9 months

"Super Emma"
All the kids love this game.

Now it's Jane's turn to be "Super Jane"

I snapped this fast because Jane started crawling fast toward me.

• Jane and Emma are 9 months old today. I wanted to take a few pictures with the two of them.
• I got to play piano in primary. During times I didn't play I started the new Ensign and read about 20 pages.
• Ross had both babies during the adult combined meeting and they brought smiles to many as they moved around the gym floor in the back of the room.
• Allen answered two questions during a game in primary. And Abby answered one and drew out an orange ball which helped the team move the oxcart 2 spaces closer to the Temple.
• Tonight's dinner consists of linguine, bacon Caesar salad, rolls (that Catherine S. is bringing), watermelon, and peanut butter bars for dessert. 

28 Days

Dallas has had 28 consecutive days with triple digit temperatures. We like to keep cool in the pool...

Allen and Abby "exploring" with their goggles during swimming lessons.

Abby's arms are up ready to push off with face in the water and hit Mark.

The babies hang out with me at the side of the pool in the shade.
During lessons I still keep them in their car seats because if not, they would be crawling to get into the pool.
I would bring toys for them to hold and spend half the lesson time feeding them. The other half I spend reading.

We went to swim at Catherine Sawaya's pool.
Here's Ross handing out with Emma and Jane in the shady shallow end.

Allen and Abby loved how the middle jetted pool's water rotated.
The water pushed them around and around.

This is a picture of the Family Proclamation wall in the corner of our kitchen.
When it was my turn to do the Family Home Evening lesson, I would add to it each week.
At meal times we could review and talk about things from it.
It's been up on the wall for several months.
I just took it all down.

These are a few of the kids' favorite paintings we had up on the wall.

-Allen and Abby in a rainstorm (Allen painted that)

-Family portrait that I painted. Ross says the babies look like ice cream scoops. He is right.

-Mr. Ocho is a big stuffed animal we got at the North Carolina Aquarium when Allen was 3 months old. The kids still love him.

-Our rental house here in the Dallas area.

-Abby crying at her bunk bed. (Painted by Abby)  



our Saturday plans

• This morning we are going to play for a bit in the backyard, swim at Catherine Sawaya's pool, and then take Allen to his Saturday swim class at the YMCA. While we are gone Ross's plan is to jog and mow the lawn.
• The afternoon we hope to clean up the house by selecting items to give to Goodwill, removing things from closets or shelves to box up, and putting things in the garage or attic. We haven't de-cluttered in a while.
• Tonight after the kids go to bed Ross will work on his Sunday School lesson. I will finish the book I am reading, The Zookeeper's Wife, and look over the primary songs for tomorrow. I get to play the piano in primary for the next three weeks! I'm excited.

And how did we like Harry Potter? It was pretty good. I wouldn't call it "amazing" like we've heard. I, honestly, was slightly disappointed. It was more dark and violent than I prefer to view, but from reading the books, I knew what we were in for. It was worth a trip to the theater, but we are glad we waited two weeks after the craze died down so we could get good seats only 10 minutes before.

Harry Potter

• Yesterday after the bathrooms were cleaned and mopped, the kids and I watched all the song scenes in the Sound of Music. The puppet show was their favorite scene. We had to watch it twice.
• Today at the park Allen and Abby want to play Kings and Princesses. Abby got dressed and put on one of her dresses; she said she had to wear a dress because she was going to be a princess at the park and she needed to be beautiful.
• Emma can now lie on her back and hold her own bottle. She seems to prefer that over being held and fed now.
• Jane sounds slightly congested. I think a cold may be lurking.
• Allen really likes the book The Knight and the Dragon, especially the pages with the illustrations where the Knight is making his armor and weapons. He thinks it looks really cool.
• Last night, on a whim (because I randomly found it at the library), Ross and I watched Harry Potter 7: Part One. While it was on I got lots of recipes typed and he worked on stuff too. Tonight we are going on a dinner-and-a-movie date to see the final Harry Potter. We were talking how fun it is to think back over the years and easily make connections of what events were going on in our family when we saw certain movies or read certain books.
• Just a few Harry Potter memories:
• Ross read books 1-6 right before starting law school
• Allen cut Abby's hair while we were at movie Number 7: Part One. I still get annoyed when I do her hair
• When a law event was cancelled, (and we had a babysitter already coming), we went to see Number 6 at the Tysons Corner Mall in Virginia.
• We saw Number 4 in Iowa for our anniversary
• Ross saw the first movie at his brother's house in Maryland right after he got back from his mission.
• While at BYU I had tickets lined up to see the movie with my roommate Jen, but we changed which night we went so I could go on my second date with Ross.
• I remember re-listening to several books on tape while I worked (for a sewing company) in Ogden over the summer.
• Using my scholastic teacher points, when I was a Kindergarten Teacher, I was able to buy a book set of 1-5.
• We saw a few of the movies during the Christmas holiday while we were in town visiting family. 
• We bought book Number 7 while we were in Houston during a summer internship. Since we only had one copy, the unspoken rule was that anyone could read it, but once you put it down, it was fair game for the other person to pick it up to read. So we both had bookmarks in it and would read it whenever we got a chance. Ross actually finished it before me so his claim is that he read all the books before I did.
• ...Ahhh! The fun times. Now I'm ready to watch it come to an end on the big screen.

yesterday and today

Yesterday's Tidbits:

• Yesterday morning we met the Baileys at Allen's elementary school's playground for our hour park time. We actually saw Mrs. Scott, Allen's teacher, coming to the school to pick up some stuff in her classroom. She came over and talked to us for a while. Allen was very excited to see her. She even let Allen borrow one of her books to take home and read to Abby. Mrs. Scott is going to be Allen's 1st grade teacher for this upcoming school year. The school is starting a new program called "looping" where the entire class and teacher moves up to the next grade level together. Allen's teacher got picked to start this new pilot program. It will be fun for Allen to start school again with the same teacher, same classmates and same classroom (which will look a little different with the 1st grade curriculum stuff hung up, of course). It's kind of like the class had a huge break and then they will all go back together for another year.
• Abby said a couple of funny things yesterday. In the car she was telling me about her stuffed bunny. "My bunny can only say 'New Mexica', not 'New Mexico'." And later, when it was time for piano, I saw her sneaking around out of the corner of my eye. When I approached her she said, "Mom, I don't want you to see me. I am solving a mystery." She had binoculars in her hand.
• Allen loves reading all the Unthinkable characters (from our SuperFlex curriculum) sheets we hung up in the toy room. Yesterday we had a SuperFlex party to celebrate completing all the lessons. The kids wore their capes, we hung up Unthinkable profiles, we listened and danced to loud music and ate fruit snacks. The kids liked it.
• A healthy/happy tip in my email inbox: "One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to lift your mood is to simply keep a pleasant expression on your face." I like this because I always remind myself to smile when I think about it. Most people naturally have a scowl on their face. It takes work to look pleasant.
• The kids did great at swimming lessons yesterday. They both wore their big goggles and said they were "exploring" while they waited for their turn to do a float with the teacher.
• Jane loves shoes. She is fascinated with them. I wonder if that interest will stay with her when she becomes a teen or adult.
• Emma really liked the cinnamon raisin granola baby food, whereas, Jane puckered her lips and face after every bite. When Emma likes food she will gobble it down.
• We had hot dog casserole for dinner, one of the kids' favorites, and enjoyed chocolate marshmallow cookies during scripture time.
• The kids were caught dancing (instead of sleeping) to a new CD from the library: Silly Songs of Sesame Street.

Today's Tidbits:

• This morning we went to the castle park.
• I'm sore and tired this morning from all I got done yesterday. What did I do? Besides following our daily schedule, we went to storytime, we did four loads of laundry and put it away, all the ironing done, dinner made, kids in bed, library books taken back and picked up (I had so many books on hold, I think it was 40, that I had to check them out in two trips), walked 2 miles on the treadmill, watched a Chuck episode with Catherine S. while working on my cross-stitch, and made a trip to Walmart. While I was out, Ross held down the fort and did all the dishes.
• Allen and Abby finished their second session of swimming lessons. I think they have conquered their fear of water because neither one will freak out when I wash their hair.
• Jane and Emma shared a banana at lunch.
• The kids and I started reading the new August Friend Magazine together. Abby particularly likes one of the funny drawings of President Monson on the cover. We also started a new chapter book: Han Christian Andersen's Fairytales. We read the Princess and the Pea and started Thumbelina.
• We've been listening to Sound of Music in the car for a while now. Today during our "school" time we are going to talk more about music. We will watch Bill Nye's episode "Science of Music" and see clips of the songs from the movie Sound of Music. I think they will enjoy seeing the clips because now they know the songs so well.
• Tonight while the kids are asleep, and Ross goes for a run, I will work on my recipe book.

I've still got it!

I've still got it! Even though babies are almost 9 months and weigh between 17-20 lbs each, I can still hold them both while bottle-feeding them. Click here or here to rewind history and see how small they once were during dual feedings.

Emma's in my arms and Jane is being "hugged" by my bent leg.
Abby was good to take our picture.

• Right after dinner last night Allen said, "I've got an idea!! Let's have Family Home Evening every night." I guess he likes it.
• Abby is such a sweetheart. She'll snuggle with you, tell you she loves you, speak in her little soft voice... she's adorable. She told me that a substitute teacher at church called her "Abigail", a name that we purposefully did not name her. When I told her to respond with, "my name is just Abby or Abby Sue," she said, "But I'm shy."
• Jane had fun playing peek-a-boo with Daddy once we got home from work.
• Emma was a sleepyhead yesterday. She slept from 5pm-7:30am and had a morning nap and afternoon nap. Each time it was time to move on with our schedule (after naps), she was asleep and I had to wake her up. She's a really good sleeper!
• I made up a song to the tune of William Tell Overture with my three girls' nicknames. I threw Allen's name in there too. It goes... (and you have to hum it in your mind -- it's the horse-riding song -- if you click on the link above you'll have to fast forward until after 3 minutes to hear the part I'm referring to)... like this:
• Abby Sue, Abby Sue, Abby Sue, Abby Sue (actual name)
• Jane Lou, Jane Lou, Jane Lou, Jane Lou (Jane Louisa)
• Emma Ru, Emma Ru, Emma Ru, Ru, Ru (Emma Ruth)
• Allen, is the brother of all.
• I really liked this article from the Meridian Magazine on parenting. It's such a good reminder! Click here to view.
• Last night Ross mowed the front lawn and then went for an hour jog. He rocks! Then later he caught a small lizard in our kitchen and brought it in to show me without any warning. I about jumped out of the chair. Yuck! No reptiles, please, especially in my face. Ewww!

yellow onesie, blue jean babies

Here are a few pictures from yesterday's visit to the park...

This was the FIRST time I put the babies in separate swings.
They will still fit in one back-to-back, but since there were two I thought we'd try it.
Abby had fun helping push them.

Jane

Emma

• Yesterday was 105 degrees. We had popsicles for our Family Home Evening treat.
• Today we're meeting at the Andy Brown Park at 8am.
• We'll be finishing up our SuperFlex lessons and starting some other "school" lesson activities. With only 19 more weekdays before school starts again, I won't need as many activities like I thought I would.
• Using what we've learned with the SuperFlex lessons, we made up some of our own Unthinkable characters: Eating Eva, Fighting Francis, Whining Willie, and Biting Bill.  
• This afternoon I'll be meeting a woman at the church and she is going to show me some tricks on the organ. I'll be playing in two weeks.
• Last night we played hide-and-seek, the kids' request, for the Family Home Evening activity. Here is a hide-and-seek update on each kid--
• Can't find Allen? There is a 95% chance he'll be somewhere in the house reading a book. He can't get enough of books. His reading skills are increasing. When it's his turn to read a verse during family scriptures, he can read most of it all by himself.
• Can't find Abby? She is probably in her closet trying on a different outfit.
• Can't find Jane? She is probably either playing with the laundry cart in the master bathroom, the curtain in the toy room or under the kitchen table.
• Can't find Emma? She is probably blocked by an older sibling who is hovering over her trying to make her laugh.

sing a solo

• We are meeting Catherine and Madeleine at the Allen Road park this morning. 
• More swimming lessons.
• Plans to clean the fridge and microwave with two little helpers with names that start with "A".
• Allen has made up his own train station using boxes and soccer cones.
• Abby changed her outfit four times yesterday.
• Jane woke up twice last night.
• Emma is starting to become more squirmy (like Jane) during diaper changes and feedings. 
• I got asked to sing a solo in Relief Society in a few weeks. Me? A solo? I've never sung a solo before. Of course, I never say no (and I'm up for challenges!) so this will be another item to add to my ward resume. Good thing I'm not tone deaf. I'll have to remind myself what Vanja Watkins, (one of my BYU professors, a relative, and author of the hymn Families Can Be Together Forever), told me when I had to sing a solo in her office as part of an assignment: "Andrea, you have a nice voice." "Thanks" -- I never pursued singing and I never did any choirs in school; I was a band girl instead. 
• Family Home Evening tonight (lesson by Ross) followed by a three mile walk with Catherine S. We're going to be brave and get some outdoor exercise in this Texas heat. 

pioneer day rootbeer floats

• I loved 17 Miracles last night. Sad, but very inspirational. Our theater was packed full of people. 
• I am thankful for all my ancestors who lived firm in their faith. I will miss going to the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake on Monday with my family in Utah. Growing up we went nearly every year.
• Ross took Allen first, and later Abby, out of Sacrament Meeting to use the restroom. We'll have to remember to go before the meeting starts.
• Monthly our ward choir sings an impromptu choir style -- the whole congregation is invited to join in singing on the stand and the conductor has different verses outlined with different singers or styles (i.e.: men only, all - parts). The ward choir sang "Come, Come Ye Saints" and the congregation joined in the 4th verse. I knew if I went up to sing I would cry; I was right.
• The twins and I attended Ross's Sunday School class. We covered the first few chapters of The Acts.
• I got to attend Relief Society (with Jane) for the first time in several weeks. We discussed Elder Maynes conference talk about having a Christ-centered home. 
• This afternoon during quiet time Ross and I got naps. They were necessary because we were both up last night until 1am -- Ross babysitting for another family and me putting away our spontaneous afternoon major stock-up trip to Aldi. 
• For dinner we are having BBQ chicken sandwiches and watermelon. Catherine S. will be bringing the salad and dessert. After dinner we'll be going to a party and enjoying Pioneer Day Rootbeer Floats.

17 miracles

• I'm a sucker for Mormon cinema. I seem to know more about what's happening and what actors are in what movie than what's going in real Hollywood stuff lately. I'm REALLY excited to see 17 Miracles tonight in a theater in Plano. I've been reading about this movie since it started filming (about a year ago) and I figured I would have to wait for it to come out on video. Luckily it will be playing near us for about a week. It's a perfect way to celebrate the pioneer holiday this Sunday. If you haven't heard much about this movie, click here for an article about it. And, thanks again, to Catherine S. for coming over to tend for us. We love her!
• This morning while Ross runs in a race, the kids and I will go enjoy a sandbox at a park, an hour of downtime at home while the babies nap, and then swimming at Catherine S's pool. Allen has a swim class later at the YMCA. Afternoon plans are kind of up in the air -- we might do an afternoon movie party (since we haven't had the TV on all week) or play out in the sprinklers while Ross mows the yard. And then tonight, another date night -- me, Ross and a box of tissues on my lap.

two babies in a tub

Bathtime is fun!
And they both like Abby's mermaid doll I threw in.
It seems to go back and forth between them.



• Allen and Abby had so much fun playing with Madeleine in the backyard. We had a slip 'n slide out, a sprinkler under the trampoline and spray fans. They had lots of fun staying cool in the heat.
• Jane and Emma enjoyed splashing and playing in the bathtub.
• We're meeting the Baileys at the Duck Pond Park this morning and going to the Ark after the babies' morning nap.
• I am reading Alice In Wonderland. I'm surprised at how much of the Disney version is like the novel.
• Ross is running a half-marathon on tomorrow morning.
• Tonight we are going on a date to the temple. (Thanks to Catherine S., our favorite "aunt" and babysitter)

building a temple

• For scissor practice we will do the Temple activity in this month's Friend Magazine. Click here to view.
• Abby really wanted me to put lipstick on her. "I need to be beautiful". When I told her she already was beautiful she said still referring to adding color to her lips,, "I want to be more beautiful." Abby has been changing into dresses during quiet time just for fun.
• Both Allen and Abby are getting good at the back float. Abby floated by herself for 5 seconds. Allen did 4.
• We read through and listened to all the music for Philadelphia Chickens. Thanks Lippolis family for giving us that. We are finally getting into it! Allen's favorite song is the Intermission song. Abby finds it hilarious too that aardvarks are acting as cows.
• Yesterday at storytime we enjoyed stories about chickens, the kids did the chicken dance, they did a "shake the egg" chicken song, and watched a puppet show at the end. We sure love the library events!
• Got all the laundry and ironing done yesterday. I had Parent Trap (the Hayley Mills version) on last night while I ironed. Ross caught part of it when he got home from running. It's different watching that movie now that we have twins.
• Another park visit this morning followed by our hourly schedule.
• Tonight is walking and project night.

updated summer schedule

We have 5 more weeks of summer before school starts again. We've made some changes to our original summer schedule, and some days things come up which demand flexibility, but mostly this is the schedule we've following: 

Daily Schedule

7am-7pm

•   7 - Wake up
•   8 - Outside
•   9 - Breakfast and Math (Babies down for a nap at 9am)
• 10 - Swimming or Storytime (On Fridays we go to the Ark) 
• 11 - Music or Piano; Floor time for babies
• 12 - Lunch (Babies first and then once they're down, the rest of us eat)
•   1 - Reading
•   2 - Quiet Time
•   3 - Chores followed by Art
•   4 - School (On Wednesdays we go to story time)
•   5 - Toy Room (Babies get ready for bed)
•   6 - Dinner
•   7 - Get ready for bed

Outside:

We rotate which park we spend time at. Lately we've been meeting the Baileys there to play.

Breakfast:

M - muffins, T - toast and cereal, W - waffles, Th - oatmeal or cereal, F - french toast, Sat - Pop Tarts, Sun - Smoothie or Breakfast Bar 

Math:

Puzzles, games or file folder games

Music or Piano::

We rotate singing or playing the piano every day.

Lunch:

M - sandwiches (pb or tunafish), T - quesadillas, W - cheese toast, Th - macaroni, F - soup and grilled cheese sandwiches

I feed the babies in the highchair right before we eat and put them down for a nap about 12pm.

Reading:

We always read a page or two of the Friend Magazine followed by a few new books from the library. Sometimes we'll also read a chapter from a long storybook.

Quiet Time:

Babies are asleep. The kids get to listen to a book on CD in their room. I read my scriptures and sometimes get a nap!

Chores:

M - cooking or cleaning kitchen, T - vacuum, W - laundry, Th - clean bathrooms, F - My choice

Allen and Abby have small chores to assist me complete our big chore of the day.

School:

We sit and learn something together. We do a Superflex lesson or talk about how to use our social skills. Sometimes we read stories and play games. One day we had a drawing lesson. We also try to do some writing or cutting to practice these skills for real school. Soon we are going to be authors creating our own storybooks. I also want to do some cooking and nutrition lessons.

Toy Room:

We play with different toys on different days of the week. That way all the toys get played with. Every Monday I open a "new" box that's been sitting in the closet. That seems to help keep things exciting! While the kids play I get the babies fed, bathed, dressed and into bed. They have been going down at about 5:30pm.

Bedtime:

Right after dinner we have scripture reading (Book of Mormon -- we each read a verse. Abby repeats us when it's her turn) and dessert. Then it's pajama time, tooth brushing, prayers, a story and then lights out with a choice of music playing.

doorstop springs

• Another park meeting with friends at 8am. It's a great way to get everyone up and moving.
• Jane's favorite toys are doorstopper springs. She likes to hear the sound they make when you push on them. She also like to pull them off the walls and take the caps off. Right now I just found a bug in her mouth. I guess she is starting to find other things that interest her :) Yuck!
• Emma is starting to crawl even more.
• Abby and Allen are excited for swimming later today.
• Tonight I'll go grocery shopping for the week.

swimming starts today

• We are going to attempt meeting some friends at the park at 8 o'clock this morning for some early-morning sunshine and fresh air before the day gets too hot. I'm hoping we aren't too late.
• Allen and Abby start swimming class again today. They are really excited.
• Emma spit up a lot yesterday. I'm hoping her tummy feels better today.
• Jane finally slept through the night. She has been getting up lately a few times a night just to eat.
• The babies have been enjoying the Toy Story (Woody and Jessie) draw-string toys that talk to them.
• Today I'll try to put the house "puzzle pieces" back together after a busy weekend and try to come up with an idea for dinner.
• Tonight we'll have Family Home Evening. It's my turn to do the lesson. I'm leaning toward teaching Sister Oaks testimony glove idea that I read about in the Mormon Times. Click here to view the article.

Six Flags Over Texas

Even though temperatures climbed over 100 degrees for about the 15th consecutive day, we spent from 10:30am-6pm having fun at Six Flags on Saturday. After being outside that long I can say that I now understand what HOT really is. We had a great day, explored all the park and went on most of the rides. It didn't seem very busy. Most of the lines weren't too bad which goes to show that heat really does scare people off. Thanks to our wonderful babysitter, Catherine S., who watched Jane and Emma for the day and kept them entertained and happy in her cool apartment. 

Tidbits/Reviews from our day...

• The Batman Ride is great for head banging.
• Mr. Freeze Ride scared me enough that when I went to scream, nothing came out. It's fast!!
• Allen and Abby won capes (Allen picked a black Batman one and Abby picked a pink Superman one) after attempting a hammer-hitting game. I didn't really care about the game. I just wanted them to have the cool capes, especially when we continue with our Super Flex lessons.
• I think I'm getting older because thrill rides aren't quite as thrilling as they used to be. One time on it and I'm good, whereas before I could ride again and again. Ross needed a break after a few coasters too.
• Runaway Mountain is what Ross calls "Space Mountain Lite" as in a mini Space Mountain.
• According to the park map, we went on the world's first log flume and the world's first tubular coaster. Both were fun but not that impressive. 
• Need a Disney-style ride? Go on Yosemite Sam's Gold Mine Boat Ride. Allen and Abby don't really know any of the Looney Tunes characters but it's fun seeing a plot unfold as you float from room to room.
• Ross packed a bag full of good food and snacks (popcorn, sandwiches, granola, nuts, candy hearts). He also made sure to have plenty of water probably because we forgot to bring that on our first day at Disneyland.
• We got soaked after riding Aquaman and then soaked again standing on the bridge to get hit from the boat's splash from the next Aquaman riders. After a few hours I was mostly dry except my socks/shoes (we all said our toes were having a swimming party) and then we rode Roarin' Rapids and got wet again. I usually hate being drenched all day, but with how hot it was, it was necessary.
• Bump!! Abby's feet were too short to push down the gas pedal on the antique car ride. I tried to push it down from the passenger seat and about halfway through the ride, because of the weird angle, I needed to switch feet. Taking my foot off the gas caused instant stopping... which caused a big bump from behind due to Ross's following-too-close. Those "driving" rides, which were my favorite as a kid, need a cruise control. Seriously.
• The parent swap option works great. It's nice to not have to wait in line twice.
• Getting to the park close to opening made for some really short lines in the morning and some walk-right-on ones.
• The Texas Chute Out (one of my favorites from the day) which is a parachute ride is similar to the Superman Tower, just without the speed. I rode it with Allen.
• Be careful when loading into any ride or vehicle. It may be really HOT due to constant sun exposure. We found that out on Batwing.
• The Oil Derrek Observation Tower is fun to look down from. The park looks pretty compact from above. And the view also reminds us how flat Texas really is.
  
  

a court visit

It was fun visiting Ross at work. The kids were there for over an hour and there was no fussing, fighting or running around. We really looked like the  perfect family -- which is good since we are the only clerk/interns with kids. We kept everyone from their work as they came to visit, hold babies or watch them play on the floor. I guess it was a nice break for people because no one was eager to get back to work on a Friday afternoon. I got to meet 3 of the new summer interns and talk to the other two clerks, Peggy and the Judge. Abby and Allen enjoyed playing with the big hole puncher in Ross's office and they liked seeing the jail, court room and jury room. Judge Boyle is always so pleasant and she gave me a hug as we left. She even sent Ross home early to go home with us. Which gave us an extra hour together we didn't plan on... hmmm... what should we do? We ended up loading everyone in the van and used the kids' free library coupons for food and other items. We made 9 stops, spent $2, enjoyed hamburgers, tacos, burritos, ice cream, and put everyone to bed after scriptures and snack (Graham crackers and milk). After the kids were in bed we enjoyed Silverado, Ross's flick pick for date night.

pirate names

• Allen and Abby have given us all pirate names. I am "Black Toe", Jane is "Black Eye" and Emma is "Black Nose". Allen is "Captain Superflex" and Abby is "Cowina". It was funny to listen to their discussion about changing the babies diapers. We listened to a book at storytime last week called "Pirates Don't Change Diapers". Abby said that I couldn't change the babies diapers because I was a pirate. Then Allen suggested that the babies were pirates too so it was okay and it went on. I smiled really big as I continued listening to their reasoning. When Ross got home Allen gave him the pirate name "Black Teeth".
• Ross left the newspaper on the table yesterday featuring an article about how kids grow up too fast. Our pediatrician was interviewed and I like how she stated how important it is to enjoy family time together and to limit screen time. I showed Abby the picture and right off she knew it was Dr. Fowers. We really like her. Click here to view the article.
• I earned free books from two libraries for completing the adult summer reading program. I selected a slow cooker cookbook (Fix It and Forget It!) and one called Ladies of Liberty by Cokie Roberts about the Founding Fathers' wives.
• When we fed the ducks on Wednesday it ended up being 4 ducks and 15 turtles. Allen was really excited to see Cooper, a boy from his class. He showed him his missing teeth and told Cooper he was the first from his class to see.
• The kids had a lot of fun playing with Madeleine who brought her fairy props. Then their "play" changed from total pirates to two fairies ("Tinkerbell" and Abby was "Purple") and "Captain Hook". It was nice to talk to Catherine while the kids played.
• Allen and Abby had fun with the sprinkler under the trampoline. After a while they moved the sprinkler to the sandbox area and had a great time in the mudpool they made. I got the babies bathed, in bed and the house picked up while the two of them were entertained with their mud. Then it was time for showers.
• I put a few inches of water in the tub and let the babies play in the bathtub. It was much easier to scrub them with no seats getting in the way. Jane preferred being on her tummy and moving around in the water. And Emma liked sitting up and splashing with her hands and feet.
• We're going to visit the court this afternoon. Ross is going to show the kids the jail and the jury room. A few co-workers are eager to hold babies. We haven't visited since January. Everyone is in for a surprise when they see the babies how big (and mobile) the babies are.

pirate pals

• Allen and Abby are planning for a pirate playdate with Madeleine this afternoon. They have a map, their treasure hidden and props picked out. But I wonder if they change their minds by then and want to play something else instead. Those two are full of ideas.
• Jane and Emma are so much fun to watch move/scoot/roll/sit up on my floor. I've got a box of toys on the side and those get scattered all over the room. They like to be right next to teach other and steal one another's toys and Jane will also leave and go "explore". She really likes the bathroom area and the closet.
• This morning we are gathering books and getting ready for a trip to the library. This will be our third library and third story time this week. We just can't get enough!
• Ross got up at 5am to run and then got all ready for work. I usually get up when he's up, but I must have needed the sleep because I didn't hear a thing.

Linda Lamb

• Emma laughed out loud when I did "Linda Lamb" puppet for her. She slept until 9am after going to bed at 6pm the night before. I think she is finally feeling better.
• Abby opened up a new Color Wonder fairy book from her birthday. She loves to color.
• Allen is already talking about what he wants for Christmas -- an orange Lego Hero.
• Jane crawled in and out of almost every room in the house yesterday afternoon. Then she looked at me like she was thinking, "Okay, I've seen everything. Pick me up because now I'm bored."
•  I finished Kiss of a Stranger. It was a fun, romantic novel about two people in an arranged marriage falling in love. I giggled a few times while I was reading. It reminded me a touch of Pride and Prejudice, Annie and My Fair Lady.
• Ross likes working for a judge.

free slurpees

• We enjoyed our free Slurpees yesterday. We stopped at 7 Eleven while we were out doing a few errands. And "how did I do it?" you must be wondering (because Ross did). I carried in both car seats, we got our cups and stickers and we waited in the Slurpees line. Abby's job was to hold my cup on our way out and Allen's job was to get the door as we left. The kids did great. Allen really wanted a white milkshake instead. I told him that they didn't have milkshakes. He chose the pina colada flavor (white) had two sucks and said it was too sour and left the rest to melt. Later he came back and drank most of it.
• Abby and Allen opened their own "free milkshake" shop using a cash register I just got out of the closet. Whenever you box toys away, they are always the new cool thing once they are in sight again.
• We use washcloths for burp clothes. Jane has started a habit of grabbing the washcloth, putting it by her face and sucking her thumb. I give her a washcloth now when she takes a nap or goes to bed. She uses it like a miniature blanket. It is very soothing to her.
• I really like today's Meridian Magazine article and two videos I saw about Emma Smith's last dream. I admire that woman so much that I named my daughter after her. Click here to view the link.
• I'm hoping that today I hear less crying. My ears started to hurt yesterday. One of the four (and sometimes two at once) were crying most of the day.
• Ross was really productive yesterday. Once he got home from work he prepared a Family Home Evening lesson and taught. He read the kids stories (which was their choice of activity). He helped the kids brush their teeth and after the kids were getting into bed, he mowed the front lawn and then went for an hour jog. He has a half marathon next week.
• I got a lot done yesterday too. The toy room was picked up and the kitchen had a face-lift: the dishes are caught up, the kitchen counters are clear and wiped off, the floor was swept and mopped. I also have all the laundry and ironing caught up. While talking to my mom on the phone I was telling her I was going to iron. She asked how many pieces. I took a guess -- probably 9 shirts and 4 pants. Then I set up my area, put on High School Musical and started. When I was done, and once Ross had returned from his run and was stretching, I counted the ironed pieces. I was RIGHT ON! 9 shirts and 4 pants.
• Today we will be going to a story time in Carrollton, pick up some dishwasher detergent at the store while we are out (because we just ran out and I have a load ready to run), and do some "school" this afternoon.

normal week

A few pictures from last Friday's visit to the Ark...

Emma had a huge smile. She liked sitting up on the blanket.

Abby and Allen are climbing through the equipment.

It doesn't really show, but Jane is on-the-go, trying to explore where the bigger kids are and noticing the colorful floor along the way.

The babies take lots of toys from each other.
Here Jane is taking Emma's toy.

They are very content to play side by side.

Here are two happy babies out of their car seats and on the hardwood family room floor.

Today starts the FIRST normal week we've had in a month. No traveling for reunions, no holidays, no dentists or other appointments, no swim lessons, nothing major coming up that we need to prepare for... just back to our regular-scheduled-program. Nothing too exciting. Laundry today with room-to-room straightening and lots of at-home activities. Not sure if we'll go anywhere (except to 7-11) because everyone is still getting over/getting used to their colds. Free Slurpee Day will add a fun treat to our day.

Two other tidbits:

• We played Hearts and Old Maid, two card games the kids earned for part of the summer reading program. Old Maid has become a favorite. Allen and Abby both WANT the Old Maid when we play. It's kind of funny.
• A recent quote you will hear frequently at our house is one from Finding Nemo that goes, "no eating here tonight, no eating here tonight, we're on a diet...".

busy Sunday

Our Sunday was busy. First, I was up on the standing leading the music for Sacrament Meeting and Ross and Catherine S. helping with the kids. Then, due to the primary's altered schedule today, we dropped the kids off at their classrooms and the babies and I sat in on Ross's Sunday School class and I read through my lesson to make sure I was ready. For third hour I left to go teach while Ross took Jane and helped Allen with his scripture (D&C 109:88) during primary's opening exercises. Catherine S. took Emma and sat in on the primary teacher training. While all the adults were at the training a member of the bishopric led sharing time and the Young Women sat by all the primary classes. Before church I joked with the kids telling them at right after Sacrament their teachers would teach them and after that I would teach their teachers :)

The training went well. It was a FULL room. We had about 18 adults packed into a regular-sized primary classroom. For resources I used Teaching, No Greater Call manual and a little theory of what I remember from my BYU education courses. My objective was to teach 7 principles of how to model the Savior in our own teaching. I had seven letters scrambled up on the board and as the lesson unfolded we spelled out the acronym of "PRIMARY," using each letter to emphasize a principle of teaching. Below I have the handout that summed up the lesson, if you're curious.

***

Primary Teacher Training

Taught by Andrea Tucker

July 10th 2011

P – Prepare
     *Start early! When you are prepared, the Spirit will
     *Remember 5 things – objective, pick out most important material, select methods to use, have a clear beginning and a strong conclusion.

R – Reverence
     *Be an example of love in word and deed. Other ways include smiling, using music, having a picture of the Savior, reminding what behavior you are expecting.


I – Individuals in our class
    *The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God
    * Pres. Monson: “The classroom at church adds a vital dimension to the education of every child and youth. In this setting each teacher can provide an upward reach to those who listen to the lessons and feel the influence of the teacher’s testimony. A word of encouragement here and a spiritual thought there can affect a precious life and leave an indelible imprint upon an immortal soul.”


M – Methods
    *When teaching children use 5-7 methods per lesson. For adults use at least 3.
    *Use variety including ways to use the five senses and visual examples
    *After asking a question wait 5 seconds before expecting a response.


A – Age
    *A person can sit and focus for a number of minutes equal to their age until they need a change in activity. The average adult’s attention span is 20
      minutes.

R – Recognizing the Spirit
    *The Holy Ghost is the true teacher. A classroom teacher is only the instrument..
    * Elder Scott: “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of   the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally.”


Y – You
    *A primary teacher is a very important calling!
    *A teacher must prepare themselves spiritually and improve their talents.

three Groupons

We love Groupon! We redeemed three of them today, making it a double-fieldtrip-and-delicious-dinner-date-day.

First, we visited the Texas Discovery Gardens which are located southeast of downtown Dallas at Fair Park. Fair Park is where the world's fair was held in 1936 and where the Cotton Bowl is. There are several museum located along the fairgrounds. We enjoyed our time in the butterfly house and wandered about the grounds seeing plants, some native to Texas.

The butterfly room

Found one!
Most butterflies were too active to take pictures of.

Allen and Abby enjoyed using their guides to point out the different butterflys they saw.
Allen liked learning the different names.

OOhh! One is on the sidewalk.

some of the gardens

I walked around the fountain.
In the distance you can see the Texas Star (ferris wheel) and Radio Tower from the fairgrounds.
Ross is sitting under the trees with the kids just above the small fountain jets on the right.

Abby and I enjoying the lily pad pond.
They have lots of weddings on these grounds.

A cool fountain just outside the entrance.
If we return to Fair Park and it's still HOT, we'll bring some swimming suits.

Next, we went to the Old Red Museum which was site for Dallas's first courthouse. We saw artifacts, watched movies and learned the history of Dallas from the 1840s until the present. We learned that Frito Lays, Ray Charles, 7-11, LeAnn Rimes, Neiman Marcus, Norah Jones... all started in Dallas.

The Old Red Museum used to be  one of Dallas's courthouse.

Allen is trying clothes on in the children's exhibit.

The kids had fun dressing up. They didn't want to take them off.

Abby liked those shoes.

Did you know 7-11 started in Dallas?
Ross is crazy about Slurpees!

This reminded me of my sister Ashley.
It is a dress from the original opera version of Aida that opened in Dallas.
This was Princess Amneris's gown at the opening scene.

This is Pegasus, an icon for Mobile Oil, native to Dallas.

For dinner we enjoyed some tasty Mexican food from a place called 7 Salsas. Ross ordered Tacos Al Carbon and I ordered homemade tamales. It's been a nice full day. We're going to start a movie My Girlfriend's Boyfriend and I'll be leaving soon to pick up Catherine S. at the airport.