"I have to wear a skirt because I have to dance and I can't do it unless I have a skirt on." Caitlin replying to my comment that her shirt didn't match the skirt she wanted to wear.
"Hurry, zip up the windows, Mom!" Spencer, freaking out because a wasp had just flown in and out of the car.
"I want a monkey bra too!" Courtney, after listening to Kerri and Rachel discussing cute clothes (and underwear) while looking at the Limited Too catalog.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
A weekend with Grandma and Grandpa
So. . .I just posted a bunch of pictures (see below) but I didn't plan well and they are all out of order and I am not sure how to fix it--oh well! If you know how to change the order of pictures on the blog, let me know. I always want to learn something new.
My parents arrived Thursday night (actually Friday about 12:30 a.m.) We had a great time with them. They went to Rachel's swim practice Friday morning, then we took all the kids to our local science center which was really fun for everyone! It's full of hands-on science exhibits and the kids loved it. We all went out to dinner Friday night and then watched Camp Rock. Saturday we headed for the beach! It's my favorite place to be so, of course, it was fabulous. The weather was absolutely perfect and the swimming, sand and shells were the best! Sunday was a typical Sunday. That evening, my quartet came over for a little after dinner music. I wanted my parents to hear us and they loved it. My parents left this morning after swim practice and swimming lessons. All in all, it was a great weekend. We are so glad they came to visit us!
My parents arrived Thursday night (actually Friday about 12:30 a.m.) We had a great time with them. They went to Rachel's swim practice Friday morning, then we took all the kids to our local science center which was really fun for everyone! It's full of hands-on science exhibits and the kids loved it. We all went out to dinner Friday night and then watched Camp Rock. Saturday we headed for the beach! It's my favorite place to be so, of course, it was fabulous. The weather was absolutely perfect and the swimming, sand and shells were the best! Sunday was a typical Sunday. That evening, my quartet came over for a little after dinner music. I wanted my parents to hear us and they loved it. My parents left this morning after swim practice and swimming lessons. All in all, it was a great weekend. We are so glad they came to visit us!
Fun with my parents
A view of the beach where we were. . . isn't it pretty?
Sunday, I invited my quartet over to practice so my parents could know that I still know how to play that viola they bought me all those years ago. My mom really loved it! Rachel even joined us on her violin for a couple of the songs.
My parents visited us this weekend and we took them to our local science center where we got to forecast the weather (this is perfect for my Dad who always has to watch the weather!)
The kids got to wear doctor's coats and use a stethoscope
We also went to the beach and enjoyed a perfect day swimming, making sandcastles and looking for shells
All of us after a wonderful day at the beach
More fun at the Science Center where we touched sea stars,
and dug for dinosaurs.
Summer means swim team for Rachel. She practices M-F for 1 1/2 hours every day. Tomorrow is our first meet!
Snuggling up with Grandpa
Snuggling up with GrandpaMonday, June 16, 2008
Random Pictures
Sweet Snuggling Sissies--Can you tell I'm growing out their bangs? Which is fine except when they constantly remove their clips and rubber bands!
Rachel dressed in this ensemble and told me, "Now I'm all super-modeled up!" Of course I had to take some pictures. Check out the shoes and her tan. She definitely does not have my glow-in-the-dark skin, lucky girl!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What Time is It?
For those of you with girls 8 and older. . .you are familiar with the title phrase from High School Musical 2. That's what I sang out as Rachel bounded down the steps of elementary school bus for the last time. All the kids sang back "It's Summertime, it's our vacation!" as I expected.
Summer is here. Hooray! Tuesday was the last day of school and it was a half day and I was watching two of Rachel's friends for the afternoon so I picked them up from the bus stop, we went to Dairy Queen for a celebratory ice cream and then headed for the pool. So I had six kids for the day. The kids had a great afternoon swimming and we even ate dinner at the pool. It was a fun ending to the school year. It was a bit stressful because the twins wanted to be in the big pool so that's an added challenge because I have to be in the pool with them but it was still fun.
Wednesday began swim team for Rachel. She came home with her friend Kelly who I watched for a couple of hours while her mom was getting her hair done. As soon as Kelly left, we headed to a different pool where we met Rachel's friend Mariel for the afternoon. That pool was insanely crowded so it was hard to keep an eye on all four kids but we all had a great time. I wish I could get pictures of the kids at the pool but I'm too busy keeping them safe.
Today began in the most awesome way! Spencer came into my room when I was still in bed and said, "Mommy, I made my bed and picked up my books and got dressed and now I'm going to brush my teeth and brush my hair." I was so thrilled! He also had his kindergarten evaluation today. A teacher escorted him out of the office while I waited with a couple of other parents. While waiting, two teachers came back to tell the mothers that their kids didn't know their letters or numbers. I started worrying that Spencer might have forgotten his because we haven't really even talked about them lately. But, hooray, the teacher arrived and said he did great and knew his letters, numbers, shapes and colors. Whew! What a relief!
Also today, three of my friends came over to work on various projects for the day. The kids all played together and late in the afternoon, they got on their swimsuits and jumped on the trampoline with the sprinkler running underneath it. They loved it. Normally I scrapbook during this time but I don't have any pictures developed so I had nothing to work on. So needing to feel like I was doing something, I looked around desperately for something to do. Finally, I discovered a small skein of blue fuzzy yarn which really wasn't enough to complete a project. However, still wanting to feel productive, I found a big crochet hook and crocheted until I ran out of yarn. I didn't count so it looked uneven and my friends were teasing me because I have done this on multiple occasions. After I ran out of yarn, we started making up things it could be--a barbie rug, a lovely hat (hee hee). Eventually someone suggested I make it into a purse so I did and Courtney loves it and is carrying it all around the house, so there! A couple of weeks ago I crocheted with some leftover pink yarn until it was gone and made a tiny scarf. Tammy dared me to wear it to church and not tell anyone it's a joke but I haven't gotten around to it. Maybe I'll wear it to church on Sunday and carry the little purse for a good laugh! The funny thing is that the twins loved that little scarf and were fighting over it so much that I had to make another one.
Today, Rachel went swimming with her friend Mishaela. School's only been out for three days and she's played with four friends already. I think keeping up with her social schedule may be a bit of a challenge this summer as always. It's a lot easier with Spencer who really only plays with a couple of friends regularly but Rachel's social life is a lot more complex! But it's nice to sleep a little later (swim team doesn't start until 9:30.) So I think I'm going to enjoy summertime this year!
Summer is here. Hooray! Tuesday was the last day of school and it was a half day and I was watching two of Rachel's friends for the afternoon so I picked them up from the bus stop, we went to Dairy Queen for a celebratory ice cream and then headed for the pool. So I had six kids for the day. The kids had a great afternoon swimming and we even ate dinner at the pool. It was a fun ending to the school year. It was a bit stressful because the twins wanted to be in the big pool so that's an added challenge because I have to be in the pool with them but it was still fun.
Wednesday began swim team for Rachel. She came home with her friend Kelly who I watched for a couple of hours while her mom was getting her hair done. As soon as Kelly left, we headed to a different pool where we met Rachel's friend Mariel for the afternoon. That pool was insanely crowded so it was hard to keep an eye on all four kids but we all had a great time. I wish I could get pictures of the kids at the pool but I'm too busy keeping them safe.
Today began in the most awesome way! Spencer came into my room when I was still in bed and said, "Mommy, I made my bed and picked up my books and got dressed and now I'm going to brush my teeth and brush my hair." I was so thrilled! He also had his kindergarten evaluation today. A teacher escorted him out of the office while I waited with a couple of other parents. While waiting, two teachers came back to tell the mothers that their kids didn't know their letters or numbers. I started worrying that Spencer might have forgotten his because we haven't really even talked about them lately. But, hooray, the teacher arrived and said he did great and knew his letters, numbers, shapes and colors. Whew! What a relief!
Also today, three of my friends came over to work on various projects for the day. The kids all played together and late in the afternoon, they got on their swimsuits and jumped on the trampoline with the sprinkler running underneath it. They loved it. Normally I scrapbook during this time but I don't have any pictures developed so I had nothing to work on. So needing to feel like I was doing something, I looked around desperately for something to do. Finally, I discovered a small skein of blue fuzzy yarn which really wasn't enough to complete a project. However, still wanting to feel productive, I found a big crochet hook and crocheted until I ran out of yarn. I didn't count so it looked uneven and my friends were teasing me because I have done this on multiple occasions. After I ran out of yarn, we started making up things it could be--a barbie rug, a lovely hat (hee hee). Eventually someone suggested I make it into a purse so I did and Courtney loves it and is carrying it all around the house, so there! A couple of weeks ago I crocheted with some leftover pink yarn until it was gone and made a tiny scarf. Tammy dared me to wear it to church and not tell anyone it's a joke but I haven't gotten around to it. Maybe I'll wear it to church on Sunday and carry the little purse for a good laugh! The funny thing is that the twins loved that little scarf and were fighting over it so much that I had to make another one.
Today, Rachel went swimming with her friend Mishaela. School's only been out for three days and she's played with four friends already. I think keeping up with her social schedule may be a bit of a challenge this summer as always. It's a lot easier with Spencer who really only plays with a couple of friends regularly but Rachel's social life is a lot more complex! But it's nice to sleep a little later (swim team doesn't start until 9:30.) So I think I'm going to enjoy summertime this year!
Monday, June 9, 2008
It is the end of the world as we know it. . .
Soccer Star
Pianist Extraordinaire
Outstanding student (bad picture but it was from far away)
I'm feeling a little sad and nostalgic today because my little girl is growing up so fast! This last week or so has been about the end. . . this is the last week of fourth grade. . .the last week at her elementary school (she starts middle school next year), Saturday was her last soccer game in Y soccer, she had her last elementary school orchestra (violin), band (keyboard) and choral (soprano) concerts, and her piano recital. Today was pretty special! Rachel received an award for being the best student in her fourth grade class and also was awarded for being the top math PSSA scorer in the school (she got a perfect score.) She also received six other certificates and ribbons for various things she has accomplished this year. Rachel has really excelled in elementary school. I hope she continues to do well as she faces a new world next year in middle school with 640 children just in the 5th grade. It's fun to brag about my kid every now and then but it's kind of sad that these are the last days of her childhood as she moves into her tweens. Hug your kids because before you know it, they'll be wearing size 8 shoes (yes, she does) and smarter than you (or at least they'll think they are!)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Bouncing Around
On Saturday, Paul bought a trampoline from Sam's Club. I've been wanting one for years but after hearing some of his stories about trampolines (like jumping off his neighbor's house onto a trampoline) I can understand now why he's been so reluctant to buy one. I have always loved trampolines! I remember many exciting days as a kid jumping and flipping on trampolines. They are so much fun and good exercise. Anyway, Paul only got the frame put together before our dinner guests arrived so it's been sitting on the grass waiting to be completed.
Yesterday Paul told the kids we would build it for family home evening. Unfortunately, he didn't get home from work until dusk but the kids held him to his promise so we built the trampoline last night by flashlight. We still have to put up the safety net but the kids tried it out today and had a great morning jumping and bouncing. I was a nervous wreck the entire time but the kids all survived with no injuries. I can't wait for the safety net to be installed.
Yesterday Paul told the kids we would build it for family home evening. Unfortunately, he didn't get home from work until dusk but the kids held him to his promise so we built the trampoline last night by flashlight. We still have to put up the safety net but the kids tried it out today and had a great morning jumping and bouncing. I was a nervous wreck the entire time but the kids all survived with no injuries. I can't wait for the safety net to be installed.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Deflowered!
My special present from the twins (See below.)
Swing kids
Yesterday after church, I attempted to take a nap and left Paul in charge. While closing my eyes (not sleeping yet or ever because of interruptions), Caitlin and Courtney brought me a "present." When I opened my eyes, I discovered a large platter full of flower tops (no stems). They deflowered all my peonies and removed almost every flower from my four flowerpots on the deck. They were so pleased with their gift to me that I didn't have the heart to get upset. It was a sweet idea and the flowers will grow back, at least on the deck.
This weekend was busy as usual. Friday, we had soccer practice. Friday night, Spencer was so cute. He was so excited to tell me that he and Rachel were watching "Chicken Noodle" (a.k.a. Chicken Little) on Disney Channel. I thought his interpretation of the title was hilarious! Saturday, Rachel had a soccer game so Paul and the kids went to that while I attended a funeral for a woman in our ward who has spent much of her recent years in hospitals and nursing homes. I was one of the few people in the ward who knew her so I was glad to attend her funeral. Afterwards, we took her two daughters (who flew in from California) out to lunch as they were the only family present. Saturday evening, we had a new family in the ward to dinner. He starts working for Paul's company today so we wanted to welcome them here. It was a great meal and all the kids got along well and we had some fun getting to know them.
Yesterday was a typical Sunday. Church was great. I love testimony meeting. Choir practice went really well yesterday. We actually had four men attend so that made my day. After church, I cleaned up the kitchen and played with the kids until Paul woke up. Then I made my way to my nap attempt (as described above.) Afterwards, we had a delicious roast beef dinner and Paul went on exchanges with the missionaries. We had a good night and today is "Recovery Day" from the weekend as usual!
Music Corner
