Sunday, September 16, 2018
2018 Week 37
I Kaiton finally started preschool again this week. He has been looking forward to this day pretty much since the end of the last year of preschool. He was a little nervous when I took him into the building on Monday, but his teachers said that he did amazing. He remembered several of the little boys from last year and she said that he had a blast playing with them. I spent the first two days of his school getting some work done at a coffee shop. I was able to start working on my photography blog again (finally!) and I spent a little bit of time trying to learn bookkeeping. Man! I really, really want to learn how to bookkeep so that I can have a way to challenge my brain, but it is tough. I think I've not used that part of my brain for so long that it is a struggle to try to get it up and running again!
I wanted to post a few photos of the kids on their first days of school. Brooklen's school day starts so early, that unfortunately, it was dark and I didn't get the best photo:
Sunday, September 2, 2018
2018 Week 35
Wow! I have been incredibly bad about updating this journal this year. I guess my excuse is that is takes too much time, but really, I know that's a terrible excuse. Also, I feel like when I sit down to write, I am at a loss for words and I just end up recording what we have done recently. Unfortunately, that's not really the direction that I want to go. What I'd rather be recording is significant events, memories, and experiences that I really want to remember. So . . . here I go again trying to recommit to writing in here and to write what I want to remember.
The kids start school again in 2 days. Brooklen starts middle school (6th grade), Hurley will be in 4th grade, Zaya in 2nd, and Kaiton will begin his last year of preschool (YIKES)! We've had a little hiccup at the end of this summer as Zaya, Brooklen, and I were somehow exposed to poison ivy and are desperately trying to get rid of it. Zaya's body is completely covered, while Brooklen and I have a milder case. Interestingly, this is the 2nd time this summer that Zaya and I have had a rash from poison ivy.
Below are a couple of things that I want to keep in here. The first is a talk that Hurley wrote today. We've been trying to have the kids write most of their talks themselves. Brooklen gave one a few weeks ago in primary. He found a story from an old conference talk and retold it and bore is testimony about the lesson it taught. Today, Hurley gave a talk about service.
Hurley's talk:
I can serve God with all my heart, mind, might, and strength.
I can serve with my heart by caring enough about others so that I want to help them.
when you want to help others you’ll do it more often.Then soon it’ll start being constant.
I can serve with my mind by learning to recognize when others need help.
if someone is lonely take that chance to serve others and the Lord.
I can serve with my might and strength by working hard to help others. A couple of years ago me and my family shoveled my neighbors driveway because they were at the hospital with a sick kid. All acts that show kindness no matter how big or small wil,l ALWAYS make you feel good.and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
As Brooklen has been preparing to enter middle school, I have felt the desire to share so many bits of wisdom that I have learned with him. Tonight, I compiled a lot of it into a list that I'm going to give him tomorrow:
1.You will experience joy from new friendships and sadness from ending friendships. If a group of kids don’t make you feel loved or don’t respect who your are, they aren’t worth it. Throughout your lifetime, friends will come and go. People are brought into your life to teach valuable lessons and no matter how hard the lesson was, be thankful. You will be wiser for it.
2. Be brave, be a leader. Pave your own path and be proud of who you are. It’s okay to be different. Everyone is trying hard to be cool. It’s more important to be you and not sacrifice who you are and what you believe in to fit in.
3. Be confident! It’s not cocky to embrace your strengths (and you have a lot of them)!
4. Brush your teeth, wear deodorant, and wash your face in the morning and at night. Also, it’s not a bad idea to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day.
5. Looking people in the eyes will get easier with practice. So . . . practice, practice, practice.
6. Always pat a teammate on the back when they put their chin down.
7. Chew with your mouth closed.
8. Hold doors. Say please and thank you. Try using “you’re welcome” instead of “no problem” because serving others isn’t a chore. Develop a firm handshake but not too firm and certainly not limp.
9. Pray. Read your scriptures. Trust me; so many blessings will come to you if you continually strengthen your testimony.
10. It’s normal to feel like you’re the only one feeling awkward (you’re not).
11. Always choose kindness. ALWAYS! When you see someone who is alone, don’t assume someone else is going to come and be a friend to them. Go be a friend to them first.
12. Talk to your parents. We are always your safe place to land. We love you more than everything and we want you to be happy. We’ve also been through this all before so sometimes our wisdom is probably worth listening to.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
2018 Week 19
Today was Mother's Day. Mother's Day is always such a good reminder to me of how special and wonderful my kids are. They love celebrating me on this day and they are always so excited to give me their sweet gifts. They are also getting old enough that the words that they write in their cards are thoughtful and meaningful and super heartfelt. I can't express how much I love my family. Each of my children are such a gift. They each have their own personality and talents and I hope that I can help them feel that they are special for who they are.
My goal right now is to be less cynical and less critical and to instead try to see the good in people and in situations. I don't think that this will be an easy shift, but I'm hoping that the challenge will be worth it.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
2018 Week 17
This week I really need to post some photos that I recently took of the girls. Since it takes me a really long time to post the photos, I don't have much time to write. I did, however, want to record a few things about Kaiton. He is at such a fun age. He is impressionable and so, so smart. A couple of days ago, he randomly told me that he had figured out how to spell "octopus." It's "O-D-P," he said. Wow! I was super impressed by his thought process on that and that he would even think to try to figure that out ("OCT-DO-PUS").
Kait is also super thoughtful about the things he learns at church. He asks a ton of questions about the resurrection, about Jesus, and about Holy Ghost. Today at church, he saw the picture of Christ where he is surrounded by angels. He asked,"who is that?" I told him it was Jesus and he was very confused. "Why is he old," he asked. I tried to explain that Jesus was an adult when he died, but it was very confusing to him. He will probably be asking about it for the next week.
On another note, Hurley had her gymnastics state meet on Friday. She was super nervous and grumpy about it before. But, in the eleventh hour, at her very last practice, she finally got her kips with straight arms, and she was rock solid her entire meet. She medaled in beam, floor, and took 8th in the all-around. Even more exciting, she got pr's on bars and vault for the year and an all-time pr in the all-around. I was most proud of her for being brave. Seriously, it makes my heart swell to see her out there conquering her fears!
And a few of Zaya:
And a couple more of Hurley:
Kait is also super thoughtful about the things he learns at church. He asks a ton of questions about the resurrection, about Jesus, and about Holy Ghost. Today at church, he saw the picture of Christ where he is surrounded by angels. He asked,"who is that?" I told him it was Jesus and he was very confused. "Why is he old," he asked. I tried to explain that Jesus was an adult when he died, but it was very confusing to him. He will probably be asking about it for the next week.
On another note, Hurley had her gymnastics state meet on Friday. She was super nervous and grumpy about it before. But, in the eleventh hour, at her very last practice, she finally got her kips with straight arms, and she was rock solid her entire meet. She medaled in beam, floor, and took 8th in the all-around. Even more exciting, she got pr's on bars and vault for the year and an all-time pr in the all-around. I was most proud of her for being brave. Seriously, it makes my heart swell to see her out there conquering her fears!
And a few of Zaya:
2018 Week 14
This past week was Spring Break. We decided to take a break from the freezing Michigan weather and let my parents fly us out to Arizona. Of course it did snow in Midland the entire time we were gone, so that made the 90 degree Arizona extra great.
We flew in on Saturday night. We headed to In N Out on the way home and then colored Easter eggs back at my parents house.
On Sunday it was a triple holiday: April Fools, Easter, and General Conference Sunday. The kids had an awesome time with their cousins. They did an Easter Egg hunt (they all made a ton of money from it and it had a twist . . . 5 of the eggs had horse poop in them . . . April Fools!), made Perler bead crafts, and constructed some cool rockets. After conference, we had an April Fools snack (rice crispy chicken nuggets and pound cake fries) and a nice Easter dinner. It was a really good day with family.
On Monday, I can't remember what we did, but I know it was fun!!For FHE, we took the horses to a big park and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs while we rode horses. My dad even talked me into riding one! My dad is planning to sell all of his horses this next year, and so it was pretty bittersweet for all of us having all of the kids ride them one last time.
On Tuesday night, Kenzie, Jami and I went to Last Chance. My mom watched the little kids and the big boys all went to a Diamondbacks game. Brooklen, Rob, and my Dad had gotten to the ballpark really early to watch warmups and Brooklen got chosen to go out on the field during the game and do a timed race to second base and back. It was so exciting! He won a 25 dollar Frys gift card (he sold it to Ethan) and got such a great opportunity. The only qualification was that they told him that he had to take his Tigers hat off (haha).
On Wednesday, we hiked the wind caves. Kenzie had her three older kids and we brought all of our kids. It was super hot outside, but all of the kids did great. Kaiton and Cooley hiked the entire time by themselves. In the afternoon, the kids swam in the pool and then we went to Backyard Taco and Bahama Bucks for dinner.
On Thursday morning, Rob and I took Brooklen, Kaiton, Jayden, and Parker to TopGolf. It was so much fun! Brooklen even beat Rob on the second game! My mom took the girls to get manicures and pedicures . . . they felt so grown up! In the afternoon, we went to KTR, and action sport center. The kids loved tumbling, jumping, climbing, and slack-lining. At night, we dinner outside and the kids all played.
On Friday, we went with Kenzie's family to see the Greatest Showman at the dollar theater. At night, we all met up at Mod Pizza to eat and then went out for frozen yogurt after. We flew out Saturday morning. What a fun trip! It's hard for the kids to come back to real life after having so much fun with family all week. I'm so grateful that my parents were willing to fly us out for Spring Break.
We flew in on Saturday night. We headed to In N Out on the way home and then colored Easter eggs back at my parents house.
On Sunday it was a triple holiday: April Fools, Easter, and General Conference Sunday. The kids had an awesome time with their cousins. They did an Easter Egg hunt (they all made a ton of money from it and it had a twist . . . 5 of the eggs had horse poop in them . . . April Fools!), made Perler bead crafts, and constructed some cool rockets. After conference, we had an April Fools snack (rice crispy chicken nuggets and pound cake fries) and a nice Easter dinner. It was a really good day with family.
On Monday, I can't remember what we did, but I know it was fun!!For FHE, we took the horses to a big park and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs while we rode horses. My dad even talked me into riding one! My dad is planning to sell all of his horses this next year, and so it was pretty bittersweet for all of us having all of the kids ride them one last time.
On Tuesday night, Kenzie, Jami and I went to Last Chance. My mom watched the little kids and the big boys all went to a Diamondbacks game. Brooklen, Rob, and my Dad had gotten to the ballpark really early to watch warmups and Brooklen got chosen to go out on the field during the game and do a timed race to second base and back. It was so exciting! He won a 25 dollar Frys gift card (he sold it to Ethan) and got such a great opportunity. The only qualification was that they told him that he had to take his Tigers hat off (haha).
On Wednesday, we hiked the wind caves. Kenzie had her three older kids and we brought all of our kids. It was super hot outside, but all of the kids did great. Kaiton and Cooley hiked the entire time by themselves. In the afternoon, the kids swam in the pool and then we went to Backyard Taco and Bahama Bucks for dinner.
On Thursday morning, Rob and I took Brooklen, Kaiton, Jayden, and Parker to TopGolf. It was so much fun! Brooklen even beat Rob on the second game! My mom took the girls to get manicures and pedicures . . . they felt so grown up! In the afternoon, we went to KTR, and action sport center. The kids loved tumbling, jumping, climbing, and slack-lining. At night, we dinner outside and the kids all played.
On Friday, we went with Kenzie's family to see the Greatest Showman at the dollar theater. At night, we all met up at Mod Pizza to eat and then went out for frozen yogurt after. We flew out Saturday morning. What a fun trip! It's hard for the kids to come back to real life after having so much fun with family all week. I'm so grateful that my parents were willing to fly us out for Spring Break.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
2018 Week 12
We are finally creeping out of winter here in Michigan. It feels so good to have some warmer days so that I can get outside and take a nice walk with Kaiton. It sounds weird saying it, but the warmer weather totally changes my mood.
Brooklen just started baseball. He is on a team with Ethan Menzies, so I think he is very happy. Of course, I'm happy too because I get to watch games with his mom, Melissa! He is doing really well in school. I can't believe he is going to be in middle school next year! I think he's pretty nervous about that change, and I can't blame him. He's such a good boy; he tries to always do the right thing. I hope that he can be a positive influence for his friends and steer clear of bad influences.
Hurley is doing so much better with her anxiety. I feel so grateful that we have been able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm hoping to help her manage her stress level and prepare to combat the anxiety this summer when she starts a new level in gymnastics. I think we need to just make sure she gets plenty of rest, has a lot free time, and manages her own expectations. I'm constantly amazed my how introspective she is; she is definitely a writer. I found all sorts of affirmations around her room that she writes for herself. I'm glad that she is able to use writing as an outlet to keep herself positive.
Zaya is a spitfire. She's been playing basketball for the last month. She doesn't exactly love it, but I can see how much she has learned. She is so much smaller than the other girls, but I am super proud of both the girls for going out there and working on a new skill. Recently, we tackled a new project at home. We picked out fabric at Joanns and I helped each of them sew a pair of pajama pants. It was definitely was hard for me, considering I am a control freak, but I'm so glad I took the time to do it. The kids are all so proud of their pjs and are excited to wear them. I definitely need to do projects like this with my kids more often.
Kaiton has been doing awesome at school. He is incredibly smart and he just loves to learn. He is a very talented and capable little boy. I'm trying hard to get him involved in sports. He definitely pushes back a little with things that he is scared of, but I think if we push him through the fear, he will really enjoy things like riding a bike and ice skating. He has been working really hard in speech therapy and physical therapy. The physical therapist told me last week that she can't even qualify him anymore because he has made so much progress.
Brooklen just started baseball. He is on a team with Ethan Menzies, so I think he is very happy. Of course, I'm happy too because I get to watch games with his mom, Melissa! He is doing really well in school. I can't believe he is going to be in middle school next year! I think he's pretty nervous about that change, and I can't blame him. He's such a good boy; he tries to always do the right thing. I hope that he can be a positive influence for his friends and steer clear of bad influences.
Hurley is doing so much better with her anxiety. I feel so grateful that we have been able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm hoping to help her manage her stress level and prepare to combat the anxiety this summer when she starts a new level in gymnastics. I think we need to just make sure she gets plenty of rest, has a lot free time, and manages her own expectations. I'm constantly amazed my how introspective she is; she is definitely a writer. I found all sorts of affirmations around her room that she writes for herself. I'm glad that she is able to use writing as an outlet to keep herself positive.
Zaya is a spitfire. She's been playing basketball for the last month. She doesn't exactly love it, but I can see how much she has learned. She is so much smaller than the other girls, but I am super proud of both the girls for going out there and working on a new skill. Recently, we tackled a new project at home. We picked out fabric at Joanns and I helped each of them sew a pair of pajama pants. It was definitely was hard for me, considering I am a control freak, but I'm so glad I took the time to do it. The kids are all so proud of their pjs and are excited to wear them. I definitely need to do projects like this with my kids more often.
Kaiton has been doing awesome at school. He is incredibly smart and he just loves to learn. He is a very talented and capable little boy. I'm trying hard to get him involved in sports. He definitely pushes back a little with things that he is scared of, but I think if we push him through the fear, he will really enjoy things like riding a bike and ice skating. He has been working really hard in speech therapy and physical therapy. The physical therapist told me last week that she can't even qualify him anymore because he has made so much progress.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
2018 Week 9
This week was another busy week here at our house. I've really been a slacker lately with this blog, and I'm feeling really guilty about it right now. The kids received their report cards a couple of weeks ago and once again, they made us so proud. They are so kind and respectful at school and teachers always really appreciate that. Mrs. Hill, Brooklen's teacher has mentioned that he always does the right thing and that she appreciates that she can always count on him. Mrs. Peavey, Hurley's teacher told us that she is a "model student." She is kind and hard-working, and most importantly, very humble. And Zaya, makes me so proud at school because she is so good at including those kids that need friends. Her peers really like her because she is so kind and positive. I also had a parent-teacher conference for Kaiton. His teacher noted that he is one of the happiest kids she has ever known. He loves school and he really is such a sweet, happy boy.
On Friday, I had to take Kaiton to University of Michigan for an appointment with an endocrinologist. He was referred over there by Dr. Juarbe because he has fallen off of the growth chart. They ran some blood tests and did an x-ray of his hand. Kait was such a trooper throughout the day and I was really impressed with how efficient U of M is. I don't have the results of the tests back yet, but I'm hoping that either we get some answers or he starts growing. He only gained a pound and a half from 3 to 4 years, so the doctors seem a bit concerned.
Yesterday, Zaya had a basketball game and Brooklen had a hockey game. Rob took them to their sporting events while I took Hurley down to Detroit for a gymnastics meet. Her meet was supposed to be today (Sunday), but her coach called and asked if she could compete on Saturday with the older girls instead. She didn't get medals, but she was able to still receive the scores for feedback. I am so grateful for kind, understanding people that respect our beliefs and do their best to help our kids be able to still participate without compromising their values. Hurley got the best vault, bar, and all-around scores she has gotten this season. She has made so much improvement over that last few months. I am so proud of her!
On Friday, I had to take Kaiton to University of Michigan for an appointment with an endocrinologist. He was referred over there by Dr. Juarbe because he has fallen off of the growth chart. They ran some blood tests and did an x-ray of his hand. Kait was such a trooper throughout the day and I was really impressed with how efficient U of M is. I don't have the results of the tests back yet, but I'm hoping that either we get some answers or he starts growing. He only gained a pound and a half from 3 to 4 years, so the doctors seem a bit concerned.
Yesterday, Zaya had a basketball game and Brooklen had a hockey game. Rob took them to their sporting events while I took Hurley down to Detroit for a gymnastics meet. Her meet was supposed to be today (Sunday), but her coach called and asked if she could compete on Saturday with the older girls instead. She didn't get medals, but she was able to still receive the scores for feedback. I am so grateful for kind, understanding people that respect our beliefs and do their best to help our kids be able to still participate without compromising their values. Hurley got the best vault, bar, and all-around scores she has gotten this season. She has made so much improvement over that last few months. I am so proud of her!
Sunday, January 28, 2018
2018 Week 4
Cation turned 4 earlier this month. I have been quite a slacker about my birthday posts, but I wanted to make sure that I got one in for him.
Dear Kait,
Oh boy, it's bittersweet sitting here writing you a letter for your 4th birthday. On one hand, I am so excited and proud to record what a happy, smart, and sweet 4 year-old you are. On the other hand, it's hard to admit that you just might be the last 4 year old I ever have. Boy do I love this age. You are bright and inquisitive and so, so thoughtful and all of that is reflected in the things you say. You can express yourself so well and it is such a joy to spend my days with you. You are fiercely independent, but you also know that you've got me wrapped around your finger and you use my love for cuddling and affection to your advantage!
At 4, your favorite things to play are puzzles, your Light Bright, blocks, pretend, and catch. You definitely like to be challenged. You have an amazing imagination and you can spend hours with your Paw Patrol or PJ Masks toys creating pretend adventures. Your favorite shows are Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Mickey Mouse, and Mickey and the Roadster Racers.
You have a few church friends: Soleil, Maddy, Benjamin, and Fordan. But . . . your best friend is still your big sister, Zaya. She is so good at giving you attention and you recognize that and idolize her. You just started Sunbeams at church. You were so ready and excited.
Your favorite days of the week are the ones that you get to go to preschool. You love to learn and to sing songs and do crafts and projects. For Christmas, you got a pair of scissors and an activity book and you've been cutting away ever since and improving your scissor skills. You can count to 20, sound out works with Mom's help, and do 48 piece puzzles all by yourself. You know the days of the week in order and you can write your name.
You've been LOVING skiing this year. You are so good at it! Last week, I went down some runs with you and you zoomed past me and laughed as you passed me up. I finally made it to the bottom and you made sure I knew that you are better than me. You are pretty good at playing catch, you can rollerblade, ice skate, and you can ride a bike without training wheels. You can also buckle your carseat and get yourself dressed. Your favorite part of the day is bath time, but you don't enjoy washing your hair.
Your favorite foods are . . . EVERYTHING. You are a big eater; we can't figure out where you put all the food you consume! You love berries, tomatoes, peppers, and sweets. Pasta and burgers are also favorites. For lunch you like peanut butter and jam, or a meat and cheese sandwich.
Kaity-bear, I love you more than I could ever express here in this post. You are such a sweet boy; I know that you are going to great and important things in your life. I look forward to seeing all of the amazing things you are going to do.
Love forever,
Your Mom
Dear Kait,
Oh boy, it's bittersweet sitting here writing you a letter for your 4th birthday. On one hand, I am so excited and proud to record what a happy, smart, and sweet 4 year-old you are. On the other hand, it's hard to admit that you just might be the last 4 year old I ever have. Boy do I love this age. You are bright and inquisitive and so, so thoughtful and all of that is reflected in the things you say. You can express yourself so well and it is such a joy to spend my days with you. You are fiercely independent, but you also know that you've got me wrapped around your finger and you use my love for cuddling and affection to your advantage!
At 4, your favorite things to play are puzzles, your Light Bright, blocks, pretend, and catch. You definitely like to be challenged. You have an amazing imagination and you can spend hours with your Paw Patrol or PJ Masks toys creating pretend adventures. Your favorite shows are Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Mickey Mouse, and Mickey and the Roadster Racers.
You have a few church friends: Soleil, Maddy, Benjamin, and Fordan. But . . . your best friend is still your big sister, Zaya. She is so good at giving you attention and you recognize that and idolize her. You just started Sunbeams at church. You were so ready and excited.
Your favorite days of the week are the ones that you get to go to preschool. You love to learn and to sing songs and do crafts and projects. For Christmas, you got a pair of scissors and an activity book and you've been cutting away ever since and improving your scissor skills. You can count to 20, sound out works with Mom's help, and do 48 piece puzzles all by yourself. You know the days of the week in order and you can write your name.
You've been LOVING skiing this year. You are so good at it! Last week, I went down some runs with you and you zoomed past me and laughed as you passed me up. I finally made it to the bottom and you made sure I knew that you are better than me. You are pretty good at playing catch, you can rollerblade, ice skate, and you can ride a bike without training wheels. You can also buckle your carseat and get yourself dressed. Your favorite part of the day is bath time, but you don't enjoy washing your hair.
Your favorite foods are . . . EVERYTHING. You are a big eater; we can't figure out where you put all the food you consume! You love berries, tomatoes, peppers, and sweets. Pasta and burgers are also favorites. For lunch you like peanut butter and jam, or a meat and cheese sandwich.
Kaity-bear, I love you more than I could ever express here in this post. You are such a sweet boy; I know that you are going to great and important things in your life. I look forward to seeing all of the amazing things you are going to do.
Love forever,
Your Mom
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