Last Days of School

The last two days of school were packed with activities and the little girls and I practically lived at 4 Rivers. Good thing we like that place.

Monday the 21st was the talent show. Emma signed up to present an art mural. She worked for MONTHS on this mural that was about 20 feet long. I was so impressed with her dedication and detail to this project. They had it displayed on the wall. At one point they had everyone turn and look and said she was the artist. She turned about 5 different shades of red and tried to hide. I'm glad they recongized her. :)

Spencer did a soccer video with friends from his class. It was cute. I wish I would have encouraged him more to do dancing or gymnastics or ... something that really shows his talents.

Here is the video of the video ;)

Tuesday {the last day of school} was award assembly in each classroom. It took all morning to get all three kids done.

Emma Lynn was first. Mrs. McDowall and Senora Sotelo gave all the first grader an award based on a character from a book or movie. Emma received the "Alice in Wonderland Award - for always choosing the right path." I will admit that I choked back a tear upon hearing this award. Above anything else I want to have children who love the Lord and choose the right. I love that they recognized her for character.

Spencer was next. Senora Brito has commented a few times on how impressed she is with Spencer trying to learn his second language. He is always asking if he doesn't know and isn't afraid to try. "Como say de say..." He was beaming with pride. His smile is priceless and really makes my heart happy.

Austin received the award "Wikipedia Award - for vast knowledge of interesting fact." After they read the award and before they said his name everyone knew it was Austin. His love of non-fiction reading has provided this plus his superior memory. There were parts of the year that were a struggle but I'm proud of Austin for working hard and fixing the areas that needed attention. I will forever love the wonderful combo of 2nd/3rd of Mrs. White & Senora Mason.

I love Four Rivers. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity for our children. We have found a fit and what a blessing that is for our family. Thank you for enriching my children's lives. Endebted to wonderful teachers who make a difference.

Pets

Yes, you read the title correctly. We now have a pet. Besides the chickens that is.

Sunday, May 20th we went to a graduation get together and came home with a cat.

My son who wants to be a vet when he grows up found this little kitty {with a broken leg} and fell in love with him. He carried him around everywhere and loved on him. It was pretty much adorable. Naturally the family wanted us to take him home. After watching them interact I couldn't say no. I left it up to Kurt at that point. :) He too couldn't say no to those pleading brown eyes.

That is how Junito came to live with us.

Its all so cute.

Inspirational Half

Saturday, May 19, 2012

After I got home from my race in DC I decided to sign up for a few more local ones {with the hopes of staying in shape.} Today was the first, The Famous Potato Half in Boise.

So the honest truth is that I'd been a lazy runner {only 2-3 times a week.} I was expecting my time to be slower than DC since I wasn't as prepared.

The starting point at Lucky Peak was COLD. We were just waiting around for the race to start. The course was a piece of cake. Completely flat and even some downhill.

As I started the race I was attracted to this small lady in a yellow shirt. She was speedy. I told myself to keep up with her and I'd be doing all right. We started talking through the duration of the race and I learned a little bit about her. She is 63 years old. She. Is. AMAZING. It took all my energy to keep up with her. I was so impressed with her energy and strength. But not only that, her character was sweet and kind. She thanked every single volunteer she ran past and commented on the beautiful day and how blessed we were.

I have a new Personal Record for the Half Marathon of 1:52

It is all due to this amazing lady, Diana. I could not have kept the pace without her. And how sweet the victory was because I endured to the end. {{SOOO many wonderful gospel applications that I shared with the Young Women today in ward conference.}}

Another lady came up to me after the race and thanked me for being her pace horse. Diana's example was contagious. I am inspired by this woman and hope to be an example of kindness and strength.

A simple blessing

We have been learning more about Ruth's skin allergy: photodermititis {allergic to the sun's UV rays.} Sunscreen is not enough. The best option is to simply not go out in the sun. If she does, ALWAYS use sun screen, wear long sleeves and a hat. Sounds fun in July.

It is a little overwhelming. How do you make this work? Especially when she has many siblings and we are constantly on the go. We went to a pack meeting Tuesday night and it was HOT. She wore she long sleeves and hat and didn't complain once. That is a blessing. I'm grateful.

I've also been thinking about the swimming issue. How do you tackle that?

I was in Costco on Thursday and found the answer to my prayers! Look at the PERFECT swim suit I found. Complete with a hat. The brand is called UVSkinz. I cannot express my gratitude for this find.

When Austin got home from school and saw her new swim suit he said, "Its so nice that someone created a swim suit for my sister who is allergic to the sun."

I agree.

ART Sale

Friday, May 18, 2012

This is one of my favorite 4 Rivers events. They have a BBQ and entertain outside first. Then you go into the school to look at the art work the kids have created throughout the year. The teachers have turned their classrooms into a gallery. You can "buy" your child's art work as a fundraiser for the school.

Austin's teacher Mrs. White is in charge of this events and I was helping her prepare on Wednesday when I was volunteering at the school. She asked me to make a huge banner to say welcome to our annual event. She said next year they were planning to have a nice banner made that they could use every year. I was not looking forward to this project {because I was sure it wouldn't look good!} So Friday morning I called a friend in the printing/vinyl business and they said they would have a banner ready by 2:45. WOW, that is fabulous! And what's more, it turned out amazing and will be a great piece for the school. Kurt and I were happy to make that donation.

 Austin's best friend Gilsac

Field Trip

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I missed Austin's field trip this year because we were out of town when the paper went home about it. But he told me the morning of that I was invited to go. Sadly enough I need more time than that to find a babysitter!

I was able to go with Spencer and Emma Lynn to the swimming pool. We had lunch and played at the park and then headed over to the pool. They were super excited! I think the pool must have had a lot of school groups come through because they were super strict about the rules. Lots of yelling, yikes. Spencer actually got in trouble twice! {That is unheard of for him!} But overall good times.

 Riding the bus with his friends

 Eating lunch at the park.

Crazy amounts of kids on the merry go round!

This is why being a stay at home mom rocks - I can go and support all these fun school things.

Mother's Day

Sunday, May 13, 2012

I'm blessed to be a mother five times over.

Some days I feel crazy. Some days I give crazy amounts of hugs & kisses. Some days all filled with crying and wailing and gnashing of teeth. Some days we dance to Dynamite in the kitchen. Some days I wonder if I'm doing enough. Some days I feel like my cup runneth over. Some days my head feels like it'll will explode with the volume of noise in my house. Some days I am a human jungle gym for five little monkeys.

But everyday I LOVE these fabulous five that have brought me so much joy. It is the hardest thing I have every done. But hands down the most rewarding. I am grateful to be a mother. And for the example and heritage that has been given me.

 Cards that came with breakfast :)

My present. I new stand that hold 4 hanging baskets. Its an overload of color and scent. LOVE IT!

We went to Grandma Romans' in Ontario for dinner that night. It was a beautiful day and a good get together.

Spring Performance

Friday, May 11, 2012

Tonight the kids had their spring performance. First of all I must say that it was a MILLION times better than the Christmas concert. It was the traditional dances and we all know and love from Four Rivers. So happy to see them back to their roots.

My kids were super stars {naturally!} Spencer was beaming and practically cheesing out on stage. Emma was graceful & beautiful. She knows her steps and executes without hesitating. Austin wouldn't look at us but performed well. Before hand he informed us that his dance was not embarrassing because he didn't have to touch anyone. :D I love the cooties stage.

My cute performers. {We totally spaced Emma's tie, oops!} 

It was a beautiful, sunny but not too hot May day. Lucy stood without help twice that night. The dancing makes her excited!! I'm proud of my kids, they did so well. Thanks for working hard!

Dia de los ninos

May 9, 2012 Today was Dia de los Ninos. KIDS DAY. Most other schools call it Field Day. I was able to volunteer all day at the school. It was fun to be able to participate with the kids. They were SO excited! I made cotton candy ALL day long with Senora Brito. It was really fun to talk with her. It was such a messy job! I have never seen any one else look like that when they make cotton candy. It was EVERYWHERE. It was in spider web like strands sticking to my arm pits, down my shirt, in my eye lashes and of course my hair. The kids all thought it was hiliarious! I need all the help I can get to be sweet. :) Spencer's best friend Estavan was in the same group - he was SO happy!

Another Condition

I took Ruth into the Doctor Saturday afternoon. Her skin was red and blotchy, raised, itchy and very irritated. It was on her arms and neck in the areas exposed to the sun almost like a sunburn except she hadn't been in the sun enough to get burned or had been wearing sun screen. The same thing had happened on Monday so I was concerned especially since she was so uncomfortable and not able to sleep well. It turns out she has hives to sun exposure. Photodermitatis. My daughter is allergic to the sun. Or more accurantly the UV rays of the sun. After talking to people and reading about it the best treatment is to stay out of the sun, wear a hat and long sleeves. Sun screen is not enough. This will be interesting.

Spencer LOOSES his first TOOTH

{{Sunday May 6, 2012}} Spencer's bottom right tooth has been loose for about a month. Like Austin the permenant tooth was already visable behind the baby tooth. He was very dilligent about wiggling it. Constantly. It was dangling. Yesterday Kurt says to Spencer, "Come here." He walks over. Grabs the tooth and barely pulls. Out it comes with no blood and no tears. "It came out!" "Ya. It was annoying me."

It changes his look and means he's growing up. {{sigh}} He bolted out of bed and shot his hand with lightening speed under his pillow. Such fun firsts.

My cloggers

Saturday, May 5, 2012 was the clogging recital.

Ruth, Spencer and Emma Lynn did clogging this year. This was my favorite show ever mainly because I loved watching my kids dance. They all did amazingly well and it was super fun as their momma. I'm so proud of them!

The theme this year was "Festival of Soundtracks." Ruth danced to "Bare Necessities" from Jungle Book and "Be My Baby Bumble Bee." Spencer danced to "Pirates Ahoy" and "Chug-A-Choo Choo" {both Disney Channel theme songs.} Emma Lynn danced to "When I am Human" {Princess and the Frog} and "Under the Sea" {The Little Mermaid.}

 It pretty much took all day to get ready for that night. We had soccer games early that morning {luckily Spencer had a bye so we were not over there all morning.} We came home and all the dancers got bathed and girls curlers in {Ruth took hers out about an hour later.} We finished up costume touches, made some posters and headed over for the dress reherserhal. Then we all camped out at Kelli's {who wasn't even home, Thank You Kelli!} to grab a quick bite to eat, do hair and make up. Kerri was our expert make up artist while I did hair. She made the girls feel super special and very pretty. Thanks Kerri!

Then we enjoyed the show, especially Lucy. She was screaming with excitement and bouncing up and down like crazy. Aparently she can't wait for her turn to get on stage. :) Ahhh what a fun night. Thanks kids for sharing your talents and having fun!

My newest Nephew

Today Lincoln Elliot Huntsman was born to Traci and Elliot. He weighs 8 pounds 4 ounces and 21 inches long. Mother and son are doing well. From all pictures sister and grandparents are beaming! We are so excited for Traci and her cute family! What a perfect addition Lincoln is. Welcome to the family little buddy! We are excited to hold and love on you! We LOVE you so much already!

Allergic

For years, almost as long as I can remember, Emma has complained of stomach aches. About 3 weeks ago her teachers came to me and said that every day {with out fail} Emma Lynn was complaining of stomach aches. In both Spanish and English week. I didn't know it was going so much at school also. At that point I knew we needed to do something more. I made an appointment with our Doctor and after lots of questions and an exam we started treating her for Gastristic {infamed stomach.} After 2 weeks of the med we were to come back in for a follow up. We didn't see a huge improvement. On the second week I got a call from the school that Emma was having a lot of stomach pain and so we set off to get her. When I got to the school the principal spoke with me. Her daughter had similar struggles and ended up having an allergy to milk. After the conversation I decided to take her off milk and all dairy products for the rest of the week "just to see..." It was a very simple test and it didn't hurt to try. Emma Lynn has not had ONE single stomach ache since! We are 3 weeks stomach ache free. YAY for Emma! This is huge for her. We are still trying to get use to the dos and don't of a milk allergy and will start trying soy and almond milk for substitutes.

infected

Spencer got stung by a wasp Saturday after we got home from Utah. I was at the Stake Dance so I didn't see it. He wore a long sleeve shirt on Sunday and also Monday to school. He complained of it itching so we perdiocally gave him Benadryl. Monday during dinner I touched his forearm and it was tight and swollen under his shirt. We were surprised how big and red it was upon inspection. The nurse on call told us to come in the next day if symptoms continued or worsen. They did so after we dropped off Emma & Austin at school we headed to the doctor.

It was infected. Apparently wasp carry infection {where as bees do not.} So we started a sulfa drug for 10 days. I can already see improvements. If only the kid wasn't so sweet.

Women's conference

I had the BEST weekend ever. "Today is going to be the BEST day ever. Now what can I do to make it so?" I attended Women's Conference at BYU. My good friend Andrea invited me. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Why have I not known about this before?!! Loved it. I felt like it was too hard this time of year to leave all the kids in Vale {even with a babysitting during the day} for Kurt. So I pulled the kids out of school and we had a great away to Utah. We left Wednesday after school we got on the road. The kids traveled well. We got these super cool kids meals from Burger King. The boxes had activities to punch out and do and the prize into were travel size twister and guess who. We had lots of fun with those {and SO worth the money for happy travels!}

The Conference was Thursday and Friday at BYU. This was my first time on the campus, I was a little overwhelmed but luckily everyone was nice and I manage to find where I needed to go. I signed up for the instant choir so I was on campus at 6:30 {left WJ at 5:30} They have a general session at 9 and then a closing session at 3:45 with 3 classes YOU choose inbetween. I spent the day with Andrea, her sister Kari Dawn and another friend, Brittany Forsberg from Middleton. Kinda the loner floating between the two groups but it didn't really matter cause everyone there was super nice and friendly.

I had intended to stay for the service project and concert that evening but I was exhausted. I went back to WJ after the closing general session. It turned out well cause I was able to spend a little time with the kids and get them bathed and put to bed. Friday I invited my mom to go with. {Thursday she works in the temple and didn't want to miss that.} We had such a wonderful day together, I really enjoyed spending it with her. I really enjoyed the classes that day too. My favorite was "Sister Scriptorian."

The spirit was so sweet and so abundant. It was such a feast. Just like General Conference but focused on women and with some agency in topics you want to learn about. Did I say how great it was?!!

Saturday morning my dad and I did the first session at the Quirrh Mountain temple. It was the perfect way to end a spiritual weekend.

The kids had a wonderful weekend too! Thursday they worked on the club house in the backyard and on Friday Grandpa and Tim took them to Red Butte Gardens at the University of Utah. It sounds like they were amazing and the kids could have spent all day there. Unfortunately grandma had the camera so there is no record of it.

The kids were disappointed Sam wasn't there. They asked grandma to go to Rexburg to pick him up and then take him back home. Grandma said it was too far so Spencer said he would pray. The next morning {Friday} Sam sent an email that he was coming home for the weekend. He had no idea about the special request to heaven about his visit. I LOVE the faith of these children.

Thank you mom & dad for the best MOMMY/DADDY Date weekend ever. I am a very lucky daughter. I love you!