School Day

Cala had her first day of first grade... er I mean Grade One (Canadian talk) today. The bus picked her up at 8 am and I followed her to school so I could find out who her teacher was and help her get all settled. Okay... so I just wanted to go and spy on her and take some photos. She had a good day, likes her teacher and told me I packed her too much lunch.

My 8 seater SUV actually holds 10.

Whew... I am glad to be home and finished with all the summer vacationing. School starts for us on
Thursday and I'm looking forward to the routine it brings. I'm a bit sad to see the nice weather go so quickly. When we got back to Calgary (Sunday at 2 am!) I could feel fall in the air. Seriously, I hate that about this country - 8 weeks of summer - 4 of them good. Anyway, we had fun with family in Idaho and a good time with the Randalls at Tie Lake and here in Calgary.

We did have a little excitement before we left. I noticed the Kleenex box in the car was a bit chewed up the sides as I was driving home one day. It didn't take me long to figure out what it was... a mouse! Seriously, I drove home so fast I was probably nearly flying. A further investigation revealed that mouse crap was everywhere and my car being sooooo clean all the time and all - well it took a while for me to actually notice. Long story short - we didn't have a mouse.... we had two. Someone could have paid me 5 bucks and I would have given them the car. Darren came home and completly disinfected it - set 6 traps two different nights and bingo... The worst thing about it... I know one was in there at least 2 weeks. The kids got a huge lecture about leaving the car doors open and food in the car. Disgusting. I chose to drive Darren's one ton diesel truck the remainder of the week... you know, the kind of truck you have to get a special license to drive. But, I was thrilled to be driving it. I can't believe I didn' roll the car. And lets face it - the mice hit the jackpot when they discovered the car... and endless supply of food... uguuhhhhhh. Hope no one has to endure what I had to... it still haunts me and I'm always making lots of noise when I drive.. in case word spread in the mouse kingdome about the paradise that is my car. yuck!!!

so, back to school and back to schedules - should be a killer transistion for us all.

Thank you Cala

My mother-in-law came over to see the kids today and I totally got sold out! (not that she is that kind of mother-in-law) Cala was being very helpful and doing some cleaning. She was dusting the piano and looked at her dust cloth and it was... well... filthy. She walks up to Marilyn and says - look how much dust was on our piano. I'm the only one that ever cleans it. Then a bit later when I was telling Marilyn how helpful Cala is - she chimed in and said, "I even hold Connor and take care of him while my mom sleeps in." Luckily my mother in law doesn't judge me... she just smiled and continued talking - or maybe she was just doing damage control. She did do my dishes before she left though... she's helpful and I'm completly fine with it. Really can't complain - she came to my rescue after Connor was born and pretty much just took over for 3 days. It was great. Too bad I can't convince her to do it again. I could really get a serious break.

I love this view. This is what we see when we look out our back windows. It is also the reason I spend as little time as possible in the city. When I have to leave it annoys me. It's like leaving your vacation early. Also, I buy like crazy when I'm at the grocery store so I don't have to go as often. Maybe the newness of this place will wear off but for now, I feel like we live in a storybook.


Darren has a new hobby! He spent the weekend mowing the pasture around our house. I would look out the window and he would be driving it with a big smile on his face. He also let the kids take turns riding with them.... we're such country folk now.

Connor made his debut at church today. He's 5 weeks old and I finally (after serious pressure) decided it was time to start going again. We got to church - on time but without Connors shoes and socks on him. Darren put his socks on and Connor smiled like crazy. This was his first time wearing socks and he seemed to like it... that or he has really tickelish feet. Sweet baby.




Connor at 5 weeks and 14 lbs. I'm actually going to talk to the doctor about his massive weight gain. I'm pretty sure we're not slipping sterroids in his formula.



Last but not least... crazy Chelsea. This is quite the dress up costume she put together. I think it was probably a little hot but she suffered through. She loves to play and keep us entertained. Today at church she asked when she was supposed to go up and sing for everyone. Ever since the primary Christmas program she thinks it's her job to perform every sunday for the ward. She would if we let her that's for sure.

or this one?

which one?

I need a diaper bag and I'm having a hard time making a decision.... here's a post of two baby bags as they are aparently now called... what are your thoughts. I've actually never had a diaper bag - it took baby #3... go figure. Both can be used as a travel tote when baby bag days are over... let's here it. Angelina Jolie has the one on the right. So does Torrie Spelling but who really cares. That girl is major.

Speaking of major

I know Ms. Betsy Ross likes the Hollywood gossip and let's just say I don't mind it myself, so since the title of this blog is major, I thought I'd add this picture. I'm fascinated with the Beckham family lately.