It has begun...

Anders started first grade, and so far, so good. There are two time tracks at the school: The Early Birds go from 8:00-2:15, and the Later Gators go from 9:15-3:30. Naturally, the later time is much more appealing to me and most mothers. Having said that, my child is on the Early Bird track. I realized last year that Anders needs more one-on-one time with the teacher. He just needs more validation and attention, and felt he would get that better in the morning when there are fewer kids in the classroom. There are only SEVEN kids in the class from 8:00-9:15, so even though I sort of hate the schedule, I know it's the best for him. Gosh, I'm such a good mom.

Another exciting turn of events: Nils was offered a job at Provo College teaching a Multi-media class and a Photoshop class. Two days a week that he's gone all day and all night, but we're counting our blessings as freelance work has been super crappy pickins lately. The term lasts 10 weeks, so by the time he's finished I'll be about 36 weeks and ready to explode. Perfect timing!

I think I have a girlfriend

This morning I went shopping at our friendly neighborhood grocery store.

I'm not sure, but I think the checkout lady and I are in some kind of relationship that I wasn't aware of.

Me: Hi.

Checkout Lady: Hi sweetheart, how are you? (Good.)

Did you find everything you needed, baby? (Yes, thanks.)

Is there anything on the bottom of your cart that I can help you with, sweetie? (No.)

Do you have your Fresh Values card, honey? (hand her my keys)

$69.37, sweetie. (swiping card, trembling a little)

There's your receipt, darlin'. (Thanks.)

You have a BEAUTIFUL weekend, hon. (Thanks, you too.)
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I wish I would have whispered, "You too, schnookums".

Our Stay-cay

Well, this year we've had it in our heads that we would take a grand adventure to Northern California and the Oregon coast. Then I started barfing a lot and that took care of that idea. But, we still really wanted to have a fun family getaway. We loved going to the beach in San Diego last year so much and wanted to do something similar. I remembered that a short three hours away is magnificent Bear Lake. I hadn't been there in 10+ years, so it had faded from my memory. If you live 'round here and need a little water/beach fix, Bear Lake is where it's at, baby!

We stayed in a one-room cabin at the KOA, since we's po' folk and don't have a time-share. The kids loved the top bunk; probably because there was no where else they could sit down- what with it being a one-room cabin and all.

There were s'mores.

It made me so happy.The beach. Oh, how we love the beach.
We had a great time.

Nilsy Nils

Yesterday (8/11) was Nils' 31st birthday. Nils is my favorite.

Fun Facts:

• Nils wishes he could figure out a way to never sleep. However, he can literally fall asleep anytime, anywhere.
• Nils loves chocolate more than most women I know.
• He was born in Syracuse, New York, and was raised in Connecticut from the age of 6.
  
• His favorite dessert is cheesecake.
• He's not a fan of buffets. And honestly, who can blame him?
• Nils has more hobbies than anyone I've ever met. Photography, web/graphic design, woodworking, building things, drawing, writing and playing music and more. More, I tell you!
  
• Nils has little/no interest in sports (like football and basketball). In fact, one time his boss offered him free Jazz game tickets, and he declined. When he told me, I was exasperated and told him that it would be fun to go, and you don't have to be a big fan or anything. Then he said, "But what if I liked it? I don't have time to get into sports!" Touche!
  
• He often wakes up very early on Saturday mornings to go mountain biking. He likes to take pictures of the wounds he incurs while doing so.
• Nils doesn't tan- he freckles.
• When Nils wants something, he gets it. He works out deals, trades, and obsesses over KSL classifieds and ebay.
• He likes almost all music. Except that gosh-darn-dang country.
  
• He is very handy and can fix almost anything. He's nice to have around.
• Nils is a really, really, really wonderful husband and dad. Really. Wonderful.

Happy Birthday, Nils. I am so happy you were born.

Summer Update

Here's what we've been up to the last coupla weeks:

Anders lost his first tooth. If there has been a child more excited to lose a tooth than this one, I'd like to meet 'em. The tooth fairy left him $0.50. We let him know that "our" tooth fairy is income based. We've also told him in the past that Santa sends us an invoice- THAT'S why he can't get everything he wants. This led to a bedtime conversation something like this:

Anders: Maybe Santa isn't real. I mean, no one ever sees him. Why isn't anyone allowed to see him? And maybe the tooth fairy isn't real either. I mean, a FAIRY that flies around collecting teeth? And giving money away?

Maybe the jig is up with this one.

The kids in the cul-de-sac had a lemonade stand. The lemonade was "FREE", with a gigantic tip jar on obvious display. There were about 10 kids involved, and they each walked away with $1.83 in tips. Not too shabby!

Oh summer, how do I love thee? Cute little girls sharing a drippy chocolate ice cream cone, then washing the drips and messy faces/hands/arms/legs off on the slip-n-slide.

It don't get much betta than that.

And now, we are off for a few relaxing and fun-filled days at Bear Lake. I bid you adieu.