Survivor

If you live in Eureka, South Dakota, used to, or know someone who does or used to, chances are your TV was tuned to CBS tonight for the "Survivor" premier. One of our own, Holly Hoffman, is one of the Survivors this year. I grew up in Eureka and have known Holly my whole life. She is a real, genuine, nice person and amazing athlete.
David and I are "Survivor" fans from the beginning. We've missed just a few episodes over the past ten years, but certainly not since we've gotten DVR. (I think having guaranteed "Survivor" recording is what really pushed us to make the switch from our unreliable VCR.)
Some people golf together, some go camping, we watch "Survivor." Since we've had our children, they have been brought into our favorite TV night of the week, too.
We know it is TV, and not reality, but it draws us in every season for its entertainment value. We love the scheming, challenges, and twists. Our kids especially like the challenges. Tonight some past Survivors were on a commercial. As one came on the screen, Nathan said, "Russell!" Wow. I didn't know he actually remembered any of their names!
Landen immediately found his almanac to look up Nicaragua on the map and was wondering which coast they were on--Pacific or Caribbean?
The rest of the hour, I heard, "Holly!" whenever our newest favorite came on the screen. The boys asked me, "Is she REALLY there? Like REALLY there?" I didn't get into the whole explanation of pre-recorded TV shows and editing, but assured them that she--someone from Eureka--was actually there.
We hope Holly was able to go far into the season! (Can you imagine coming back from that experience and having to keep that secret?) She made it past the first tribal council with no problem tonight, so things are looking good. We're already looking forward to next week!

Hide Out

Nathan is into hiding out now (and sitting in chairs on his head, but that's a whole other entry). I hadn't heard from him or Teresa in awhile, so I went outside to check. I walked around our yard calling for him & Teresa with no answer. Even though they are older now, somewhat understand the concept of danger, and aren't usually the wandering type, I still hate the feeling I get when I call them and get no answer.
Finally, when I was ready to go back inside and make sure they weren't in the house, they both popped out from behind the tall weeds in the trees. Nathan said, "You didn't look in the hide out!"
Oh, silly me.

Nathan's First Day of Preschool

Nathan finally made it! It is his turn to go to preschool today!
After the open house on Tuesday, he told me, "I found my best friend." He couldn't remember his new best friend's name, but that's what today is for.
Have a great year, Nathan!

Picture Day

I just placed my picture day order for my boys today. Picture day is next Monday, but I'm not a big fan of sending money to school with my kids. Given the fate of several mittens and gloves, I decided to order online.
School pictures sure have changed! It has gone from one boring standard background to so many choices it is almost too difficult to decide. It makes it much more fun and personalized, that is for sure. Landen will have a brownish background and Nathan will have a blue one. Each will complement their eyes and their shirts.
The company has also started offering touch up service. Where were they for my 8th grade school picture? I'm not sure my parents would have paid the extra $6 for acne coverage, but I sure would have picked up a few extra hours of babysitting to pay for it myself! Kids these days just have it soooo good! :o)
So, we're all set--backgrounds chosen, shirts ready to go--now all we need are two handsome smiles next Monday morning!

Moving Coincidence

Exactly 7 years ago on 9/3/03, our first baby came home from the hospital and moved into our baby room. Today, on 9/3/10, our last baby is moving out of the baby room! Teresa's bed isn't quite finished, but she is SO excited to sleep in her purple room that she will sleep on a mattress in there tonight.
Children. I've said it before and I will say it a million more times--they are always changing and growing.
Except for a mini mid-mom crisis a few weeks ago, I have been fine with this latest transition. As my mom recently reminded me, "There is a time for everything."
Yes, it was wonderful having babies, and miss that precious first year with each of them (except for the pregnancy nausea, labor/delivery experience, monstrous Wal-Mart purchases, and mandatory sleep deprivation).
As they grow, though, it is also wonderful seeing a glimpse the little people God created them to be and what they will become. (I do plan to have a talk with Him some day about a few things he added that seem quite unnecessary in my opinion.) :o)
So, here's to my "big" kids in their big kid rooms. May you always have sweet dreams.
Daddy is especially excited to have you all moved out. He has been planning his main floor office for the last 7 years!