w39 Tripin

September 23-28, 2013


Hi. My name is Rachel and I'm addicted to driving. Everyday is a trip around here.

I took the Cadette's for a TRIP to the Apple Orchard on Monday {we are working on our TREE badge.} Christy was kind enough to watch Lucy for me. I strapped Jane to me and away we went pickin through the trees. They had a great time doing this. I am really excited about this group and feel like we can do good things.

The field trip took longer than planned so we didn't make it back to Vale for Ruth's clogging. But we did have a less rushed dinner/FHE/bedtime.

Tuesday I took a TRIP to the school to start my volunteering routine. After Lucy's gymnastic's class {which is continues to love & anticipate. She came out for drink a lot so I think we'd better bring her a water bottle next week.} I take her to Nancy's {piano teacher} and then Jane and I go to the school. It will be interesting to see if this arrangement will work. Lucy did great but Jane is not an easy-going baby so we will have to see...I was able to volunteer in Ruth's class and that was fun. Senora Brito told me that Ruth is repeating EVERYTHING she says. Whether she is talking to the class, just Ruth or even another student. Sounds a bit annoying to me but she was celebrating the fact. It correlates with all Spanish she is constantly saying at home too. Man I need to learn Spanish too!!

For Cub Scout that after noon we took the boys to a TRIP to visit a Historical Sight, Keeney Pass. So I have driven past this probably 500 times since moving to Vale 7 years ago but I didn't even realize what it was OR how cool it is until now. It is a site from the Oregon Trail and you can still see the imprint of the wagon train. SO cool! Our hike was pretty short lived as the weather turned quickly.  We have almost instantly gone to fall. 96 one day and 57 the next. It has been a cold, wet week. We will definitely have to take another TRIP out to Keeney Pass to do some more exploring.

Wednesday we were TRIPPIN with all our activities. ;) I really enjoy my time with Ruth at the library during piano lessons. We just got to get the 2 little girls trained. If Lucy isn't screaming {with excited enthusiasm but still not library approved} Jane is crying {which receives more understanding because of her age but still not appropriate.} Maybe one day...

The new location of the gymnastic is across from a park. It was freezing so Jane and I watched as the others play on the playground and chased geese. Its fun to watch. And hopefully we're never too old for the playground.

Thursday the suburban took a TRIP on Kurt's trailer. As we pulled into Nyssa for Ruth's ballet class the car started clunking and shuttering extremely LOUD. I wasn't sure if we were going to make it the 5 blocks to the studio. We did. Ruth ran into class and I immediately called Kurt. He came to my rescue complete with a flat bed trailer. Thanks to Marti for rescuing Austin who was at home waiting for Kurt to come home {but he changed directions immediately after getting my call and we had no way to contact Austin. And NO he does NOT need a cell phone. Although in the past week he has asked for both a cell phone and iPod. At least he asked on different days. Still not happening.} When we got home he took it into the shop and figure out the problem. There was a big rock in the tire shaft. Easy fix and I got my oil changed too.

Friday we took a TRIP to the school to celebrate Emma's birthday with her class {and other September birthdays.} 

The little girls and I also had lunch with Kerri. It was great to reconnect with her. Our plan is to make that a weekly date. That night Kurt and Austin left for West Fall with big plans to go hunting the next day. They didn't get anything but have heard great reports on how beautiful it was, "West Fall CAN be beautiful honey."

                                   

Saturday we decorated for Halloween along with some other chores. In the past I've had a very slacker attitude about decorating for holidays {except Christmas.} But I read about a mom and daughter who have made it a tradition to decorate together because its something they enjoy. That really hit me. I have a lot of daughters that enjoy that kind of thing and its something we can do together so I decided to make it more of a priority. Emma made door hangers for each bedroom in the house. When we were finished Emma exclaimed, "This is going to be the  best Halloween ever because we have decorations!" Ok. Mission accomplished. 

Kerri came to my rescue that afternoon because Kurt and Austin were still gone {and with no cell service} and I needed to get to the General Relief Society broadcast followed by cotillion and stake dance. I really appreciate her help! 

I had to stand with Jane the entire time but I was still able to catch the message and feel the spirit. I loved the theme of being covenant keeping women. And I love our prophet President Monson. He is a man of God. The dances were good, it just felt like a long night. 

Jane had a hard week. She is still thrush free {thank you!} and I have come to terms that she is a fussy baby. I have been blessed with 5 easy babies so I guess my turn is up. Gratefully I know it won't last forever. She is a fabulous sleeper so I am not complaining. She slept through the night twice this week! And I have the bonus of many hands to help. 

Sometimes the swing helps.

                                           

By Thursday she was weened. It has been an interesting journey. I was starting to get thrush again last week so I really backed off the nursing. I could tell my milk supply was decreased this week when we were nursing and it was very frustrating to her. And so I called it. It makes me a bit sad honestly especially when I think about all that we endured. It is what it is and I can truthfully say we gave it our best effort. What a TRIP it has been. ;)

~~~Romans Reflections~~~~
- Lucy talking to herself: "Man its noisy. noisy, so noisy. who's noisy? ME. I'm so noisy!"
- Jane doesn't just have the typically back of your head bald spot but has managed to rub it off all the way around. Sporting a great Mohawk now.

- Lucy looks at me, "You are not a monster! You are my mom."

- While volunteering in Ruth's class I overheard the following conversation, Samuel said to Talin, "Do you want to marry Ruth?"
- Loving Austin's self motivated piano interest.
- Ruth took all 12 of her stuff animals that she sleeps with to show and teach {o.k. only 4}
- Emma Lynn and Ruth practicing ballet moves and stretches on the window sill.
- Lucy told me,  "I'm so sure it's not fair"

- Kurt was helping his parents move more of their stuff and came home with a treasure. It was a button of him on the High School basketball team. Spencer thought it was pretty cool and this is how I found him that night:

- During Spanish week in 4/5 the teacher picks a "spy" to catch kids who are not speaking Spanish and then they have to do vocab. One of Austin's friends was the spy this week and so he dubbed himself the Language Spy Business Manager and even made a business card.

- Jane has a favorite purple paci. She won't take any other kind or even the same brand that is a different color. SO ridiculous and many minutes have been devoted to finding that silly paci. This week she has mastered the art of self soothing. I am telling myself two things whether they are delusional or not:
1. Its great because I don't have to worry about looking for that silly paci any more.
2. Because its her fingers she won't get attached like a thumb sucker.

It took me 3 days to get this picture.