Jacob did a great job and really enjoyed playing his trombone in his first band concert. Unfortunately I missed it since Clara's appointment was at that time. Abby came with me to be the sweet and supportive sister she is while Clara got her cast put on. Dan and Tess were joined by Uncle James, Benny and CC. I just have to say how grateful I was to James when Dan sent me pictures of them at the concert. I didn't know they were going to attend. After a long day of work, to drive 20 minutes and sit through an elementary school band concert was a very kind and support thing to do and it means so much to me! Family--it's where it's at!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
Spoiled Rotten
My mom spoiled us all while she was here.
On top of doing the morning routine: breakfast, dressed, teeth clean, hair combed, lunch made, bags packed and to the bus stop by 830a.m. and then the evening routine of: bus stop, after school activities, home work, dinner and bed-time she ALSO: cleaned my fridge, did laundry, cleaned bathrooms, vacuumed, took Clara on outings each day, and then decorated the house with the kids to surprise us. Wowza'!
She spent Friday with us, which was also packed with fun. We cheered Jake on at the History Bee, went to celebrate at Coldstone, and then Mom treated the older kids and I to Cinderella in the theater.
At the beginning of her trip Clara confused her for "Grandpa" and would frequently ask "what's your name" but it didn't take long for her best buddy to be Grandma Susan. The kids loved every minute of it. And I didn't worry that it would be any other way.
On top of doing the morning routine: breakfast, dressed, teeth clean, hair combed, lunch made, bags packed and to the bus stop by 830a.m. and then the evening routine of: bus stop, after school activities, home work, dinner and bed-time she ALSO: cleaned my fridge, did laundry, cleaned bathrooms, vacuumed, took Clara on outings each day, and then decorated the house with the kids to surprise us. Wowza'!
She spent Friday with us, which was also packed with fun. We cheered Jake on at the History Bee, went to celebrate at Coldstone, and then Mom treated the older kids and I to Cinderella in the theater.
At the beginning of her trip Clara confused her for "Grandpa" and would frequently ask "what's your name" but it didn't take long for her best buddy to be Grandma Susan. The kids loved every minute of it. And I didn't worry that it would be any other way.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Just the two of us...
We talked to my mom and worked out the dates. Gratefully, she was totally excited to come out and take care of our 4 kiddos. When we told our friends who were going at the exact same time with all their kids they were bummed we weren't bring ours and also surprised that our kids weren't pitching a royal fit to not be going. I easily explained that my mom was coming which was super exciting to them, enough said.
Our plan was to take Aimee to the airport at 3pm since Dan needed to work from home most of the day. Since it was the Monday after Easter the kids didn't have school and enjoyed the weather playing outside riding bikes. About an hour before we were going to go Bonnie called to invite Jake to join Benny and Uncle James at Adventure Park USA for the evening to kick of Benny's Spring Break. I gratefully said you bet! Jake teared up when it was time to go, sad that we were going to be gone when he got home. I think that going with Uncle James and Benny to play hard was just what he needed. Clara was sleeping when we left but the girls had a hard time saying goodbye. My mom planned to pack all the girls up and go to the park as soon as we left.
After dropping Aimee off at the airport we drove about 3 hours down to Williamsburg. It was a very rare driving experience! We could actually talk. I took a nap. I didn't have to twist backwards a zillions times. It was great! When we pulled into the resort Dan and I both thought of how the kids would have loved it. It had great amenities including a mini-golf course and fun outdoor pool area. Our condo had a full kitchen, living room area, two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. I was excited to enjoy the huge soaking jacuzzi every single day. After checking in we went to Panera and picked up a salad and sandwich to bring back and eat while surfing cable...something we don't have. Turns out we aren't missing much.
Tuesday Highlights:
*Exercising together
*Yorktown and Williamsburg. We quickly saw Yorktown, the museum and battle field, and then drove through the quaint downtown area. Then we headed to Colonial Williamsburg and took our time, after getting a ton of candy from the European candy shop, walking around. Our timing was perfect to watch a dramatization with Patrick Henry. There was so much interesting history all around us and being a part of the reenactment helped to really give us a feel for the time period. For me I enjoyed the fact that Dan really loved it. My brain doesn't remember history like his does. He really has a great thirst and appreciation for it.
*Eating Out (Longhorn yum)!
Wednesday Highlights:
*Exercising together
*Quick trip to outlets only to decide to come back the next day.
*Made it through a 3 hour shpeel without going into debt or losing our tempers.
*Eating Out (Little burger/shake joint in Williamsburg)
*Go APE! I really wanted to do something FUN. To just let loose- I don't feel like I do that very much. I've always wanted to try zip-lining. Well in the Williamsburg area the best we could do was a high ropes course place called Go Ape. It was a 3 hour course up in the trees with obstacles, zip-lines, and 2 "ape" swings. It was so fun for me. I didn't have to take care of or worry about anyone else's safety! I think I made Dan nervous, or so I learned after the fact that he kept watching to make sure I hooked up right and didn't drop to my death. I think Dan really enjoyed it too despite that. First we were instructed on safety and how to properly always stay attached. After the first easy obstacle came the first ape swing. From the top of a platform you just drop off and swing into a net and then climb up the net to the next platform. It was such a fun rush! I giggled my way down every zip-line I think. The heights didn't bother me since I felt safely connected the entire time. Towards the end of the obstacle came the second bigger ape swing. I was pumped to do it. Dan on the other hand, with some of the others around us, were hesitant to do it. Dan told me a couple times that he wasn't sure he was going to do it (there was another option) to which I replied very supportively, "That's fine, but I'm doing it". Since I did it he had to! "Ha ha and another ha" to quote Jake. It was so fun! Kinda freaky, but fun. The only downside to the course was that it was a colder/cloudy day, I wish the weather had been better. And I wish there had been more zip-lines and less obstacles. But overall, More please! The kids were so jealous at the pictures and videos we sent, I had to brag on my bravery. It surprised Dan I do believe.
Thursday Highlights:
*Exercising together
*Eating at Cracker-barrel
*Shopping
*Another great drive home.
*AMAZING welcome home from kids and my mom. The kids greeted us outside. Mom had the house completely cleaned! Laundry done. Bathrooms cleaned. Dinner waiting! A full pan or RK-treats just for me! And then we found our room decorated with balloons, crape-paper, and a poster-board sign, and a treat under our pillow. I struggled to understand what Clara was telling me at first but then figured out she was telling me she helped Grandma clean the fridge!
*The kids were so happy to see us. But even more comforting to me is that they had a great time with my mom, just like I knew they would. She is the best.
The last two years since moving to our home in Monrovia there have been some very easy/fantastic adjustments and some not so easy/difficult adjustments for Dan and I. Since I got my RS calling I have really struggled to figure out how to balance, delegate, and gain any kind of confidence in what I'm doing. Dan has had to step up to a supportive role in the family on top of his demanding, 2 years now, nursery and cub scout callings. And then add to that a stressful several months at work. I had great hopes that this trip would be a time to just decompress. Breath. Reconnect. Talk. and HAVE FUN together. It was, it just needed to be longer! I wasn't surprised at how much Dan wanted to call to check on the kids but I think I surprised him at how much I DIDN'T. Here's hoping we don't wait another 12 years to get away for MORE THAN 3 days again.
Thanks Dan for planning a fun trip for us and Mom for being you!
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Jacob's History Bee
Once again my smart little man made it into the county's History Bee!
Dan and I got back from our trip on Thursday night. I made a couple posters to hang around the gym since last year there wasn't one poster hanging for Kemptown. After missing work all week Dan wasn't going to be able to go with Mom and I to the History Bee. However, after Jake asked him to be there he just couldn't let him down. (He's just that kind of loving and supportive Dad, these kids are so lucky!) This year Jacob didn't study as hard as last year and went into the competition a bit more relaxed. We spent the morning getting ready--packed lunch and a busy bag for Clara. We intentionally arrived with 20 minutes early, so we didn't have to chase Clara around for too long.
Jacob wasn't nervous at all and was happy to be doing this, and missing school! When it was time he went and sat at his table in a seat facing us so we could see his face. The next 25 minutes were so fun to watch! With each answer Jake answered correctly he would grin at me and give me a thumbs up. If he missed it I'd get a head shake. Dan kept tally. Mom and I entertained Clara and we all cheered Jake on. I was really grateful that he got the judge he did. Just from observation, she was very pleasant and encouraging of the kids which really helps. He made it passed the first round! So excited!
The second round came. He wasn't able to sit in a seat where I could see his face but he would turn and look at me after every question with a smile or a shake. And guess what....our boy made it past the second round! Check out this face when he realized he'd made it! Total surprise.
So, out of 17 schools, sending 9 students each, within our Frederick county Jacob was one of TWELVE finalists. (The only one from Kemptown Elementary to make it past round one.) When the reality of him standing in front of everyone in the auditorium with a microphone in hand to be judged by 4 old judges set in the tears and fear came. Dan took him out and gave him a quick blessing.
Jake did a great job. We were so proud of his courage to stand up there and do his best despite his nerves. He was comforted by the blessing Dan gave him and knew the Holy Ghost was helping him. I know that giving talks in Primary and being exposed to these types of things help to build character and his testimony. It still pulled at my mommy heart-strings seeing him nervous like that. When he was up in front of everyone Dan told me to "calm down", I didn't realize my leg was bouncing. The questions were really tough and totally random. Dan didn't even know the answers!
Jake didn't place but did get a medal and his picture in the Frederick County newspaper. We decided to go celebrate as a family so we picked up the girls a little early from school and headed to Coldstone! When Jake made it into the final round I sent a picture and email to his teacher letting her know. She got it right away and spread the word with his classmates and around the school. When we showed up to get Tess and Abby early everyone we ran into knew and congratulated him. The principle took a picture with him and posted to twitter.
I am so glad Grandma was there to help us cheer him on. It was really fun and we are so proud of him.
Dan and I got back from our trip on Thursday night. I made a couple posters to hang around the gym since last year there wasn't one poster hanging for Kemptown. After missing work all week Dan wasn't going to be able to go with Mom and I to the History Bee. However, after Jake asked him to be there he just couldn't let him down. (He's just that kind of loving and supportive Dad, these kids are so lucky!) This year Jacob didn't study as hard as last year and went into the competition a bit more relaxed. We spent the morning getting ready--packed lunch and a busy bag for Clara. We intentionally arrived with 20 minutes early, so we didn't have to chase Clara around for too long.
Jacob wasn't nervous at all and was happy to be doing this, and missing school! When it was time he went and sat at his table in a seat facing us so we could see his face. The next 25 minutes were so fun to watch! With each answer Jake answered correctly he would grin at me and give me a thumbs up. If he missed it I'd get a head shake. Dan kept tally. Mom and I entertained Clara and we all cheered Jake on. I was really grateful that he got the judge he did. Just from observation, she was very pleasant and encouraging of the kids which really helps. He made it passed the first round! So excited!
The second round came. He wasn't able to sit in a seat where I could see his face but he would turn and look at me after every question with a smile or a shake. And guess what....our boy made it past the second round! Check out this face when he realized he'd made it! Total surprise.
So, out of 17 schools, sending 9 students each, within our Frederick county Jacob was one of TWELVE finalists. (The only one from Kemptown Elementary to make it past round one.) When the reality of him standing in front of everyone in the auditorium with a microphone in hand to be judged by 4 old judges set in the tears and fear came. Dan took him out and gave him a quick blessing.
Jake did a great job. We were so proud of his courage to stand up there and do his best despite his nerves. He was comforted by the blessing Dan gave him and knew the Holy Ghost was helping him. I know that giving talks in Primary and being exposed to these types of things help to build character and his testimony. It still pulled at my mommy heart-strings seeing him nervous like that. When he was up in front of everyone Dan told me to "calm down", I didn't realize my leg was bouncing. The questions were really tough and totally random. Dan didn't even know the answers!
Jake didn't place but did get a medal and his picture in the Frederick County newspaper. We decided to go celebrate as a family so we picked up the girls a little early from school and headed to Coldstone! When Jake made it into the final round I sent a picture and email to his teacher letting her know. She got it right away and spread the word with his classmates and around the school. When we showed up to get Tess and Abby early everyone we ran into knew and congratulated him. The principle took a picture with him and posted to twitter.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Special Visitors for Spring Break
It just so happened to be Aimee's Spring break the same days as ours! So to our surprise and complete delight she came out for a quick visit. Mom came out a little early (for our trip to Williamsburg) to enjoy the very short Spring break the kids had with us and Aimee!!
Mom and Aimee flew in on Thursday (our first day off) and we had until Monday with Aimee. It also happened to be General Conference weekend and a rainy one at that. I really wanted to see the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C., having never done that, but because of our crazy cold winter the blossoms weren't in bloom yet. So on rainy Friday we went to Virginia to see the Air and Space Museum by the Dulles airport. We didn't stay long, which was just fine with everyone. We then stopped at a couple of my favorite spots on the way home, Chic-fi-la and Hobby Lobby. Then Saturday and Sunday we enjoyed watching General Conference and just being together.
The true highlight of the weekend, especially for Tess, was that Aunt Aimee taught Tess to ride her bike!! This has been something that she has been so close to doing but just needed her Aunts loving confidence to give her the final push. Now she spends every waking second on her bike. It cracked-us-up, the morning after her big accomplishment she woke up at 630 and was riding her bike in the rain!
I sure love my sister and Mom and am so grateful for the relationships they have with my husband and kids. We love them to pieces!
Mom and Aimee flew in on Thursday (our first day off) and we had until Monday with Aimee. It also happened to be General Conference weekend and a rainy one at that. I really wanted to see the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C., having never done that, but because of our crazy cold winter the blossoms weren't in bloom yet. So on rainy Friday we went to Virginia to see the Air and Space Museum by the Dulles airport. We didn't stay long, which was just fine with everyone. We then stopped at a couple of my favorite spots on the way home, Chic-fi-la and Hobby Lobby. Then Saturday and Sunday we enjoyed watching General Conference and just being together.
The true highlight of the weekend, especially for Tess, was that Aunt Aimee taught Tess to ride her bike!! This has been something that she has been so close to doing but just needed her Aunts loving confidence to give her the final push. Now she spends every waking second on her bike. It cracked-us-up, the morning after her big accomplishment she woke up at 630 and was riding her bike in the rain!
I sure love my sister and Mom and am so grateful for the relationships they have with my husband and kids. We love them to pieces!
General Conference
Easter Egg Hunt at Warner's
(Birthday Easter Coconut Cupcakes for Mom)
Monday, March 23, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Traditions
The thing about traditions is you have to do them! I was reminded why they are so important this month. I have been so busy with Relief Society stuff (baby sitting, visiting sisters, taking sisters to appointments and stores, meetings ect.) that I just did a normal "green" dinner on St. Patty's day. Tess came to me in tears days later asking when we'd have our "traditional" green dinner, menu and out of order courses? In the past we've always included another family in on this fun family tradition but I just didn't have the energy to do that this year. So, I threw it together and we did it, just us.
Why are traditions so important? Because no matter how the day to day life changes, wether it's a move to a new state when I was a kid, or a busy busy mom it brings stability to kids. Plus it's just fun~
Why are traditions so important? Because no matter how the day to day life changes, wether it's a move to a new state when I was a kid, or a busy busy mom it brings stability to kids. Plus it's just fun~
WINK!
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