New Swing Set

We bought a swing set and put it up in our yard.


Here is a view from the side:

Mid August

We have survived almost all of the summer. There were quite a few things I wanted to post about and might still but didn't have time so here is a quick recap:

-Finished 8 week Physiology course. Got an A. Take that Physiology!

-Just about lost my mind with overactive sons. Bought sand for sandbox to keep them busy. House is now full of sand.

-Finally found a solution to stop the kids climbing up the fence. It took me and a school psychologist only a month.

-Paid $1200 a month to keep health coverage during unemployment. Wrote huge rants about crappy American health system in my head.

-Started studying for the GRE, which I take at the end of August, and discovered that I have completely forgotten how to do basic math.

-Des got a job! It is about five minutes away from his old job and will hopefully be more interesting.

-Today we bought a swing set off Craigslist and spent two hours taking it apart. Perhaps tomorrow we will buy some new bolts and put the darned thing back up in our backyard.

So that just about sums it up.

Memory Game

I don't usually do this kind of thing (you aren't going to see any alphabetical lists about me any time soon) but I commented on Maren's blog so I guess I joined the game.

1. Add a comment to this post on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot…anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Collin's Last Day of School

Collin had his last day of preschool last week. They had a little presentation where the kids sang and then the five year olds got little certificates. They also had a pot luck out on their playground afterward.

This is the bus that usually takes Collin to school. Next year we will walk to the school around the corner.

Here he is singing his song with the other kids. Notice that he is doing the right hand motions, last time he didn't really participate.

Collin is showing Peter his playground.

Collin's Birthday

Collin had a birthday this month. I can't believe I have a five year old! We had a little party. Here is Collin and Peter with their friend Shayne.

We had cake.

He opened presents.

Here he is showing off his new skateboard.

Fence Sitting

My little monkey children have decided that their new favorite thing is to climb up our gate and sit at the top, look at the garbage bins, and yell things at people walking past the house.

This is a problem. Not only does it drive my neighbors crazy it is unsafe in so many ways. The worst part is that I caught Collin actually climbing OVER the fence a few days ago. Really, once you get to the top what is the harm in putting your feet on the other side? We are already having trouble keeping him inside since he decided that he could open the front door (and the extra locks I put on it) and go outside by himself at 6am. Also, do you see Peter up there? He has never climbed like Collin but apparently he is a quick study!

I thought perhaps I would blog for advice but as fate would have it our behavior modification consult has finally come through. I have had a school psychologist at my house twice (!) this week making little signs, narratives, and reward charts. We are working specifically on this new safety issue and techniques for me to manage it. Hopefully when we lick this we can focus on all the other inappropriate things that led me to get the consult in the first place!

Just for fun

I just found this site where you can look up campaign donations, by name, city, occupation etc.
http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/
Enjoy!