Break a Leg

January 18-24, 2015

Sunday, 01.18
Good Morning Sunshine! Is she really in there?

We left for Parma 2 ward conference. We sat with Maria Weber and kids {10 kids on either side of us.} Its great to have friends in all the different wards. That is whats enjoyable about a stake calling.

This is what ward conference prep looks like for me.

Skipped Ma and Pa meeting because I couldn't get the kids home from Parma and back to Nyssa in time. Made cookies so we could make visits. My favorite people, my favorite recipe and my favorite thing to do on Sunday afternoon.

Monday 01.19

I began the week by chatting, "Here we go Play Week, Here we go!!" Woot Woot - feel the excitement!

Austin had his own genuine excitement that this book was FINALLY free at the library. 

We carry on the Monday night dinner and FHE with grandparents Romans. We have been on a pizza and salad diet the last 3 weeks. The kids have NOT been complaining and will probably have withdrawals next week when the play is over. All 3 had practice tonight - dress rehearsal - getting pumped up for the big play weekend!

 found this one passed out in grandma's chair {notice the sucker in her hand.}

Tuesday 01.20
After a trying preschool {that seems to be the theme this year} I opened the front door and it looked like it was snowing glitter. It was magical. You can bet that Lucy loved it! I tried unsuccessfully to capture of a picture of it.

Maria, Halle, the girls and I met for lunch at Melissa Corn's house. It was great to get to know her better and have a chance to visit. These two little buddies enjoyed being together. Jane was enthralled with their play kitchen {birthday idea???}

The fog is endless this time of year. Glad Emma Lynn could capture this beauty but really it gets soooo old. I sure love Mr. Sun.

We were lucky enough to go straight home from school {WHOAH!} There was no scouts due to the pack meeting on Thursday. Ruth had been telling me that her tooth had been bleeding at school. So we looked at it. That dang tooth has been dangling by a thread. Time to get serious.

She finally let me wrap some floss around it and with a swift jerk it was out and she was giggling. It did bleed. The other tooth is already there so there isn't a huge gap. This was one of the teeth repaired during her surgery when she was two. Grateful they lasted - the other is also loose....we will see how long it takes me to convince her to get out the floss again. ;)

We car pooled with the Johnson for Spencer and Emma Lynn's LAST play practice before the show this weekend.

Wednesday 01.21

The tooth fairy came!

Ran that morning in Nyssa with my running buddy Maria Weber. Ran 4.5 - grateful for her to push me to get back into shape. The question is - why did I let myself get OUT of shape?!?!!

Jack Frost sure is talented. I love this winter beauty even though I miss the sun.

The best way to do errands is with your best friend. So glad Belle could join us. Lucy's fashion statement is one of my favorites yet. Haha

They asked the cast members to help sell tickets to generate sales and guarantees for the play. Calling, texting and delivering tickets has been project of the week. Luckily not as daunting as GS cookies {which is still going on - are people going to run at the sight of me - she just wants my money!}

Hair trim after school for Spence so he was ready for the play. We left the top alone so he could have a good spike going on. Then to the library. We sure love that place. Austin was very focused on building with the dominoes.

 

Ok let's talk about this little one's hair for a minute. Needs documenting.

It is full on CRA- ZYYY! Look at it! It is that fine baby head and mats up into a mess as she rubs it in her car seat, beloved blankets, etc.... It looks so homeless. AHHHHH!

Austin felt enlighten, "I know how to survive car rides home now." He only has 11 songs on there...but hey the car on the whole was quieter with this solution and I love that he was kind enough to share.

This one was a crabby mess - even face timing dad didn't help - finally she settled down to eat a banana smooshed on my chest. Yummy. Food is always the answer.

Thursday 01.22

Here we go Play DAY, here we go! Spence was sooo confused when he woke up that morning. "Who's birthday is it?!?" Hahaha Just wishing you - Good Luck - today. Break a Leg!

We had a preschool field trip to the Vale Library that morning. Alexis Bodily gave us a tour of the library and I finished off with a story.

 

Check out her stack of books - this girl is serious.

Kaitlin watched the girls at the house while I went to the school to teach Emma's class an Art Lesson. I had a fun time getting this ready. We learned about Yaacov Agam, a famous kinectic artist. Then we started to create our own agamograph. I will come back in a few weeks to help them finish. Love that Emma girl, she's a great kid and leader in class.

Ruth used her tooth fairy money to buy this nails. 

Emma and I used the drive into ART as her mommy date. She picked out some starburst for us to enjoy together as we chatted. One-on-One time is essential. Doing their dates on the date of their birth is working!

It was Spencer's FIRST pine wood derby that night. Ruth, Spence picked up Emma from Art and then the girls got ready in the mother's lounge while Spencer did the weigh in and registration activities. Around 6pm we talked to the man in charge, explained Spence had a play to get to, and he let him run it down the track once. I took some pictures, he gave Braxton instructions to race his car for him and then he was ready to go. Without another thought he walked out the door. Man, I love his easy going attitude. We found out later his car was awarded, "The Best Muscle Car."

We rushed over to get ready for opening night. It was the only night Bill and Cindy could come so Emma was an extra waltz dancer {meaning she didn't say her line} but at least she was in it. Kelli, and family were also there. Amber was at home babysitting the little girls and Austin. After Austin was in bed she went home {since it was still a school night.} The kids did GREAT! It was so fun to watch, and see all their hard work come together. Spence did great with all his lines and it was so fun to watch him on stage. :)

 Ruth the Clam. All the sea creatures sang and danced to "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" 

and the closing number. Ruth knew all the moves.

 "Poor Unfortunate Soul"

 The curtain call was "Who Let the Dogs Out." It was hilarious and the kids LOVED it! 

 When an extra waltz dancer they just had to wear a nice dress. 

Spencer and other eel, Austin

Friday 01.23

We did not get to school on time. We did our very best. The End. After dropping the school kids off {minus Spence} we went to Red Apple to buy some donuts. We dropped off half and the little girls at Angelica's. She was kind enough to watch them during the 2 school performances {10 am and 1 pm} so I could help backstage. So there really wasn't a lot of help needed backstage BUT it was fun to be back there with all the excitement. Those kids were so pumped up.

After the first show was over we ran back to school to get Emma who was saying her lines in the 1 pm show. Angelica also said Jane was sad - she's had a lot of separation issues as of late - so we went and got the little girls. After getting them situated the girls and I sat on the ground in the very back corner of the theater. They both loved it, dancing down the aisles. Jane made it till almost the end, we had to go out the last 10 minutes. Sadly they had gotten started late {the schools didn't arrive on time} and so they had to cut out scenes in order to finish on time {they had to get back for school to end.} Emma's scene was one they cut. She was disappointed. But it was a good lesson in being flexible and luckily she still had TWO more shows to say her lines in.

Beautiful Princess Molly

We went to the school to pick up Austin and Ruth and - most exciting thing of the week - meet up with KURT! He was finally home from his back to back conferences!!! We had a sweet reunion in the school lobby. No joke. I think the secretary might have wiped away a tear. Yes, we're than cheesy.

Welcome home sign by Emma waiting at the house

We dropped Kurt off at work and we went home to unwind, eat dinner and get ready for show #4. Kurt stayed home with Austin and the little while we went to the 7:30 play. He was really ready for some bonding with his kids. In between shows Spence took a shower and tried to get his makeup off. He came out saying "Owww owww." I think he'd been scrubbing at his face too hard!

Ruth unwinding with ballet - this outfit, her black ballet leo and black leggings she wore 3 days and 3 nights straight through the duration of the play weekend. YIKES. She fell asleep on the drive home every night and it was early morning back at it. That bubble bath was very necessary and very relaxing by the end of the play weekend.

Saturday 01.24

Kurt was kind enough to let me sleep in - meaning I left at 7 am for the temple {instead of us both going at
4 am.} It is always beautiful. Kurt continued to help and watch the kids while we in the 2 pm matinee. They met us at Kelli's for dinner before all of us went to the final show at 7:30 pm.

The parents were dragging at this point. But I was amazed how the kids seemed to get more energy with each passing show. It was a mystery to me. The director, Ruthie Carlson was amazing. So great with the kids, so caring and helpful. I'm grateful when my kids get to know and rub shoulders with wonderful people. It was a wonderful play and experience. Proud of these little thespians.

We stayed after to break down set. I stayed until Jane could not last another minute. She was asleep before we were even out of the parking lot. Kurt stayed until they were done with the oldest three. Look at this amazing helium shark balloon they gave Spence for helping.

~~~Romans Reflections~~~
- Jane says THANK YOU WELCOME like its one word
- Ruth, "I need to find a tacky skirt" {khaki}
- Wednesday morning Spence said to me, "The play is tomorrow. Will you pack lots of fruits and veggies in my lunch please?"
- Austin ground beef joke
- I love the creations the older girls make for their little sisters. This Indian head band was created by Ruth.


And while Emma was babysitting she made this for their bedroom door.

- That time Austin DUG into my cream because he was worried about aging