The holidays are officially here! I am so excited for all of the fun and excitement that we will have over the next month. I am looking forward to all of the traditions that have become near and dear to my children. It is hard not to be happy in the month of December. I love the music, the smells, and the decor of Christmas, but even more than that, I love the emphasis on Christ and serving others. Today, I have been thinking about how I can do a better job as a mother of bringing Christ into Christmas. Here are some of my ideas:
1) I can be more patient with my kids.
2) I can make Christ a stronger part of our daily conversation (dinnertime, before my kids leave for school, bedtime)
3) I can make this discussion more interesting for my kids. I can show them Christ-centered videos, read them Christ-centered books, and do service projects with them.
On Thursday we went to Nicol and Scott Jones's house to celebrate Thanksgiving. Paul and Jenny Larsen came with their family as well and the sister missionaries joined us too. We had a beautiful meal with such good friends. Both Nicol and Jenny set such great examples for me and they are both the most genuine, sincere friends that a girl could ask for. Nicol is actually moving to Texas soon and I am so sad to see her go. Zaya is best friends with her little boy, Jack, and she is also pretty devastated.
We had an amazing dinner. I brought a turkey, stuffing, brussel sprouts, and cranberries. Nicol and Jenny both made amazing, delicious food and for dessert we had like 10 pies! The kids played in the basement and watched a movie while the adults spent hours enjoying great conversation.
On Friday, we ventured out a bit to do some Black Friday shopping. Rob and I hadn't done much of our Christmas shopping, so we really needed to get started. We went to Target, Dunhams, and Kohls. We also let the little kids play at the playplace.
On Saturday, we met the MacFarlanes at the Detroit Temple. They did a session and then we did some sealings. Afterwards, we took our kids to eat at Five Guys and then we went to Birch Run to do some more shopping. We had to hurry home because I had to volunteer at the Civic Arena from 5:30-7:30. We were running late and didn't have time to go home and get the other car, so Rob and the kids dropped me off. Jill and Todd Nyman ended up being at the civic arena for a birthday party that Jake was attending, so they ended up taking me home. At about 9:00pm, I headed to Meijer to do our grocery shopping. The only rough part of the day for me was dealing with some the effects of the winter weather. My scalp has been terribly dry this season and it is driving me CRAZY! I've been trying everything that I can think of to resolve the problem and it is getting worse and worse. By the end of the evening, I was in tears over how painful it was! I've got a few more ideas of things to try this week, so hopefully I'll have some luck!
Today, was a busy day at church. The choir sang, I taught a lesson in young women's and then I had choir practice at the Larsen's home in the afternoon. The choir sang, "For the Beauty of the Earth" today and it sounded gorgeous. I felt so good about the performance and I was really touched by the music. My lesson in Young Women's didn't go so well. I am just not a good public speaker. I think I'm going to use this time in this calling to become more confident and to become a better speaker/teacher.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Week Forty-Six
This week was the first week of my new calling at church. I went to Young Women in Excellence on Wednesday. I didn't do much, because the old leaders had planned the evening, but I watched the program and then we had a meeting afterwards. I'm still not really sure what to expect, but it will be good to start studying the gospel more. I am nervous to work with teenage girls again, but hopefully, I will be directed by the spirit and be able to make some sort of an impact on them.
On Friday night, I got to take Kaiton to his first birthday party. Ava Rogers invited him to her 2nd birthday party at the Community Center. The little kids played in the gym for a couple of hours and then we went to a party room for pizza and root beer floats. Kaiton had so much fun and I think he felt pretty special to get to be out with just me!
Yesterday, Brooklen had a hockey tournament in Gladwin. It was also the first day of snow for us. It started snowing at about 9 in the morning and snowed all day and until late at night. We all woke up early because Brooklen's first game was at 9am. I went in to Zaya's room to get her up and I noticed that she was covered in puke. I'm not sure when she threw up, but it was all over her and her bedding. I got her in the bath and threw her bedding in the washer and quickly assessed the situation. I was worried to drive her to Gladwin, not knowing if she was going to get sick again, because Gladwin was 40 minutes away. So, Rob took off with Brooklen and we decided that I would stay home and see how Zaya did. Brooklen scored a goal in his first game, which I missed, and I was really bummed. I just chilled with the little kids at home and Zaya seemed to be a little sullen, but she didn't throw up. She had a bit of diarrhea, but by 11am, I decided that we could probably go to the rest of his games. We drove through the snowstorm and arrived just in time for his second game. Brooklen's team ended up winning all of their games. He didn't score any other goals, but he played great. I kept the girl's busy with coloring and sticker books and the Gladwin arena had movies playing throughout the day for families. The arena was also attached to the library, so the kids spent some time playing in there. On the way home, Rob and Brooklen stopped at a restaurant for burgers and I drove home in a terrible snowstorm with the 3 younger kids. I was so scared and I actually shed some tears on the way home. After dinner, Rob and Brooklen headed to the Midland Civic Arena. Rob was signed up to volunteer at the Silver Stick Tournament and Brooklen hung out for 2 1/2 hours with his good friend, Ethan Menzies, who was also there with his Dad. Rob said that Brooklen had tons of fun hanging out and watching hockey with Ethan.
Today, we went to church and then the kids came home and played in the snow. This evening, we went over to the Nyman's house to celebrate Todd's 40th birthday with cake and ice cream. We all had a great time. We are very lucky to have such wonderful neighbors.
On Friday night, I got to take Kaiton to his first birthday party. Ava Rogers invited him to her 2nd birthday party at the Community Center. The little kids played in the gym for a couple of hours and then we went to a party room for pizza and root beer floats. Kaiton had so much fun and I think he felt pretty special to get to be out with just me!
Yesterday, Brooklen had a hockey tournament in Gladwin. It was also the first day of snow for us. It started snowing at about 9 in the morning and snowed all day and until late at night. We all woke up early because Brooklen's first game was at 9am. I went in to Zaya's room to get her up and I noticed that she was covered in puke. I'm not sure when she threw up, but it was all over her and her bedding. I got her in the bath and threw her bedding in the washer and quickly assessed the situation. I was worried to drive her to Gladwin, not knowing if she was going to get sick again, because Gladwin was 40 minutes away. So, Rob took off with Brooklen and we decided that I would stay home and see how Zaya did. Brooklen scored a goal in his first game, which I missed, and I was really bummed. I just chilled with the little kids at home and Zaya seemed to be a little sullen, but she didn't throw up. She had a bit of diarrhea, but by 11am, I decided that we could probably go to the rest of his games. We drove through the snowstorm and arrived just in time for his second game. Brooklen's team ended up winning all of their games. He didn't score any other goals, but he played great. I kept the girl's busy with coloring and sticker books and the Gladwin arena had movies playing throughout the day for families. The arena was also attached to the library, so the kids spent some time playing in there. On the way home, Rob and Brooklen stopped at a restaurant for burgers and I drove home in a terrible snowstorm with the 3 younger kids. I was so scared and I actually shed some tears on the way home. After dinner, Rob and Brooklen headed to the Midland Civic Arena. Rob was signed up to volunteer at the Silver Stick Tournament and Brooklen hung out for 2 1/2 hours with his good friend, Ethan Menzies, who was also there with his Dad. Rob said that Brooklen had tons of fun hanging out and watching hockey with Ethan.
Today, we went to church and then the kids came home and played in the snow. This evening, we went over to the Nyman's house to celebrate Todd's 40th birthday with cake and ice cream. We all had a great time. We are very lucky to have such wonderful neighbors.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Week Forty-Five
As I sit here writing on Sunday evening, my mind feels jumbled with thoughts from this past week and a to-do list for the coming week. I think that this entry will highlight just a few important things from the lives of our family from this past week.
Brooklen: Brooklen had another hockey game yesterday. He scored a goal and had two assists. He hustled the entire game and played so well. Playing hockey is turning out to be an excellent boost to his self-confidence. We had parent teacher conferences this week for Brooklen and Hurley. Brooklen's teacher described him as a "social butterfly" and Rob and I's jaws dropped! We are so excited to hear that he is flourishing both academically AND socially this year.
Hurley: Hurley's teacher had only good things to say about her at her parent-teacher conference. She is such a well-behaved girl and her teacher stressed that she is a good leader and that she is very kind to everyone. I am so proud to hear that about Hurley. She is finally getting over her fear of doing front tucks at gymnastics. Yesterday I took all of the kids to open gym and she did them all evening with very little hesitation. Hurley also got to go to her dance class at the cheer gym on Thursday evening.
Zaya: The big highlight of the week for Zaya is that she was invited to a birthday party for her friend, Jaycee, yesterday. She had been so excited all week. When I picked her up, she was beaming. She was having so much fun that she even turned down cake and ice cream so she could continue playing. Zaya also learned about the pilgrims this week at school. She came home this week and told me all about the Mayflower and the Native Americans and Plymouth Rock. It was so cute!
Kaiton: Kaiton is such a big boy now. Yesterday, after Brooklen's hockey game, Kaiton grabbed Brooklen by the hand and pulled him into the hockey store at the arena. He went straight for the the hockey sticks and wouldn't leave. He says so many words now and he is in to everything!!!
Rob: Last night, Rob spent the evening at a Stake Youth activity celebrating the Passover. I'm glad he is able to serve in his calling.
Me: I had a photo session yesterday for the Hills that went really well. I also got released from my callings as choir director and primary pianist. I got called to be the Laurel advisor. I am really nervous to work with the youth again, but I hope it will be a growing experience for me.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Week Forty-Four
On Monday, I dropped Zaya off at school and then my parents were nice enough to take care of Kaiton all morning while I worked in both Brooklen and Hurley's classrooms. I really, really like to show support for the teachers by getting in to the classroom, but I always feel guilty asking others to help by watching my younger kids, so I was so grateful to have my parents here to help. Both of the kids seem to be doing really well in their classes this year.
On Tuesday, the kids had the day off of school and Rob took the day off of work. We started the morning off by going to Chuck E Cheese in Saginaw. The kids played there for 2 hours. By parents bought them tons of tokens and I think even us adults were really in to collecting a lot of tickets. We all had a ton of fun. One of my favorite memories from this trip to Chuck e Cheese is that Zaya had a particularly good time going around to all of the different photo machines and having her picture taken. She came home with 5 or 6 different photos of herself!
After Chuck E Cheese, we went over to a park to eat lunch and play. The weather was 74 degrees and it was such a beautiful day! When the kids were done playing, we stopped by Baynes Cider Mill to get donuts and cider and to play some more. After that, we went home and then later we went to Pizza Sams for dinner and Cherry Berry for dessert. We had a wonderful visit with my parents. I am so glad they came to see us and to spend time with the kids.
On Wednesday morning, my parents left at about 7am. I got the kids off to school and then I took Zaya to school and ran some errands. On Thursday, Zaya had gymnastics and in the afternoon I took pictures for Emma Dodick and her mom and then I taught a piano lesson.
On Friday, I got to volunteer at Zaya's preschool. It is always a bit stressful getting everyone out the door nice and early, but I had a good time seeing Zaya at school and helping out. After school, I brought Jack Jones back to our house and he and Zaya played together.
Yesterday was very busy. Hurley had Mary's Meet, a benefit meet at the gymnastics center. She performed so well! We spent three hours at the gymnastics center and then Rob headed off to Stake Conference meetings. I took the kids home for a snack and then I dropped Hurley off in Freeland for Kaitlin's gymnastic party and then I took Brooklen to hockey. He was excited because he got a hat trick (3 goals) during the practice. Rob came to watch Brooklen and then I left to pick up Hurley. Afterwards, I swung by the church to pick up Brooklen. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up a quick dinner.
On Tuesday, the kids had the day off of school and Rob took the day off of work. We started the morning off by going to Chuck E Cheese in Saginaw. The kids played there for 2 hours. By parents bought them tons of tokens and I think even us adults were really in to collecting a lot of tickets. We all had a ton of fun. One of my favorite memories from this trip to Chuck e Cheese is that Zaya had a particularly good time going around to all of the different photo machines and having her picture taken. She came home with 5 or 6 different photos of herself!
After Chuck E Cheese, we went over to a park to eat lunch and play. The weather was 74 degrees and it was such a beautiful day! When the kids were done playing, we stopped by Baynes Cider Mill to get donuts and cider and to play some more. After that, we went home and then later we went to Pizza Sams for dinner and Cherry Berry for dessert. We had a wonderful visit with my parents. I am so glad they came to see us and to spend time with the kids.
On Wednesday morning, my parents left at about 7am. I got the kids off to school and then I took Zaya to school and ran some errands. On Thursday, Zaya had gymnastics and in the afternoon I took pictures for Emma Dodick and her mom and then I taught a piano lesson.
On Friday, I got to volunteer at Zaya's preschool. It is always a bit stressful getting everyone out the door nice and early, but I had a good time seeing Zaya at school and helping out. After school, I brought Jack Jones back to our house and he and Zaya played together.
Yesterday was very busy. Hurley had Mary's Meet, a benefit meet at the gymnastics center. She performed so well! We spent three hours at the gymnastics center and then Rob headed off to Stake Conference meetings. I took the kids home for a snack and then I dropped Hurley off in Freeland for Kaitlin's gymnastic party and then I took Brooklen to hockey. He was excited because he got a hat trick (3 goals) during the practice. Rob came to watch Brooklen and then I left to pick up Hurley. Afterwards, I swung by the church to pick up Brooklen. We stopped at McDonalds to pick up a quick dinner.
Week Forty-Three
Halloween week. Crazy week!!! Holiday weeks are always particularly crazy around here. This year, I am room mom for both of the kid's classes, but there are 6 room mom's in Brooklen's class, so I helped plan a little of the party and then let the other mom's run it. For Hurley's party, I planned a game and a craft and then I worked in her class for most of the time. I love her teacher, Jackie McGee, and I am so glad I get to work with her again.
On Friday morning, my parents came in to town. After Zaya's preschool party, we met my parents at Panera for lunch. During the afternoon, they watched Zaya and Kaiton for me while I went to Woodcrest for the Halloween Parade and parties. Brooklen dressed up as a RedWings player (and Kaiton did too), Hurley was Ariel, and Zaya wore a unicorn costume. On Friday night, Brooklen had hockey so my dad and Rob took him. After hockey, we all went to Brideport, Michigan to ride the Haunted Train. It was really overpriced, but thankfully, my parents paid and the kids had a lot of fun.
On Saturday morning, we work up early to go to Bay City for Brooklen's first hockey game. He played so awesome during both of his games. He was really aggressive and gave 100% the entire time. I was so proud of him! As an added bonus, he scored a goal at the buzzer! I told him that I would pay him 20 dollars if he scored a goal, and I had to pay up at the end of the games. I am really so proud of him for trying this new sport and I am so in awe of how great he is doing. My kids definitely got their athletic ability from their Dad and not from me:(
Saturday was a rainy day, so Rob's skydiving got cancelled . . . AGAIN! This week was the last week the company was running the jumps, so he will have to wait until next year. We hung around the house for a lot of the afternoon. My parents kept the kids busy. At 2:30, my mom left to take the girls to go see a movie. Brooklen and my dad stayed back and hung out. We ate an early soup and halloweenie dinner and then Rob, my dad, and the kids left to go trick-or-treating. It was raining pretty heavily and I was surprised to see so many trick-or-treaters out. I actually ran out of candy by about 7:15 and had to shut off the lights!!! Oops . . I guess we'll have to buy more candy next year!
Today, we went to church, and then the kids played with my parents for most of the afternoon. Tonight, we had a venison dinner that was SO good and then we made homemade donuts. This is the third year we have made donuts and I think that this year's batch was the best yet.
On Friday morning, my parents came in to town. After Zaya's preschool party, we met my parents at Panera for lunch. During the afternoon, they watched Zaya and Kaiton for me while I went to Woodcrest for the Halloween Parade and parties. Brooklen dressed up as a RedWings player (and Kaiton did too), Hurley was Ariel, and Zaya wore a unicorn costume. On Friday night, Brooklen had hockey so my dad and Rob took him. After hockey, we all went to Brideport, Michigan to ride the Haunted Train. It was really overpriced, but thankfully, my parents paid and the kids had a lot of fun.
On Saturday morning, we work up early to go to Bay City for Brooklen's first hockey game. He played so awesome during both of his games. He was really aggressive and gave 100% the entire time. I was so proud of him! As an added bonus, he scored a goal at the buzzer! I told him that I would pay him 20 dollars if he scored a goal, and I had to pay up at the end of the games. I am really so proud of him for trying this new sport and I am so in awe of how great he is doing. My kids definitely got their athletic ability from their Dad and not from me:(
Saturday was a rainy day, so Rob's skydiving got cancelled . . . AGAIN! This week was the last week the company was running the jumps, so he will have to wait until next year. We hung around the house for a lot of the afternoon. My parents kept the kids busy. At 2:30, my mom left to take the girls to go see a movie. Brooklen and my dad stayed back and hung out. We ate an early soup and halloweenie dinner and then Rob, my dad, and the kids left to go trick-or-treating. It was raining pretty heavily and I was surprised to see so many trick-or-treaters out. I actually ran out of candy by about 7:15 and had to shut off the lights!!! Oops . . I guess we'll have to buy more candy next year!
Today, we went to church, and then the kids played with my parents for most of the afternoon. Tonight, we had a venison dinner that was SO good and then we made homemade donuts. This is the third year we have made donuts and I think that this year's batch was the best yet.
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