Meanest Mom Award- and Proud of It!

A few weeks ago my dryer died and I had to spend several hours at the laundry mat with my kids. We were very productive while we were there by completing some of our school work and it appreared to me that my kids were quite happy with a change of pace. There was no complaining, fast food for lunch and everyone wanting to help put the quarters in. Duh duh duh- until we got home. I overheard the following conversation in the boys bedroom (goes something like this):

Matthew: "Mom is the meanest mom! We had to be at that dumb place so long! She ruined my whole day" (side note: it was only 1:00 p.m. when we got home)
Jared: "Yea! She's really mean and makes us do dumb stuff all the time!"
Matthew: "She's really the meanest mom! She didn't even let us play the video games! That's so stupid!"
Kate: "Yea, she's really mean!"

Ahhhh! The joy of motherhood at it finest!

A Rescued Kitten

As crazy as it sounds, we now have a pet kitten. We rescued this stray kitten from being sent to an overcrowed local animal shelter. The kids came up with her name: Asoka, we call her Soka (with a long "o"). Any of you with boys should recognize this name from Star Wars- The Clone Wars. Throughout my life I have considered myself only a dog person. Love dogs, not cats. So having a cat is an entirely weird experience for me and I'm liking it. My kids are IN LOVE with Soka and have literally smothered her with love. I've had to set the timer for a "hands of the cat" period to give her a break. It's fun to see how much my boys nurture her, protect her, and feel responsible for her. Today we had co-op at our house and just before the families arrived Jared took Soka into his room to play with her. When he heard the doorbell ring and kids come in, he came out of his room, shut the door so the cat couldn't leave his room and made this announcement to our guests, "If anyone would like to see our kitten, you must enter my room now." Mr. Protector and Nurturer! I love that about Jared.

Dave's Graduation from University of San Francisco

Dave graduated this year from USF with a Masters in Financial Analysis. Congratulations Dave, we are so proud of you!

Dave's New Job Helping Others Protect the Environment

Dave got a new job this year for a company called Tesla Motors. As many of you know, Tesla Motors is producing an all electric really SEXY sports car that costs well over $100,000. Yeah for electric cars and protecting the environment! Check out the car at www.teslamotors.com. Too bad we can't afford one- we'll just support others who can!

As of today, Dave has survived the wave of layoffs the company had- Yeah! Unfortunately, because of the company layoffs, Dave has been moved from his position in their supply chain management to running the warehouse- not what he wants to be doing. However, we both feel that it is a true blessing he still has a job. With the economy so sour and so many people out of work, we feel Heavenly Father is watching out for us.

Matthew's Baptism Was "Cool."

In an attempt to update my family and friends of the last year's events, my next blog messages will probably be short, sweet, and to the point. I just need to get the news posted without the frills. So, big news for 2008- Matthew got baptized! He was so excited and happy. Dave baptized and confirmed him and we had lots of family and friends attend. Thank you Grandma Great for travelling so far to be here for us! After the baptism we went to dinner at Spaghetti Factory (Matthew's choice) then headed for home. As soon as we walked in the door Matthew pulled out his new journal and wrote, "It was cool." I guess that says it all.