Sickness hit

September 28 - October 4, 2014

Sunday 9.28

Officially in the hall class at church with Jane. I forget how fun one year olds are at church until they can go to nursery. Had our first trek meet after church. I'm really excited, this is going to be an amazing experience for our stake. Austin will be old enough to participate!!

Monday 9.29

- Austin stayed home from school. - - Left the little girls home with him. -Had breakfast with Angelica at the plaza.

- Meeting at griefs for SRVMT - jazz festival in nov

- ran home to check on kids. 

- took Jane with me to lunch date with Kerri.

- quick nap in the car till GS. 

- learn and video tape GS LAW song

- darla, brogan, and grant over for pizza dinner, FHE of watching GWB Austin slept through the entire thing

Tuesday 9.30

- at midnight sickness hit me 

- Kurt left for fields early early AM

- Austin threw up from coughing so hard on the way to school. Luckily he had extra clothes for PE in his bag. Hung out in the house during preschool 

- ran Austin and Lucy home and grabbed warm layers for me. 

- Spencer scouts and Emma home. 

- then Jane and I took Ruth and spence to soccer games. Both won

- crashed at home 

Wednesday 10.01

- Paul booth passed away

- Kurt took kids to school for me cause still sick. Slept all morning

- made cupcakes for birthdays and visits

- ballet for girls and scouts 

- vale 2 NOE

Thursday 10.02

- preschool went well but lost my voice

- Austin went to practice first time this week and was completely wiped out. Went straight to his bedroom and fell asleep.

- clogging was cancelled so we just had soccer games. Lucy made new best friend with faith since I was too sick to play. Faith is anti little kids so it was very comical. 

- Kurt made visits that night.

Friday 10.03

- no school!!!

- Kurt and I did the 6 AM session (harder to do when you're sick.) plus run parts afterwards

-XC meet In vale but Austin didn't run still too sick. Went to support his teammates. Kurt and boys left for west fall for hunting trip shortly thereafter. 

- I went to help Tammy with the funeral program. Took it to staples to be printed. They knew Paul well and when I was checking out they said there was no charge in honor of Paul's memory. I was so touched and left the store crying overwhelmed by the goodness all around us.

- When I came home Emma had the floor mopped, house picked up and Girls Night ready. I was so grateful for a good and loving daughter that allowed me to serve someone in need. With her prep we were able to jump right in and have a FUN night together. She had a round of "minute to win it" games ready. 

Saturday 10.04

- Ruth is also sick at this point. 

- it was our turn to clean the church so we headed in. Service is a good prep conference activity (minus Lucy falling off the stage.)

- the girls and I carried on our conference traditions and started a new one. We finished "our conference center board." It is an interactive board to follow along with conference. It will be a great addition and investment.

- after the second session I went into the church to practice music for the funeral on Monday. 

- the sisters were suppose to have dinner with us but I decided that was a bad idea with so many of us sick. I bought them a pizza and salad and delivered.

- the boys returned home that night.

---Romans Reflections---

- the sky was dark and cloudy, when is the sky going to wake up?

- I appreciate Ruth's prayers. Her faith is simple and pure. Understanding the needs - rain, our house to sell, health. She has a beautiful spirit.

- can I play with Jesus when I go to heaven?

- the kids were making up acronyms of companies they wanted to work for - Lucy said she works for L. U. C. Y. 

All About Emma Lynn

September 21-September 27, 2014

Sunday was the Primary program. It was perfect. This is the paragraph that you might want to skip over if you get totally annoyed with bragging moms. All of them said their parts perfectly. Including Austin who memorized his long part the morning of {after we had to text Christy to get it!} Ruth smiled the entire time. Awwww her grin just melts my heart. Its the same grin for dance recitals, happy-to-see-you and all performances big or small.  Spencer is a singing super-star. He knows the words and sings out. His face is so serious and with so much contentation. It is amusing. He saw a duet with Trevor Stewart. At one point all the boys in Senior Primary sang the priesthood song. Spencer leaned over to his teacher and said, "They should have asked me to sing with them." haha Emma Lynn and Austin were more serious and less animated but they were reverent and great leaders. Each time my kids said their part or sang a song the spirit testified. It was a beautiful meeting. The Primary leaders were released and I am grateful to them for their service for my kids. Excited for Marti as the new Primary President!

Monday was Emma's TENTH Birthday!! I felt a lot of pressure Sunday night to make sure the decorations looked good for my party planner. ;) She was very pleased when she woke up.

Usually the kids pick out a cereal for their birthday she didn't want to this year and gave a very specific menu request of pancakes, eggs, muffins and smoothies. She opened a new outfit to wear and we got ready for the day.

Kelli was sweet enough to watch the little girls so we could have the day together. As requested she wanted to do "THE TEN CHALLENGE."  It was a random birthday challenge involving the number 10 that I put together for Austin's 10th birthday. She remember and requested.

she completed
#1: Send TEN texts of love and/or gratitude. 
{maybe you were lucky enough to receive one of these texts.}

#2: Pick out gifts under $10 for your siblings in TEN minutes.

#3: Find & take pictures of TEN number TENS around town.
{I realize that only 9 are pictured here but that is what the collage would hold and the tenth ten looks a lot like the other 9.}

#4: At 10:10 take a selfie and do the TEN dance {she made it up the night before in pure excited anticipation of her birthday.}

#5: Put together TEN new outfits. 
She was very excited about this one. She asked for new church clothes for her birthday. She really wanted some long maxi skirts. I wanted to teach her about mixing and matching to make new outfits. She did not get 10 items but things she could make 10 outfits with. We went to Target, Old Navy and Gordmans.

#6: Paint TEN nails. 
We did pedis with bright neon colors. Holding onto summer fun haha

#7: Pick up TEN pieces of garage in a public space.
We went to a gas station. They had plenty to pick up.

#8: Order the TENTH item on the menu.

She chose Sonic for lunch, she really like their Cream Slush drinks {I may have introduced her to them.} But she got lucky, number ten was chicken strips.

#9: Find TEN items to make a craft.
We braved Hobby Lobby - I say braved because I love that store and it requires a lot of self control! She wanted to make a necklace and picked out 10 beads.

#10: Give away TEN flowers.
This was one of my favorites when Austin did the ten challenge so I wanted to bring it back for Emma. We bought a bouquet of Geber Daisies at Costco and then she made a plan of who to give them too. 2 to Kelli for watching the girls, 2 to her Girl Scout leader {both ladies said they were their favorite}, and anonymously left some on her teacher's desk. She had two left at this point. We ran into the secretary who was upset. We gave her the last two along with a hug. I love how the Lord will put you in the right place when your heart is ready to serve.

 She did it! She completed the TEN challenge!!! 

After Girl Scouts we went home for her favorite dinner of taco salad {third birthday in a row}, FHE, presents, cake & ice cream. She loved the face painting book and supplies from Grandma Richards and her new bean bag chair for her room. It was a great day and a great birthday.

This girl is beautiful and a blessing in our lives. I LOVE celebrating her! Happy, Happy Birthday Emma Lynn

The theme this week was friendship. Tuesday we took a field trip to the park {friends play together.} The change in the routine was helpful for most of the kids who have been sad and/or struggling. Lucy was in heaven to spend so much time at the park and the weather was perfect.

 

After school was Activity Days. I. Love. This. Calling. Why have I not had it before??!! haha Seriously grateful. We talked about what Beauty is and what makes them beautiful. The spirit testified as I told them they are beautiful because they are daughter of God. They are eager and willing to listen. I hope their spirit will remember that truth in the years to come that are both life forming and challenging. After the lesson we made crowns, took pictures and gave them mirrors.

Kurt took Ruth to her soccer game. Spencer didn't go because of an injured toe. Spencer told me Monday that he couldn't wear his tennis shoes because his toe hurt. I didn't see it until Tuesday - it looked gross! Kurt said it was an ingrown toenail. 

Wednesday after dropping off the kids to school the little girls and I met Maria Weber in Nyssa {half way} to run together. We put the girls in the jogging stroller and did 4 miles. I don't love the jogging stroller but I am struggling to find time to run while I teach. Maria is a great motivator and kind enough to trade off pushing the girls. I need to find another race to train for.

We took Spence to the DR after school while Emma was in ballet. It was indeed an ingrown toenail and cellulitis. They prescribed an antibiotic plus warm soaks 2x a day for 10 days.

Thursday I had the inspiration to have Lucy help me with one of the boys who has been struggling in preschool. She said the night before that this boy was her friend because he talked to her. I remembered that when he came and handed Lucy a ball and asked her to play with him. I pretty much let her work her magic and that she did. He didn't cry once. His mom was able to leave at the beginning of class. And Lucy is in love. Kurt and I have known for a long time that this girl is going to always keep us on our toes. And after that class all my inclinations are confirmed. She has been talking and singing about her friend non stop. Oh that girl.

Friday after family breakfast we went to Nysa to meet up with Maria Weber. We ran 4 miles while pushing two heavy girls in the jogging stroller. Maria is a good friend and switched off pushing with me. I appreciate her inspiration and friendship. 

We had Marcus and Claire Robins spend the night Friday after Ruth was done with ballet. They are great kids and it was a pleasure to have them! As Emma said, "We should have them over once a month!" The lodge hosted its first sleepover. The boys were out there while the girls were in Emma's room. But it gave them space to craft, create, be silly and have privacy. I really think we are going to like that space. 

Friday evening was the first pack meetng BBQ. We left the oldest kids home with their friends while we went in.

Saturday at 4 we met their grandparents in Nyssa and then Emma and I attended the general women's broadcast. It was a beautiful meeting and a great outpouring of the spirit. I love that the Lord loves us enough to give us modern revelation and a constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Afterwards we had treats with Maria and Ambrie. I had a cotillion and stake dance after that.

Jane's new skill

September 14-20, 2014

It was enjoyable to have my parents at church with us. They have been to Vale enough times that people were happy to see them and there was lots of questions about their mission. After church I finished making the frosting and gathered up the rest of my supplies for Standards Night. We finished setting up {it all turned out amazing!} I love when everyone comes together to make light work for a good cause.

At the same time my parents were giving a fireside in Vale. Kurt, Emma and Ruth attended. I was grateful for other family and friends who attended since I couldn't support them.

Dad took the kids to school for me Monday morning. That was a nice break. The rest of the morning we enjoyed some time not rushing around. Lots of laundry and lots of books.

I picked up the kids from school, dropped off the boys at cross country and then we came home. I asked another leader to teach my Daisy Girl Scouts and we skipped soccer practice so we could go home and spend time with grandma and grandpa. When Kurt came home we had dinner and then a special grandparents FHE. The kids each had filled out a few things about them which they shared and then we did an interview. That was the highlight for me. I love hearing about their childhood and other memories. I think we should ask a few more every time we get together. :)

Sharing the notes I took from the interview:

1. Did you have an allowance? Did you save or spend?

M: no. but after 12 babysitting earning 50 cents an hour

D: monthly chart, with 4 chores, earn one penny for each chore. Always save {even candy from Halloween.}

2. Favorite childhood memory?

M: Friday nights, before Anthony was born they would take the station wagon and go out fishing at Lake Mead. Made their own fire pit and eat. Grandparents would bring roll away bed and sleep on it. 3 kids in sleeping bags in the station wagon

D: one apple tree at grandpa Green’s had the most delish apples and would pick. Basement would fill up with water, put on grandpa water boots and wad down to get a jar of fruit.

3. Favorite Vacation

M: Denmark with Grandpa. Always wanted to see paintings of Carl Bloch

D: Italy, leaning tower of pisa, Venice, Seneca,  {worse: camping in the tetons because it was raining, cold and everyone got sick.}

4. Were your parents strict? What happen when you got in trouble?

M: no restrictions. Elmer felt like it was not appropriate to hit. Reason and talk.

D: Yelled at and then grounded. For a long time.

5. What did you want to be when you grew up?

M: mother, teacher

D:  first thing he can remember is a professional baseball player

6. What were you like growing up?

M: Even as a kid liked things clean and organized. When she was 5 she walked into a friend’s house: “Wow this is a mess!” Because of so many brothers hung out with her mom. Step in and help when her mother was burned in 3^rd grade. It changed her childhood dramatically

D: At school I was joker in kinder and 1^st. Very quiet in junior high, only talk to my friends. Afraid to talk to others. Uncomfortable talking a lot.

7. Did you have chores?

M: house hold chores. Hang all the clothes to dry. The clothes line had to look good, hung in a certain way.
D: morning and night. One milk cow and feed random animals {calves, pigs.}

Kurt and I stayed up making no-sew cape for the preschoolers the next day. That man is my hero. I don't have a truer friend than him.

Preschool was a struggle this week. There are still kids who are struggling to stay in class. 3-4 of them. It is making me question my abilities and my approach. I'm lacking patience for it. Praying it will improve.

My parents spoke to all 3 seminary classes Tuesday while I taught preschool. They addressed mission preparation, random questions about 3rd world countries and why mission go home early. It was a positive experience. I'm grateful for their willingness to jump in and serve when they are here on a vacation. It is a true statement of their characters. I love them.

We skipped scouts after school in order to spend a little time with the grandparents before heading to Ruth and Spencer's soccer games. Kurt was making visits with our High Council so Austin was at home by himself after cross country practice. We had to go early for pictures but gratefully the games were at the same time. The kids both played well. We sat back against the fence, the only spot that provided shade on the field, in between the two fields. Naturally Lucy demands a lot of watching too.

Grandma brought the yellow dress and we took Jane's pictures. That concludes all my girls wearing it.

Wednesday morning my parents got back on the road for California to visit the Richards. We are so grateful they would come and visit. I wish I could have put my life on hold but sadly that's not a reality. Thanks for coming, we love you!!!

When I got out of the car on Wednesday at the school to pick up the kids I hear a hissing from the back left tire. Luckily it wasn't completely flat {yet} so we went straight down to Les Schwabs. We were there for 2 1/2 hours. YIKES. In that time we ate our weight in popcorn and bought a completely new set of tires. And even better - Jane learned to walk!!! We had enough time there for her to master it. Grateful for some fun entertainment to pass the afternoon away. We rushed back to school to pick up Emma from ballet.

Kurt was asked to DJ the Mutual Etiquette Dinner that night. He asked me to come help him. Its a hard job! It gave me a whole new appreciation for our Stake Dance Music leaders.

Preschool continues to be a struggle for kids to stay and me to have patience. Preschool equals no sleep for me. That could be a factor of little patience. It's gonna get better!! Got to be positive :)

Emma started Art again this week. She was a very happy girl. It was a bit of a process to make it happen. In the past years we have had art on Tuesday during Cub Scouts. But since I've started Activity Days and we have moved it to the same time as Cub Scouts that wouldn't work for art. Beth is wonderful and so good to work with us. Meanwhile Emma tells me, "I just have to do art mom. Its the one thing I never want to give up!" So we settled on Thursday. Phew. Glad we could make it work. The other girls weren't able to come and so she had a one-on-one session and got a lot done. That made her happy.

Thursday is our crazy day this year. While Emma and Austin are in Vale with Art and XC practice Spencer does Karate, Ruth Ballet and then we go to Fruitland for Lucy and Ruth's clogging. Rush back to Ontario for soccer games. Phew! Except this week Austin had a meet in Nyssa. Kurt was able to go and support him and then pick up Emma. Austin did well and continues to make process. That's all we ask. It has been a very positive experience. The next meet is in Vale in two weeks. The goal is to not walk.

Dancing during the soccer game

Friday the little girls and I went to Nampa to run errands. We needed supplies for Emma's birthday and food. We also picked up a free table from Melissa Corn for the lodge. I love free. After school Austin went straight to the church to go on a campout. This was the very first one he attended by himself. As 11 year old scouts they are allow to attend one without a parent. And this was it. It caused me a lot of anxiety actually. We continue to have these moments where I'm learning to let go and giving more freedom. It has been the theme of the month. And really I know its just the beginning.
Friday evening we had a BBQ at the Jacobs house. Rusty, and Mick and Sheila, Kathy and kids were also there. It was a great way to get some visiting teaching done for ladies who need a non tradition method. The weather was completely perfect. The kids had a wonderful time and the adults talked until we couldn't see any longer.

 Jane kept dipping her fingers into everyone's food. haha

Saturday morning Kurt and I left the house at 4 am for the temple. When discussing the new school year schedule and trying to find our temple time Kurt suggested this. The kids are old enough to wake up and eat breakfast and do basic chores until we get back. So this was our trial run to see if the plan would work. We did the first session at 6 am and I was able to stay awake! haha Kurt is soooo much more a morning person than I am! Everyone was happy at home, we got back around 9:15 am. We can save money on babysitters AND eating out! Woot Woot! I am over joyed.

That afternoon Kurt's cousin Katie got married at the Willow Creek School. It was a super causal low key event. More like a reunion than anything else but good we could be supportive.

Half way through I ran into town to pick up Austin from his camp out. He had positive things to report and he was still alive so I can breathe again. He had fun whittling this canoe from a stick.

~~~Romans Reflections~~~
- Austin and Emma Lynn obsessed with watching Studio C video clips on YouTube {BYU TV studio.}
- Spencer walked into the kitchen, "If I only had a week to live I'd go to Africa."
- If you say READY Jane will say GO. Super cuteness.

Back to School

August 17-23

All things back to school. Time to start acting like I'm excited for school to start again when really it ties my stomach up in knots and takes away my sleep and peace of mind. Spencer didn't want to go back cause he said he needed more sleep. Ruth was excited and Emma was anxious {new teachers.}

After getting back super late from the relay I was so grateful for 11:30 church. Although sweet young children never really let you sleep in.

Austin caught a praying mantis

Jane found her voice at church and it was a wrestling match with her AND Lucy. She was quite the pill all day actually.

Monday we had the Bair kids over in the morning. That always makes my kids happy.

Tuesday we headed to Boise for our last summer fun before school started. First stop was lunch at subway. I had a couple tell me I had a well behaved beautiful family. And since you never know what you will get when you go out in public it was a great compliment. I was sure to thank the kids!

I had a Groupon for the Boise Aquarium so we headed there next. Everyone was equally thrilled and excited about watching, studying and touching the sea life. We even got to watch a silly but informative puppet show. Lucy ate it up.

Second stop was miniature golf at Wahooz. I also had coupons there so I didn't have to pay for either activity that day. That's always a bonus. It was quite hot and we are probably the golfers with the worse form but for the majority of the time we had fun. We got cool treats at Sonic on the way home.

Kurt flew home from Nebraska that night {arriving home early early Wednesday morning.} Its always so great to have him home again. Wednesday morning we went over to the school for a teacher "Meet and Greet." We loved seeing the completed gym - it is such a beautiful space!

The rest of the day was spent organizing, and scrapbooking the previous school year. That night we had our back to school party! Dinner, Games {back-2-school charades, Guess Who Teacher Style & 20 questions} and finished off with Father's Blessings.

 I let the kids talk me into getting Jarritos for a special dinner treat. Dad taught them all the very cool trick of music making.

Their blessings were beautiful. I am amazed and blessed by a worthy and wonderful priesthood holder. It is a tender and spiritual experience. I am so grateful.

Lucy
- Learn and soak in all that is taught
- Listen, make good choices and be a friend
- Helpful in nursery and at home

Ruth
- Knowledge and happiness with an open mind to learn
- Heavenly Father knows you
- You have the talent to help others feel loved
- Help others to learn and teach them
- Watch for those that need a hug
- You will be protected and safeguarded from the very appearance of evil
- Read your scriptures and reading will come easier

Spencer
- A blessing of strength, comfort and direction
- Proud of you for your decision this far
- Heavenly Father wants to communicate with you, pray to Him
- As you pray listen for answers
- Be friends with everyone
- Be happy, see the good you are going and focus on that
- You are very talented
- Be a missionary NOW - invite others to activities
- Listen to your teachers
- Continue to read well and love reading
- Understand math that it will be easy to you
- Seek out answers and your testimony will be strengthen
- Protection from the evils of the world
- Choose good friends
- Be a leader and always choose the right

Emma Lynn
- Heavenly Father loves you, He knows you
- Understand His love and feel Him beside you
- Make good friends
- WARNING against bad
- Discern evil and WALK away from it
- Do not fear the unknown
- Share your talents and be a leader
- Read your scriptures and gain a personal testimony
- Be a missionary and invite friends to activities

Austin
- You have many talents and much potential
- Know and understand your potential
- Be an example and leader to siblings
- Stay healthy and fit
- Enjoy sports and being fit
- Enjoy things outdoors
- Be happy with chores and find joy in helping and set an example
- Pray to make strengths from weaknesses
- Great grades and find joy in the sucess of grades
- Good friends - open your mouth when things are wrong
- Understand that your body will change
- Prepare to receive the priesthood
- Treat girls with respect and don't let others talk poorly about women
- Be a great example and leader as you act like the Savior
- Pray to Heavenly Father and ACT as He wants you to
- Don't be afraid to walk away

Me
- Your time is precious. Use it wisely when you are with your children.
- Stay close to the spirit so you will know your children's needs.

 A few fun surprises for the breakfast table

Austin's first day of PREP school as a 6th grader. I thought it would be really sad {and I was} and I thought I was would be super emotional {just a little} about this milestone. As I didn't follow him into the school and as I didn't take his picture by his locker or anything else embarrassing like I wanted to do I had this realization - he is ready for this step. Letting go little by little. He has loved every aspect of the prep school and is very excited about all that is new and happening at the school.

Emma Lynn's first day of 4th grade. This is a big change from 2/3 and especially big this year with 2 brand new teachers. We are sooooo glad that Sister Bodily from our ward got the job as the English teacher. That was a huge relief to Emma and even better is that she started in English week with Sister Bodily. Claire, Yamilex and Lupita were all in her class. Happy Girl!

Spencer's first day in 3rd grade.  Unfortunately when I got to his classroom they were already giving instruction so I couldn't interrupt with more photo taking. He also has a new teacher this year for Spanish, Senorita Vazquez. But he also started in English week with our favorite Mrs. White.

Ruth's first day in 1st grade. Mrs. McDowall and Senora Ruiz. I think all the kids are jealous. Love our 1st grade teachers!! {Sna Ruiz has been a long time sub and this is her first year full time 1st. But all my kids have had her subbing and we are excited to have her permanently.} They changed up 1st a little bit by separating the classes so the kids will have to move according to their week. Ruth started upstairs with Spanish and Senora Ruiz.

I love the happy chatter in the car on the drive home the first weeks of school. There is so much sharing and so much excitement. I just haven't figured out how to maintain that all year!! Like all previous years happy, happy reports. We love 4 Rivers!

Caysen Forsberg got into 6th grade and transferred over. We are excited for them to be apart of such a wonderful school. Austin was a great help to Caysen as he transitioned to new surroundings. I'm grateful for good kids.

Friday morning Darylyn came to watch the little girls, Kurt and I dropped the kids off at school and continued on our way to Portland for Lauren's sealing at 2:30 pm. We were able to stop and eat lunch at the Dalles and still pull into the temple just in time. All the family members made it too {even though we had to wait hahaha.} It was a beautiful sealing. Its a grateful heart to see your young women enter the sealing covenants.

We took pictures with the wedding couple and then went back to do the 5 pm session. After getting out we went to visit a member of our ward who was in bad circumstances {his wife dropped him off to visit his daughter then had divorce papers served an hour later.} Finally ate dinner late that night before driving a few hours down the road to find a motel. Saturday morning we drove the rest of the way to La Grande to attend Kurt's cousin, Josh McFetridge's civil wedding. I cannot {nor do I want} explain the stark differences between the two.

~~~Romans Reflections~~~

The book that bribed Austin to cross country! :) :) :)