All About RUTH

week 8: February 23 - March 1

After crashing at Elaine's we woke up and went to the 9 am church right up the road. It was not Elaine's ward but it didn't really matter. The kids channeling their ward conference skills and went to Primary without any problems. Lucy cracks me up because she takes off for a dead run as soon as she sees the nursery room, never looking back and sometimes saying bye. Although she's never said this, her actions are screaming: "I can't wait to get out of sacrament meeting! I'm outta here!" Meanwhile in RS they were shocked that we didn't know anyone in the ward and just showed up. "Well an extra welcome to you!" Hahahaha After church we got back on the road, homeward bound. It was nice to have the day broken up. We got home around 8 pm.

By the time we got home the kids had put together their own language that was made up of a series of signs and slaps. The things you do for entertainment.

Monday for Girl Scouts was a surprise good-bye party for Natalee, Emily and Dawn Aalagaard. Dawn has become a good friend. She is an amazing lady and I've been touched by her goodness. She will definitely be missed. All the troops contributed to make Dawn feel special.

Kurt picked Spencer up from the school as we were finishing the party. They had a surprise daddy date as part of his birthday present. They went to a Harlem Globe trotter's game in Boise. Spencer loved it and totally ate it up!

"The game was funny. They were always doing trick plays. They were smart and intelligent. I liked when the kids got to try to make a hoop. It was an awesome game! 121 to 115 {I think.}"

Tuesday morning Ruth had a DR appointment. She has had a random fever on and off. Since January she has missed at least one day of school each week because of this. She is constantly exhausted, and has little appetite. My gut was telling me it was something more and so I made an appointment. Dr. Sage listened to her lungs for quite a while before diagnosing pneumonia and doing a neutralizer treatment.  I was surprised because she hasn't really been coughing and I didn't even think about it being an option.. I trust her treatment plan and hope this will help my girl get back on the road to health.

After school we took Austin to the Extension office and signed him up for 4H. After our lesson in FHE about budgeting and starting to save for college and missions we knew we needed to do it. I'm trying not to feel suffocated about having to go to the fair all week. Its a work in progress effort. ;) Uncle Jeff pulled some strings and got him a steer over the weekend when we were out of town. I was surprised how excited he was about the whole idea. He read all the information they gave him on the way home {he's a sucker for non-fiction information.} When he got home he went down to meet the steer. They went back down when Kurt got home to work with him. Unfortunately they didn't know a gate was open and he got out. They haven't been able to catch him. I hope this isn't a foreshadowing of what is to come....

Ruth hasn't had ballet since the new year. The studio had heating issues during January and they canceled class for the entire month. When they decided to open again in February they switched their classes to Tuesday. Right during cub scouts. No go. I started researching other studios. There was nothing close and the studios in Caldwell didn't have openings mid-season. So Liz finally said she would ask Mrs. Robins if she could dance with the Ballet 1 class {you are suppose to be a 1st grader.} We finally got the OK and Ruth was so happy to have a dance class again. When we got home she jumped on the treadmill. This sight cracked me up.

We had beautiful weather in the 50's this week. It felt like spring and it was the best thing for a cold winter soul. Is it too early to get spring fever?

Thursday was a mad dash to finish up visiting teaching as the month was ending the next day. We were able to get the last two done. Lucy's happy {donut-eating-face} brings joy to everyone we visit. We do lunch dates with Kerri and that's always fun. Visiting Teaching is a blessing.

Emma Lynn spent the evening adding some new decorations under her bed. She is very into decorating currently. {the poster. four strands of beads patterned and hanging down.}

Friday we celebrated my Ruth's 6th birthday! She was beyond excited. She used the countdown blocks and it was the very first thing she did every morning as soon as she woke up. She asked for two things for her birthday: footy pajamas and high heels {adult size for dress up.}

Happy Birthday!!

A new necklace, headband and leggings to wear to school 

This was my favorite 6 Kurt made out of objects

Ready for school on her birthday!

Kurt was kind enough to take the kids to school and eat breakfast with Ruth {luckily it was Family Friday.} That extra time allowed me to get everything done and ready for her "Surprise Birthday Ballet Class." Emma Lynn and I put this together for her. We mailed out invitations to her cousins:

and Emma Lynn planned and choreographed the dance class. 

I asked Liz {their school dance / ballet teacher} if I could use her studio in Nyssa for an hour that afternoon. She was kind enough to agree {without charging me!}  She gave me the key so I could decorate that morning before we got there:

I got back just in time to drop off my two little girls at Marti's and pick up Brooke, Kenzie and Mollie. We went to the school early to celebrate all the February birthday. Extra bonus that Ruth's was that day! I reminded the cousins before we got out of the car that it was a surprise and to keep it a secret!

When we walked into class Ruth was excited to see me and then she noticed that Brooke, Kenzie and Mollie were also there. You could read on her face, "Why are they here?" We jumped into the festivities and so there was no time for questions!

I love this card from her class. She wants to be a ballerina when she grows up! :)

As we were walking out of the school she asked, "Why are you wearing that?" Tutus and pettiskirts. Before the girls could reply I said, "Because we want to be fancy for your birthday!" When we didn't turn for home at Cairo junction she started to get curious. "Where are we going?!!"  Her mouth turned up in a huge grin when she saw the room. Emma Lynn jumped into character and after everyone got on their purple tutus and all other dancing gear necessary she lead them straight to the barre. It was fun to see Emma Lynn teach. She did not mess around. They got some quality instruction from that class! It was a big hit. They did break for some snacks {Ballerina Beverages, Ballerina Bubble Gum, Ballerina Berries, Ballerina Biscuits & Ballerina Birthday Cake.} For free time they had dancing wands to add some creativity. I had a hard time convincing them it was time to go when the hour was up. Emma Lynn you did a fabulous job, you're a great sister. Thoroughly enjoyable for all. 

SURPRISE!!

When we got home we had her birthday request of pizza followed by cake & ice cream and presents. This was my favorite present.

                                                She has the BEST.DAD.EVER. 

This girl is a joy. She is sweet, helpful and a hard worker. She thinks about others and is service oriented. She is still my buddy. And for that I'm grateful. Love this girl. I am a blessed mom. Happy, Happy Birthday Ruth Renae!

Saturday morning I logged the longest run I have ever done. 15 miles. Crazy talk. Not gonna lie, I was tired and hurting. Kurt and I had a nice temple date that evening.

~~~Romans Reflections~~~
- Someone asked Lucy a question and she answered, "Nada"
- Ruth planted a flower with the cub scouts and told me, "This will be a perfect present for your anniversary.

- Lucy answers with emjio. Instead of saying, "I'm happy or I'm sad" she will say "smiley face" or "sad face."

A Legacy of Love

week 7: February 16-22, 2014

Sunday
Stake conference. Meetings and a few more meetings. The girls in diapers were both clearing their systems apparently cause there was lots of diapers to change for BOTH parents. I got a text from Kurt during a meeting, "I hate poop." Later when he was at a meeting I pulled Jane out of the bumbo and found a pile of poop {blowout extraordinar!} So I had to send Kurt this pic {edited by Emma Lynn} to him.

Do these count as love notes?

Over the weekend Kurt and I were able to communicate about our budget. It was so productive with the use of spreadsheets, apps and open discussion. I feel SO much better now. The stress and depression have lifted and goals seem attainable. I'm so sure that communicate is the key to EVERY relationship.

Monday
We finished off our last day of no school {President's Day} with a special Family Home Evening. We asked Kurt to come home early so we could get started knowing it would take longer than normal. Channeling our inner Sochi we hosted our own Willow Creak Winter Olympics {Romans style.}

Starting by lighting the Olympic torch.

The first event was HOCKEY
{Kurt and Emma VS Austin and Spencer}

More than 90% was spent chasing the ball after it got hit down the hill. Only a few people slid into mud on the way down. hahaha Definitely a good workout.

The second event was ICE SKATING
Each person got to pick their music and a card that gave them a specific "trick" they had to perform in their routine. Kurt gave each person a number, for example, 5 and so they had to do that many tricks {5 leaps.} Kurt and I did a pairs routine at the end. We were silly and the kids ATE it UP! As Kurt said, it was worth it just to watch their faces.

The third event was SPEED SKATING
With a box on each foot we had to speed around the kitchen/family room loop. We were cheering loud and crazy and we awkwardly looped the loop.

The final event of the evening was CURLING
Girls against Boys and Dad pushed me out for the win.

Everyone is a winner in my Olympics. I love my award stage and the fine Olympians on it.

 Gold Medal Baby

Tuesday
I captured a picture of this crazy girl and her crazy bed time tuck in, play and then crash routine. By the end of the week I was tired of the nonsense and took a more firm approach with bedtime for her. And guess what, she immediately went to sleep {without getting out once.} The nap time / travel time is still a HUGE factor. Its all a juggling act.

Wednesday
After late start drop off I took Lucy to Nancy's and Jane to Angelica's and Kurt and I escaped to the temple. I really love this time with him and I love the importance we put on attending. Its only blessed our marriage and family.

Time crunch lunch at Panda Express

As we got out of the temple there was a voice mail from the school that Ruth had a temp of 102. Of course we were an hour away. We rushed back to pick her up. 

That evening I started cooking preparations for the Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet. We were doing a Mexican theme; build your own taco, rice, beans, chips and salsa. I was making all the beans. I cooked up 2 ten ounce cans from our food storage of pinto beans and tried to recreate Mexico in my kitchen. I wanted to try a small batch Wednesday night to make sure I could cook in mass quantities on Thursday. The kids were in heaven. Emma Lynn came out of her bedroom, "I can't sleep it smells so good out here." The next morning Austin took cooked beans in his lunch. I asked him how they were, "Cold. But good. I kept telling everyone I had Cool Beans. HAHAHA" He's cute when he thinks he's so funny. 

Thursday
Right around lunch time I got a call from the school again that Ruth had a temp of 102. I was really grateful that I had done a lot of work the night before and that morning for the banquet. I rushed to pick her up, got her some meds and liquid before taking her to an eye appointment.

Ruth has been saying her eyes hurt and asked me to make an appointment for her. Thursday at 1 was the day. I really like our eye doctor. She specializes in pediatrics. Its important to me to like my doctors.

Her eyes haven't changed since her last appointment in the fall. But since her eyes are sensitive and its causing pain the answer is...you guess it - GLASSES. She will just need them for school work {reading.} I don't want her to take them on and off {more chances for damaging} but we will have to find a perfect solution. She was excited to try on glasses but unlike Emma was unsure what to pick. I helped her narrow it down to two and we found this winner!

We rushed home to finish preparation for the banquet. I over volunteered myself for this event. I am SO grateful for big kids that are so helpful and good workers. I could not have finished everything without them. I gave each kid a job and we worked it out. What a team.

After I frosted my 100 cake Ruth put on all the M&M's. 

We got a FREE {new} domino's pizza box for Austin's pizza cake. He frosted and grated white chocolate and placed candy just right to make this amazing cake. LOVE it.

The dinner was a success. The cake auction even better. I thought our turn out was low and I was worried but the cakes went for higher than ever before {average $80 many over $100.} It was a good fundraiser. Can you believe this is Austin's last Blue and Gold Banquet and cake auction. I was feeling a tad sentimental. Even though Cubs is crazy I'm grateful to have experienced it with him.

Friday
After a 4 miles run, quick pack and clean up of the kitchen {from beans and baking madness} we jumped in the car for a lightening trip to Overton. We left at 8:30 am. The kids traveled great. Sooooo grateful for that.

We stopped for ice cream cones at McDonalds in Ely, NV. We really stopped for the play place so the kids could run around. After a half hour I was all I could take {germophobic moment.} The last 45 minutes Jane was mad and ready to be DONE. But honestly. Who could blame her.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa to visit and eat dinner. It was nice to be able to have some time to visit with them by ourselves especially knowing that Saturday would be busy. Sam came down with Tyler and we met him at the motel. He stayed in a room with the 3 oldest and we were across the hall with the rest. After baths and scriptures everyone passed out.

Grandma's party was at 2 {decorating and setting up at noon.} We went over to their house that morning to help Alyx with decoration and cook up meat. Sam and kids went for a walk to the muddy river. Kurt kept them busy with yard work. The weather was gorgeous. The cousins were happy to play and I always love visiting with grandma.

    Lucy taking a walk with Sam. She was overjoyed to have her buddy back! 

At the church it was fun to see family again and 

see everyone jump in to get things done and ready. 

I love this lady. I am so glad we made the effort to go to the party. She is worth it! I'm grateful for the blessing and legacy she is to me. Overton still feels like coming "home" because she is there.

 getting their baby Jane fix

 This kid is the cutest.

 always besties these two!

 Exhaustion

 Austin enjoyed hanging out with Luke and Austin.

GREAT party. Of course it wasn't enough time with anyone but it was better than not going! So glad we came. We headed north for home at 6 pm. We decided to take advantage of Elaine's empty house and crashed at 1 am.

~~~Romans Reflections~~~
- Spencer said about an animal fact book he got for Christmas, " I'm going to give this book to my son, that is if I have a son.
- I called the kids my friends. Lucy laughs, "we're not friends. We're just your kids."
- Lucy has been asking multiple times a day ALL week, "Why do I have a head?"
- What was my name before I was Lucy? She decided "Ludy"

- On the way home from school {where all the good conversations happen} the kids were talking about Grandma and Grandpa Richards first names. Spencer thought they said Dink Richards. We corrected him but he was still laughing. "I wonder if some kids called him "dink"

- Austin detecting wifi on his kindle as we drive 

- I'm gonna take dance in middle school so I can be a rock star when I grow up. {direct quote from Spencer and after watching his "ice skating" moves at our Winter Olympics I believe it}

- "respect" comes on radio. Lucy: "Oh I love this song!" {like she's heard it before!!} 

Kurt: Greenland is a continent where they all speak English 

Austin: Greenland isn't a continent

Kurt: yes it is.

Austin: maybe it was when you were a kid

- what does the fox say? "I'm a hound dog" {Emma Lynn in a perfect movie quote voice}

- As we were driving to Overton Lucy asked Kurt to turn on lights "a minute." She's picking her nose. And Kurt asked, "Did you find rice in there?" "No! A Booger. And. I. ATE. IT!!"

And my favorite of the week:
Grandpa Waite to Kurt while Grandma and I were admiring the cards she had made, "I'll have grandma send you a card when when you're in the cardiac unit of the hospital."