirrors while holding up multiple shirts and deciding which was worth a trip to the dressing room. We got sodas. We got samples at See's (and potentially a Scotchmallow or 3). We people watched. It. Was. Great.

This is what Skyler ended up with after who knows HOW many stores:





And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the crown jewel of Sky's Back To School Shopping Adventure:


Yep. My son is in there. I promise.

Tomorrow my "big little" starts the 3rd grade. When I tucked him in tonight, he said "Well, it's back to the real world tomorrow". I am so lucky and so thankful for the beautiful little boys they are. And truthfully- if they hated shopping with a passion and worshipped NASCAR, I'd still think they were adorable. Which makes the fact that Alex secretly loves pink and Skyler loves the mall kind of like the cherry on top, right?

Alex begins kindergarten next week. We don't know where yet. Which means that this post is to be continued...