Childhood literacy?

So I was asked to teach a class on childhood literacy at our next enrichment. Why they asked me I have no idea. I mean I have no kids, I don't teach school and I have no background in the subject. So I'm asking for any ones ideas! So far I've come up with, ummm maybe you should read to your kids. Yeah, that's a good idea. And take them to the library. And read the scriptures as a family. And that's all I've got. Anyone got anything else? It all seems pretty obvious to me but apparently the school district has a "literacy problem" (last time I checked most schools did and are all failing their standardized tests). Help me!

We're HOME!!!

This is it, our new home! Its so exciting to have bought a home together- yes the one in Boise was "ours" but since Adam had been living there for a few years before I ever came along, and I knew we wouldn't be there for too long, I never really connected to it. The picture above is taken from across the street and shows our nice big corner lot, complete with RV parking (we're awaiting your visit Grandma & Grandpa!) . Yes there are no cars out front because we've cleared out the garage and both cars fit! YEA!


Another front view, but important because you can see we actually have grass! I was so excited for this. So many homes down here just have desert landscape, and grass just feels homier!





As for this thing, well its ridiculous. I'm not sure why they planted it here or what purpose it serves... we'll be getting rid of it soon. Hopefully we can manage to transport it to the backyard.




And now my favorite room in the house:

Yes, I know its not 'in' the house but I love it! I love that we have a pool. I love that we have some landscaping to do. I love that we have a potential guest house (thats the building you see on the left) and I love this guy:

is our ginormous Saguaro cactus. Those of you who haven't lived in AZ might not know that its illegal to get rid of these guys, so we'll have him around for a long time. I'm thinking maybe we should name him - any suggestions?

Oh and I can't wait to eat this later this winter.... mmmmmmmmmmmmm (for those of you who don't know, this is an Orange). I can almost taste it!

That's about all for now. I don't have pictures of the inside yet - I'm still trying to get decorations and things settled in. So more to come!

A haircut costs HOW MUCH?

Yes, I admit I've been living a sheltered life. For the past five years I have paid little or nothing for haircuts, highlights, facials, manicures and pedicures. Yes I was spoiled -Thanks Aunt Kathy! While I was living in Boise, I went to the Headmasters School for all my beauty needs, and since my Aunt was a teacher, and now director I didn't pay for anything (I had to pay for the die for my hair and tips, but that was it). For example, for my wedding, I got a haircut, die and highlights, a pedicure (with french tips) and manicure with acrylic french tip nails for a total of $10. Sick huh? I am sure I tipped some too. But still. So it pains me that not only am I in a new place and I have to find someone to do my hair, but I also have to pay. Is anyone else totally traumatized by trying to pick a beautician? Never knowing what you might look like when they are done. Argh. So with slight trepidation I found a salon on line last night that wasn't out of control spendy and made a call.... my luck they could get me in right then. I was a bit nervous though as the lady sounded, well older, I was afraid of getting a grandma cut. Luckily this was a spunky grandma though and I've officially changed my position of grandma beauticians. I don't know why I had an issue to begin with, I mean my absolute FAVORITE person to do my eyebrows is a grandma. I still remember the time Annie took me there to get my eyebrows done and I was thinking? Really, this lady is going to do my eyebrows? Well she rocked and for years I drove over an hour from Boise to the outskirts of Nyssa, OR to get them done by her. I've tried day spas in Boise and none compared to my beloved Doris. Anyway I digress, $30 later my hair turned out great and I'm hooked on grandma stylists.


ps... yes we are in the new house. I've been looking for the camera charger ever since we moved in and just now found it. YEA! So I promise to have pictures up this weekend....