a blended life

Sometimes the high school kids wear me out: (taken at Springville High, Resource English) Sometimes you love something kinda ugly: Sometimes you just need your mom: Sometimes I seriously miss Pullman: Sometimes you wish they'd stop growing: Sometimes you wish they'd grow up: Sometimes you're just happy about life: (her sign says "will bring popcorn") Wishing my dear family, friends, and random readers a great week!

Faithful blog readers (all three of you): My life is to mundane to blog about. Things will pick up in a few weeks, but for now...zzzzzzzzz.

The only constant part of life is change, right? I feel very behind in posting, especially about happenings with the girls, so I'll start with what's been going down this past week.  1)Chickens!!!! We are going to raise backyard chickens. We picked up some chicks this week and they are so, so adorable. I can't keep my hands out of their stinky pen. Here are some pics from their first few days with us. They have grown a ton and are getting quite gangly. I still love 'em to pieces.  2)Bedroom Overhaul: This is still a work in progress, but so far we have some bright yellow paint, bunk beds and bedding. I think I was at Home Depot every day last week and the project took the better part of the three day weekend. A sister sleepover on the sofa bed while my mom and I paint. And paint. And paint.  Leah, fresh out of a bath: "Guys?" She watches me on a ladder, trying to reach the peaks and Hannah under the ladder, watching movies on my iPod. Hannah hide...

Today would have been my 11th anniversary. I spent the day in Salt Lake with my buddy Mindy and her two small kids, laying on a blanket in the sun and talking about everything from the proper way to make scotcheroos to her ex-husband's recent engagement. I went to Ikea afterward, meaning to pick up a few shelves but ended up in the restaurant eating Greek salad and Swedish apple cake. I finished my homework for the week, so my super exciting evening will consist of stitching and catching up on Downton Abbey episodes (curses to all of you who talked me into it! Now I'm totally addicted!). A few thoughts about the whole divorce thing: This wasn't what I planned. Does anyone, except that Kardashian lady? I tried really hard and I couldn't fight for life and well-being anymore--for myself or for my kids. I have a few labels on my back right now, labels that are hard to wear when living in such a conservative, religious environment like Mapleton.   DIVORCEE. SINGLE MOM . S...

The keys got locked in the car twice last week. I won't explain both times because they're too stupid to retell. I screwed up a piano student's assignment and she let me have it at her lesson. I can't focus on anything! I make toast for no reason. My room is a complete disaster. Also, as an amusing side note, we were studying interventions for ADD*. The text said that this disability is generally marked by deficits in three categories: planning, organizing, and carrying out activities. I told my mom this and she laughed. I stink at all three. Always have, always will. I'm hoping to get my brain reconnected. Synapses just aren't firing right now. * I should point out that in my four semesters of this program, medication is never suggested or mentioned. We focus solely on behavior intervention.

It's hard to describe in a few concise sentences the emotional energy that Hannah put into planning her birthday party. I can only stress that SHE was the one who planned it, the plan changed daily, and if things didn't go the way she imagined in her head, it was my fault and she was crying uncontrollably. Somehow we made it through the big day and I think she was quite pleased--and overwhelmed--with the whole day-long event. Having a 5 year old makes me feel old and mourn the loss of her babyhood, even though she barely reached 40 lbs.  She opened a few family gifts in the morning. A bike from me, a stroller and handmade diaper bag (and clothes) from Grandma, some earrings and a Barbie from Auntie Jen. This picture shows Leah  suffering a severe case of jealousy.  The birthday part was a Ladybug theme and Hannah wanted all the kids to dress up. Only a couple of them would. I made this bug cake and think it turned out pretty cute, considering I'm decidedly NOT a baker...

I haven't forgotten to post about Hannah's birthday party. I've been sick sick sick and shuffling around the house in a thick fog. I hope I wake up tomorrow and it's all gone.