life in general

apple pie, house news, and thanksgiving

Wednesday afternoon, while rolling out the crust for my apple pie we got the news . . . 

. . . the offer we made on a house has been accepted!

Now, we're in another waiting game while it goes through bank approval.  (The home is a short sale, just like everything else in Vegas).

But.  We've made it this far in the process, which is a milestone in and of itself.  The house is great.  Great schools, ward, neighborhood, and an amazing 7 minute commute to work for Scott.

Conner's birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year.  He is 11 years old.  11!  Wow.  I plan to do a post about this boy later, but for now here's a picture of him with his birthday loot.  He was a pretty happy boy.

The boys played at the Turkey Bowl in the morning.  

I was so sad that I missed the game!  After spending the morning making a double batch of crescent rolls I pulled into the parking lot just as everyone was getting into their vehicles to go.  :(  But at least I got a photo.  Conner was stoked - he got 3 touchdowns and 1 sack.

We all wrote down what we are thankful for.

The turkey was beautiful.  And delicious.

The kids played with Conner's new toys, we took a nap, and later joined friends for pie.

It was a good day.

Even though we are in an interesting & transitional stage right now and certain aspects of our family life are upside down . . . we have much to be thankful for.

. . . family, good health, a safe & warm home, the gospel, a job that provides for us, friends . . . .

and Payton would add - video games, egg nog, and apple cider.

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

happy day

Today you get to be a part of my Sunday therapy.  :)

This whole moving / trying-to-find-a-house has been wearing.  There's anxiety over the prospect of starting some place new, and wondering if we'll even find a house, and basically just hanging in limbo.  There is frustration over the housing market being the way that it is . . . both on the buying and the selling end.  And there's that tinge of loneliness (although Facetime helps) that creeps in from time to time.

I've realized recently that way too many of my thoughts are consumed with "me".  Too many of my conversations revolve around my issues.  And I don't like that!  I've often heard it said that the best way to get through your struggles is to forget yourself and serve others . . . to turn your focus outward.

Last Sunday Conner was assigned to give a talk in Primary.  I gave him several suggestions for topics (pulled from his Faith in God booklet - a list of goals for 8-11 year old boys & girls) and told him to choose one and write a talk about it.  Saturday afternoon I picked up his notes to see how he was coming along.  It brought me to tears to read what he had come up with all on his own.  (Partly because of the subject matter and partly the fact that my boy is growing & is able to express and share mature thoughts and feelings.  He can write about more than Bionic Booger Boy!)

     

Conner's talk was the trigger to help me begin thinking about changing.

Also this blog post

And this idea I found via pinterest  -- 35 RAKs on her 35th birthday

As well as this one -- 38 RAKs on her 38th birthday

And finally this . . . The Happy Day Project (details here and here)

Now, is it simply coincidence that I found and was drawn to each of these posts in just the last week?  I think not.  I didn't go searching any of them out (I didn't google "RAK" or "service"), they just happened to spill out in my daily internet usage.  I'm trying to pay attention more and act when I see patterns emerge.

I'm especially intrigued by and ready to participate with the Happy Day project

It begins tomorrow, and they are suggesting a daily RAK (with various ideas on how to fulfill it) and offering a cute printable to make it easy.  And cute.

I think this will be great!   

The quote below reminds me that we are the Lord's hands upon the earth and that he uses us to answer other's prayers.

"We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness . . . . We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.  He is dependent upon each of us."   Thomas S. Monson

Let's see how much happy we can create this week.

a look at soccer season

 Soccer season is more than halfway over.  The boys have 4 more weeks.  Anna has 3.

Back in May when I left the highschool following soccer sign-ups I asked myself, "what the heck am I thinking?!"  Three kids in soccer means 3 games every Saturday and 6 practices every week in different locations.  And I knew Scott would miss half the games which meant the handling of all the uniforms, shin guards, cleats, water bottles, chairs, umbrellas, cold, rain, and mud would rest solely on me.

So I tried to lower everyone's expectations for the season . . . I helped the kids understand that they might have to take turns missing a game because I can't be 3 places at once, and decided overall that we would be content doing what we could do.

But I have been pleasantly surprised at how smoothly things have gone.  When I received all 3 game schedules and mapped it out I found that through the entire 9 week season we only had 2 little hiccups.  It has worked out to be doable.  A little hectic, but doable.  I breathed a happy sigh when I realized it would work out . . . I consider that a tender mercy.  And the weather has treated us well (knock on wood) so far.  We've only had to bring out our umbrellas once at game-time.  Another blessing.  

This is Anna's first year playing soccer.  Since age 1 she has spent every September and October on a soccer field watching her brothers practice and play games.  During the games she would occupy herself by kicking around a ball.  For a long time we have known that she would love playing this game.  

She is so much fun to watch on the field.  First of all, she always has a huge smile on her face and she is always laughing and giggling.  Just so entertaining.  No melt-down, tired, grumpy, or frustrated moments on the field whatsoever.  She is pure soccer joy!  She also does a great job of running hard, keeping up with the ball, and I think she has scored a goal at nearly every game so far.

Payton - year number 4

In past years Payton could easily be voted as the soccer player who is "mostly likely to chase butterflies on the field."  He moves a little bit slower, and doesn't have a whole lot of competitive drive when it comes to sports.  Which is fine.  I'm the same way.  He often spends more time entertaining his teammates and getting them to laugh with his silly antics, rather than focusing on the game.  But this year we have seen a little more energy and intensity emerge.  

He started the season with a bang when at his first game he scored 2 goals!!  Scott and I were so so proud, excited, and happy for him.  Cheering, whooting, and clapping . . . it even brought tears to my eyes.  Especially after all these years of encouragement, coaching, and practice . . . to see him succeed and his face light up like that was just priceless. We were both a bit choked up, witnessing our little P find a piece of success.  And it was on my birthday!  I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present.  

He has done a good job this season of knowing and playing his position, being a team player, and anticipating where the ball is going to be and getting there.

 

Conner - year number 6

Conner loves loves loves soccer.  Loves it.  And on several occasions has shared with me his aspirations of playing soccer for BYU.  He also wants to be a professional football player for the Oakland Raiders.  And be an engineer.  And a chemist.  And . . . .

Wanting to give him a reality check without totally dashing his dreams, tonight I told him about intramural sports at BYU and how fun it is to gather a group of friends and roommates to form your own team.  Then you can just play for fun and have a good time and not worry about all the time and work that it takes to be on BYU's official soccer team.  He really liked that idea, so I may have (sneakily) won him over.  :)  That's what moms do, right?  Carefully plant ideas/options so that the kids eventually think that it was their own idea and everyone is happy.

Anyways, back to Conner in soccer . . . . he has a lot of fun with his team.  They really get along and have a fun time playing together.  They have just had a really tough season so far.  1 - 3.  Two of those losses came from a top-notch team that plays year round and you can tell they've been playing together for a few years.  Conner's team has been playing together since late August. 

But they've had a good attitude and try their best.  Conner is doing a good job this year of being a little more aggressive, getting in position, working with his team, and pushing himself.  We have been very proud of his effort at every game.

I typically bring my camera to just one game each season and I was so happy that the game I happened to photograph was a winner.  His team was all smiles coming off the field at the end of the game.  The parents were too.

And here are my 3 soccer players all together:

Pretty cute bunch, eh?  And Payton's epic head of hair . . . don't worry, I took care of it last sunday.  He looks a lot less werewolf-ish.

first day of school - 2011

Okay, I couldn't wait until the end of the day to post these pictures.  They are way too cute to keep to myself any longer!

First we have Anna, starting Kindergarten!

What a cute girl!  And I really don't think I'm biased just because she's mine.  :)  We started taking pictures and then she said, "wait, how about I go like this" and then pointed her toe forward.  I never knew that ballet training would come in handy for back to school photos.

Then, Mr. P who is entering 3rd grade.  I think he grew up quite a bit over the summer.

The bonus of starting school 30 minutes earlier this year was that the blaring morning sun hadn't hit our front porch yet.  Every year we struggle with back to school pics because of the sun in the eyes.  Although, Payton was the last of the crew to get his picture taken so the sun was teasing us as it crept up behind the tree branches.  Hence the orange glow on his face.  No, there were no spray tans before the start of school.

And finally, Conner is a big 5th grader this year.  How and when did he grow up so fast!

Conner is in such a good place.  10 years old.  Helpful.  Great at initiating and carrying on conversations.  Funny.  Confident.  Thoughtful.  Just a good boy.  I think he is going to have a great year.

And now for some jumping pictures . . . . 

Payton is super excited for school.

And he's about to launch . . . . 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, we have lift-off!

It is pretty fun to have all my kids at the same school this year.

I look at these pictures and they make me especially happy.  To see their relationship -- they laugh, joke, pick at, and love each other.  (Well, most of the time).  In the father's blessings that Scott gave the kids on Sunday he touched on this sibling relationship and encouraged them to strengthen it and to be each other's best friends.  With the upcoming move and all the changes it will bring, if they will look out for and help one another, and be each others' friend then it will be okay.  I really feel that more and more.  Our little family unit and the relationships in it, are really all that matters.

Have a great first day, kids.  I love you!

spirit week at the pool

The second week of swimming lessons also happened to coincide with Spirit Week at the pool.  Usually there's a silly theme each day and the lifeguards will dress up.  But when Conner's teacher told him that he would get extra jumps at the end of the lesson if he came dressed for Pirate Day on wednesday . . . oh boy, it unleashed an enthusiasm for spirit week that I'm sure the staff has never seen before.

Wednesday: Pirate Day

Friday: Crazy Hair Day / 80's

But Thursday takes the cake . . . . Super Hero Day

Let me introduce you to Flower Power - 

And the man of steel, Superman -- 

Finally, the one and only Bionic Booger Boy -- 

Bionic Booger Boy was created this last year when Conner began drawing comics.  All of his stories feature this green super hero, fighting his nemesis Mr. Clean.  I love his creativity & imagination, but after a while I have to put the "lava boogers" talk to rest.

Conner came up with the design and materials for his costume and I helped him put it together.  An old day camp t-shirt became a cape and mask.  An undershirt + fabric markers and he was all set.  Oh my goodness, he was absolutely giddy.  He wore the costume all day for 2 days.  It was pretty fun to see his excitement over this character coming to life.

Who knew that swimming lessons would be such an adventure?

summer fun #26: swimming lessons

it's official.  Our children are fish.  

The kids did awesome in their swimming lessons this year.  Both Conner and Payton moved up a level.  And Anna is doing great with her beginner arm strokes and back floats.

Here are some photos from the last day of swimming lessons:

Payton -- So proud of this kid.  He worked really hard in swimming lessons to improve his arm strokes and floats.  He set a goal for himself to take the swim test on the last day of summer.  At our city pool you have to pass a swim test (one lap arm stroke, one lap elementary backstroke across the width of the pool -- no stopping, no touching the bottom) in order to swim in the big lap pool.  This big pool also holds the brand new giant, twisty water slide which he has watched Conner enjoy all summer.  So after swimming lessons on friday, we went back to the pool in the afternoon for one last swim.  Payton headed straight to the swim test line and was raring to go.  Conner and I watched with baited breath . . . excited/nervous for him.  But mostly so proud that he made the decision to do this all on his own.

Oh, and during the test you can't wear goggles.  Which is huge for Payton.  Remember how sensitive his eyes are to the sun?  Same goes for the water.  

He closed his eyes tight, took a deep breath and pushed off from the edge.  Stroke, stroke, stroke, breath . . stroke, stroke, stroke, breath . . . and pretty soon he had reached the end!  Then he put his skills to use and did his very best elementary backstroke, even bumping into and re-routing around kids who got in his way, and finally made it to the finish by the lifeguard chair.  Woo-hoo Payton!  He actually made it without stopping on his very first try.

But . . . as I suspected (and what was the best decision for everyone) the lifeguard didn't pass him.  He made it back and forth, but he still needs to work on becoming a stronger swimmer.  His little body was exhausted at the end of that test, and I know that I would not feel comfortable sending him into the big pool.  

Conner and I congratulated him on a great job and tried to lift his spirits with lots of encouragement.  A little disappointed and a lot tired, he spent the rest of his time swimming in the small pool and had a great time.  I think it was great for him to see that he could do it, but also to realize that it takes some work to build up the stamina to safely swim in deeper waters.

Like I said, I was so so proud of him that he set a goal and with drive & desire he did his very best to follow through.  Super champ!

 

Anna - As I've mentioned before, this girl's biggest achievement this summer was ditching the water wings.  She doesn't have free reign in the pool, but when we are there she spends half of her time underwater diving for rings, watching her brothers do silly tricks, and swimming like a mermaid.  

 

Conner - Last summer Conner was in the level 4 class.  When we went to sign up this summer they told us that they have changed the numbering of the classes and a 4 was now a 3 1/2.  Conner was not happy.  He was really proud of his level 4 rank and had worked really hard to earn that.  For this over-achieving boy, being bumped down to 3 1/2 was a major bummer.

But . . . it was all good.  He had a fantastic teacher -- Rachel, one of our favorite young women from church (we have quite a few favorites).  She helped fine-tune his strokes to where they are strong, smooth, and precise.  It is so much fun to watch him glide through the water.

This session he finally figured out the diving thing, from a standing position.  And he has got all the strokes down.  It is high on my list to track down a swim team or club when we get to Vegas and sign him up.  He is a swimmer.

Oh, and he easily passed all the requirements to re-enter level 4.  :)

-------------------------------------

I've said this on facebook and I'll say it again . . . . it makes this California girl (and former swim team member) so happy to see my kids love and thrive in the water.

everybody's looking forward to the summer, summer

The last few weeks that infamous song, Friday, has been the soundtrack for our car rides to school on friday mornings.  (We really like the Glee Cast version.)  

Yesterday we just had to change the words, "everybody's looking forward to the summer, summer."

It was a "no uniform day" so Payton chose to wear his ketchup shirt.  Conner started the day in pajamas.  The whole class wore pj's while they watched a movie in the morning and then changed into play clothes for field day activities.  Anna and I went to the school and watched the activities for a while.  Payton and his partner rocked at the water balloon toss.  And the play structure race was right up his alley -- he was so pumped to show me his record speed across the monkey bars.

"sittin' in the front seat, sittin' in the back seat, gotta make my mind up which seat will I take"

sorry, listening to Friday right now and the lyrics are just so . . . . 

Anyways, here's the boys at pickup . . . Conner's teacher unloaded some of her posters and classroom supplies on the kids.  This is what he picked.

He says that she would take it off the wall sometimes and hold it in front of her face.  Have I ever mentioned how awesome Conner's teacher has been this year?  She and Conner had a great relationship.  I made a fill in the blank card for the boys to complete for their teachers.  3 Things I Learned This Year . . . one of Conner's read: "that you like to taunt us by eating licorice."  On his card he illustrated this scene.  Along with the scene of the two of them boxing during their field trip to Inflatable Kingdom.

As we approached our house Conner asked, "mom did you put up the tape this year?"

I don't forget.  :)

Then, to make a full day just a little more full . . . Anna had her ballet recital!

They performed Cinderella and Anna was a Winter Fairy.  The fairies from each season gave Cinderella a piece of her clothing for the ball (gown, slippers, etc.) and Anna's group gave her the crown.  For weeks she was so excited, telling me that they get to hold a real crown.  And Cinderella is going to ride in a real pumpkin carriage.  And there's going to be a prince.  And . . . .

Basically, every little girl's dream.

  {here they are passing the crown down the line . . . Anna is the first one facing us}

 {final pose, kneeling on the right}

 {the whole group}

Anna did a fabulous job!  I was so proud of her.  This was her second year in ballet.  Last year, the girls mostly wandered around the stage, watching their teacher behind the curtain very closely, and displaying a few moves that kinda looked like ballet.  This year she knew her routine, there was no confusion, and she executed it wonderfully.  I couldn't help but say "good job!" out-loud at the end of her dance.  And she loved her little bouquet of roses.  Earlier in the day I purchased them while she was with me, saying that they were for a friend.  On the drive home last night she commented, "You said you got these for a friend.  But they're for me.  So I'm your friend?"  

Of course!!

embrace the camera: may 26th

Last night Conner was awarded his Webelos badge.  And I got pinned.  As Conner approached with the mother's pin he said, "brace yourself."

I just love this funny kid.

And can I just say that I am digging this Cub Scout gig.  I'm officially one year into it.  (Although it feels longer since I've been involved on the committee since Conner started 2 1/2 years ago).  Sure, some weeks (a lot of weeks) my 12 boys are crazy with energy and I feel like I'm herding cats and when I come home I just collapse on the couch.  But I am enjoying the topics & skills we cover, the little projects (and doing things the "boy" way), games, skits, songs, and their genuine interest and eagerness to participate.

It works for me.

all your heart, might, mind, and strength

In honor of my brother Mason who is completing his mission today (!) . . . . I thought I would share a talk that Conner gave in Primary this Sunday.  This is the one that I had him write a few weeks ago while we were watching general conference.  He wrote this completely on his own -- his own thoughts, words, ideas.  (I only added the first two sentences once he finished it, to create an introduction.)  

Earlier this month my family and I listened to the leaders of our church speak in general conference.  Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, spoke about contributing to the missionary fund and the importance of temples.  

For many years, missionaries have traveled the world and brought people to the gospel.  Even some girls have volunteered.  Once at my grandma's house, my grandma gave hospitality to two girl missionaries.  They volunteered their time even when they didn't need to.

The prophet announced in general conference that there was going to be a new temple in Idaho and Colorado!  The Church of Jesus Christ spreads every day.  I think that we should follow the example the missionaries have set for us in determination to bring the whole world to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In Doctrine & Covenants 4:2 it reads -- Therefore O ye that embark in the service of God see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

I'm thankful for missionaries and the work that they do to spread the gospel.  I want to bear my testimony that I know this church is true.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I think that he was pretty proud of himself as well.  Afterwards he asked me if this is the kind of talk an adult would give.  "Yep.  Maybe just a little longer, but you've got the right idea."

And Mason, we'll see you in a few days.  Get ready for some big hugs!

thankful thought / no. 1

Thursday morning, I had just taken Payton to school, we were back home getting cozy and settled in for a day at home, Conner on the couch with his big blanket and Nintendo DS, me picking up a few things in the family room, and Conner says,

"I couldn't ask for a better mom."

Wow.  Totally stopped me in my tracks.  It was so out of the blue.

I said, "Ahhh, that's so sweet Conner, thanks.  {hug}  Why do you say that?"

"Well, some moms let their kids play video games whenever they want and the moms do all the work for them.  But you have rules because you want us to do chores and other things that help prepare us to be moms and dad and good parents."

"Well, you are a very smart boy.  That is a great perspective to have."

{I do have to admit that he spent a large chunk of the day playing his Nintendo DS.  But in my mind it was completely warranted as washome sick from school.}

I am thankful for this boy who knows my love language.

--------------------------

I just took the test again to see if my love language has changed or stayed the same since the last time I took it a few years ago. Yep, still the same.  My top three  (12 is the highest)

• 10 - Words of affirmation
• 8 - Quality time
• 7 - Receiving gifts

the runners

first there were cookies . . . . 

for the postponed February birthday class celebration.  For the past few weeks I've seen this recipe for Oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies circling around the blogosphere.  Finally gave them a try and the kids love them.  They are quite the cookie . . . basically 3 in 1.  I like them best straight out of the oven when the oreo cream is all melty.

(uh, and my fingers are still just a bit frozen after spending 2 hours in the unheated gym.  Brrr.  Trying. to. type.)

then there were runners . . . 

(most of these were taken during the cool-down portion of the fun run, as I was too busy marking laps.)

. . . . the kind that train for a week ahead of time and make sure that every lunch is healthy.  No chips, no pudding.  Yesterday it was a turkey sandwich with grapes, carrots, and apples.  And today he said no to Domino's for lunch (gasp!) -- until he realized that lunch would happen after his class' turn at the fun run.

. . . the kind that give it their full speed effort throughout and are ready to collapse at the end.  Or they just like to be really dramatic.  I think it's more likely the second one.  Payton's strategy included running at full force, then taking a short walking break which lasted until a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown on his fingers, signaling blast-off.

. . . and the kind that don't have to run, but feel compelled too.  She ran for a combined 60 minutes around the volunteer table inside the caution tape.  She convinced a couple other little girls to run with her and when they pooped out she kept going and going and going.  (She is now taking a much welcomed nap.)

Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of energy?  

joy of love: 1-5

1. what they do

This girl loves to be outside.  And ride her bike.  Or her scooter.  We were blessed with a WEEK of dry weather and sunny days.  Cold, sunny days . . . but we'll take it anyway we can get it.  She bundled up, placed "kitty" in her bike basket, and off she went.  Up and down the culdesac with a permanent smile on her face.

2. how they look

 

The handsome in this one is starting to come out.  Which is hard for me to say because I have always had a soft spot for his adorable cuteness. He's still cute.  But now I can see, right here, right in front of me, that he is growing up.  I took these pictures for his baptism announcements/invitations.  It's just a week away!

3. then and now

These two blog posts will give you some background on the story I'm about to share:  for the love of shorts and it's so hard to say good-bye.

The collage of photos features Conner in his new favorite shorts from Old Navy.  2007

The second photo shows the sad, sad face of Conner saying good-bye to his favorite shorts and shirt.  2011.

At least 5 times a week Conner wears this outfit around the house.  I say "around the house" because he is forbidden from wearing it outside the house.  He looooves these clothes.  But after almost 4 years, they are getting a little small.  And we're getting a little tired of seeing him wear it.  Back in December we told him that they would have to go after basketball season . . . but we forgot.  Thursday we remembered again and told him it was time to say good-bye.  In a panicked shock he said, "But I was going to give these to my first son!" And just before Scott was going to throw them in the trash Conner came up with a better idea.  To burn them at the Father-Son campout.  It has been tradition for Scott to burn an old pair of pajamas at this camp-out and the boys love it.  It was a great idea.  And so the shirt and shorts have been stashed in the camping storage bins, awaiting their fate.

4. what they wear 

The boys wear uniforms to school.  Conner always prefers the navy on navy look.  Payton is pretty easy-going: navy, khaki, white, whatever.

5. love to hate

(photo prompt description:  something your loved one does that drives you nuts, but the day just wouldn't be the same without it)

Everyday Scott works out on the elliptical.  And everyday he leaves his athletic shoes in the middle of the floor.  Along with his giant exercise ball that usually lives on the ellipitcal's steps when not in use.  I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it to him . . . the fact that everyday after he's gone at work I pick up those shoes from the middle of the floor and place them in their home in the corner.  Sometimes I'm mildly perturbed.  But really, it takes only 5 seconds out of my day, so it isn't that big of a deal.  But sometimes I wonder if it ever occurs to him to pick them up.  Hmmm . . . . Maybe he purposely leaves them out so I'll have to pick them up later in the day and be reminded of him and how much I miss him.  Maybe.  :)

the kids: spring '10

 

Conner

Harry Potter obsessed.  On the 7th book, The Deathly Hallows.  He has a reading "schedule".  Read 2 chapters at school.  One chapter at bedtime.  If he gets off-schedule he is all a flutter and crazed about squeezing in reading minutes (in the car, before dinner, while he's walking out the door to carpool) so he can get back on schedule.

Goes through daily penny and zipper therapy.

He eats 3 and 4 course breakfasts each morning.  Kinda drives me nuts because it takes forever and dirties up a lot of dishes.  He laughs and says, "what?  I'm a pig!"

Told us a few weeks ago that he is done with the Crakers.  He said, "ya, 4 years is enough of that. I'm ready to move on."  What is the next imaginary world, battle, ____, you ask?  He calls it Kids vs. Adults.

Finished the 4th grade reading curriculum, and is already part-way through 5th grade math.

Summer reading:  Fablehaven

 

Payton

Doesn't tattle at school and I actually got an e-mail from his teacher saying that she wishes he would!  Apparently he has been stepped on head, hit in the face with a jacket zipper, and stabbed/scratched in the neck by a stick and he never tells the teacher.  She finds out about it long after the fact when he appears in class with a new wound.  I asked him about it and he says that he doesn't want to get his friends in trouble.

Conversely, he loves to tattle at home.  :)  It's all about balance, I guess.

Proud of the fact that he went all year without his card ever being pulled.  They have a green, blue, yellow, red card system for behavior in his classroom.

Finished the 2nd grade reading curriculum.

Turning into a great little pianist.  Has his first piano recital next month.

Loves to teach the family home evening lesson and shares a sweet testimony at the end.

Both front teeth are coming in!

Summer reading:  How to Train Your Dragon

 

Anna

singing in the car.  Her favorites are the Chipmunk Song (Single Ladies - although, we do NOT listen to the chipmunks version), the mom and dad song (Don't Stop Believin' by the cast of Glee -- I think she calls it the mom and dad song because there is a boy and a girl singing), and an odd song from the New Moon soundtrack (she especially likes the spanish/native american verses).

writing words, asks how to spell things.  She's got her name, mom, dad, I {heart} you, and cat down.  We had a package of chalk with Scott's company logo written on it.  Anna copied this word onto paper, showed it to us and said, "That says chalk."  A few months ago there were lots of "Happy Valentine's Day Jesus" cards floating around the house.

starting to notice fashion at school.  Mia's light-up skecher shoes . . .Mia wore a jacket all day at school yesterday, so I'm going to wear my jacket all day . . . Can you do my hair like Bailey's?  The comparisons and attempt to imitate is driving me a little nuts.  I do not condone doing anything (hair, clothes, activities, language, etc.) just because someone else is doing it.  We do things because we like it, because it makes us happy, and it works in our family.  Be an individual!

likes to do her hair.  thinks a ponytail looks cute.  is always adding/removing headbands, hair clips, etc.

when I ask her to put her backpack away she stuffs it behind the living room chairs, rather than taking it to her room upstairs.

Instead of starting a sentence or continuing a thought with "and" . . . she likes to say "except". 

Other popular sentence starters:  "And by the way," 

LOVES kitties, and puppies.  And horsies.

Summer reading:  Fancy Nancy's Lemonade Stand and BOB books, set 1

hot nurse

Last week Payton came home from school venting his frustrations about a game that a lot of kids are playing at recess.  Tag.

"My class has the stupidest rule.  Only the girls can un-freeze you!  So the boys just run around and get to do nothing.  If you get tagged you just have to stand there and wait for the hot nurse to unfreeze you!"

Wait.  Back-up.  Did he just say hot nurse?

My mind back-pedaled for a moment, trying to make sense of this.  These are 2nd graders, and one of their games includes a hot nurse?  ooookaaaayyy. . . . 

"So Payton, who came up with the name hot nurse"

He names one of the girls in his class.

Conner chimes in, "Ya, if you're frozen you need the hot nurse to unfreeze you."

To them, it makes perfect logical sense.  Scott and I got quite the laugh from this one.

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Saturday, we had a ward activity that centered around pressing apple cider.  As soon as we arrived, Conner joined the men and dove right into the process.  Loading apples into the grinder, turning the press.  He was loving it!   And he didn't quit until I told him it was time to go an hour and a half later.  

Once in a while our eyes would meet and he would give me big smile with bright eyes, that showed how proud he was of himself, and how much fun he was having.  He was on a total high.

At one point he told the other men, "I can't believe my mom isn't over here taking a picture of this."

And someone replied, "I can't believe it either."

ha ha ha.

So I pulled out my camera phone and took 3 fuzzy pictures.

_________________________

On Sunday the kids participated in the Children's Sacrament meeting program.  They all did so good and spoke so clearly.  Payton had his part memorized - he stared straight ahead at the clock so he wouldn't be tempted to look at the "cheat sheet" on the podium.  Anna memorized her part too (which was long!), but received help when she hesitated on the last few words.  Conner had a longer talk-like part and did awesome.

Anyways, the Primary presidency included comment cards in the programs (what a great idea) for the congregation to write positive notes on.  These were later read to the kids during Primary.  Of course, Scott had to write a comment:  "The primary program was great.  Anna, Conner, and Payton narrowly escaped punishment by their reverence during the program."

After church, Conner gave Scott the look.  "They read your comment.  Everybody laughed at us.  Could you please stop making me the laughing stock of the world?!"

preschool, 2nd, 4th, and 17th

Hey all!  It's time for the obligatory back-to-school blog post!  Even though the kids have been in school for two weeks I couldn't let these cute pictures go unshared. Let's go from youngest to oldest . . . . 

preschool - Anna, age 4

Anna started her 2nd year of preschool.  (Which will also be our family's 6th and final year at our favorite preschool - it is bittersweet.)

She seems so BIG for pre-school!  She will be 5 in just five days, so she misses that September 1st cut-off.  She already knows her letters (by sight, their sounds, and how to write them) and her numbers, but I know I don't need to worry about boredom because there is just too much fun to be had there!

She loves circle time -- time for stories and songs.

She gives me a big hug when I pick her up each day.  (Last year it was, "hi mom" and run to the car.)

She continues to bring notes and letters to her teacher and classmates each day.  

She came home on the second day and said, very excited, "Olivia isn't mean anymore!" (not-from-church Olivia).  Last year Anna gave me daily behavioral reports on this little girl.  Apparently it's been a good summer.

 

2nd grade - Payton, age 7

 

What a cutie!

His favorite part of 2nd grade is reading groups at the end of the day.

One day he got yogurt squirted in his hair at lunch time.

He also gives me a regular report of classroom behavior.

He can't wait for P.E. and music to start next week.

He started out sitting in the back row.  Now he's in the middle row, by Amanda (his very good friend).  I just hope he doesn't spend the whole day talking to her.  He tells me that he has been good.

He has had a very seamless transition into 2nd grade.  He comes home so happy everyday.  I think that 2nd grade is my favorite school year.  At this age both of my boys have been so happy, helpful, agreeable, and fun!  I need to remember this and really soak in Payton's awesomeness.

Boo-ya!  (Payton's favorite exclamation)

 

4th grade - Conner, age 9

He loves his teacher because she is funny.  "By funny I mean really funny."

He loves his {male} math teacher.  I keep hearing stories about all the laughter and fun in math class.

His recess report on the first day of school included this snippet:  "At first recess I played with the ladies." (emphasis on "ladies")

He'll be learning about the branches of government, Oregon state history, and the states and capitols among many other things.

I learned today that at some point the desks were rearranged from rows into groups of 5.

So who sits in your group?

Brady, Mason, Katelynn, um . . . . Thomas.  maybe.  I can't remember.

You can't remember who you sit with all day?!

(laughs) Mom.  I don't pay attention.

(giving the eye) Really, Conner . . . 

(all in a spirit of good fun) Mom.  Three words.  I. Don't. Care.

Oh my goodness.  He sounds just like his dad.  This is scary!

 

Speaking of his dad . . . 

1st year MBA program - Scott, age 34

 

(this was taken during residency week in July)

I figure that Scott is starting grade 17.  

So far things are going well.  He flies to Utah for classes.  He does homework.  He has a weekly conference call with his team in Utah. He's already had mid-terms.  He enjoys his professors.

He's devised a clothing rotation system so he never has to check a bag on his flights.  He has a stash of toiletries that wait for him there (so no worries about 3 oz. bottles and ziploc baggies through security).  He's just 3 TRAX stops away from classes.  He shares a hotel room with another traveling student.  Crazy as it sounds, he's only gone for about 36 hours.

 

So I just realized . . . I'm the only one who isn't in school!  I guess my job is to make sure everyone gets to class on time, make the lunches, wash and iron the clothes, give kisses on their way out the door, and be ready to ask "how was your day?" when they all return.