Take A Look......

As a child I was a huge fan of public television, especially shows such as the Electric Company, The Bloodhound Gang, Kaptain Kangaroo, and Reading Rainbow. I can still remember the tune to Reading Rainbow, Take a look, it's in a book, reading rainbow.......I'll spare you all the other words or me humming live music. Levar Burton intrigued me in such a way that I sat mesmerized listening to him read stories that normally didn't interest me a bit. For me, that was a big deal because after about 4th grade me and reading didn't really like one another. I lost interest and most of the time was intimidated with small print and thick books. I was all about cliff notes and summarized versions.

At the beginning of the school year, it was obvious Luke was struggling in reading. He wasn't grasping simple site words. As a parent I became frustrated because after saying a word 5 times I fully expected he would at least recognize or remember what I told him 5 seconds ago. Not so. It was a battle just to ask him to read a sentence. I stopped for about a month because fighting with him each day going over simple reading exercises wasn't worth it. I got an email from his teacher a month later stating that Luke is progressing, but we (teacher and parents) really need to watch him. My heart sank. We all know that if we aren't reiterating what is taught at school children loose interest and aren't as successful. Doug and I immediately began disciplining ourselves and making it a habit to read with Luke ever so patiently each night. Some nights have been hard, but overall he has improved so much. I am happy to report a recent progress report has showed him moving up not one, but TWO reading levels. And in case you are wondering, these binoculars are a new way of reading.

Luke Man

Luke with his requested "spikey" do.

The ages of 3 and 5 are some of my very favorite. They are old enough to do things on their own, potty, get dressed, and feed themselves and are so innocent. Life is good once your kids hit 3. Luke continues to surprise me with how much he has grown up in just the past six weeks. We decided to put him into soccer at the last minute with a bunch of his little buddies and it has been the greatest thing. He has had a blast! I think he would eat, drink and live soccer every day if we allowed it. Taylor is much better at documenting video footage and I found this interview on the camera. So funny.

Luke is also my more conservative child. He doesn't like to go out on a limb with anything. Luke does things at his OWN pace. This morning I was cracking up because he woke up and said in the most enthusiastic voice, "Mom can you make my hair into a Mohawk?! (I later found out the real reason he wanted it, his friends have that hairstyle). I think he meant more of a faux hawk which much of the time I style Weston's hair into. I happily agreed to add in some extra gel knowing full well that by the time he reached school it would be flat again. He has a little curl and very thin hair, opposite than my other boys. If he could only be in kindergarten forever *sigh* or "foreber" as Luke would say.

Yeah, I am Weird, Whatever.....

one of the corners by our house

I have discussed my thoughts in the past and hear I am venting them out again. We have had issues in the past with random cats leaving lovely presents in my flower beds. Seriously, irritating. I won't go on lashing about my anti-cat remarks. I'll just leave it at that. However, now I am beginning to find myself noticing more and more stray dogs in my area. Again, buggy! I know it sounds hypocritical to be lashing out at the canine species since I myself am the proud owner of one. BUT, you see when I walk religiously everyday with Bones, I have to come in contact with these freely roaming creatures. It is not only annoying, but can be a little scary having little yappy things barking at you and at your feet. Some maybe friendly, but there are some that I have felt threated by. I have turned to sticks and stones to rid them away. Hello? I have two children AND the dog with me. Not so much of a defense system. Sadly, most of these animals have homes, I see that they have collars. Where are the owners?? Would you let your kids roam the streets by themselves? We keep our gate locked so this won't occur at our house. So, I am not only bugged by the feline family, but the canine as well. I did a little P.I. work and found two of these animals roaming as I was leaving to run errands. Blasted dogs anyhoo! Not to mention they leave LARGER presents in the yard.

It looks as though this dog was posing. Say woof!

In lighter news, Luke was cracking me up the other day. Doug got off work earlier than normal. The minute he walks in the door Doug immediately takes his scrubs off to get into "normal" attire. I can't remember what I was doing, but all of a sudden I hear Luke say, "hey mom look at me, I am like dad....see ya I am going off to work." I turned around and this is what I saw. He had taken Doug's clothes out of the basket and put them on and even grabbed the cell phone. And yes, this is really what Doug looks like most of the time even down to the cell phone. It was hysterical.

Luke posing as s mini dad.

Today my kids school had Santa photos. I decided to take up the opportunity and avoid the crowded malls plus I was supporting student council. Yay for supporting the school! And yes, I am one of those mothers who dresses their children in matching/coordinating outfits for photos. Even church. (I am sure I will never live that one down someday) I tried to be sneaky and take an extra photo, but it just didn't work. (I was hoping to post one) Several people were waiting to see Santa, so I snapped one after the fact. I hope they turned out, it is the first year none of my kids were afraid of him. Miracle! After looking back at this post I have some definite issues, from wandering dogs to matching children. So I am weird, at least I am admitting to it!

Santa shoot

good deed: hand delivered a teacher gift

Five For Friday

Ms. Martinez
5th Grade baskets
"Gardening Galore and Girly Cozy Night"

1. This year I agreed to help assist in Taylor's classroom, not to be mistaken for the "room parent" I somehow was roped into this position, which is fine, just not ideal for this week. (last year Angie and I did it together) After last weekend's party, Doug's birthday coming up....I had forgotten about Fun Fest Carnival today at the kids school. I sent out fliers the week before asking for donations for these baskets. Each year the teacher picks a theme and they are auctioned off at the carnival. The great thing about them is the teacher receives every penny donated to their basket. So you know what the beginning of my week was consumed of? Making these baskets look half way decent. I think they turned out pretty well considering about 5 or 6 parents decided not to send in stuff. **@#@! The best part was when I was assembling them on Tuesday I had a few kids come up and say, Mrs. Clouse I was supposed to bring in such and such...can I bring it tomorrow? I replied that's okay it's already done. I wasn't about to wait another day when I was already over the deadline.

2. We couldn't have asked for more perfect trick or treating weather for Halloween this year. In the past we have had mosquito/muggy misery, excessive wind the next year, and this year jeans and t-shirts were very comfortable. My kids decided to grab stuff out of the dress up box for our neighborhood trick or treating. I was surprised Jared actually wanted to paint his face, but was not wanting the fake blood. He made a pretty good Dracula. This also marked the milestone of our last trick or treating with the Gordon gang. How sad is that?? Fortunate for us, their house isn't expected to finish until December 15th. I'm so glad we have them close by...for a few more weeks!

Weston
Halloween 2007

3. This is just a portion of the candy we received, not including our ward party. Is this the most ridiculous sight? Doug thought it would be fun to bury Weston in it. As you can see he loved it. Candy anyone?

Luke
Getting ready for our morning walk

4. There isn't a week that goes by without a Lukism. Luke is our Mr. fix it. He can seriously fix anything he puts his mind to and is super determined. For instance, I had no clue how to get one of our doors open in our house that was locked. Guess who was able to? Yep, Luke. He pushed me aside and did it in a matter of seconds. This week he wanted to play his battery operated Sponge Bob video game. It was out of batteries and I said, sorry bud I'll have to buy some more at the store. Instead of getting upset, he automatically went through all of his toys, got the screw driver out and was looking for batteries that fit. He said I only need two more! (sadly, he wasn't able to find them) What a smart kid! Luke also HATES to get his hair combed, especially after last weeks injury. He always says, "please just comb the top only" (I would anyways) Today he decided that he would solve the messy hair syndrome by placing on this police hat....not a baseball hat (that would hurt his owie) on his head. He continues to crack us up!

5. Tonight the boys and I went to Doug's football game. We stayed until halftime (which is about the limit of their attention span) The best part was they ALL crashed on the way home. The hardest part was trying to convince them to get out of the car, go potty and put their pj's on. It was quite a challenge, but I managed to do it in about 20 minutes.....not an easy task without help!


good deed: talked with an old friend on the phone.

Five For Friday

1. I was just thinking about all the stages my kids have gone through. Each have been so different in their own ways. It is next to impossible what to expect. This is Luke's latest obsession. For quiet time he gets his blanket or "rag" and sits on the couch to play his older brother's game boy. He probably would play it all day if I allowed it. Funny he didn't even notice me taking this picture. I guess it is about time we buy him his own.

2. The other day as I was perusing the aisles at Wal-mart. I noticed the Halloween section was put up, and this item immediately caught my eye. I know to most candy corn is disgusting, but for me I can't get enough...especially Brach's. I couldn't resist my temptation and bought not one but two bags to fill my jar. And just look it's almost gone!

3. This is a very tired Doug. Most of the week is spent in his car, at least he has a new one to travel in right? I had to laugh at this photo because for the past three years he has covered a high school (TMI) it was a private military school and the colors were orange and black. This year for his fellowship he is the team doctor for another high school in Media Valley. Apparently these colors or schools flock to him because they have the same mascot (Tigers) and are orange and black. I guess it works for the month of October.

4. Angie and I went to lunch today. We ended up at Champps since we haven't been in a while. The older ones were fine, Weston was definitely a treat. Ahhh, the good ol' terrible two's. And yes, we got the sisters comment once again.

5. We got our final check from John today. We officially have no more strings tied to the Mazda. Happy day! And guess who called? John? Nope. Me of course, harassing him ONE last time. The best part was, when I called yesterday to stop by, he ho hummed on the phone and said (imagine some awkward silence) " Ummm...I don't have my check book can you come tomorrow?" I showed up today, and had to wait of course since he was on a test drive. What's that? Anyways, he pulled up and said, Ms. Clouse you are just in time! I just went to the bank. Oh, goodie!! I shook his hand and gladly walked away NEVER to set foot at that place again.


good deed: washed Jared's football pants even though I told him to wear them dirty...he wouldn't have it. Who's child is he anyways? :)

Bind

my civil war quilt block pattern

I have no idea what in the world I was thinking today......I woke up with totally different intentions, but ended up being productive. So, no complaints right? Wrong. Backing up a bit, I signed up for a quilt block exchange back in April. I think most of you can calculate how LONG ago that was. I am normally not a procrastinator, but...........I have put sewing my blocks off until pretty much deadline (Aug 1st to be exact). I am almost in panic mode. However saying that do you think I started today? Nope. I offered to watch the Gordon girls (really no biggie) our kids played happily for most of the day. Plus I knew she had a TON of stuff to do for her trip.

my bathroom floor mess

I decided I couldn't stand Taylor's closet and was trying to make room for her new birthday clothes. That lead to not only cleaning out her closet, but then boys, my bathroom drawers, and the fur off of my furniture (it was beyond dusty!). So I guess I ended up with a clean house, but no quilt and Harry was put on the back burner.

trunk of the van

I did end up with a trunk full of donations. Always a good feeling. Doug couldn't believe all of the "good" toys I was giving away. Hello? Have you seen my kids closets? You can't even tell I got rid of anything. How sad.

Irresistible Luke

Doug had a moonlighting shift tonight. I think he would admit to being glad to getting out and actually heading back to the hospital in his scrubs. He has been a bit ancy around the house, so it was a good thing. My 4 year old has been requesting me to make him a blanket since his is really a rag. He has been so patient with me lately, the guilt got to me. Luke has been in a "play with me mommy" stage. Something new, but really how long will he be this sweet innocent age? Not long enough. I have decided he can remain 4 forever. I am really loving how cuddly he has all of a sudden gotten and his remarks have me in stitches, literally. He is one of a kind. Tonight I broke down and lined up some dominoes (his favorite) with him and finished his blanket. Not very hard to please and only about 20 minutes of time.

kitchen converted into a sweatshop

What do ya know, I even set up my sweat shop so tomorrow I can actually motivate myself to making 20 blocks. Am I crazy? At least I have the fabric washed and ironed....it's a start. What am I doing blogging?? Rumor has it tomorrow Doug is doing a post for me....should be fun. I can't wait!

good deed: made Luke's blanket.

My New Pink Friend

I am already having camera withdrawls. You would think my daily Diet Coke 'drug' was taken away from me. Luckily, a few weeks ago I upgraded my OLD phone for a newer version. And you know what it came with? A camera phone! I had no idea how to get pictures off of it and on to my computer. But, thanks to my sister I managed to get some pictures today. I am still in business. They aren't the best, but will do. A camera should not really keep me from blogging, but for some reason I like to document my day with it. I feel as though a piece of me is missing. I carry it in my purse along with my wallet and keys. My husband has already mocked me to the tenth degree over my moping. "So, did you ask the store for a loner camera?" "What are you going to do without it, will you survive?" Ha-ha Doug!

Angie took my boys to the park today so I could have my hair highlighted. It was so nice to get it done after holding out since last September. I feel like a new woman so fresh and rejuvanated. Thanks Angie and especially Doug for allowing it to be possible. This afternoon I spent some mom time with my little boys. They love petting our neighbor's dog and climbing the fence to yell his name.

I have no idea why this picture is microscopic.
This is "Chester" isn't he cute?

I don't do this nearly enough. They were beyond thrilled I was just sitting and watching them swing as well as throw the ball around with them. Weston kept saying, "Mommy this is so fun" "Watch me jump, watch me jump!" It was so cute. Luke of course critiqued my baseball pitching skills. "Mom that is not how you throw the ball" Well, I am no dad, but at least I am trying! I am off to plop myself on the couch. The Office and Grey's are both new tonight!

good deed: played outside with the boys.