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.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
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
Sunday, November 19, 2017
2017 Week 45
Tonight we had the Menzies Family over for Cafe Rio salads and our yearly donut making. We only make donuts one time a year and it is one of our favorite family traditions. The homemade donut recipe that I got from Kenzie's mother-in-law is so amazing! The kids enjoyed playing and they ate so many donuts that I'm surprised they aren't all sick to their stomachs.
We spent all day Saturday up in Big Rapids for Brooklen's hockey tournament. They lost both Saturday games, but I always love watching Brooklen play so I was glad that we made the trip to be with him. Last night, Brooklen and Rob also got to go with his team to a Michigan State/Ferris State hockey game.
This week Hurley also had another appointment with her counselor, Laurie. I was very excited to learn that she went back with Laurie alone and that she talked quite a bit with her. In the past, she has had a hard time opening up. I am so happy that she has been making a lot of progress. It is so good to see her smiling again!
We spent all day Saturday up in Big Rapids for Brooklen's hockey tournament. They lost both Saturday games, but I always love watching Brooklen play so I was glad that we made the trip to be with him. Last night, Brooklen and Rob also got to go with his team to a Michigan State/Ferris State hockey game.
This week Hurley also had another appointment with her counselor, Laurie. I was very excited to learn that she went back with Laurie alone and that she talked quite a bit with her. In the past, she has had a hard time opening up. I am so happy that she has been making a lot of progress. It is so good to see her smiling again!
Sunday, November 5, 2017
2017-Week 44
I was asked by the Stake RS presidency to conduct an experiment in my life over the next 4 months that would help me grow closer to Christ. I've thought about this and one thing I want to focus on is becoming more like him. We learned about some Christlike attributes in RS a couple of weeks ago and I've been thinking a lot about them. The last couple of months have been a little darker than normal for me. . . dealing with helping Hurley overcome some anxiety issues, dealing with my own worries about everything, facing a lot of responsibilities, and overall just trying to be a good mom and wife and remain positive, being everyone's cheerleader. As we were learning about Christ's attributes, I wondered if maybe I strove to be a little more like him, and focused on him a little more in my life, if maybe I could bring more light in to my life.
I'm still not completely sure all of the attributes I'm going to study and work on, but I know the first one is going to be faith. My testimony could certainly always be stronger. I know I struggle with doubt in my life. It starts off as doubting my abilities, my thoughts, etc and then sometimes translates in to bigger things.
So, this week I'm going to study faith. I'm going to study faith in Jesus Christ's life and I'm going to read some general authorities comments on faith. To help apply this in my life, I'm going to say more personal prayers. I think if I want the confirmations of truth, I need to try harder to openly converse with my Heavenly Father.
I'm still not completely sure all of the attributes I'm going to study and work on, but I know the first one is going to be faith. My testimony could certainly always be stronger. I know I struggle with doubt in my life. It starts off as doubting my abilities, my thoughts, etc and then sometimes translates in to bigger things.
So, this week I'm going to study faith. I'm going to study faith in Jesus Christ's life and I'm going to read some general authorities comments on faith. To help apply this in my life, I'm going to say more personal prayers. I think if I want the confirmations of truth, I need to try harder to openly converse with my Heavenly Father.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
2017-Week 43
This week Rob was out of town for hunting. I think he had a good time being in the mountains with his Dad, and he shot 2 deer.
Usually my solo week each year is just exhausting mostly because I stay up WAY too late every night. This year, however, it was also difficult because of some struggles with my kids. Hurley had a great week at the gym, but homework and other commitments at home caused her to struggle. She has a terrible time making decisions and even little ones concerning homework and reading the scriptures cause her major anxiety. This week, those two tasks were definitely the stressors for her. I try so hard to constantly be a cheerleader for her. I want to bring her hope and love. But, dealing with anxiety also causes me stress, so eventually, I usually break down and get upset. It was especially hard this week to be the only parent at home because I felt like I neglected my other kids a lot. Brooklen and Zaya are especially patient with Hurley and with us as we try to help her, but sometimes, it becomes too much for them.
This week, I'm going to focus on recognizing positive things in Hurley's life. It will take some energy to overcome the anger and sadness she sometimes feels, but I am hoping that if I continually help her recognize the good in her life, she will be able to somewhat silence the reminders of the not so good struggles she sometimes has.
On Friday, I got to go in and help with Hurley's class party. Friday evening, we had a double movie night!
On Saturday, we went to Leamans Green Apple Barn to play and then we picked Rob up from the airport. Later in the evening, I took Brooklen over to the Leonhardts to perform a campfire program for scouts. I loved watching him help perform the skits.
Usually my solo week each year is just exhausting mostly because I stay up WAY too late every night. This year, however, it was also difficult because of some struggles with my kids. Hurley had a great week at the gym, but homework and other commitments at home caused her to struggle. She has a terrible time making decisions and even little ones concerning homework and reading the scriptures cause her major anxiety. This week, those two tasks were definitely the stressors for her. I try so hard to constantly be a cheerleader for her. I want to bring her hope and love. But, dealing with anxiety also causes me stress, so eventually, I usually break down and get upset. It was especially hard this week to be the only parent at home because I felt like I neglected my other kids a lot. Brooklen and Zaya are especially patient with Hurley and with us as we try to help her, but sometimes, it becomes too much for them.
This week, I'm going to focus on recognizing positive things in Hurley's life. It will take some energy to overcome the anger and sadness she sometimes feels, but I am hoping that if I continually help her recognize the good in her life, she will be able to somewhat silence the reminders of the not so good struggles she sometimes has.
On Friday, I got to go in and help with Hurley's class party. Friday evening, we had a double movie night!
On Saturday, we went to Leamans Green Apple Barn to play and then we picked Rob up from the airport. Later in the evening, I took Brooklen over to the Leonhardts to perform a campfire program for scouts. I loved watching him help perform the skits.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
2017-Week 42
I've really gotten off track this year with this whole journal thing. And . . . as I've said so many times before, I haven't taken near enough pictures this year. I've had a few moments recently where I've panicked knowing that my kids are growing up so fast. What if I can't remember how they sounded and the cute things they said. I already have a terrible, terrible memory, so there is no way I'm going to remember those precious details that I want to never forget. I do take pictures on my iPhone and I think for Christmas, I'm going to ask Rob to print them for me. But . . . that's not enough. I need to do better. I'm going to have to brainstorm some ideas for how I can be more consistent at this.
This week has been an exciting but crazy one. First, Ethan and Jami got married in Arizona. Kaiton and I were able to make a quick trip to Arizona to be with them for the wedding. We left super early (3:30am) Wednesday morning and we took a red-eye back on Thursday night. We got back in to town on Friday morning. While we were gone, Rob's parents came to visit and they just left today. So it's been crazy and hectic, but we've had some good times with family.
Since it's been so long since I've written, I think I'm just going to list some significant events that have happened lately.
1) We've received several comments from teachers, primary instructors, etc about Brooklen and Hurley. They are both such thoughtful, studious kids. I think we are so lucky that our kids strive to make good choices. The primary chorister mentioned to Rob that Brooklen is such an awesome kid. She said that he ALWAYS sings, even if he isn't always on key. Boys his age often care more about what their peers think, so she was grateful he makes good choices anyway. I also randomly got this email from Hurley's teacher this week: "I know that you already know this, but I just wanted to share that Hurley is incredibly bright and I know she will make a positive impact on the world one day."
2) A cute story about Zaya. She came home at the beginning of the school year and told me that she got a new music teacher at school. She said, "MOM! He's the ONLY person I've ever met that sings better than you and I!"
3) Brooklen ran in a district 1-mile Fun Run at school. I was so proud of him for getting out there and running that race.
4) I went with some girlfriends to Mackinaw Island for an 8-mile race around the island. My pace was 9:02, which was not as fast as I had hoped for, but I was pretty happy with it considering I'd never ran that far before. I still don't love running, but I loved proving to myself that I could do it.
5) Hurley started seeing a counselor for her anxiety. I'm sucking up information left and right trying to figure out how to help her learn to manage her anxiety. I have a lot of faith, but there are days when I am frustrated because I can't help the little girl that I love so much.
6) Kaiton is LOVING preschool. Since it is only two days a week, he's been asking me to hold preschool at home for him on the days her doesn't go to Chippewa. He know the schedule at preschool and wants us to follow the same schedule. Last week he said to me, "Mom, I don't even need to go to preschool anymore. I like doing it at home better." I can't get enough of that little boy.
7) I've been volunteering in Zaya's classroom every week. I am so grateful I can do that this year. I love being with her and seeing how she is with her friends.
This week has been an exciting but crazy one. First, Ethan and Jami got married in Arizona. Kaiton and I were able to make a quick trip to Arizona to be with them for the wedding. We left super early (3:30am) Wednesday morning and we took a red-eye back on Thursday night. We got back in to town on Friday morning. While we were gone, Rob's parents came to visit and they just left today. So it's been crazy and hectic, but we've had some good times with family.
Since it's been so long since I've written, I think I'm just going to list some significant events that have happened lately.
1) We've received several comments from teachers, primary instructors, etc about Brooklen and Hurley. They are both such thoughtful, studious kids. I think we are so lucky that our kids strive to make good choices. The primary chorister mentioned to Rob that Brooklen is such an awesome kid. She said that he ALWAYS sings, even if he isn't always on key. Boys his age often care more about what their peers think, so she was grateful he makes good choices anyway. I also randomly got this email from Hurley's teacher this week: "I know that you already know this, but I just wanted to share that Hurley is incredibly bright and I know she will make a positive impact on the world one day."
2) A cute story about Zaya. She came home at the beginning of the school year and told me that she got a new music teacher at school. She said, "MOM! He's the ONLY person I've ever met that sings better than you and I!"
3) Brooklen ran in a district 1-mile Fun Run at school. I was so proud of him for getting out there and running that race.
4) I went with some girlfriends to Mackinaw Island for an 8-mile race around the island. My pace was 9:02, which was not as fast as I had hoped for, but I was pretty happy with it considering I'd never ran that far before. I still don't love running, but I loved proving to myself that I could do it.
5) Hurley started seeing a counselor for her anxiety. I'm sucking up information left and right trying to figure out how to help her learn to manage her anxiety. I have a lot of faith, but there are days when I am frustrated because I can't help the little girl that I love so much.
6) Kaiton is LOVING preschool. Since it is only two days a week, he's been asking me to hold preschool at home for him on the days her doesn't go to Chippewa. He know the schedule at preschool and wants us to follow the same schedule. Last week he said to me, "Mom, I don't even need to go to preschool anymore. I like doing it at home better." I can't get enough of that little boy.
7) I've been volunteering in Zaya's classroom every week. I am so grateful I can do that this year. I love being with her and seeing how she is with her friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)