Sod

Today Miguel and I laid 1000 square feet of sod. My arms and shoulders hurt more than I've ever had them hurt before. I was the one moving all the sod. Miguel did the easy part( less labor intensive)-piecing it together. I am burnt, but I am so very happy to have a yard with grass. I'll post before and after pictures later. There is still work to be done, as now we have a retaining wall that isn't complete enough for me to have my garden. For those of you who are thinking it's awefully late in the season, remember that I live in CA and have been learning about cold weather veggies. So I can plant and harvest all year round! Cauliflower--all winter! It's a good thing my kids like veggies.

The Holy Ghost conversation

Today as I was cleaning the kitchen I overheard a conversation between Kristyn and Anthony. It went something like this:

Kristyn: When you hear a little voice in your head to not do something don't do it.
Anthony: Why not?
Kristyn: That is the Holy Ghost telling you it's bad.
Anthony: I have a ghost following me around!?
Kristyn: Not really, it's a feeling or a little voice that is with you and let's you know if you are doing something that's not safe, or bad.
Anthony: Oh.
Kristyn: So, if you hear a voice saying "don't throw that," or "don't cross the street," or "GO HOME," do it, becuase that is the Holy Ghost trying to keep you safe and help you be a good boy.
Anthony: Okay, just as long as a ghost isn't following me.
Kristyn (very exasperated): You're hopeless!

It's not too often that I hear them discuss church related topics. I was kind of amazed at how well Kristyn explained things to Anthony. She has a great sunday school teacher.

I have good kids! Unfortunately the neighborhood is not so full of good kids, and my children have been harmed several times by a couple of them (brothers). I just keep trying to teach them the kind way of handling things and hopefully they will follow my lead.

Peanut Butter Boy

So, I was making cookies yesterday and turned around looking for peanutbutter for the cookies and turned to find this--------

Yes! That's Ben with a large spoon of peanut butter. He is grandma's boy all the way. Mom, I hope you're proud of yourself! He was leaning against the wall with the jar at his feet and trying to cram in his mouth the biggest spoonful of peanut butter he could get in his little mouth. At least it wasn't all over him. He's very particular not to waste any of it:0

Took the kids to the park and they loved playing in the water. I wish there was something more similar to Liberty Park, Utah, here. But there isn't. It's always amazing to me how much fun kids can have with so little. Water and a trampoline is also a great way to spend a hot day.

Miguel still doesn't have work, but my back yard is almost finished. He poured the concrete for the patio, build a patio cover, a retaining wall in the back(which was necessary as our neighbors are a good 3-6 feet above our property and they water their yards a little too often), and is currently putting in sod. I'll get before and after pictures when it's all finished. I'm lucky I have such a talented husband.

I'm sure you've all heard about the California budget crisis. That thousands of teachers are getting laid off. I'm not one of them, though I will continue to drive the 50 minutes to Cathedral City/Palm Springs each day for work. I'm going to be teaching a new reading program next year to our special education students, which I'm very excited about. Kind of nervous to have 24 students in a block. 24 who can't read. I'm used to teaching 3-4 at a time, how to read, but it's a good program and well scripted. I strongly believe in direct instruction and think this will be great for them.

So, in a nutshell: My kids are healthy and active, my husband is very talented, and I have a job. I'm pretty lucky overall.

Simply Fun: Family First!

So, I went to this game night last night. We sat around and played a whole bunch of games I'd never heard of but thought the whole time, "Wow, these would be great for my kids, or for school, or even for just hanging out with my friends." Found out that these games were all part of a company called Simply Fun. A company created with family in mind. I'm not a sales person, as many of you know from my failed attempts at catalogue parties, probably becuase I really didn't care too much about what I was trying to sell. I'm still not a sales person, but I'm trying once again, becuase this is something that I feel strongly about. If I were still living in Utah I would have become a consultant yesterday night! I was surprised to know that very few people in Utah know about the company.
Anyway, I've attatched a link that I think everyone should check out. Watch to see how the games are played. My favorite game was Eye to Eye: goal- to be like everyone else. It was great to play with adults, and to see them explain themselves and why they thought that way. My favorite thing of all: the Rings: conversation, family history, and Bordom Busters. Look, enjoy and feel free to call (Amy has my numbers) and let me know what you think.
Mary
http://simplyfun.eventuity.com/e/20317