I wonder why I don't go to the park with the kids anymore. I hardly ever go. I used to go all the time. Life gets busy I guess. During soccer practice we grabbed Allison to play so she wouldn't get in the way of her family moving. Instead of heading home we stopped off at the park because I think it has been missing us.
I love watching these two play and grow together. They are best friends for sure. I am grateful that our kids have the same close relationships that I had with my brothers. I think that's definitely one blessing of having them close.
The primary sang to Noah today. I just love those cartoon posters Sarah made. Jared and the kids stopped by after church. The kids were so excited. I got to sit and talk with Estelle. She is seriously adorable. She loved riding on the bike with Aaron.
Mary and I met up with the aunts and lady cousins for a Hawaiian Hut dinner before the women's conference tonight. We had a great time together. Women's conference was beautiful. I, of course, found President Uchtdorf's to be beautifully inspiring and one I will need to reread often. Mary wrote in her notebook ways she can prepare to attend the temple. I love my Mary.
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All the kids agree that Daddy is so fun to play with. Today after work he played Headbandz with Nicole and Cameron while Noah went to a swim party and Mary played at Annie's. The questions were hilarious and the concept was a little confusing for Cameron. He would look at the picture and then ask, "Is it a....horse?" (He knew because he already saw it). And I got to play with Aaron on our date night for the rest of the evening. We went out to celebrate Jared's birthday. I love his personality.
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Mary got this letter today from a boy in her class. It was so cute I thought it was worth documenting.
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Dark clouds rolled in last night and I went to bed with excitement at the thought of our first good Autumn rain. The smell of the fresh rain and cool breeze made me want to snuggle up at home and lay around in my pajamas all day, but there was a lot of carpooling today---school, preschool, the store, school again, piano, soccer, and a trip to the hospital to visit a friend which left my feet and the bottom of my pants a soggy mess. Cameron got it right and fell asleep on our way home from picking up the cousins to play. I am so glad they came today because then I could be a little bit lazy while they entertained each other. Raindrops on the noses of my little ones are definitely some of my favorite things.
To keep myself on track for Noah's party and the upcoming "birthday season", I bought and tested out these Captain America type shields (pizza pans) I got at the dollar store. We bought duct tape to make a sample and Noah spent the day running around with his siblings and his shield deflecting some small balls I grabbed for his dodge ball party game. I still need to grab some other duct tape rolls, but I think the boys will really love this type of art project. Just a few more invites to deliver and an obstacle course to create and we should be good to go. The best part is that Noah is so excited. I keep reminding myself to keep it simple, a couple games, a few snacks, and a small party favor. So far, so good. Also, I need to remember to give the poor boy a hair cut. Yikes!
I finished these up today and we made some final plans for Noah's Captain America birthday party next week. I also got to catch up on some needed projects like laundry and cleaning out the school and shoe bins. It feels so good to reorganize. I should be organizing a little every day! Isn't that just the key in life...doing everything good a little each day...helping a neighbor, cleaning your bathrooms, studying the scriptures, saving some money, practicing the piano, working out, blogging, and even planning parties...by small and simple things great things are brought to pass. That, and some classes on how to let go of my hoarding behavior would do me good. This is why I earned the name in high school as Miss List...always making a list of my daily to-do's.
It was my favorite Sunday of the year today. The kids performed in their primary program. It was beautiful. The front of the chapel was full of the most beautiful angelic faces. I filled in for my mom so I got to sit up there with very talented, prepared, and reverent children. Our kids all memorized their small parts, even Cameron.
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Mary played goalie in her soccer game today. She did really well, despite the 100+ degree temperature. I love that her coaches give each girl the opportunity to play different positions.
Tonight the kids were invited to a primary program rehearsal. We dropped the kids off and went out to dinner. They practiced their parts, ate pizza, and danced in the gym with a DJ. It was so cute coming and picking them up. They were covered in glow sticks and smiles. I think they're ready for Sunday.
We have been having Braden Souza come over after preschool each day until his mom gets off work. It's only about an hour and a half three days a week. He is such a darling boy, so polite and fun. It's been a joy having him in our home.
I've been volunteering a bit in Noah's classroom to help with some assessments. Cameron went to play at Christine's this morning while I was there. He had the best time playing with her. I love these little cousins!
I had Lila and Andrew over today after I taught my first day of seminary. My first day went well. Lucky for us, the class is filled with some really remarkable youth. I am looking forward to all that this year has in store.
Ever since Cameron observed the Frenchies this summer he has been "speaking French" around the house. He usually just babbles and translates it into English for us. It is pretty hilarious. He did it for Emma today after church. I got it on tape, but you can hardly hear the conversation. So I had him repeat it for me a while later so I could capture it on tape again. It's just so funny.
I spent most of the day today welcoming families at the temple for their family photo. The Stake Primary held a summer challenge that ended August 15th. The families then signed up for dates to take a free photo at the temple with some professional photographers in the Stake. The families had to bring their jars filled with items representing the times they held family home evening, family scripture study, and family prayer. I hope that families felt the importance and blessings of strengthening homes with this simple challenge. It was really sweet watching them come dressed and posing in front of our precious temple.
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Today I helped do a little testing in Mrs. Telford's class. I'll probably be going a few times next week as well. Mrs. Telford doesn't mind that I bring the kids to class with me. I followed the kids at recess today and snapped a shot of them playing telephone. Cameron and Nikki were really happy to sit in the back of the big kids classroom, with their books, Kindle, and treats while I tested. Lucky for me, they were pretty well behaved.
Nicole loves to borrow my phone, take photos, and check out my instagram. She'll like every post she sees. Nicole also made some cards for my mom that she will get better soon. Love this cute girl.
Sometimes I wonder about the future. What will it be like when I am a mother-in-law and grandmother? Will our children live far? How will we know our grandchildren? Will our children and their spouses be close to each other? Will my daughters and sons-in-law feel comfortable around us?
We have been blessed to live near my brothers and their families, and I can't explain how much joy it brings to me to see our children raised together with very hands-on grandparents just steps away. I am sure my parents never imagined how connected our lives would be one day.
There are blessings to having your children close together in age and there are blessings for having space as well. I am grateful that because they are close I can already see their friendships developing. I hope they marry good people and that they will all be great friends, just as they are today.
Marcus had in injury at school today that required a staple in his head. Someone's loose tooth slammed into Marcus during basketball. So, we kept the tradition alive with another candygram. We've had a lot of these this year!
Today we set up our classroom after church in the Relief Society room. I think we won't be so crammed in there. Since I still have some Primary responsibilities Aaron graciously is teaching this week. It's really here.
Mary's coach taught the girls during a previous season how to do chest bumps. They are keeping the tradition alive. Mary has some sweet moves this season. I completed my last stake baptism today. As soon as they call a replacement I'll be able to pass it all along and focus entirely on seminary. That will be nice.
Today was our first day of Seminary. We got the kids ready early and brought them to Christine's house. Then we welcomed the students and began our presentation. We were pretty crowded in the high council room. I think we will want to move to another spot. I have a feeling that if I can stay organized at home it will be a fantastic calling. It is a little bit of a sacrifice for the kids, but man, what great lessons they are learning as well. If I can just finish all my primary responsibilities this month, I'd be in good shape.
Nicole also went to her first day of preschool. She was quiet when I dropped her off, but did fine with me leaving. I was so happy for her. She is definitely ready for it. After school Noah went to his first day of piano lessons. He did well and is excited to begin.
It was a successful day of firsts around here.
Mary and Noah left for school this morning. It was so strange having Noah gone all day. I miss him. They loved their first days and from what I can tell they were well behaved for their teachers. I got a text from Misty Bennett today. She said Mary really welcomed Olivia into the class. I was so proud of her for including her and watching out for her. Mary really loved Mrd. Law's personality. It's so nice having different kinds of teachers. I think the kids learn so much from each of them. Noah had the best time playing with all his cousins, including Ben and the big boys during lunch recess. That was his favorite part, besides Mrs. Telford, who is everyone's favorite. After school we headed to 7-11 for slurpees. It was a great celebration to an awesome first day.
