Friday night William went to his first sleep over and the rest of the kids went to parents' night out. Francis and I had food at a Pho place and got to talk and laugh together. Saturday, my in-laws came in town for the boys' last football game (we won!) and the kids played on inflatables and had pizza and snow cones. William got the character award and Robert got the Effort award. I'm proud of my boys! Francis had off Monday so we did a bunch of things around the house that needed doing and spent the morning playing as a family at a nearby park. I'm so blessed that Francis loves to just hang out with us. I know we can be a lot, but he just loves us and rolls with it. Love you, honey!
Yesterday was a fun day. Despite the cold, we went out to Newman's castle with our CC group. the kids learned about castles and pretended to be knights in a siege. They hunted dragons, and got a dragon tattoo for finding them all. "King William" released the trebuchet and was locked in the dungeon. It was a good day full of adventure.
This week has been a week of preparation. I've been packing and planning. I have confirmed the house sitter and made sure that I'm not teaching. Why? We are going on VACATION! Tomorrow at this time we will be in the car heading for Disney World. It will be a long trip, but I'm hoping we are able to keep the destination in mind. My birthday is next week and I will spend it with family looking at Cinderella's castle. I can not wait.
The kids are great and so ready to go! I will give a report when we get back. Till nest time!
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
November 6, 2019
Time flies by in this season of life, but I want to drop in and give a brief update. We are still doing CC, Bible Study, Science classes at Lick Creek park and going to the library. Things are chugging along. I want to mention a few highlights.
Francis's birthday was very special. We got to go hear 4 astronauts speak with our CC group on A&M campus. Afterward, we met Francis on campus and had lunch with him in the MSC. It was fun getting to have a birthday lunch with him for once and we'd never eaten on campus before. When I got home we made pineapple upside down cake and lasagna (both requests of the birthday boy). The kids always help make Francis's cake. It's one of my favorite traditions. everything was delicious and we even made it to church on time that evening! We took Francis to Casa do Brasil for a second birthday dinner that Friday. The kids love the all you can eat meat, and the food is so very good. Everyone left full and happy.
Saturday before last my parents came into town. My dad went with Francis, Robert, Hannah and Andrew to a trampoline park and my mom, William and I went to the A&M game. We got to meet Chancellor Sharp, Governor Abbott, some of the Bush family and many other state representatives. We went to the chancellor's tailgate and sat in the chancellor's box for the game. William loved the food (he ate at least 5 plates full) and cheered enthusiastically with the crowd. It was a great game. William received a special challenge coin from the chancellor saying to bring the coin and excellent grades to the admissions office upon high school graduation. He held it proudly all day and showed anyone who would look. After the game we were escorted to a special area and got to meet one of the players. It was so cool!
We did all of the candy gathering activities this year including "Wereworlf" creek park, Night at the Museum, Fall fest at our church and a party at a friend's house. The kids went trick or treating for the first time ever and really liked it. It helped that they were doing it with friends, but even when we got home, they wanted to do a few houses in our neighborhood (it was still pretty early). It was a fun evening for Jasmine, two Nexo knights and an elephant.
Andrew got his first haircut this Saturday. He's looking so big! He wasn't a fan of getting it cut but gave the stink eye instead of crying. He did great. I took the big boys on dates later in the day to get their hair cut and go shopping for different things we need. I have a funny picture of William holding an icee and sitting in the massage chair at Kohl's. He's got a rough life. Robert had fun perusing the toy section at Target with me. He loves riding in the top of the cart and he never gets to. It was a fun day all around.
Francis taught our science class this week for CC. The lesson was on rocket and he was asked to present. He did a great job teaching both the older and younger groups and finished his lesson by shooting off a model rocket. The kids were talking about it for the rest of the day!
Today the kids had their dentist appointments. No cavities! We also have been seriously beginning to prepare for our upcoming vacation. We are going to Disney World for my birthday! My whole family is coming. It will be a celebration to remember. We are driving so if you think of us, pray for us!
Tilll next time!
Francis's birthday was very special. We got to go hear 4 astronauts speak with our CC group on A&M campus. Afterward, we met Francis on campus and had lunch with him in the MSC. It was fun getting to have a birthday lunch with him for once and we'd never eaten on campus before. When I got home we made pineapple upside down cake and lasagna (both requests of the birthday boy). The kids always help make Francis's cake. It's one of my favorite traditions. everything was delicious and we even made it to church on time that evening! We took Francis to Casa do Brasil for a second birthday dinner that Friday. The kids love the all you can eat meat, and the food is so very good. Everyone left full and happy.
Saturday before last my parents came into town. My dad went with Francis, Robert, Hannah and Andrew to a trampoline park and my mom, William and I went to the A&M game. We got to meet Chancellor Sharp, Governor Abbott, some of the Bush family and many other state representatives. We went to the chancellor's tailgate and sat in the chancellor's box for the game. William loved the food (he ate at least 5 plates full) and cheered enthusiastically with the crowd. It was a great game. William received a special challenge coin from the chancellor saying to bring the coin and excellent grades to the admissions office upon high school graduation. He held it proudly all day and showed anyone who would look. After the game we were escorted to a special area and got to meet one of the players. It was so cool!
We did all of the candy gathering activities this year including "Wereworlf" creek park, Night at the Museum, Fall fest at our church and a party at a friend's house. The kids went trick or treating for the first time ever and really liked it. It helped that they were doing it with friends, but even when we got home, they wanted to do a few houses in our neighborhood (it was still pretty early). It was a fun evening for Jasmine, two Nexo knights and an elephant.
Andrew got his first haircut this Saturday. He's looking so big! He wasn't a fan of getting it cut but gave the stink eye instead of crying. He did great. I took the big boys on dates later in the day to get their hair cut and go shopping for different things we need. I have a funny picture of William holding an icee and sitting in the massage chair at Kohl's. He's got a rough life. Robert had fun perusing the toy section at Target with me. He loves riding in the top of the cart and he never gets to. It was a fun day all around.
Francis taught our science class this week for CC. The lesson was on rocket and he was asked to present. He did a great job teaching both the older and younger groups and finished his lesson by shooting off a model rocket. The kids were talking about it for the rest of the day!
Today the kids had their dentist appointments. No cavities! We also have been seriously beginning to prepare for our upcoming vacation. We are going to Disney World for my birthday! My whole family is coming. It will be a celebration to remember. We are driving so if you think of us, pray for us!
Tilll next time!
Thursday, October 17, 2019
October 15, 2019
Life never stops around here. The last 3 weeks are no exception. We've had CC, bible Study, Library, science classes at Lick Creek Park, football practice and games. ice skating lessons, a trip to Dallas, trip to Houston, and a field trip. And that's just a few things. I'm still teaching for VIPKid and have a pretty steady schedule of regulars now. It is fun to get a peek into someone else's life and family across the world, and I'm honored that they let me in.
Weekend before last, the kids and I went to Dallas to go to the State Fair of Texas. Friday the kids and I got to go with Christian and her kids to the Dallas Zoo. WE had a great tine and it was a good practice for walking at Disney. We got to celebrate my mom's birthday with almost the whole family. The kids got some cousin time, were able to swim at my in-laws' and my parents' houses, and had a blast. Sunday we went to the fair with my in-law's and my family. The kids loved the animals, the fireworks and the shows. My personal favorite was the return of the bird show! We had front row seats. Hannah, Issac and Alexandra even got to hold the perch for the first bird to land on. It was so fun! Lest you think we abandoned Francis, he actually likes being home alone for a weekend to recharge. He's an introvert and I know we overwhelm him often, haha. He got to enjoy some peace and quiet. I'm not sure what that's like but it sounds delightful!
Last weekend Francis and my mother went to the ground breaking for Bush Combat Development Complex and then on to the A&M game. Francis met all sorts of important people including members of the Bush family. It was a good day for him. Francis's parents, my dad, the kids and I went to William and Robert's (very cold) football game. My in-law's, the kids and I went on to Houston. We had lunch with the Boergers and then got to watch my niece Abby play volleyball. We all then went to Blessington Farms for the pumkin patch. There was so much to do and the kids love doing it all! Midafternoon, I started feeling a tightness in my chest. I tried to ignore it, but by the time we left and started to head to dinner, my head was hurting and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Although I have fall asthma, I haven't felt like this in years. My gracious mother-in-law drove me all the way home where I was able to use a nebulizer and get things under control. I am so thankful for her! This week I've been *trying* to take it easy so I don't have another flare up. I'm secretly hoping for a freeze to kill off whatever blooms this time of year and causes me pain. Fall can be rough!
Yesterday was Francis's birthday! The kids and I had a field trip to A&M to hear 3 astronauts talk about their experiences in space. It was fascinating! Afterwards we met Francis on campus and had lunch with him. We never get to see him at lunch during the week, so this was super special. I spent the afternoon with the kids making an pineapple upside down cake and lasagna. My little helpers were excellent and the food came out delicious. We also managed to squeeze in Wednesday night church between all the festivities. Happy birthday, Francis!
We are about to head out to Bible Study so I should end here. I will say the kids are all growing and changing before my eyes. Andrew in particular has turned into a kid and is no longer a baby. He plays with his siblings, understand simple command and even shares...well...once in a while. I am working with him on baby sign language because he really wants to tell me things. He's getting so big and running everywhere!
Till next time!
Weekend before last, the kids and I went to Dallas to go to the State Fair of Texas. Friday the kids and I got to go with Christian and her kids to the Dallas Zoo. WE had a great tine and it was a good practice for walking at Disney. We got to celebrate my mom's birthday with almost the whole family. The kids got some cousin time, were able to swim at my in-laws' and my parents' houses, and had a blast. Sunday we went to the fair with my in-law's and my family. The kids loved the animals, the fireworks and the shows. My personal favorite was the return of the bird show! We had front row seats. Hannah, Issac and Alexandra even got to hold the perch for the first bird to land on. It was so fun! Lest you think we abandoned Francis, he actually likes being home alone for a weekend to recharge. He's an introvert and I know we overwhelm him often, haha. He got to enjoy some peace and quiet. I'm not sure what that's like but it sounds delightful!
Last weekend Francis and my mother went to the ground breaking for Bush Combat Development Complex and then on to the A&M game. Francis met all sorts of important people including members of the Bush family. It was a good day for him. Francis's parents, my dad, the kids and I went to William and Robert's (very cold) football game. My in-law's, the kids and I went on to Houston. We had lunch with the Boergers and then got to watch my niece Abby play volleyball. We all then went to Blessington Farms for the pumkin patch. There was so much to do and the kids love doing it all! Midafternoon, I started feeling a tightness in my chest. I tried to ignore it, but by the time we left and started to head to dinner, my head was hurting and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Although I have fall asthma, I haven't felt like this in years. My gracious mother-in-law drove me all the way home where I was able to use a nebulizer and get things under control. I am so thankful for her! This week I've been *trying* to take it easy so I don't have another flare up. I'm secretly hoping for a freeze to kill off whatever blooms this time of year and causes me pain. Fall can be rough!
Yesterday was Francis's birthday! The kids and I had a field trip to A&M to hear 3 astronauts talk about their experiences in space. It was fascinating! Afterwards we met Francis on campus and had lunch with him. We never get to see him at lunch during the week, so this was super special. I spent the afternoon with the kids making an pineapple upside down cake and lasagna. My little helpers were excellent and the food came out delicious. We also managed to squeeze in Wednesday night church between all the festivities. Happy birthday, Francis!
We are about to head out to Bible Study so I should end here. I will say the kids are all growing and changing before my eyes. Andrew in particular has turned into a kid and is no longer a baby. He plays with his siblings, understand simple command and even shares...well...once in a while. I am working with him on baby sign language because he really wants to tell me things. He's getting so big and running everywhere!
Till next time!
Thursday, September 26, 2019
September 26, 2019
We've been very busy these past few weeks. I'll try an hit some highlights.
I've been working in the mornings and some evenings teaching English online. I'm still liking it and I have some regulars now that I really enjoy.
Nana and Grandad came in for Robert's birthday at the beginning of the month and we spent a glorious afternoon at Chuck E Cheese with their all you can play all day special. The kids came home with some amazing prizes and the adults had a ton of fun too. The kids especially like riding in the back of Nana and Grandad's convertible. I mean, who wouldn't?
Robert's actual birthday was spent going to CC where he got to bring treats (cookies) for all his friends. He got to open his present from us (the Buzz Lightyear playset he's been wanting for months) and we had dinner at Burger Kind (his choice!). After dinner Robert decided he wanted to have his date with me while the rest of the kids and Francis went to Hannah's skating lesson. I was so honored! We went shopping and had rolled ice cream (William talked about how amazing it was!). He chose black forest ice cream. The workers found out it was his birthday and put a sparkler candle in his cup and sang to him. The whole place joined it. It was very special. There were a ton of college students there who all wished him a happy birthday. Robert loved the attention. Robert has hit the 33 inch mark and is still lean. He's smart, sweet and we love having him in our family. Happy Birthday Robert!
Later that week was the first Bible Study and first JAM (parents night out). For the latter, Francis took me to Christopher's steak house and we finally celebrated our anniversary. The food was amazing and the company unparalleled. We rarely get to celebrate our anniversary in August, but I'm happy we still try to do it. I love you, Francis!
I took Hannah on her Mommy date the next day. She wanted to do the same thing as brothers, but for shopping we went to Barnes and Noble. She looked at nearly every item in the toy and children's sections with great care. This girl knows what she likes. She chose cherry rolled ice cream and loved it as much as her brothers loved their flavors. I love one on one time with my kids! That night we had our Life Group social at a friend's house. The kids got to run out in the area behind the house and the adults got to eat, watch and talk. It was a great evening.
This past weekend, my parents came up to see the boys' first football game. The kids played hardand had fun. Afterward my mom and Francis went to the football game while the kids, my dad and I went home and watched the game. My dad is amazing. He managed to play chess with William, hold Andrew, read to Hannah and have a conversation with Robert simultaneously. Everyone loves Papa. Mom and Francis had a good time too talking to all the big wigs and eating yummy food. I hope to go with Mom one of these days!
Robert and William led worship in church on Sunday as part of the children's choir. Robert even recited John 1:1-2 before the whole congregation. It brough tears to my eyes to hear them sing. They will be performing in December a full concert and William and Robert both have speaking parts. I can hardly wait!
We've gone out to Lick Creek park 3 times now for their free homeschool science class. The kids have learned about the scientific method, insects and birds, and volcanoes. It's been pretty fun and it's free! Afterward we've been going on short walks around the park. We even moved library day for it, so you know it's a big deal.
We got to check out the library renovations on Tuesday. They reopened on Monday. I love the renovations. They put a glass wall around the children's area which helps with both sound and containment. They also added a play area and activity tables, and the kids did not want to leave when it was time. We'll be back soon!
Andrew had his 15 month check up today. He is still super long (33 1/3 inches) and average weight (24lbs). He's getting so big. He's trying to keep up with his siblings and abandoned his high chair for a regular (booster) seat at the table. Don't tell him, but he has slept through the night 7 out of the last 10 nights. I don't even know how to process that. In fact all of the kids slept through the night last night. I got up this morning and made sure they were all alive before I started work. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a new era. Sleep is needed in this house. Hopefully it sticks around!!
Till next time!
I've been working in the mornings and some evenings teaching English online. I'm still liking it and I have some regulars now that I really enjoy.
Nana and Grandad came in for Robert's birthday at the beginning of the month and we spent a glorious afternoon at Chuck E Cheese with their all you can play all day special. The kids came home with some amazing prizes and the adults had a ton of fun too. The kids especially like riding in the back of Nana and Grandad's convertible. I mean, who wouldn't?
Robert's actual birthday was spent going to CC where he got to bring treats (cookies) for all his friends. He got to open his present from us (the Buzz Lightyear playset he's been wanting for months) and we had dinner at Burger Kind (his choice!). After dinner Robert decided he wanted to have his date with me while the rest of the kids and Francis went to Hannah's skating lesson. I was so honored! We went shopping and had rolled ice cream (William talked about how amazing it was!). He chose black forest ice cream. The workers found out it was his birthday and put a sparkler candle in his cup and sang to him. The whole place joined it. It was very special. There were a ton of college students there who all wished him a happy birthday. Robert loved the attention. Robert has hit the 33 inch mark and is still lean. He's smart, sweet and we love having him in our family. Happy Birthday Robert!
Later that week was the first Bible Study and first JAM (parents night out). For the latter, Francis took me to Christopher's steak house and we finally celebrated our anniversary. The food was amazing and the company unparalleled. We rarely get to celebrate our anniversary in August, but I'm happy we still try to do it. I love you, Francis!
I took Hannah on her Mommy date the next day. She wanted to do the same thing as brothers, but for shopping we went to Barnes and Noble. She looked at nearly every item in the toy and children's sections with great care. This girl knows what she likes. She chose cherry rolled ice cream and loved it as much as her brothers loved their flavors. I love one on one time with my kids! That night we had our Life Group social at a friend's house. The kids got to run out in the area behind the house and the adults got to eat, watch and talk. It was a great evening.
This past weekend, my parents came up to see the boys' first football game. The kids played hardand had fun. Afterward my mom and Francis went to the football game while the kids, my dad and I went home and watched the game. My dad is amazing. He managed to play chess with William, hold Andrew, read to Hannah and have a conversation with Robert simultaneously. Everyone loves Papa. Mom and Francis had a good time too talking to all the big wigs and eating yummy food. I hope to go with Mom one of these days!
Robert and William led worship in church on Sunday as part of the children's choir. Robert even recited John 1:1-2 before the whole congregation. It brough tears to my eyes to hear them sing. They will be performing in December a full concert and William and Robert both have speaking parts. I can hardly wait!
We've gone out to Lick Creek park 3 times now for their free homeschool science class. The kids have learned about the scientific method, insects and birds, and volcanoes. It's been pretty fun and it's free! Afterward we've been going on short walks around the park. We even moved library day for it, so you know it's a big deal.
We got to check out the library renovations on Tuesday. They reopened on Monday. I love the renovations. They put a glass wall around the children's area which helps with both sound and containment. They also added a play area and activity tables, and the kids did not want to leave when it was time. We'll be back soon!
Andrew had his 15 month check up today. He is still super long (33 1/3 inches) and average weight (24lbs). He's getting so big. He's trying to keep up with his siblings and abandoned his high chair for a regular (booster) seat at the table. Don't tell him, but he has slept through the night 7 out of the last 10 nights. I don't even know how to process that. In fact all of the kids slept through the night last night. I got up this morning and made sure they were all alive before I started work. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a new era. Sleep is needed in this house. Hopefully it sticks around!!
Till next time!
Thursday, September 5, 2019
September 5, 2019
September is in full swing at the Phillips house. We've had two weeks of CC now and start Bible Study next week. Hannah started skating lessons and the boys started foot ball practice. Hannah was hesitant at first but seems to be liking it so far. The boys are on the dame team and enjoy practicing in the evenings with Francis who is their assistance coach. We have been getting a lot of friend time too which has been good for kids and momma.
Weekend before last we had the big boys family party. The whole Noble and Phillips clan got together to celebrate with Ninjago, Pokemon, Star Wars and PJ masks (some of the boys favorite things). Thankfully we already had most of these decorations! I tried my hand at face painting and we played pin the tail on the Charizard. It was good to see everyone and get loved on by those we hold dear. Shout out to our family for driving to see us!
Back to our first day of CC. It was Hannah's first day in class. Her class is pretty even boys and girls (unlike William and Robert, who both have boy heavy classes). She was a little shy at first but by the end of the morning, she wanted to take a turn just like everyone else. She did her first presentation and shyly told everyone her name, age and that she loved ponies. Some kids won't speak at all the first time, so I was very happy she was brave enough to speak. The kids and I all had lunch together and then had recess. William is now in the "older" group when the kids split for recess (they trade playing outside and at the indoor playground), so he doesn't get to play with his siblings. It was an adjustment, but it wasn't long before all the kids had found a friend. We love our CC group. It's going to be a great year!
In my new job (with VIPKid) I have now taught 16 classes, and 10 of them were in the past 5 days. My morning schedule is becoming completely booked most days. I thought taking a week off last week (Francis was in DC and had the laptop) was going to ruin my momentum, but God is good and I'm making progress in getting students to both book and rebook me. So far my favorites are the littlest ones (4 years old), but I also like how older students are more able to hold a conversation in English. I could write a novel here about all my experiences so far, but overall I'm enjoying both the flexibility and the actual job. I have also found that I can find almost any prop to teach among my kids' gigantic store of toys. So rather than call them hoarders, I can now call them my resource center managers, haha. It's all about perspective.
This morning we went to the Lick creek nature center for a homeschool science lesson. It was fun and afterward Hannah got to play with her friend while the boys caught and identified bugs and spiders. A good time was had by all!
That's it for now. Till next time!
Weekend before last we had the big boys family party. The whole Noble and Phillips clan got together to celebrate with Ninjago, Pokemon, Star Wars and PJ masks (some of the boys favorite things). Thankfully we already had most of these decorations! I tried my hand at face painting and we played pin the tail on the Charizard. It was good to see everyone and get loved on by those we hold dear. Shout out to our family for driving to see us!
Back to our first day of CC. It was Hannah's first day in class. Her class is pretty even boys and girls (unlike William and Robert, who both have boy heavy classes). She was a little shy at first but by the end of the morning, she wanted to take a turn just like everyone else. She did her first presentation and shyly told everyone her name, age and that she loved ponies. Some kids won't speak at all the first time, so I was very happy she was brave enough to speak. The kids and I all had lunch together and then had recess. William is now in the "older" group when the kids split for recess (they trade playing outside and at the indoor playground), so he doesn't get to play with his siblings. It was an adjustment, but it wasn't long before all the kids had found a friend. We love our CC group. It's going to be a great year!
In my new job (with VIPKid) I have now taught 16 classes, and 10 of them were in the past 5 days. My morning schedule is becoming completely booked most days. I thought taking a week off last week (Francis was in DC and had the laptop) was going to ruin my momentum, but God is good and I'm making progress in getting students to both book and rebook me. So far my favorites are the littlest ones (4 years old), but I also like how older students are more able to hold a conversation in English. I could write a novel here about all my experiences so far, but overall I'm enjoying both the flexibility and the actual job. I have also found that I can find almost any prop to teach among my kids' gigantic store of toys. So rather than call them hoarders, I can now call them my resource center managers, haha. It's all about perspective.
This morning we went to the Lick creek nature center for a homeschool science lesson. It was fun and afterward Hannah got to play with her friend while the boys caught and identified bugs and spiders. A good time was had by all!
That's it for now. Till next time!
Friday, August 23, 2019
August 23, 2019
The last couple of weeks have been a blur. I applied for and started a new part time job with VIPKid. I am teaching children in China English online. I set my hours (though due to the time difference that is only morning or evening). I'm still getting my feet wet and there is a learning curve with online teaching, but I think I'm getting better. I never thought I would be doing this, but here we are! I think it will be a good experience and the children are seriously adorable!
The boys had their friend birthday party last Tuesday at Grand Station. One nice thing about summer birthdays as well as most of your friends homeschooling is that you can have a party during the week and take advantage of weekly specials. The kids got to bowl and play laser tag and had the best time. They all want to play laser tag again soon, so hopefully we can set up a daddy kid night with our life group soon.
The end of last week, everyone but Robert was sick. Between cleaning up the ick, taking care of tired kids and feeling bleh myself, I was worn out. A friend, not knowing the extent of our exhaustion, found out we were sick and secretly dropped stuff on our porch during her lunch hour. I got a text from her to look outside and there in my door step was soup, a bag of Sonic ice (the good stuff, yeah!), Gatorade, sprite, crackers, activity books for the kids and Kleenexes. I started bawling. It was up there with one of the sweetest things that had been done for me. She's the friend I want to be. It inspires me to be better.
We had CC orientation on Tuesday. The kids all met their tutors and had fun with their new classes. I think it's going to be a great year!!!
I don't have much more to say. I've been spending every "spare" moment working to get a handle on the new job, and we've been going through our routine when we haven't been sick. Playgroup eneded for the summer as we tried out the new Fun for all park with friends and now that public school has started, things have settled down a bit. Not for long though! Ice skating (Hannah), football (William and Robert), AWANA, Bible study and CC start up over the next couple of weeks. It's going to be great!
The boys had their friend birthday party last Tuesday at Grand Station. One nice thing about summer birthdays as well as most of your friends homeschooling is that you can have a party during the week and take advantage of weekly specials. The kids got to bowl and play laser tag and had the best time. They all want to play laser tag again soon, so hopefully we can set up a daddy kid night with our life group soon.
The end of last week, everyone but Robert was sick. Between cleaning up the ick, taking care of tired kids and feeling bleh myself, I was worn out. A friend, not knowing the extent of our exhaustion, found out we were sick and secretly dropped stuff on our porch during her lunch hour. I got a text from her to look outside and there in my door step was soup, a bag of Sonic ice (the good stuff, yeah!), Gatorade, sprite, crackers, activity books for the kids and Kleenexes. I started bawling. It was up there with one of the sweetest things that had been done for me. She's the friend I want to be. It inspires me to be better.
We had CC orientation on Tuesday. The kids all met their tutors and had fun with their new classes. I think it's going to be a great year!!!
I don't have much more to say. I've been spending every "spare" moment working to get a handle on the new job, and we've been going through our routine when we haven't been sick. Playgroup eneded for the summer as we tried out the new Fun for all park with friends and now that public school has started, things have settled down a bit. Not for long though! Ice skating (Hannah), football (William and Robert), AWANA, Bible study and CC start up over the next couple of weeks. It's going to be great!
Thursday, August 8, 2019
August 8, 2019
Life has been slightly less hectic the past couple weeks. We went to a physics show at the library which the kids LOVED. It included all sorts of experiments and at the end they got to use a leaf blower to pretend to be astronauts blasting off and blow bubbles into a tank of dry ice. We have still been doing playgroups on Friday. The weather should hit 100 degrees at our house for the first time all summer so the heat in the mornings haven't been too unbearable. Last Friday after playgroup, we went to to opening of the new Fun For All playground at Central Park. I even spotted one of my former students. He's a teenager now and that is just crazy to think about. Anyway the new playground is very cool and even has a splash pad. there were hot dogs, cookies, cake, snowcones and a ribbon cutting ceremony. It was hot but good. We will be going back tomorrow for the last playgroup of the summer and will enjoy it when it is less crowded (hopefully).That same day we also went to the last family movie night of the summer at church. We had pizza and watched How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. It was an interesting movie and concluded the series nicely. Other than that we've had promotion Sunday at church which means William is officially in third and Robert is officially in first grade. Hannah is starting her last year on the preschool side. How did that happen?! We had our annual churchwide pool party at Adamson Lagoon to celebrate. The kids look forward to this day all year and it did not disappoint. We are so thankful for a church that invests in families and loves Jesus too.
Andrew is walking everywhere. No more crawling, but plenty of CLIMBING. If there's a way to get on top of something, he will find it. If you see his busted up chin, know it's from multiple tumbles and will probably be a constant condition for the time being. That's not even counting all the times I catch and save him. He's turning into quite the monkey. When he isn't climbing he's getting a hold of something he probably shouldn't have. He likes his toys just fine, but forbidden things are so much more fun (or so he thinks). He's a ball of energy and a joy to be around. He has quite a few words, but distinguishing between them is a little hard sometimes. Mommy is still his favorite person. I only edge out Francis by a small margin now, and seeing him run for the door when Francis gets home gets me every time. Andrew loves taking things apart and trying to put them back together. I think he will love puzzles pretty soon. He's growing up so fast, and it is so fun to watch!
Hannah is four now as she tells everyone she meets. She loves ponies, princesses, pink, purple, blue, Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy, skirts, dresses, unicorns, and singing. There's so much more to this smart, spunky, beautiful little girl. She's a negotiator and won't settle for less. She is kind and helpful and generally a good cleaner of her room. She has so many friends and I love to see her play and use her imagination. She can write her name, is learning to write the other letters, and is beginning to connect letters to their sounds in a meaningful way. She loves doing puzzles and solving problems. She loves being a big girl and doing her "schoolwork" while her brothers do theirs. Her vocabulary is impressive and her memory and comprehension are exceptional. She's go so many skills at her fingertips. I can't wait to see how they develop. She is starting her first year in CC in a couple weeks, and I know she'll shine!
Robert is still my best cuddler. He always knows when I need a hug and kiss. He feels strongly and deeply and says things that reflect he is in some ways mature far beyond his years. His imagination is also very present and active. Robert can tell an entertaining story any time of the day. He is reading very well and is about to make the real leap to reading novels independently. Right now he mainly sticks to graphic novels or shorter books because it is more fun and comfortable to him. He is doing well in math also. While he doesn't always want to sit down and do school, when he focuses, he hits it our of the park! His cursive is coming along as well. He can sign his name in cursive, so I call that a win (hello life skill!). He's a good organizer who also has the patience to sit and do puzzles even when I don't. He is an amazing listener. You can tell him almost anything and he will retain it. I can't believe he'll be 6 next month. I can't wait to see what the coming year holds!
William will be 8 in a few days. He is such a critical thinker and wants to know the how and why of everything. When he thinks I'm wrong, he challenges me (though he's gotten better about doing it respectfully). I'm coming to enjoy our more grown-up type chats. It's wonderful that he lets me into his world and how he thinks. He's not too cool for me yet, and I'll take it as long as it lasts. He will still hold my hand and hug me without a second thought. He still devours books. He read at least 4 books and a novel and a half yesterday after we got home from the library. He's starting to clue in when to listen before you speak, but is always eager to share what he knows. He's a great big brother most of the time and a ring leader to most of the mischief. He is also not one who loves to sit down for school, but does it with excellence when asked. William is good at weighing the cost to benefit before doing an action which has been interesting to watch recently. He's also good at trying to negotiate rewards for completed tasks (and sometimes succeeds). He's gotten in 4 of his adult teeth now and looks so much older. He is just brilliant. Happy almost birthday, William.
Lest you think our family is perfect, I feel like I need to point out that it isn't. Some days are rough, others are impossible, and some are amazing. I generally choose to remember the amazing and let the rest fall away as a place for room to grow. I am not perfect and I am humbly reminded of that daily (sometimes hourly). It's easy to get caught up in what is lacking, so I refuse to do that here. If you are reading this far, know that the grass is not always greener over here, but I do have a loving Savior who gives me grace and hope each day. I'd love to talk with you about that.
Till next time!
Andrew is walking everywhere. No more crawling, but plenty of CLIMBING. If there's a way to get on top of something, he will find it. If you see his busted up chin, know it's from multiple tumbles and will probably be a constant condition for the time being. That's not even counting all the times I catch and save him. He's turning into quite the monkey. When he isn't climbing he's getting a hold of something he probably shouldn't have. He likes his toys just fine, but forbidden things are so much more fun (or so he thinks). He's a ball of energy and a joy to be around. He has quite a few words, but distinguishing between them is a little hard sometimes. Mommy is still his favorite person. I only edge out Francis by a small margin now, and seeing him run for the door when Francis gets home gets me every time. Andrew loves taking things apart and trying to put them back together. I think he will love puzzles pretty soon. He's growing up so fast, and it is so fun to watch!
Hannah is four now as she tells everyone she meets. She loves ponies, princesses, pink, purple, blue, Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy, skirts, dresses, unicorns, and singing. There's so much more to this smart, spunky, beautiful little girl. She's a negotiator and won't settle for less. She is kind and helpful and generally a good cleaner of her room. She has so many friends and I love to see her play and use her imagination. She can write her name, is learning to write the other letters, and is beginning to connect letters to their sounds in a meaningful way. She loves doing puzzles and solving problems. She loves being a big girl and doing her "schoolwork" while her brothers do theirs. Her vocabulary is impressive and her memory and comprehension are exceptional. She's go so many skills at her fingertips. I can't wait to see how they develop. She is starting her first year in CC in a couple weeks, and I know she'll shine!
Robert is still my best cuddler. He always knows when I need a hug and kiss. He feels strongly and deeply and says things that reflect he is in some ways mature far beyond his years. His imagination is also very present and active. Robert can tell an entertaining story any time of the day. He is reading very well and is about to make the real leap to reading novels independently. Right now he mainly sticks to graphic novels or shorter books because it is more fun and comfortable to him. He is doing well in math also. While he doesn't always want to sit down and do school, when he focuses, he hits it our of the park! His cursive is coming along as well. He can sign his name in cursive, so I call that a win (hello life skill!). He's a good organizer who also has the patience to sit and do puzzles even when I don't. He is an amazing listener. You can tell him almost anything and he will retain it. I can't believe he'll be 6 next month. I can't wait to see what the coming year holds!
William will be 8 in a few days. He is such a critical thinker and wants to know the how and why of everything. When he thinks I'm wrong, he challenges me (though he's gotten better about doing it respectfully). I'm coming to enjoy our more grown-up type chats. It's wonderful that he lets me into his world and how he thinks. He's not too cool for me yet, and I'll take it as long as it lasts. He will still hold my hand and hug me without a second thought. He still devours books. He read at least 4 books and a novel and a half yesterday after we got home from the library. He's starting to clue in when to listen before you speak, but is always eager to share what he knows. He's a great big brother most of the time and a ring leader to most of the mischief. He is also not one who loves to sit down for school, but does it with excellence when asked. William is good at weighing the cost to benefit before doing an action which has been interesting to watch recently. He's also good at trying to negotiate rewards for completed tasks (and sometimes succeeds). He's gotten in 4 of his adult teeth now and looks so much older. He is just brilliant. Happy almost birthday, William.
Lest you think our family is perfect, I feel like I need to point out that it isn't. Some days are rough, others are impossible, and some are amazing. I generally choose to remember the amazing and let the rest fall away as a place for room to grow. I am not perfect and I am humbly reminded of that daily (sometimes hourly). It's easy to get caught up in what is lacking, so I refuse to do that here. If you are reading this far, know that the grass is not always greener over here, but I do have a loving Savior who gives me grace and hope each day. I'd love to talk with you about that.
Till next time!
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