Science Geeks!!!!

Saturday Mike and Micah took the opportunity to go and see the art show Body Worlds. This is where they take the human body, plasticise it and put it on display. They really enjoyed the exhibit. Micah's favorite part was touching the human heart. (She is our aspiring surgeon) They enjoyed seeing brain aneurysms, and blood clots and I am sure a whole lot more. Mike's favorite part, having time to spend with his daughter that is growing up way too fast. Both agree however, the Camel is a weird animal.

What a relief!

Well we are fast approaching the end of the first month of school. And we have not recieved one phone call. What a relief. I put Mike's number on all the school forms so they would call him before me. I was not worried about Thad being bad. I was just worried about him being disruptive. Thaddeus loves to be "the class clown." He loves to be funny and he loves to get a reaction so I wondered how well he would do in a controlled environment. But he is doing well. His vocabulary is increasing everyday. His increased vocabulary so far : Adequately, When asked about going to school he said he felt he was not adequately prepared. Appropriately, I asked him what was wrong with what he was doing and he said that he was not acting appropriately. I love this kid. He amazes me everyday. I can't believe how quickly he has grown up.

Random post

I was trying to arrange our downloaded photos into specific folders and came across this photo and I decided to post it. This summer has come and gone very quickly and though time hasn't allowed a big family vacation (yet) we have been able to take a few weekends and enjoy fun activities. This was a short weekend up at Grandma's cabin. We took a ride over to Smith and Morehouse lake. ( I may have spelt that wrong but it's late) We had alot of fun. I am very blessed to have such an incredible family. Mike is an amazing father and husband and each of my kids have their very own personality but they all get along very well (thank goodness) We enjoy hanging out and spending time together. I realize how valuable these weekends are (especially having a teenager).

The best party ever......

So because there never is enough time we had made it clear to September and I hadn't had time to plan Morgan's birthday party that should have been around the 11th of August. And Thad's birthday had come and gone and I was feeling like a loser mom because all kids like birthday parties. So like a "good" mom I thought what would be the easiest, party that you can have in 2 hours because that is all the spare time we could find...... of course a bounce house. So thursday night I rented a bounce house for the party saturday. Yes that was living on the line. I would have been in a whole lot of trouble if there weren't any available. But I have to say this was the best party the kids have had. And the least amount of time I have ever spent on planning it. We did face painting, played in the bounce house, had cake and ice cream and sent everyone home. Not only did I cut it close with the bounce house. Some of the friends didn't even get their invitation til friday night. But we have awesome neighbors and they are all very forgiving. The party turned out good. The kids love their mom again. And all is well at the Greensides home.

7 years later

September 11, a day that I can't seem to define with words, a day of feelings that I can't explain, emotions that with time have not dimmed. As I reflect today the emotions are the same as they were 7 years ago, that lump in the throat, the headache from holding back the tears, the exhausted feeling of heart ache and pain for those who lost their loved ones, the awe of heroism, strength, determination, and undying love. I am sure for most a multitude of emotions were felt that day, for some everyday since, and for others upon reflection the feelings are brought to the for front. I remember that morning being unaware of what was unfolding, I received a phone call from Mike who had said he needed me to get his stuff ready that he would be leaving. Confused I remember asking him where he was going.... a pause on the other end of the phone, Mike realized I had not yet turned on the T.V. or the radio that morning. A quiet direct" you need to turn on the T.V." and as I sat there in silence holding the phone, a dull numb feeling came over me as I realized where Mike was headed. The call ended, very few words were spoken. I took a min. to try to gather my thoughts, wrap up the emotion, and headed to Salt Lake. Mike went with the Utah Task Force 1. A division of FEMA. To assist in the efforts at Ground Zero. As the team headed out in buses. I remember so profoundly the renewed sense of gratitude that I know that we owe those who send their children, fathers, mothers, friends, husbands and wives to fight and defend our country. The gratitude that we owes those willing to leave, and go and fight, and sacrifice everything they have on our behalf. Though Mike was not headed to war I am sure my feelings of emptiness, fear, anticipation of what he would see and experience are very much the same of those who send loved ones to defend the very freedoms that all to often I take for granted. I am glad for the constant reminders of this day, it helps to keep in perspective all that is truly important. In a world that is chaotic and disappointing, It is good to know there will always be those that we call Hero's. Hero's that come from every walk of life. Hero's that do small and simple things to Hero's that do the unthinkable. And this day is a day for me that redefined Heroism.

Happy Birthday Aunt Mel

Today was Aunt Mel's birthday. Mel is my oldest sister. She definitley has lived up to the role of big sister. She has always taken care of me. I can't remember a time when she wasn't there to help me through. Some of my greatest memories growing up were, our walks to Reams to get round chedder tortilla chips. She was always willing to drive me around everywhere. I loved to go see her at Snow College where she took me to get pizza and play the big bertha arcade game. I use to love to snoop around her room when she wasn't home and look for all her secret notes from highschool. When I was 14 or 15 It was new year's eve (my birthday) Mel had worked late and came home and made me and my friends breakfast for my birthday. She is truly a good big sister. I appreciate all that she does for me and my family. I hope you had a great day Mel!!!!!!!

Encore!

This summer some of the neighborhood kids got together and created a play. They put on the play the other night for the parents and a few neighbors. It was so much fun and the kids had a great time. The play was highschool musical. I was impressed my kids were only able to attend practice twice, but they were able to pick up the moves quickly and it was hard to tell they hadn't practiced all summer long. They did a great job. The event was attended by Bishop Quist and his wife, and a few other neighbors. The kids were most impressed the Bishop would come see the play. Next year according to Thad it will be Star Wars. We'll see. .....

To get a tattoo or not to..........

I know you are all wondering why I picked this background. Well I love to watch LA ink. It is one of my favorite shows. It just makes me feel good about who I am. (he he he)