End of School 2016

Another school year has gone down in the books.  So proud of these kids for all they've accomplished this year.  Every year has it's good and it's bad.  It was a hard year for me but I have a feeling it's not going to get any easier so I've just got to embrace it.  I'm hoping to make some changes next year by not volunteering and babysitting so much.  If only I'm able to say no. 

I asked the kids if I needed to make a banner this year, hoping to get off the hook but they were almost in tears at the thought of not being able to run through one.  So funny.  Traditions bring a lot of peace and unity to a family.  You just have to be careful when starting traditions to make sure you're willing to keep it up over the next 20+ years.  

After Conner's 6th grade program, I checked him out and we went to Habit for lunch to celebrate.  Habit's probably my favorite hamburger place and their onion rings are awesome too.

Ms. Appleby.  I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to send my son off to junior high.  She's a big part of the reason these kids believe in themselves.  She talked and treated them like adults.  She always wore high heels and is just so positive.

Now What?

Conner's in the front middle.

Conner reading his essay.  He did such a great job.  We had him practice at home several times to help him add some emotion and look up at the audience.  

Lucy with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kunzler.  I always told her Lucy looked more like her daughter than mine.  It was her first year teaching and she really appreciated the little helper that Lucy was.  Lucy always finished her work quickly and then would help the other students, especially the ESL speakers.

Lucy during her kindergarten program, back row middle.  I thought they should dress up and encouraged Lucy to wear a dress and let me curl her hair but she refused.  Little Miss Independent and Stubborn, it's her way or the highway (just like her mom).  Well she was the only girl not in a dress.  Afterwards she told me next time she'll let me help her get ready.

 

Sam in his 4th grade program, all about Utah.  This is probably my favortie program of all the grades.  Sam was a Chinese man.

 

Sam had a rough year as far as academic accountability goes.  He rarely turned an assignment in on time and had several missing.  For this reason, his teacher Mrs. Braegger, wasn't too fond of him I think.  I don't know what was going on with him because up until 4th grade he was a stellar student.  Funny story I'll share.  He had to make up a spelling test and as I looked over it, I noticed that the only ones he missed were the last four because they were blank.  I asked him why he didn't even guess on those words and he said he didn't hear what the words were because he was reading a book.  I know the kid loves to read but there is a time and place for everything.

Mikey also had a great year.  He found his voice this year and has become quite the little author.  His greatest accomplishment was writing a 103 page story, called Casdik.  He worked for months on it to finish it before his teacher, Mrs. Brand left on maternity leave.  As he finished a chapter, Mrs. Brand would let him read them to the class.  Several of his classmates wanted to buy a copy of his book.  It was pretty awesome. 

Adams Canyon

It's Memorial Day and what to do?  I always want to stay home on holidays and get stuff done aroud the house (clean, organize, laundry) when I have Neil's help but that's no fun for the kids.  Sunday night Neil and I had talked about some options for outings but made no definite plans.  Once the kids were up on Monday, we got our chores done and then we asked the kids if they'd like to go on a hike.  They were real excited which makes my heart happy that they enjoy the simple things in life like exploring the outdoors.  We're on a strict budget right now as we try to save for all our camps this summer so free is great.  We decided on Adams Canyon because it's in Layton and close and there is a waterfall at the end.  It's about 3.8 miles round trip.  It took us an hour to all get ready to go but we were off by 12:30.  I wish we could speed up our departures but we had to find baby carrier, eat lunch, find shoes, go to the bathroom mulitlple times, etc.  We've lived in Layton 7 1/2 years and have always heard about this hike but have never went.  So glad that we did.  It was really busy on the trail.  The first 1/2 mile was a bunch of switch backs.  We were not looking forward to having to carry Eliza but Neil was prepared but she surprised us and walked the whole way.  She was a little slow (which was good for me) and got distracted a ton but there was no having to carry her.  It made the hike so much more enjoyable.  I realized that we are entering a new phase in our lives.  We have said good bye to the baby stage.  We no longer have to pack diapers, strollers, carriers, snacks, toys, plan for naps, etc.  It is so liberating.  Those who know me know I'm not a huge fan of the baby stage.  It's a lot of work and to finally be out of it is exciting.  I know I'm really going to enjoy this new stage and independence.

As we hiked and talked to the other people on the trail, we were told that there were some lower falls that are great for kids and few people were going there so as it was our first time we took that detour and it was perfect.  There was only one other family there.  The water was freezing but it didn't stop Neil from running through the falls.  We stayed and played for quite some time.  It was just what we needed.  I'm so glad we didn't just stay home.  Can't wait to go back and see the upper falls.

6th Grade Graduation Essay

Conner has been pretty good about keeping up with his assignments this year so I often just sign his planner without asking him if he’s done all his homework.  Basically, I don’t really know what’s going on in class but he’s done fine so it’s all worked out.  Well he came home from school this week and said my essay got picked to be read at 6^th grade graduation.  I was surprised as I didn’t even know he’d written an essay.  He said he worked on it for a couple days.  All the 6^th grade students were asked to write an essay about their school experience so far and that one would be picked to read at graduation.  I was so proud of Conner and congratulated him.  I found it fascinating his was picked because, writing his not his greatest strength.  He doesn’t enjoy it very much.  It wasn’t until today, that I read it.  He needed to edit it and it was laying on the counter and I picked it up to read it.  I was blown away.  Conner is the youngest in his class and I worry about him being immature socially, but he is so mature in other ways.  I am amazed at his depth at 11 years old.  I wasn’t thinking about changing the world and making other people happy at that age.  All I cared about were my friends.  Conner’s teachers over the years have always commented what a kind person he is.  That he is very selfless, which is uncommon at this age.  After I read his essay, I asked Conner if he really thought he could do something great with his life and he said yes.  I also asked if he really thought he could make people happy and he said yes, but that he first had to be happy himself.  Wow this kid amazes me.  He really makes parenting easy, although his siblings make up for it.  Sometimes I worry about his quirks and whatnot but he has so many wonderful qualities that I hope he allows others to see.  I guess with the last week of elementary school upon us, I’m a little pensive.  I laid in bed with Conner and snuggled with him, to his dismay, and mentioned that we only have 6 more years of snuggles before he leaves for a mission/college.  I know that the time will fly.  I love him so much and hope as a parent I am helping him, in whatever ways I’m able, to reach his divine potential.

Good in The World

         I think that elementary school has been great. To me the best thing I’ve learned is to bring good into the world. I believe the reason to me why we learn is so we will have bright futures and help others to the same goal. We’ve been taught to do our best, which if we do we will be successful. To me all the projects, activities and lessons we have been apart of help us find and see and bring good in the world. When we do these things we are happy, and when we are happy other people are to, and they bring that feeling to other people. All we've done in the past 8 years from preschool to 6th grade have helped do one thing: which is to see,find, and bring the good in the world through project, activities, and lessons.

           Projects in my opinion help us find the good in the world.  In my class we research people in the Images of Greatness project so we may learn about them and inspire us to do great things ourselves. I remember for this project I researched Samuel Morse. He created the first quick transcontinental and Global Communication system. His invention the telegram helped others to be informed about what was going on all over the country and the world. He used his skill and knowledge to have a positive effect on other people which is just what our teachers want us to do with our skills. During the history fair I researched about Baden-Powell the founder of scouting. He started scouting because of his concern with his other military members who had a great lack of knowledge when it came to the outdoors. Baden Powell didn’t act like many people which would have been to just think they need to learn more, he made something happen. We now know this as scouting. The next generation now has the skill set to help them survive the outdoors. He took his concern into his own hands and fixed it. Today Scouts are in our very own classroom and just about anywhere in the world. We do projects like Images of Greatness so we can learn about these famous people and try to be like them. Our teachers want us to know that we can make a difference just like them if not larger.         

I think that lessons help us to see the good in the world. Mostly every day in my class, we discuss current events. We can see what is going on in the world which could be good or bad. There usually is some good news that we would like to hear, or perhaps some bad news that we could do something about. These articles help us know. I also like what we’ve learned in our reading this year. From the book Terrible Things, we learn that when others work together then they can usually solve a problem, but if they don't, the problem will only grow until something is done about it. In the book when the terrible things came, if the other animals had spoken up when the terrible things had cast their nets at the creatures than the terrible things may not have gotten away with the animals. These lessons and many others have taught us in many ways on where we can see good in the world and make the world a better place.

            To me many activities at school are often ways that we can bring good into the world for others and ourselves. For our personal interest class recently we have been doing service for those who need it. In my class have made blankets and bags for those in need of them, others have been going around the school cleaning all the windows and helping the janitors to keep the school clean. Others have written notes to veterans for the honor flight. Each of these acts will bring happiness to another person, and possibly inspire them to do the same. Also, many people at this school work hard to make activities fun for us, such as incentive parties, field day, prep, etc. They work hard so we can have a good time here at school. Activities are a way for people to bring some happiness to other people.

            Lessons, activities, and projects have all been ways to help us see, find, have, and bring happiness to others. If we remember the things we’ve learned in the past eight years (pre-school to sixth grade) then we will be happy, smart, successful people. I’ve really enjoyed these last eight years of school, and can’t wait to see what comes next! I know we can use these lessons to better ourselves and make the world a positive, happy place!

Sewing 101

My kids have been asking me to teach them to sew for a couple years.  We bought fleece to make snakes two years ago and last summer they each chose some fabric to make a pillow case but we never did either.  Today was the first day of spring break and sewing was on the agenda.  After I took a nap I set up the machines and we began our lesson.  I found a machine at DI last year for $15 that's old but actually works so that's the one the kids will use if they want to sew so I don't have to worry about them breaking my nice Bernina, aka:  the second love of my life.

It went so good.  The boys loved experimenting with the different stitches.  Sammy was the first one to finish his pillowcase.  He absolutely loves animals so this bird fabric is perfect for him.  He was pretty excited and can't wait for his next project.  He really wants to make a huge stuffed T-Rex.  Baby steps I tell him.  Baby steps.

Look Under the Dresser

Two very important things have disappeared from our house.  They both went missing on Leprechaun Day so it looks like they tricked us again without us realizing it.  First up is Sam's school binder.  It's actually is "Everything" Binder.  Everything he needs and I need to know about school are in it and it keeps us on track.  It's been almost a week now and we cannot find it.  He had his share book due but since he hasn't been writing it down in his planner I did not know about it and he totally forgot.  Sam's getting a little stressed out about it.

Next up is my wedding ring.  I had it on the 17th, but took it off to make dinner.  My mom always tells me to never take it off but I don't like cooking with it on, it's just unsanitary and meat juices or bread dough gets stuck in it.  I took it off and put it on the counter and that's the last I remember.  I didn't look to hard for it at first because it always shows up, usually in my pants pocket or something.  Several days went by and it's nowhere so I figure it had to have gotten wiped into the trash so Neil and I sifted through the whole weeks garbage.  Disgusting, even with gloves on and still it has not turned up.  By now it's been 5 days since my ring was last seen.  I am sick to my stomach.  What happened to it?  Ironically, a few days previous I had my ring on backwards and mentioned I might just like a solid gold band.  I guess my wish was coming true.  Once again at family prayer we asked for help in finding our lost items and we all went to bed.

Conner came out of his room with Sam's binder.  It was under his dresser.  How in the world it got there, we don't know.  Leprechauns?  As I was getting ready for bed I said a prayer and knelt down by my nightstand to look one more time.  I was really broken hearted by now.  My ring was gone.  I swept my hand underneath Neil's dresser and felt something and of course it was my ring!  How it got under there, once again I have no clue.  I came downstairs elated to tell Neil.  Hearing me, Sam comes downstairs and asks if I just found my ring.  He had just finished praying I'd find it and had felt a good feeling in his heart so he knew his prayer had been answered.

So next time we lose something, the first place we'll look is underneath all the dressers.

Bunny Cakes Tradition

 I kind of remembered this year to make bunny cakes, so it was last minute with stuff we already on hand but it worked.  I was hoping the kids would forget about the time Neil, out of frustration, ate his face first but alas they did not.  The kids couldn't get their cakes made fast enough before they dug in.  What has happened to my sweet tradition?  Eliza is the only civilized one and ate hers with a fork.

Eliza's First Person

Today was the first time I caught Eliza drawing a person.  Maybe she has before but neither Neil or I have seen it.  She was so proud of herself and kept drawing more and more.  She gave some of them hats or hair.  I loved how she drew an eye and a pupil.  Has there ever been a kid who actually drew a body on their first person drawing or do they all draw legs and arms coming out of their head?

Where I am Right Now

So I've been wanting to update my blog for quite some time.  It's been practically a year since I've posted.  I've tried at times to go back and add old posts but our pictures are such a mess that it's hard to find what I'm looking for so I give up.  Yesterday, we went to our stake's family discovery day and I went to a class on writing your history.  One of the quotes that hit me from Dennis B. Neuenschwander is:
     A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to      
    memory. What a tragedy this can be in the history of a family.  Knowledge of our ancestors shapes
    us and instills within us values that give direction and meaning to our lives.

My memory is so bad.  I don't even remember what the kids were like as babies.  I can't imagine 40 years from now.  Neil also had a dream a few months ago where someone, maybe a future grandchild or something came to him complaining that they had no idea what happened in our family because I had stopped blogging.

Yes I know writing is not one of my strengths, thus one of the reasons I hate writing a journal.  This blog was the only history I was keeping of my family.  Neil asked me the other day when I got my smart phone.  I got it last April, about the same time I stopped blogging.  Once I got my phone I started using Instagram, with the intent to print chatbooks.  That never happened and then I stopped using Instagram.  I kind of took myself off of social media altogether.  I am a private person and I didn't want people following me but once you're on Instagram, all your facebook friends find out and want to follow you.  For whatever I reason, I stopped using Instagram as well and thus no documentation.

Another reason I haven't blogged is because we have 1 o'clock church.  I usually blog on Sunday but now there is no time.  I spend all morning getting ready for church with lesson prep and visits and then after church is dinner and family time and bed time.  Today was the Provo Temple dedication so we were home by 11 so I decided I've got to start somewhere so I'll just start with the present.

Life too has just been really hard.  I notice the times when I don't post are the times that I don't feel good.  I'm still dealing with Hashimoto's and it's worse than ever.  I have no energy or motivation to do anything.  I put what little energy I have into cooking for my family and my calling.  I volunteer 3 at the school and watch CC two days a week so that is about all I can do.  Over the last couple years, my love for Neil has grown exponentially.  He has picked up the slack at home with the cleaning, laundry, kids and never complained to me at least.  He just does it.  I don't know why I have to go through this, especially when I feel like my family is suffering so much.  Neil always tells me that I'm doing more than I think I am.  It's definitely been a lesson in positive thinking.  It is so easy to dwell on everything that is wrong with my life and focus on that, which is the fastest route to misery and despair, instead of all the good things.  I've not mastered this lesson yet and still have a long way to go but I see the blessing of looking at the positive.  I've grown closer to my Savior and have a gained a testimony of the enabling power of the Atonement.  There are so many days when I just have felt like I can't do all that is asked of me, but somehow I am and it's a miracle.  I know the Lord is aware of me and loves me and strengthens me, often times through others, and sends tender mercies to bring me hope when I am down in the dumps.  Anyway, I have an appointment with the Thyroid Institute of Utah in a week and I hope I'll get some answers.  I've tried to get into another doctor with no luck.  I hate the medical bureaucracy.  Why are we not able to go to a doctor that will actually help.  No they have to be on your insurance and you have to go to that particular clinic and yada yada yada.

Since I don't have much energy, there's been no energy for blogging, or sewing or reading, etc.  It's not just the fatigue that's debilitating, but the weight gain and inability to lose weight.  It doesn't matter how little I eat or exercise, I cannot lose weight.  I started using myfitnesspal religiously, weighing and measuring everything  I ate and eating 1200 calories a day or less plus exercising for an hour a day.  I did this for 8 weeks and lost no weight, although myfitnesspal said I should have lost 10.  I needed proof to show the doctor I was trying.  Also, exercise just wears me out.  I'm pretty wasted the rest of the day after exercising but the weight really bothers me and I don't feel like I can complain if I'm not doing something to help myself.  With daylight savings time beginning last week I was not able to get up early to exercise and so it didn't happen and I actually felt good enough to do some laundry and organize a little.  Neil was so impressed and asked what was different and I said I haven't been getting up early to exercise.  It's so ironic, because exercise is actually supposed to give you more energy, not deplete it.

I also struggle with my mind.  I can't concentrate.  I have a hard time following conversations.  I don't remember what I read or watch.  When I prepare my lessons, I have to write everything down word for word and read it a ton of times.  I feel like I have the early signs of dementia and maybe I do.  What's hard is that it's hard to read and understand the scriptures and feel like I'm getting anything out of them, unless it's the main verses and stories I am already so familiar with.  I read to bring the spirit but not so much for understanding right now.  I went to Time Out for Women in Layton in February with my friend Kristin.  It was really good for me.  They stressed instead of saying scripture study, which can have a negative connotation, saying how can I bring the word of God into my life each day.  It was like a light bulb came on.  Yes we need to read the scriptures, but the hymns/music are scripture, conference talks are scriptures.  Right now I gain understanding through music and talks more but I still open my scriptures each day.

There are so many things I'm dealing with that makes blogging hard but for posterity sake I'm going to try to do a little.  Maybe it will be just a post a week or month but I've got to do something.  Today at the temple dedication Elder Oaks, talked about family history work and since I was just at family discovery day yesterday, I've kind of got that push to do a little.

I love my family.  They are my world.  They are growing up and I want to always remember how they are at this time in their life.

Eliza wasn't old enough to go to the temple dedication so we didn't worry about giving her a bath this morning and opted for tonight when it won't be so hectic.  She took her shoes off and looked in between her toes and looked up and said, "There is yucky stuff in my toes." Gotta love toe jam.  Everything she does is just so cute.

Leprechaun Day 2016

The Leprechauns visited our home again this year.  We woke up to them destroying our kitchen and spreading the cereal all over the table and floors.

The kids were able to fix their own green lunch.  This is something they always look forward to.  I usually don't buy all these extra treats.

Other than that the leprechauns were pretty mild this year.

Treehouse Museum

I used to have a membership to the treehouse when the boys were little but I have never taken Eliza and she is the perfect age.  It is geared towards preschoolers.  I've never been able to take her with having to pick Lucy up from half day kindergarten and naps but today Lucy had a field trip to the zoo and wouldn't be back until 1:30 so finally we made it.  We took CC with us and had the best time.  It was hard to leave.  The theme for the day was nursery rhymes and so a performer was there with a guitar and was so silly.  The girls were busting a gut.  I'm thinking of buying a membership for Eliza next year when it's just me and her at home all day.

Eliza had to get a picture with Pikachu to show her brothers.

There are so many areas to play in there that the girls just ran from one to the other but their definite favorites were the kitchen and diner area.  It's no surprise as both their moms love to cook.  

Midlife Crisis

I've been struggling lately with so many things lately, I kid that I am having a mid life crisis.  I want to be everything for everyone but can't and have finally admitted it and have asked for help.  Two of my dear friends dropped by at different times with little pick me up packages and they totally brightened my day.  Tulips are my absolute favorite flower and added so much brightness to my life when I needed it.  I love flowers but never buy them because they die and are unnecessary but seeing these tulips on my table each day made me almost readjust my thinking.

Mean Daddy

This was the note Lucy gave to Neil.  It says:  I love my dad because he is the best dad in the world.  I don't like my dad because he has been a jerk to me.  

Wow.  Neil doesn't usually get treated like this.  He really is the best dad in the world in all of our eyes.  He keeps our family together.  On this particular night I was gone so Neil was solo.  Lucy had not gotten a nap for a couple days and was acting like a snot so Neil sent her to her room.  She would come out and without saying a word give him a nice note and then go back to her room.  A few minutes later she would come out with a mean note.  I just got the biggest kick out of this; little 6 year old attitude.  My question is, what is she going to be like at 16?  Yikes.

Restaurant

These girls love playing restaurant.  They set the table with a tablecloth and everything.  Lucy is quite the cook and hostess.

Blue Gold Banquet

Our blue and gold banquet's theme this year was Star Wars.  Each boy was asked to make a dessert to go along with the theme.  Mikey and Sam researched on the internet and came up with they wanted to make and decorated their cakes themselves.

 Mikey made a Wampa Cake

I wanted to make some Princess Leia cupcakes but ran out of time and made some Han Solo in Carbonite jell-o

Sammy made Sarlac Pit cake.  

There was some stiff competition and did not place but we have a lot of fun creating and they were delicious.

TOFW

Kristin asked me to go with her to the Time Out for Women in Layton.  We had attended the one in Salt Lake in November and I just wasn't feeling it and really hesitated spending the money to go again but the fact that I could spend the weekend with one of my best friends that I don't get to see often I decided it was worth it.  Kristin is 8 months pregnant with her 4th child and looks and feels so good.  I am so glad for special friends in my life.  She came up on Friday and we had pizza with the family and then headed out.  The first speaker was Alissa Parker, the mother of Emilie Parker-a six year old girl who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.  Talk about tearing your heart out.  I was bawling, listening to her story.  I can't imagine ever having to go through her trial.  It made me thankful for the trials I have that give me the opportunity to choose how I will respond to them.  Some take aways I took from the conference:  

1.  We need to have good music in our home. I grew up listening to Michael McClean and Young Ambassadors.  Since we had a 30+ minute drive to church we always had church music on.  Hilary Weeks was there and her music touched me and realized I need to have good music playing on Sundays.

2.  Grow your testimony before your talents and use your testimony to share your talents.

3.  Why do we have family scripture study?  Does anyone really get anything out of it?  Most likely not but as we immerse ourselves in them (like a foreign language), the words will come to our minds when we need them.  If we're not exposing ourselves to them, they won't be in our minds.

4.  Let the miracle be seen through your healed heart.

Steven Tyler Concert

Grant's work was having a summit and the culminating activity was a Steven Tyler concert and he invited Neil and I to come.  Now I like Steven Tyler, especially from his American Idol judging days but is a goof.  It was fun.  I could have done without the f-bomb though.  Every time he said it I would cringe and it ruined the concert for me.

Sunday Talk

I was asked to give a talk about filling our homes with light and truth.  The topic came from a talk given by Cheryl Esplin in April 2015.  I sat down to read the talk with my notepad ready to catch any nuggets of inspiration but the kids needed me and so I left and went and helped someone and wasn't able to come back to my talk for a couple hours.  When I came back, my notepad was filled with this drawing by Lucy of how much she loved her family.  I felt like the Lord was telling me that before we can fill our homes with light and truth, love has to be there.  Since I was speaking on Valentine's Day it was only appropriate to integrate love.  I also added prayer, scripture study and testimony.  

I feel like speaking is one of my weaknesses but one that I want to become a strength and so I put a lot of time into every talk and pick every word carefully.  I actually am so nervous I become immobilized until the time for the talk arrives.  Poor Neil.  I locked myself away for 3 days as I studied and pondered my topic.  I have a really hard writing and so I just couldn't get it together.  I was a basket case Saturday night and almost had Neil talked in to writing it for me.  I was such a mess, that we missed the stake Valentine's dance, something we look forward to each year.  I couldn't sleep so I got up at 4 am Sunday morning and was finally able to write it.  The great thing about speaking is that I learn so much.  I think I have a pretty good family but the Lord taught me some things that I need to do better.  Things I probably would have never learned, unless I had to give a talk and for that I am thankful.  

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's fell on a Sunday this year.  We kept up with our traditions of everyone getting some chocolates and then having individual heart shaped pizzas for dinner with our love potion and a chocolate chip pizookie.  I wanted to make a nice dinner but the kids insisted on pizzas.

I sure do love my family!

Neil and I were able to celebrate the following Monday with a gift card that our friends gave us to Ruby River.  We got the appetizer sampler platter to share and steak and chicken.  It was so tasty.

100th Day of School

Lucy got to dress up as a 100 year old on the 100th day of school.  She was so excited.

 Eliza had to get in on the action.

Dance Party

Our girls love to dance so usually at least once a week Neil puts up the disco ball and we have a family dance party.  It is so much fun.  It usually takes place on Saturday nights.

Cake

Eliza loves cake and is always talking about cake.  If you mention her birthday she immediately talks about what kind of cake she wants.  Her favorite toy is this stacking cake toy.

She is my little kitchen helper.  Whenever she sees me in the kitchen she comes running to help.  She is the best little helper and really good at stirring sauces.

Lunch with Someone Grand

Since no grandparents live close, I got to go have lunch with the boys on lunch with someone grand day.  I picked up some pizza and breadsticks from Pizza Hut and made their day.   

Eliza got up on the stage and started to sing the Baptism song, I like to look for rainbows.  She loves that song and is just so cute.

Once there was a snowman...

That was fun! I'm going to pose as Amy on her blog again! (this is Neil again)

This picture is fresh from yesterday. We had a decent snowfall Saturday night, and it was wet snow. I know because I shoveled a lot of it and it got heavy quick. Wet snow makes for a great snowman. So, event though it was dark, the kids went outside to play in it. I freaked out once because I heard the hose running. Turns out the video I shared with the kids about someone making an igloo inspired Sam and he was wetting it down to freeze overnight.

Mikey went outside and made this all by himself. Conner and I had to help him lift the middle part, but he did the rest. Mikey gets into trouble because of a little temper sometimes, but he really is a genuinely good, sweet, smart, creative kid  

Also, I grabbed this quick photo of Sam.

This is literally a standard photo of him almost all the time. I swear he's read more books before he's ten than I have in my whole life. He is always reading, and the other boys are also always reading. I guess its a good thing, but the body needs exercise too - not just the brain. I actually envy how much they get to read. Mikey and I started reading the Fabelhaven books together, but by a third of the way through book #2, I got hooked and ended up reading the rest of it by myself...all the way to finish book 5. So, they are actually inspiring me to read too.

Sammy also made brownies (from a mix) tonight, and Amy wasn't feeling up to cooking last night, so she showed him the recipe for alfredo sauce and he made that himself too. In fact, one friday afternoon, Amy was asleep so he went ahead and made our pizza dough for pizza night. And his dough was better than when Amy and I make it from the same recipe! Now, he's made it a few weeks in a row.

One of the perks of parenthood is seeing your little babies grow up, learn, and finally help around the house. I love them.

For those who think the Hibberts are the perfect little family....

Okay, so I'm a little biased, but I think my little family is awesome... but for a reality check, I thought I'd sneak onto Amy's blog and post this picture Lucy took of the view from her bunkbed. Clean huh? Just keepin' it real. That cleared area at the bottom of the picture is covered with Moonsand... that toy for kids that is like a sandbox in the house. Whoever invented that didn't have kids.

I should add a short note that tonight, Mikey came to get me a few times saying, "Dad, Eliza wants you." I was busy helping Lucy with her spotlight board and helping Sammy with some school work. Later that night, I looked around wondering: where's Mikey? Well, I found him - he went to lay with Eliza to comfort her and fell asleep. I already carried him to his bed or I'd have taken a picture of that too. What a sweet boy.