Back to the Grind!

Dave and I returned home last Sunday evening after an enjoyable trip to Idaho; we were absolutely exhausted! It was a VERY long drive - over 26 hours in the car one way! Visiting with my parents helped pass the time (along with a pressing assignment at work that required time on the laptop in the car.) Scott and Jessie's wedding was absolutely beautiful and I loved seeing all of my brothers and sisters and extended family members again. All 11 of the siblings were there! I wish the trip didn't have to be so quick!

Thank goodness my kids didn't burn down the house and Grandma Ankeney survived her time with them. I must admit, she did an awesome job keeping them out of trouble! They bragged about how much she spoiled them while we were gone. It is so nice to know the people caring for your kids actually love them and would treat them better than you do! I am sure she was more than ready to return home to some peace and quiet. She has had atleast one grandchild with her since mid-July! I am glad we live close enough now that she and Grandpa can build relationships with my kids.

One benefit of the Idaho trip was Dave got his Mustang! Over the last week, he spent every available minute working on it. However, he hasn't had too much available time. Dave is now full force into officiating the local football games. He spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday referreeing various football games. Then tomorrow, he gets to be a "ball boy" at a big high school game at Texas Stadium. He is thrilled!

The kids LOVE being back in school. Matthew has no problem telling Dave "bye" everyday. He likes going so much I think he would jump at the chance for all-day school. Matthew came to a realization yesterday; we discussed his birthday was 3 weeks away and then he'd be 6. He thought for a minute and then responded, "Mom, my birthday is in 21 days!" He is a whiz at math; some days he amazes me beyond my comprehension.

The girls made new friends and are enjoying their new teachers. Not many of their friends from last year are in their classes this year. No one has brought home any homework yet but I am sure that will come after the holiday.

We didn't plan much for the holiday weekend. The kids and I have been doing more of the same with grocery shopping, watching t.v., playing video games, going on bike rides, etc. We are trying to get settled into a new routine after letting things lapse over the summer.

I've bored you all enough. Have a great week!

Traveling Week

We are off traveling this week. Dave left for Hereford (Texas) today to help his father with some home repairs there. He is spending today and tomorrow with Matthew before Grandma Ankeney brings Matthew home tomorrow. I will fly out on Tuesday night to Lubbock. Dave will meet me there and we will carpool with my parents to the wedding in Rexburg, Idaho. I am excited to see everyone again even though it was just last month we were together. I am sad to be leaving my children behind but I know they are in good hands with Grandma Ankeney. This will be a whirlwind trip; we'll be back next Sunday.

We have enjoyed several long bike rides this week. I am loving have a bicycle. There are a lot of fun trails close where we can ride. Unfortunately, I get home so late that we don't have much time to ride before dark. The exercise feels really good; even with sweat drenching my clothes. I feel so much better when I get out in the fresh air and exert some energy. My kids keep me motivated and I am glad they're finding as much enjoyment in our excursions as I do.

You can read Dave's entry below. He is ecstatic about finding the classic collectible. This will be his project for the next little while; he has always dreamed of owning a Mustang! There apparently is a lot of interest in this particular car. Once he gets it fully restored, he may have a hard time keeping it in his hands. I am looking at it as a great investment!

My New Project

Well I guess I have finally found something to keep me busy. My brother found a 1965 Mustang with 28,437 origional miles for a really good price. It is in great shape! I am going to get it from him when we go to Scott's wedding next week. I can hardly wait to get started on this. Here are a couple of pictures so you can see it, I will also try to keep a little log on how it is going.

Sunday, August 10

August was a very busy month for my parents! I celebrated my birthday on Thursday, Karen on Friday, and Dell today...and we're not done! There's Kent and my Dad at the end of the month. Don't worry; we have enough junk food at our house to cover all the celebrations.

I must admit, this year my birthday was more enjoyable than past ones. I did have to work all day and then got home late. When I opened the front door, Dave and the girls had decorated the living room with balloons and streamers. They were waiting to yell "Surprise!" as I walked in. They gave me cards and candy and then we went out for dinner - yes, no cooking for me! After dinner, we ate ice cream cake and went for a bike ride. My visiting teacher brought over a bouquet of Sunflowers (my favorite, by the way) and a box of Almond Joy candy bars (also my favorite)! My otherwise mundane work day had a very pleasant ending.

On Friday, Dave went to Target and picked up the bicycle we picked out. We went on several bike rides around the neighborhood this weekend. There are some really nice trails for walking and riding. We didn't have anything to tell us how far we went on Friday night, so we repeated the same route on Saturday morning with Dave's little gadget. Our trek was 3.5 miles. We made it in about 35 minutes. I'm sure two adults could make it in even less time, but this is a great activity for our family.

We did another kid-swap this week. I am enjoying having Rachel home. But, I am missing Matthew terribly. I especially miss his "ILOVEYOUMOM!" (say that as fast as you can) and big hugs. He will come home next Sunday just before Dave and I leave for Idaho.

...14 more days 'til school starts!... (this is for Dave's sake)

HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!

All I can say right now is . . . IT'S HOT DOWN HERE! We were really spoiled with unusually cool and wet weather last summer. Now the shocker hits. We are 30+ days in a row over 100 degrees. At first I really didn't mind it, but now I am looking for some relief.

Alyson was bugging me all day yesterday to go swimming or do something involving water. Since we don't have access to the swimming pools in the neighborhood, we decided to cool off shopping at Target. Dave and I looked at new bicycles. I am the only one in the family without one. If we plan to do any riding together, I better get one. I couldn't pull myself to spend the money right now. Dave knows the longer I think about something, the more likely I'll talk myself out of it. My biggest concern is I don't want this to be another wall decoration that gets used a lot initially and then gathers dust while we pursue other activities. (I might feel more like riding if when it's not 100+ outside!)

Work has been pretty horrendous. That's all I'm going to say about that. The kids really are doing well. Rachel is still in Hereford with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney. She will come home on Tuesday so Matthew can get his turn before school starts. I cannot believe we only have 3 more weeks until school starts - FOR ALL 3 KIDS! (My "baby" is going to school!) Dave is counting down the days...he's hoping for more golf games this fall ;0)