Team Carothers

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

We had a fun New Years celebration. A couple of Claire's friends Gabby and Melissa came to our house to join in the fun. I wasn't too sure if Marvin would like all the noise, but he was fine with it. Sam I was betting to zonk out, but he surprised us and did not! Cheers to you and your family, and hoping this New Year 2012 is a GREAT one for you! TC

Jane, Claire, Mel and Gabby

Mel!!!

Don, Sam and Ty

Tyler Clark Carothers

2011-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

Tyler was born early.. in fact a few weeks and a year early! HA haha! He was supposed to be born January 24, 2001. Instead he decided he had enough of waiting around and came December 28th, 2000. When he came, he came out and started turning blue. I can only say it was very scary. I did not care about myself. I was not doing too well either. The medical staff was trying to keep me in focus, but it was hard watching them working on Ty to get him to breathe on his own. They whisked you away to the NICU. For the most part, the nurses were ok.. except for one woman. She was a witch. I really wanted to say the other word.. but since some of you read here, I thought I'd at least keep it somewhat clean! She wanted you to be breastfed yesterday. She wanted me to be out of the NICU even last week. She was always on my case. I should have been more assertive with her. But I am always too nice. Eventually, she was not around and we were able to take you home 2 weeks after you were born. You were the biggest baby in the NICU, and for some reason your lungs just were not prepared yet. You fought the nurses, you fought the breathing tubes. But as you fought, you got better and you came home with us.

One day, I turned my back for one second and I turned around and there were two little blue eyes staring at me and you were covered in baby powder. Claire and Jane were trying to sneak upstairs to their room, and I knew then they were having a hard time accepting you coming into the fray of our family. But as time went on.. everyone fell in love with you and you are a GREAT part of our family! We can't imagine what it would be like without our Tyler!!!

It was not your best birthday. I was sick, you are still getting over being sick. BUT we did watch "Super 8" which was a great! You also got some fun presents, so it was not a total loss!

Happy Birthday Ty! I can't believe you are already 11. You are growing up so fast. My heart aches because soon you will be all grown up!

Love...

M

O Tannenbaum!

2011-12-16T08:13:00.001-08:00

Last night we finally finished decorating the house! Was so nice to see the finished tree, and all the decorations. The children are excited for school to be out today, and I am excited that next week is the last week at the music store. I will miss my new friends there. Everyone has touched my life in many diverse ways and I am glad I had the time to work there in the short year I was there.

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year! Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too. Wishing you and yours a fun filled season of Peace and Blessings. We are very thankful for all of you!

May God Bless you and Keep you.

Our Family

2011-12-13T07:08:00.001-08:00

Well.. we finally did it, we FINALLY got our photos done. It was crazy, but we got some good shots out of it. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year to you and yours from our clan!

TC

Quitting the Music Store...

2011-12-09T08:53:00.001-08:00

Fall in Vermont

Well, its been a year while I working at the music store. Over the last few months I was assessing what it was taking for me to be working and if it was really worth the effort to be away from my family. I only work part time, but I felt that it was taking me away from my family, from my music and just being here for the kids. Working for a year was a test to see if I could handle all of that, but no.. I just could not. The kids are all getting older, but I feel I need to be here so that if they need me or I can go to their school and volunteer to help in the younger ones classes.

The year I worked outside of the home was a good thing for the time. I felt that working would help get rid of some problems, which it did. So now its time to stay focused on home things and music. My last day is December 24th. While I will miss my funny boss and some of the teachers there, I am looking forward to having my time to do whatever needs to be done.

Merry Christmas everyone!

TC

Samuel Jacob Carothers

2011-12-01T10:53:00.001-08:00


Sam and Marvin

Normally I am not so behind to post blog about family happenings. But I guess I will catch up with the most recent and then go backwards until August.

Nine years ago, a sweet little boy entered our lives and we fell in love again. Out of all the the children, he was the most difficult one for me. I guess because afterwards, I had post partum depression at its worst. I couldn't hold him without grieving and crying. Why that was I have no idea. He also was born with the most difficult problems out of all of our children. He had and still has it, laryngo malacia. ( sp) It is a condition where the larynx is not completely formed when born, so when he was a baby he used to sound like a bubbling brook when he would breathe. When he coughed he sounded like he had whopping cough, but that is what it is to be Sam. Eventually he has grown out of it.. but I have read about this condition he will always sound worse than he is when he is sick. So when he coughs.. its just really ghastly, but that is always the way he will sound. Surgery could take care of that, but I don't want to put him through that, unless the docs think it will threaten his ability to breathe.. he is ok for now.

He also had gastro intestinal reflux.. meaning he was our projectile vomiter. He couldn't drink my milk or soy or rice milk.. it had to be Enfamil. However I am happy to say, he was a GREAT baby in spite of these problems. He never complained or cried. He was so sweet and to this day.. still is.

He has a GREAT sense of humor. He really cracks us up, and is VERY very smart. He also loves to write scary stories and tells us scary stories. He loves Legos, playing MineCraft and his DS.

He really enjoys Marvin and loves to play with Cleo and hold Jane's bunny.

So Happy Birthday awesome Sam!

Sam excited for presents!

Yah LEGOS!

The cake Jane decorated for Sam!

Big Sur, CA

2011-08-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

So we went camping for 6 nights, in a tent, at Riverside Campground and Cabins in Big Sur. At first I really did not like the campsite because all the campers were right next to each other. But, after a bit it sort of grew on us. I still would like the camps to be spread out a bit more.. but I guess that is the way it is there. We were next door to Big Sur Campground and Cabins, which is horrible! imho.. it had way more cabins and camping/rv sites than our campground. Ours was smaller and more "intimate". We had quite the time, the kids tubed down the Big Sur River and we were visited by a skunk and some racoons that loved our wheat bread.

Here is a gallery you can click on to take a look. I didn't feel like uploading all the pics here on the blog. I am going to add more as we get more pics off various devices!

Enjoy!

BIG SUR

August

2011-08-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this. Jane will be 13 this month. This summer has flown by us like crazy. Life adjusting with a new dog has been quite humorous. We've had a poo pile show up the stairs one evening. He likes to nip and bite us. He is learning he cannot do that. Kitty is amazing in that she tolerates him.. but when he gets into her bubble space, man she hisses and growls and then whacks him hard! He is learning to stay away from her.

Summer is moving along. We've been keeping at home and doing things around the house. We will be going camping sometime soon, and so I will blog about that when it happens or when we get home.

Jane's bunny is huge now. She is very beautiful and tolerates Jane and her friend Julia's attention. Julia has 2 rabbits and she has Kia's brother. So she takes Kia over for visiting time. Its very cute.

We have school registration looming for Claire and Jane.. and of course I have to start thinking about school supplies. Is it that time again?

I have really enjoyed having the kids home this summer, and I have slowed myself down to the point where I am enjoying them.

Hope all of you are doing well!

TC

Meet Marvin!

2011-07-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

Oh yea.. we've done the craziest thing. We adopted the cutest little puppy on the planet. His name is Marvin.

I knew he was meant for us when I saw his name. He has the best disposition. He is a puppy tho and tends to get nippy when excited. So that is something we have to work on. I take him running with me in the morning, and OH boy.. he goes nutty when he sees other dogs.

We gotta work with him... and of course the kids love him.. the cat.. not so much. The bunny ignores him as she hangs out in her hutch all day.

Here is Marvin:

Now HOW can you NOT love a face like that!!??!!

Today is the last day...

2011-06-21T11:01:00.001-07:00

of school!!!

Hooray! All of us are excited. I look forward to hanging out with the kids. Tomorrow I think we will go have lunch with Don and see a movie.

I don't know when I will be posting more entries.. as our summer is going to be INSANE! Here are some fun shots you can take a look at:

With the KING!

The Family and the KING!

Winter Formal - Claire and Dan

Keep on the watch for Summer Craziness!

TC

Winding down...

2011-06-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Soon the kids will be out for the summer. We are all annoyed that we don't get out until the 21st of June. Talk about stupid! Most of the country is out of school and we just gotta b patient I suppose. I have no patience!!!

We have the summer planned to do some fun things, like go to the Huntington Beach Libary, the Beach, the Pool. There are some fun classes the kids can do .. like Lego camp for the boys and more art classes for Ty. He wants to learn how to draw. Claire wants to learn singing basics.. which I can teach her. I don't mind that at all.

I look forward to spending time with the family.. as it has been a crazy year of performing and working and all that kind of thing. I certainly hope tho I can keep it all balanced.

I will keep you posted as to what we are doing with photos too!

TC

Enlistment and Summer

2011-05-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

I wish I could have ridden in the cool HUMvee that Sgt. Briscoe picked Claire up last Wednesday. It had ARMY all over it. Maybe I should get a model with the decals and put one together hehehe.

Claire went up to LA on Wednesday with other recruits to take her medical and physicals.. then take the oath and be sworn in. Course.. they told me she would only be sworn in if all the meds/phys stuff was passed. I am a Mother and I worried that all would be well. I received a txt message telling me she had passed. ( The recruits spent the night up there in the Raddison Hotel. NO they were not all housed in the same rooms. Claire was by herself.. and she missed me. I missed her. I told her I wished I could be in the room with her being silly and just talking together.

It was good for her though. She is a good kid. We do have our moments as most parents do. We have a little over a year left with her being home. ( I wish I had pictures of this whole event, but alas, I had to work.. etc.)

Sgt. Briscoe is a cool guy. He has 2 teen daughters.. and so he treats Claire quite nicely.

YES she was sworn in. She reports in July 2012 to boot camp in Ft. Jackson, SC. Talk about trying not to cry. Our daughter.. who has been with us for 17+ years will be entering the military service come next year. A year goes by really fast. As a Mother its hard to let go of her, but at the same time I understand her desires to be herself and take care of herself. I keep thinking.. did I teach her everything she needs to know. Probably not.. but that is the beauty of being young. You learn and fast if you want to make it on your own.

We have a crazy Summer coming up. Kids get out of school in about 3 weeks, we have planned out our summer. We will be hitting the beach and the pool, and Sam wants to take swim lessons. Girls camp is in the end of June. Scout camp is the same week. My friend Tori is coming out from PA for a week and then us girls, Me, Jane, Claire and Tori will go to the Anime Expo in July. Sam's swim lessons is in July, and then August is our trek to Big Sur. We will be tent camping this time. I am looking forward to it. The kids are old enough now to tent camp.. and I think its gonna be a real adventure for all of us computer zombies.

Lots of hugs to all of you.. and congrats to your children in accomplishing another great year of school.

Jane's New Bunny...

2011-05-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

I already knew a year ago.. that one day, we'd have another pet. It would have been a mouse or a bunny. Bunny it is. ( NO MICE please... lol )

She wrote me the cutest letter:

PLEASE

Please let me get the rabbit,
Please, oh please, dear Mom,
I'm willing to give you,
My allowance for the rest of the year,
I'll promise to take very good care of him,
Please, Oh Please, dear Mom,
I'll do anything,
I really love that rabbit,
I'll pay for the cage,
the food,
the bowls,
Anything the little guy will need,
Please, Oh Please, dear Mom,
Stop to consider
What I have asked you to do..

- Jane

Now how can you say no to that? And she is a proud owner of her bunny. Her name is Kia and here is a picture of her:

I have washed my hands of the responsability. The rabbit is hers and hers alone. She has a really good disposition this bunneh. She allowed the boys to hold her, and eventually we will have a hutch outside for Kia.

Congrats Jane!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Its been a crazy weekend. I had my out patient surgery on Friday. Don and the kids have been excellent helping out. Sunday morning came and they all brought up breakfast in bed for me. I was delighted with the fact I didn't have to cook. Don also did the laundry and I am very appreciative for that as well. The kids gave me cards. Claire hung out with me all day yesterday. It was fun just being. Then she went off and did her own and thing. Then, Jane came and hung out with me reading together and working on her Personal Progress. We also watched ST, the Undiscovered Country. Tyler and Sam both made me the cutest cards. Ty also made me an activity book in case I got bored. It was amazing how creative he is. He made a word search, tic tac to and some coloring pages. What a beautiful expression of his love for his Mom. Sammy too, he wrote me the cutest note as well. I will always treasure them.

Everyone has really rose up to the challenge of me being out of the loop for a bit.. and its nice to see everyone working together.

I am remembering many moments with my "Moms". My own Mother.. Barbara, really was a great Mom. She is now a best friend. I love her for everything she has done for me. Manola Jorgensen Graham, was my Mom's Mother. I remember her fun quirky sense of humor. I remember the candy she always had in the candy jar. I remember when I went to her funeral.. the friends that came to honor her, all knew who I was. She told them about me and my music. I remember her sister Aunt Andy... and visiting her in Albuquerque NM. She was the youngest of "Nola's" brood. I still miss her quick smile and sweet personality.

Idonna Lamb Jackson Smith. She was by far the most difficult person I have had to learn get along with. I never quite understood her until I was older. She really liked to argue and was a very bossy woman. I was writing to her in college when she called me and reamed me for not telling her I was engaged. I told her.. funny I don't remember being engaged and to mind her own business. ( There was a guy down in Cedar City, UT that went out with me once.. ONCE and told everyone he and I were engaged.) A few days later, I received a letter from her with a check for $200.00. I don't know what possessed her to send me money, but I was very grateful for it. From that time until she died, I was able to handle her "bossiness". Don and I met her for lunch one time before she died.. and was complaining about her knee. We both gave her a hard time about it.. and she laughed and agreed that no one liked to hear other people complain about their aches and pains.

Don's mother Linda Jane Wynn Carothers is a lovely woman. From the time Don introduced me to her till now, she has always accepted me for who I am. I am a quirky person.. doing what I feel is right. She has never judged me and has never jumped on me because of the way I do things. She has always been a kind soul and still is. I have heard many stories of Mother in Laws interfering, Linda is not like that. She is a very giving woman, and I am thankful for her endless support and accepting persona.

I hope all of you that are Moms, had a great day. And for those of you that are future wives and mothers... I am sure the greatest gift in this world are children. Whether you have children of your own, adopt them, or serve in a capacity of a Mother figure for a child.. what a blessing you are to them and always will be.

Thanks for all these wonderful women in my life.

Surgery on Friday May 6th...

2011-05-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

What a crazy month this is starting out to be. I had a new crown put on my tooth yesterday.. and IT HURT!!! I wanted to bite the dentist really bad, because the shot of novacain really really hurt me. My first reaction was to really clamp down on her fingers. I knew I couldn't do that.. so I just squirmed in my seat and said to her.. THAT HURTS! Are they supposed to numb you a little bit for they go attacking your gums? I thought I was gonna die!

Friday is rapidly approaching. I go to Mission Hospital outpatient facility to get my bladder repaired. I dunno what its gonna be like.. but I am SO tired of having any kind of surgery... this is number 7 for me. I have to be at the hospital at 7am. NO food or drink after midnight before the surgery. I hope it works.. and they don't botch it up. The doc is really up on the technology for this kind of thing, so we shall see. I am tired of sneezing and peeing all over.. and smelling like a Senior home... blech!

So I am in a hurry to get a bunch of things done before it happens. I will let you know how it goes afterwards...

Enlistment...

2011-04-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

Claire told us 2 years ago that she wanted to go into the Army. Some of my friends were like.. and you are gonna let her do that? Hello? She has a mind of her own.. good luck with telling how she is gonna spend her life learning and becoming something she isn't.

She knows what she wants to be. I can't live her life, and I am not her. I would not want to wish my dreams on her, because we are so different in our wants, and thoughts and dreams. I think she will do fabulously well. Over the weekend she went to Future Soldiers of America with her recruiter Sgt. Briscoe. ( He kind of reminds me of Shan.) He is a good guy, has daughters.. his oldest is 14. He came to our house last Feb.. and chatted with us. He told Claire the Army is no picnic.

So, Thursday I think, I drove her down to the recruiter and hung out with them while signing her life to the Army. She does not actually go to boot camp until after she graduates. It was a reality check for me to let me know we have a year left until she leaves on her own. Made me really really teary eyed. I wanted to cry.. but I need to wait until she actually leaves. Tomorrow she goes with the recruits to LA for testing.

She will become a medic, then go to the Army's excellent program to get a Bachelors in Nursing.

When we showed Sgt. Briscoe these pics... he was like WOA! lol.. THIS is Claire and her buds going air-softing...

Tuff Girl

The Gang

She is the sniper of the group...

I am sure this is not the last time I blog about this, I am trying hard not to think about when the time comes for her to go...

2nd/3rd Grade Spring Tea...

2011-04-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sam's Teacher Mrs. Kastorff, teaches a combined class of 2nd/3rd graders. Each year she and the other 3rd grade teachers have this FUN event for their students and parents. It is the Spring Tea. They sing songs, about Spring. Then after their program, the parents and their children have tea, and cupcakes.

At first I was not sure if I could make it, but was able to move my schedule around and I went. He was so excited that I was there. Its fun to help support the kids in what they do. Sam was especially appreciative. I know they miss their time at home when we home schooled. I miss it, but at the same time.. I am able to handle them better. Weird I know. After their program presentation. We sat next to each other, they had made really cute place mats. He and I decorated our cupcakes. I didn't eat mine. I brought it home. I had decaf herbal tea, and he had hot chocolate. I remember when Claire was his age.. made me reminisce.

Here are some fun photos of the event:

The Program

Mrs. Kastorff and Sam

The Decorations

Sam

My Trip to Fiji...

2011-04-16T10:46:00.001-07:00

Yes.. I went to Fiji by myself. I really REALLY needed some downtime.

This digital scrapbook created with Smilebox

Silly Randomness... Kenya!

2011-04-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ok.. this is SO not funny...

2011-03-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

The past 3 weeks we have been hit hard. It started out with the older kids, then two weeks ago Sam was clobbered. He got so sick. I took him to the doc, and he has a sinus infection. If that wasn't enough.. he gurfed on me.... not just a tiny bit, he really soaked me. Went home after wards ( had to carry him to and from the car and so my bladder was soaking me too... ) Its just been so much fun being sick.

We got his anti biotics and he even through the liquid up. I had to call his doc to get him to take pills. The week went by with no mercy. The only way I was able to make it.. was Don. He was and is still helping out.

The week came and went.. and last Sunday night, I got extremely ill. Fever, chills, aches. I wanted to die. Jane goes down, Ty goes down... Don wasn't feeling that good. None of us went to church. I have not felt that sick since 1988. I went to my doc.. she is like, oh you have no fever.. I am like wth? I do too! its 101. Their thermometer was obviously not working.. or something. Again.. I was like.. just kill me now! Ty and Jane stayed home... cept on Wednesday.. Jane went to school.. but came home with a high fever. We are all like.. really? REALLY? What is this about?

I missed work all week, but its for me to get better. I will stay home and sleep tomorrow. I have a concert on the 18th of March, then I go out of town for a week.

I am just thankful Don was healthy enough to help out this week. I could not even help Ty and Jane on Monday and Tuesday. I was a mess.

Now we are recovering. I really wanna get back to running.. but I will have to be patient.

I hope all of you are ok.. and you don't get hit with whatever hit us. Been a wild SoCal winter for us.

HUGS!

A Day Out at the Aquarium of the Pacific

2011-02-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm really glad we got out today. It was a tiny bit chilly. Me, Claire and Dan, Jane, Tyler and Sam went to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. We have a year pass, and so we went in and looked around.

The Aquarium is of course in downtown Long Beach. I've been there before when Don and I went to Catalina a year ago or so. The tall ship "America" sail out from this area. It was quite and interesting drive.. as we got close to Long Beach, Tyler saw the oil refineries and was like.. wow, what is all coming out of the chimneys there? I told him it was exhaust from the refineries. He was quite fascinated by that. Of course my phone's GPS was quite silly. It kept wanting to take us off I 405 to some of the surface streets to get us to the Aquarium. I always print a back up Google map to make sure I am not going somewhere off the beaten path. The GPS gets a little kooky when it recalculates a new route. It finally figured out we were staying on I405 and then merge on the 710. Driving in this area is quite a trip. I remember driving in Dallas and how crazy I thought it was driving around there. HA.. Dallas was a picnic compared to around here.

Jane, Claire and Dan being goofy at Bubba Gumps...

We arrived and parked. I guess everyone in the area was thinking the same thing since it was President's day today... and so we had to deal with parking silliness.

The Aquarium is clean, has some great exhibits. I think my fav were the HUGE lobsters. I don't think I have EVER seen any lobsters as big as these guys. They had Eels in with them. There were a couple of lobsters just hanging out with the eels.

A lobster looking right at me:

It was a beautiful sunny day.. with a bit of a chill in the air. I wore 3 layers because I was cold. Its amazing, I have been out of the Minnesota deep freeze for years, and I can't take anything below 60 degrees. I am SUCH a wimp!

Seahorses Forever!

Claire...

2011-02-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

I remember when I posted about her birthday a year ago. I find it wild that here we are in the year 2011.

I took pictures.. but my camera's battery died so I am waiting for them to recharge. At any rate, she had an excellent day. 17... who would have thunk it.. 17 years ago she came to our family.

I remember that day vividly. I was scared because the doc wanted to induce me. I am really glad I had an epidural. What I remember most about her, is how alert she was after she was born. She just looked around and didn't cry unless the nurses gave her a shot, or did something to startle her. I remember when I wanted to eat after I had her, and threw up the cranberry juice.

Now she is 17, and almost ready to leave home and find her own way in the world. Its a crazy thing .. ...

Time keeps on slippn into the future!

Winter Formal

2011-02-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

I just sent off Claire with her boyfriend Dan to Winter Formal. Dan's Mom.. Barbie, took them to the High School to their photos taken. THEN, she will drive them to dinner, and then.. to the Formal dance at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

She will also pick them up and bring them home.

I am feeling very tender about this.. as she is 16... almost 17. I remember when she was born, a beautiful little girl. Now she is all growed up. I know bad grammar.. but I can't help it.

Here are some pics!

Claire Winter Formal 2011

Dan and Claire

Sam's Baptism...

2011-01-19T00:51:00.000-08:00

I think it was the most poignant evenings I've had in a long time with our children. He was supposed to be baptized in the first days of December.. we were out of town during the stake interviews.. so we waited until January 8th. He was so excited to be baptized. We've been talking with him about baptism this past year, and the missionaries came and taught him the discussions.

Jane gave an excellent talk about Baptism. She wrote a talk for it, but she felt prompted to talk about her own baptism. She is a sharp young woman. We are pleased with her ability to express how she felt.

After the baptism, we were in the Primary room waiting for Sam and Don to get out of their baptism clothes, and have one of the members of the Bishopric come talk with us.

After Sam was confirmed. Tyler observed during all of this that all of us have been baptized. Each of our children are amazing souls. We are proud of them all.

We are thankful our children are here in our home. Congrats Sammy!

( I will post pictures later, I am exhausted...)

My Birthday...

2011-01-09T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well another year has reached out to claim me. I like to think that I am learning...I'm not wise, I don't have all the answers... but I am walking the path like everyone else to learn how to live and where I need to go.

My birthday was on Wednesday. I woke up and went downstairs. Don had decorated the dining room with some fun birthday streamers. He also made some oatmeal for me. I eat that everyday. Boring I know, but its to help keep me healthy.

The day was fun, I had to work.. work is fun!! I am enjoying working at the Music store. How cool is it, that I am surrounded by instruments and sheet music, as well as digital pianos and I can just play to my hearts content!

I went home, the family was ready to take me out to eat. We went to Miguel's. Its a CaliMex restaurant and it was GREAT! Then we went home and I opened my presents. I got a DS!! lol... The kids really love that I like to play with them. I enjoy just hanging out with them. I also got some clothes, iTunes card, as well as a TASCAM DR-03 digital recorder. Hope to use it when I perform or record something where I can't have my computer with me.

It was a fun day.. full of smiles, laughs and lots of cake!

Tyler is 10

2010-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

How did this happen? I remember when he was born. He came too early. He had to be in the NICU for 2 weeks. THAT was hard. And now you would never know he had a rough time of it in the beginning.

Yesterday was a fun day. We went to Pump it Up in Lake Forest. He had many of his friends around him. I really enjoyed watching him play.. and enjoy himself on his day.

Here are some pics:

The Cake

Tyler is 10

Singing to Tyler

Eating!!

He is getting VERY tall. He is up to my chest. I can't believe how fast he is growing!

Happy 10th year little man!

Christmas prep...

2010-12-13T07:49:00.001-08:00

Well.. we finally got over the sickies. I was sick for at least two weeks. I didn't feel like decorating after Thanksgiving. Which is a good indicator on how bad I felt. So I went to the doc and they prescribed some heavy duty anti biotics. I am SO glad I did that because I feel much better!!! In fact I feel like doing cart wheels... well, not a good idea.. I might run into something and break something!

This weekend we decorated, Christmas shopped.. and then yesterday while Minnesota was in Blizzard conditions... we had 80 degree weather. Shocking isn't it?

Always fun when the most of the nation is in a deep freeze and we here in Cali are soaking up the rays.

Here are some photos of our weekend!

The TV Music Box... its so enchanting!

Our Christmas Tree

A Cali Christmas!

Friday is the last day of school for this year... Everyone can't wait to have some time off! YAY!

Slab leak and the aftermath...

2010-12-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

Yes... we had a slab leak. The plumber came, they turned off the water, opened up our walls in the dining room, and put in new water main pipe to the water heater. What a gusher! It was leaking into our flower beds in the front.. and roaming down the side of the house. Kemper.. our house insurance, will not pay for the new pipe or the wall that needs new dry wall, primer and paint! WAH!

The Wall by the furnace and water heater closet

The Wall by the front north window

The Ceiling in the dining room.

Now.. we have water damage to deal with. In the kitchen... the wood floor is buckling. I have full permission to find a stone flooring. I would like to keep the wood flooring in the dining room... What a time for this to happen. GRRRrrrr....

Several shots of our ruined kitchen floor... *sigh*

Will keep you posted on the progress of our dining room and our kitchen disaster...

Where is the dislike button when you need it?

Thanksgiving, Sam's Birthday and Travels...

2010-11-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

I packed up the kids last Monday and drove to Utah. We got there in record time.. 6 hours. We drove 80 mph all the way. Had two state troopers pass us... and didn't give me a ticket! hahaha. Pretty wild. It was good to see Mom/Grandma and Dad/Grandpa Smith. Dad is looking like he is 80. Its strange to see one's parents age. You think they are ageless. Not true. We were noisy.. we ate a lot. Slept a lot too. It was crazy. We go on vacation.. and it was like. something had us in its grasp, wanting us to sleep in. We never do that here! I got addicted to the children's DS's!! lol MarioKart is my favorite game!

Thursday we had a great time. Didn't cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. We got it from Lin's Market. They did all the work.. I just made a pie and Mom made a small batch of her famous stuffing. We all went into a food coma! I don't like to eat a lot anyway!

I took the kids to see Harry Potter The Deathly Hallows Part 1. WHAT a great movie! We all loved it... we all jumped half a mile at a certain point in the movie. If you have not seen it.. I won't give it away!

Claire and I got sick... total bummer. We had some fun things planned. Friday we were supposed to go to Best Friends in Kanab.. but I felt horrible. Friday night we braved it for watching Harry Potter again.. with Don this time. (He flew in from OC into Vegas.. took the shuttle to St. George. He braved the TSA stupidity.. they did not put him in a xray machine nor did they pat him down. O l knew OC would be tamer than LAX or Boston Logan or even NYC. We were in St. George all day pretty much shopping for stuffas for the Thanksgiving Feast and some Christmas shopping too. )

Sam's Birthday!

Saturday we slept in again... and then got up, got all the decorations for Sam's Birthday Party at the Washington City Community Center. We had a great time together. Gram and Gramps came with us for a little bit. I can't believe Sam is 8! WHAT a fun place! We ate pizza, had ice cream, soda and lemonade. Then the real fun began. SWIMMING!

The Giant Bucket!

The Birthday Boy's Cake!

Swimming Fun!

Today we woke up late, ate at the Cracker Barrell in St. George. Drove like like the wind to Las Vegas.. and parked on the 15 out of Vegas for most of the day. We got home around 7pm. WHAT a crazy drive that was. I spose many people decided that flying this year was not worth the hassle at the airports.

It is nice to be home....

Tyler's Birthday is next... yowza!!!

A New Job...

2010-11-21T15:02:00.001-08:00

Well.. I have gone and done it. I will be working part time at Coast Band Music in Mission Viejo. I start after Thanksgiving..M - F from 2 - 6pm. They will be training me then, I start working on Saturdays and whenever they need me.

We rent my flute from them, Claire takes trumpet lesson here too. SO that will be fun.

How do I feel about it? I am pretty excited. It will help fund my musical pursuits. I will also learn how to string guitars, violins. I will learn how to clean and take care of brass, woodwinds.. etc. So this will be interesting to learn about! I am looking forward to all the new knowledge I will be learning!

More to come..

Claire and her THHS Marching Band Adventures...

2010-11-14T18:43:00.001-08:00

I have to say, that we are quite proud of Claire. WBA Huntington Beach, last weekend her Marching Band took 1st place, AND yesterday.. they took first place at WBA Tournament In The Hills competition. We are quite pleased.

After all the LONG rehearsals, pain and humiliation, it was the big pay off. The kids in the band all nicknamed her:

Crash Course..

Which she really did. She joined band like 2 weeks before school started I think? Hmmm.. anyway, I know I blogged about it. She really is glad that she stuck with it.. why? Because of the humiliation she suffered at the hands of a really dumb guy. He is one of the coaches.. that is not in charge of grades. Mr. Moreau is. Anyway.. ask me sometime about what happened and I will tell you.

The band is a AAAA Class band. They have 112 kids in it.

Yeah I know.. PICTURES! I asked Mr Steps.. ( he is the band director. ) if I could post pictures. It seems they have copyright issues and a lawyer team that protects THHS Marching Band's "brand". They will go after us if we post pics. Don't ask me.. I don't know!! >.<

Anyway.. you can take a peek online here:

Thundering Mustangs Photos

Thundering Mustangs Rancho Bernardo

Yeah.. normally, I don't like to be told what to do. In this case, the band leaders were pretty adamant... *sigh*

CONGRATS CLAIRE and THHS!!!!

A Mouse ON the House!!!

2010-11-12T15:00:00.001-08:00

We were looking outside today and watching this HUGE marmalade ginger cat in our back yard. I thought Cleo was huge.. pffft.. this cat would have pwnd her. We sat and watched until Marmalade cat or Catundra, was chasing something. He batted a small creature with its huge paws.. and ran to our trashcans. The small creature was some sort of rodent.. maybe a small rat, possible mouse. Sam ran to the sliding door.. Catundra ran away, we opened the door and kitty ran out.. didn't see it, then the dang thing started running up the SIDE of our house.

Yes UP the side of our house. He got up by the boys window.. I was concerned he was gonna climb up to the attic vents and get in somehow. He was hanging on for dear life. So I got the crazy idea to spray him down with water. I sprayed him down and Jane got a broom and we pinned him down. SAM came and interfered.. and the mouse got away through these walls into our neighbor's yard:

Sam truly felt tender hearted towards this crazy rodent... "He is nature's creature.. we can't kill him! He is cute! Lets give him some cheese!!"....

I tried to explain he did not belong on the side of our house!!!

FUNNY stuff!

Tyler's History of California Presentation...

2010-11-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Well today, I went to Ty's school to watch "The State of California History Walk Through". It was quite lengthy.. but he was quite happy that I came. It was fun, in spite of how long it was. I am sure the kids that were involved will not forget it. It was packed with info... and the kids seemed to enjoy the interaction.

Ty was picked to be Juan Cabrillo

They had to answer questions in a complete sentence or get the water bottle squirted on them. Of course.. kids are contrary.. and love that sort of thing... and so many of them would answer without it being a sentence... was hilarious.

My favorite part, was when California became part of Mexico.. the music started playing and all the kids got up dancing. I will post pics of that later.

In the meantime... look on the right side of the blog from time to time to see some VERY funny comments from the kids.

More to come!!!

WBA Photos

2010-10-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

I found the Marching Band's photos online from the competition in Rancho Bernardo. The watermark does get in the way of seeing the kids.. but overall it is fun to look at them in full dress. I would sweat to death if I had to wear the uniforms!

THHS Marching Unit

This was from last weeks competition.

WBA Competition Rancho Bernardo.

2010-10-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I planned on going last night to the competition to watch Claire. My body had other ideas. I felt bad.. but we kept in contact via cell phone. ( As a family we saw them perform at the football game Friday night).

They won their competition and came in 1st place. They have worked SO hard... and it paid off. I am sure on the website they will post photos of them. We are not allowed to post any photos or video via Facebook or anywhere on the web. They have copyrights and so they are quite emphatic when they say."NO POSTING pics unless its on the website." So you can keep up with the performances and competitions here:

THHS Marching Unit

Claire got home at midnight last night.. and I was asleep pretty much. Don picked her up. She came in here this morning and told me all about the competition. She is so stoked. They have yet to post the photos and info on the band. Waiting patiently... grrr... lol

We walked to the football game Friday night, since the school is so close to us. I enjoyed getting out. Jane and I stayed and watched the game... Jane had a friend hanging out with her.. I talked with some of the other Band parents. That was fun. Our football team lost. Which was a bummer. Our team scored twice and then the visitors scored 3 times. We were doing so well.. but with anything... stuff happens.

This week is busy. I will be going all over the place with the kids. Claire has night rehearsal on Thursday in full uniform. Tuesday they will be at the upper fields after school. I am just so glad it is sunny after a weeks worth of rain.

I am sure there will be more to come...

tc

Band Photos...

2010-10-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a link for ya'll to look at Claire's Marching Unit.

Trabuco Hills High School

Just click on the link... and have fun! Claire comes up on the first photo...

The Raccoon and Tyler...

2010-10-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have meant to post this story a few times.. but finally have some quiet time for the moment to do so.

A few months ago, Tyler and his friend Stephen were playing together. Trying to find something interesting to do, as most boys are looking for that great adventure. Stephen went home to eat some lunch and Ty hunted for just the right tree to climb.

He found the perfect tree.. not too high.. and not too thick. He started climbing and got to a branch when he was confronted by a rather CRANKY raccoon! He startled Tyler so bad.. that he fell from the branch he was trying to climb on.. and the raccoon started hissing at him in his face.. and trying to scratch him.

He obviously did NOT like it when Tyler was climbing in his tree!

So this crazy animal literally chased Ty out of the tree. Tyler couldn't move fast enough and fell out of the tree!

He had scrapes and bruises.. but no broken bones thank goodness!!!!

Not the raccoon that chased him.. but I had to put an image of one...

Wish I would have gotten video of that! hehehe...

Update on School...

2010-10-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well...it has been an interesting few weeks. Since the California Budget problems.. sheesh, they had to revamp our districts classes in the elementary and high school level. Jane's school has been untouched.. which is interesting.

Sam got transferred to a 2/3 combo class. Meaning he is in a 2nd and 3rd grade class. He works independently enough that he was moved there. I seriously think he would have been bored in Mrs. Pacek's class. Mrs. Kastorff is his new teacher. Tyler had her last year. Sam was not happy that they moved him. He cried.. but when he heard how nice she is from Ty, he seemed to take it in stride.

Claire was moved to 1 different teacher for Biology and a later math class. So it did not affect her as much as we thought. She loves all of her teachers. Yesterday she was at the High School for Marching Band rehearsal all day.. 9am to 5:30pm.

Ty did not get moved.. which is a good thing for him. Mr. Edwards is his 4th grade teacher. Don and I went to back to school night to meet the boy's teachers and talk with them. So that was fun. :)

Jane is doing quite well at her school. She is enjoying being in Junior High. She has so many good friends, and feels like she is growing up. She entered a contest at Aaron Brothers. Jane's Drawing She is hoping to win. : )

I have been going to the High School and watching the Marching Band practice and it has been a lot of fun.

More to come...

Carothers Est. 1991 Happy Anniversary!

2010-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Don and I hit 19 years yesterday. Has it really been 19? It is a strange thing. Come May 2011, I will have lived in California 20 years. That is longer than Utah, Minnesota or Texas. Who would have thunk it?

We planned some fun things over the weekend. Of course we took the kids to Disneyland and California Adventure. Saturday night Don took me out to dinner at a lovely Italian Restaurant called Piccolinos. WHAT a great find!!! The food was excellent the desert was even better! Creme Brulee with fresh berries YUMMY!

Yesterday I baked a cake to celebrate. Don gave the 3 younger kids a HUGE Hershey's candy bar, and for Claire he got her some Life Saver gummies. ( Claire can't have chocolate! do'h!) The kids were so cute about it. They were happy to be included with the celebration.

Don also brought me some roses, and gave me an Amazon.com gift card. I have downloaded the Kindle app onto my blackberry.. so I have been reading everything I can get my hands on! The gift card rocks!!! I can now get more books so that I have something to read when I am traveling. I bought Don an iTunes gift card. I think we like those more than clothes! hahah. Pretty funny. It has been a fun few days.

Happy Happy!

TC

We survived...

2010-09-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

The first week of school is always kind of a rocky thing. Sam had the jitters, Ty was happy to have Mr. Edwards as his teacher, Jane was nervous and excited to be at the Middle School. Claire has all new teachers except for Mrs. Schwanke ( She was her Conceptual Bio teacher before). She switched her PE class out for Band, so now she is a permanent resident there.. hehe. She went to her first game Friday and was able to participate. Tomorrow is trumpet lessons. All in all, we all survived the panic attacks or when and how and we got to go where and when do I cook the food.. etc. It was a good week.

Friday the kids had a day off.. and we all went to Disneyland except for Claire. She had to be at the School around 5pm, and knowing how the kids are, we wanted to stay longer. I was feeling out of sorts, the whole theme park thing freaks me out because of the friggn 2 hour wait for a ride that lasts all of 5 seconds. There should be a "dislike" button for that.

At California Adventure.. next to Disneyland.

Sam had the freak out about some rides which he had never done that before. I rode the California Screamin ride and survived it.. and I wanted to go again! lol. Ty and Sam did NOT want to ride that. ( California Adventure). All of us went on the Soarin over California ride. THAT was an amazing ride in itself. I swear they were using very slight scents to get us to actually feel like we were near the ocean, up near Shasta, in the wine country and all the orange groves.. etc.

We came home late, I was exhausted... my legs were killing me, and we figured out why. I was running a fever of 101. It was really weird. It came, it went and I am glad! lol No more sickies for me!

Looking forward to a new week. I am looking to have a more positive attitude. I don't want to be remembered as a ranter, so I am looking to find the humor in the situation(s) that present themselves and use positive instead of negativity. Oh I know, there will be times when I will want to throw things! haha.

More to come...

School has begun...

2010-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

For some goofy reason I didn't get first day pics of Claire and Jane. My bad. However, they are very happy with school so far.

Here are the boys:

Sam

Tyler

So far no melt downs, no temper tantrums. Sam is very happy with his 2nd Grade Teacher. Ty really likes his 4th grade teacher.

The girls are getting used to their schedules. Claire has a football game Friday night she is not sure if she will be marching. So we shall see... : )

More to come...

TC

Claire Band Photos

2010-09-09T08:18:00.001-07:00

Here are the pics of Claire in her uniform!

Claire and Amber.

Claire

Claire Takes The Plunge...

2010-09-07T10:00:00.001-07:00

I wish I had pictures of this day.

I will explain:

Last week, Claire got her schedule for school. She was immensely disappointed that she did not get one of her classes. ROP - nursing class. At the same time, she has been taking Trumpet lessons. She really loves the sound of the trumpet and has been enjoying the learning process. Her teacher asked her if she was going to join HS Marching Band... she thought about it.. but I told her that with the ROP class, I couldn't take her to both things. THEN she didn't get the class. The Trumpet chair at TBHHS.. told her she should come to Bandcamp. So we filled everything out, sent the checks with her and she left this am to see if they would accept her. She has been doing well, with her teacher's encouragement, she feels confident that whatever happens there, she will be fine.

So, Claire is joining TBHHS Marching Band. She knows her scales, she can play the trumpet reasonably well and can read music. I am not sure how it will all play out today.. but my thoughts are with her and hope that they let her in the band.

I find it so interesting that her teacher encouraged her to go and see if they would allow her to join. At her lessons, she met a guy that was accepted into the Marine Corps Marching Band and put her in touch with the band's trumpet chair. In fact she has been bugging Claire all weekend to go to Band Camp. So we agreed that she should try out. So now we are waiting ....Can you say PINS AND NEEDLES!!

AS OF 11:14am.. Claire just texted me that she made it!!!!! SHE IS IN the BAND!

More to come...

TC

School... 2010/11

2010-08-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Well.. last week I took Jane to get her registered for Junior High. Today was Claire for her Junior year. It was a bit more organized.. AND the Junior High had it very organized as well.

Claire and her friend Dan

The boys will be at Del Lago by themselves this year.. I am a bit nervous about that. Since Tyler is such a hot headed young man.. I am concerned we are gonna have some incidents with him. Last year was interesting.. that is all I am sayn! I will say something positive about Ty.. he is improving with age. I am hoping he continues this trend. He never makes the same mistake twice. You can imagine what my life is like with all these people around me. I feel like the Sun, and the planets ( kids ) are in constant motion. Some days I just want to hide under my bed like the Cat.

Anyway... we find out the boys teachers on the 10th of September... and school starts on the 13th. Yes I know its late, and I can't understand it. Which means we will be out of school in late June. I believe it is the 23rd. I need to buy the boys new shoes, and get the school supplies in order.

More to come!!

TC

Jane did it...

2010-08-30T16:12:00.001-07:00

I took Jane today to the mall to get her ears pierced. Here is a before pic.. .and after pic. I'm telling you.. she was braver than me!!! lol

BEFORE

AFTER

She has yellow gold earrings with a cubic zirconia teal stones. They are very cute.

Congrats JANE!

TC

Happy Birthday Jane!

2010-08-20T10:51:00.001-07:00

Announcing Jane!

Little Jane... born August 19, 1998

Halloween

Jane gets her start in drawing...

Yesterday it was Jane's 12th Birthday. It was fun! We celebrated in the HOT sun at Knotts Berry Farm. Jane managed to get all of us on the Supreme Scream.. which really.. when you analyze it as an adult WHY I put my life and 6 others into the hands of this thing that is 312 feet tall. Here is a link to the video of Silver Bullett and you can see Supreme Scream in the background.. INSANE!!

Silver Bullet

She had 5 friends come to Knotts Berry Farm with us:

Sarah, Liz, Alex, Jane, Julia and Sierra
( Left - Right )

Janes Cake:

We are very happy to have Jane in our family. She has quite the sense of humor, is very kind and we love her.

TC

Why are we sick?

2010-08-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today Claire, Tyler and Jane were sick. Ty has a fever of 102. Jane's fever is 99.0 and Claire was a lo grade temp as well.

I hope they get better soon. None of us really like to be sick. Summer is going by us SO incredibly fast. We pick up Jane and Claire's registration packets next week and the week after! BLARGH!

The boys will be in Elementary, Jane in Junior High and Claire a Junior in High School! Holy Mackeral, I can't believe it!

Just wanted to write a quick note on how we are doing. Don, Me and Sam are doing just fine. : )

Cleo is a spaz too.

TC

Claire travels with me...

2010-06-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

I finally can talk about what I was doing out here in Utah. I was a judge for the Mrs. Utah America pageant. I have been bringing each child when I travel. The girls were first because they are older, and the boys need watching! Someday I will take Tyler and Sam somewhere with me.

This time it was Claire's turn. She and I drove to Utah on Thursday morning, we stopped in Hurricane, UT at my parents house. What was really cool, was that Jen, Maddie and cousin Kaitlin where there! It was so hot, we packed up and went to Washington Community Center and went swimming. I had so much fun with Claire, Maddie and Kaitlin. The girls are so tall and cute. Was good to chat with Jen as well.

We woke up extra early on Friday and drove into Provo, UT. We talked, we listened to our music.. Claire had her iPod which she promptly put her earphones in. She slept most of the drive.. but it was SO fun having her along with me. Else, I would have driven by myself. Would have been BORING!

I had to go do some preliminary stuff with the contestants, and knew she would be fine by herself in the hotel room. She just hung out and was a computer zombie, and then took a nice nap. When I came back we decided to have Pizza in our room! YAY! We watched Maid of Honor, and then Pitch Black. Those of you that know me.. know that I absolutely love the Riddick movies.

The next morning we slept in. I got up finally and worked out at the hotel's fitness room. We then got going and walked around in downtown Provo. I had to walk up to a DRIVE IN ATM... and the stupid thing wouldn't take my card. Claire took a picture of me because it was so funny. They still have tellers in Utah.. imagine that! Makes me laugh thinking about it..

We then ate lunch at a Chinese restaurant, quick what year were you born? I was born in the Year of the Snake, Claire was born in the Year of the Dog. Jane Year of the Tiger, Tyler Year of the Dragon, and Sam Year of the Horse AND Don was born in the Year of the Snake. That is what we learned by looking at our place mats!! LOL

Then.. it was pageant time. We got gussied up, went to the pageant.. met some EXCELLENT people. More on my Music Blog.. Have fun.. and way more to come!

TC

School is finally done...YAY~

2010-06-23T17:58:00.001-07:00

The kids are so excited... school is out now until September. Everyone is SO happy! Jane received an Academics Excellence Presidential Award and Student of the Year that came with a plaque.

Claire finished out her year with a goal that her Junior year she will buckle down. We are so proud of her because of all the kids in the family... she struggled the most with the transition into Public School. Kudos to her for sticking with it when she realized all the things she needed to do is in her court. I am not the bad guy anymore.. ( well not all the time now! lol ) She got her hair cut SO CUTE!!!!

Tyler and Sam finished their year as well. They are both happy that there is no more school for a while. Sam really has come a long way in reading. Tyler has come into his own. He is the class clown.. and academically he does very well. He still is a walking calculator. Math is his strongest subject. We are very proud of them all.

Summer!!!!

tc

My Five Senses by Jane

2010-06-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

Some of what she wrote is beyond my abilities to write..and I thought I would paste in some excerpts of what she is capable of:

My Five Senses by Jane

Imagination is misty white.
It tastes like ripe cherries at the peak of perfection.
It sounds like a soft wind blowing against the trees.
It smells like a wide open grass field just after a heavy rain.
It looks like beautiful scene with the golden sun splashing into the glowing water,
stretching beyond the horizon at the mystical and wondrous beach.
It makes me feel like I have the power to do anything.

A dragon is glittering gold.
It tastes like heated metal.
It sounds like the clanking of heavy metal armor.
It smells like burning hot charcoal.
It looks like a huge scaly snake mixed with a large feather bird
It makes me feel like I'm burning up inside me.

Vermont is dark tree green.
It tastes like strong pine mint.
It sounds like many small creatures chirping and squeaking all around.
It smells like large and fresh pine trees.
It looks like a gigantic and beautiful green tree grove.
It makes me feel like I'm at home.

jc 2010

Poetry by Jane

2010-06-04T14:15:00.001-07:00

Preschool to College
by Jane

The
preschooler
mixed
red
with
yellow
to
make
orange
that
he
used
to
paint
the
background
for
the
college
opera
on
Tuesday

A new job...

2010-06-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

It was inevitable. It's been creeping up on me slowly... and finally I feel the need to supplement my music career. So what kind of job am I looking for? A kind of job that will allow me to work part time.. or flexible hours since I am a Wife, Mom and musician. I have a lot of experience in Administrative Assistant... and so I believe in my abilities to do that job really well.

I figure since the kids are in school full time now, I can work. Summer time might be a bit crazy... and hadn't thought about it till now. I might need to put the kids in some kind of summer camp(s) so that they are not here tearing up the house.

I think it will last as long as I need cash flow to help fund the music. We'll see.

The school year is winding down. The kids are tired of the go go go mentality of the teachers. I am quite sure they will be happy to have some time off. Claire and I will be driving to Utah in June. I can't publicly tell you what I am doing.. but once I finish with it, I will write about it in my Music Blog.

Wishing you and yours a lovely weekend!

TC

Minnesota!

2010-04-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Kids

Splitrock Lighthouse Mn

Splitrock Lighthouse

Ty

Waiting for Pizza!

Camille and Claire

Our kids and friends...

Gooseberry Falls

Duluth Lift Bridge

Duluth Harbor

Tunnel on the 61, NorthShore. On our way to Silver Bay, MN.

Statue at the Duluth Harbor Entrance

We had a great time on our Spring Break in Minneapolis. Of course it wasn't nearly long enough!!! We flew out of LAX, but had a couple of problems. They boarded us on the plane and then we had to sit for a little over an hour. You can imagine what THAT did to the boys! I wasn't really happy about it myself. They were trying to fix the cargo bay doors and finally they did fix it! Then we took off... of course it was not a straight shot to Minneapolis.. we had to land in Chicago and change planes. We were not exactly sure we were gonna make it to our flight, so we all ran ( the kids commented that it was like the "Home Alone" bunch running!) Sam held my hand tightly as he didn't want to end up on another flight to NYC or something like that.

We landed in Minneapolis, rented a HUGE vehicle.. it was really nice. Hertz rental cars told us it was brand new. I believe it was a Yukon. Was really roomy. We drove to the Ackerman's house in Eden Prairie. I don't remember the any of the freeways we got on to get to Eden Prairie and they were only 2 or 3 lane freeways. I felt really constricted.. haha. I am used to our 5 - 6 lane freeways in Cali, so it was a little hard to get used to. The names of the freeways were a little confusing. I couldn't tell if we were going North, South, East or West.

Monday we woke up packed up overnight bags and drove in two vehicles to Silver Bay. Of course we had to go through Duluth. It was SO fun! I don't remember the drive being so fast either. All of the kids were really good travelers, and so that made things easier. We stopped at Gooseberry Falls. I didn't really remember that place, but I loved it! So did the kids. Then we made our way to Silver Bay and stayed at the AmericInn. We also stopped and ate dinner at Silver Bay, and had pizza! YUM! The hotel was really nice, and they even had an indoor water park. Small.. but the kids had fun!

Tuesday we woke up checked out, and drove to Split Rock Lighthouse and spent some time there. We then dropped in at a Pie shop to eat lunch. Then we went shopping! LOL. Of course the kids couldn't wait to spend money.. but each one chose their purchases quite well, and did not go overboard.

We then drove back to Eden Prairie, and it started to rain. Wednesday we woke up and just had a nice lazy ol morning. We realized that Sam didn't pack enough pants! LOL. So we went to the store and got him some jeans. We drove to Apple Valley to see where the old house was. It was nice. Jim and Julie Moening still live on the street and so I went to talk to Jim. He was home, working on his craft of leather, and decoys ( fish decoys) He was so pleased to see me, and told me about how everyone was doing. Most of the old gang had moved. We then packed in the Yukon and drove to West View Elementary. Still the same, school was in session.. was fun to see it.

Later, in the evening... Don and Russ took the kids to the Timberwolves game against the Golden State Warriors! LOL... they all had a grand time. Kathleen and I hung out and watched "The Scarlet Pimpernel" with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour. SUCH a classic movie.

Thursday we woke up and we had planned to go out to Glencoe. Then I decided I really didn't want to go out there. Lets just hang out and have fun with the Ackerman's. The kids were having too much fun playing with their kids, and so it was decided we would have an easy day.

Friday I woke up EARLY. I was going on live TV at KARE Channel 11, and had to get my makeup on.. etc etc.. Kathleen went with me to the station to offer help. I had my makeup done, and then we did some pre-rolls for teasers during the show. WAS FUN! I have always done Radio.. but this was my first TV appearance. I had a blast!

Then we met up with everyone at the Mall of America. Kathleen and I had lunch at the Nampa Valley Restaurant. Trying to get away from Cali, and end up eating at a Cali based eatery. Was very delicious.

The kids were having SO much fun at the Mall. They have a small amusement park in the middle of the mall, with rides and such. Don took lots of photos.

Saturday morning we woke up slow. We were planned to drive to Lindstrom around 2ish. It took us about an hour and a half to get there. They live north of St. Paul. I really enjoyed the drive. We arrived, had an early dinner.. Vicki and her family were amazing. ( They hosted my concert there) We had SO much fun, and they are wonderful hosts. Then Concert time. I will write in my other blog about it.. since this is the family blog.

Sunday we woke up, got ready for church.. and attended with our friends. Kathleen's husband Russ, is Bishop.. so he had already gone. It was fun to see where they go to church. After Sacrament meeting... we took off to the Ackerman's house packed up everything.. and drove to the airport. It was quite comical going through security. We already did the drill in LAX... Was funny to see all six of us putting EVERYTHING in the bins, taking shoes off, putting EVERYTHING back in our bags, putting shoes back on.. blah blah.

We flew home.. of course stopped in Chicago.. AGAIN. They made us get off the plane ( it was the same place continuing on to LAX) and we got back on. Flew home and voila! Back in Cali.

Everyone had fun, and enjoyed seeing our friends again.

More fun to come!

TC

Claire and Ty

2010-03-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

I am amazed by these pictures. Claire and Tyler worked together. Ty took the photos of Claire, and Claire did the rest...

Our scanner died...

2010-03-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well keeping with the theme of Mikkyn's electronic crisis.. our scanner died. I was JUST getting to know how to use it.. and it decided to give up the ghost. I have scads of pictures I want to scan, and make online photo albums for the kids, and then have them printed as books. I just don't have the time to cut up the photos anymore and do all the fun scrapbooking. I find that online scrapbooking is WAY easier, and you can store it to disk, and then you can have it printed ( via Apple). Now I have to wait until we purchase a new one. *sigh*

Claire taught me how to write an electronic signature it was VERY cool! She has a graphics tablet that she uses to draw on the computer. She is really quite good at it.

Who knew I would learn more computer things to do! LOL...

Anyway, we are gearing up for our trip to Minnesota. We are ALL VERY excited. I have not been to MN since last summer.. but did not get to do a whole lot. This time we will be there for a whole week. We have it all planned out:

Arrival
Day 1: Drive to Duluth stay overnight at Silver Bay, MN
Day 2: Explore that area, drive back to Eden Prairie.
Day 3: Don and our friends will take the kids to the Timberwolves Basketball Game, my friend and I go out to dinner just ourselves
Day 4: Drive to Glencoe to show everyone our old place..
Day 5: Mall of America
Day 6: Drive to Lindstrom, MN, concert at 7pm stay overnight.
Day 7: Drive back to Eden Prairie, pack it all up and fly home.
Departure for Home.

Jane has braces...

2010-03-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Yup... Jane just got braces over the last week. I can hardly believe it is March! Where did the time go????

Here is a fun pic of her:

Her mouth hurt really bad and now its feeling better. She can't wait until August so that she can get her ears pierced and go into Young Womens. Claire is a Laurel now... I can't believe it.

Ty will be 10 this year and Sam will be 8. We went to a baptism preview for him in January. Totally weird!

I will be posting more pics later on this week and talking about events that are coming!

More to come...

16....

2010-02-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

Claire turned 16 on Monday the 15th. I can hardly believe our first born is 16. She is such a bright, lovely young woman. Everywhere she goes, she gives off such light and optimism. She has many friends that just love her. She gives what she can and is a great listener. She has a GREAT sense of humor, she is beautiful.. and she also is a fabulous artist. She has a great eye for photography, and is musically inclined.

The day she was born, I remember it like it was yesterday. I was scared, and didn't know what to expect. When we found out I was pregnant, I started to go back to school... and then all hell broke loose. I became VERY sick. I could not hold anything down. I could not eat, I could not sleep. I would rock back and forth in place trying to survive not eating for weeks. Don took me into my OB/Gyn's office... and one look at me, they immediately put me in the hospital.

Unfortunately for all of us, it was not a very good hospital. They expected Don to come and watch me...I had after all tried to escape. I yanked out all of my IVs and was trying to find my way out. I was on the surgical floor.. because the OB floor was full. They should have put me there... but things happen for a reason. I also remember falling out of the bed. They had the gall to put me into a straight jacket. They just did NOT understand I could not eat... and so it put me in a very bad place. I finally was better to get out of the hospital. Before they released me however, they had some psychologist come talk with me. I remember I was particularly annoyed with him. I could finally eat, and this guy kept asking me 400 questions about my childhood..I asked him what the hell that had anything to do with what was happening with my pregnancy. I said... "Tell me, how would YOU be, if you had months where you could not eat a THING..???" He immediately realized that I had been through so much, that he decided that I was fine.. and left.

We ended up moving from the Lakeside area... Don got a job here in Orange County. On our way, we stopped at Wendy's so that I could eat salad. It was Salad all the time.. that is what my body craved.. was peas, broccoli, lettuce, eggs. We would find any Wendy's and I ate salad.

Time went by, and I was able to hold things down better. Every once in a while.. if Don would try to kiss me, I would feel like I was gonna hurl.. and sure enough I would. Smells were intense and everything around me set me off. As the months passed by.. my OB was like, hey we are going to induce you on the 15th... since I will be out of down after that day.

January came.. I believe it was the 17th when the North Ridge earthquake shook us up .. early in the morning. For an 8 month pregnant woman, I jumped out of bed VERY fast and stood in the door way. I remember it just kept shaking for a long time. Was my very first BIG earthquake in California... heheh.

February came and so.. there I was scared to death. They gave me the epidural, and the pitosin. Out popped Claire. Don and his Mother was there. I was very glad she was. Claire was a healthy alert little girl. She has always had the zest of life in her. I am very proud to have her in our family.

Happy Birthday Sweet daughter!

Organization...

2010-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Mikkyn.. I wish you were here!! I need some help organizing my house. With six of us in here, I am working on getting cabinets and baskets to help get this place organized. I really want to hang up our flat screen TV, get rid of the OLD tv that has been sitting in our living room for centuries it seems.

Our first purchase on our way to organization was a media cabinet. This thing is a lovely piece of furniture, but unfortunately putting it together was a BEAR! Once Don took his tools to it, we were able to finally get it done. Got all the videos, DVDs and music CDs in it. Which is shocking. I didn't think we had so many movies. I think I will get rid of the old videos tho. They seem to take most of the room.

I bought some galvanized aluminum tall flower containers and stacked them within each other and our umbrellas are in them. What was really cool, they were on sale for $2.99. Normally they were 8 dollars per can.

Next I go to Pier One Imports and buy a small console with baskets in them to organize our dining room. Right now we have a book case in our dining area that is really annoying. It has so much paper sitting on it, and its an eyesore. Since we still have a few "school" items things the kids can color with, paste, staple.. and I wanted to put all those things so that they are hidden.

The Kitchen really needs some help. I have a table in there that seems to attract additional food items we cannot put into our "pantry"... as its not really a pantry, it is a wall cabinet that slides out with drawers. I really don't know what to call that, but I would like to find a cabinet that fits under the window and is big enough to put the various items on this goofy table and put them away. I am not a neat-nick but I do like having things put away, off the floor and hidden if we can.

I think the worst room of all is our computer/music room. This is where I work mostly to rehearse and work on the business side of things. I have flutes that need to be hung up, guitars that need to be stored somewhere when not in use. I have studio monitors that need some kind of stands, I have folders, and paperwork, paper for the printer. Stacks of things that just annoys me to no end. I want to have an uncluttered work space. I have been SO tempted to go through the house with a giant trash bag to get rid of things we don't even use. I think that might help us get rid of the "clutter kleptomaniacs" in this house.. which totally includes me.

So, I will do a room each month to get us more organized. Now that we've done the living room, there are boxes and things that we need to have someone pick up and take so that we can have more room in the garage! LOL... There is ALWAYS something.

Today it is raining again. We so need the rain. I am really glad that we are not getting it all at once.. staggering our rain storms is a good idea. Since I am not in charge of that department, not much I can do about it if we get bucket loads of rain at one time.

More to come..

TC

February? Really?

2010-02-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

Oh lament... I cannot believe we are in February.. where did the holidays go? How come I missed January? I didn't vote for it?

Claire turns 16..... what? NO WAY! She does? I remember when she was a baby.. and everyone told me she would end up taller than me. She is taller by a few inches. I am 5'6 and she is almost 5'7. I hafta wear my heels and then she is shorter.. hahaha. I am very proud of her. She has really made public school hers. I know it has not been an easy transition from being schooled at home all her life, and then to be tossed in the mix! She is doing VERY well.

The next few months are going to be a bit challenging. I know everyone is busy in their own ways.. and life can be a bit overwhelming at times. I read my sister in law's blog tonight ( Jenni Smith) and she wrote down some resolutions. I have one resolution in my head that I really want to be a catalyst of change for me.

DON'T RANT and FREAK OUT: When someone does something around here that is totally ridiculous. I tend to get out my soapbox and rant. I rant and rave until I am spent. THAT kind of negative energy takes its toll on everyone including me. I am TIRED of it. And so.. a change begins. LIFE happens...

Well now.. enjoy February.. as it is the shortest month of the year.. and its gonna ZOOM into March... GARDENING TIME!

Utah.

2010-01-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

I went to Utah to visit my parents end of December over the holidays. Gary and Barbara. Mom was not feeling that well, and I felt like I wanted to visit them and see how they were both doing. I think it was a great visit, because I was able to see them, and we did some fun things together. Mostly just was lazy, but I did some running while I was there. I used to hate to run, but now I love it. I love how I feel. It makes me feel very healthy and happy.

We went to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. They are a no kill shelter, which is an amazing thing. It is where I met Bobtail.."Bob" for short. Bob is a special kitty. He has been at the shelter for years. I wanted to bring him home with me. I think Cleo would have loved to snuggle with him. Shoot, I loved him snuggling me! Here is how we met. I went into the Benton house, where he was. We went into one of the many kitty units. He was curled up on his bed, and I leaned down to pat him, and he jumped on my back! Really!!! He hung out on my back and I walked outside to the kitty play yard, and he just hung out with me on my shoulders and it was SO cool! I loved him.. and I wish we could have taken him home.

Bob the Cat

We also visited Dog Town. If you have ever watched the National Geographic Channel, Dog Town is in the Best Friends Sanctuary. Whenever you come to visit Mom and Dad.. go see this place. It is in Kanab, and beautiful. I loved the feelings from the people there, the shelter seemed happy and serene for all the animals that have been rescued.

I truly enjoyed my time out there and am glad we were able to visit!!!

A New Year...

2010-01-17T10:35:00.001-08:00

Here it is a New Year. I often ponder about what I want to accomplish in a new year. My thoughts have been to open my heart up. This does not mean to be silly about my heart, and what I do with it.. but to seriously give my all.. as much as I can. This means looking inside myself as well. To really look at things that would bother me before.

All the children are growing up, and I need to let go of some of them.. Claire especially. I cannot treat her like I treat the younger ones... since doing this, our relationship as mother and daughter has been an amazing thing. I love her dearly. I cannot believe she will be 16 years old next month. Jane is being welcomed into Young Women's this year. She will be 12 in August. She awaits August in great anticipation. She also gets her ears pierced then.

The boys are always a test for me. Seriously they push my buttons.. when I should look at them in a different light.. a more open way, as they see me. Most of the time they are trying to have fun with me when I see it as they are teasing me. I don't particularly see it as having fun with Mom. I realized that this month.

Ok.. enough of the seriousness!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Tyler's Birthday...

2009-12-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday To Tyler!

We woke up early to open his gifts. He was a bit on the excited side. He was so cute about it. I asked him how old he was, and then I said 19? He told me NO.. I am 9.. whats the matter with you?! LOL...

We went to Boomers - a family fun center in Irvine. We drove these gokarts... I would call them mini grand prix race cars, as they don't really look like Go Karts. Sam rode with me, and I am afraid I am somewhat of a Speed Demon. He was shreeking and howling with such delight.. then someone bumped us and he got nervous. I slowed down and we had a better time after that. Tyler rode with Don and let people know NOT to do bumping. He really let 'em have it.. as they got bumped and got stuck. He certainly has a mind of his own. Jane drove by herself for the first time on those things and had a blast! Claire of course drove too... so we were all on the track having a GREAT time. We played laser tag and had fun shooting each other with the laser guns.

We played a lot of games too. I can't believe our little son is now 9. He is 3 years away from being a tween. Moicy me. We love him.. and wish his 2010 year is awesome.

TC

Disertation about the word "Devious"

2009-12-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

Devious|ˈdēvēəs|
adjective
1. showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals : he's as devious as a politician needs to be | they have devious ways of making money.
2. (of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way : they arrived at the town by a devious route.
DERIVATIVES
deviously adverb
deviousness noun
ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin devius (from de- ‘away from’ + via ‘way’ ) + -ous . The original sense was [remote or sequestered] ; the later sense [departing from the direct route] gave rise to the figurative sense [deviating from the straight way] and hence [skilled in underhanded tactics.]

This word is one of my favorites. Why? Because it nails down what I believe to be an out of box personality trait. One that I am very familiar with. I don't find it as a negative. "Departing from the direct route"... It truly is. Tyler thinks outside of the box. His explanations of why he does things, his thinking. He is like me in many diverse ways. The English language is not known for staying with the original meanings of words. I put to you that in my description of our son Tyler, is that he is one that deviates from the "status quo". He is a thinker, and doer. He does things on his own initiative. Hence the word.

Tyler is who he is, he is like the rest of us. Trying to find his place in life, to fit in to be loved for who he is.. and not for what we want him to be. He will always be the demo man, the devious one.. and I love him deeply.

Our Tree...

2009-12-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend we decorated the house with the lights. Put the Light Tree out front.. its shaped as a Christmas tree in white lights. VERY fun.

We also went to see "A Christmas Carol" at the South Coast Repertory Theater. They have been performing Charles Dickens rendition of this play for 30 years! It is a tradition for us to go see it each year. We had such a grand time together. The boys actually get into the live action and enjoy it.

Earlier in the day we bought a live tree. It smells so lovely. Angel Moroni is on the top of the tree this time. Last year it was the star. We take turns deciding which one goes on the top of the tree each year. I had the Wassail simmering. It was SO good to sip.

Sunday came and we decorated the tree!

Everyone is so excited for this time of year. Its fun to see their eyes shining with delight.

I am enjoying myself just watching them be their crazy selves. Wishing you and yours Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and a Blessed New Year!

TC

Thanksgiving and Birthday

2009-11-27T14:36:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday I had enough energy to cook a turkey. We bought most of everything else considering how sick I've been. I had the flu for 5 days and it pretty much wiped me out. I am glad I went to the store last week and bought the turkey.. and everything else. Unfortunately we didn't take pictures which I don't know why! BUT.. on the flip side.. I am truly Thankful for everything that is a part of my life. Its crazy, its chaos, but within my heart I know that everything that happens is for me to learn and grow and stretch. I thank you for your support in reading the blog.

Sam's birthday is today. I can hardly believe he is 7. Such a sweet baby. He came at a very difficult time in my life.. as I get post partum depression really really bad. Thanks to my Mom who came out to support me at that time. Lucky for us, Sam was a very mild and happy baby considering how many problems he had. He had Reflux and laryingo malacia. Conditions that I was told that most babies just hated and would cry all the time. Not Sam. He seemed to take it and "understood" that that was his lot in life. It was like he accepted the problems and just did what he could do. Laryingo malacia, is an opening in your larynx. Normally, the whole larynx is healed and closed... but his wasn't. So when he coughs.. and he still sounds like he has the Croup, he is loud. But.. he is not sick its just how he is. He is a healthy Lego Maniac and he is a keeper!

Happy Birthday little son....

TC

Funerals...

2009-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Don and I went to San Diego, out on Point Loma to the military's Rosecrans cemetary. Don's Uncle Wade ( His Dad's Bro), lost the battle to cancer.

It was a beautiful day.. but sad too. The passing of such a robust individual was hard. Especially on Joann. I am sure there will be nights and days that will be very trying on her. I can't imagine losing anyone that I love that are that close to me. I am sure those days will come..but it was a sharp reminder to me about how short life really is.

The kids would have gone with us...however, they were out of school all last week because they were so sick. So, we decided they needed to stay in school.. while we went to the funeral. Taps was played, and that always gets to me.

The minister that gave the sermon for Wade.. was an amazing woman. She is a Methodist Minister, and I was quite impressed with her spirit and good will. The Navy was there and gave Wade a gun salute, and they gave Joann the American flag. The views from the Cemetary were incredible. You could see San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge.. and North Island. There were a few Navy ships in port.

Prior to his service, there was a service going on for a young man that probably lost his life in the service of his country. He was too young to have gone. Lots of people there, many vets were there, as well as the press. As taps played over him.. I teared up.I love the sound of brass.. and it always sounds so forlorn. There is something in that song played with a trumpet, or flugelhorn or bugle that just kills me.

We are doing well now that we are over the horrible sickies. I am sure there is more in store for us.. but I am glad I am around to take care of them when they need me.

TC

Hall o ween!

2009-11-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a good evening. I dressed up as Padme, everyone that came to the door thought I was Leia. I did not LOOK like Leia.. I was Padme! lol... Course being the Star Wars fanatics we are.. I KNEW who I was. hahaha.

Sam stayed home with me.. as he has a temp of 103. I am amazed at this kid. He is SO sick, that he is taking it like a champ. Me, I would have wimpered and cried and said.. NO I AM NOT SICK! lol He's such a trooper. I hope he gets better soon. I hope I DON"T get sick.. cuz he has been coughing in my face. I was up most of the night last night after everyone got home from Trick or Treating. I was glad to be there for him. He really liked the cool wash cloths on his face. Of course tossing him in the tub was no fun for him at all. He cried.. and shivered... but still, he allowed me to take care of him as he knew I was trying to keep the temp down.

He is doing a little better today. Keeping him medicated.. and keeping the nebulizer treatments to help him clear his airways.

Anyway.. hopeful this passes and we can get him back to his 100% self.. AND I can get some sleep! lol...

Happy November!

TC

I'm a MEANIE!

2009-10-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today... I hit a wall dealing with our 2 rambunctious boys. I threatened them way too many times... So I told them that if they didn't "help" me from going over the edge, I would pull the car over to the side of the road, and kick 'em out. The last straw came with a sudden urge to pull over on a VERY busy local road. I did it.. yup, I finally went where no MOM should have to go... and that is over the edge!

I pulled the car over, put my emergency blinkers on and said.. "GET OUT"... screaming and crying ensued. I am like.. WHAT? I told you i would do it... so HELP me I did. I asked them if they were ready to behave, and they did. Needless to say, the drive home from our errands was VERY quiet with some sniffling in the back, they tried to back talk, and I said.. you want more? I have more of this in store for you. Being the boss is heaven!

Boys 0 - Mom TOUCHDOWN x 10!!!!

TC

First Day off...

2009-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Monday we had the first School "Recess" day off. I spose its to get ready for "Back to School" Night tomorrow night. It will be fun to meet the younger children's teachers. I think its fair to say, that Sam, Tyler and Jane have great teachers. I am glad for that. I know that the boys are a handful and can really drain you. I always tell them to listen and be nice, cuz I know they can talk FOREVER! lol...

Claire is doing quite well... Here is a photo of her in the DRIVERS seat of the Toyota. She is a VERY good driver in spit of the curbs.. hehehe. She is more level headed than I ever was.. but yes she is still 15.. hahaha. I love being with her and watching her grow up. I can hardly believe that in February she will be 16. WHERE did the time go? I don't know.

Well back to Monday..Don took the day off and took the kids to Disneyland and California Adventure! I stayed home to recover from feeling not so well. I am ok now.. but sometimes I often wonder what the heck is going on with my body.

Anyway... everyone is doing quite well, and they are enjoying school. It is so nice to see them doing so well. Do I miss them being around? Yes I miss them. I don't miss the heavy work load of preparing for school and teaching.

Tomorrow we bring out the fall decorations. Everyone is SO excited for October and to dress up in their costumes.. including little ol me. ..

TC

The first week of School...

2009-09-15T20:11:00.001-07:00

Ok.. I know we have not had a full week yet.. It will be on Thursday tho. First of all.. its been a bit of a zoo around here trying to get used to our schedules.

Claire so far has some really cool teachers. I think they are going to be VERY good for her. She seems to be enjoying them so far. We shall see when they start dishing out the homework.. bwahahaha!

Jane was sick on the second and third day of school. She had a fever of a 101. Which was really bizarre. WHO gets sick the second and third day of school? We didn't vote for that!!!

Tyler seems to be enjoying his teacher. I think it will be interesting to see how HE reacts when she starts sending homework home next week.

Sam.. well, he is an interesting fella. He does NOT like to read or write. What motivates him? Nickels. LOL When he reads his spelling words.. I give him a nickel for everyone he reads. He LOVES that.

Don is doing well... work is keeping him busy. Me? well.. now.. I get to work during the day on music. I get up work out and then its time to ship albums, pick up the house or practice or whatever needs to be done.. letters, email... etc. It has been nice to be independent and doing my own thing.

More to come...

School 2009/2010

2009-09-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

This morning I had an epiphany about this year. Claire is a Sophomore and is looking forward to driving. After this year she will have two years left. I can hardly take that in. The years with her have passed so quickly. I am glad I had the time I had with her at home. I don't feel old.. I just feel like this is the way it is... and I can't stop time. I have so many memories of her.. and am glad we have her.

Jane, Ty and Sam.. wow, Jane in 6th grade. She is sprouting up.. and is a bit taller than my chest now. ( Claire is taller than me) Ty is gonna be in 3rd grade. Sam in 1st. I am SO amazed by this. Exactly HOW did this happen? Where did the time go?

School begins on the 10th of September.. normally its the day after Labor Day.. I find it interesting that we are starting later in the week. I still need to pick up some clothes for Ty and some supplies for Jane.

Claire registered for her school year, got her books and locker assignment, photo ID, and such. It was fun being on campus with her. She is excited and not.

I am looking forward to having time to work, go to lunch, and having at list 6 hours of working before children come home. I am going to probably over extend myself, but I can't help it! lol

I cleaned up the computer room... it was in desperate need of attention. Everyone pitched in cleaning.. it was GREAT... got it done in like 15 minutes. Was SO cool. Yeah.. its a Mom thing...

Thats all for now.. more reporting next week...

TC

Big Sur, CA

2009-08-18T20:20:00.001-07:00

Our family discovered a GREAT place to vacation this year. We went earlier to Big Sur in the Spring. We had QUITE the adventure. Mudslides.. we were evacuated out of the Big Sur Lodge and Park.. and went to Monterey. A friend of mine suggested we go in the summer.. like August. And so in June I called the Big Sur Lodge and reserved a cabin with a kitchenette for the dates of August 10th to the 15th. We had SO MUCH FUN!

Sam "Hello Chief? I forgot my password..." Nepenthe Telephone Booth

Big Sur is about 340 North miles from us. Of course getting through LA traffic is always a joy. Once we get onto the 101 North.. then we drive into Thousand Oaks, Ventura and Santa Barbara. In the City of San Louis Obispo we find the CA Hwy 1 or known as the PCH. The drive is fabulous and windy. The girls get a little car sick in the back because of how twisty and windy the road is. San Francisco is about 140 miles further north from Big Sur.

Big Sur view from the Hwy 1. Photo by Claire.

What is really cool about Big Sur.. you have the ocean, huge cliffs and of course Redwoods! What a place... it has everything. Driving on the 1, you would never know that people live in the area, as well as there are fabulous camp grounds, and cabins. It has such an ethereal feeling there. I don't think I have felt that kind of magic since Madeline Island Days.

Sam, Jane, Ty and Claire. A cut Redwood trunk... they are HUGE!

We went everywhere, to the beach, took a hike and I took the girls horsebackriding down to the beach! We had GREAT horses.. well, except for Jane. Her horse.. Dallas, wanted to lay down.. and so he did with her on his back! LOL.. she was NOT hurt fortunately.. just a little surprised. Claire's horse was Norma, and mine was the leggy Moose. She was SO cool.. and likes to bite... so they had to put a guard of some sort on her.. so she would not bite Norma's butt... ( I was behind Claire with Moose.. I guess you could say I was the caboose! lol ) She didn't try to bite me... she just likes to get ahead of everyone, so I had to keep her in line.

Claire on Norma and Jane on Dallas...

Don and Tyler by a scorched Redwood.. from the fires last year.

Pfieffer Beach was a blast, and of course Sam our wild boy... has NO fear of the waves. He was in his shorts and t shirt and ran down to the waves. Believe me when I tell you.. the waves are WILD.. and it was windy.

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur CA.

Here is a picture of our kitchen table in the Cabin. NICE places to stay.. there was a swimming pool and no tv, radio , telephone, no wifi and cell phone coverage was very slim.

Here I am standing by the scorched Redwood...

Each day was fun, and we all were sad to leave. We came home Saturday.. and now we are trying to play catch up! If you all ever come out this way and want to go somewhere in CA where you won't forget it, lets go to Big Sur!

TC

Vermont 2009

2009-08-08T19:57:00.001-07:00

Leaving Minnesota...

2009-08-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am visiting with some really good friends of ours. Jane is with me. We have been gone since the 27th of July and are coming home today.

We hung out in Vermont, and then we drove to Boston. I then had some business to do there ...then we flew from Boston to Minneapolis. As we waited for Kathy to come get us... I was so excited to be back in my home state. I grew up here. I have forgotten just how quiet.. and unpopulated Minnesota is. Even for a Suburb its still quiet. In Cali.. we have people everywhere... Here of course it is so different. I have pretty much forgotten how to get to Apple Valley. I am sure if I get on 35W I know that I could find my way.

Pics to come.. and I will write more when I get home.

TC

Surgery!

2009-07-18T11:49:00.001-07:00

I had out patient surgery on Monday the 13th.. and I am doing just fine. It was NOT a picnic when I got home.. but I survived the week.. barely. Claire did a fabulous job taking care of everyone, and we have and still are, people taking care of us by bringing in dinner.

Its so nice not have to worry about what to cook, etc. I finally am over "the I got hit by the mack truck" phase and now I am going to be concentrating on the next thing for us.

I am taking Jane with me to Vermont the end of this month. She is going to be with me when I work at Imaginary Road Studios to mix the album in Surround Sound.

I think I have earned more stripes as a parent with having surgery and trying to survive two wiley little boys. I am NOT sure how I did it without losing my mind. They are 2 years apart in age.. and so they seem to think that the house is a) the park b) a giant trash can c) a boxing ring. * SIGH *

Jane hung out with me all week, reading and in her pj's! lol... I suppose it was nice for her just to be in her jammies reading too. She was quiet and at times I would fall asleep even tho she was there.

On to better things... we are planning a trip to Big Sur in August. I am hoping we don't repeat the crazy mudslides of the Spring. We will post more about that later. For now...

Back to summer fun!

tc

What Claire and I did over the weekend...

2009-07-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous time at the Anime Expo in Downtown LA. We left Friday afternoon and drove into the beastie of city LA. Took us about 3 hours to get there. Yes traffic was THAT bad. We were both dressed up in our Anime Characters. Mine is Toru Honda from Fruits Basket and Claire dressed up as Kakashi from Naruto.

We got to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in LA only to tell us that they had no room... hmmm I was thinking where is the innkeeper.. hehehehe. Anyway, they rerouted us to the Omni Hotel. I must say.. that hotel was much better than the Bonaventure as for cleanliness and beautiful rooms. I don't think I'll return to the Bonaventure. I was NOT impressed with their rooms. Anyway.. I was a bit ticked off that they had no room for us. I had to call Don in order to calm myself down. It was VERY frustrating in that I don't know the downtown LA area very well. Its just like any other big city tho. It was interesting to be staying inside the city.

After we checked into the Omni, we left our baggage in our room and promptly went to the Convention, got registered and started to hang out there. Claire had some really good friends that were there already and so we hunted around and found them in the Karaoke room. Her friends were amazed that I was there with Claire and dressed in my fav Anime costume! lol.. It WAS fun.. and I had a great time. We hung out with her friends for a while and then it was about 5 pm and we decided to depart. We were VERY tired after a long time on the freeway in traffic. We talked till around 10 or 11 pm once we got in the room. We had dinner IN the room. Had room service.... never get to do that.

It was SO much fun hanging out with Claire and having one on one daughter time. Its been so long since she and I had done anything on our own. Was nice to get away and enjoy one another and talk.

Saturday morning we woke up and took our luggage back over to the Bonaventure.. and they held on to it for us.. because we were staying overnight there Sat. We took the shuttle bus on over to the Convention center which is by the Staples center. News crews were ALL over the area reporting about the convention. Claire and I dressed up again... and she stayed in character for the whole time. I was in my Toru character as well.

We stayed pretty much all day... later in the afternoon we watched Anime episodes of various different kinds of Anime. The best part of it was SO many people wanted to take pictures of Claire. IMHO.. she was the best dressed Kakashi in the Expo. Professional photographers were taking pics of her ...and several wanted me in with the shot with her... to pose. So I did. She really loved that. When we registered for the convention.. the AX volunteers at one table were shouting "Kakashi... Sasuke.. come here!!! "And so she went over to the table and they gave her her lanyard and goodie bag. They hugged her... and one of them bowed to her as he handed her, her goodie bag. It was SO cool... Claire just got the biggest kick out of that.

We got back to the Bonaventure, and found our room... it was on the 29th floor in the Green tower. Google it.. We were pretty dang high up. July 4th found us hanging out and eating in the hotel room.. and watching the fireworks displays all over west LA. Was SO fun! We stayed up till around 11pm... and zonked out.

I really had a GREAT time with Claire. I even survived driving around in LA and getting on the 5 to go home. Overall the weekend was a success!

TC

Samuel Wins an Award and graduates from Kindergarten

2009-06-28T19:26:00.001-07:00

I am finally posting pictures of Sam's award day with Principal D. He won an award..for doing so well in Kindergarten and working hard to get reading.

Congrats Sammy!

School is done for the year....

2009-06-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here this morning reading posts from Mikkyn, and Jenni listening to one of my favorite musician's "Michael Hedges". A guitarist that changed the way people play guitar. His music is making me a bit reflective over the past year.

We started the 2008/2009 school year home schooling... then in January we put all the kids in public school. I do not miss the harried days of trying to get them to do their work. I miss their funny comments and things.. but for the most part, I feel very good about the decision to put them into school. They are all doing SO fabulously well. I am proud of each one of our children. They have risen to the challenge of learning, doing and being in a different environment.

All of their teachers have been inspiring. Sam wrote to his teacher Mrs. Constantine a note telling her this:

" I is not in the mood to do my ABCs..." She LOVES Sam and he blossomed under her direction. He is reading.. hopefully this summer we will keep up that new skill. Tyler's teacher Mrs. Sprague is a lovely lady. She has her hands full with all the high energy boys in her class. Kudos to her for being so supportive and understanding of our sometimes devious son. Jane, well.. wow, her teacher Ms. Cox is one of those inspiring women that have a great love for teaching. We need more people like her to teach our children. She goes above and beyond the normal teacher. She has given Jane a great love of learning. Claire's teachers in high school have challenged her and stretched her. She hated 9th grade, and yet she loves it too. New experiences always can cause lots of emotional turmoil.. but I sure am greatful she hung in there.

Now the summer can begin. We have SO much going on. I will probably take Jane with me to Vermont when I do surround sound mixing! YEAH SUMMER!

More to come...

TC

Monterey Bay Aquarium

2009-06-09T18:38:00.001-07:00

Our trip to Monterey Bay when we had to be evacuated from Big Sur during the mudslide they had.

What we are doing for the summer...

2009-06-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

This summer we have a few things planned out. Come June.. the kids get out on the 18th. I spose we will hang out here. We will be celebrating Don's birthday by going to the Medeival Times Castle. Don and Sam went there for a birthday party Sam was invited to. They had a blast.. so we decided to go there for his birthday this year instead of the Del Mar Fair.

July I am taking Claire up to LA to the Anime Expo, to enjoy some time with her and dress up as my favorite Anime character.. Toru Honda from Fruits Basket. Also, the album party is then too.. so we will be busy.

August we go to Big Sur. We are looking forward to that.. hopefully this time we won't get stuck at the lodge like we did this past Spring Break. We will also visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium again. We SO loved going there last time. Such a fun place to visit.

September well school starts yet again.

I may get the 3 younger kids into swim lessons again, and Claire is eyeing doing equestrian classes or art classes. Jane is going to continue her art classes.

In between all of this craziness... I will be performing here and there. But I will blog about that on my Music page.

Enjoy your weekend!

TC

To Home School or Not Home School...

2009-06-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

As of June 18, all the kids will be done with school. Most of you know, that we home schooled up until January.

We felt that the kids would do better in public school.. as things for me have been getting a bit crazy because of the music. I had a difficult time scheduling everything and trying to keep up with home, schooling, being a wife, and doing my music. The transition has been an interesting thing to watch unfold with each one of the kids. I think Claire has had the hardest time because of all the varied teaching styles she has had to learn. She has had one teacher.. Me, all of these years.. and now she is finally getting used to the fact that she has different teachers for different classes. She is doing quite well now.. and I have to say I am quite pleased to see her doing so nicely.

Jane, Ty and Sam of course have one teacher.. and so they have had better transitions. Ty is such a loose cannon.. that at first he was getting into trouble. Mrs Constantine, who is Sam's teacher noted that he was very defiant. Oh am SO not missing that! LOL.

Home schooling was a good thing. I just didn't have it in me to do more than I could handle and I finally hit my "wall". I think we created a strong foundation for each of the kids.. and now its time to let someone else take over.

TC

A family we are...

2009-06-01T12:10:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to decide whether or not, I should blog about our family and then I decided I will. My own personal blog is for music, so not much of my family is posted there.

We are Team Carothers. There are 7 of us.. which includes our cat Cleo. Don, Kori ( me) Claire, Jane, Tyler and Sam.

I hope you all will keep up to date with us as this summer is going to be insane!

Love,

TC