Oh, the shame...

When I taught school eons ago, I remember getting notes from parents like this:
"Please excuse so-and-so from his homework last night, the night was jam packed with activities and it is my fault he never got around to it." Or, like this: "Last nights homework was confusing to my child, so we okay'd him not to do it. Could you please help him with it in class?" I even caught a few parents actually DOING their child's homework for them. How did I know it was a parent? It was a handwriting assignment done in beautiful cursive. It was supposed to be done by a 5th grade boy. I remember being appalled at the parents for teaching their kids such a lack of responsibility. Why couldn't the kid just take the heat and get the grade he deserved for not doing his assignment? I vowed never to write a note to a teacher to get my child out of an assignment. It's not acceptable. The child needs to learn consequences. Unless of course that child happens to be MY child. The really quiet, perfectionist child that only wants to please her teacher and would never do anything to disappoint intentionally. The one that sits at the counter in my kitchen for an hour in silent tears fearing the teachers scorned look when that homework isn't turned in the next day. She broke me. My little daughter broke me. She accidentally left her folder in her desk. The folder with the homework. What could I do but write a note asking for a second chance to complete the assignment? I did mention in the note that we discussed responsibility and my child promised to never leave school without checking for her folder. I added that as sort of a justification on my part. I don't want to be THAT parent. The one with all the excuses. After school today I asked how it went with the note/homework situation. Kennedy's response? "My teacher said if I hadn't been talking then I wouldn't have forgotten to put my folder in my backpack like she'd asked." Great. Now I have to face this teacher at parent-teacher conference in October knowing that I've become one of those dreaded parents that make excuses for their children. I guess I love my child more than I do my pride.
***Mom, I still think the kids in your classes are just LAZY and not like my daughter. We are the exception, so don't think less of me for writing that note.***

Shawn's Sweet Tooth...

I found out shortly after Shawn & I got married that he had a sweet tooth. Our cupboards were full of sugared cereals. We even had a "candy" cupboard where we stored all our sweet treats. Shawn has also always chewed gum. We had only been married a few weeks when I started finding pieces of chewed gum in random places like the end tables in the living room, the counter next to the sink, the dresser, and the arm of the StairMaster. I complained, like any new (or old) wife should after sticking my hand in a piece for the umpteenth time. Shawn's excuse? He got tired of chewing and was too lazy to get up to find the garbage can so just stuck it wherever he happened to be. At least he was honest. Smart man that he is quit that habit. He still chews gum, only now the chewed wads somehow actually make it to their proper place. Our cupboards are no longer full of cocoa crispys and honey comb, but we still have our "candy" cupboard. Shawn's most recent find to add to our hiding place is sweet taffy from Salt Lake City. We found it in a grocery store in Driggs Idaho, and it tastes EXACTLY like the flavor it is named. Red licorice? Just like a red vine. Root beer? I might as well have a straw to go with it. Cotton candy? If it weren't for the texture I'd think I was at the circus. I am probably crazy for admitting this, but we purchased 5 pounds of the stuff to bring back to our cupboard. Shawn claims it's to share with others the joy he has experienced by being introduced to this marvelous wonder. Right. It's actually too large to fit in our regular place, so it's currently hiding in Shawn's closet. If it were in my closet I'd eat it. Out-of-sight-out-of-mind for me. I know Shawn eats it, it is where he's started to eat it that makes me laugh out loud. The good hard belly laugh kind.Yes, this is the shower. I was about to rinse the shampoo out of my hair when I noticed wrappers on the shower door ledge. It was when I realized that my dear husband was eating taffy in the shower that I burst into uncontrollable laughter. The shower? Really? Is it because he doesn't have time in his day to simply sit down and enjoy a piece without kids attacking him? Is it because he rises before the sun and has to rush out the door that indulging in taffy needs to become part of his cleansing ritual? Is it simply because the man likes taffy? I'll probably never know the real reason my husband eats taffy in the shower, but I now know he's serious about his sweet tooth.

Survivorman Part 2

I've got to give props to the man. He actually got the motor to run by using a small battery. Genius I say. He did try to start a small fire at the park, but was unsuccesful. I guess if I need to power up a flashlight he's the go-to-guy, but if I need to cook dinner over a fire I better look for matches. The kids really got into this activity and are probably hoping for more. Jack, however, wonders when he's going to get his camera put back together. I'm trying to avoid that conversation with him because I know where all the pieces are. I was able to dispose of most parts, but Shawn insists on keeping this small batch. You know, because they are probably useful for something. I find it not worth the effort to try to change his mind.
***I don't know what the deal is with some of my pictures lately. Sorry about the funkiness.

Survivorman....

Shawn: Where is the mini-screwdriver set?
Me: In the van. Why?
Shawn: I need to take apart that old camera.
Me: What? Why?
Shawn: So I can extract the lens and motor.(duh)
Me: And you need to do this because......
Shawn: Oh, I saw an episode of survivorman.
Me: (needing still more of an explanation) And?
Shawn: He started a fire with the lens.



Like it would only make sense that I am supposed to be so impressed by this.

I'm still wondering why we are taking part in this activity.

1) Do we need to use a lens to start a fire?

2) Do we want to prove we are as good as survivorman?

I'm just hoping no actual fires are started with this lens inside my kitchen. Even if they are "controlled" fires.

Grand Targhee

Targhee ski resort is a short drive from the lodge, so one morning my little family snuck up the mountain with Brian, Darla, and their girls Alyssa & Aubrey. We bought tickets to ride the ski lift up the mountain, then hiked around for a bit. What a beautiful day for a SMALL hike. I literally mean small. The kids were pretty whiney after Shawn made them pose on a bunch of different over-hangs trying for the perfect photo. I rode the chair lift up with Ethan and Kennedy, while Shawn rode ahead of us with the other boys. Ethan's conversation was hilarious. He was just kept talking about how high up we were and how bad it would hurt if we fell. He was just yapping away, and then paused for a long time, after which he stated, "Mom, did you actually see what this thing is connected to? That small cable that is supposed to hold us up? I know I'm not going to make it now." So matter of fact. I told him just not to look up, just look down and enjoy the scenery. Kennedy said she wasn't scared if she just looked straight to her left with her eyes closed. I got her to look at me long enough to snap a picture. She even smiled.


At the top Shawn took on the role of photographer looking for the perfect photo-op. I was frightened at the prospect of climbing onto this rock overlooking all of Targhee. We managed to get situated long enough for Darla to snap a few shots, and then were able to climb off safely. The things I'm willing to do for my husband.

Jackson was a willing participant and stood on a ledge with a beautiful backdrop. Darla made it into a shot with Alyssa without even crying once. (She also didn't know her picture was being taken.)

At the scenic overlook Shawn thought it would be fun to have all the kids gather around him for a picture. It worked, until Kennedy tried to jump on his back and they all came tumbling down.

Hilarious.

Then back down the mountain. For 5 bucks more we got what's called "lift & lunch" which is a fancy way of saying we could eat in their restaurant without having to pay restaurant prices. We found that the little extra money went a long way when it came to food. We left 10 lbs heavier and very satisfied. Beautiful scenery on the outside deck where we were served. Well worth the money spent.

Actual conversation with the kids playing horseshoes. I overheard secretly.

Jackson: Why do they call these horse shoes anyways?

Kennedy: Because real life Horses actually wear these things on their feet.

Jackson: They must be some REALLY big horses because their shoes are gigantic!

Kennedy: I know. They are.

I love to be the fly on the wall sometimes.

The Lodge

The lodge is this great place built by Shawn's Maternal Grandmothers Brothers & Sisters. It is located in Driggs Idaho, close too so many great destinations, but nestled all by itself on a mountain so you aren't bothered by anybody else. It sleeps a load of us, and we always have a great time while there. Shawn's aunt Nancy let us borrow her 4 wheelers this trip. I'm afraid Shawn has found a new love. I'm sure he's already picked out the make and model his heart desires. I know he's already found the truck he wants to pull the babies with. He toted the kids on these things a lot during our short stay. He also snuck off alone with Brian, Darla's husband, to forage ground un-tracked before. I was reluctant to get on one. I don't really know why, it just took a few days. I managed to sneak off with Rhonda one day and explore unaided on my own machine. Those babies sure do have power! Almost as fun as snowmobiles.

Grandma Angela and Rhonda had all their scrapbooking/cardmaking supplies spread across a table and the kiddos had a hard time avoiding temptation. They were nice enough to let each of the kids test their card making abilities, and patient enough to help them do it. The kids loved the arts and crafts time made available to them.

A ping-pong table downstairs occupied Shawn during the evenings when it was too dark and rainy to 4 wheel safely. His dad honored his wishes of a tournament. Not sure who won, but know a good time was shared.

Kennedy's Random Thought Process...

I wonder how my daughter gets by in life sometimes. Her focus is so scattered. Yesterday we were driving in the car and this is our conversation:

K: Mom, why is dad allergic to cats, but he wasn't allergic to Grandma's cat?
Me: He was allergic sweetie.
K: But I didn't hear him sneezing, or coughing, or getting sick or anything. Can you go through the temple if you aren't married?
Me: Well, if you are old enough, and not married yet, and decide to go on a mission, or are just ready to go through, then yes, you can go through the temple if you aren't married.
K: When I'm a mom can I have as many cats and dogs as I want in my house?
Me: Yes, you can have whatever and however many pets you want.

See the randomness? I imagine her little mind was able to split the two completely opposite conversations into two distinct ones, but when vocalized it sounds almost like two seperate people questioning things. Random, but kind of funny to replay in my mind.