- My mom is visiting from Utah/Cairo. It's been nice having her around. I'm not sure what wears her out more- helping out with a newborn Amara or trying to keep up with my two boys. She never cooked much while we were growing up, but she did have two staples- Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Broccoli Casserole. I want them both.
- Been to Prescott to visit lots of people I love- Marie, Kyle, Amara and Danny. Danny wears hats now. He's been sober for almost 4 weeks now. Marie has him beat and just got her 3 YEAR CHIP on August 31st. My sibs are amazing.
- Been to Phoenix to visit my grandpa (my mom's dad). Imagine this- 110 degrees in Phoenix, Grandpa is grousing at his roommate to make sure it's a good shot, Ike accidentally shoves his finger so far up my nose that it starts bleeding, Booker is crying that he wants to go back home and play Lego Star Wars, Mama De is totally clueless, Clark is waiting in the car so we can drive two more hours to get home. And click.
- Booker is loving both Preschool and Joy School. He talks endlessly about Bentley, "Daxt" (Dax), and Travis and not so endlessly but still quite a bit about Thais and Ella. He loves to identify letters and spell things out. He's been learning about making good and bad decisions and tells me why he has decided to wear his monkey crocs instead of his Thomas the Tank Engine crocs. He is also very concerned about his clothes matching. Unfortunately, I think he might be color-blind like his dad. He started piano lessons this week. I'm excited.
- Ike is going to daycare once a week for three hours. It's a pitifully small amount of time but it still breaks my heart to drop him off. He clings at first but then runs off to find and torture the cat. If anyone is interested in a daycare here in Gladden Farms, I found a good one. He's also become quite the chatterbox. When I ask him if he's my baby, he scrunches his face up and yells, "NO, IKE." It's true, he's not my baby anymore. Just Ike. The boy who idolizes his older brother, who loves Blues Clues and who wakes up from his nap crying about bad dreams of thunderstorms and rain. Mr. Ike.
- Clark is training for a half marathon. He's already lost one toenail and the half marathon isn't until November. I won't even tell you about all the weight he's lost. I'm too jealous. In other news, I went to the gym today and ran a half mile before I had to get off the treadmill and hang out next to the trash can for fear of puking. I'm so impressed with Clark's dedication and his progress. He usually takes Fergus running with him and lets him off the leash. Last night he called me because he couldn't find Fergus anywhere. When I opened the garage to go out and look for him, Fergus came bounding in. He had run about one mile in the dark to get back home. I was surprised he knew the way. I was even more surprised that I was feeling distraught over his disappearance. I guess I might love that stupid, slobbery dog after all.
- Clark and I are both still involved with Cub Scouts and just got callings to teach a Temple Prep class. Have I mentioned that I hate public speaking? Even when it's in the comfort of our own home and only two people show up? I still go nuts with anxiety. I'm truly thankful for a husband who doesn't mind the sound of his own voice.
- And in weather related news, it seems like every other part of the country got that message that it's supposed to be Fall. We're still experiencing 100 degree temps with the occasional monsoon storm. It's September and we're hanging out by the pool, we should be sipping hot chocolate and going for hayrides. I'd kill for some sweater weather right now. I'm pretty excited for Fall/Winter.
