Four Score and Seven Years Ago...

Well, just the 7 years part...

My "baby" turned 7 years old today.

He also started first grade (again) today - what a bummer to start school on your birthday. But, in the end, he had a much better time than last year. He apparently has a really good teacher and he's much more confident this time around. He also started a new "before and after" school program, the formally "6 to 6" program which is now known as "Prime Time". He had been attending a private before and after school program and previously we didn't think he was ready for the "Prime Time" program because it was larger, had more kids and was (we thought) less structured. But - the "free" part of it drew us in. And the more we researched it, the better it looked. They recently restructured the entire program and it's much more organized and has kids grouped in smaller sections. They focus a lot on academics and 'movement' (music, karate, etc.). And, our neighbor kids go there too. So, in the end, Foster actually enjoyed his experience at "Prime Time" - and I'm so happy we made the switch - and yeah, it's free.

So, because it was the first day of school, I took the mandatory "first day of school" picture. And unlike the previous 2 years, the kid is smiling. See for yourself.

Kindergarten 2006

First grade 2007

First grade (again) 2008

After a very successful first day back to school, we celebrated his 7th birthday. Foster selected his "birthday dinner" - Carl's Jr. - and we all obliged. Following that we had ice-cream cake (his selection) and of course, presents. His party (for friends) isn't until September 20th - but that's okay - he doesn't seem to mind. This year, it seemed like the hints he had been dropping were mainly sports-related. He was very excited about all his gifts from his mommies, Bubbe, grandma and other relatives (money, gift cards to that THAT place, etc.).

Here are some pictures from this afternoon - we ate outside (picnic style) and that went over REALLY well too. Other neighbor kids joined in to watch Foster open his presents.

Opening presents

Bat, ball, mitt, frisbee

Scooter (and Logan and Seth looking on)

Hugging Gina (Logan and Seth's daycare provider) for her present (cash)

Panda hugs

Scooter love

Scooter time!

Make a wish baby!!!!

The bad news and the very good news...

The bad news is that my baby minivan needs a brand new TRANSMISSION ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)...............

The VERY good news is that the original transmission was under waranty for 109k miles and the minivan has about 73k so it will be replaced for FREEEEEEEEEEEE.

Whew! I most certainly wasn't looking forward to putting that amount on our credit card. It was towed this morning and luckily I was able to get a ride home and the rest of the day turned out fine.

I was concerned because I did buy the car at auction over 4 years ago - so I didn't know the history on the car. It's been a pretty good van over the years and didn't really need anything - this was the first major issue - and again, very happy indeed that the only thing I have to pay right now was the $21 to tow it to the dealership.

What you don't want to have to use first thing in the morning.......

Because I'm feeling "picture-y"

Foster, Seth and Logan under their "masking tape web"

Same

Logan wearing lots and lots of leis while playing with the dollhouse

Foster wearing lots and lots of leis

We've had this Hanukkah set now for a few years and we used to take it out every year at Hanukkah time but since last Hanukkah we had to leave it out. It ranks up there on the Top 5 favorite toys to play with year-round - regardless of the 'holiday'

How Logan and Seth set up their family around the Hanukkah table --- so what if the dog is now seated AT the table in a chair - you know, equal opportunity and all that

Our very busy, very productive day...

Okay, here's our list (Laura was off work today) of what we did today.

Read thru the list and then tell me what you think my "drug of choice" was - yes, it's legal and yes it's on the list.

Here goes:

Drop Foster off at summer program
Go to breakfast at IHOP
Go to Vons (grocery store)
Go to Abbey Party Rental
Go to Marshalls
Go to Hallmark
Go to Mervyn's
Order fresh flower lei's for wedding at flower place
Go to Target
Go to Raphaels (party rental place)
Go to Home Depot ('cause I broke our kitchen faucet, well, it WAS old)
Go to the bank (nope, no free samples)
Return videos at Blockbuster
Go to Starbucks where I ordered a "Dirty Chai Latte" with TWO shots of espresso
Laura went to a doctor's appointment and I'm on my 3rd load of laundry


Any thoughts??

Not the end of summer yet...

While I read and hear - oh, and don't forget the Target commercials - my eldest doesn't start the new school year until Sept. 2nd. And poor child, that's his actual birthday.

Kinda like "Happy Birthday" now off to school you go.

In a post to be written, what we've decided on Foster's upcoming school placement - he's "way excited".

Anyway, this "no school yet thing" is all thanks to the year-round schedule he's on. I still like it though.

Conversations Overheard...

Logan and Seth watching "The Magic Schoolbus" this morning.

Logan: "A him is a he, it's a boy"
Seth: "Yeah and a her is a she, a girl"
Logan: "And that's a boy because he's a him"
Seth: "Yes, and that's a girl because she's a her"

(pause)

Seth: "Look Logan, those are blood cells!"

(and they were! We're are in trouble with that kid...)

We decided on our "mini-moon" - yay!

We'll be going HERE - The Paradise Point Resort and Spa (Spahhhhh?)

We'll be spending just a few nights there but (hopefully) it'll be enough to "recharge" - of course the kidlets will be staying at home. We have yet to take a vacation without them so this is something different.

Best yet, we reserved a bayside lanai garden room/suite. Just steps from the sand. We drove quickly through the resort last weekend on our way to a playdate and we were so happy and can't wait to be there. I know we'll love it and will finally have some time to unwind and relax.

Ahhhhhhhhh...............

12 out of the 16...

That's how many tasks I got done Thursday! Well, 13 if you count "eat something" and that 'something' was this:

But, still more to get done...next week...

'cause if I write it maybe it'll get done...

Today is a "free day" meaning I have no appointments and no interviews.

Because I couldn't get to sleep last night I made my list of things I needed wanted to get done today. It's now just after 9am - Foster is at his "daycamp" and Logan and Seth are at their daycare providers.

Let's see how many things I can get done today - here is my list:

set up crockpot for dinner
call my dr. regarding results of a test
call my mother-in-law's dr. to discuss various issues
CLEAN HOUSE (notice all capitals, I'm screaming that)
clean off my desk and find a place for my "in/out" box
try to burn a disc of wedding music
go to drugstore and pick up a Rx
bake something special for dessert
change Foster's sheets
laundry (everyones - especially since Seth thought it would be fun to see just how much sidewalk chalk he could cover himself with...just sayin')
go thru the multitude of magazines multiplying by my bed and toss some
call to find out how to get my "free" pedicure (bought some shampoo with free coupon)
call and find a new primary care dr. for Laura
call MIL's IHSS worker and see if she rec'd my info.
call (again) some of the IHSS workers on the list, see who's available to help MIL
water backyard and the flowers in the front

Well, I think that's enough for now!!! I hope to get most of the list completed before it's time to pick up Foster, I have 7 hours.

Wish me luck...

Oh, and I didn't add in "eat something".

I can see clearly now.....(c'mon, sing along)

So, yes, Logan loves his new glasses. I took him to pick them up. They put them on him and they asked him to look at a sign posted way on the other side of the office. Logan said "I can see the sign" - well, at least he didn't say "I can see the light, must follow the light..." (enough stupid humor Ivy). He was over the moon excited to be able to SEE.



He kept commenting to me "I can see Mommy" - it literally brought tears to my eyes, I felt so bad that we didn't pick up on it sooner but oh so happy that my boy can see. Funny though, when I was checking out they let him pick a "treasure" out of the treasure chest. I pointed to the treasure chest and looked at Logan - he wasn't moving. Rather he was lifting his glasses on and off his eyes and saying "close (with glasses on), far (with glasses off), close, far, close, far...". Sweet boy. He has been really good with them. He takes them off at night and puts them on first thing in the morning by himself. I don't know much about the prescription but one of the lenses is a "+7" which I understand is quite a strong Rx. I wear glasses and I think mine was like a +2 or something, so I guess his is much worse.



Anyway, he took to them very easily and I'm so thankful. I envisioned a struggle but there was none. We do have to remind him that he's not to push out the lenses (did that once) or play with his glasses. Overall he is doing so well. And for the very first time EVER, he sat ON the couch to watch a tv program vs. on the floor right in front of the tv.



We do have an appt. in a few weeks to go back in to get his eye patched. They are planning to do the patching first and if it doesn't work out then surgery may be indicated.



But for now, he's a very happy camper.



Here's a few pic's of Logan and Seth playing with play-doh and painting this past Sunday while Mommy Laura and Foster were off to Home Depot.

Logan and his new glasses...they are a VERY strong Rx

Wedding plans and all that...

I just realized that I haven't even updated y'all on our wedding plans. Big day is Sept. 6th.

But, then again, it's late - so the update will have to wait - but it's all good!

Even planned a "mini-moon"...

Details to follow.

And I should care because??????

I love it when I hear things like "Did you know that Lindsay Lohan is GAY???" or "Ellen DeGeneres is getting married - to a WOMAN!", etc.

All I can reply with is "Wow, the war is over?"

You know, priorities and all that.

Makes ya think eh?

Ack, can't Bush just be gone??

Why I feel better now about going to McDonald's

As you may or may not know, recently McDonald's has stated that they are in support of ALL people, yes, including Gay and Lesbian families.

Of course there are those close-minded individuals who will "boycott" McD's or send insulting e-mails but interestingly enough I recently heard a comment on the news. It said something like when a company takes a stand to support the Gay and Lesbian community, their profits and business soar. When companies take a stand against the Gay and Lesbian community just the opposite happens. And all the boycotting in the world will have little to no effect. Just goes to show you the power of our community.

Anyway, I sent a "Thank You" e-mail to corporate headquarters and this was my reply:

Hello Ivy:
Thank you for contacting McDonald's. We appreciate this opportunity to share information regarding our commitment to our employees as well as the communities that we serve.

First, it's important to note that McDonald's respects and values people. Diversity and inclusion are business imperatives and integral components of McDonald's culture. We believe that by embracing our differences we are better enabled to value and respect other people as well as understand differing points of view.

We have a long and proud history of leadership in these areas. We continually strive to maintain an environment in which everyone feels valued and accepted. We encourage employees to recognize and appreciate the contributions that all diverse groups and individuals bring to the McDonald's system.

Thank you for sharing your personal point of view on this topic with us.

AngelaMcDonald's Customer Response Centerref#:5295534

-----------------------------------------
And why shouldn't McD's offer support. A "family" restaurant that actually supports families - what a concept.

Thank you McDonald's

Rockin and a Rollin

I was sitting here at the computer finishing up some stuff and I felt it.

That familiar rolling feeling.

Magnitude 5.8 a few hours north of here. 5.8 is a fairly good shake. However all I felt was a rolling sensation which lasted about 2 seconds. Then I heard the birds outside squawking away. Turned on the TV and sure enough they were already reporting on it.

Hopefully this was the actual earthquake and not a foreshock, but I'm thinking not since there have been about 5 aftershocks (none that I felt) within the past 10 minutes.

This is why we live in Southern CA!!!

Oh Say Can You (not) See........

Yup.

Logan needs glasses. BIG TIME.

The poor kid was at the eye dr. for over 2.5 hours. His vision is so bad, he'll need eye-patching too. Oy.

Over the last few months we noticed one of his eyes turning in, not to mention the fact that he always has to sit 4" from the tv. He also can't see it when I hold up a cereal box from the kitchen when he's seated in the dining room - about 15 feet away. He was able to see the box at about 3 feet.

I feel bad that we didn't pick this up a while ago, but it was only fairly recently that he was able to verbalize how bad he couldn't see.

So, I picked out really cute glasses at our Children's Hospital (where he saw the eye dr.) and I must say, he looks so cute in them. I just hope he wears them without too much difficulty.

Of course I'll post pictures as soon as the glasses are ready (in about 2 weeks - the Rx is so strong they have to send it out to be specially made).

I know I'm getting old now...

...my doctor just referred me for my first baseline mammogram.

Fun times ahead...

Our 15(+) minutes of fame...

And now...the long awaited music video "I've Got U" or "I've Got You" by Melange Lavonne - we saw the premiere tonight. As one of the families in the video, we received a goodie bag (think the Red Carpet - Oscars?? Just kidding) with copies of the video, the cd, and various other movies and such.

It's late and I just wanted to get it on here. More explanation at a later time, but the best shots of 'us' are Laura and Foster in the 3-legged race, Logan in orange shirt and red helmet riding his bike, me eating (great shot), Seth is the quick shot of him drinking a bottle of water, us sitting on a bench and me taking a picture...and others.

The best part was at the end when they list all the families involved - you can see us there - and laughing when Logan "jumped away".

Oh, and at the premiere tonight the producer/director was there and said "there's more involvement to come!" WHOHOO!!

And we are listed in the credits as well (and my mom who was there too and in one of the shots).

Enjoy.

So much fun yesterday...

I volunteered to go on a field trip with Foster's class. And for those of you not playing along, yes, he's in year-round school so his last day is not until July 21st.

Anyway, I'm so glad I showed up because sadly, the other 3 parents who volunteered did not. Yup, I was the only parent along with the teacher. Now some of this may be the teacher's fault. Again, for those of you not playing along, this has been quite a tumultuous year for this first grade class. The teacher was absent for almost half the year (her husband was very sick and passed away) and well, she hasn't quite been the same since. As a result, permission slips just came home last Friday (for the trip on Tuesday) and while that's enough time for me to decide to go on the trip, one days notice for other parents that may need to make special arrangements may not be enough time. And, per my usual protocol, I had to send a note to the teacher to call me to give me directions. All of this has made Foster's first grade year a tough one - we haven't yet decided 100% what we're planning on for him for next year (promote him, hold him back, ???). But that's a whole 'nother post.

Anyway, the field trip was so much fun. We went to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and saw an IMAX film and then explored the rest of the Science Center. We had lunch outside at the park and the kids got a chance to play. I love having the chance to watch my kid interact with the other kids. And I must admit, he wanted to hold my hand most of the day (and of course, sit next to me in the movie). Yeah, he isn't yet at the age where having me along is embarrassing!!

Then, to make the day even better, I "stole" him away from school when they got back (vs. sending him to his 'before and after school program') and we went home and went swimming. Foster was over-the-moon excited to have personal time with me and to go swimming was just the icing. He was so happy to be able to go to the pool by himself. And I was happy to indulge him. It isn't often that he gets dedicated one-on-one time, especially in a family with 3 kids.

Fun day yesterday indeed.

Logan's rendition of the Chuck E. Cheeses song

Logan looks like he is in the cheer leading squad tryouts for Chuck E. Cheeses.
It's obvious that he really, REALLY loves that place...

Twins are turning four...

We celebrated today at every adults favorite party place (said tongue-in-cheek), Chuck E. Cheese's.

You can view all the party pictures HERE - don't worry, there aren't too many ;-)

And there you can view the long-awaited gift from Laura and I to Logan and Seth - they LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it (and Foster admitted later on that, well, it is kinda neat and can he play with them too?) - I just love seeing the nurturing side of my boys really shine!

Enjoy!

DING, DING, DING - We have a winner!!

Tanya - how did you guess it???

YES, it's a gross, icky, sticky eyeball ball.

Foster got it at school and it's obvious how much he loves it - that thing is gross. They all have been having a great time tossing it into the air and making it stick on the ceiling.

Ewwwww.

Boys...

Let's play - "Guess What It Is"??

This currently resides on my ceiling - guess what it is?

Hint, I have THREE boys...

Bragging rights for the first person with the right answer!

R.S.V.P. - how hard is it??

Logan and Seth are turning 4 on the 15th (I know, how did that happen?) and their party is this Saturday at Chuck E. Cheese (pass the asprin).

As such, we sent out invites a while ago.

We had in total, maybe 16+ kids invited. How many RSVP's did we get before I had to ask? TWO. I mean c'mon people, how hard is it to send an e-mail to RSVP? I need a head-count BEFORE the event. I know you're all busy but really, so are we. I know I may sound pissy but it annoys me. I always RSVP ASAP (don't you love that double acronym??).

The majority of the kids invited are the ones from their daycare. I had to re-contact each one to ask - again - if their child was able to come. I'm going to start to take this personally soon. And then when I ask I get "I hope so" and "I'll let you know". Ugggggg. I need to know this time around because we have to give a fairly accurate count before the event - I wouldn't care as much if we were just having it at home or a park or someplace but this is paid PER kid.

Oh well, I have to just let it go - I have a good idea now who is coming and will call in that number and hope they all show up (or we'll be paying for the ones who don't). I sure hope that we get a better response for our wedding invites (more on that another time).

And what's the deal with Thank You notes - I can't tell you how many kid b-day parties we've been to where we never rec'd a thank you note (or an e-mail, or a call...). Laura says that it seems like saying "Thank You" at the party is good enough - neither of us agree. Oh well that's enough ranting now.

Happy Anniversary and Happy 4th of July

9 years (and 3 kids later) - we did it!

Happy Anniversary Laura!

Can't wait to make it legal..............

Here's to 90 more (imagine virtual clinking of glasses).

OH, and at least we gave each other cards because we didn't receive any from anyone else, sad eh?...

It only took me three days to do...

...I finally cleared out and straightened up Foster's closet. His closet (which is HUGE) is also the spot where all the extra "stuff" is stored so lately it's become a messy place. When we won the 4 baskets (see below a few posts) and two of them were "art stuff" I knew I'd be the one finding places for all the new stuff.

Top of closet where all the yet to be opened goodies are stored...

Art supplies and games...

School workbooks for summer break and coloring books for the "younger set".

Art supplies and tons of sidewalk chalk...

Games and school flash cards

The floor of the closet...

We don't need ONE more art supply, piece of chalk, game or glue stick. We are SET.

Radio Station Winnings - Finally...

I won this "Burts Bees" gift pack on a local radio station. It didn't cost me anything, just the gas to get there (just a few miles away).........

San Diego County Fair

We went to the Fair this past weekend and it was perfect!

We had so much fun.

Click on the link below to view our pictures of the Fair.

The pictures of the "Wiggle Racers" are the two cars we bought for Logan and Seth as part of their birthday present (turning 4 on July 15th). Their other big gift is a dollhouse - well, it's the Fisher Price Twin Time one...they both love pretend play and wanted a "house" to play with. They will LOVE it!

VIEW THE FAIR PICTURES HERE...

This was way more fun than going to the dentist...

Foster's school had a "Multi-Cultural Fair" this afternoon/evening. We took all the kids and had a great time.

We visited the book sale (spent too much); watched adorable kids sing and dance; the kids ate hot-dogs; AND we bid on several baskets at the Silent Auction. We reasoned that it was a fundraiser, so for about $150.00 we won 4 baskets. Not surprisingly, Laura bid on (and won) the "Italian Dinner Basket" (which we didn't realize it at the time but it included a $20 gift certificate to Panera (yum)) - and the "Beach Fun Basket". I bid on and won the two 'art' baskets, the "Be An Artist" and the "Summer Art and Activities" basket. I've included pictures of Foster and Seth (Logan was elsewhere in the house) and the baskets. I also scanned the descriptions of each basket so you can see what our goodies are!

Now I have to find places for everything and restrain myself from playing with the Magic Rocks and the Crayola Color Explosion Spinner!!!

Things you do NOT want to hear your dentist say...

1. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
2. Necrotic...
3. Dead...
4. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
5. Infected...
6. Extraction...
7. Gotta find that third canal...
8. Found it...but...


So - 3 hours later, I'm done. Turns out that I had an infected, necrotic (dead), third canal that was destroying the inside of my tooth. It was so bad that the tooth had already started to fill itself up with whatever it fills itself up with when totally infected. The dentist had to use a different machine (that they usually use only for deep cleanings) to "jackhammer" (dentist's word) and bore a hole thru the canal to get out the dead root.

Sounds like fun huh?

You envy me now right?

Well, the good news is that my mouth is still numb, so I don't (yet) feel anything.

The bad news is that the dentist said "This will hurt...later". But he did Rx me some antibiotics and pain meds so I should be fine for a while.

Only me...

And just in case you thought I wasn't doing anything...

...I have an 11:00 appointment with my dentist to start a root canal.

Don't get me started. My mouth has cost me thousands of dollars in the past few years. A few months ago I had a REPEAT root canal on a pre-molar. Yup, two root canals on the SAME tooth. That wasn't fun. Ever since then I have had continuous discomfort. Over this past weekend, the discomfort got kicked up a notch. I was convinced that root canal # 2 failed - again. I was convinced I had to have it extracted. In fact I was planning on that. I went back to the different oral surgeon who did the repeat root canal only to find out that the pain/discomfort is coming from the molar BEHIND it. Oh fun.

Well, I guess that's better than having a tooth extracted (ick), but another root canal will be started today. They are actually squeezing me in at 11, but my dentist (who is the BEST dentist ever!) is, well, how shall I put it --- a slow, careful professional. So when they tell me my appt. is at 11, I expect to not even be in the chair until 11:30 and then get the first shot by noon and then maybe see him at 12:30. At least I'm prepared.

I'm just glad I'll be getting some good pain relief.

Updates later!

Have I forgotten to mention...

...that I'm in between jobs right now?

I left my previous position with the County because the agency I worked for, well, lets put it this way --- the agency did not do a good enough job in supporting it's employees. There's lots more to the story but that's the biggest reason. Besides, after 7 years, it was time to move on. Honestly, I was bored, literally bored to tears. The position I entered was previously vacant for about a decade. I re-shaped it and brought it up to speed. Well, that was completed about 5 years ago. Ever since then I have been wanting to get out but didn't have the chance. But I did now, so I jumped, I leaped, I took a giant leap of faith that something better is out there for me.

I've applied a few places and I'm waiting to hear back. In the meantime, I just received my final "official" certificate for my clear teaching credential for a school social worker, so I've applied for a few of those positions. Currently, the twins still go to daycare and Foster is in school. This time alone affords me the time I need to look for a new job and to take care of all the things that need taking care of.

I've considered the possibility that right now, perhaps I should stay home with the kids. Hmmmmm. I've never done that (I've always worked, right up to either delivery (Foster)or mandatory bedrest (twins)). The idea intrigues me. I guess that would be something we'd have to decide on as a family - to see if that would work. But right now, I'm searching for a position that's a better fit, one that challenges me and utilizes all my abilities. I didn't have that before.

There.

Now on to our regularly scheduled programming...

If it looks like a snake...look again...

Found this guy in our backyard today afer I watered. He's (I'm just assuming he's a he but I have no proof) been around for years and usually hangs out by the fence. This time he was bold and wandered up to the door. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the head move...just kinda snake-like. It took a few seconds for me to see "the whole picture".

Lizard Friend.

P.S. keep reading below this entry for another one!

I'm Voting Republican (well, no not really)

Watch this and you'll see...

After 9 years and 3 kids later...we're making it legal...

Thank you California Supreme Court!

Cough, Cough, CROUP

I heard it last night, that awful barking sound (damn seals).

This time it's my oldest. The last time he had croup, about 2 years ago, it was pretty bad. I mean bad enough that when we took him to the dr., the nurse that came in first, went to get the dr. from another appt. to come in "STAT". Fingers crossed we don't have a re-run of that episode.

So, we're together today. Errands to run, oil changes to be had (mystery shopper deal), things to return...hopefully he's feeling better by the end of today. I hate to see him sick, especially since he rarely gets sick now - thanks to his early introduction to group daycare - he was exposed to just about everything and now his immune system is pretty strong...well, apparently except for croup.

So, one day off for first grade for him, at least it's not the end of school just yet --- see below for why...

Cheap Labor - only cost us 50 cents each!

Fair Food

Every year we go to The County Fair and this year is no different. We haven't selected a date yet but tickets will be purchased soon.

The following few items of "new food" are a must-taste this year, don't you think???

New Food:

Charlie's Chicken on the Concourse: Deep-fried White Castle sliders, deep-fried frog legs, rotisserie chicken, tabouleh, chicken & waffles, and deep-fried SPAM®


Midway Diner in Plaza de Mexico: Deep-fried Macaroni & Cheese on a Stick, Koolickle (a dill pickle marinated in Kool-Aid)


-------Spam is bad enough but deep-fried? And the deep-fried Mac & Cheese (ewww) and the "Koolickle"??? Who comes up with these things??? I remember when the deep-fried Twinkies were all the rage - it was pretty disgusting. But, the Fair is THE place to try all new foods, so some of this must be tasted...

To answer the questions...

I received a few questions about how the "Year Round Schedule" works.

Tanya asked:
"Do you think it's harder on the parents to have to find care wile out of school? I would think it would be easier to find care for 3mo rather then a month here and there. How does the off track work during the year? "

Fortunately for us, this really isn't an issue. Foster attends a "before and after school" program that is actually on the school grounds - kind of like a "6 to 6" program, but the one Foster attends is a private program. So, this means he gets dropped off there before school and they walk him to meet up with his class, and then after school lets out, they meet him there and walk him back to the program. At his program, he's offered a multitude of options including a homework club, a jewelry making club (he's in that one), a photography club (he's in that one too), dancing, outside play, movies, etc. Therefore, when the school is "off-track" (i.e. school isn't in session) and for the summer, the "before and after school" program is open all day. Unless it's a holiday, they are open. Therefore, we don't need to find care for him during his 6 week summer break, nor his month-long winter break, nor his month-long spring break.

However, I imagine other parents who for some reason do not have access to a program such as this must scramble every few months to find daytime care. Our local YMCA's and other various places offer some programming.

So there you have it, a simple primer on "Year Round Schooling 101".

Not the end of school yet...

Sure, your kid may be staring at the last day of school but not mine.

That's what happens when you attend a "Year Round School". Foster doesn't finish up first grade until July 21st (yes, a Monday). Then he's off until Sept. 2nd when he goes back to school for second grade - Sept. 2nd is also the poor kid's birthday - what a bummer!

I kinda like the year round schedule, but it's a bit complicated to learn all the days that he's either "on-track" or "off-track". And around these parts there's really no rhyme or reason for which schools are "Year Round" or "Traditional". I mean the other elementary school less than a mile away is on a Traditional schedule. Weird.

And since he's been going to the same school since Kindergarten, he really doesn't know any better. To him, going to school until almost the end of July is typical. I do think they retain a bit more in the Year Round schools. But yes, it does seem to make for a shorter summer. And, as he gets older and more aware, he'll be realizing that other kids are "FREE" for summer - well, just about...now...

3rd Annual Blogging for Families Day

Yikers, it's almost midnite, and I came "thisclose" to missing the deadline. Whew - I think I'll get this in before the clock strikes 12.

I completed this task last year, so here goes it again.

Hmmmmm, Blogging for Families Day - sometimes I think that when I blog about my family that really, we are very similar to any other family raising kids. But then I remember our "family" is not the "Traditional" family and we worked really hard to get here. Thankfully, Laura and I haven't been negatively affected by the fact that we are a two-mom family. Our family doctors, teachers, co-workers, etc., they are all more than welcoming to us. I used to think I had to go into a situation (i.e. school or a Dr's appt.) with an arsenal of explanations for our family, but really, I don't. Now, I just go in and when I fill out forms for the kids I cross off "father" and put "mother". I don't make a big deal over it, it just is. And for the most part, it isn't a big deal. Foster's school had a few glitches and we worked with them to correct it (i.e. the "Mother" and "Father" thingie on the forms - I mean, seeing how now the divorce rate is about 50% there are tons of kids being raised by grandparents, single parents, etc. - I want to say "Get with the program" - so I did...;-))

Anyway, now I'm of the mindset that I just go into the situation and that our family is just as valued, just as normal, and just as perfect as any other family. I expect nothing short of complete acceptance. Why should I "settle" for anything less?? My kids deserve it, they deserve to know that they have 2 loving parents - regardless of their parent's sexual orientation. And now that CA has (so far) gone so far as to 'approve' gay marriage, we have another thing to think about.

Laura and I are registered domestic partners. She adopted the boys after I birthed them. Her name is on the birth certificate. She is mom. I'm mom. Clear and simple. Should something ever happen to me, there is not ONE. SINGLE. OTHER. person in this world I'd completely trust to raise our kids than her. NONE. NONE. NONE.

So, marriage. Hmmmm, a piece of paper, some legal documents, equal opportunities - a lifetime commitment. Yup. We gotta go there. I mean, this is our chance - we are lucky, VERY lucky to live in a state that recognizes our family as a legal unit. We have to go forward and be recognized. Other states need to get with the program. Our families are everywhere. We need to stand up and be counted and recognized. That's why we fight for our families. Why we put so much effort into making sure all our proverbial ducks are in a "straight" row (if you didn't get that pun, re-read it in the context of this post...). We do it to show our 3 boys that they mean the world to us and therefore we are fighting for their freedom in the future - should one, two or all three of them need the same protections that we are afforded. For us and all the other families out there.

Isn't that what it's all about?

Oh, and how can anyone resist 3 wee boys doing the Macarena (blast to the past eh?)

It's On It's Way...

Music Video - Update - Getting There

The music video we were involved in a short while ago is still in the works (see post from April 13th if you need a refresher). Anyway, the video was released in Long Beach a few weeks ago, however we haven't yet seen it .

BUT, the album cover is about ready and here's a sneak preview (you can click on each one for a larger version):

Okay, in the first picture the singer is obviously Melange Lavonne who is the chic in the big picture in the blue shirt. Now it's hard to see but there are 3 "circle-y" shapes to the left of her picture. The top "circle" is me (sitting on the ground in the yellow shirt, drawing with chalk) and Foster is to left and Logan is to the right in that picture!!!

AND, in the middle "circle" is Laura and Foster on his bike (with the helmet) - Whohoo!!! We made the COVER!

The bottom shot also shows the backside of the video cover. In the bottom "circle-y" thing you can see us playing "tug-of-war" - that's me (Ivy) on the far left of the circle and Foster is in front of me.

Now, I just can't wait to see the entire video - soon!

Just to prove we are all a-okay, a few pic's from the New Children's Museum

NO...

...no, I'm so not pregnant...

...no, Laura and I are so NOT breaking up - we are ROCK solid...

...no, nobody died...

...Thanks for your concern, everything always works out for the better in the end...

Things are quiet so far...

I know I haven't posted much, lots going on but I need to wait a bit.

You'll see....

It will all be okay in the end....

;-)

Good Grief - My Mind is Mush

So, Logan and Seth's birthday is July 15th. We've been thinking about what to do, where to do it, etc. We were thinking that if we're in our new house (with a pool) that we can have maybe a combo. housewarming/birthday/pool party deal.

So, I've been thinking about the invitation. I was going to try to make it myself on the computer. I was tossing about some "headings". I was trying to find something that was catchy and that rhymed. I was so proud of myself when I came up with:

"Baby A and Baby B are turning THREE"

Sounds good eh?

Well, except for the fact that they are turning FOUR.

Yeah, details and all that.

We've got ourselves a new HOUSE!

We're moving to "Holland" - more on that later!

Yup, and a pool AND hot-tub too...

Placed our offer on a house...

...hope to find out tomorrow if it's accepted - if so, we should be swimming in our new pool before July....

NO details just yet - superstition and all that.

Counter offer accepted - HELLO Escrow!!

We're in! Off to search out some homes tomorrow!

Yikers!

More details later, and YES, we have a few places in mind...

Got an offer on our house...

...now the fun stress begins...