April 16, 2017

Things around here continue to be busy. Weekend before last we had about a dozen things we could have done, but we narrowed it down to about half that, haha. First we went to Home Depot and made bird houses. The kids liked constructing the houses, but I was hesitant to put them out because if a bird were to move in, it might need to be relocated if/when we move. Then we went to the Physics and Engineering Festival at A&M where Hannah found her new best friend (a hissing cockroach) and the boys got to enjoy a lightning throwing Tesla coil. Robert said it was too loud, but the lightning was cool. Next we had lunch at Chick-fil-a, yum! The kids ran off some energy (I don't know how they had any left) on the playground there. After that we played some Pokémon Go as a family. Finally the boys dropped off Hannah and I at the mall to pick out her dress for the upcoming father-daughter dance at church. She loved her first time trying on clothes in a dressing room. She hamed it up big time by smiling and blowing kisses at herself. I have no idea where she get it from, but it's adorable. We ended the evening with pizza and family movie night. What a day!

Last week we met up with half of the Brower family at the park on Monday. It was so fun and great to catch up! Tuesday was our second to last CC for the year (the last one is tomorrow!) and Wednesday we made our usual trip to the library. Thursday we ended up at veteran's park to play on the playground. We pass it all the time on the way to and from church and the kids always beg to go so this was extra fun. Friday we went to play group at The Children's Museum. We also managed on Friday to finish the year's school work. That's right; I officially have a first grade and preK graduate. They were so excited! I took the boys out to sonic that evening to celebrate. They could pick whatever dessert they wanted and then we watched Pokemon while we ate it. They said it was the best day ever. Francis and Hannah had other plans. They had the daddy-daughter dance. I helped Hannah get all dressed up complete with pretty pink dress and purple toenail polish. Francis put on his suit, and presented her with a small corsage of pink and purple flowers. I'm pretty sure I saw Hannah's heart leap out of her chest from joy! When they got back I heard all about the photo booth, dancing, ice cream bar and candy table. They had a great time!

Saturday we tried to check a bunch of things off our list. We were somewhat successful. We washed and cleaned out the van, cleaned out the boys' room (partially) and bunked the boys' beds. The room looks huge now! It was no easy task, but I'm glad we did it. 

Sunday we got ready for church early and we all matched (It's a miracle!) so I had the bright idea of heading up to church to take pictures before church started by the pond. It actually turned out better than expected even though it was cold and windy. We also got to tour our brand new children's building after church. It is huge and the kids particularly liked the new indoor playground. They can't wait until the officla move in this coming Sunday! 

Everyone is doing well. Hannah is becoming more independent getting dressed and taking herself to the potty (instead of coming to find me before going). Robert is learning what it means to not let others have control of your emotions. He is starting to realize that just because William imagines something doesn't make it true and that he can imagine something different of even play a different game (gasp!) if he so chooses. William had an epiphany this week. He is starting to realize how much I do for him and that I do it because I love him. This has brought about a change in the amount he helps me, even without being asked. Instead of "why haven't you..." he asks, "How can I help you?". His siblings have started to copy him on this and it is a magnificent sight to behold. I only hope it lasts! 

That's it for now!  

April 6, 2018

We went camping last weekend for Easter. We go every year with my parents' Sunday school class and this year was no exception. We drove up with a loaded van on Thursday evening, setting up camp in the dark. It was a bit of a struggle to get everything put together, but we managed and the kid eventually fell asleep. Friday morning was beautiful, with a soft layer of fog sitting on the lake as the sun rose. The kids were anxious to get into all things camping, so after breakfast my dad took the boys fishing and my mother and I took Hannah out in a canoe. The boys fished on and off most of the day, anxious to try to catch something. They even went out in the canoe with Francis to try to fish from it, but had no luck. After a hot dog lunch, I set up the kids' play tent and Hannah was quick to make some friends and invite them over. A guy I grew up with (whose dad teaches my parent's class) has two girls around Hannah's age, and the three of them had a delightful time with balls, hammocks, the tent, and even a ride in the "carriage" behind Francis's bike. They played and laughed for hours until dinner time. But dinner was worth it. We had steak. It's always good and this steak was amazing! The kids all ate up and the adults did too. We had Good Friday service on the lake with about 75 people. William asked what reconciliation was which kinda threw Mr. Schultz, but otherwise thing went smoothly. It was great to see people with whom I grew up now have their spouses and children there. It's a tradition that means even more since we gather to celebrate the Savior Jesus. Friday evening we had s'mores around the fire (though Kevin wanted peanut butter on his for some reason). Robert started complaining about his ear. It was the precursor to a very rough night of him screaming and crying about the pain. In the morning Francis and I took him to urgent care while my parents, Danielle and Kevin watched Hannah and William. Turns out poor Robert had a double ear infection brought on by his allergies. We got him some medicine and saw near immediate improvement. Robert really liked having all of my and Francis's undivided attention. We will have to take him out again sometime when he's not sick! Burgers for lunch came before an afternoon of playground time and fishing. We also managed an Easter egg hunt where the kids had a blast. Most of the group went to Mercado's (Mexican food) for dinner where we were able to chat with even more friends about times past and present. My not-at-all-tired kids managed one more evening around the fire before finally passing out and not stirring all night. Sunday we had morning service which included the Lord's supper. We then packed up, had lunch nearby with the family, and then headed home. It was a great weekend, and the kids loved time with their Papa, Sweetie, Aunt Dani and Uncle Kevin.

This week has been slow and fast all at the same time. I can tell my body is trying to decide whether or not it wants to be sick again, so I've had to take a few naps to keep up. We only have about a week left of the kids school work, so I'm hoping once that is off my plate I can focus on the upcoming months before I get too huge to be of any good. Here's hoping!

Till next time!