My family

For any of you who know my family, you'll know how nutty we are. Our sense of humor is usually more apparent than the average joe. But not everyone believes me when I say it. So now there is proof of the wit. Check out a collaborative effort from my cousin Matt and Uncle Jerry, with some little blurbs from other family members at www.halfpeck.com. I think it's worth a couple of minutes.

Some of you might just get a bit of in site to me.

What a day

Today I got up and got everyone ready for school, big kids at 8:10, Gabe and his friend at 8:50. Then I went to breakfast with Darrell and we went to the gift shop to take inventory on my card sales, 26 this month. That is awesome!! Afterwards, we came back home and I did some Wii Fit exercises while Darrell mowed. My favorites are the Hula Hoop and Step exercises.

Then I picked up Gabe and Bella from Preschool and got Arlington out of school so he could got to his allergist appointment. We didn't know what to expect with that. I was so relieved Darrell took the day off so he could keep Gabe and pick up Maggie and my friends son, Isaac from school. I have pictures of Arlington's visit.

Here's the concept. They take forty common allergens; ragweed, molds, pets, blah, blah, blah; and then graph your skin with numbers and begin pricking your skin forty times. Right after being pricked.

Then you sit for 20 mins to see how you react. Now, after being poked 10 times, Arlington was about ready to expire and had a hard time not crying (although nobody would have minded if he did cry).
Some of the spots started swelling right away,

others took a bit longer,

but from my eye, it didn't seem like any stayed regular. Even in just a few minutes.

around 10 mins later

The nurse came in after about 10 mins and told him to just hang tight (as he's writhing in pain and itchiness) and the dr came after the 20 mins were up. He said "Let's see what you're allergic to" and after seeing his back, he laughed and said "It'll be easier to tell you what you're not allergic to." Upon closer examination, he concluded that Arlington is allergic to everything, even the placebo. Hmm...so now we've got a plan of attack that even the Army would get nervous about. It'll be a lot of work, but we'll do a little at a time and see what happens. We've got all new medications. I'm hoping for big changes, in allergies, asthma and attitudes!!

hello out there

So today I went on my first official "school has started and I'm all alone to myself with Millie" walk. It was GLORIOUS. I mean it. She and I walked for 50 mins. I got home and my legs were all tingly with blood flowing faster then it has in weeks. I feel so rejuvinated. I came home and drank some OJ and had a cereal bar. Isn't that crazy healthy?? I've been waking up and drinking my 3 cups of coffee before taking the kids to school. Then I come home and have a piece of fresh fruit and run Gabe and a friend to preschool. So today when I got home, I pulled down the old treadmill in the mood for a good round of exercise. But it's 80 degrees outside and I know Millie needs to get out too. So we went. The weather is supposed to hold out all week, so I'm hoping to shed a pound or two here. Fingers crossed. We've already got some trees turning and dropping leaves. The grass smells of fall. It's almost beyond blissful.

I'm going to clean out our pit of a van. I really should take before and after photos. You'd never believe the horridness of it. Have a great day!!

Oh and check out this song...

I can't get enough of

James McAvoy. He's brilliant in all the movies I've seen him in and there is just something so endearing about him. I just keep watching the movies we have with him in them. You know, The Chronicles of Narnia, Becoming Jane (AWESOME), Atonement, Penelope (a new fav!!). I don't know exactly what it is about him, but I truly can't get enough. I want more!!

The song Cha, Cha, Cha by the Little Ones from the Penelope soundtrack. So catchy. I could not guess who was singing this song when I first saw the movie. Ah...because I'd never heard of them. Gotta check it out.

I'm also in love with Mirah's The Garden. Rockin'! Go check it all out!! You won't regret it.

what I've been doing lately

School starts MONDAY! Ack! I can't believe it. So I've been busy stuffing bookbags with all the labeled supplies. We've gotten all but our dental appts done and the dentist is scheduled. Everyone is getting crazy excited to start going. Especially I think Mom!! I am really looking forward to a set schedule and routine for all of us again.

I made the teachers gifts and I was so excited with them I thought I share with you guys.

I put the chalk board stamp on the back of the envie and the books are stamped on the inside of the cards. It's hard to tell from the pic, but the apple and supply mug are cut out and attached with a dimensional so they are raised a little but. Each teacher will get 8 of these notecards. Isn't it the cutest? I hope they love them as much as I do. Ha!