2009????

OK, so it is common knowledge around our house that I will graduate from my current masters program in May 2009. In fact, it is something I have to tell myself several times a day, as a reminder that there is an end to the madness of homework. So, Wednedsay night I was tucking Jake into bed. I had spent the entire evening working on reading summaries and a group project, so I had spent no time with the boys. I was explaining to Jake how I missed them when I was busy with homework, and that it would get better. Jake said, "Yeah, in 2009." Ouch! While it was a little funny, it was a profoundly painful statement to hear. Yes, I am neglecting my family so that I can continue my education. I am negliecting my family and the end is two very long years away. When I said it would get better, I meant that at the end of the semester, I would have more time. How can I come up with more time? There just are no more hours in the day.

Ahhhhhhhh.....

That is the sound of me sitting down on our couch. Why is that such a big deal, you ask? Two reasons:

1. This has been the busiest spring break on record. Friday night our dear friends, the Jensen family an Dale, joined us for a weekend of fun. The Jensens have two boys, so it was just like one big slumber party. However, I was gone all day on Satuday for seminar for my masters program, so I missed part of the fun. After they left on Sunday, the boys and I packed up for a few days at Grandma and Grandpa Hogan's house. Well, they were staying there while I ran all over the Chicago area observing various deaf and hard of hearing programs as part of my masters program. While I really got a lot out of it, I was absolutely beat by the time we finally arrived back home on Tuesday night. Wednesday and Thursday brought more observations, this time in town. Thursday afternoon and evening was taken up with a meeting and class at ISU. So, here we are on Friday...the first day I've actually had free. Naturally, I have a bad head cold and can't really enjoy it, but I am resting none the less.

2. Our almost-brand-new couch and chair had to be taken back in for repair. The company picked them up on Monday to replace the cushions, which were already beginning to break down after only a few month's wear. They finally delivered them today, all puffy and comfy. After the busy, exhausting week, and only having folding chairs to sit on, I am so happy to have my couch and recliner back. I may not get up for a long, long time.

Basket Case

So, I stole this title from Alan's blog, but it fits the picture. He posted a picture of his young daughter Alice sitting in a clothes basket, playing with a doll. I had just taken this picture of Jake days before. Here he is, in his own clothes basket, devouring yet another Judy Bloom book from the Fudge series....

Copied from another blog....

I got these prompts from another blog on the ring, so I thought I'd share my answers....

1. ) Five Minutes to Myself. How would I spend them? Sleeping

2) Five dollars to spend right now. How would I spend it? iTunes....for my new iPod

3) Five Items In My House I Could Part With Right Now? this is a hard one, since I tend to throw things out pretty easily....1. old pots and pans from my old set. 2. rugs in my bedroom, I think they need replaced. 3. flowers on my hutch...I'd like to replace those too. 4. valances in kitchen and dining room, I'd like to replace those too....wait, I am seeing a trend here.... 5. all of the mcdonalds toys the boys ahve accumulated

4) Five Items In My House I Could Absolutely Never Part With? 1. scrapbooks 2. laptop 3. the boys' baby pictures 4. our wedding pictures 5. my palm pilot

5) Five Words I Love 1. love 2. Jesus 3. grace (the concept, not the dog, LOL!) 4. spring 5. Spring-Break

Parent Teacher Conferences

Last Thursdayand Friday was parent/teacher conferences for the boys. We met with the boys' teachers Thursday before I had to practically fly to Normal for my midterm (see below). Both boys received an excellent report from their teachers. While DH and I both know they are great kids, it's always nice to hear it from someone else.

Due to conferences, the boys did not have school either Thursday or Friday. Friday was easy, DH was off work. Friday was a different story. We went out on a limb and decided to allow the boys stay with Anwen, the older sister of Josh's best friend. She has babysat for them before, but never for the whole day, and never when Jack (her brother and Josh's best friend) was around. All three boys are terrific kids, but the more boys you get together, their orneriness multiplies exponentially. So, after a long lecture with the goal of putting the fear of God (or the fear of Mom, whichever is worse), we decided to give it a try. Thursday evening, Jack's mom called to ask if a mutual friend could take the whole gang to the Engineering Open House at the University of Illinois. So, this brave dad and Anwen took 6 boys out for quite a day. A link to his blog and the whole story is below:

http://order-horizon.net/


And, as mentioned before, I had a midterm on Thursday night. Let's just say that it was NOT the highlight of my week. As a way to ease the sting left fromt the test, I stopped by the mall to pick up my new Disney Crocs.....too cute!

Great Conference!

Thanks to everyone who helped out, I was able to completely enjoy the ITHI conference. It is so refreshing to spend time with like-minded professionals, learning new techniques. I always head back to school rejuvenated after a good conference. I am actually looking forward to work on Monday.