Our little man turned 1!

So if you can believe it. Jackson is now 1 year old!

This year has flown by! I tell everyone that with the older 3 it felt like it took forever for them to turn 1. But not Jackson! Maybe we have had more time to enjoy all of his milestones. I don't know, but I do know that he is such a blessing in our life!

He waits for the kids by the door everyday to see them get off the bus. When they walk in, his face just lights up and he gets the biggest smile! The good thing is the kids are just as excited to see him!

They all have such a great bond with each other. The age gap hasn't seemed to phase them at all. I am so glad to have Jackson in our lives. We love him so much. He is a absolute doll baby. He is happy most of the time, a great sleeper, and I have yet for him to meet a stranger. He must be a Craig!

Happy Birthday little man.

Love Mom and Dad!

The Ants go marching....

Yep I said it. ANTS!!!
Right now I feel liket this is the only way I can express what I am feeling

I keep a very clean house. I know that when my kids come home it goes to crap. I know that after a long day it gets cluttered. I know that I have to do my dishes every night so I don't get bugs. I know, I know, I know. And I follow those rules to the letter.

So what the crap is going on in my house right now??? Oh nothing but some freaking ants trying to set up shop in MY HOUSE!!!!!

So it all started a few days ago. We found some in the kids' bathroom. We sprayed, cleaned them up. Had the talk with the kids about leaving candy wrappers around. yadda yadda

Then two days later they are making home in my kitchen 6am I might add that we are cleaning and spraying them up. Now I am getting a little frustrated. but I can't find the source of where they are coming from.

Next day. Find them in the pantry on the floor. Piece of dog food left out. Okay nothing on the floor. Got it.

Next day on my counter tops. Spray mop clean again. See a pattern??? I am pissed now. Because every time I find them, I spray the whole kitchen and think I got em!

Next day, in the laundry room eating cat food. AAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!

Next day, underneath and in the cabinets. Yep all my small appiances now gone! waffle maker, snadwich maker, bread maker, all gone because I don't trust the poison to not be safe on those things.

Today!, Under my sink in the kitchen (where the ant spray is!) in the dishwasher seal, and in my bathroom! What the freaking crap?!!!! All I can think of is in the bathroom maybe some were on me and they got transferred. I don't know! I feel like I have poisoned my whole house and they are just moving from place to place. I can't find the source either.

There are no trails! Just pockets of ants, ants, ants. I emailed the landlord and asked for an exterminator. Do they pay for that or us? I don't know. I am waiting for them to tell us that we are dirty or something!
Anyone who knows me, knows that a dirty house is not what I keep. I am so anal about it! So what can I do? I just feel like I have been so violated! I don't want people to think I am dirty. I do my homemaker duties to the fullest. So why oh why is this happening?
Some people have said that it is the time of year. It is getting cooler so they are moving to warmer places. But I haven't ever had that problem in the past! Why oh why is this happening?

Books, Books, Books

Wow so since girls camp is over, kids are back in school and Jackson is such a great baby, I have had some time to do my ever favorite hobby. READ! Oh I love it. I went to Liz's house a few weeks ago and borrowed Mocking Jay. (last book in the Hunger Games series) WOW it was great. The author had so many surprises up her sleeve still. I won't do any spoilers to those who haven't read or finished it. But I really liked the series.

Second she gave me a book called A Countess Below Stairs. This was a quick read. It was really good too. I loved the time period that took place and I couldn't put it down. Now remember most of the stuff I like is Young Adult novels. I love to see how authors explain life through a teenagers eyes. The classics are good too, don't get me wrong but I love how authors are able to explain teenage life in our time. However, this book is set back in England and Russia during the cold war. Great novel.

The most recent book I have borrowed from my personal friend's library was The Book Thief. WOW. It is a historical fiction book as well. Set during WWII and about an girl who goes to live with foster parents. Yes there is the typical holocaust stuff and the hiding of a Jew. But what people don't realize is all of the other Germans during the war. There were Germans who flew the flag on the right days and kept their noses clean as to not get thrown in jail or go to war. But they did not really believe in the Nazi party. This book is about them. I was riveted to the book. I was sad, and I laughed and I loved the narrator. It was death! I was kind of surprised at first and was wondering how that was going to work for me. But in this book Death has a sense of humor.

My next saga I am borrowing is Dreamhunter and Dreamquake. I have just only started the first and I will give my feed back when I am done with them. But, I just needed to put my little opinion out there for a couple of great books. And a special thank you to Liz for feeding my hunger with books. I feel a bit like the book thief at her house ;-)

Carolines Birthday!

Yeah! Caroline turned 7 WOW!

Unfortunately it was a hard day for all of us with me finding out about the miscarriage. But Mark and Ria were there to save the day! (Thank you so much guys! It really meant a lot and we were able to end on a high note!)

So Mark and Maria took all of us on a Sunset Dolphin Cruise! It was amazing! It was 2 hours long. We took some amazing pics and Caroline, Hunter, Abbey, Sarah and Ben all got a turn to drive the boat! They even have certificates. They had a blast. We needed some good family time. The kids got to feed the birds of the poop deck(aptly named) and then see a bunch of wild dolphins in the gulf.

After the cruise, we went to dinner at a place called Fuddpuckers. It has all sorts of food. But the kids were more interested in the Live Gators you can pet and touch! Ewwww. But they loved it!

Caroline had a great birthday, We look forward to seeing her be baptized next year. WOW! I love you Caroline you are such a great little girl. Your smile is contagious. Your laugh is as well. You make me smile and laugh everyday. Just because you are who you are. Nothing is forced with you. Your hugs make me happy. I love you!

Mom

Hunters Birthday/ Baptism

Right so Hunters baptism.

I know long time comin

So Hunter had a great showing for his baptism. Aunt Pennie, Granny, Grandma and Grandad, Uncle Mark and Aunt Maria, Sarah and Ben all came to support Hunter.

It was a great day. He was nervous, but excited. Abbey played the piano when they were changing their clothes. She did a great job.

Everyone was such a great support. Thank you so much

Hunter got his own set of scriptures from us!

Tip's birthday was amazing. We had good food, people laughed, and it was just a chilled out day. We loved it.

Hunter, we love you so much! We are so proud of you for choosing to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You are a very special spirit to us and your Heavenly Father. We love you. You will be an amazing young man who will serve Heavenly Father always. People flock to you. You have an amazing personality!

Happy Birthday

Mom and Dad

Time for school.

So I know I still need to update the kids' birthdays I am doing that next so you will need to read a few posts. Sorry.

Anyway, this week we started school. I am happy to say that both girls love their teachers! Yeah!

Hunter however is another story. For those who know Hunter, know that he is quite an intelligent little boy. He loves to read and do math. Of course there is the video games like most little boys, but all in all, the boy loves school. So imagine to my surprise when I walk into Hunters class to meet his teacher and the fireworks began

First. We go to the meet the teacher day before school. This should be the day that the kids have the most fun. New class, New School (for Hunter anyway), New School year. Right? Well no.

We get into the class and you know how there is a ton of paperwork to fill out. Well the teacher asks the kids to go and get a book. Hunter says he just wants to sit by me and watch people. Fine by me, but no miss S decided to tell my son he has to get a book and read. So I tell Tip to just go grab a book. He comes back, doesn't even sit down and the teacher says, "Buddy, that book isn't your level. Why don't you choose a book from this pile?" I kid you not. This boy comes back with a Berenstein Bear book!!! What? He hasn't read those since kindergarten, plus she said it in front of the whole class and parents. Of course you can imagine my look then right? "umm did you really just belittle my child" oohh I was angry.

So anyway, the teacher does her shpill on the rules and then states. "Your children are in this class for one reason. They can't read" WHAT? MY KID CAN'T READ?!!!!

I let her finish then she asks if anyone has a question. I raised my hand and said "yeah, I have a few". I said that it was a total shock to me that my son was placed in this class. I haven't ever received any information that my son was struggling. He has always been the head of his class. All of his grades have been A's through school. Where did you find anything to support him being in this class?

"Well his SAT 10 scores put him here"

"So you only looked at 1 test?"

"Yes, Miss Craig"

"Okay, so if my son does need this class, how come I wasn't notified? Also, if he needs this class I will get him to where he needs to be. However, could it be, just could it be that he had a bad testing day?"

"Well I don't know Maam"

"ok, I will find out"

So I leave the class with Hunter. On the way to the car he tells me that the teacher hurt his feelings. Really? Tip can't blame ya. Mom will take care of it.

Okay, so I come home, lose it with Stacey. I was shaking! Can't talk to Brent because he was in a meeting so I had to wait until he got home.

He gets home. I explain what happened. He tells me that we have 3 options.

1. fight it

2. let him do the first weeks testing and have him prove he doesn't belong there

3. let him just be in the class.

Well option 3. was first out.

The next day I called to speak with the principal. Left a message (she was in a meeting). So I had a break between clients and I called back. I will say this for WNIS. The Principal and Asst. Principal really listen.

I explained what happened to Hunter, I then wanted an explanation as to why he was placed in this class. I said that I would get him help if it was needed but I just didn't see it with Hunter. The asst. principal pulled up Hunters grades, and saw that he has always been at the top. He did say that he most likely had a bad testing day. He was personally going to test Hunter at the beginning of the week, and Brent and I have a meeting with him today. I have been talking with some people who are teachers and they all say that Hunter is right where he needs to be with reading. He is just fine. So hopefully today we will have some answers.

Side note. the asst. principal spoke with Hunters teacher. She then called and apologized to me for her behavior. I told her and the asst. that even if Hunter needs to stay in the program I want him out of her class! I told her that if she spoke to him the way she did with me there, then what was she saying when I wasn't? So either way Hunter is out of that class as of today! Yeah.

WoW alot to get off my chest but soooo worth it.

I know I need to post more I'm getting on it

Okay so I will post on Tip and Liney's birthday in a few days. But I just had to share the best somewhat compliment I have.

One of my YCL's from camp has chosen a new life. She has decided to keep that spiritual high she had at camp. She then went to Youth Conference and was uplifted in her choice. Since then, she has changed who she is hanging out with. Her countenance is so strong! Her spirit radiates from her. Her smile is true and not forced.

She told me that it all started with the planning of camp, and the week of camp, really changed her outlook on life. I am so proud of her! She has started a blog about how she is changing. I am so encouraged that one life was touched by camp. I will post later about camp as well, but just know that it was everything I had hoped it would be and beat it out of the park by a mile as well.

Love, one proud serrogate mother!