Wednesday, May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

It's been 3 weeks since Andrew surgery. He has been hearing so much and grown by leaps and bounds as a result. He is talking more, sleeping better, crawling more, eating more, exploring instead of being solely attached to mommy and has even taken his first steps!

Easter camping was a huge success. We made it in time to have dinner with everyone on Friday and attend the Good Friday service on the lake. Robert received his first real Bible for graduating Kindergarten and being a reader. This has become a tradition after we did it for William 2 years ago and Robert was anticipating the moment of getting his own Bible ever since. His face beamed as he sat down after receiving it, and I teared up at how proud he was to own it.

The weather all weekend was perfect and we had a group egg hunt, family egg hunt, Timothy and Gideon's first birthday party, eye dyeing, treats, wonderful food and family time. Andrew did well for his first time camping and the other three slept hard as ricks when their heads hit the pillow. There's nothing like non-stop outdoor fun to tire you out. Sunday morning we had our "sunrise" service on the lake with my parents' Sunday school class and company (we had around 100 there) befor catching lunch on the way out of town and heading home.

The day was not over though. When we got home and unpacked, I noticed Andrew was standing and much more balanced than he had been even a few days before. After a few tries, he took his first STEPS from Francis to myself before taking a step here and there between other items. It's crazy how fast things change in less than a week!

That Monday Andrew Turned 10 months old. He is smart, inquisitive, funny (he even laughs at our jokes), and wants to know everything. I cannot believe he will be one in a few short weeks. His favorite thing is crawling like a spider (feet and hands on ground) super fast to keep up with my walking. It's impressive. He is loved and loving. and I'm so glad God knew we needed him.

Francis has been gone a lot the past couple of weeks (two separate trips to El Paso and Austin), and I have had to be in two places as one two Tuesdays in a row. Thankfully I made it and with people watching my kids one either end (soccer and dance practice), we survived. I'm so glad to not have to do it again though. Francis starts his new position on Monday (he's moving to a more permanent position within ARL doing the same job). I'm so proud he was able to do it so quickly, and I look forward to seeing what this new chapter holds.

We've been doing school "lite" here. The kids picked out their summer workbooks and we have been spending only 10-15 minutes max on school things.If we don't keep some routine, we have a hard time, so this is a good compromise. We'll start back up school in a couple of weeks but take it easy during the summer since we have so many other fun things to do too. The last Bible Study is tomorrow and I am sad to see the year end. It's really the final thing that's still going on. After that, we have a couple of quiet weeks with just soccer and dance before they finish and Summer activities begin!

Yesterday we had our CC Field Day. Thankfully the weather held off (it's been a little unpredictable around here), and we hung out with over 100 other CC kiddos doing games at 18 different stations. Hannah got a first, second and third place ribbon at different events, William got second at the sack race and Robert got third at the same event. They were all in different groups so I couldn't see them all compete all the time, but what I did see made me smile. They tried hard, played well and were good sports. It was a good day.

Yesterday evening was less enjoyable. After Hannah's dance class, we were getting ready to go to bed, when I picked up an oscillating fan and gave it to Francis to move out of the boys' room. The large round base of the fan suddenly detached and hit Andrew in the head. There was immediately blood everywhere. We all rushed to the ER and after an hour of "your next", we went to a different ER and were seen right away. Andrew has a gash in his forehead that required a steri strip to close it and finally stop the bleeding. He has a long cut under his right eye and a small cut on the eye itself. With some eye drops and time, he will be fine, but he looks pretty beat up.

Well, an hour has passed between the last sentence and this because the kids and I just spent it in the bathroom. Why? We were under a tornado warning. We are ok, but it got pretty loud and the rain is still really coming down. We'll have to see if there is any damage after the storm has passed, but we are thankful to be safe, warm and dry. It's no small task to hang out in a bathtub with 4 kids for an hour watching a storm get ever closer on the news on your phone, but the kids were amazing. The dogs too were with us and very nervous, but they finally managed to settle even if they were stressed. Hoping that is the end of excitement for today!

Till next time!

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

April 17, 2019

Things are very quiet around here...but I'll get to that.

This past week has been good overall. Last Thursday Andrew made through the whole Bible Study in the nursery for the first time. Up until recently I've been bringing him into class with me and even after that I have had to pick him up in the middle to feed him. It's a good sign he's growing up and I'm glad.

Friday evening was the last Junction (parents' night out) until the fall. After we dropped off the kids, Francis and I went to see the new movie Shazam at Star Cinema Grill. It was cute and the food was good. Saturday was a long and crazy day. We got up and checked if the boys' soccer games were cancelled due to weather (they weren't), so Francis took William to his game while I took the other 3 to the George Bush Library Easter egg hunt. Due to the weather threat, the even was moved indoors which meant we had to wait in line to get in and it was extra crowded. We did manage to get a picture with the Easter bunny and do the egg hunt/games before Francis brought William to me and took Robert to his game. After William did all the things he wanted at the event, the three kids I had and I picked up food and headed home in a bit of an overcast windy gloom. We ate quickly and I changed Hannah into her dance costume and as soon as Francis got home, Hannah and I went to get her class pictures done for dance. As soon as we arrived, the weather took a turn for the worst so we got inside. while Hannah was getting her pictures done, I found out there was a tornado in Franklin (35 miles north of us) and that we were under a sever thunderstorm warning. Keeping a careful eye on the radar, when Hannah got done (I can't wait to see how they turned out!) we left in between bands of the storm and made it home in time before another downpour. After a short time, the storm finally passed and we were able to do a final activity- attend a birthday party at jumping world. The kids had a great time. There was a scary moment though where Hannah fell off a 10ft platform and hit the cement ground (she was miraculously fine). She was supposed to jump onto an inflatable mat, but grabbed hold of the platform instead and landed underneath the platform on the cement. My heart stopped momentarily, but other than a little crying and needing an ice pack on her leg for all of two seconds, she didn't let it stop her from running around and enjoying the est of the party. When we left, the sun had come out and it felt as if a week had passed. Weird.

Sunday was the last AWANA for the spring and the awards ceremony. William received his Sparky award, Robert received his first book award and Hannah finished Cubbies book A. William and Robert were both selected to read verses during the ceremony to represent their particular grades. I'm not sure how they were chosen, but hearing them read scripture proudly brought tears to my eyes. Francis also finished his 5th year volunteering with Cubbies. I am so thankful for a man so willing to serve and invest in our children.

Monday I spent the day packing up the three big kids' suitcases. Why? Becuase yesterday morning I met my dad part way between here and Dallas and he took them back with him. William and Robert will be spending time with their cousin Issac and my dad in order to go camping in Tyler early and do manly things. Hannah was dropped off at my sister Christian's house so she and her cousin Alexandra could have girl time for a couple of days before we all meet up in Tyler on Friday for Easter camping with the whole Noble Family. I am thankful for a family that loves my kids.

Part of the reason the kids all 3 left is because this morning Andrew had surgery to get tubed put in his ears. He's had constant ear infections for over 5 months and recently failed his hearing test due to all the fluid in his ears. It was a long night of being up with him and a rough morning of waiting, but he came out of surgery just fine and is in the swing next to me sleeping (finally). I can already tell a difference in his responsiveness to sound. Sounds that normally would be ignored are now of sudden and immediate interest. I look forward to seeing what other wonderful things come out of my baby no longer being in constant pain. I'm hoping he will finally get a good nights rest so I can too. For now, I will go back to cleaning out the school areas and preparing for the next school year while I have a moment of quiet.

Till next time!

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

And we are done with school. whew.

ok so Friday before last we had a family Bahama Bucks date (snow cones) to mark the end of Robert finishing Kindergarten and William finishing his tutor proof (round 2). We spent Friday morning at the ENT doctor to get Andrew's tubed scheduled (that happens next week), so after a rough morning we headed to William's tutor's house to do the proof. I sat in the next room as I listened to William tell all 24 weeks of all 7 subjects (Math, Latin, English, timeline, Geography, History, Science) of memory work. He did it flawlessly. So, after that major success, we had to do something and Bahama Bucks seemed fitting.

Saturday William and Robert each had their first soccer game. Francis had his first game coaching (Robert's team). Both boys did great! Robert scored his firs goal in a major breakaway, and I managed to get it on video! I cannot wait to see what the coming weeks hold. That afternoon we had lunch and then went to A&M for their annual vet school open house. We got to pet animals, learn about how to make horseshoes, look at snakes, and participate in teddy bear surgery. The last was the kids favorite. they got to dress up in scrubs, pick out a stuffed animal and after telling the vet tech what was wrong, learn how veterinarians help solve these problems in animals. It was fun and informative. My favorite combination.

Tuesday before last, William completed his tutor proof making him an official Memory Master. I was so nervous waiting for him to finish because he had come so far. He had no problem and came out beaming with pride. He worked very hard to accomplish this and pushed through even though he didn't always feel like it.

Wednesday evening we celebrated by taking the kids to the Brazilian steakhouse in town (Casa do Brasil). With a kindergarten grad, a Memory Master and some good news regarding Francis's job, we had a lot to celebrate. I didn't know my kids could eat so much, but they relished all of the food, especially the all you can eat meat. Even Andrew had a good share. Hannah loved the fried plantains, and the big boys ate their weight in steak. A good time was had by all!

Thursday was our usual Bible Study. I am still loving it and even was able to sign us up for next year. Next year we are doing Genesis. Yay!

Friday was the Father-Daughter Dance. After Francis's date with William on Monday to Chuck E cheese, it was Hannah's turn for some Daddy time. She got all dressed up in a "rainbow" pink dress and did her hair, jewelry and "make up" (lipgloss) to perfection. Francis got her a silk flower corsage to match. The dance had professional photos, ice cream bar, a dance floor and little craft area. Hannah played and danced the night away with Francis and her little friends. She came home with her face positively beaming.

Saturday rain caused soccer to be cancelled, so we headed over to A&M for their Physics and Engineering festival. It did not disappoint. With over 200 different experiments, multiple shows (we loved the Bubble Show), a huge working Tesla coil and so much more, we learned and had fun! When we finished, we eventually headed home and had crepes a la Francis for dinner. Francis is an amazing chef and our bellies and hearts were full.

Sunday marked the second week for Francis on the new light board and the opening of the new children's library at church. The kids already have checked out books and we love the cozy feel of the reading windows. Sunday evening was the next to last AWANAS. All three bigs had finished their books and will be getting their awards next Sunday after their last class. They have learned a ton of verses this year!

Monday was a quiet day at home. Andrew (who now has SIX teeth!) learned that he can crawl away from mommy (not just toward) and spent a good portion of the day exercising his new freedom. He found and now enjoys the dog food (yuck), so we've entered that phase of babyhood. He is also working on standing up from sitting without holding onto anything, which is really impressive for only 9 months!

I needed a quiet day to prepare for yesterday. Yesterday we hit the ground running and didn't stop. We had our last day of school at CC. It's hard to say goodbye, but it was a sweet time followed by our end of year party and Memory Master presentation. Francis came up and together he and I presented William with his Memory Master certificate in front of the group. After lunch and recess, we stayed to listen the the 4-6th graders present their Faces of History projects. I was so impressed by their knowledge of their characters as they dressed up and presented figures from ancient history. They did a great job! We went from their to Job's third birthday party. We played at the park, had an egg hunt and ate pizza and cupcakes. the weather was a bit warm, but still pretty. Finally we went to dance practice (Hannah) and soccer practice (William and Robert). By the time we got home, we were tired! whew.

Today we will go by the library to pick books and do Wednesday evening church, but mostly we've earned a rest.

Till next time!

Thursday, March 28, 2019

March 28, 2019

We've been busy around here. First off Andrew turned 9 months. He hit that milestone with an explosion of activity. He realized all of a sudden that crawling was faster than rolling. He was on the ground, pushed up and landed farther forward. I could see the light bulb go off as he did it again and again across the floor. No more rolling around for this guy. He's fast and his siblings don't know quite what to make of it. He's also standing without assistance for short periods of time. He is still working on taking that first step, but I think is may not be far off. Until then, he has no problem pulling up on furniture and cruising along until he reaches the end. He's got down the pincher grasp and his fine motor skills are very developed. He started waving bye bye by opening and closing his hand last night, which melted my heart to no end! He makes all sorts of noises and thinks he's talking. He's got a great sense of humor and thinks we are all hilarious. He's the best cuddler too. He still doesn't want me out of his sight, but he loves the rest of the family too. We love you Andrew! His 9 month check up was Monday and he now weights 19lbs 11 oz and is 30 inches long! He's still above the growth chart for length but he's lean so he looks like a mini-basketball player. He graduated to mostly 18 month clothing! And you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.

We are winding down our school year over here. In fact, Robert's last day of Kindergarten is going to be right after I finish this blog. He's learned so much this year and can add and subtract like a champ and is reading so well. We have a couple more weeks of CC, but our book work is going to take a break. William has a little more work (mainly in math) because he's been focusing on Memory Master for the past few weeks. What is Memory Master? It is where you memorize all the memory work for all seven subjects for all 24 weeks of CC and recite them 3 times (to parent, tutor and director). He's already recited them to me and meets with his tutor tomorrow for round 2. It's a big accomplishment to even do it once! Only one other 7 year old is even attempting it from our campus, and I so proud of the hours of practice he has put it. I didn't make him do it...I've actually given him plenty of opportunity to not do Memory Master, but he's determined and I'm cheering for him. When he did it for me on Friday, we celebrated with some Cici's pizza and then William and I gad our date at Sharkey's Cuts for Kids. Sharkey's is a swanky place for hair cuts. He was able to play video game and get a shampoo in addition to getting his hair cut. He left with a balloon and a sucker. He's already planning when he can get his haircut again, haha. We also went around playing pokemon together before we headed home. It was a fun evening.

Saturday was a mixed bag. I got my hair cut finally (at least 12 inches gone), and my head feels so much lighter. I met up with Francis and the kids for lunch, and then Francis took the big boys to practice soccer. they were gone a long time and when they returned, Francis was on William's bike pushing himself along....because he couldn't walk. He hurt his ankle stopping a ball. We rushed to urgent care (it was the same foot that he broke in college), and fortunately it is just a bad sprain. He has a boot and is making progress toward recovery. That evening we had family movie night and watched Inside Out. It was a much needed break after a very busy day.

Otherwise, we've been mostly chugging along. We had friends over yesterday afternoon. Hannah got to have some girl time with the girl in the other family. they played ponies, dress up and babies among other things. She was so sad when the time was over so we will have to do it again soon. Her brothers play with her and try to (sometimes) do what she wants, but their interests tend toward pokemon and Ninjago at present. It was nice for her to have a Pinkalicious sort of afternoon for once. Hannah is starting to get a hang of her letters. She's not had much interest as her brothers read to her, but she's starting to know the names of letters and their sounds. She can count, and I can see the school bug has bit her a little because she gets out her "school books" without anyone mentioning them. Next year she will get to do CC, and I know she will love having her own class. She's getting so big so fast!

Monday, March 18, 2019

March 18, 2019

Long time, no write. Back on Feb 22, Andrew turned 8 months! He was sitting up all the tiem and even pulling himself to standing and staying standing for a couple of seconds unassisted. He is doing longer and longer stints of this now and even attempts to take steps (which end in him face planting if I don't catch him). He says mama and has gone from 2 to 4 teeth (the two on top have come  in). He's smart, determined and cute as can be. He's loved by his siblings and parents and laughs with (or at) us often. Time is flying by, but I am trying to savor the sweet times.

The weather the past month has been a mix of beautiful, extremely rainy and cold. Sometimes all in the same day. When the weather is nice, we've been going kite flying and for walks to the park. It's nice to start getting outside again and get our bodies back into working order. Toward the end of February, Andrew got to wear real shoes for the first time and enjoyed walking around the park holding onto my fingers or the playground equipment. He's getting so big so fast and wants to be just like his siblings.

What else? William finished basketball! His last game was great with his best playing yet. He received the "Positivity" award for always having a good attitude. I have to agree that no matter what happened on the court, William never let it get him down. It's a valuable life skill to be able to see the good in things. He had a pizza party complete with cookie cake and fun was had by all. Now the boys start soccer practice on Tuesday. I'm so not cut out to be a sports mom, but I love my little athletes!

February was Francis's month to take the kids on dates, but March has been mine! Robert chose Chuck e Cheese. We had a blast and he really thrives on that one on one time. We played all the games, got some cool prizes and even got a special visit from Chuck E Cheese himself. Robert says "It was fun!" Hannah's date was on Friday. She chose to go shopping at Target and Charming Charlie's and have ice cream. She'd never been to Charming Charlie's and at every new piece of jewelry or purse she would squeal or sigh happily or say "that's gorgeous!". It was adorable. William's date id this Friday and he wants to get his hair cut at special place in town that lets you play video games. I'm hoping it lives up to his expectations!

We had western day at CC week before last. I finally got both the boys cowboy boots for the occasion. Hopefully they can pass them down so we'll get some use out of them. After Bible Study on Thursday, the kids and I headed to Dallas for Spring Break. It was a fun few days! Friday, Mom, Dad, Christian and her kids joined us at the zoo for a fun day of animals. Hannah loved the giraffes, Robert loved time with cousins, and William loved the reptiles and insects. It was Andrew's first zoo trip, and he, like his siblings did at the same age, loved the Koi fish best. We all went back to my parents house and were joined by Danielle and Kevin for pasta and swimming. It was Andrew's first swimming adventure and he loved splashing in the water while I held him.

Saturday we did a little shopping. Hannah picked out her dress for the father-daughter dance and we all had lunch at Chick-fil-a. All 8 cousins then spent the afternoon with Sweetie and Papa while Chad, Christian, Danielle, Kevin and I went and saw Captain Marvel. We enjoyed it! We got back just in time for dinner and of course, more swimming. It was a sweet time and I'm glad the kids get to have time with their relatives.

Sunday we went to church at Prestonwood (even with time change we arrived early enough to play at the indoor playground), and had lunch with my parents and Dani at a Mexican food place. Afterward we said goodbye and headed to my in-laws. Grandad and Nana were happy to see us, and the feeling was mutual. It was Robert's half birthday so after an afternoon of games and fun at the house, we ate dinner at Red Lobster. I got a cake for Robert and we sang to him (because, why not?). The cake was delicious! Monday Nana took off from work and we had a special breakfast at IHOP. Then we all went to the Perot museum for the day. It was a blast!!! all of the science memory work we've been learning was on full display at the different levels of this museum. The kids learened about dinosuars and fossils, earth science, biology, robotics, physics and so much more! We didn't even fully do everything. Hannah loved looking at the gems and mineral, Robert loved being a dinosaur, and William loved learning about earthquakes and other natural phenomena. Andrew liked the children's museum play area at the end. Thanks for taking us, Nana! We ended our day eating Greek food and headed home happy and tired.

I wish I could say Tuesday was a great, but it wasn't. We were already planning to head home, but went to play with cousins one last time at the playground at Prestonwood. When we arrived, Hannah said she was tired and fell asleep on a bench. she awoke in a worse mood a while later and when I tried to get her to the car, she threw up in the lobby. With Christian's help, I got everyone in the car and we made the long drive home. When we got home, Robert was also sick. But wonder or wonders, after a long nap their fevers (which came on mid-morning), had broken and they each announced they were fully recovered. It was a relief, but we did stay home Wednesday just to make sure. Thursday we had a play date at Central Playground and Friday we had pie for Pi Day as well as a great trip to the park.

Saturday we went to Sherwood Forest Faire. Hannah had a birthday party that morning, so Francis and the big boys went on ahead without us. While they were storming the (play) castle and practicing their archery (their chosen special activity), Hannah was getting her nails done and having girl time with her friends. After I picked up Hannah from her party, we (along with Andrew) went to the Faire also. We saw full contact jousting, a little magic show, fire dancers. a bird show and so much more. Hannah selected a pony ride as her special thing and she, Andrew and I attended the fairy tea party. It's one of my favorite things we do as a family because we've done it every year since before William was born.

Well, I think that's it for now. Hopefully I won't wait so long until I write again. Till next time!

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

The past couple of weeks have brought some changes around here. Francis made it back safely from Maryland and he had a productive trip. Nana and Grandad came to visit weekend before last and got to see William perform at his basketball game and then we spent the afternoon at one of the kids' favorite places: Urban Air Trampoline Park. It was fun for all and I am so thankful the kids have such amazing grandparents.


Last week was Valentine's Day and the kids had not one, but two Valentine's parties! The first was at CC on Tuesday. The second was at Bible Study. While it was very fun and the kids had a great time, it was sure a lot of Valentine's to make! All said and done, I think we did around 80! Tuesday  morning the kids woke up to cards and small gifts from us and their grandparents. Andrew really liked his stackable toys and looked super cute in his hugs and kisses Valentine's outfit. For dinner we had a special dinner together and played at home. It was a good day overall. Friday we had Junction (parents' night out) so the kids went to church while Francis and I went to a Brazilian Steakhouse for a nice dinner. I'm thankful for a church that gives us the opportunity to have a night out. I was a little concerned about leaving Andrew as he's gotten to where he doesn't like me leaving the room, but the experts in the nursery got him to sleep the entire time we were gone. Win!

This past Saturday was particularly special. After William's basketball game, we went to Houston to meet the newest member of the family: My nephew Jackson Boerger. We visited the hospital and the kids were able to meet him and play with their cousin Abby. I even got to hold Mr. Jackson. I can attest to the perfect little bundle being the highlight of 2019! My heart melted as I looked into his sweet little face. That little guy is loved far more than he will ever know. I did my best not to cry from joy while I was there (I teared up), but when we left I cried happy tears and praised God for the miracle of his life and his safe delivery. Welcome to the world, Jackson!

This week has been quiet but busy. Andrew is good at rolling around and can get up on all fours, but shows no sign of desiring to crawl. He can walk around quickly in the walker and can stand independently. He even tries to walk by letting go of things and taking a step...which ends in him landing on his bum or his face. But he's close! So it's possible he'll skip crawling all together. He smiles at anyone who will give him the time of day and still hates naps. He can get to anything on the floor and does, much to his siblings' chagrin. They love making him smile and he loves being prat of the group. I love seeing all of them bond.

Hannah is all spunk and sweetness. She is a sponge and is quick to correct when she sees an error has been made. She loves doing her "schoolwork" and already wants to learn to write her letters and numbers. She loves hanging out with her brothers and her friends and is at present the most extroverted of the bunch (which is saying something). She may be smaller and younger than many of the kids she hangs out with, but she doesn't let that stop her from keeping up. Her favorite spot is still my lap and I will love that for as long as it lasts. She lives up to the name "Princess Hannah" and we love her for it.

Robert is growing so much that every time I turn around I notice the change. His height has increased again and his mind is overflowing with information. The "what ifs" never stop flowing and lead to good deep conversations that I never thought I would have with a 5 year old. He is so loving and is the best at finding a way to compromise with his siblings. He is sharp and knows not only what his is doing for school, but is such an avid listener that he can generally answer most of the questions from his siblings' work too. He loves to listen to his memory work on his MP3 player at night and probably can recite more verses, history facts and science information than most adults.

Monday the 11th  was William's half birthday. He wanted ice cream to celebrate turning 7 1/2 and I'm all about celebrating. I can't believe he's already more than halfway to 8. His mind is changing as he challenges what we say with logic (sometimes good and sometimes bad). I am working on the balance between helping him think critically and making sure he isn't disrespectful in the process. He's a sweet boy and so smart, and I want him to cultivate a spirit of curiosity and also wisdom.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

February 5, 2019

We have been busy! Andrew turned 7 months back on January 22. I can't believe that has happened so fast! He's got two teeth, is very mobile even though he doesn't do a proper "crawl" and is discovering the world around him more each day. He laughs often and will give his (loud) opinion about anything that captures his attention. He's a joy and a character, and I wouldn't trade anything for him.

Hannah's half-birthday was that Thursday. I'm not sure how half birthdays are a "thing" in our house (it's probably because I like sweets), but we got a few cupcakes picked out by Hannah to commemorate the occasion.

Throughout that week, Francis worked hard to complete a robotic hand which he received as a kit back on his birthday. With much effort it was completed and he has enjoyed teaching the kids how to use it. Saturday before last was busy. We had William's basketball game at 8am (early!) followed by donuts and a petting zoo outside a local store. If that weren't enough we had lunch and then went to a birthday party all afternoon. Finally I was too tired to cook and we tried out an Asian Buffet in town. William is really into trying new food right now and that was the ultimate experience for him. His favorite thing he experienced (other than all the new desserts) was the clams which he said were, "much better than I expected". The other kids tried new things too and a good time was had by all. I even found a pastry with bean paste inside that immediately transported me back to the days we had in Korea. It was a wonderful moment of nostalgia and now I'm aching to travel again.

Last Monday the big boys went to an orchestra and ballet concert. The younger two were not old enough to attend (you had to be school aged). Robert particularly loved it. He sat enraptured through the entire performance and spent the rest of the day talking about it. He has such a wonderful imagination, and the experience only fueled that flame. He really loved the costumes of the dancers who played animals and other characters to accompany the songs. I'm so glad!

Tuesday we had CC, then went home for an hour before going back for a special play group at church in the children's playground. We then had a quick snack, dropped off William at basketball practice (the next building over), and hurried Hannah to dance. Francis brought the big boys home after practice and we met at home for a late dinner. You can bet I slept hard that night!!! Wednesday afternoon we went to A&M's Kyle field to watch a flag football game between the State Representatives. Mom didn't play but was there to cheer on the freshman. The kids got to sit on the seats of the famous cannon, got to feed Reveille treats, and took pictures on the field. Francis showed up later and we all had snacks in the Chancellor's box before heading to Wednesday night church. Thanks mom, for all the fun!

Thursday was a quiet day where we "only" went to morning Bible Study. The only other thing to mention is that while I was out Thursday evening, Robert hit his head on the corner of the wall while playing tag (we think) and it bled quiet a bit. Francis just came around the corner and Robert was standing there covered in blood, and had no clue that he was bleeding (which is why we have no idea what happened). He got cleaned up and was fine before I got back. Friday I planned to stay home, but Robert smacked his head yet again (on the ground this time thanks to his sibling) and blood again burst forth from his head. I rushed him to urgent care. Turns out a hematoma had formed below his scab that was under a lot of pressure and that's why it was such a spectacular display. They wanted to do a staple but decided against it because they were concerned they'd cause another gush (the thing they were trying to avoid). So they wrapped up his head and he got to look like a revolutionary soldier returned from war for a couple of days (dad said all he needed was a fife). He's fine now and I'm so glad it was not more serious!

Saturday was another crazy day. We started with a meeting for Hannah's upcoming dance recital. She got her costume, which fits, and I heard all about what is expected. It was a lot of info! We went from there straight to Houston for my niece Abby's 8th birthday. It had a bounce house and crafts and was all mermaid themed! Hannah was in heaven, let me tell you. She painted a mermaid bank which now sits proudly on her night stand. After the party we drove straight to church for William's basketball game. After the game we grabbed a late dinner and headed home. There's never a dull moment around here with so much going on, but at least it is all fun things.

Sunday Francis left for Maryland. He returns tonight after having a bunch of meetings. Instead of taking it easy, I was in charge of a Super Bowl party at church Sunday evening and a field trip yesterday. Thankfully both went well. My Dad came into town late Sunday evening and has been here to help. Yesterday my dad, the kids and I went to Austin with most of our Classical Conversations homeschool group. Why? To get a tour from my favorite State Representative, Candy Noble (my mom!). She showed us around and gave us a ton of cool information. It was also rattle snake round up so the kids all got to touch live rattle snakes in the outdoor rotunda of the Capitol. It was a great time and dad, the kids and I even got to have lunch with her in the Capitol afterward. It was a day I won't soon forget and I know my kids won't either. Thanks mom, for letting my kids (and I) get to do all these cool things. I know they have no idea how cool it all is, but I do.

Today my dad and I have taken the kids to the park (where they played basketball and swings with Papa) and now the big 3 are playing video games with Papa. They will miss him when he leaves tonight!! My dad is taking Hannah to dance for Dad/Grandad night tonight. I was sad that it was this week when Francis told me about the trip, but Dad has filled the gap and I cannot say how grateful I am. Thanks Dad! I'm not sure how I would have been in two places at once tonight (dance and basketball), but now I don't have to be. I am so very very blessed.

Well, that's it for now! Till next time!