Priceless....

We typically don't buy pictures at amusement parks...but this one is Priceless....

Santa Monica Beach....

We recently returned from our visit to Southern California...Here are some pictures of our trip to the beach. I have to admit...I was a bit disappointed. I guess nothing compares to Santa Cruz or Monterrey. When we visited Santa Monica's beach, there was a ton of smog and fog. Not a good combination. It was also missing the salty smell of the ocean. I'm sorry dear So. Cal friends, but the beaches up north are way better.

It was great to get away from reality for the few days we were out there. I forgot how much Brent hated the sand. The picture of him tells it all! I told Brent that when we retire, we HAVE to get a beach front house...I know I know...in my dreams....But I've forgotten how much of a beach bum I used to be living in the Bay area...

Ahh...someday....

My little girl's going to Girls Camp.....

Brent and I found out a few weeks ago that Alycia's going to Girls Camp this year since she'll be going into Jr. High this fall....(technically Summer). When Alycia advised of this....I went into complete "freak out mode." 4 days of camping and roughing it...uh....just the thought of it makes me uneasy. I thought we had another year to prepare for this. I'm trying to suck it up and be supportive. Yes, I've heard it's a great experience and very spiritual...I think she'll be okay, since she LOVES camping. She got that part of her personality from the Smith side of the family, definitely not from my side....

Brent and I attended the Jr. High open house a few weeks ago, and that was quite unnerving. The school is fabulous and she'll still be in the Gifted program, but stepping into the gymnasium with other Jr. high schooler's made me extremely uncomfortable. They had cheerleaders and the crowd went wild when they announced all of the clubs available at the school. (Can you believe they have Star Wars club...how geek prone is that? No offense to you trekkies and Jedi geeks...) You should have seen the expression on my little Alycia...it was priceless. She was in complete shock...like..."WOW, people don't act like this in Elementary school." She's so excited to get a locker and ride the bus to school. Uh....school bus....I'm still a bit unsure of that. If she does ride the bus...I might actually look into getting her a cell....big sigh....I'm going back into semi-freak out mode now...

I'm soooo NOT ready for this tween/Jr high thing.............

Who cut the Cheese?

I'm being silly...Guess what we did this Saturday? Ahh...The Pinewood Derby of course. Joseph's "Super Fast Cheese" was everyone's favorite. C'mon...it was just so cute. When Joseph's car competed, there were several chants..."Go Cheese!" "Go Cheese!"

I overheard a conversation between a brother and sister.
"You're a traitor! You're supposed to want me to win.." said the brother.
"But I like the Super Cheese"...."Go Cheese Go Cheese!" said the little sister.

Super Cheese did fabulous....Joseph was very excited that his car did well. He is not a competitive child, and wasn't upset that he didn't make it to the finals.

Brent's happy this is over and done with. That's what he kept saying in the car. Ahh...just one more Derby to go.....

I'm such a goof....

I opened up my eyes and what did I see...

The sun up....

I jumped out of bed and freaked out....
"Ahh....It's 7:02! I'm late for my lab....I let my lab partners down...I'm such a loser!!!!"

Cruddd...I'll just brush my hair and teeth and NOT take a shower....uh...so gross....(were my thoughts) For those that know me...I purposely hate going camping due to lack of facilities, such as showers and FLUSHING toilets....

"Anna...go back to bed...It's SUNDAY...." Brent said sleepily.

Long pause..."Really? Are you sure?....Hmm...I guess so... Duh!"

Do I dream chemistry? I have to honestly answer .....

"Yes!"....but not willingly though...

So.....Yes....I'm a big goof.....I guess this is what happens when you sign up for 7am Chem. Labs....

Is it still winter?

Is it really January? Ahh...it sure doesn't feel like winter. The weather here in Arizona has been absolutely fabulous! It feels more like Spring than winter. We went to Veteran's Oasis Park to do some fishing. Luckily, no one caught anything.

Joseph still asks if it's okay for him to go swimming in our pool. The answer is still a big fat "NO way!" The pool is a huge temptation, but the water is still in the 60's.

I'm really missing winter weather...I should clarify by saying...I miss Arizona winter weather...cloudy, rainy, and definitely no snow.....

I love living in Arizona!....just not in the summer....

I don't think I'll be getting the "Mother of the Year" award

Uh! For the past month Joseph has been complaining of stomach pains and stomach issues. He can be quite the "drama boy"....I've taken him to see his Pediatrician and she said he was well... The school nurse had called me several times regarding Joseph. "What am I going to do with this boy!"...were my thoughts...Finally... his teacher called me saying that he was complaining of stomach pains.
"Uh...not again.." I said..."he just needs to settle down and deal with it and he's not coming home. I know that if I pick him up, he'll be fine. I think he's just doing this for attention."

"Okay Anna, I'll let him know." his teacher said.

The phone rings a minute later.

"Anna, Joseph's on the floor grabbing his stomach and crying....the children in the classroom are frightened"....

as she's speaking, I can hear Joseph's friend in the background saying..."Joseph says his mom doesn't care and that she won't pick him up".......hmm...now that makes me feel like a great mom...

"I'll pick him up right now" I say...and zoom off to the school.

By this time, I had had it with the theatrics and the mercy monitor was dipping into the negative area. There he was grabbing his stomach and wimpering....As I get into the car, I call Brent and tell him of the situation. I'm done....I've had it...I'm taking him to Urgent care. We get there and they tell me to take him to the ER. O...kay.... that doesn't sound good.

I take him to Banner's ER where they have a Peds Unit. We're there for about 4 hours after they have taken x-rays of his tummy area and done a few other tests. By this time...I'm not leaving this hospital until I've gotten an explanation on the cause of his discomfort. The ER Dr shows me a copy of the x-ray and asks if anyone in my family is lactose intolerant. Uh....myself and the rest of my side of the family.

That's the answer. My poor little son is lactose intolerant. I felt like a horrible mother. It was legit...the stomach cramps...everything! So, Yes.......I have lost the mother of year award, but I'm now trying to make up for it.

He doesn't mind drinking Soy "lactose free" milk and is very diligent about not having dairy in his diet. He's responding well to the new diet, but we'll be seeing a Peds Gastro doctor in March. This should be interesting....