It's been equal parts quiet and busy around here. The second week of December was filled with play dates. We decorated cookies, played at parks and attended the science class at Lick Creek Park. It was so fun and pretty relaxing too. After all the fun, I started to feel under the weather. I haven't fully recovered and have been taking it easy. I've been having to take naps in the afternoon to keep up with my kiddos. I'm exhausted. I'm still teaching in the mornings (which I love), or I'd be sleeping in too. I'm so ready to be at 100% again!
Today we head to Dallas for the start of Christmas festivities. We'll spend the weekend with my family and then move over to my in-laws' for Christmas eve and Christmas day. It should be a wonderful time. May you have a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our savior!
Andrew has been growing by leaps and bounds. He is in to everything, partially because he just has to know everything! He's giving me a run for my money, and I'm trying to remember it's a phase. He is becoming more aware of his surroundings too. This morning when he woke up, he saw all the presents under the tree were missing (they are packed up and ready to go). He checked every inch under the tree before pointing at it in confusion. He has also started to sit an listen to books being read. It's possible I'll have 4 little bookworms soon.
Hannah is doing well. She is in a testing rules phase, but is quickly learning that the reason for rules is mostly her own protection. We've had a few ice packs needed around here lately. She loves Andrew and all babies. She has developed a sweet group of little friends. You ask her who her best is, and she'll rattle off around 20 names before you cut her off. She likes most everyone, which makes her very likable. She's got down letters and their sounds and will point them out around town. It's so fun to see her mind at work!
Robert had taken off suddenly with reading. He is reading novels now (like over 200 pages!). This just started in the past couple of weeks. He's reading over my shoulder currently and nodding at what I'm typing. I'm so proud of you, Robert! "I can read that whole thing!" he just said. Robert is also proud to announce that he can tell time and add and subtract even the biggest numbers (mostly in his head!). He's also still sweet as sugar with a "mini-hulk" streak. I think I'll keep him.
William is still an avid reader. He checked out 6 novels yesterday from the library and read them all before dinner. He and Robert have been listening to "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" at night. Books are an essential part of our house. William is working on his French also and with him wrapping up part of his schoolwork (already?!?), we are going to devote more time to it. If I've learned anything from teaching children in China English, it's that hard work and practice pay off! William is beginning to hear and recognize French with more consistency, and this can only help his language production. I'm so proud of him too!
Francis and I are doing well. Not much to report from us. Francis is the assistant coach for William's basketball team this year and games for both big boys begin in January. I managed to get the bulk of Christmas shopping done and wrapped before I started feeling bad, so I've been able to relax a bit in that department. The only exception was the three hours I spent helping the kids wrap the gifts they bought for their siblings and cousins. My whole body hurt by the end, but the kids learned how to wrap packages!
That's it for now! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Friday, December 20, 2019
Thursday, December 5, 2019
December 5, 2019
The last 3 weeks have been crazy exciting. Disney, Thanksgiving and Christmas activities have kept us busy.
We left for Disney the Friday before my birthday. Francis and I drove cross country overnight with all the kids in the car. It actually wasn't that bad! I took the middle 5 hour shift (middle of the night) and found it relaxing and quiet. I never just get time to think and pray, so I enjoyed driving for, like, the first time ever. Francis did the evening and morning driving and after breakfast, we arrived at Disney Springs. We shopped, relaxed and had lunch at Francis's favorite place (Wolfgang Puck Express) before our room was ready. We went to the room and *tried* to nap, but the kids were wired so we gave up. We ended up taking the bus to Magic Kingdom and then the monorail over to the Grand Floridian. It is beautiful there at Christmas time and they had their huge Gingerbread house up in the lobby. It was super cold outside (in the low 40s), but the kids were undeterred so we took the water taxi back to Magic Kingdom. Brrrr. We made it back in time for Francis to go get dinner and all of us to have an early bed time. It was the perfect way to ease us into a fun filled week!
Sunday we got up early and made it for extra magic hours at Hollywood Studios. We rode the new Skyliner, and I am sold. It is the best way to travel and so fast! We did Toy Story land (after walking through Star Wars Land...which was nuts). We found out Andrew is indeed 32 inches tall and was able to ride the new Alien Saucers. The boys did the Jedi Training and rode all of the intense rides with either Francis or me. Hannah, Andrew and I went to the Little Mermaid show and rode the more tame rides an additional time when the opportunity allowed. We had dinner at the Sci Fi Drive in for "Hannah's Birthday", which the kids really seemed to enjoy. Toward the end of the day, we ventured back into Star Wars land. It was still crowded, but less so. Francis rode the new Smugglers Run alone, and then the boys and I rode it together. It's a cool ride! The boys liked being gunners, and my personal favorite spot is the pilot. We finished off the first night in the parks with Fantasmic. It was a cold but great day!
Monday we headed over to Magic Kingdom. We made the mistake of trying to do the Jingle Cruise, but thanks to Fast Passes, the rest of our day was not nearly so stressful. Hannah met Cinderella, we rode all but maybe 7 of the rides (a few by choice), and had great timing when it came to the parade. that night we watched Anna and Elsa light up the castle. It was magical. We had dinner at the Crystal Palace for "Andrew's birthday" and got to add signatures to our book from Pooh and friends. We got pictures of ourselves in front of the castle and watched the fireworks show. I give Disney serious credit for giving compelling shows with lights and fireworks. It's amazing. After the show, extra magic hours allowed the big boys to ride some bonus rides while Hannah and Andrew slept in the stroller. William and I (and Robert the second time) managed to ride Space Mountain twice in a row right before park close. It was great! I am very proud of Robert. He went from not liking roller coasters to loving them in the span of one day!
Tuesday we did Epcot. We rushed to ride Frozen when it opened, and Hannah, Andrew and I rode it twice before the line got too long. The boys went to ride Test Track during our second ride. We met up and all but Andrew rode my favorite ride: Soarin! We rode all the ride, went home for a rest and swim in the mid-afternoon and still had time for dinner at Coral Reef (for "Robert's birthday") before the fireworks show. We walked over 15 miles (The kids took turns in the strollers), but it was still somehow both fun and relaxing.
Wednesday was Animal Kingdom. We were there at park opening (as we were every day). We got in line for Navii river Journey first thing and rode it. Then we rode rides, got wet (on the river rapids...thanks William and Hannah), and saw a ton of Animals. Before we knew it, my whole family arrived! That's right! My parents, Danielle, Kevin, Christian, Chad, and my niece and Nephews Alexandra, Issac, Timothy and Gideon all joined us at Disney World for my birthday. We watched the Lion King show, had an amazing dinner at Tucker House (for "William's birthday"), and had VIP seating for the Rivers of Light show. It gets better. We finished off the day with Fast Passes to Flight of Passage in Avatar. It is quite possibly my new favorite ride. The boys got to ride it twice, and I'm a tad jealous still. The ones who rode it on the first past pass went and rode the river journey before heading home. It was a fantastic day and I went home overflowing with excitement.
Thursday was the big twins' (Issac and Alexandra) real birthday. We started off the day in Magic kingdom and rode Buzz Lightyear a couple of times before riding most of the rest of the rides in Tomorrowland. We had a group picture with Cinderella and after a few rides (including Ariel), we had lunch at the Beast's Castle. It wasn't exactly as I envisioned (busy and we ended up in the beasts' room), but we got a free fast pass because my food took so long. We rode one of Hannah's favorite rides next: the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The Drakes headed back for a nap, and after riding a few more rides, the rest of us headed over to EPCOT. We rode more rides (Hello soarin!) and had a delicious dinner with the Princesses at Akershus. We were the last people at the restaurant (waiting on our bill) and almost didn't make it back on the Skyliner. whew!
Friday was my birthday (cue trumpets and confetti). It did not begin as planned. Francis had to go get medication for Andrew who was having trouble breathing, so I had to take all 3 other kids to Magic Kingdom by myself. Hannah had an appointment at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, but we squeezed in a couple of rides beforehand. The Boutique was amazing and totally worth the price. Hannah had her hair, make-up and nails done. They made a big fuss and announced when Princess Hannah was done. She went and had professional photos done afterward in her Cinderella gown. It was a once in a lifetime experience that she will not soon forget. Francis and Andrew met up with us shortly after so we could ride all of the kids favorite Magic Kingdom rides one last time. The boys wanted Space Mountain (we had already done Buzz) and Hannah wanted Splash mountain (we had already done 7 Dwarfs). We had a spectacular lunch in Cinderella's Castle where we met more princesses, got some wands and swords, and ate delicious food. We met up with my family at Hollywood Studios afterward. We rode all the rides we missed the first time (William loved Rockin Roller Coaster). We had dinner at the outpost in Star Wars land. The food was great, the ambiance very special, and the company was unparalleled. In that moment of getting presents on the edge of the Galaxy, I could not have been happier. I wish I could put in words how much it meant to have all my family there at the most magical place on earth on my birthday. Thank you, family!!!! We rode Smuggler's run and Slinky Dog Dash in groups. The big boys and I snuck in a ride on Toy Story Mania before just barely making it to Fantasmic in time. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Our last day was at EPCOT. We got up early once again, packed up our room, and took the Skyliner over to the park. We rushed and were able to quickly ride Frozen. All 16 of us just fit in one boat together! We took turns riding test track, soarin, and the land. We all rode Nemo together and spent a short time in the aquarium. All too soon, it was time to say goodbye to my family. Some headed back to the hotel and others headed over to Magic Kingdom. The kids chose one last ride before we left. The boys chose test track and Hannah chose Frozen (complete with getting Anna and Elsa's signatures). We were in luck that it was the last night of the food and wine festival, because we were able to use our remaining snack credits from our meal plan to have a delicious dinner of poutine, filet mingnon, braised beef, and some desserts. It was so good and a perfect end to our trip. We rode the Skyliner back to the hotel and climbed in our car. The drive back home was not as exciting, but we made it back by lunch on Sunday. I'd go back tomorrow if someone offered!
The week of Thanksgiving was spent mostly recuperating and resetting. It was nice to have a little down time. Thanksgiving day we went to Cyndy and Chris's house for a Phillips/Boerger Thanksgiving dinner. It was good food, good company, and the kids had fun with Abby and Jackson. Saturday, my in-laws, and the Boergers came up to our neck of the woods and we went to Santa's Wonderland. We've never been before (even though it's literally 5 minutes from our house), but it was so fun! We met Santa, jumped, rode a train, did a snow hill, played in snow and had hot chocolate. William and Robert also did the mechanical bull ride. My favorite part was the hay ride. We got to see thousands of lights in multiple displays ending in a light display about the life of Jesus. It was a very long hayride, but the second we got off, I was ready to do it over again. The lights were that cool! We hope to go again sometime. Everyone spent the night in town, so Saturday morning we had breakfast at Sweet Paris (crepes) and then went to Urban Air Trampoline Park. Christ, Francis and my father-in-law decided to jump with the kids. It was all fun and games until it was time to go and Francis took one last huge jump. He stepped wrong and fractured his foot. We already had a boot and crutches, so we swung by and got them. After an x-ray, it looks like he'll be in a boot for the next 3-6 weeks. At least it happened after Disney! We still made it to see Frozen II that afternoon. Cute movie!
This week we had our last CC of the semester and the accompanying Christmas party. The kids gave their tutors gifts and got some things too. Wednesday we went to Lick Creek homeschool days and the kids participated in an egg drop challenge. Their contraption was a bit unorthodox (straws sticking out everywhere), but it did the trick and the egg survived all three drops. Today was our last Bible Study before the new year. I am looking forward to a quieter week next week, but we'll see!
Till next time!
We left for Disney the Friday before my birthday. Francis and I drove cross country overnight with all the kids in the car. It actually wasn't that bad! I took the middle 5 hour shift (middle of the night) and found it relaxing and quiet. I never just get time to think and pray, so I enjoyed driving for, like, the first time ever. Francis did the evening and morning driving and after breakfast, we arrived at Disney Springs. We shopped, relaxed and had lunch at Francis's favorite place (Wolfgang Puck Express) before our room was ready. We went to the room and *tried* to nap, but the kids were wired so we gave up. We ended up taking the bus to Magic Kingdom and then the monorail over to the Grand Floridian. It is beautiful there at Christmas time and they had their huge Gingerbread house up in the lobby. It was super cold outside (in the low 40s), but the kids were undeterred so we took the water taxi back to Magic Kingdom. Brrrr. We made it back in time for Francis to go get dinner and all of us to have an early bed time. It was the perfect way to ease us into a fun filled week!
Sunday we got up early and made it for extra magic hours at Hollywood Studios. We rode the new Skyliner, and I am sold. It is the best way to travel and so fast! We did Toy Story land (after walking through Star Wars Land...which was nuts). We found out Andrew is indeed 32 inches tall and was able to ride the new Alien Saucers. The boys did the Jedi Training and rode all of the intense rides with either Francis or me. Hannah, Andrew and I went to the Little Mermaid show and rode the more tame rides an additional time when the opportunity allowed. We had dinner at the Sci Fi Drive in for "Hannah's Birthday", which the kids really seemed to enjoy. Toward the end of the day, we ventured back into Star Wars land. It was still crowded, but less so. Francis rode the new Smugglers Run alone, and then the boys and I rode it together. It's a cool ride! The boys liked being gunners, and my personal favorite spot is the pilot. We finished off the first night in the parks with Fantasmic. It was a cold but great day!
Monday we headed over to Magic Kingdom. We made the mistake of trying to do the Jingle Cruise, but thanks to Fast Passes, the rest of our day was not nearly so stressful. Hannah met Cinderella, we rode all but maybe 7 of the rides (a few by choice), and had great timing when it came to the parade. that night we watched Anna and Elsa light up the castle. It was magical. We had dinner at the Crystal Palace for "Andrew's birthday" and got to add signatures to our book from Pooh and friends. We got pictures of ourselves in front of the castle and watched the fireworks show. I give Disney serious credit for giving compelling shows with lights and fireworks. It's amazing. After the show, extra magic hours allowed the big boys to ride some bonus rides while Hannah and Andrew slept in the stroller. William and I (and Robert the second time) managed to ride Space Mountain twice in a row right before park close. It was great! I am very proud of Robert. He went from not liking roller coasters to loving them in the span of one day!
Tuesday we did Epcot. We rushed to ride Frozen when it opened, and Hannah, Andrew and I rode it twice before the line got too long. The boys went to ride Test Track during our second ride. We met up and all but Andrew rode my favorite ride: Soarin! We rode all the ride, went home for a rest and swim in the mid-afternoon and still had time for dinner at Coral Reef (for "Robert's birthday") before the fireworks show. We walked over 15 miles (The kids took turns in the strollers), but it was still somehow both fun and relaxing.
Wednesday was Animal Kingdom. We were there at park opening (as we were every day). We got in line for Navii river Journey first thing and rode it. Then we rode rides, got wet (on the river rapids...thanks William and Hannah), and saw a ton of Animals. Before we knew it, my whole family arrived! That's right! My parents, Danielle, Kevin, Christian, Chad, and my niece and Nephews Alexandra, Issac, Timothy and Gideon all joined us at Disney World for my birthday. We watched the Lion King show, had an amazing dinner at Tucker House (for "William's birthday"), and had VIP seating for the Rivers of Light show. It gets better. We finished off the day with Fast Passes to Flight of Passage in Avatar. It is quite possibly my new favorite ride. The boys got to ride it twice, and I'm a tad jealous still. The ones who rode it on the first past pass went and rode the river journey before heading home. It was a fantastic day and I went home overflowing with excitement.
Thursday was the big twins' (Issac and Alexandra) real birthday. We started off the day in Magic kingdom and rode Buzz Lightyear a couple of times before riding most of the rest of the rides in Tomorrowland. We had a group picture with Cinderella and after a few rides (including Ariel), we had lunch at the Beast's Castle. It wasn't exactly as I envisioned (busy and we ended up in the beasts' room), but we got a free fast pass because my food took so long. We rode one of Hannah's favorite rides next: the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The Drakes headed back for a nap, and after riding a few more rides, the rest of us headed over to EPCOT. We rode more rides (Hello soarin!) and had a delicious dinner with the Princesses at Akershus. We were the last people at the restaurant (waiting on our bill) and almost didn't make it back on the Skyliner. whew!
Friday was my birthday (cue trumpets and confetti). It did not begin as planned. Francis had to go get medication for Andrew who was having trouble breathing, so I had to take all 3 other kids to Magic Kingdom by myself. Hannah had an appointment at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, but we squeezed in a couple of rides beforehand. The Boutique was amazing and totally worth the price. Hannah had her hair, make-up and nails done. They made a big fuss and announced when Princess Hannah was done. She went and had professional photos done afterward in her Cinderella gown. It was a once in a lifetime experience that she will not soon forget. Francis and Andrew met up with us shortly after so we could ride all of the kids favorite Magic Kingdom rides one last time. The boys wanted Space Mountain (we had already done Buzz) and Hannah wanted Splash mountain (we had already done 7 Dwarfs). We had a spectacular lunch in Cinderella's Castle where we met more princesses, got some wands and swords, and ate delicious food. We met up with my family at Hollywood Studios afterward. We rode all the rides we missed the first time (William loved Rockin Roller Coaster). We had dinner at the outpost in Star Wars land. The food was great, the ambiance very special, and the company was unparalleled. In that moment of getting presents on the edge of the Galaxy, I could not have been happier. I wish I could put in words how much it meant to have all my family there at the most magical place on earth on my birthday. Thank you, family!!!! We rode Smuggler's run and Slinky Dog Dash in groups. The big boys and I snuck in a ride on Toy Story Mania before just barely making it to Fantasmic in time. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Our last day was at EPCOT. We got up early once again, packed up our room, and took the Skyliner over to the park. We rushed and were able to quickly ride Frozen. All 16 of us just fit in one boat together! We took turns riding test track, soarin, and the land. We all rode Nemo together and spent a short time in the aquarium. All too soon, it was time to say goodbye to my family. Some headed back to the hotel and others headed over to Magic Kingdom. The kids chose one last ride before we left. The boys chose test track and Hannah chose Frozen (complete with getting Anna and Elsa's signatures). We were in luck that it was the last night of the food and wine festival, because we were able to use our remaining snack credits from our meal plan to have a delicious dinner of poutine, filet mingnon, braised beef, and some desserts. It was so good and a perfect end to our trip. We rode the Skyliner back to the hotel and climbed in our car. The drive back home was not as exciting, but we made it back by lunch on Sunday. I'd go back tomorrow if someone offered!
The week of Thanksgiving was spent mostly recuperating and resetting. It was nice to have a little down time. Thanksgiving day we went to Cyndy and Chris's house for a Phillips/Boerger Thanksgiving dinner. It was good food, good company, and the kids had fun with Abby and Jackson. Saturday, my in-laws, and the Boergers came up to our neck of the woods and we went to Santa's Wonderland. We've never been before (even though it's literally 5 minutes from our house), but it was so fun! We met Santa, jumped, rode a train, did a snow hill, played in snow and had hot chocolate. William and Robert also did the mechanical bull ride. My favorite part was the hay ride. We got to see thousands of lights in multiple displays ending in a light display about the life of Jesus. It was a very long hayride, but the second we got off, I was ready to do it over again. The lights were that cool! We hope to go again sometime. Everyone spent the night in town, so Saturday morning we had breakfast at Sweet Paris (crepes) and then went to Urban Air Trampoline Park. Christ, Francis and my father-in-law decided to jump with the kids. It was all fun and games until it was time to go and Francis took one last huge jump. He stepped wrong and fractured his foot. We already had a boot and crutches, so we swung by and got them. After an x-ray, it looks like he'll be in a boot for the next 3-6 weeks. At least it happened after Disney! We still made it to see Frozen II that afternoon. Cute movie!
This week we had our last CC of the semester and the accompanying Christmas party. The kids gave their tutors gifts and got some things too. Wednesday we went to Lick Creek homeschool days and the kids participated in an egg drop challenge. Their contraption was a bit unorthodox (straws sticking out everywhere), but it did the trick and the egg survived all three drops. Today was our last Bible Study before the new year. I am looking forward to a quieter week next week, but we'll see!
Till next time!
Thursday, November 14, 2019
November 14, 2019
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!
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!
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!
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