" name="description"/> John and Carol Show: April 2019

Sunday, April 28, 2019

TWINS' DONUT PARTY

This weekend has been a doozy.  Unexpectedly, William was admitted to the hospital for breathing issues on Friday morning, and so even on Saturday morning, we were unsure whether or not the donut party would come to sugary fruition.  However, the kind nurses and doctors could see how important the birthday party was to a boy who only needed occasional puffs, and they got us "fast-tracked" for discharge on Saturday.

Thankfully, I had pretty much all the stuff already at the house and most of the baking done, so it was really a matter of heating stuff up and throwing up some decor.  It felt chaotic, but the birthday twins were so pleased to be celebrated, and that totally makes it worth it.

Untitled
Untitled
(adorable donut invite by Aunt Ellen!)

I was already keeping this party fairly small, and when the time shrunk to do the stuff, I was really glad for the limited menu of donuts, bacon, sausage and fruit.

Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled

We had a donut piñata filled with random donut stuff instead of candy, since we were already at sugar max for the party.  Oriental Trading has TONS of cutesy little things.

IMG_4912
IMG_4919
IMG_4916
Untitled
Untitled

Other than the piñata and eating, there were not activities planned, because I simply didn't have time. But - these kids managed to organize themselves and played sharks and minnows in the backyard, so no one was bored.  We headed inside for some cake and singing.

Untitled
Untitled
Untitled

Instead of sending everyone home with cookies from a donut party, we had a top your own donut bar with to-go boxes to make sure kids had max sugar amounts.

Untitled
IMG_4926
Untitled

William and Violet loved seeing family and friends!

Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled

What a gift to be able to celebrate six-year-old twins!  They keep announcing to strangers that they are six now.  And, I'm super thankful that William is fine, that we were able to still have the party and that it is all over for now.  We are worn out!

Twins' Past Parties
{Twins Ice Cream Party}
{Twins' Fiesta Fourth}
{Hungry Caterpillar Party}
{Berenstain Bear Party}
{VW Party}

All other Spenst parties here!

Monday, April 22, 2019

VIOLET & WILLIAM TURN SIX

The days are long and the years FLY by.  Truly.  The twins are six, and it does not seem possible that my youngest children are not even that young anymore.  Though six is obviously still young.

Untitled

Violet is truly a special child in so many ways.  She is the most loving individual (until she's not 😜), and she has a way of winning people over.  When she really likes someone, she will tell them that they are her "special, special angel."  Her favorite person in the world is our friend, Mr. Adam, and when we asked her what restaurant we should visit for her birthday, she said, "Mr. Adam's house."  (She also loves Mr. Nate and Coach Steven)

IMG_4812
Untitled

Violet is excelling in gymnastics and sort of showing up for soccer.  Most of the time, she is doing handstands and walkovers all over the house.  She is making headway in school and is an engaged and motivated learner.  Her helping instinct is incredibly strong, and she often sweeps, cleans dishes or wipes down our windows with Clorox wipes - this has pros and cons. 🤣

Untitled
Untitled

Our cat, Francie, is often victim of Violet's affections.  Violet honestly has more personality in her pinkie finger than many people have in their whole body, and we love seeing how motivated and enthusiastic she is on so many fronts.  Basically, six year old Violet is an unstoppable force, and we are looking forward to see what the Lord does in her life!

William is his own unique self in a family of sisters.  He wants to be heard over the din, and he regularly asks the craziest questions - you never know what he will say next.  He has his own winning, affectionate way and loves to give hugs and never likes to get kisses.  Sometimes he will say that he loves you "too much."

Untitled
IMG_4813

William is rocking soccer and has been dubbed "William the Wall" for his defensive abilities.  He scored one goal recently and had the most impressive victory dance.  😂  A few months ago, he asked for an "orange ball with black lines" and has loved having a basketball to dribble around the house.  William is sounding out words and counting proficiently.  He has lots of friends at school, and he regularly tells me different things that he is learning from his buddies.

Untitled
Untitled

Puppy Ears is still semi-permanently attached to his arm and sometimes smuggled into his school backpack.  William is truly so kind and earnest and loving, and we are so thankful to call him our son.  His curiosity and enthusiasm are precious beyond words.

For both twins, kindergarten has been a fantastic experience - so good that we are going to do it again next year!  Both of their teachers are so kind and have agreed to teach them again next year as well as tutor them throughout the summer, and I am just so grateful to have people in our lives that are cheering our kids on and pouring into them.  We are looking forward to our first summer having them home in a few years and all the adventures that we'll be able to have together.

There are hard days all together, but we truly cannot imagine our life without William and Violet.  They bring so much love into our lives, and we learn so much being family with each other.  We're looking forward to seeing all that six brings!

Past Birthday Posts:
{VIOLET & WILLIAM TURN FIVE}
{WILLIAM & VIOLET TURN FOUR}
{VIOLET & WILLIAM TURN THREE}
{TWINS TURN TWO}
{HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, WILLIAM & VIOLET}

Sunday, April 21, 2019

EASTER SNAPSHOTS

Easter is the best news there ever was.  Death is conquered, and new life is possible as we put our trust in the Lord.  Tears rolled down my cheeks in our Easter service as we sang of the greatness of the Lord and the ways that he is always for us - I'm so thankful, and I always need those messages reinforced.

We had a gloriously low-key day where we attended church in the morning and helped a little with the checking in process.  I love the pageantry of seeing everyone dressed beautifully, even if it isn't what the day is really about.  

IMG_4797
Untitled

From there, we headed to John's parents' house, where they graciously hosted us for lunch and an egg hunt.

IMG_4826
IMG_4827
IMG_4828
IMG_4829
IMG_4844
IMG_4850
IMG_4855
IMG_4864
IMG_4868

There was also seed planting and weed finding,

IMG_4886
IMG_4889
Untitled
Untitled

Resurrection Eggs,

Untitled

playing on the trampoline,

IMG_4832

blowing bubbles,

IMG_4893

and napping on this chair while we listened to a Dodgers game.

Untitled

Having in-town Grandparents is something I will never take for granted!

IMG_4900

Happy Easter from our family to yours.  I hope that you were able to catch glimpses of the glorious hope that Jesus offers to each of us.