Jordan: Preschool Graduation!

It is hard for me to believe that Jordan is done at EMECEC and officially moving to kindergarten at Bush.  He's just been at EMECEC for nearly 2 years... it's part of our routine!  He's so ready for kindergarten though, I know he'll do great!

  Today was preschool graduation day for Jordan and his other buddies.  Sara and James and I went to see him be presented with his graduation certificate.  I wasn't planning to stay all that long, but we ended up hanging out for the entire afternoon.  Sara did centers with Jordan, she made another art project with him, and of course had cookies with the rest of the graduates.  James was funny, he wandered the room the entire time, only stopping to try and color on other people's papers and to eat a cookie.  He had no fear of that place--I REALLY hope that's what he is like in nursery!

I am so proud of Jordan, he has learned so much at EMECEC and I am so glad we put him in this program.  His speech has improved so much.  He is taking his IEP over to Bush with him, but I doubt he is going to need it much longer-there are really only a few sounds he doesn't have yet, and those are the fairly developmental ones.  Sara is going to be taking Jordan's place in afternoon preschool next year-she fit right in with all those older kids in afternoon preschool, even speaking more clearly and more frequently than about half of them. So grateful for these resources that are available to my kids!

Happy graduation day Jordan-you ROCK!

Talent Show!!!

A month ago, Karianna told me she was trying out for the talent show at her school.  I congratulated her and really encouraged her to do it-she sometimes doesn't like performing, and I thought this would be a fantastic boost to her confidence.  I was a bit nervous that she was putting together a dance with a couple of girls at school though-no adult help, a bunch of 3rd graders (half of which dropped out in the first few days)...I was just hoping they would make it to the audition stage.

They did, and despite the drama (they forgot the CD, and Karianna considered dropping out because the leader of the group was suggesting singing while dancing)--they made it into the Talent Show!  I was super proud of her, but still a bit skeptical.  They were trying to figure out costumes, and I wondered if they were actually practicing, and doing a legitimate dance.  I had images of them getting on the stage and doing a smattering of somewhat synchronized steps before just looking at each other like, "what do we do next?"  Have a little faith though Rachel-Karianna assured me they were practicing every recess to the point where some other kids in her class were starting to get mad at her that she wasn't playing with everyone equally....ah, 3rd grade drama!

So tonite was the talent show.  Karianna was dolled up in her outfit, boots, fedora, make-up and all.   We went early to get a good seat and to snap a few pictures.  They were 14th in the lineup, and we patiently waited until their turn.  They got on stage, and I was instantly proud of Karianna: she was standing with her head held high, smile on her face, and completely confident.  Major success already!  And then the dance actually started.  They danced their way through Taylor Swift's "Trouble", which, preteen or not, is actually a catchy tune.  They were fairly synchronized.  The dance moves matched the words.  Karianna had SWAGGER!!!!  She smiled, she mouthed the words, she had attitude, she put emphasis on her moves--I was so IMPRESSED!!!!!!  I couldn't believe this was my little girl, who only a few years ago dissolved in tears in a primary program because she was overcome with stage fright.  She has come so far in her confidence in herself-she even told me afterward she isn't scared anymore of being on the stage-she's "used to it".  I can't say how much it means to hear her say that.

So the entire dance was great.  The rest of the acts in the talent show were great.  I am already looking forward to the next talent show Bush does.  I am such a proud mom tonite-I am just so proud of my kids and all their accomplishments, and their sweet personalities and their talents that just blossom all the time.  The Lord has blessed our family so very much, and I am very grateful for that tonite!

Playing Family

Jordan and Sara have been playing really well together this week.  Their big game is playing "family". They get babies, dress them up, make beds for them, and then pretend to be the mom and dad together.  I caught this little moment of them this afternoon making a bed on the couch.  I overheard Jordan say to Sara, "Good night Rachel, I love you!" and then Sara replied, "Good night Jared, I love you!"  It was just super cute!

Mother Tell Me A Story

Here's our Mother's Day story, short version:

The kids ushered me back to bed Sunday morning after I got up early-as normal- to lay out church clothes and toothbrushes.  I obliged, and they met me in my room 15 minutes later with a lovely mother's day breakfast and flowers from Jared.  It was a lovely start to the day and was super yummy-I love breakfast foods!

We got ready for church and the kids sang with the primary, and a group of mothers.  Their song was beautiful-it was exactly what I had pictured in my head, and the bishop was crying for 10 minutes straight after it.  That's when you know you did it right.

I got to go to Relief Society today and spend the time wrestling James while trying to listen to the message-which I actually really enjoyed!  That boy goes to nursery in 3 weeks, and I love watching his mischievous little eyes try to get away with things.  The lesson was a good one for mother's day, all about families.

We got home and since a mother's job never ends, I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen while the kids ate lunch that Jared made.  The kids gave me their beautiful cards and homemade gifts from church and school-made my entire day right there.  Jared had a beautiful card for me, and I really needed to hear the message that was in it. I love that man so much!

We visited with both Grandmas thereafter.  The kids made them all cards, and I sent them up to the door each holding a flower for Grandma.  I made corsages for both of them for church...I've never attempted that before, and I think they turned out okay.

We went to bed later that night with another mother's day tucked under our belts.  It was a lovely day-not perfect, but what day in the life of a mother is perfect?  I am blessed with beautiful children who amaze and teach me every day.  I am blessed with a husband who loves me more than I think I can understand.  I am blessed with a beautiful mother who has done a fantastic job raising her children and is thus a great example.  I am blessed with women all around me who are likewise wonderful mothers (whether or not they have children) and who nurture the children that our Heavenly Father has entrusted in our care while we are in this mortal life.  It is a unique blessing, calling, and privilege to be part of that army.  Happy Mother's Day to all.

The End.

Chapter Books

JD has been reading Junie B. Jones chapter books for a long time now.  I was surprised he liked them, since the main character is a girl.  I think he just likes how irreverent they can be, and figured that was just fine!  The other day though, he brought home a book I personally don't like, and I THINK I remember telling my 3rd graders long ago that I would never put them in my school or home library.  I think I have to change my mind now.

JD read a Captain Underpants book.  He loved it. He finished the last 6 chapters by flashlight under his blanket so I wouldn't make him put it down. He loved it.  Did I say that already?  I meant it.  How can I deprive him of reading something he loves?  Sigh.  Guess we'll be stuck getting Captain Underpants books this summer.  I am going to introduce him to Magic Tree House books as well though, see if we can get him into that.  A bit more "appropriate".  Oh, too funny.  Jokes about wedgies and toilets.  Wonderful. ;)

Preschool Water Day!

Both Sara and Jordan got to have their preschool Water Day today-which is SUCH a blast at EMECEC, they really go all out to set up 15-18 different water stations that they rotate the kids through.  I went last year for Jordan's to help out, and was planning to this year, except our van was in the shop, so we couldn't go.  But the kids still had a blast and had so much to say about their favorite stations, getting all wet, and eating otter pops.  I didn't get a shot of Jordan before the bus got here a bit early, but Sara sure looks ready to jump around in the water!  James does, too, in the background--too bad he was outta luck!

Karianna Wins!

My company had a contest this week for teacher appreciation week.  Employees had to get their kids to draw what they thought their mom or dad did for Educate Online.  As soon as I read the prompt, I immediately thought of those gifs that float around Facebook, the one about moms has maybe 5 boxes with captions like, "What my husband thinks I do", "What society thinks I do", "What I really do" etc.  I decided to make up a template with 5 boxes all about what teachers do for Educate Online.  I gave it to Karianna, told her to have at it, and then submitted it.  Here's what she drew (and you really have to blow it up to get it).

Lo and behold, Karianna's picture won!  She won the award for "most funny" (which I really think should have been "funniest"). It means I get a 25-dollar amazon gift card, and I had already made a deal with Karianna that she could have 5 dollars from me if she won.  Now that I type that, it does sound kind of cheap...she did do most of the work...but she's happy for it, so we'll go with it!  Yea for Nana!

Friday Funny

Just thought I'd share a "Friday Funny" from my 5:45am session today with a Virginia student.  He's a 7th grader and we were working on a fractions lesson.  He was working on some improper fractions and while assessing prior knowledge, I asked him what type of fraction 7/5 was.  I was expecting him to say "improper fraction" since the numerator is bigger than the denominator.  Instead, this very awesome student told me, "It's a Dolly Parton fraction."  I couldn't fault him--the top is bigger than the bottom in that case as well.  :)  We had a good laugh about it!  

JD in Goin' Buggy!

As is 1st Grade tradition, JD got to perform in the annual performance of Goin' Buggy! He was the first speaker in the entire thing, and we have been working hard at having him speak with both clarity and prosody   He did fantastic-he got a few claps and cheers after his lines that didn't come from our family row, so I figured it must have sounded good to everyone else...of course it sounded good to me, I'm the mom :)  I was super proud of JD, it is so cool to see my kids being so brave and standing in front of others to perform in any way.  He sang all the songs loud and clear, and I kept holding James up to help direct the songs or make funny faces.  I also kept asking James where JD was, and he would point him out every single time.  JD would crack up or smile really big every time he caught one of James' antics!  It was just so cute, I am sad Jared had to miss it, and proud of the other kids who did quite well sitting with me and Grandma.  Great job JD!

Death in Our Home

Since that was a way serious title, let me immediately dispell any worries: it was the death of a plant.

 I went to wake James up from nap yesterday, and when I entered the room, I smelled poop.  I flipped on the light to see dark brown/black stuff all over his pack and play, on his hands, on his face....on his tongue....ew.  I inwardly groaned-I hate cleaning up poop.

Upon closer inspection though, I realized it was not poop (though James was poopy).  It was soil, and littered amongst the soil was the remnants of Karianna's bean plant that had been on her window sill.  Apparently, James pulled aside the curtain, craned his arm around the window sill, and snagged her plant....then tried to eat it. He literally had soil all over his mouth and tongue.  Ew again.

So into the bath he went, the sheets all went to the wash, and I had to be the bearer of bad news to Karianna, who swore to never speak to James again.  That lasted about 3 minutes, for which I am grateful.  I do think we will let Karianna buy a new plant over the weekend, she was really enjoying taking care of hers for the short while it survived the disaster we call James.

On a side note, James sure looked pleased with himself....little stinker!

Predictions Came True

I think it was not even a month ago that I typed about how Jared and I knew our van was on borrowed time, which is why we have been saving up like crazy for a new car.

Predictions come true every now and then.

On Saturday, we were driving down the freeway when all the sudden, the van bucked, lost power for a few seconds and then picked back up, just at a lower speed.  Jared was thankfully right at our exit, so off we went, anticipating the car to die once we came to a full stop.  It didn't, and we luckily made it home.  We stopped the car and smelled burning rubber; the check engine light was on....not good.  Jared did what he could, looked some stuff up, called a few people.  What we think we have on our hands is a transmission problem.  We think when we were on the freeway we lost a gear--whatever that means.  For now, the car still drives, but I can't push it over 45 or over 4000 rpms.  We have an appointment with the mechanic but not until Thursday.  I am trying to drive it as little as possible because Jared is gone all day and night--I don't have much immediate help, especially without a cell phone, if something happens.  When we take the van into the mechanic on Thursday, we really aren't expecting to replace much.  We are not going to pour money into this car when we know we are replacing it soon.  We laughingly regretted putting 60 dollars in the gas tank right before the freeway incident!

What that means is we may be purchasing a new car sooner than we anticipated.

We didn't really want to do that until September-December.  We just may not have much of a choice any longer.  So over the last few days we came up with plan B, which will work just fine and gives us a plan for buying a new car over the summer.  If the van ends up with a transmission problem that will let us drive it-just not on freeways-we will probably max that out so we can wait until the end of summer to make the big purchase.  If it is just a belt that we can replace relatively inexpensively, we will probably do that and stick with Plan A.  If the transmission is shot and the car is really undriveable.....well, we will need help with transportation until Plan B becomes possible at the end of this month.

In the meantime, we'll bide our time until the mechanic appointment on Thursday and just be grateful we have options.

Funny

Just the funny and cute faces of James as of late!

Tempe Splash Park

Our family activity this weekend was heading to the Tempe Splash Park.  We were planning to go to Fountain Hills, but I realized the Tempe one was opening on Saturday, thus we adjusted our plans.  The kids had a blast-the weather was perfect, and the water felt perfect!  Jared wasn't feeling the best, so he stayed put at our table.  I ran around with Sara and James, got into a water fight with Jordan and JD, and played volleyball with Karianna-which all the kids eventually joined in on.  We stopped at McDonald's for ice cream, and when we got home we were greeted by the amazing aroma of the roast beef in the crockpot-which was SO delicious.  We didn't need the car issues that popped up on the way home, but otherwise, it was a great Saturday.

Earlier that morning, in order to let Jared sleep in quite a bit, I took the kids out for ice cream and playtime, and then I took all of them grocery shopping-and we actually had fun doing the latter.  Jared got to sleep until about 12, and then took a 2-hour nap. I think it was a good amount of sleep for someone who had worked 80+ hours during the week.  He had to stay home from church on Sunday because he started running a fever Sat evening/Sun morning, but I went with the other kids and had a blast doing the music in primary-I love my calling so much. We practiced our mother's day song for next week, and it was so emotional, that all the moms couldn't stop crying.  I am so excited to sing the song with the kids next week. This weekend went much better than last, and for that I am very grateful!

When Jared Woke Up....

....this is what he got from the kids.  He slept until 12pm, which he drastically needed, and the boys lost no time in hanging out with him....or standing on his shoulders.  Before I took this picture, Jordan was just calmly watching TV.  Jared was dozing off.  JD looked like he had no clue.  Boys.

Cute Brothers

No reason for this post, except it is super cute!

Flashback to my Birthday

For my birthday in April, I really just wanted to do something with our whole family.  I knew this would be one our last Friday nights together for a while, so I didn't care about gifts or cards, or anything like that-I just wanted to hang out together.  Thus, I had a great birthday!  We went to the kids' school to see their "drive in movie", an awesome showing of Wreck It Ralph on the playground.  Jared was awesome and set us up on the basketball court-a huge improvement over sitting in the thistle-infested grass.  We got to sit next to the cousins as well, and Karianna immediately jetted over to one of her best friend's blanket.  I don't usually buy the kids treats, but decided to do so this year-popcorn and water bottles for everyone and Karianna brought her own money for a snow cone.  I got one too-I can't even remember when I last had a snow cone, but it was AWESOME!  James did great for the first hour, but then had to be walked around the playground, which I happily did.  He seriously walked the whole back half of it so many times.  The kid is not so much walking anymore but running.  He loved to bang on the fence.  It was a beautiful night, and the kids had a blast, as did I.

Jared and I got to go to dinner the next night, thanks to Kristen and Steven, who babysat the kids.  We changed up plans last minute and ended up at Black Angus, where we had one of the best steaks I have EVER had, plus my favorite strawberry lemonade.  It was a great weekend, I felt very loved and blessed.

Graduation

Not from school, just from the table.  Our table only seats 4 (and the chairs are not in the best shape as they are).  Thus we invested a bit of money into a little side table for the kids.  This is James' graduation that was previously mentioned-he no longer sits at the big table where he has easy access to blinds that he easily destroys.  He now sits in a big kid chair at the little table.  He has to use one of our kid lawn chairs that has arms-the other chairs don't and he has slipped off of them a few times.  He loves sitting at the table.  He knows I bring his food over that he is to go straight to his chair, pull it out, and clamber into it.  He looks like such a big little man at this table, and I love that the kids fight over the chance to sit with him!

Dental Stuff

I've been to three dental appointments in the last 2 days!!!!

Thankfully I love the new dentist I am seeing.  I was extremely nervous going in and I am particular about my dentists anyway.  Every single person I encountered in this office put me at ease immediately.  I could easily see myself being friends with most of them.  The dentist herself seemed uber qualified-it was just her "vibe". For such an unfortunate situation, I am feeling so blessed that I found a good office to help me with my teeth.

So turns out there was a filling on the tooth that I cracked, and a cavity had actually formed under the filling.  Long story short, the tooth had a degree of tooth decay, thus requiring both a crown and a root canal.  Not great news, but I was glad to not lose the tooth!  So on Wednesday, the dentist did a pulp debridement, where she took the nerve and the tooth pulp out; she filed the tooth down to a much smaller size, and they made the crown right in the office using some of the coolest technology I have ever seen.  They fit the crown on my tooth temporarily and set me up for the root canal the next day.  I was so nervous that my jaw kept shaking involuntarily-I couldn't stop it.  I got one full shot of lidocaine, but could still feel the work they were doing; the 2nd shot took all the pain away, thankfully.  I watched Sweet Home Alabama while they worked and wore my cool ray bans.  I had some jaw pain that night, which radiated up to my head in the form of a huge headache. Thankfully Tylenol solved that problem pretty quick.

I went to their sister office to see their endodontist for the root canal Thursday morning.  I was super nervous about this because the idea of a root canal freaks me out.  I was surprised at how easily it went!  The endodontist gave me a double shot of lidocaine right off the bat and I felt absolutely nothing thereafter.  I did close my eyes for most of the 45 minutes procedure because the sight of the sharp tools was making my stomach turn.  Once they were done, I headed back to the dentist and they fit the crown permanently on my tooth.  They gave me a full check-up and as I suspected, I need a scaling and planing of my gums on my lower jaw-basically a deep clean, which I have done before because I always have a degree of gingivitis.  Last time I had this done, my whole mouth needed it.  This time around, only 2 spots on my lower jaw needed it-I was super proud of myself that it has gotten better.  I do have a few cavities that need to be filled, so we will take care of the cleaning and the cavities on Tuesday--my fourth dental visit in one week!  Crazy!

So at the end of the day, I am glad this is behind me, and I a glad my mouth is in better shape.  I am not the best at going to the dentist, but I have a huge goal right now to really stay on top of my 6 month checkups and not let being a mother and putting my kids first get in my way of good oral health.  Glad this week is coming to a close!