May 7, 2017

So, two weeks ago I was unable to post because I was on vacation at Disney World! That's right. It was an amazing trip with the kids, Francis and my mother-in-law. We arrived on Saturday mid afternoon, unloaded our luggage into our rooms and went straight to Magic Kingdom. The firs ride we rode? Uh, Buzz Lightyear, duh! It is William's all time favorite and quickly became Robert's too. Although Robert was hesitant at first when he saw a picture of Zurg (the bad guy) on the way up to the ride, he quickly realized that it was a game shooting at targets so he need not be afraid. Over the next week I lost count of how many times we rode it. It was a hit to be sure. We also took William on Space Mountain. He said he wasn't scared, but that it was really intense. We watched the fireworks that night from far off, and made sure we rode the carousel at least once before it closed for renovations that week. I think that was one of Hannah's favorite rides, though she seemed to love it all! Sunday we explored Hollywood Studios, riding Toy Story Mania twice in a row (the boys' second favorite), meeting Buzz and Woody, going to a Frozen Sing along, and meeting all sorts of 

Star Wars characters. William got to ride the Star Tours ride, and also got to fight Darth Vader in Jedi Training. We rooted him on in his quest to use the Force. We had dinner at Hollywood and Vine, which meant we got to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy. Much to my relief and enjoyment, the kids were all super excited. I have an adorable picture of Hannah with Daisy. The highlight of that day was the show that evening: Fantasmic! It is still my favorite show and it did not disappoint. 

Monday we went to Epcot. Everyone but Hannah was able to ride Soarin' (my favorite ride), and William found he loved Mission: Space, especially the games at the end. Hannah and Robert loved the Nemo ride, and we found ourselves riding it over again. I was excited to take the kids on the Frozen ride and it was all I hoped for. The boys loved visiting Japan because it had Pokemon (shocker), but it was nice to hear William know where the countries were actually located on the globe. After the Spaceship Earth ride (where they go through the history of the world), William said he knew all the events already. I call that a homeschool win. I was one proud momma. We ate at Coral Reef for dinner and celebrated Robert's "birthday" (each kids got to pick a day and restraunt to celebrate), and a happier kid you would have been hard pressed to find. The show that night was, well, it wasn't my favorite, but the day itself was very enjoyable. Tuesday we had breakfast at Chef Mickey (where we met Mickey and the gang once again) followed by a day at Animal Kingdom. We picked up the Wilderness explorers guide for the boys on a whim thinking we might do one or two stops. Miraculously (and with a little effort), by the end of the day we had finished and the boys were official Wilderness Explorers! Robert surprised us by being the adventurous one and riding the water rapids twice and having a blast. We also had fun on the Safari in the middle of the day, and saw animals throughout our wanderings. The show that evening, Rivers of Light, was exactly that, a beautiful visually amazing display. It's a new show and I'm so glad we had Fast Passes. It made our seats amazing without all the waiting. In fact, Fast Passes saved us from waiting most of the time. Whoever invented them is in line to be one of my new best friends, haha. 

Wednesday we were back at Magic Kingdom for the whole day. We rode so many rides thanks to Fast Passes (5 in one hour alone), and made the most of our last day with Nana (Francis's mom). It was so fun having her around and I'd take her with me anywhere in a heartbeat. We had lunch at Belle's Castle and dinner at the Diamond Horseshoe to celebrate William's "birthday". He loved the S'mores dessert. We had a great spot for the fireworks that evening, and the display only mirrored the happiness in my heart. Family and fun, who could ask for more? Thursday morning Nana left early and the 5 of us headed to Hollywood Studios to finish the few things we hadn't done. After riding Toy Story mania 3 times in less than an hour (and me getting slightly motion sick), we headed over and met Chewbacca and BB8. The star wars area and all its memorabilia were impressive and the kids  spent quite a while examining it all. We then rode the last couple unridden rides, had lunch and watched the Star Wars show. When Kylo Ren and Darth Vader came on stage, the boys used the "force" to try to get rid of them. It was kind of adorable. After the show we went over to Magic Kingdom for more rides and dinner at Belle's Castle. We even got a picture with the Beast! We went home "early" that evening to take a swim. It was a good day though, we were tired by the end. 

Our night that night did not go as planned. Robert threw up first at around 1 O'Clock. He didn't even really wake up, and the hotel brought us new sheets and took away the old. William woke up a short time later and threw up in the toilet. By morning, Robert was feeling better, and William was on the mend. After no one had thrown up for a while, we all headed to EPCOT because the boys had to use their money to buy Pokemon in Japan. As soon as we got their, Francis was all but green. He headed home, leaving me with three kids and and entire park to walk across. I was able to get to Japan, the boys bought their toys/cards, and I even managed to let them two two different activities. Whew. I got all three kids over to Magic Kingdom (which involved 2 monorail trips), and a refreshed Francis was able to meet us at Buzz Lightyear. We then had dinner at Cinderella's Castle where we celebrated Hannah's "birthday". We got to meet 5 princesses: Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White and Ariel. Hannah was in high Heaven, and the boys had a good time to. Robert especially loved giving the Princess's hugs. It was stinkin' cute. The food was spectacular and they gave out swords and wands to the kids. It was my favorite meal. We rode as many rides as we could that evening, ending where we began at Buzz Lightyear. The kids were troopers. Saturday we shopped at Disney Springs before catching our plane back home. I could have stayed another week or three, but all good things must come to an end. One the plane I started to feel sick. I thought it was motion sickness again (I have become very sensitive and there was a lot of turbulence), but as soon as we exited the plane and I ran to the bathroom to throw up, I knew the kids' bug had hit me two. We drove home from the airport in Dallas (3 hours) with me clutching the airsick bag I had taken from the plane. I was so glad when we got home. It was an amazing trip, with a bang up ending, but I still wouldn't have traded it for anything. Fortunately it was only a 12 hour virus, so by Sunday mid-day I was able to eat and start regaining my strength. 

The kids are already talking about next time they go to Disney (which they are aware is a long time off), so the trip must have been a success! 

I'll update on our goings on from last week in another post. 

Till next time!

April 20, 2017

It's been a delightfully quiet week (something I never get to say).

Last Thursday Francis, the kids and I headed up to Tyler for a long weekend of camping. The weather was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. Really and truly I could not have asked for more. The whole Noble clan was there including my sister, parents, the twins, Chad and Kevin. We relaxed, talked, canoed, played games, roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed the great outdoors. My parents rented an amazing motor home this year where we were allowed to use the restrooms and that made an amazing trip even better. the kids slept well in the tent. The services help us focus on Jesus and his sacrifice. I got to see old friends and love on a new baby. The egg hunt was a success and fun was had by all. To say I was content would have been the understatement of the year. Good memories.

This week I had an eye appointment on Monday, grocery store yesterday, and a much needed Walmart trip yesterday. We've been taking it easy now that school is not in session. Today was my last MOMS meeting ever. I'm sad that this time in my life has come to a close, but I am looking forward to the next chapter.

We are finished with kindergarten but per many moms suggestions, we are not going completely without school. This week we worked on money for a some minutes each day. It was fun and kept everyone's attention as they each did an activity at their level. We will keep on working on reading, writing and math, but through fun little activities in what I will affectionately call "school lite". We may miss a week here and there, but at least it should theoretically be easier to get back in the habit come the fall. We shall see!

We leave tomorrow for vacation. Disney World here we come. Please pray we are are healthy and can relax and have fun as a family.

Short and sweet. Till next time!

April 11, 2017

So much has happened these past three weeks. Time has gotten away from me.

Two weeks ago Francis was gone for the entire week at a conference in Portland. We survived, but not before I became deathly ill mid-way through with a cold. Thanks to the many that offered help, especially my mom who sent us Pizza from afar. Francis came back Thursday evening late, but in time for us to have a date night Friday. It was the last parent's night out. We had McCallister's ( I was still feeling sick and soup sounded good), and went and saw Beauty and the Beast. We made it back just in time to pick up the kids. We always seem to cut it close.

Last week was rough. Saturday was amazing. We went to Sherwood Forest Faire and had a nearly perfect day. The kids loved the jousting, and we talked about what life was like in the Middle ages. We even got a glimpse of Eleanor of Aquitaine as she passed. It was so fun and just what we needed as a family. Sunday morning I received word that my grandmother Jamama had died. On the heels of my Grandfather Pop dying in January, my emotions are still a bit raw. Not all the time, but it still hits me hard sometimes in strange ways. Well, Jamama dying, even after having been sick for over two years, still hit just as hard. I cried through church, went home and cried more. The kids and I headed to the funeral on Tuesday after school, and made it just before the viewing that evening. It was nice to see all my family including Japapa, my parents, sisters, niece and nephew, cousins, aunts, and uncles. We realized all the cousins and certainly not all of their kids had ever been together at once. We watched a slideshow of memories we had of Jamama, and loved on each other. The next day we all had lunch at Golden Corral (Jamama's favorite) and then headed on to the funeral. The room was packed to overflowing to the point that many of us went up to a balcony overlooking the room to be able to see. It was a happy funeral even though we were all sobbing, because we know she's home. there was so much laughter there...probably much more than can be resonably accounted for except we know she's home with the Father. We started late (per Jamama's never being on time) and the Kleenexes were plentiful just like they were in her lifetime. It was perfect. We got a group picture of the cousins, cousins and their kids and of the whole family (45 or so people). After the fact we noticed that most everyone wearing a color was wearing blue which was Jamama's favorite color.  Out at the gravesite all of the kids were reading about who served in which war. They were fascinated that these people had been through things in their timeline song from school. It was a teachable moment that we are all part of history. What matters is the legacy we leave behind. Jamama's was her love for us and for Jesus. We will miss you, Jamama.

We got back late Wednesday night and Thursday brought us two welcome visitors: Francis's father and Nana Phillips. God knew in His perfect timing that I needed a grandmother to love on after the loss of mine. The 24 hours she was visiting with us (all the way from Montreal) brought laugher, joy, fun and fellowship. The kids got to show off all they've been learning in school, and enjoyed hearing Nana Phillips's every word. We took a tour of Francis's lab while she was here. It's something I always enjoy. We were sad to see Nana Philips go (Hannah cried when she left), but we will hold on tightly to those memories. Saturday we did the Easter egg hunt at the George Buch Library. It was a bit of a mad house, but we were able to do the hunt and all the games as well as have fun doing it. Sunday was the Spring Carnival at church. The boys boy did the mechanical bull and Hannah hung out mostly in the bounce house. We haven't been sitting still much, I guess you could say!

Tuesday was the last day of Classical Conversations for the year. We did the egg drop from a ladder using all the devices the kids had made from rubber bands, popsicle sticks and kleenex. William and his partner's egg didn't crack! They made a "parachute trampoline" and it worked perfectly. Theirs was only 1 of 4 eggs to survive. It was great. It was also superhero day so we had a Super Girl, Batman and Iron Man attending school from the Phillips clan. Fun was had by all.

Today William finished his last Kindergarten lesson. I can hardly believe it! He is a kindergarten graduate. He is a great reader, can write, add, subtract, tell time, knows a ton about history, science, had memorized so much scripture, and so so much more. I'd write a novel describing all he (and I) have learned. I am humbled that God tasked me with this this year, and thankful as well. Knowing I had a part in his learning is a special experience. I can't wait to see what is in store next year. Congratulations William!

Robert finished PreK 3 today also. He put his letters in alphabetical order using magnets and then sang the ABC song while pointing to the letters. He has also learned so much! He can count to at least 30, knows his letters and can even write some of them. Just this week he started getting into puzzels and can spend 45 minutes or more to complete a difficult puzzle on his own. I've seen him grow into his own person, but still want to do everything his brother does. Congratulations Robert!

Hannah is growing so fast. She talks so much and spends much of her time at home taking care of her "babies". She pushes them around in their strollers (yes plural), cooks for them, puts them to sleep, feeds them, carries them around, takes them to the potty (and make them go, haha) and so much more. She knows the routine and makes sure we stick to it. I was told it was nap time today after she had finished eating even though I hadn't gotten my food yet. She decided to fall asleep in my arms while I ate (she only sleeps on me anyway), so I guess it was indeed nap time. She's spunky and smart and I love her so much. Congratulations on growing up Hannah!

That's it for now. Till next time!

March 23, 2017

It's been a busy few weeks. I've either been busy at home or not been home able to write.

Two weeks ago on Tuesday after Classical Conversations (school), William decided to try to copy one of his friends on the playground and fell off the top of the monkey bars. I knew right away something wasn't right. He couldn't move his arm at all. I very calmly gathered up the kids and our stuff and headed to the car. I called Francis on the walk and by the time we were all buckled in, he had found the closest urgent care that both carried our insurance and does x-rays. We headed over and were seen pretty quickly. The kids were very good especially considering this was during nap/rest time. They took William back to x-ray his limp right arm, and they had to place it for him since he couldn't do it. In doing so, they inadvertently pop his dislocated elbow back in place. When he returned, he was feeling much better and was able to life and move his arm. The doctor (who was a specialist in sports medicine and was miraculously in that day) checked William out along with the x-rays and decided the best and safest course of action was a splint for a week. He said that William's elbow had obviously been dislocated. He saw no sign of a break, but one could easily be hiding so if there was still pain in a week, we needed to come back in. William did not love the splint and we had to keep adjusting it to get him comfortable. I am happy to say that it's been more than a week since it's removal and he seems to be doing well!

Last week was Spring Break. My mother, sisters, and the twins and my in-laws all took turns being sick with a nasty virus and cold respectively, but amazingly my kids and I dodged the bullets. We were able to go to the Dallas Aquarium with Francis's mom, the mall many times, Legoland (with the twins, Christian and my mom) in Grapevine, parks and the Heard Museum and Animal Sanctuary (also with my mom). Even with all of the sickness, we still managed to have fun. Francis had to spend spring break in College Station working on his paper for his Preliminaries coming up in a couple of weeks (pray for him!). He will be in Portland, OR starting on Friday for a conference, so he will get a trip of his own. We'll miss him! Friday evening my amazing Father-in-law brought my kids back to College Station and I got to spend time with my best friend since the 3rd grade: Ashley. We went to see Beauty and the Beast and then I spent the night at her house. I  can't tell you how precious that time was. Saturday was another special time. At Ashley's house, we had my sister Danielle's first bridal shower. It went so so well, and I would not have missed it for the world. I'm so thankful she has found the man God has for her!

Funny story while we were in Dallas: Danielle came over one night and was talking about how she was teaching her kids the equations to find the area of shapes. William chimes in how he already knows them and proceeds to rattle off the equations for areas of squares, triangles, rectangles, circles and the circumference of a circle. Danielle manages to get the circle equations on video to show her students (he wouldn't do the rest right then). Her students tell Danielle that William is just smarter than them. I laugh and tell William and he responds with "Definitely!" I cock my head to one side and look at him confused. "How do you figure?" I ask. "Well, they are older than me so they must know if I'm smarter. Why would they lie about something like that?" I really didn't have a response. His logic was pretty solid, haha. I did go on to explain that everyone knows different things, etc... but inside I was laughing so hard I was holding back tears. He may be too smart for his own good.

This week we've been getting back into school. Robert has finished his work and knows his letters and numbers and can more or less write most of them. Pretty good for a 3 and a half year old! William only has 3 or so more weeks and he'll be done with Kindergarten. That's just crazy! Hannah is also learning so much, though most of her learning is not through her "school work". She is talking so much and her brothers keep teaching her new words (I do too, but theirs seem to stick better). We have resume our evening walks now that the time has changed. The kids love it and ask for it as soon as Francis gets home. It's a special time. I've been meeting new people at the park almost every night (and seen a few familiar faces too). Overall, it's one of my favorite parts of the day.


Today we had a lady come talk about healthy nutrition at MOMS. So, this afternoon I dug out a blender and made the kids a smoothie with only fruit and a tad of milk. they loved it. Yay for a healthy choice. I try to make them as often as possible, so this was not as huge of a step as it may sound. I was just happy the kids liked it without me adding sugar. They love their fruit though, so I shouldn't have been surprised.

Till next time!

March 3, 2017

It has been a week. I'm tired and everyone is cranky. I fell getting out of the car yesterday and shredded my favorite pair of pants, and scratched up my knee significantly... That's just a taste of this week.

And while I'm not enjoying this week, I can take comfort in the fact that this restlessness it is creating is forcing me back to relying on the Father. i would have quit a thousand times over if that were an option, but because it isn't, I have to lean on Him. I find myself thanking Him for even small successes as they have been few and far between this week.

But enough unhappy. No need for everyone else to be unhappy with us. Hannah is growing and knowing her own mind more. She is playing more and more with her brothers as an equal partner and participant. Robert is also making known his thoughts about life known. He is starting to write things if I will spell them for him. I see that his practicing of letters this year is paying off as he recognizes them on signs everywhere. William is speeding through his work these days. He is becoming more self-motivated and likes to know all he has to do and then power through it. I'm impressed at how he is already becoming a semi-autonomous learner. He already reads the math word problems without me and answers them. At nap-time the other day, William read through 8 or 9 Clifford books with Robert with no help.

So in conclusion, it's true what they say: The days go slowly but the years go quickly. This week has seemed like a thousand years, but 6 years have passed in a blink.

Till next time!

February 23, 2017

It's been a crazy busy week and a half. We've done so much I don't even know where to begin!

I guess I will start with Thursday evening before last. Our MOMs group hosted a special dinner (with childcare!) so Francis and I had a catered dinner at church that evening. The speaker was good and the company delightful. The kids had finished their antibiotics by then and are doing great so fun was had by all.

Friday was very special. After a day of playgroup and school, we had a very special evening. Chick-fil-a was hosting a "Daddy Daughter Date Night" complete with table side service, live music, princesses that came to the table, special crafts and activities and a special dessert. Hannah picked out her clothes and Francis dressed up too. They had a great time. Hannah loved the one on one daddy time (who can blame her? He's awesome!). Meanwhile back at the ranch, the boys decided they needed to take me out on a date. Where did they choose? Chuck E Cheese of course! They took their job very seriously though. They opened the door for me, used all of their manners and stayed with me as we went about and did the games. It was so special to be with just them and I wouldn't have traded that time for anything.

Saturday Francis and I did a swap. I took Hannah shopping for the afternoon and Francis took the boys ice skating. Both were fruitful times. Francis had a great time honing the boys' skills that they are learning Tuesday evenings. I had fun with Hannah, who is a great shopper. She looks carefully through everything and picks out what she wants (though she doesn't usually get to have it). She walked most of the way and was beaming from ear to ear through the entire mall. I can tell this is the beginning of a beautiful shopping relationship with my little girlie.

Sunday was church and AWANAS. Monday morning we did our usually grocery store shopping and school. But Monday evening we decided to go out to the open house of FUNgineering. It was great. William and Robert both built robots based on instructions and then were able to code the robots to perform simple tasks. Beyond that, they had a robot arena in a different room where pre-made robots could be customized and then battled against one another. My kids thought it was the best day ever! Hannah got to look at all the displays, build with the duplos and watch all the robotic fun. Francis was in heaven too, I think. Fun was had by all!

Tuesday was Valentine's Day. The kids were greeted with cards and small gifts at the breakfast table. Francis recieved a cake that was made by myself and the kids as well as a couple other gifts. William got new Pokemon cards (as did Francis), Robert got a batman toy and Hannah got things for her babies. At CC school, William did a very special presentation on a missionary: William Phillips (his great-grandfather). He did a lot of research, and proudly presented what he knew. It was amazing! I made a special meal for dinner with sparkling grape juice to drink and cake for dessert. All in all a good "love day".

Wednesday we went to the library for story time as we do most weeks. Thursday was MOMS. at home, William and Francis made a binder for William's Pokemon cards. It turned out really well. Hannah and Robert had a great time in class while I learned about the FBI agency in College Station (who knew?) and some ways to protect our kids from the internet and what to do in the event of an abduction. Very interesting.

Friday we had playgroup. the weather cleared up just in time for us to have a great time!

Saturday was Abby's family birthday party. She is 6 years old today! We ate lunch, had a pinata, opened gifts and enjoyed spending time together as a family. It seems like only yesterday I help her in my arms for the first time. Happy Birthday Abby! We had dinner at a Mexican food place with all of my in-laws and the Davis family. I have missed Angel in particular terribly and it was good to spend time with her. So good.

This week had been a repeat of last: Church, grocery store, CC, Library, and MOMs (playdate to watch Tangled). It's been a blur but also so much fun.

William is reading very fluently these days. He is actually reading this blog aloud next to me as I type. It is impressive. He wants you to know he always wins at Pokemon cards against his dad, but it is because the new versions of the cards are way more powerful than the ones Francis has from 15 years ago.

Robert wants you to know he still likes batman and he is excited to go to Disney World soon (we are planning a trip). He is growing all the time and still a great cuddler.

Hannah is (miraculously) napping right now. She is talking more all the time and understands everything we say. She has an opinion about most things, loves her baby dolls and wants to do whatever her brothers are doing.

I got a fitbit for Christmas, but just now set it up last night. Not sure where I was going with that, but I do forsee more walking than I already do in my future. That's all I have time for now!  Till next time!

February 9, 2017

It's been a long couple of weeks. We've been in a bit of a holding pattern fighting on and off what has turned out to be walking Pneumonia. With the exception of CC last Tuesday and parent's night out on Friday, we haven't been out much at all. All three kids and I have had this sickness, and every time I think we are finally doing better, we go out an crash upon returning home. It all came to a head Saturday evening when Hannah was cough-breathing in her sleep. I was able to get her into the doctor on Sunday where she was diagnosed and we were all able to get on antibiotics. I am happy  to say we have all made a complete turn around with the exception of an occasional cough that I have a suspicion won't leave us for some time.

Last Tuesday was our family's turn to present during opening ceremony. Francis came and stayed through the morning so he could see what we do each week. He said it was mostly what he was expecting, so I guess that's good! I have the paperwork done so both boys can participate next year. Yay! One thing that did happen was that after science time (which happened to be on aeronautics, good timing!), Francis was invited to explain why experiments turned out as they did. He gave an impromptu explanation and did a good job! It was very fun having him there.

Friday we had our date night. We went to Bjs and saw La La Land. Both were made more enjoyable by being with Francis.

As I've said we've spent most of our time at home. Francis even stayed home with all 3 kids last Thursday so I could go to MOMs. I'm glad I went as the speaker said things I needed to hear. It's wonderful when truth is spoken over you at the exact moment you need it.

Overall update, William is reading. He is reading most everything he can get his hands on. When he wakes up, he reads the books in his room to himself or his siblings until it's time to get up and get going. He reads at nap time. He reads signs and, well, everything in sight. As a result he has started to check out "big kid" books from the library. Last time he chose books all about the ocean and this week, he picked to learn about Sharks and Cheetahs (two different books). He pours over them. It's amazing! He is still loving school minus handwriting. We have to find good motivators to get through handwriting each week. Everything else is a breeze.

Robert is always thinking. Even when he isn't feeling well, the what ifs are never ending. He has spent quite a bit of time building with the duplo legos as of late. I have to put "in progress" creations on the fire place to save for later or the world will be over. Some of his structures have been truly impressive! He's also very in tune to what is going on with his siblings. He knows the goings on of this house better than I do sometimes!

Hannah is growing and becoming so big! She loves clothes (dress up, costume, day wear, you name it). She has an opinion about what she is going to wear and it does not go on her body without her permission. Good news though, she likes the little girl underwear I bought her and does he best to keep it clean while wearing it (which is generally only part of the day because I don't really want to clean poop out of cloth). She loves her baby dolls. She spent a great deal of time yesterday wrapping up one of her dolls in a blanket and carrying it around. We found some of her newborn stuff, and much to her delight, it fit the doll, so the rest of the day was spent getting her doll, "all dolled up". She also loves reading about princesses. She generally picks a princess book when it's her turn to choose. I don't greatly encourage or discourage any of this so it's interesting to see her take such delight in all things "girly". On the other hand, her other favorite activities are light saber battles with her brothers, playing with action figures, and building forts. So, there's balance, haha.

Most of all I'm loving seeing these kids grow to love each other and learn about God. Our lives aren't perfect (the past couple of weeks have been close to unbearable at points), but I am thankful that God chose me for this job right now. I will honor it and Him as best I can.

Till next time!