Missing

Today I called 911 for the first time in my life. I thought I had lost this...

We found him.

I cried alot.

I'm so thankful.

Life wouldn't be the same without him.

Happy Birthday to Olivia, who turned 11 on Tuesday. We spent most of the weekend celebrating the big day in one fashion or another (and it still wasn't enough for her!) Here's the rundown...

Friday she got a card and money in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa Ekberg.

Saturday we went to the store, and she got to pick out a new bike.Sunday she got to pick what we had for dinner (Cantonese Chicken) and we sang to her in Primary.

Monday I made a cake (chocolate with chocolate frosting and sprinkles), we watched a movie as a family (Get Smart) and we went out to dinner at Chili's.

Tuesday, we wished her happy birthday oodles of times, she got a necklace and "Olivia" bag in the mail from Grandma Anne and Grandpa Vee, she got a BUNCH of phone calls, we had some friends over to swim AND she picked what we had for dinner (scones and fruit).

Wednesday at synchro practice they sang "Happy Birthday" to her and a couple of her friends gave her presents.

I wish my birthday could last almost a whole week! Lucky girl!

Father & Sons Campout

Last weekend while Olivia and I were at her synchro meet, Brandon took the three* boys camping.

The four of them took a camera along, but I think Sam and Julia took most of the pictures. I hear they had a good time, but I haven't heard a lot of details. I know there was a fun swing, and lots of dirt, and a campfire, but other than that I've had to use my imagination. Here's what I think happened:

They were warmly welcomed to camp......after paying a bribe. Whereupon, they proceeded to fit right in (pink, really?!?)But, soon enough, trouble** ensued......and they had to run for it, away from an angry mob with a frisbee.

They high-tailed it out of there, past the lone (?) cactus,

but then something went wrong and the world started spinning!

But, never fear, they were saved from all peril by the superhero known as "Surly Almost-Teenager".

All is well with the world.

*Okay, we really only have two boys, but Julia was given the option of camping or going to the synchro meet. She chose camping with the boys. Since it was 105 degrees, I think I would have chosen it, too. Brandon was only given a *small* amount of grief over bringing a daughter with him. Oh well.

**Sam is usually the cause of Trouble around our house. He is a force of nature.

Hello Jr. High!

I just got back from Dan's sixth grade promotion/graduation/celebration thing. Surprisingly, it was a little sad for me. I know I'll still be going to the elementary school more than I want to for the next 6 years, but I guess deep down I'm not really ready from him to grow up. I didn't have a moments hesitation when he started kindergarten, but I'm just not ready for him to be a teenager and go to Jr. High. But, I know I can't stop it - he has grown about six inches in the last year, he thinks his voice is changing (but I think maybe he is just trying to talk in a lower register), he has armpit hair (ick!), he wears boats for shoes (size 11 1/2), he no longer thinks girls are gross, and he has interests that have nothing to do with me. I'm struggling with how to be a mom that doesn't hover and overprotect, but still has a say in what he does, who he hangs out with and what goes on in his brain. My mom was always the cool mom that all my friends wished their mom was like. I want to be that. But then again, the world is different now and I don't want him getting himself into a mess because I'm more his friend than his mom. How do I make him realize that the rules still apply to him and that there are consequences, without being the kind of mom that he wants to get away from? Then again, maybe he'll figure it all out on his own and I'm worrying for nothing. After all, he is a good kid, and I'm very proud of him.

On a funny note, when Ms. Wilson (the teacher over Student Council) was introducing the officers from this year, she called up each of the four girls and gave them their certificate, then she introduced Dan by calling him "the stud muffin, Mr. Macho, who is always surrounded by girls". It made me laugh, and it embarrassed Dan. I'm glad he got a little embarrassed, and I'm glad it wasn't by me!

Congrats on being a successful sixth grader, and just make sure you continue to do your best! I'm proud of you, and I love you, Dan.

Regional Synchro Meet

Olivia's Regional Synchro meet was this past Friday and Saturday. She swam a duet, a trio and team. Unfortunately, she got sick earlier in the week and wasn't at her best. However, she pulled it together well enough to compete, and all three of her routines did well enough to go on to Nationals next month in Florida. A pretty big accomplishment considering that she almost passed out getting out of the pool after her team swim. She was so dizzy I had to carry her to the car, but she was mostly worried about how many people stared at her. Poor thing. This is what she looks like today...

I know she REALLY doesn't feel good, because she hasn't even wanted to expend the energy to get the knox out of her hair or take the icky synchro makeup off. Usually, those are the very first things she does when she gets home. Hopefully, she'll feel better soon. Poor Olivia.

Mother of the Year

Check out this video of me winning the Mother of the Year award!!!

New Post

Just for you Ali, here is a new post.

Life at the Ekbergs...

Only 10 days of school left.

Sam lost a tooth. I bought it from him so the Tooth Fairy wouldn't have to make the trip to our house. I like that plan.

Julia had a meltdown getting to school one day. She ran after me out the door, followed by the principal, who dragged her back in kicking and screaming. Fun times.

I tweaked my back tying a quilt. I moved like an old woman for a couple of days. And I didn't get any sympathy. Boo hoo.

Watershow was last Saturday. It was so well attended, there was no where to park. But, we raised lots of money!

Olivia ran for Student Body President. Didn't win, but that's okay with her.

Sam needs a haircut.

It hit 100 degrees yesterday, 103 today, 105 tomorrow.

Kids have been swimming after school a lot.

Grandma Anne and Grandpa Vee came for a visit. Sam made them play games with him every afternoon. No Peekie, anyone?

Dan had his last Strings concert. He rocked the electric bass!

Brandon got a pool table.