Count to 6 for me

I got a little laugh from an occurance last week that I need to set up with some background. Norman received his Master's degree in Dec. 2005. As he took a class or two a semester, he found it best to stay at the office to study, but would at times study at home in our spare room. When he would study at home (or even when he sometimes works from home), I'd keep the kids away from the room & they could even be fooled to believe that he was gone and not at home.
Fast forward to when I returned to school. I did not have an office to stay late at & to stay at school to study just wasn't easy to do. So, I studied at home most of the time. My one complaint was that the kids seemed to sense that I was still at home (I too would try to trick them by beginning a Saturday study session before they were even awake and Norm was at home) and knock at the locked door for me. After ignoring the knocking (I was supposed to be gone you know) I would give in and ask what they needed. After 2 years of this, I just would answer them right away and not even pretend I wasn't in the room.
Well, last week was a busy one for me with 2 exams one day apart to prepare for. On Thursday night I was busy studying for exam #2. There was a knock on the door. I answered, "Yes?" It was Cory. "I need you to do something for me," he said. Me (a bit stressed, tired, & grumpy): " Can you ask Dad to do it?" Cory: "No, he's working (Norm had brought some work home with him)." Me: "What am I doing?" Cory: "You're just studying." Me (chuckling to myself): "What do you need?" Cory: "Count to 6 for me." And I counted to 6 for him. (He's working on his personal fitness merit badge & needs to keep track of his heart rate after excersize)
Lessoned learned: Sometimes only a Mom can count to 6 for you.
And even if it's slightly annoying that I'm interrupted frequently while studying, I need to be there for my kids even if it's a little thing they need.

A Crazy Morning

We had an exciting morning here at the Trepanier home. As I was taking the garbage can out (trying to beat the truck) I thought I closed the gate completely, but alas I didn't because not two seconds later, Rosco came bolting by me and took off running. I called to him & didn't chase because I didn't want him to run into the street or around the corner & into the even busier street. Well, he did it anyway and I tried not to panic as he crossed the street and headed up the local golf course path. Norm had alreay left for work and I hadn't woken up the kids to get ready for school yet. I decided to walk quickly after him. I had him in my sites at all times, but he climbed up into the desert brush that surrounds the golf course & my flip flops were not the shoes to be climbing in.

After trying to get him to come down to me after about a half an hour I decided that I just needed to leave him and go let the kids know what was going on. Unfortunately I started to panic, I called Norm and he calmed me down and gave me the idea of getting some food to tempt him with. After calming myself down, which helped the kids to calm down, I headed back out with some chicken and the kids (Rachel & Andrew had already missed their school bus). We got to the point where I had last seen him and all started calling his name. We heard some tinkling and I hoped it was his coller. Soon enough we saw his little white tail poking up through the thick grass & Rosco was running towards us! I held out the chicken and while he scarfed it down, picked him up and got the leash on him. Knowing that the kids & I had been saying many silent prayers, we said a prayer of thanks and headed home. Cory saw his bus coming as we neared home and his bus driver was nice enough to wait for him to grab his backpack from the house. So our story ends well with Rosco happily chasing lizards in the backyard and the kids & I happy that Rosco is home once again. (Andrea, you've also been given another reason to add to your list of why you don't have a dog ;)

Gotta Love Him

I thought I'd take a quick minute or two to comment about my husband.

I am so glad that I happend to meet him just over 14 years ago and that he swept me off my feet and brought me to Tucson. He has been a great friend and companion and I grow to love him more and more each day. I am glad that he has been there to support me and encourage me as I have grown and matured (I know I'm much more mature than the 19 year old girl he married). I'm glad he's there to buoy me up when I am feeling down about myself. He can always make me smile (even when it's a groan and I roll my eyes). I am blessed to have him in my life.

I found myself thinking today about how much he has done for me. He encouraged me to keep taking college classes whenever I could. He also encouraged me when I was doubtful about my ability to go back to college full time to finish my undergraduate degree. He always has shown an interest in the classes that I am taking and will listen while I explain concepts that I have learned with him. He realized before I did that I prefered my audiology classes and when I balked at pursuing a doctorate of audiology because it would take longer, he reminded me that I should do what I enjoyed more even if it took an additional 2 years.

I am greatful for his willingness to support me in my decision to go back to school and show it through his actions. He goes to work extra early so that he can be home early to meet the kids and help them with their school work. My class schedule keeps me from getting home until 5:45 each day. This past week, I didn't make dinner once!! Norm cooked every night. Then yesterday he took all the kids with him as he ran errands so that I could study. I know that it's a tiring task to take them all. I was ok with him leaving one or two, but I know I was able to get more done because I didn't have them to worry about. As I look forward to this week, knowing that I have two exams at the end of it, I am glad to know that Norm's right there to encourage me and fill in where I can't be and I love him for it.

I know he'll be embarrased when he reads this, but I felt like gushing.

I love you Stormin' Norman!

School Pictures & 12 year old boys

So all the kid's school pictures came home within the last week. I haven't had a chance to scan them in yet, but as soon as I do I'll add them to this posting. They all turned out very well. The only think I find interesting is that none of my kids show their teeth when they smile. It makes them look so serious. Andrew & Cory showed their teeth in their younger school pictures, but even last year Rachel just had a smirk (she also messed up her beautiful hair before the picture was taken, but oh well). Siblings out there, I made sure to get enough for each of you to have a wallet sized picture (even though it killed me to pay school photo prices I knew I wouldn't make it to JC Penny or Picture People any time soon) so watch for them in your mailboxes.

Last night, Cory had his long awaited 12 year old friend birthday party. We decided long ago that we would only have a "big" friend party on major birthdays (5, 8, 12, 16, 18) and stick with family parties the rest of the years. Ever since Cory turned 8 he has been planning his 12th birthday party. He has wanted to have a sleepover. Remembering what sleepovers with lots of friends were like when I was a kid, made me a bit nervous, but I had 4 years to prepare for it. Well, we picked a date and sent out invitations. I let him invite 9 boys! (what was I thinking) Turned out that the date we chose was when those boys who were already in the deacon's quarum had a campout planned and then another friend had a conflict. There was only one boy that could make it. Cory got a bit upset over this predicament. I let him know that it was easy to change the date and so after calling each of the parents, we had a true party again. It turned out that only 6 could come, but that was much better than 1.

I figured I could just order pizza, make some cupcakes, supply some candy, & they could watch movies to their hearts content. Norm thought that there weren't enough options. So, I talked with Grandma Fran & asked if we could borrow her Wii. We got a yes (thanks again Fran) and the party was on. The boys had a grand time playing video games, shooting hoops in the backyard, & watching Nacho Libre. I had fogotten how loud a bunch of 12 year olds could get. Norm & I retired to our room to watch a movie at about 9:30. We both fell asleep, but at around 1 am I awoke to the sounds of laughter downstairs. I decided to let the boys know they should consider going to sleep (like they really would, ha!). So I got them settled down and headed back up to bed. Within 15 minutes, they were having fun again. This time I figured they'd be alright and let it go. By about 2am I fell back to sleep with the sounds of them going strong.

Rachel & Andrew woke up bright and early at 6 am (we had put them to bed at 9pm). As Norm & I woke up, I told Norm that it was his turn to take care of the boys. He headed down and went to the store to pick up donuts (a little sugar for our sleep deprived guests). He told me later that one of the boys was so excited when he found out they could eat as many as they wanted. I finally pulled myself out of bed at 8 to see the damage. Cory said that they went to sleep around 2:30/3am. As the parents came at 9 to pick up the boys I wished them all well and suggested a nap for their sons. Now I can look forward to Dec. 2011 when Andrew turns 12. ;)

Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run

Cory is running on the cross country team again this year. Well, his coach found out that the Saguaro National Park Labor Day 2 mile Run was free for kids, so she highly recommended that the kids run it if they were in town. Cory being a good rule follower told us that he was going to run the race. When Andrew heard, he too wanted to run. Rachel did as well. So, Norm & I decided that along with Grandma Harward, we would all participate. Come early Monday morning, Norm wasn't feeling well, so we decided that I would take the boys and grandma and do the run. After we got registered and were waiting for the race to start, up comes Norm, Rachel, & Rosco. Rachel was a bit sad that she didn't get to participate in the run. She told me "Mom, next time there's a race in the morning, don't let me sleep in."

The boys, Mom, & I started out. Cory immediately left us all in the dust. Andrew & I stuck together. Mom walked it. After a little bit, I needed to walk, but could tell that Andrew was still wanting to run. I told him that he could leave me behind. At the end, Cory came in 3rd overall and was the 2nd kid to finish (Norm just got to the finish line in time to see Cory cross it). Andrew ran the entire 2 miles (impressive seeing that he hasn't been running at all). And I did well run/walking after only walking 3 mile for the last 2 months. We had a great time and Rachel & Andrew even climbed up the rock wall they had there for kids to climb.

The crew

cory
andrew's there if you look to the rt of the sunlight

preparing to climb

up on the wall

(Rachel decided she wanted to do it first & then Andrew followed suit)

Lake Fun x2

We have been able to go out on our boat twice in the last two weeks. First time, Grant & Estelle drove down along with their friend, Cody. We were able to spend 2 fun filled days together. Second time was a day trip with Norm's brother Richard, his kids, and my mom. Here are a few photos:

At Apache Lake:

andrew & grant

estelle, the wakeboarding queen

norm & rachel

norm giving estelle & i the ride of our lives

andrew wakeboarding
here i am!

my goofy boy

they all loved riding with aunt estelle

At Roosevelt Lake:

my cute rachel

nice tongue mom ;)

the kids on roosevelt lake

mom & me on the tube

the benson & vail trepanier cousins

Help Needed!!

Hi all. As I begin my graduate school experience today, it turns out that all my classes are in the afternoon. I in my attempt to be a good wife/mother I am searching for crock pot recipies. (That way, when Norm comes home early to take care of the kids, he won't have to worry about fixing dinner) If you have a great recipie or know of a great crock pot recipie book, please let me know. Thanks to all!