It's been several months since I posted. So I thought I ought to try to share a new post before the craziness of the holidays sets in fully. It can get pretty hectic and I know that I'll be spending most of my Sundays trying to not be crazy.
If you love pictures and such Rob has them on his Google + account. Lots of fun to be had there with the kids hiking, corn mazes and cousins visits.
The school year has gotten off to a good start. In fact fist quarter is over, and we are getting down to a solid routine as far as that goes. The only thing is with the time change it is dark so early that it makes me incredibly cranky. I need sunshine or it really affects my mood and total disposition.
Beth is in seventh grade, and she is just sailing a long. She finally got an art elective at her school, and she rocked it. Where she goes to school the electives only last a quarter, and because she is in band, it is harder to get the electives she wants in addition to band. Her grades are good and she has lots of friends and interested boys and she is juggling everything pretty well. I'm super proud of her.
Caleb is doing fairly well overall. He got the teacher we wanted for him, and it's made a huge difference in his year. He still has a hard time sitting still and concentrating, but his teacher gets it and him. He can work standing up and wiggling, and isn't expected to sit still hardly ever. This means a happier Caleb and a happier family.
Jacob is having a good year. He's in an accelerated math program where he skipped a year of math and it's definitely been a transition for him. However, I think he is doing fine in the class. (I say think since I can't seem to communicate with his math teacher.) He's showing a bit more his attitude at school this year, but he also has two of his best friends in class with him. It's awesome to see him doing so well overall.
Rob is still at his job. He's juggling things, and he is the technical support for his campus with their learning management system. Which basically means he's dealing with emails and solving problems at all hours and especially right before assignments are due.
I'm plugging along. I'm still working from home, juggling that with being a mom. I've had a cough this fall that seems to lag on forever, but I think I might be about over it. Finally. I mean it hung on, and on.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Summer Vacation Ohio Style
This last week we visited my sister Sarah and her family in Ohio. The drive was longer than I thought it would be. this may be because I drove the speed limit on my section, but it was very, very pretty, up through the mountains and in Virginia and West Virginia. I got to knock another state off of my list, since I had never been to Ohio, and all of the kids got to mark off two more since they hadn't been to West Virginia yet.
It was a great time hanging out. Beth, Caleb and Jacob adored the little kids. I think Beth was in heaven getting to play mama and play with Emily and Elsa in particular. We introduced Ethan to Minecraft (sorry Sarah), and the boys liked showing that to him. While we were there we went to a pool, to get ice cream and to the zoo. I think the zoo was Rob's favorite since there was an Australian section and we got to see animals he saw on his mission. My favorite animal at the zoo was the Red Panda. Beth and Caleb loved the baby gorilla, and I think Jacob liked his selfie with a lion. (It's posted on Rob's Facebook page if you want to check it out.)
The car trip back was a bit longer and had more comments along the lines of: "He's touching me!" "You're crossing the line!" "Make him stop." "I would rather be dead than in this car right now. I would rather be dead." (This one in particular made me laugh, I don't know why since it is such a negative thought. I don't think I'm as sympathetic as I ought to be.)
I still haven't recovered from vacation yet. I need to get back onto a schedule and get working.
The kids are mixed about going back to school. Beth keeps locking herself in her room when we talk about buying school supplies and while the boys seem pretty excited. We just got a new principal at the elementary school, and I think he's a better fit than the last one who lasted a year. So I'm a little anxious about that.
I need to share about the ketchup explosion that happened after church today. It went down like this. The kids love to dangle baskets of things down the stairs and randomly drop them. Every time they find a long piece of rope or a string, it happens. As I was making dinner, I heard the whispers. I knew they were starting. I told them to stop, and went back to cooking. Nothing too drastic has happened as a result of the hanging baskets. Some things slightly broken, the wall is a bit scuffed up, but nothing horrible.
Until today.
They got the full, brand new ketchup bottle and begin the process of lowering it and pulling it up. Until they dropped it. It's only a ketchup bottle, what's the worst that can happen? You ask. A little bit of ketchup on the rug? Not a big deal right?
If it was that, maybe. But no. It squirted about 20 feet up and hit the ceiling above the stairs. Splattered down that wall. Hit the ceiling above the landing, and squirted a ketchup trail across the ceiling in the living room, and hit the wall on the other side of the room. Ketchup trails on the carpet too. It's like the bottle exploded. But it is still quite full, so I would dread what would happen if it actually did.
Was it Jacob, my youngest that managed this astounding feat? No I heard screams, and running from my two oldest 12 and 9. Admitting that they should be grounded. That they didn't mean to do it. Yelling, running, hiding.
And that is why Rob mopped the ceiling that is 20 feet up, and wiped down the walls while I scrubbed the carpet. And why they will never play hanging basket again. (I was laughing the whole time. We don't get many of these moments anymore--my kids have outgrown them. Rob on the other hand was grumpier. (He didn't deal with the flour episode about 6 years ago that broke our vacuum.) But I think he'll laugh about it later.)
Have a great week!
It was a great time hanging out. Beth, Caleb and Jacob adored the little kids. I think Beth was in heaven getting to play mama and play with Emily and Elsa in particular. We introduced Ethan to Minecraft (sorry Sarah), and the boys liked showing that to him. While we were there we went to a pool, to get ice cream and to the zoo. I think the zoo was Rob's favorite since there was an Australian section and we got to see animals he saw on his mission. My favorite animal at the zoo was the Red Panda. Beth and Caleb loved the baby gorilla, and I think Jacob liked his selfie with a lion. (It's posted on Rob's Facebook page if you want to check it out.)
The car trip back was a bit longer and had more comments along the lines of: "He's touching me!" "You're crossing the line!" "Make him stop." "I would rather be dead than in this car right now. I would rather be dead." (This one in particular made me laugh, I don't know why since it is such a negative thought. I don't think I'm as sympathetic as I ought to be.)
I still haven't recovered from vacation yet. I need to get back onto a schedule and get working.
The kids are mixed about going back to school. Beth keeps locking herself in her room when we talk about buying school supplies and while the boys seem pretty excited. We just got a new principal at the elementary school, and I think he's a better fit than the last one who lasted a year. So I'm a little anxious about that.
I need to share about the ketchup explosion that happened after church today. It went down like this. The kids love to dangle baskets of things down the stairs and randomly drop them. Every time they find a long piece of rope or a string, it happens. As I was making dinner, I heard the whispers. I knew they were starting. I told them to stop, and went back to cooking. Nothing too drastic has happened as a result of the hanging baskets. Some things slightly broken, the wall is a bit scuffed up, but nothing horrible.
Until today.
They got the full, brand new ketchup bottle and begin the process of lowering it and pulling it up. Until they dropped it. It's only a ketchup bottle, what's the worst that can happen? You ask. A little bit of ketchup on the rug? Not a big deal right?
If it was that, maybe. But no. It squirted about 20 feet up and hit the ceiling above the stairs. Splattered down that wall. Hit the ceiling above the landing, and squirted a ketchup trail across the ceiling in the living room, and hit the wall on the other side of the room. Ketchup trails on the carpet too. It's like the bottle exploded. But it is still quite full, so I would dread what would happen if it actually did.
Was it Jacob, my youngest that managed this astounding feat? No I heard screams, and running from my two oldest 12 and 9. Admitting that they should be grounded. That they didn't mean to do it. Yelling, running, hiding.
And that is why Rob mopped the ceiling that is 20 feet up, and wiped down the walls while I scrubbed the carpet. And why they will never play hanging basket again. (I was laughing the whole time. We don't get many of these moments anymore--my kids have outgrown them. Rob on the other hand was grumpier. (He didn't deal with the flour episode about 6 years ago that broke our vacuum.) But I think he'll laugh about it later.)
Have a great week!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Summer's Half Way Over!
I am proud to announce that Beth gave her first talk in church today. For Beth this is huge. She is very shy, and wouldn't even go to the front of the chapel in December to graduate from Primary. And here she is getting up and giving a talk. I'm super, super proud, and she did a great job.
She's getting ready to head off to girls' camp this week. I can't believe how fast she has grown up. It is a little bit crazy to think about all that she 's accomplished in the last year. I know I'll miss her, but she's excited to get a break from her brothers. (I think they might feel the same way.)
Jacob has turned into a chatter. He'll come sit next to me while I'm working and chat, and chat and chat. I love it even though it drives me crazy. His vocabulary is great, and I love the way he talks like a little adult with actually, quite, nearly, and other words that are not common for second graders to use in their every day conversations. He always has the most interesting observations to share. He likes to compare and contrast and explain logical conclusions that he has come to.
Caleb is currently obsessed with the Destiny beta. He is playing nonstop and I think driving his cousins a bit crazy with requests to play with him online. He is so active that the last week has been driving me a bit bonkers since we didn't get to a pool or a park. he just needs a chance to let all of his energy go.
Rob is busy with work, and getting stuff done. He worked from home on Thursday and kept turning to me and asking why the kids were in the room wanting stuff. It's hard to work from home with the kids home.
Summer is slipping by so fast this year. I hope you can enjoy the rest of yours!
She's getting ready to head off to girls' camp this week. I can't believe how fast she has grown up. It is a little bit crazy to think about all that she 's accomplished in the last year. I know I'll miss her, but she's excited to get a break from her brothers. (I think they might feel the same way.)
Jacob has turned into a chatter. He'll come sit next to me while I'm working and chat, and chat and chat. I love it even though it drives me crazy. His vocabulary is great, and I love the way he talks like a little adult with actually, quite, nearly, and other words that are not common for second graders to use in their every day conversations. He always has the most interesting observations to share. He likes to compare and contrast and explain logical conclusions that he has come to.
Caleb is currently obsessed with the Destiny beta. He is playing nonstop and I think driving his cousins a bit crazy with requests to play with him online. He is so active that the last week has been driving me a bit bonkers since we didn't get to a pool or a park. he just needs a chance to let all of his energy go.
Rob is busy with work, and getting stuff done. He worked from home on Thursday and kept turning to me and asking why the kids were in the room wanting stuff. It's hard to work from home with the kids home.
Summer is slipping by so fast this year. I hope you can enjoy the rest of yours!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Summer Fun
I haven't posted much this summer. One of the reasons is that it is difficult to keep trying to work full-time when the kids are over the summer. Most people I know don't realize that I really do put in forty hours a week on work--mostly because I rarely bring it up. I'm blessed and incredibly lucky that I can work from home, even if it means juggling things are a little bit more difficult during the week. Especially with the kids home.
This summer started out hot. And so it looks like a pool summer. Plus for some reason my kids seem to feel that they've outgrown playgrounds and parks--for the most part. We have been to the pool several time this summer. Beth is insistent that she doesn't need sunscreen because she is so pale. The boys are swimming well enough to venture into the deep part of the pool without me, and swimming vests and floaties are a thing of the past. The older the kids get the easier it is to pack up and do something fun and exciting, with so much less hassle. But I still miss the absolute cuteness of a little baby or two year old (especially a two year old-- toddlers are the best!)
For the 4th, we went to the ward pancake breakfast, amid much complaining about the early hour of 9:00 am. Then we went to Monkey Joes, with Beth almost insisting that she is too old to go. And they kids had a blast. We were planning on going to see the fireworks at a shopping center (I know it sounds lame, but it was a compromise so we didn't have to deal with crowds.) When Greg and Heather invited us over to their house to see them. Our kids were ecstatic, and the show was great. Rob has it on his Google+ page if you want to see the fun. Complete with some videos.
July will consist of more trips to the pool. Hanging with some friends. Sending Beth off to girls camp--where they are enforcing a very strict dress code. (Beth wears longer shorts than the majority of her friends. Nearly to the knee, and yet we must go find some longer ones. Where? She doesn't want basketball shorts, jean shorts, and she is super skinny, at that awkward shopping size. Her current longest pair of shorts is an old pair of size seven capris that still fit her as shorts. If you have any ideas please leave a comment--maybe we'll go capri shopping in the kids section.) A short trip to Hickory for a friend's wedding. And then August will be even busier.
Hope you are enjoying your summer.
This summer started out hot. And so it looks like a pool summer. Plus for some reason my kids seem to feel that they've outgrown playgrounds and parks--for the most part. We have been to the pool several time this summer. Beth is insistent that she doesn't need sunscreen because she is so pale. The boys are swimming well enough to venture into the deep part of the pool without me, and swimming vests and floaties are a thing of the past. The older the kids get the easier it is to pack up and do something fun and exciting, with so much less hassle. But I still miss the absolute cuteness of a little baby or two year old (especially a two year old-- toddlers are the best!)
For the 4th, we went to the ward pancake breakfast, amid much complaining about the early hour of 9:00 am. Then we went to Monkey Joes, with Beth almost insisting that she is too old to go. And they kids had a blast. We were planning on going to see the fireworks at a shopping center (I know it sounds lame, but it was a compromise so we didn't have to deal with crowds.) When Greg and Heather invited us over to their house to see them. Our kids were ecstatic, and the show was great. Rob has it on his Google+ page if you want to see the fun. Complete with some videos.
July will consist of more trips to the pool. Hanging with some friends. Sending Beth off to girls camp--where they are enforcing a very strict dress code. (Beth wears longer shorts than the majority of her friends. Nearly to the knee, and yet we must go find some longer ones. Where? She doesn't want basketball shorts, jean shorts, and she is super skinny, at that awkward shopping size. Her current longest pair of shorts is an old pair of size seven capris that still fit her as shorts. If you have any ideas please leave a comment--maybe we'll go capri shopping in the kids section.) A short trip to Hickory for a friend's wedding. And then August will be even busier.
Hope you are enjoying your summer.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Wow! Major Catch Up!
So I haven't posted in awhile. A long while. it's been the hectic last month of school with testing, and concerts and church activities. I feel like we've been running, running running with no breaks. We haven't even made it to the beach yet this year, and it is almost too hot to go.
Rob found some crazy deal (we are paying less than $30.00 a month for unlimited talk and data 3G) and finally got a smart phone which means that he is posting updates of the photo and video variety on his Google+ account, and that means I should figure out how to port them over to the blog. Until that happens, you ought to follow him, I think he only shares photos with family and friends in his circles, so if you want to be added, just leave me a message and I'll make it happen. Lots of fun stuff on the feed like videos of the concerts from both Caleb and Beth, and silliness pictures, and video from the park.
None of it is edited, but it is there.
School lets out this week, and I can't believe that we another school year has slipped by. Beth survived sixth grade, and did really well overall. Great grades, and she made a good group of friends. The transition went as well as I could have hoped for. She decided to stick with the clarinet, and is having a lot of fun with it. Currently, she is reading the Twilight series, and I am getting regular updates of what has just happened in the books. The boys even watched the movie with her last night, in the hopes of seeing some werewolves and vampires fighting.
Caleb made it another year. He started clarinet too, and his band teacher really got them to do a lot. I'm so impressed considering their age. Music seems to help him focus a bit more, and it's great to see him enthusiastic about playing. He has found a comic book series that he really loves, and has subscribed to have it delivered. What makes it even cooler is that the dad of one of his friends is the line artist for episode (or book--I don't do comic lingo) 3 and 4.
Jacob is doing great. All I hear from his teacher is what a joy he is. He definitely knows how to wrap people around his little finger. I worried so much about him because of his Apraxia and all of the years of speech therapy that we had him in. He worked hard, and it is gratifying to see him excelling at school. He is doing great, and I think he'll keep doing great.
Rob is wrapping up one big project at work and starting out on another one. He is super busy and super stressed. In May he had pneumonia, again. (It's been a few years since the last episode.) It takes him awhile to recover and get his strength back, and part of me wants to tease him about being an old man, since he does turn forty this year, but then I really start to worry about him. I think he's finally doing better now though.
As for me, I'm trying to squeeze everything in. I'm switching to a mostly vegan diet and I'm feeling a lot better overall. I'll cheat every now and then to have something with cheese in it. I love cheese and that is honestly the hardest thing to give up. I also won't put anyone out for my change in habits, and so if I'm visiting I'll eat what is served. But I've switched to whole grains, and almost no sugar. I feel so much better. My happier news is that I've broken through my writer's block and my story is going in a good direction, and that makes me incredibly happy.
Hope you all have a good week.
Rob found some crazy deal (we are paying less than $30.00 a month for unlimited talk and data 3G) and finally got a smart phone which means that he is posting updates of the photo and video variety on his Google+ account, and that means I should figure out how to port them over to the blog. Until that happens, you ought to follow him, I think he only shares photos with family and friends in his circles, so if you want to be added, just leave me a message and I'll make it happen. Lots of fun stuff on the feed like videos of the concerts from both Caleb and Beth, and silliness pictures, and video from the park.
None of it is edited, but it is there.
School lets out this week, and I can't believe that we another school year has slipped by. Beth survived sixth grade, and did really well overall. Great grades, and she made a good group of friends. The transition went as well as I could have hoped for. She decided to stick with the clarinet, and is having a lot of fun with it. Currently, she is reading the Twilight series, and I am getting regular updates of what has just happened in the books. The boys even watched the movie with her last night, in the hopes of seeing some werewolves and vampires fighting.
Caleb made it another year. He started clarinet too, and his band teacher really got them to do a lot. I'm so impressed considering their age. Music seems to help him focus a bit more, and it's great to see him enthusiastic about playing. He has found a comic book series that he really loves, and has subscribed to have it delivered. What makes it even cooler is that the dad of one of his friends is the line artist for episode (or book--I don't do comic lingo) 3 and 4.
Jacob is doing great. All I hear from his teacher is what a joy he is. He definitely knows how to wrap people around his little finger. I worried so much about him because of his Apraxia and all of the years of speech therapy that we had him in. He worked hard, and it is gratifying to see him excelling at school. He is doing great, and I think he'll keep doing great.
Rob is wrapping up one big project at work and starting out on another one. He is super busy and super stressed. In May he had pneumonia, again. (It's been a few years since the last episode.) It takes him awhile to recover and get his strength back, and part of me wants to tease him about being an old man, since he does turn forty this year, but then I really start to worry about him. I think he's finally doing better now though.
As for me, I'm trying to squeeze everything in. I'm switching to a mostly vegan diet and I'm feeling a lot better overall. I'll cheat every now and then to have something with cheese in it. I love cheese and that is honestly the hardest thing to give up. I also won't put anyone out for my change in habits, and so if I'm visiting I'll eat what is served. But I've switched to whole grains, and almost no sugar. I feel so much better. My happier news is that I've broken through my writer's block and my story is going in a good direction, and that makes me incredibly happy.
Hope you all have a good week.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Easter!
Rob had Good Friday off, and seemed quite miffed that I didn't. But we still had a great time this weekend. Rob looked around for things to do on Friday, since we knew Saturday was going to be rainy all day. We ended up eating lunch at the Farmer's Market and then heading out to look at the old Yates Mill Park, which had the mill closed for renovations and ended up being rather a short trip. The kids (who had been there with school) insisted that the Oak View Farm was better and suggested we go there too. So we did. It was nice, the kids got to feed the goats and we looked at old buildings and a cotton field.
We had our Easter baskets on Saturday, and the kids got hammocks and candy, which is mostly gone. Yikes! It was a really rainy day. Really rainy, but we did dye eggs and chill. Caleb woke up at 4:00 am, but Beth made him stay in the room with her until it was light out at 6:30. I am so grateful for that! Needless to say , we had some crazy cranky kids around 6:00 pm on Saturday. Cranky!
Eater was nice yesterday. Everyone was pretty mellow and Rob managed to hang the hammocks on the patio. So the kids got a chance to enjoy them. It was nice to have a day that focused more on the spiritual part of Easter.
My favorite quote of the week was from Beth. She told me. "Mom, I'm still a kid inside this body of mine. I like to do kid things." Which made me happy.
This week's a bit crazy. Today is FHE, and is the easiest night of the week. Tomorrow, I've got Running club for the kids, parent teacher's conference for Jacob and a temple trip that are all scheduled for approximately the same time. Wednesday is Pack Meeting, which is stressful more for Rob, but still I have to get the whole family there, plus I have to pick up Beth from her field trip later than normal, which means picking up the boys from school. And then Thursday Beth has a band concert and the boys are headed to a father son camp out. I've been looking at this week for the last several wondering how we are going to survive it, but I think we'll manage.
Have a great week!
We had our Easter baskets on Saturday, and the kids got hammocks and candy, which is mostly gone. Yikes! It was a really rainy day. Really rainy, but we did dye eggs and chill. Caleb woke up at 4:00 am, but Beth made him stay in the room with her until it was light out at 6:30. I am so grateful for that! Needless to say , we had some crazy cranky kids around 6:00 pm on Saturday. Cranky!
Eater was nice yesterday. Everyone was pretty mellow and Rob managed to hang the hammocks on the patio. So the kids got a chance to enjoy them. It was nice to have a day that focused more on the spiritual part of Easter.
My favorite quote of the week was from Beth. She told me. "Mom, I'm still a kid inside this body of mine. I like to do kid things." Which made me happy.
This week's a bit crazy. Today is FHE, and is the easiest night of the week. Tomorrow, I've got Running club for the kids, parent teacher's conference for Jacob and a temple trip that are all scheduled for approximately the same time. Wednesday is Pack Meeting, which is stressful more for Rob, but still I have to get the whole family there, plus I have to pick up Beth from her field trip later than normal, which means picking up the boys from school. And then Thursday Beth has a band concert and the boys are headed to a father son camp out. I've been looking at this week for the last several wondering how we are going to survive it, but I think we'll manage.
Have a great week!
Monday, April 14, 2014
April, April, April!
This is a day late because I had one of those really tired days yesterday. I made it to church and a meeting, but sort of dragged the rest of the day. I never sleep very well close to a full moon. It makes me want tin vest in some blackout curtains, but then I know I wouldn't wake up well.
On the news front at home. Not much to report. It's spring and the yellow pollen has covered everything. The cars are tinged yellow, as are the roads. The bees are back, and seem to love hanging around our front door for some reason. The kids all make running dashes in and out of the house going as fast as they can.
Beth is gearing up for her spring concert this next week. She is loving the clarinet, but not her teacher as much. She's made a lot of progress, and I'm really proud of her. She's adjusted to the early mornings for the most part, and seems to be doing well at school. She got new electives this quarter and she's in a class where she's the only sixth grader. She's a bit nervous about it, but seems to be doing okay with it.
Caleb had a castle project that he had to do. He chose the Caldwell Castle and wrote a report on it. Then he built a model and took it to school. He did a great job, but I think he was relieved when everything was finished. He's also really enjoying the clarinet and plans on taking it again next year.
Jacob is his happy self. He will come to me and say that he is bored, but we are working on that. He loves video games, and any games and will spend hours playing. He played Infamous Second Son the past few weeks. (Rob was playing it too separately.) Jacob got ahead of Rob, and didn't have anyone to turn to to find out how to get through the tricky parts. He managed to beat the game and then started telling Rob how to beat things and he's really good at figuring out the puzzles. He's also has the patience to keep going and not throw the controller when he gets frustrated. He also beat Rob when they played chess this week. Rob said that he got trounced and Jacob was working two or three moves ahead of him. Jacob said, "Well Dad, I was looking at the whole board, you weren't."
It's been a great week, with fitting everything in that needed to get done. I'm so grateful for the Lord's hand in my life. I've felt it a lot more lately, and I can tell that the Lord has guided us so that we get the experiences we need as a family.
Have a great week!
On the news front at home. Not much to report. It's spring and the yellow pollen has covered everything. The cars are tinged yellow, as are the roads. The bees are back, and seem to love hanging around our front door for some reason. The kids all make running dashes in and out of the house going as fast as they can.
Beth is gearing up for her spring concert this next week. She is loving the clarinet, but not her teacher as much. She's made a lot of progress, and I'm really proud of her. She's adjusted to the early mornings for the most part, and seems to be doing well at school. She got new electives this quarter and she's in a class where she's the only sixth grader. She's a bit nervous about it, but seems to be doing okay with it.
Caleb had a castle project that he had to do. He chose the Caldwell Castle and wrote a report on it. Then he built a model and took it to school. He did a great job, but I think he was relieved when everything was finished. He's also really enjoying the clarinet and plans on taking it again next year.
Jacob is his happy self. He will come to me and say that he is bored, but we are working on that. He loves video games, and any games and will spend hours playing. He played Infamous Second Son the past few weeks. (Rob was playing it too separately.) Jacob got ahead of Rob, and didn't have anyone to turn to to find out how to get through the tricky parts. He managed to beat the game and then started telling Rob how to beat things and he's really good at figuring out the puzzles. He's also has the patience to keep going and not throw the controller when he gets frustrated. He also beat Rob when they played chess this week. Rob said that he got trounced and Jacob was working two or three moves ahead of him. Jacob said, "Well Dad, I was looking at the whole board, you weren't."
It's been a great week, with fitting everything in that needed to get done. I'm so grateful for the Lord's hand in my life. I've felt it a lot more lately, and I can tell that the Lord has guided us so that we get the experiences we need as a family.
Have a great week!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Spring Break!
So, it's occurred tome that if I had a smart phone, I may actually be able to post pictures of the activities we did each week. But at the same time, I shake enough now that I don't know that any of them would actually ever be in focus. I'm glad that Rob's a photographer. It really takes the pressure off me.
On Monday, I took the kids ice skating. It was a lot of fund. They got going like old pros and had a blast the entire time that we there. It was so col in the rink and so warm outside. It was surreal. And we were all bundled up on the way to the rink and got a few strange looks--walking around with mittens and hats on in 70 degree weather.
On Tuesday, we went to Pullen Park, and got to hang out with our friends the Greenwoods. It was fun. Jacob got to practice his parkour. (He wants to take classes.) And Beth loved catching up with Brynn.
On Wednesday, we went to Bond Park, for a short time. The kids had fun, but the park was super crowded with really little kids. I think the park is more crowded because it was the first week all year that's been consistently warm and dry enough to spend some significant time outside.
On Thursday, we took it easy. (Thank Goodness!) And I was able to get some work done. The kids still had a good day. And Friday we went to Hickory for the weekend. The kids have had fun playing with their cousins, taking a quick dip in the lake and hanging out in (and fighting over) the hammock.
Spring break made me realize, I need to get a plan together to get things done over the summer. We will work it out though.
I've really enjoyed conference this weekend. I particularly liked the talk that Elder Oaks gave in the Priesthood session. Some of the talks made me worry for kids. The fact that it is not going to get easier and the chasm is getting wider. But my kids were born with strong personalities, and they have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are much better than I am at explaining our beliefs and standing up for themselves.
On Monday, I took the kids ice skating. It was a lot of fund. They got going like old pros and had a blast the entire time that we there. It was so col in the rink and so warm outside. It was surreal. And we were all bundled up on the way to the rink and got a few strange looks--walking around with mittens and hats on in 70 degree weather.
On Tuesday, we went to Pullen Park, and got to hang out with our friends the Greenwoods. It was fun. Jacob got to practice his parkour. (He wants to take classes.) And Beth loved catching up with Brynn.
On Wednesday, we went to Bond Park, for a short time. The kids had fun, but the park was super crowded with really little kids. I think the park is more crowded because it was the first week all year that's been consistently warm and dry enough to spend some significant time outside.
On Thursday, we took it easy. (Thank Goodness!) And I was able to get some work done. The kids still had a good day. And Friday we went to Hickory for the weekend. The kids have had fun playing with their cousins, taking a quick dip in the lake and hanging out in (and fighting over) the hammock.
Spring break made me realize, I need to get a plan together to get things done over the summer. We will work it out though.
I've really enjoyed conference this weekend. I particularly liked the talk that Elder Oaks gave in the Priesthood session. Some of the talks made me worry for kids. The fact that it is not going to get easier and the chasm is getting wider. But my kids were born with strong personalities, and they have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are much better than I am at explaining our beliefs and standing up for themselves.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Starting Spring Break
I missed posting last week. I had a long week and was tired and Rob was headed out of town for the week--camping. Anyway we all survived.
Kids update.
Last week Jacob got on a Journey kick. Journey is an artsy video game which is played online, and you help other people go through the game. Rob really likes. Jacob played it twice in hopes of becoming one of the guides so that he could help other people through. he watched videos to find the scripts and when that didn't work, he got Rob to advise him on where to go. Jacob always acts out the games that he is playing, and part of becoming a guide is that the robe color changes in the game. He started wearing a white t-shirt inside out to indicate that he had become a guide.
This week he has also decided that he wants to take parkour lessons. He has been climbing walls, jumping, and pouncing everywhere and watching YouTube for hints and tips and tricks. Hopefully he'll come out of this experience without anything broken.
Caleb has been doing really well lately. he really stepped up while Rob was gone and kept a level head. He is my most reluctant one to get up on school mornings, and he was up and dressed in time to drive Beth every morning. He also went to bed a lot easier. I know Caleb is just looking forward to good weather so he can run around outside and ride his bike. Today he insisted on playing the Clarinet for our home teacher for several songs. He's really improved over the year.
Beth is finishing up her third quarter of middle school. She is growing up so fast. I'm really proud of her, because she didn't initially want to go to the Women's broadcast, and i showed her the ad. Then she decided to go. She felt the spirit there so strongly that she thanked me afterward for taking her. it meant a lot to me. I know that Beth is really trying hard to do the right thing and to reach out to others.
Like I said we survived the week of Rob being gone. I missed having him home, but the kids did really well. They missed him too. rob came home tired, and decidedly not interested in going outside, which isn't like him.
Have a great week!
Kids update.
Last week Jacob got on a Journey kick. Journey is an artsy video game which is played online, and you help other people go through the game. Rob really likes. Jacob played it twice in hopes of becoming one of the guides so that he could help other people through. he watched videos to find the scripts and when that didn't work, he got Rob to advise him on where to go. Jacob always acts out the games that he is playing, and part of becoming a guide is that the robe color changes in the game. He started wearing a white t-shirt inside out to indicate that he had become a guide.
This week he has also decided that he wants to take parkour lessons. He has been climbing walls, jumping, and pouncing everywhere and watching YouTube for hints and tips and tricks. Hopefully he'll come out of this experience without anything broken.
Caleb has been doing really well lately. he really stepped up while Rob was gone and kept a level head. He is my most reluctant one to get up on school mornings, and he was up and dressed in time to drive Beth every morning. He also went to bed a lot easier. I know Caleb is just looking forward to good weather so he can run around outside and ride his bike. Today he insisted on playing the Clarinet for our home teacher for several songs. He's really improved over the year.
Beth is finishing up her third quarter of middle school. She is growing up so fast. I'm really proud of her, because she didn't initially want to go to the Women's broadcast, and i showed her the ad. Then she decided to go. She felt the spirit there so strongly that she thanked me afterward for taking her. it meant a lot to me. I know that Beth is really trying hard to do the right thing and to reach out to others.
Like I said we survived the week of Rob being gone. I missed having him home, but the kids did really well. They missed him too. rob came home tired, and decidedly not interested in going outside, which isn't like him.
Have a great week!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
I grow old... I grow old... I shall wear the bottom of my trousers rolled.
So that is the line that has been floating around in my head all week. Not that I'm really old. But birthdays have a way of making you step back and take stock of your life. It's funny how a poem that you read and studied and picked apart years ago will pop up at the strangest times. Words really have power. Since the poem was in my head, I looked it up online and read it again. And with the weight of my oh so many years behind me, compared to my college freshman and sophomore years when I really studied the poem, I've found a much deeper meaning in the poem than I did in the past. It still speaks to me, and I love the imagery Eliot evokes throughout the poem. Images still pop out at me years after I read it. If you have never read the poem, it's worth it.
This week the kids adjusted surprisingly well to the time change. They are growing up so much and getting more and more independent. Beth is waking herself up for school each day, and it's so much nicer in the morning now. Jacob loves getting up early in the morning and having a bit of time to chill out watching television before he goes to school. I think he looks forward to the quiet. He is usually the most agreeable about going to bed when I ask him to.
Not much happened this week. Rob and I were fighting colds most of the week, and Rob missed two days of work. I love having him home with me, even if it is a bit harder to be motivated when he is home, especially when he isn't working too.
We had stake conference this weekend, and ward conference next week. We have a new stake president, and I love hearing the new perspective and messages. Not that they've really changed--more that they are coming from different experiences and with a different way of sharing. It was also regional conference, so we had a broadcast from Salt Lake, and the talk that really stood out to me was self discipline. So many great quotes, and principles in that talk. I wish I could get a copy of it written down.
Anyway that was our week. Hope you have a great one!
So that is the line that has been floating around in my head all week. Not that I'm really old. But birthdays have a way of making you step back and take stock of your life. It's funny how a poem that you read and studied and picked apart years ago will pop up at the strangest times. Words really have power. Since the poem was in my head, I looked it up online and read it again. And with the weight of my oh so many years behind me, compared to my college freshman and sophomore years when I really studied the poem, I've found a much deeper meaning in the poem than I did in the past. It still speaks to me, and I love the imagery Eliot evokes throughout the poem. Images still pop out at me years after I read it. If you have never read the poem, it's worth it.
This week the kids adjusted surprisingly well to the time change. They are growing up so much and getting more and more independent. Beth is waking herself up for school each day, and it's so much nicer in the morning now. Jacob loves getting up early in the morning and having a bit of time to chill out watching television before he goes to school. I think he looks forward to the quiet. He is usually the most agreeable about going to bed when I ask him to.
Not much happened this week. Rob and I were fighting colds most of the week, and Rob missed two days of work. I love having him home with me, even if it is a bit harder to be motivated when he is home, especially when he isn't working too.
We had stake conference this weekend, and ward conference next week. We have a new stake president, and I love hearing the new perspective and messages. Not that they've really changed--more that they are coming from different experiences and with a different way of sharing. It was also regional conference, so we had a broadcast from Salt Lake, and the talk that really stood out to me was self discipline. So many great quotes, and principles in that talk. I wish I could get a copy of it written down.
Anyway that was our week. Hope you have a great one!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
No More Winter! Where the Heck Is Spring?
We missed another day of school to an ice storm. It didn't do much here, but I think they made the right call with no school on Tuesday. The kids are loving it, but I don't know how they'll feel when they are going to school in the middle of June, which is the solution to save Spring Break.
It's March, it's time for warm weather, flowers to grow and spring time. It's time to start wearing shorts, and to enjoy days of seventy degree weather that are absolutely perfect. It is time to embrace happiness and sunshine and even rainbows. Spring, it's time to bring it!
Rob went with the kids to visit his parents over the weekend. I got a house of quiet to myself. Every now and then I need that. The quiet, but also the not being responsible for everything else. I enjoy not cooking and not cleaning and not bathing the kids sometimes. I love my kids. They are great kids so kind and sweet and overall good natured.
I needed to brace myself for the week that Rob is going to be gone and I'll be flying solo. I'm not that great at that. I know I'll be a little crazy by end of the week when he comes back. I don't think I could handle it if he had to travel for work all of the time. Rob is going to be working on getting his Woodbadge, which is the equivalent of Eagle for scout leaders. It means he'll be gone camping for a week, and I'll basically be a single parent for that time.
This week I turn 36. Uggh! When did I get old, not that I'm really all that old. It's more like I look at my life and where I am, and where I thought I'd be at this age and I sigh. Still so much I want to accomplish and do. But then I look at what I have accomplished, and it does help to balance things out a bit.
We sang "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord" in sacrament meeting today, and it always makes me think. I love this song and I have since I first heard it. It's funny how different lines jump out at me at different times in my life. Today the thoughts were focused on the fact that I can serve Him from where I am. I don't have to be responded to a huge call from a mountaintop or on a mission (like that's going to happen right now) or with a huge calling. It doesn't have to be in a visible way, but I can still serve Him and be His mouthpiece, and His hands and His heart for someone else out there. I can still be the person that He wants me to be.
Continuing on a spiritual note, I just taught a lesson about Grace, and it is such an interesting topic that I really hadn't spent a lot of time focusing on before. I've seen the Lord's hand in my life again and again, and today was the first time that I connected it with Grace. It is through His grace that we are helped and strengthened.
As a parent I've realized just how unique every child is. Truly unique. It's a wonderful thing to see how their personalities and strengths and weaknesses are different. Each of my children have their own set of challenges and their own set of awesomeness. I'm sure you feel the same way about your kids.
Have a great week!
It's March, it's time for warm weather, flowers to grow and spring time. It's time to start wearing shorts, and to enjoy days of seventy degree weather that are absolutely perfect. It is time to embrace happiness and sunshine and even rainbows. Spring, it's time to bring it!
Rob went with the kids to visit his parents over the weekend. I got a house of quiet to myself. Every now and then I need that. The quiet, but also the not being responsible for everything else. I enjoy not cooking and not cleaning and not bathing the kids sometimes. I love my kids. They are great kids so kind and sweet and overall good natured.
I needed to brace myself for the week that Rob is going to be gone and I'll be flying solo. I'm not that great at that. I know I'll be a little crazy by end of the week when he comes back. I don't think I could handle it if he had to travel for work all of the time. Rob is going to be working on getting his Woodbadge, which is the equivalent of Eagle for scout leaders. It means he'll be gone camping for a week, and I'll basically be a single parent for that time.
This week I turn 36. Uggh! When did I get old, not that I'm really all that old. It's more like I look at my life and where I am, and where I thought I'd be at this age and I sigh. Still so much I want to accomplish and do. But then I look at what I have accomplished, and it does help to balance things out a bit.
We sang "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord" in sacrament meeting today, and it always makes me think. I love this song and I have since I first heard it. It's funny how different lines jump out at me at different times in my life. Today the thoughts were focused on the fact that I can serve Him from where I am. I don't have to be responded to a huge call from a mountaintop or on a mission (like that's going to happen right now) or with a huge calling. It doesn't have to be in a visible way, but I can still serve Him and be His mouthpiece, and His hands and His heart for someone else out there. I can still be the person that He wants me to be.
Continuing on a spiritual note, I just taught a lesson about Grace, and it is such an interesting topic that I really hadn't spent a lot of time focusing on before. I've seen the Lord's hand in my life again and again, and today was the first time that I connected it with Grace. It is through His grace that we are helped and strengthened.
As a parent I've realized just how unique every child is. Truly unique. It's a wonderful thing to see how their personalities and strengths and weaknesses are different. Each of my children have their own set of challenges and their own set of awesomeness. I'm sure you feel the same way about your kids.
Have a great week!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Wondering Where the Week Went
It seems like time is just slipping by super fast. This week was pretty busy, because it was Blue and Gold Banquet, which is a big deal for the Cub Scouts. Rob's committee chairman and somehow we ended up doing virtually everything for the meeting. We set up the church, tables and everything else. By the time it was over, we were all exhausted and cranky.
Jacob has been giving social studies projects this year. Something that has started with Common Core. Basically he has to make a poster, write a report and give an oral presentation every quarter. It needs to be all his own work, and you can imagine what that means they are getting from first graders. His next one is due tomorrow, and I sort of forgot about it. The others we finished earlier. he was quite upset that we wen't done, and so we sat down and did the poster. Then he worried and worried about the written report until it was done. It is really refreshing to have someone that willingly does his homework AND Wants to do a good job AND who doesn't wait until 9:30 the night before to start. I'm hoping this happy trend will follow him throughout out his school years. We were already fighting the other two with homework by this point.
Study hall is working overall most days. Wednesdays are rough with activities, but it's doing fairly well overall. I highly recommend it. Now the next goal is to get really consistent with family prayer. We are a family of non morning people so that option is out. We're getting there.
Beth has her first trip to the mall without parents. She seemed to have a great time, and I really didn't worry. But ob worried a lot. He thinks it is too dangerous. But she was safe the whole time.
Caleb is doing well too. Right now he is playing Minecraft as happy as he ever is. he loves video games.
Have a great week!
Jacob has been giving social studies projects this year. Something that has started with Common Core. Basically he has to make a poster, write a report and give an oral presentation every quarter. It needs to be all his own work, and you can imagine what that means they are getting from first graders. His next one is due tomorrow, and I sort of forgot about it. The others we finished earlier. he was quite upset that we wen't done, and so we sat down and did the poster. Then he worried and worried about the written report until it was done. It is really refreshing to have someone that willingly does his homework AND Wants to do a good job AND who doesn't wait until 9:30 the night before to start. I'm hoping this happy trend will follow him throughout out his school years. We were already fighting the other two with homework by this point.
Study hall is working overall most days. Wednesdays are rough with activities, but it's doing fairly well overall. I highly recommend it. Now the next goal is to get really consistent with family prayer. We are a family of non morning people so that option is out. We're getting there.
Beth has her first trip to the mall without parents. She seemed to have a great time, and I really didn't worry. But ob worried a lot. He thinks it is too dangerous. But she was safe the whole time.
Caleb is doing well too. Right now he is playing Minecraft as happy as he ever is. he loves video games.
Have a great week!
Monday, February 24, 2014
No missed school!
We had a full week of school! Rob was home on Monday--working from home, and on Tuesday I must confess I wandered around a bit feeling a little bit lost. But I got a lot more done this week, and the kids seemed to have an overall good week at school. And somehow the school district worked it out so the kids still get a whole week off for Spring Break, and Memorial Day.
So far our study hall has been working. I think the kids like the break between school and homework, and they are working through their homework fairly quickly. Even Caleb (my toughest homework kid) is doing a good job with it.
I am hoping spring is here to stay. I am tired of the really cold winter we've had here, and it's nothing compared to the rest of the United States. I think the kids are getting andy and want to get out and do more too. Hopefully, we will do some Saturday trips soon. It's been a while since we've been to the beach or to the zoo.
The boys are doing well overall.It's all about Minecraft, YouTube and mods these days. We work out a balance of work and play and overall I think there are worse things they could be doing with their time. Now that the weather is warming up and its staying light longer, I know that they'll love to go out and spend some time on their bikes.
Beth is doing well and adjusting to young women's. Although she does complain when I assign her reading homework for her class. She is pulling good grades and juggling her friends and family. She is very, very 12 though. Dramatic, self involved and always thinks she is right. But she is also caring and loving and goes out of her way to help others.
Have a great week!
So far our study hall has been working. I think the kids like the break between school and homework, and they are working through their homework fairly quickly. Even Caleb (my toughest homework kid) is doing a good job with it.
I am hoping spring is here to stay. I am tired of the really cold winter we've had here, and it's nothing compared to the rest of the United States. I think the kids are getting andy and want to get out and do more too. Hopefully, we will do some Saturday trips soon. It's been a while since we've been to the beach or to the zoo.
The boys are doing well overall.It's all about Minecraft, YouTube and mods these days. We work out a balance of work and play and overall I think there are worse things they could be doing with their time. Now that the weather is warming up and its staying light longer, I know that they'll love to go out and spend some time on their bikes.
Beth is doing well and adjusting to young women's. Although she does complain when I assign her reading homework for her class. She is pulling good grades and juggling her friends and family. She is very, very 12 though. Dramatic, self involved and always thinks she is right. But she is also caring and loving and goes out of her way to help others.
Have a great week!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Snow, Snow and Snow Again!
We had another week of no school, lots of snow and crazy kids at home. This week another storm hit and instead of two inches of snow, we got four and then some ice. We were lucky and didn't lose power. The kids were out on Wednesday and Rob came home early, right before it started snowing, so he was fortunate enough to miss out on the commuting mess.
He just missed the mess of everyone leaving and cars being abandoned and the entire debacle of trying to drive in the snow in traffic. Yes someone caught their car on fire trying to drive up a snow covered hill. Then Rob spent the rest of the day watching the traffic cams in the area and chuckling to himself. It wasn't the most productive of days for him.
The kids had fun sledding (though the last storm was a bit better--this snow was more slushy) building an igloo and having fun not going to school.
Tomorrow they head back on their first snow make up day for the storm two weeks ago. I don't know when or how we're going to make up the last week of school. Seven days in a year seems a bit extreme. I'm just glad spring is nearly here. We are going to be back up in the 70s this week, and I want it to stick around for awhile.
There really isn't much family news since our week mostly consisted sitting at home. Hope you all have a great week!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Teleporting to the Museum
Caleb has advanced to Bear in Cub Scouts. And that means more family activities. It's actually easier in some ways because we do most of the stuff anyway throughout the year. I had planned a photo scavenger hunt to one of the museums we visit on a fairly regular basis. But the kids through up a revolt and protested. (We'll do it later.)
The boys just wanted to sit at home and play Minecraft, ALL DAY LONG! It was a beautiful day, warm, sunny, and just plain nice. So Rob convinced the boys that at the art museum they had installed a fixture that would actually teleport them. They had to be careful though so they didn't end up with the dragons.
Off we went to the art museum. We mostly visited the African, Egyptian and Ancient Rome galleries and didn't wander into the Romantics (my favorites). Then we went outside to look at the outdoor installations. The willow house that used to be there is no longer. I miss it. We hiked around and got lost (not really) and had a great time.
This next week is a big week. 100 days of school, Valentine's day and possible snow. Again. Jacob doesn't want it snow simply so he can do his celebrations. The other two don't want to go to school. Right now the forecast is jumping all over the place, and we shall see what actually happens again. I'm prepared for the storm, so we'll eat if it snows or if it doesn't. And in the end that's all that really matters. The term ice has been mentioned. I don't mind ice as long as I don't lose power. So here's hoping, we don't lose power.
Have a great week!
The boys just wanted to sit at home and play Minecraft, ALL DAY LONG! It was a beautiful day, warm, sunny, and just plain nice. So Rob convinced the boys that at the art museum they had installed a fixture that would actually teleport them. They had to be careful though so they didn't end up with the dragons.
Off we went to the art museum. We mostly visited the African, Egyptian and Ancient Rome galleries and didn't wander into the Romantics (my favorites). Then we went outside to look at the outdoor installations. The willow house that used to be there is no longer. I miss it. We hiked around and got lost (not really) and had a great time.
This next week is a big week. 100 days of school, Valentine's day and possible snow. Again. Jacob doesn't want it snow simply so he can do his celebrations. The other two don't want to go to school. Right now the forecast is jumping all over the place, and we shall see what actually happens again. I'm prepared for the storm, so we'll eat if it snows or if it doesn't. And in the end that's all that really matters. The term ice has been mentioned. I don't mind ice as long as I don't lose power. So here's hoping, we don't lose power.
Have a great week!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Six Saturdays in a Row
Last week I posted about how we might just get some snow. The great news is that it came. The kids had school canceled on Tuesday and they haven't been back yet. It started snowing late Tuesday and so Wednesday was a day full of sledding and going out and coming in and a ton dirty wet socks and pants that needed to be washed and cared for.
It was awesome to finally get to see my kids go sledding for real. They were so focused on that they didn't build a snowman (plus they did that a week ago in the half inch of snow we got) or get into a snowball fight. Wednesday was fun and awesome. Thursday we headed to a nearby park with some great hills and the kids went sledding again. It started to warm up a bit on Thursday and things started to melt, so on Friday there really wasn't any snow to play in. But still no school. It was like the kids got an official winter break, even though it was unscheduled.
I think nearly everyone is dreading heading back to school this week. Every day should be a snow day. Since it is Ground Hog's Day, and it has been predicted that we have six more weeks of winter. So maybe we'll have another snow day this year. When I told Caleb he scoffed at me, and told me I was silly for thinking about it. But it's what makes life fun, right?
I just got called to be the Beehive Advisor. It should be fun to work with Beth. I really like everyone I'm going to be serving with and it is going to be fun. So far Beth is cool with it, excited even, but I keep waiting for the moment that I'm no longer cool to be around. (I hope it doesn't happen, but I was a fickle teenager, very fickle.)
The kids had a great relaxing week at home. Rob even stayed home on Wednesday, and he made pancakes. They were great. It's been a good week overall, really focused on family without the stress of homework or other silliness!
Have a great one!
It was awesome to finally get to see my kids go sledding for real. They were so focused on that they didn't build a snowman (plus they did that a week ago in the half inch of snow we got) or get into a snowball fight. Wednesday was fun and awesome. Thursday we headed to a nearby park with some great hills and the kids went sledding again. It started to warm up a bit on Thursday and things started to melt, so on Friday there really wasn't any snow to play in. But still no school. It was like the kids got an official winter break, even though it was unscheduled.
I think nearly everyone is dreading heading back to school this week. Every day should be a snow day. Since it is Ground Hog's Day, and it has been predicted that we have six more weeks of winter. So maybe we'll have another snow day this year. When I told Caleb he scoffed at me, and told me I was silly for thinking about it. But it's what makes life fun, right?
I just got called to be the Beehive Advisor. It should be fun to work with Beth. I really like everyone I'm going to be serving with and it is going to be fun. So far Beth is cool with it, excited even, but I keep waiting for the moment that I'm no longer cool to be around. (I hope it doesn't happen, but I was a fickle teenager, very fickle.)
The kids had a great relaxing week at home. Rob even stayed home on Wednesday, and he made pancakes. They were great. It's been a good week overall, really focused on family without the stress of homework or other silliness!
Have a great one!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Study Hall, Juggling and Managing Three Busy Kids
True confession time: My kids are night owls, and I struggle to get them in bed by 10:00 every night. Caleb hates homework and fights me on it consistently. Jacob has the attitude of just getting it over with and will rush through, and Beth is a procrastinator. She likes to start her homework around 8:30 or 9:00.
Since the boys get to sleep in until 8:00, I'm not overly worried about their bedtime. They still average about ten hours of sleep at night, which is adequate. Beth is getting up at 6:30, so she's pushing the getting enough sleep thing. I am not going to lie, I dread early morning seminary. I am not a morning person.
So in an attempt to deal with the homework fuss, and possibly bedtime, we are establishing a study hall. For at least an hour, it will be time to do homework or read. no TV, no video games, no nothing else distracting. I will report back on our success and (I'm sure) failures as we try this out.
We may have some snow this week, and the kids are super excited. I'm not going to lie, I'm excited too. I'm hoping that it's enough for them to build a real snowman instead of the furry blob that was a result of the snow in the middle of last week, which only warranted a two hour delay. I may update this post with a picture of it. Beth took it, and she will have to email it to me.
The birthdays went well. Jacob celebrated with chocolate cupcakes, orange chicken and loved his new bike. Caleb celebrated with oreo ice cream cake, Taco Bell and loved his new bike. The boys are both growing up so fast. It blows me away with what they can do, and how much fun they are having along the way.
Hope you enjoy the week--and that we get snow!
Since the boys get to sleep in until 8:00, I'm not overly worried about their bedtime. They still average about ten hours of sleep at night, which is adequate. Beth is getting up at 6:30, so she's pushing the getting enough sleep thing. I am not going to lie, I dread early morning seminary. I am not a morning person.
So in an attempt to deal with the homework fuss, and possibly bedtime, we are establishing a study hall. For at least an hour, it will be time to do homework or read. no TV, no video games, no nothing else distracting. I will report back on our success and (I'm sure) failures as we try this out.
We may have some snow this week, and the kids are super excited. I'm not going to lie, I'm excited too. I'm hoping that it's enough for them to build a real snowman instead of the furry blob that was a result of the snow in the middle of last week, which only warranted a two hour delay. I may update this post with a picture of it. Beth took it, and she will have to email it to me.
The birthdays went well. Jacob celebrated with chocolate cupcakes, orange chicken and loved his new bike. Caleb celebrated with oreo ice cream cake, Taco Bell and loved his new bike. The boys are both growing up so fast. It blows me away with what they can do, and how much fun they are having along the way.
Hope you enjoy the week--and that we get snow!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Jacob Is Seven! and Caleb Will Be Nine!
Today is Jacob's birthday! I can still remember the day he was born. He is my awesome little guy and so full of life and happiness. He's the one that has taught me about overcoming difficulties through hard work at a very young age. He is also my happiest and most easy going guy. I can't believe how fast he is growing up.
In addition to the trip to Great Wolf Lodge, he got a bike for his birthday. He also got chocolate cupcakes for his treat.
Caleb's birthday is on Friday. He will be nine, and he is another awesome guy. He is someone that is always aware of others and how they are feeling. He doesn't like injustice, and he is very sensitive. He is also very compassionate and will got out of his way to protect someone and to make him feel better.
Caleb decided on a new bike too. I haven't found out what type of cake he wants yet, but I know I will hear something soon.
Overall, the week was pretty quite. The end of the quarter for the kids, and we have two days off of school this next week. Beth and I were both chanting to ourselves Four days! Four Days! Four Days! all week last week. Four days of not getting up at 6:00 is a good thing. It's exhausting. I don't know what we are going to do when early morning seminary rolls around. Truly. I don't think it's healthy to have the kids up that early. If the kids weren't aiming for BYU, I don't know that we'd even do it. But I didn't have that great of an experience with seminary when and I went, and I know that Rob was hit and miss with it too.
This next week is the Pinewood Derby, and Rob is frantically trying to set up track and get everything done. Hope you guys have a great week!
In addition to the trip to Great Wolf Lodge, he got a bike for his birthday. He also got chocolate cupcakes for his treat.
Caleb's birthday is on Friday. He will be nine, and he is another awesome guy. He is someone that is always aware of others and how they are feeling. He doesn't like injustice, and he is very sensitive. He is also very compassionate and will got out of his way to protect someone and to make him feel better.
Caleb decided on a new bike too. I haven't found out what type of cake he wants yet, but I know I will hear something soon.
Overall, the week was pretty quite. The end of the quarter for the kids, and we have two days off of school this next week. Beth and I were both chanting to ourselves Four days! Four Days! Four Days! all week last week. Four days of not getting up at 6:00 is a good thing. It's exhausting. I don't know what we are going to do when early morning seminary rolls around. Truly. I don't think it's healthy to have the kids up that early. If the kids weren't aiming for BYU, I don't know that we'd even do it. But I didn't have that great of an experience with seminary when and I went, and I know that Rob was hit and miss with it too.
This next week is the Pinewood Derby, and Rob is frantically trying to set up track and get everything done. Hope you guys have a great week!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Great Wolf Lodge and Growing Up
As I begin this post, I know I should have pictures, but I don't. Rob's the camera guy, and he said the flash was not working. He snapped a few photos and took some video, and I may just link to that when he edits it together. But I did want to keep writing more this year on the blog. It's one of my goals that I haven't written down, because basically I haven't written any down this year--which is not the norm for me. I've got to get on top of it. Never ming that it's the 12th.
This week we pulled the kids out of school for a few days and hauled them out to Great Wolf Lodge. It was such a blast! The kids voted to do this instead of birthday parties this year, which was nice. It was great to spend some time with the family just us, and then Casey and Chloe hung out with us on Friday.
Caleb and Jacob adored the wave pool. I think Jacob liked it more than the slides. And Caleb was just an inch shy of being tall enough to ride the slides by himself. He still had a lot of fun. Again just as big of a hit was Magiquest. The kids did both Shadowquest and Magiquest this trip. They were EXHAUSTED when we headed to Hickory.
It was interesting at Great Wolf Lodge during school days, it was full of preschoolers and toddlers. It was fun to watch them all, but it also reminded me that we aren't in that stage anymore. Life keeps happening and moving around us, even when we want to freeze time for a bit.
We got to go to church in Hickory, and it was the ward conference there. It was a great meeting. I have been missing Sunday School and Relief Society a lot, since I have been a Primary teacher for more than three years. It was great to go the lessons and to feel the spirit. As I look back at my life, I can see the Lord's hand guiding me through so many decisions. Life hasn't always been easy. We've had some really rough years, but as I look back, I can tell that he has been there for me and my family. I know that He loves me, and that He knows the struggles that I face. I know that he does the same for each of His children no matter where they are or the choices that they have made. He loves each one of us perfectly.
Hope you all have a great week!
This week we pulled the kids out of school for a few days and hauled them out to Great Wolf Lodge. It was such a blast! The kids voted to do this instead of birthday parties this year, which was nice. It was great to spend some time with the family just us, and then Casey and Chloe hung out with us on Friday.
Caleb and Jacob adored the wave pool. I think Jacob liked it more than the slides. And Caleb was just an inch shy of being tall enough to ride the slides by himself. He still had a lot of fun. Again just as big of a hit was Magiquest. The kids did both Shadowquest and Magiquest this trip. They were EXHAUSTED when we headed to Hickory.
It was interesting at Great Wolf Lodge during school days, it was full of preschoolers and toddlers. It was fun to watch them all, but it also reminded me that we aren't in that stage anymore. Life keeps happening and moving around us, even when we want to freeze time for a bit.
We got to go to church in Hickory, and it was the ward conference there. It was a great meeting. I have been missing Sunday School and Relief Society a lot, since I have been a Primary teacher for more than three years. It was great to go the lessons and to feel the spirit. As I look back at my life, I can see the Lord's hand guiding me through so many decisions. Life hasn't always been easy. We've had some really rough years, but as I look back, I can tell that he has been there for me and my family. I know that He loves me, and that He knows the struggles that I face. I know that he does the same for each of His children no matter where they are or the choices that they have made. He loves each one of us perfectly.
Hope you all have a great week!