Reed Family Review

A boy and a pond

2012-01-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

I love this boy!!!!!!

(even when he has too have cavities filled)

The pond behind our house

Jacob keeps hoping one of his Grandpas will come and take him fishing in the pond this summer.

The kids have all enjoyed catching the frogs that live her. There are hundreds of little frogs out on the banks during the summer evenings. Sometimes Jacob yells at the geese to get off his pond. The neigbors think its funny that he thinks its "his" pond since its on community property.

Halloween

2012-01-18T16:28:00.001-05:00

This year was quite a change from Halloween in Edwardsville. First, trick-or-treating was actually on Halloween since there was no parade. Second, there were actually posted hours that didn't span a ridiculously large portion of the day. And thirdly, we went from having hundreds of trick or treaters to having 10. Yep , you read that right 10. It certainly saved us money on candy expenses, but it was not nearly as fun. I enjoy seeing kids in their costumes!

In case you're not up on the tween aged girl culture. The older girls are dressed as characters from Monster High: Frankiestein and Clawdeen.

Apple picking and Fall Fun

2012-01-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

We found a town about 30 minutes away, literally in the middle of nowhere that had an apple orchard and a pumpkin farm. One WARM fall saturday we decided to check them out. Our first stop was the apple orchard. A wagon pulled by horses took us out the the apple trees. The wagon was filling up on the return ride and we were in the front, The driver turned around and asked Katy if she wanted to sit up front with her. The other girls were a little green with envy. After a few minutes, much too our surprise, the driver handed Katy the reins and started instructing her how to steer the horses. I thought the other kids were going to die with envy at this point. Katy, who is always up for a new adventure, was beaming with joy as she drove the wagon. I'm not sure the mom with the 2 month old baby was quite as pleased as we were when Katy took the reins :) The apples were delicious!! I'm not a huge fan of store bought apples but I just can't get enough fresh picked ones. Jared was shocked at how fast our family went through the basket of apples.

Next, we hit the pumpkin patch. WOW!!! can I just say it pays to live in the country...I've never gotten pumpkins so cheap in my whole life. Not even in Avon before it became overdeveloped. We were able to get all the kids one for the price of one walmart pumpkin. The kids enjoyed the play area that was set up. Highlights included a maze, te ever popular face cutouts...

.....a haunted bus

...a wooden train

Mom forcing them in a group photo...not such a highlight for them. Notice Ms. Bella's facial expression and body language.

It was a fun day with perfect weather. I love fall even though it means the onset of winter!!

Walk-A-Thon

2012-01-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

The fundraiser for the girls' school this year was a walk-a-thon. (Special thanks to those that sponsored them!) The event was complete with warm-ups and lots of walking and even some running. Family members were allowed to walk with the students so Jacob and I joined in on the fun.

I felt like we were in the story of Goldilocks though...only it read a little differently:

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Jacob. One day he went to a school to see his sisters. His sisters were having a walk-a thon. Jacob looked at all the big kids running and walking and thought it looked fun. Jacob wanted to run with the students so he found his sister Bella's class and joined them. Bella and her friends were sprinting and poor little Jacob could not keep up. They were too fast. So Jacob left and went in search of Xandy's class. Xandy was walking with her friends. Jacob joined them, but he wanted to walk not run. They were too slow. Jacob was sad but then he remembered he hadn't tried Katy yet. He looked around and found his biggest sister Katy. He told her he wanted to run but Bella was too fast and Xandy was too slow. " I will run with you" said Katy. So together they started to run. Katy slowed to Jacob's pace. She was careful to not run too fast or too slow. She was just right! The End.

Bella warming up

Xandy waiting to start

Katy wearing the punch card that was stamped for every lap completed

Xandy actually running at one point

Katy running

Bella's surgery

2011-12-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

How they expect people to sleep with all those wire, I'll never know!

Bella was having problems focusing and was always tired. She also was a super loud snorer. I never linked the problems together until I overheard another mom in my exercise class talking about what a difference it had made once her son was diagnosed with sleep apnea and had surgery. I went home and did some research on sleep apnea. Jared and I were floored at how well the symptoms fit Bella. We took her to the pediatrician who was great and referred us to the sleep center. Bella had a sleep study done in June at the Alton Memorial Sleep Center. It was located in the Holiday Inn in Alton. One level of one wing was closed off for the sleep center. We went in Sunday evening and they hooked Bella up to the machines. Jared was already working in Indiana so the Pearson were a life -saver and watched the kids for us. Bella and I stayed the night. We were in adjoining rooms but I didn't sleep at all. Can you blame me? My little girl was hooked up to machines and I wasn't comfortable leaving her alone so I couldn't relax enough to sleep.(Rochelle was a life-saver again when she had me drop Bella off and continued to watch the kids while I slept). I kept checking on her through out the night and was getting frustrated because she wasn't snoring at all. She normally snored so loud that she would consistently startle herself awake. I was afraid we were going to go through the study for nothing. However, even though she slept much better than normal the test still reported a mild case of sleep apnea. Since any degree of sleep apnea is considered abnormal in kids that young she was referred to an ENT in St. Louis. Unfortunately, the ENT couldn't get her in until the day before we moved so we crossed our fingers and hoped the doctor here would continue with the process. I was a little worried I would have to be driving her into Chicago since we were going to have to see an ENT in St. Louis. The first thing I did here was find a pediatrician and set up an appointment for Bella and have the results of the test faxed to the new pediatrician. I wanted to move forward on helping her get the rest she needed and yes, I wanted it all done the same calendar year so I didn't have to meet the deductible twice!! Dr. Brogan was great and referred her to an ENT here in Valpo. The ENT got us in 2 days later. He was only in the room about 2 minutes (just long enough to look inside her mouth) before declaring she needed to have her tonsils removed. He said they'd take her tonsils and adenoids at the same time. We were leaving for Ohio later that afternoon to spend a long weekend fixing up the house since it was finally up for sale. He opened his calendar and asked how the 17th worked. The 17th was less than a week away and she needed to have lab work done. I quickly ran her to the outpatient center here in town and got her lab work completed with only about 2 hours to spare before we left. We ended up having car problems in Ohio but made it back in time for the surgery.

Bella pre-surgery

I was impressed with how quickly everything moved. I also appreciated the convenience of the outpatient center right here in Valpo. Her tonsils were indeed quite large as the ENT had suspected but he was amazed by the size of her adenoids. He said they were blocking about 90% of her nasal passage. She is doing much better now. She isn't so tired and grumpy all the time. She is doing much better at school and her reading has vastly improved. I think she was so tired all the time before and couldn't focus. My only complaint is that they told Bella and Jared and I that they would retrieve us from the waiting room and have us in the room with her before she woke up. They did not do that. I would have been okay with them waiting to make sure she awoke without any complications if they had told us and her that from the beginning. But don't assure my 6 yr old that I'll be there when she wakes up if you have no intention of getting me. It made it look like I abandoned her. But, overall I don't have any complaints. The whole process went smoothly especially considering that we moved in the middle of it. Bella in her typical dramatic fashion refused to talk for longer that the doctor thought necessary afterwards. She also ended up missing some school. The doctor wanted her to stay home the first 3 days but she was very upset to miss the first day so he allowed her to attend a 1/2 day on the first day of school. Xandy on the other hand was wishing she'd had surgery to extend her summer vacation also.

Jacob's B-day

2011-12-05T10:47:00.000-05:00

Jacob turned 4 in September. He wanted a Yoda cake so I decided to give my new icing tool a try. I was impressed with how easy and quick it made decorating. I'm so not artistic or creative so I was super proud of the end result.

Jacob with his loot. He was most excited about his new bedding which surprised me.

We are so grateful to have Jacob has part of our family. He is a sweet caring little boy. He loves to snuggle and help others. He's growing up way too fast!

First Day of School

2011-12-05T10:41:00.000-05:00

All three of the girls are at the same school this year. Next year Katy will move on to middle school and last year she was at an intermediate school so this is the only year it will happen. It has been really nice though. Katy is in Mrs. Rainey's 5th grade class.   Her teacher had a baby in September and comes off maternity leave tomorrow so she's had Ms. Roberson most of the year. Alexandra is in Mrs. Coyle's 3rd grade class. She adores her teacher.   Bella is in Mrs. Keller's 1st grade class. Her BFF down the street from us and is in the same class. They are inseparable.
When we went to the open house before school started the girls were a little wary. They had been spoiled in the brand new buildings and lockers the last few years. Memorial is older and has the traditional hooks for your coats and bags. Xandy looked like she was going to cry when she first saw it. They absolutely love it there now.   They are constantly asking us to stay within Memorial's boundaries when we get more permanent housing.

On the first day os school I took Jacob to the new park in downtown Valpo.   He enjoyed playing in the water.

Jacob is a smart little bugger. He is always amazing us with his deductive and reasoning skills. Here was his first attempt at writing his name. He put the "J" down and asked how to spell the rest. I wrote the letters under the line and he copied them up above.

Don't give up

2011-12-05T10:28:00.000-05:00

Don't give up on me yet. I know I've been terrible at posting. Between my work schedule and computer problems I can't seem to get blogging in. Both situations should be improving within the next month. If you see Santa tell him I tried to be good this year and to please bring me a laptop for Christmas!!!!!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Leela's wedding

2011-10-05T10:37:00.001-04:00

My "little" cousin got married in May. Due to the fact that it was the week-end before all our baptism company was arriving and Jared was already working in a different state we were not all going to be able to make it. Thanks to a free airline ticket Jared had and some wonderful friends who helped watch kids and pick me up from the airport, I was able to go.

Leela dancing with my dad

Leela and her husband Sean

Leela wore this traditional wedding attire to honor her Hindu heritage.

Some of you may remember the Little Black Dress story from Asha's wedding (Leela's sister). What you may not know is that Natalie and I almost bought the same dress again for Martin's wedding. That time was completely my fault as I had forgotten what the dress she wanted looked like. So for Leela's wedding we were ready. We talked and made sure our dresses were not going to be the same or even similar. After the wedding and luncheon reception, we went back to the hotel to rest before the BBQ Leela and Sean were hosting that evening. I was sharing a room with my parents and happened to be the one who opened the door when they came to see if we were ready. Nicholas just started shaking his head and muttering. I looked behind him and just started laughing. Natalie and I were dressed almost identical. Like Jared pointed out, its hard to find affordable modest dresses and since Natalie and I have similar tastes its not too suprising that were are drawn to the same dresses. However, of all the different options one might wear to a BBQ, what are the chances we'd pick the same thing? I think Nicholas was more upset than we were, but then evidence is mounting that he married someone exactly like his sister!

Pierogi Fest

2011-10-03T14:25:00.000-04:00

The town Jared works in had a Pierogi Fest the last weekend in July. A festival with polka music and kielbasa, halupki, and pierogis!!!! What more could a Ukrainian girl ask for?? It was hard to keep my feet still with all that Polka music. The food was excellent. (in fact, when we went to a popcorn festival a few weeks later, the kids were upset that no one was selling pieorgis). The parade was really funny.

They closed one of the main roads in town

Jared was a little confused as to why there were bagpipes, but I thought it was a great way to incorporate another part of my heritage

This group had pedals attached to eat seat so they could pedal down the street while drinking

There was a lawn mower group. This was the best one. Its an actual riding lawn mower

The hats were supposed to each symbolize a pierogi filling

Mr. Halupki and Ms. Paszki (spelling?)

The Babuska Brigade

Fun with Family

2011-10-03T14:07:00.001-04:00

While Grandpa and Grandma Reed and Great Grandpa and Grandma Reed were visiting, we had some fun!

We squeezed in a trip to the zoo also, even though it was sweltering. Poor Great Grandpa and Grandma had come from cold temperatures in Idaho to 100+ degrees. It was quite a shock for them.

Newborn

My little monkey got tuckered out

We walked across the foot bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. The annual Route 66 festival just happened to be taking place. Jacob enjoyed seeing all the old cars, especially the ones that resembled CARS characters. We all enjoyed the sno cones booth half way across.

On the way home, we stumbled upon a Lewis and Clark museum. We decided to check it out. It was a cute little place tucked away along the river. We didn't have a ton of time since we needed to get home, change in order to make it to St. Louis for Megan's baptism.

Great Grandpa introduced the kids to Family History. They had fun looking at all his charts and photos.

We also went to Bully's so Grandpa and Grandma could determine whether it was as good as Pappy's. And, of course, no visit is complete without a trip to Bobby's!

Summer Fun

2011-10-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

Summer Fun in Valparaiso

Zoo Trip Bookends

2011-10-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

When we first moved to St. Louis, the first time we got together with the Morrisons, we met at the zoo. It was only appropriate then, that our final get together was also spent at the zoo. Both dads had to work, but Elise and I took the kids. We needed to use all of our passes on our membership. I had enough to let us all ride the carousel and the train. We also got to see a sea lion show. During the sea lion show, child volunteers are picked from the audience to help feed the sea lion. Katy has always wanted to be chosen. She stategically placed herself right by the aisle. When they asked for volunteers her hand shot up so high and fast....and she got picked!!! She was beaming. She gave the sealion commands, and then threw fish to him as a reward. She also got to pet him and pose for a picture. The trainer told Katy that she could pick a fish or squid to eat also, but Katy declined. I'm not sure Katy was convinced it was a joke.

Paul recently had a b-day and had some money with him. He decided to buy everyone a souvenir. It was very sweet and generous of him. We shared a funnel cake before leaving. It was a bittersweet day. We had a ton of fun but were sad that both families were moving and in opposite directions.

June 2011

Look at how much they all grew in 3 years....

September 2008

Raging Rivers

2011-09-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

We went to Raging Rivers one last time with the tickets the kids earned through school. Jacob was thrilled to see spider man (I think he was there for a b-day party). He originally spotted him from quite a distance away and was insistent that we get closer. Spider Man took some time to talk with Jacob and pose for a picture. Jacob even got a hug and a high five before we left. Jacob was a little disappointed he had worn his CARS suit that day instead of his Spiderman ones.

Botanical Gardens

2011-09-26T14:36:00.000-04:00

Mima, PopPop and Grandma B came a few days before the baptism. Katy really wanted to see the botanical gardens before we left (her siblings had all been there before). Grandma B and PopPop stayed home, but Mima and they rest of us set off the explore the gardens.

Xandy's Baptism

2011-09-26T14:20:00.001-04:00

Xandy turned 8 the end of April and was baptized the over Memorial weekend. Both sets of grandparents were able to attend as well as Great Grandpa and Grandma Reed and Great Grandma Buchkovich. We tried to plan a double baptism with her second cousin Megan, but it was too hard to arrange all the grandparents schedule together. Megan ended up getting baptized the weekend after.

The dress Xandy was baptized in was made by my Grandma Sharpe for my baptism. Katy wore it also.

G. Grandpa & Grandma Reed, Megan and Xandy

Reed and Morrison kids

4 generations of Reed men (Aren't they handsome?)

Megan and Xandy are 2 peas from the same pod. Born about 2 weeks apart they have the same personality have been great friends the last few years. Such a same that we live so far apart now. The Morrisons moved the same week as us and are now in southern Arizona.

Xandy with her great grandparents (we wish Grandpa and Grandma Zimmer could've been here too)

Xandy asked Grandma Reed and Katy to talk. Katy had a lot of help from Mima. Mima and mom said prayers. G. Grandma Reed led the music while mom accompanied on the piano. Interlude music was provided by Katy.

Goodbyes

2011-09-26T14:01:00.000-04:00

These posts are really out of order, but I'm so far behind that I'm just going to try to catch up and not worry about chronological order

We said a lot of goodbyes during the month of June. I hate the way I look in most of these pictures, but I guess thats just life. Our last Sunday:

Me, Melody and Lisa

Sarah and I

Sarah and the kids

Sarah was our favorite babysitter but was so involved in school and band that it was a special treat when she was available. We were known to plan dates around her schedule. Lisa is Sarah's mom and a wonderful example and friend to me. We will really miss them. They moved to Texas a few days before we left the St. Louis area.
Our last day at the pool:

Jacob and Grace

Sidney, Xandy, and Layne (Layne moved to Ohio this summer)

I was so busy saying goodbyes that I hadn't put my coverup on yet. Please try to ignore the giant blinding white thighs. I know its hard to ignore and I apologize!

Jennifer Weedman, me, Patti Cupp

Amy Nesbit, me and Elisa Mallrich

Bella and Jensen

Xandy and Layne (they met at Kindergarten orientation and have been great friends ever since. They are hoping that since their Grandma's both live within 45 minutes of Cedar Point that than can meet up during the summers.

Marathons & Triathalons

2011-09-26T13:42:00.000-04:00

Last spring Katy's school had a read and run marathon. They had to read 26 books and run 26 miles over the course of several weeks. They had other activities you could substitute for a mile ie: soccer practice, running stairs for 30 min etc. For the most part, Katy logged all her miles by actually running.
Her school was down the street from one of the trails. The last miles was run together on the trail on a Saturday morning. The morning of, we met in the parking lot. They got t-shirts and bib numbers and then we all walked down to the trail. The 5th graders started first, after a 30 sec wait, the 4th graders started, followed by a pause and the 3rd graders. They ran 1/2 mile down the trail turned around and came back. I was standing with my friend Patti who has a 5th graders. We kept looking for her daughter since she started first. All of a sudden, I noticed Katy was coming down the home stretch. She ran her mile in about 9 minutes and finished before a bunch of the 5th graders. It was a super hot and humid morning so all of the kids did a great job in those conditions but we were especially proud of Katy. At the end they had bananas, water bottles and granola for the runners.

During the last two weeks of Katy's Read and Run Marathon, the other girls' school started a Triathalon. They had to read 26 books, eat 26 healthy snacks, and run 26 miles. I wish the timing had been a little better so I could've taken them all running at once. Again, there were alternate activtities but the girls logged most of their miles by actually jogging. Bella had a tendancy to be a little melodramatic about it. The neighbors probably thought I was torturing her because she would moan the whole time she ran. I wasn't even forcing her to participate. It was purely optional and she choose to. By the end they could both run 2 miles without stopping. They both have a tendancy to be more concerned with being social than applying themselves and doing their best. (Katy always wants to see how well she can do a task but the other girls could care less as long as they're with friends). I wanted them both to try hard they day they ran the final mile at school. (Their school had each grade level run the last mile separately at the track at the junior high next door. Since Jared was already commuting back and forth from Chicago, he happened to be home the Friday of the race and was able to come watch.) We decided to give them some incentive to try their best. I told them that if they ran the whole mile we would go to Bobby's. (Bobby's is the best frozen custard stand in the world) It didn't have to be fast, they just had to run the whole thing. The Kindergarden students went first. The whistle blew and Bella took off. She was flying. We were worried she was going to wear herself out by the end but she just kept flying around that track. She ended up being the first girl to finish and was either 3rd or 4th overall. I was completely astonishished (especially in light of the constant moaning while she ran at home). Needless to say, we were super proud of her.

Warming up:

The whistle blows:

Gotta love that stride!

The kindergarten participants

Then it was time for the 2nd graders to go. Once again they lined up and the whistle blew. Once again, we were amazed as Xandy took off and never slowed down. She was the first girl in second place to finished and was only beat by 3 or 4 boys. We were so proud of them.

It turn out that when it was time for the 2nd graders to run my neighbor Liz asked how Bella did. (Her son was in Xandy's class and she knew about our Bobby's incentive) We were standing with the class and unbeknownst to me, Xandy overheard me tell Liz about Bella's incredible run. Not wanting to be out done by her little sister, Xandy decided to run her hardest also. Hey, whatever inspires your best hon!

Warming up:

And she's off:

Jenna, Avery, and Xandy (or Alex as she known at school)

The inspiration behind the perspiration:

I love that the schools were encouraging reading and a healthy lifestyle. The kids really enjoyed it and was a great way to get the whole family involved (even if I did ruin the healthy part but frozen custard bribes!!)
Here's hoping the schools here in NW Indiana do this!

Alexandra's 8th B-day

2011-08-09T15:23:00.000-04:00

I'm not posting in chronological order. In an effort to catch up, I'll just post random blogs until I've covered everything

We broke the every other year b-day party rule this year since we were moving. Alexandra had a sleepover with her friends the week after her actual b-day. I never knew that 8 girls could be such a handful. It was an exhausting night but we made it through without too much drama.

The actual day of her b-day we ate at Red Robin. She does not like public attention and when they sang Happy B-day to her she looked like she was going to kill us all. One of her best friends randomly showed up her family and ended up seated at the table next to us. Fun times!

She wanted a homemade icecream cake with a peace sign

Decorating fabric "goodie" bags

All of her friends signed a pillowcase for her

In our church, children are baptized when the turn 8 and reach the age of accountability. A separate post will follow on the baptism.

Other end of the school year fun

2011-08-08T14:37:00.000-04:00

2nd grade class trip to Culvers

Bella and Mrs. Hellman

Xandy and Mrs. Wagner

Benjamin Stephenson House

2011-08-08T13:50:00.001-04:00

Due to budget cuts a lot of field trips were cut last year (any out of district trips). Fortunately we were lucky to have any historic home/museum in town. It does a wonderful job of having different programs for each grade. The girls went every year with school but always learned something different. I got the "privelege" of going twice in one week this year between Katy and Xandy's class

Cassens Field Day and Goshen Olympics

2011-08-08T13:45:00.001-04:00

Field Days are always fun but unfortunately the weather got a little mixed up this year. Cassens Field day only had one water event and the day was sunny and very HOT!! Goshen Olmypics was mostly water events and it was overcast and chilly. It was supposed to be an all day event but the decision was made to watch a movie in the gym with popcorn after lunch. Most of the kindergartners had ended up inside they were shivering so bad. The 1st and 2nd graders were trying to tough it out but many lips were turning various shades of blue.

Katy and Mrs. Law

Playgroup

2011-08-08T13:25:00.000-04:00

Jacob enjoyed a last few playgroups before we moved.

Nauvoo

2011-08-08T13:15:00.001-04:00

Love this pic- it shows Bella's and Xandy's personalities perfectly

At the end of Parley Street

Easter morning in front of the temple

Horse and carriage ride

LOVE THIS!!!

We came home Sunday to see what the Easter bunny had left and eat a ham dinner.

Still alive

2011-05-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

No, we did not get swept away in any of the crazy tornadoes this spring. (Although, I shouldn't joke we know a lot of people across the country have suffered great loss and damage including my cousin)

We are in the process of moving again and have been very busy. Hopefully, with school coming to an end I may have sometime to update the blog (but don't hold your breath) or at least once we move and don't know anyone.

Have a great summer!

Old Chain Of Rock Bridge

2011-04-11T16:58:00.001-04:00

I wanted to run across the footbridge for the Mississippi River before we move. My friend Kristie who happens to be my running buddy was also planning a move. We wanted to plan a long run and run on some of the Missouri trials but decided to at least get a short one in before she had to work one day. It is a mile long bridge that connects the Illinois and Missouri sides of the river. It was fun and we decided to go back with our families. Good thing we got the short run over in when we did cause she ended up moving sooner than planned and is already gone. Don't let the gray skies fool you, it was very humid and warm that day.

I went back with the family during session of conference. We thought it would be nice to get some wiggles out. It was crazy windy though!

Playing on the oldschool firetruck on the bridge

The bridge was not always foot traffic only and used to be part of historic route 66.

You can see 270 from the bridge.

We've always wondered what these buildings were sticking up out of the river. Turns out they used to be water towers for the city of St. Louis

General Conference

2011-04-11T16:41:00.002-04:00

Its sad to admit, but growing up as a kid and teenager I hated General Conference. This was pre internet and satellite TV and since my family did not have cable, we would dress up and drive to church. I also hate to admit that we very rarely attended all 4 sessions, yet I still dreaded these twice a year weekends. Then I went to school in Utah and Idaho and had the privelege of attending conference at least one session every time. I LOVED conference.

It warms my heart that my children Love conference. Granted they get to stay at home and lounge in PJs if they desire. Last month for stake conference they were disappointed it wasn't General Conference. I printed out age appropriate packets from http://www.sugardoodle.com/ and we were set to go. Katy had a soccer game until 11 Saturday morning so while Jared took her the other 3 and I started making crepes. They got home during the opening song so they didn't miss much.
I spread a tabecloth on the ground (don't you love the Christmas one this time?) and they eat most their meals while watching conference.

Some one decided to catch up on his shut- eye but I really didn't mind!

I painted my toe nails

Making apostle chains

The finished products. I love how Bella colored them all in pink suits. Wouldn't that be a funny sight to see them all in pink suits!!!

During the break on Saturday, we took a walk and ran to pick up Xandy and Katy's new glasses. They certainly are more daring in style than their boring Mom

Sunday between session we walked over the Chain of Rocks bridge but thats for another post

The girls did a great job of listening to all 4 sessions. Jacob napped during part of one each day but did a great job during the ones he was awake for

Bella's party

2011-04-11T16:20:00.001-04:00

Bella had a swim party at the YMCA this year. Its the first time I have ever paid to have a party somewhere other than my home. We are usually too cheap for that and I enjoy coming up with games to match the theme the B-day child chooses. I have to say it sure was nice! No pre party cleaning, no children tearing through my house, and no after party clean-up. Due to the stress we have been under lately, it was a wonderful choice for us.
I didn't take any pictures of them swimming but Bella had a blast. She was also given a huge beach ball from the Y to play with and then take home. All of her friends signed a smaller beach ball I had brought from home. It will be a fun keepsake from her friends in Illinois!

If you can't tell the teddy grahams are floating on gummy rafts

The mini candle cake

Bella and Makenzie coloring while I set up

There was a bug going around Bella's class and half the kids she invited missed several days of school that week. Every day she would update me on who was back in school and who was out sick now. We were allowed 24 people in the pool so I called some friends from church and they came and joined us for the swimming part since several of her friends missed out.

St Patrick's Day?

2011-04-11T16:12:00.001-04:00

Was it St. Patty's Day or embarrass you're child at school day?

I was asked to help throw a St. Patrick's Day party for Xandy's class. She was not thrilled with my outfit. The other girls thought it was great but Xandy- not so much.

She wasn't the only child mortified by their mother. The other parent helping with the party was our neighbor, Liz. Xandy knew at least Cameron would be in the same boat as her. Here is Liz and I together, rocking our outfits.

You may be thinking that this scenario seems vaguely familiar and you'd be correct. Here is a picture you might remember of Liz and I at Halloween

2nd grade program and drama club

2011-04-11T15:33:00.000-04:00

Xandy's second grade program was about the earth. She has a speaking part in the middle of the first clip. She also was in the drama club at her school. I had to teach the night of the show so I went to the dress rehearsal instead and Jared went to the actual performance. We forgot the camera both times. I tried to get pictures with my phone but I was too far away. Our neighbors recorded it so maybe I'll post it after I get a copy.

Cassens Family Night

2011-04-11T15:13:00.000-04:00

I find it very refreshing that Katy's school offered a free fun night for families. The other girls school asks for donations for all the events and then charges you to get in, all in addition to the fundraisers you support. Its gets old fast. But the awesome PTO (and no I'm not biased just because the PTO pres is my next door neighbor) at Cassens sponsored a free family event that included multiple bounce houses, a DJ, refreshments, and other activities. Even Jacob had a blast! Thanks for the fun family night!

making bracelets

(I don't remember the girl's name on the far left) Annie, Katy, and Lauren. Two of Katy's closest friends.

Jacob pretty much bounced the whole night

Edwardsville Children's Museum

2011-04-11T15:05:00.000-04:00

My neighbor started her own internet based business. Its a community site that makes money from the advertisers. Every day there is a trivia question sponsored by a business. If you answer correctly your name is placed in a drawing. She told me a while back that the trivia question was being sponsored by the local children's musuem. I went to the site and had no idea the answer. I took a random guess but didn't think anything more of it. Turns out none got it right so all the entries were entered into the drawing, and I won!! The kids have of for some random Illinois holiday called Casmir Pulaski. He was some polish revolutionary war hero. Don't really no or care more than that. Anyway, this year we decided to spend the morning at the museum with our free tickets. Its small but we had a few hours of fun.

Sir Jacob

Lady Bella

Lady Bella as a Meterologist

Sir Jacob the cameraman

Officer Katy

Xandy locked up!

Chef Jacob

Wonder what crime the fireman committed. Maybe we have an arrest happy officer

February Catch up (musicals and b-days)

2011-03-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

I noticed while uploading Bella's b-day pictures that we missed a few February events.

Bella had her Kindergarten musical. They did the same program Xandy did in kindergarten but it was just as cute this time around. Bella was upset she didn't get a speaking part but she spent the first half of the year too terrified to talk in class so the music teacher had know idea she was interested in a speaking part. I explained that if she wants to get speaking parts she needs to participate in class.

Jared had a B-day in February also. We had 4- Layer Dessert which is his request every year. For about 9 weeks of every year I can tease him and call him an old man. Then I quickly catch up so I can't tease him anymore. I still have about 5 good weeks of teasing left this year.

My darling Bella turns 6

2011-03-08T15:58:00.000-05:00

Bella turned 6 on Saturday! I can hardly believe it. She's grown up so much this past year. Just in the past month she's made great improvements in her reading ability. She doing excellent in her piano lessons. She has made a lot of friends this year. I'm so proud of her in so many ways.

A couple of weeks ago she was spotlighted in primary. They asked some of the other kids and teachers what they liked about her. The replies were written on the back of this picture. Its a great keepsake for the kids.

Things we like about Bella:

She is sweet

She is thoughtful

She is friendly & nice

She is reverent

She is beautiful

She loves her scriptures

She is a good friend

She is gorgeous

I love her

She is a good sister

She is a good classmate

She is kind

We Love You Bella!!!

Bella is having a party in a couple of weeks but we still wanted to make her actual B-day special. However, due to stake conference and other events Saturday was pretty busy. We had ordered a Bobby's cake but realized when we woke up that by the time we could pick it up at noon, we wouldn't all be home together again until 10pm. We decided to save the cake for Sunday, and instead let her pick whatever she wanted for breakfast. So off she went with Dad to pick out some donuts. We are having a pool party at the YMCA so she only got a pair of new jeans and Twinkle Toe shoes (which are not cheap- thank goodness for a Buy One Get One 1/2 off and a mom who needed new running shoes) from us.

On Sunday we had chicken legs, carrot sticks, and fresh pineapple for dinner- her favorites. Her cake ended up being the best B-day cake I've ever had. A layer of Sandy Dandy(strawberries, pecans, and hard chocolate) concrete followed by fudge and crunchies, then strawberry cheesecake concrete frosted with a whipping cream. Yum Yum!!
Today I took donuts and chocolate milk into her class for her B-day snack and Jacob and I ate lunch with her. She really knows how to extend her B-days. Jacob wants to know if its his turn yet. Not for quite some time yet little buddy.

Grandma's 80th

2011-02-24T08:39:00.000-05:00

Last week-end we made a whirlwind trip to Pennsylvania and back. Grandma had turned 80 earlier in the week and a party was planned for Saturday. I had been thinking a lot about her and as insane as the trip sounded we decided to go. We packed up the family and drove 11 hours on Friday to get there and then 11 hours back home on Sunday so Jared could work on Monday. It was really fun and great to see a lot of family. Turns out that an 11 hour drive isn't so bad when Jared and I had a lot of things to discuss and decide on since the project here is coming to a close. The kids were wonderful. Seriously, I don't know how our parents did it without DVD players in the car. As long as I kept the movies coming, they were content.

Me, Grandma, Aunt Faye, and Uncle Bob

Grandma and me

Mother and son

Jared, Terra, Elizabeth, and Robert (we always love a chance to get together with my cousin and her husband. We have so much fun with them. They are expecting their first in August!!)

Cindy and Shari

Bella and Mima

Aunt Faye, me, and Bella

Delinda and Scott

Aunt Kathy and Maria

Katy, Emma, and Xandy (I can't believe how much Emma grew up since we saw them last. It scares me since she is only two years older than Katy. My baby cousin went from little girl to young women over night)

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob

Xandy and Pop Pop at Grandma's house

Mima and Katy

I got to go for a refreshing mountain run on Saturday. I pushed myself hard to run a few miles up the mountain road, promising myself the ease of the return downhill. Overall it was beautiful and refreshing. The lingering snow on the ground added to the overall effect. But, it turns out I forgot to take into account the wind. I was running straight into strong winds on the way back down. I did not pack enough cold weather running clothes so I was pretty frozen by the time I got back. Its hard to think gloves and hat when its 70 degrees when you're packing. Despite the cold and wind, the kids had fun running and exploring outside. My Dad owns the land next to Grandma's so there was lots of room for them to run and play. I'm told Uncle Martin was even nice enough to take them to look at the horses while I was running. A horse farm is adjacent to the family land and as we were leaving I realized I hadn't taken them to see the horses but they assured me they had gotten to see them anyway.

On a funny side note: My grandma saves everything. There is absolutely no way to describe the amount of things in her house. You have to see it to understand it. She worked at a library for years and when they were pulling books from circulation, she would bring them home. There are literally thousands and thousands of books in her basement. There is barely room to walk from one end to the other. We used to go to Grandma's a lot while we were in Cleveland, but since the move this is only the second time we've been back. Jacob doesn't remember it at all, and Bella was even too young to remember much. We were the first people to arrive (Grandma was even still at Aunt Karen's house in Philly), after I let us in, Bella looked around the house. "Have we ever been here before?" she asked. Xandy replied "Of course we have, lots of times". Then she added in an excited voice "There's even a whole library in the basement, come on I'll show you". I had to laugh. I'm afraid of the basement and apparently,children think its pretty cool.

Random musings

2011-02-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

I love to see Bella snuggling her Dad. For the most part she tends not to want much to do with him. Lately though I've seen an increasing number of moments like this....

It warms my heart.

And, despite the risk of being lynched and losing friends again this year, I have to post pics of the kids on Super Bowl Sunday. Yes, I do realize I am from Cleveland and this is a sin some consider second only to Blasphemy, but I do have western Pennsylvania roots. Since there was no compelling reason to cheer for Green Bay (and since I'm more than a little annoyed at the whole state of Wisconsin and their sports teams this past year), I did what any loving granddaughter would do and wore the colors of the team by Grandparents were loyal to. My husband had other ideas. Since he hates Rothelsberger with an intense passion, he was cheering for Greenbay. Since I can not pass up an opportunity to annoy him, he came home from an after church meeting to find this

It was actually harder than I thought to create these outfits. Apparently yellow is not a color the kids and I wear very often. We had to do a lot of sharing to find outfits for everyone. Jared has apparently learned to ignore our teasings. Besides a slight roll of his eyes he did not humor us with any other reaction.

Icecream and Science

2011-02-22T08:49:00.000-05:00

Icecream and Science are two of my favorite things!

Katy combined them into a science fair project this year. She researched what ingredients five different frozen desserts were made of. After comparing the differences she picked which she thought would melt fastest and which would melt slowest. Turns out maybe Frozen Custard isn't the best choice on a hot St. Louis day as it only lost to Frozen Yogurt for title of fastest melting. But, who are we kidding? Nothing tastes quite as good as a Bobby's concrete so I doubt the results will change our frozen dessert eating habits. And by the way, not that we have a countdown or anything, but Bobby's reopens a week from today!! (Porters, Lindsays- I'm sure we'll see you there) Oh, and in case you were wondering, icecream took the longest to melt with Sorbet and Sherbert falling in the middle.

Running Buddy

2011-02-22T08:40:00.000-05:00

Kristie Carmitchel and I ran 13 miles last weekend. I had been sick for over a week previous and never would've run that one my own. Realistically, I probably would've taken the whole day off. But, she motivated me to get out and take advantage of the nice day. We parked her car at HorseShoe Lake State Park and headed towards my house. Even though it made it above freezing, it was the first day it began to thaw so the trails were not clear yet. It was a strange snowy/ice mix covering the trails. We persevered though and ran all the way home which ended up being a slight uphill incline most of the way. Despite stepping into a freezing puddle about a mile from home which quickly dropped my body temperature, we made it back. Surprisingly, the next day I felt better than I had in two weeks. Maybe I froze the sick germs right out of me.

Its sad that we are most likely both moving within the next few months. Its been great having someone that motivates me and vice versa.

Big Boys and Bikes

2011-02-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

It hard to believe that Jacob was only about 7 months when I took him on the house hunting trip to St. Louis. Where has the time gone?

He was not too sure about his big boy bike until we went to Tot Skate. The YMCA has a roller skating rink and during special school week hours little kids can go skating OR bring their bikes and bike around the rink. We met a bunch of Jacob friends there last month. I tried to take this bike but he cried and insisted on taking the tricycle cause it wasn't as scary or challenging. The problem was his two closest friends are not only older (one by 6 months, one by 18 months) than him but were using bigger bikes which gave them much greater speed. He got annoyed with pedaling as fast as he could and still being left behind. During the warm spell last week he insisted I get his big bike down so he could practice! He's getting pretty good. Next step: get Bella riding without the training wheels!

The Magic House

2011-02-02T13:05:00.000-05:00

One of the things on my "to do" list before leaving this area was to visit the Magic House. The kids had recieved free tickets through the summer reading program, but we hadn't gotten around to going yet. I noticed the tickets expired the end of January, so we made it a priority to go. It was so much bigger than I expected and a ton of fun. I couldn't even begin to describe everything that was there. If you are ever in the St. Louis area, visit the Magic House!!!!!

There was a slide that went down several stories, and beanstalk you could climb for several stories. A crime scene and forensic lab with a mystery to solve, a music room, a magnet room, a bubble room-the kids loved pulling a bubble up around them. There was a water room and a baby room. A whole little village with:a bank vaults and clues to solve the combos, a library, a hospital with a nursery, a resturant, a grocery store, a post office, a mechanic shop, and an icecream stand (Jacob's favorite).There was also a shadow room. It was a dark room that would take a picture and put your shadow on the wall. We loved striking funny poses or jumping in the air while it took the picture. There was a hands on room with painting and other activities. And so much more....

On the trail with Lewis and Clark

Giving a speech in the oval office

Our Pasta House Cashier

Fishing in the pond (there was a stream that wound through the village. You could follow the fish until they reached the pond)

The electricity ball- it makes your hair stand out

Judge Alex

Bella on the witness stand

New dresses

2011-02-02T12:39:00.000-05:00

I found these dresses clearanced at KMart. In total I bought 4 dresses, a nice top to wear with her skirt for Katy, a pink sweater for myself, a b-day present for a party Bella was going to, a new hat a glove set for Xandy, some lights and other misc household items and spent less than $50! I love shopping trips like that!!

Big Storm 2011 (Round 1)

2011-02-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

The week before last we got over a foot of snow. I know, after living in Cleveland, that doesn't seem like a big deal but it is HUGE for here. The forecast was calling for it and school got cancelled the night before but when Jared and I went to bed it still was barely snowing. Boy, were we surprised when we woke up. Jared worked from home that day and managed to take a little break to sled with us. One neighbor said this was the most snow they'd had since 1999 another claimed it was the most snow they'd had since she was in elementary school (she's a few years older than me). Either way, it was a big deal.

Its hard to tell, but the snow is piled almost as high as Katy's shoulder

We've actually had several snow days this month. One day we spent sledding with the Davis family. We had a great time.

Pancakes and Math

2011-02-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

Xandy and Bella's school had a Family Math night this year. We decided to go support them since this activity actually had some educational value to it and was free. I get a little tired of the need the PTO feels to charge for every school event in an attempt to make a few extra bucks. We had a great time. There were 6-8 gamerooms (I can't remember for sure) and you stayed at each one for 15 minutes. It was very organized and each family recieved a schedule to follow for the evening and there was a warning bell and room changing bell. In each room, there were individual stations set up with everything your family needed to complete an activity. The activities were entertaining but needed math in some form in order to complete it. I thought it was a great way to get families to spend some quality time having fun and still learning. My only complaint was that it should've been a little shorter, or done on a Saturday so it could start earlier. Lots of families with little ones had to leave early since it went past 8pm and the little tykes were wearing out. Bella and Jacob were both on the grumpy side by the time it was over. One station was bingo. We just missed a free Papa Johns gift card but we did end up with 2 free kids meals at Fazolis!! These pictures are from one of the stations. I didn't take pictures at any of the other ones.

The Primary had their annual Pnncake Breakfast this year. Even though Jacob has gone every year since we've been here (one year I was in the primary and another year it had to tag along to take the girls), he was sooo excited that he was officially allowed to attend this activity. His first Primary activity and he loved it! I love how well all the girls in our ward get along. Age is not a factor and its great. The chair count at this table kept growing as more girls arrived. It would never occur to them to split up at different tables cause they all love being together. Its great!

On a side note: the primary kids all sang at a baptism a couple weeks ago. It was one of those staggering moments of motherhood when you say "where on earth did the time go?". When we moved here my oldest was not even baptized and my youngest wasn't a year old yet. But there they were, all 4, standing up there singing. Katy was one of the oldest kids in the back. Jacob almost missed going up cause I was holding him and sent the other kids to sing and belatedly remembered to send him up too.

Katy's B-day Party

2011-01-28T16:52:00.001-05:00

We let Katy have a slumber party this year. I was always nervous about this since we don't have a finished basement to send the girls too. I wanted Jared, the kids, and I to get some sleep. Taking the lead of a few parents of Katy's friends, I set a 12:30 lights out rule. It helped and a little after 1am they were all asleep.
The evening was filled with lots of pizza and junk food, nail painting, and girl movies. I helped them make eye masks. We had a nail polish/ carpet accident (even though I had laid plastic all over the carpet to prevent this exact scenario. they somehow managed to get it on the carpet). One little girl got sick and that ended up on my carpet also. Needless to say, I spent a fair portion of the night on my hands and knees scrubbing the carpet. But, overall the girls had a blast and it wasn't so bad. Katy wanted an icecream cake. I was tempted to be lazy and just buy one, but Linsday helped remind me how much cheaper it is to make and not very hard at all. In the end, I was a good mommy and made her cake. Katy was great at including her siblings. She originally asked that they sleep in their rooms, but when Jacob and Bella fell asleep during the movie she let Xandy stay down stairs with them.

The gang

The hat triplets: Lauren, Katy, and Jaydi

Katy and Jaydi

Delaney Reed and Katy

Jacob, Raechel, and Katy. Poor Raechel is the one who ended up sick

Grace and Katy

Sledding

2011-01-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas snow stayed long enough to get some sledding in over the week break. I will definately miss being able to just walk to the end of the street to sled. Its perfect and there all always friends around to sled with.

New Year's Eve

2011-01-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

We spent New Year's Eve at the Ryan's house. The Westons, Pearsons, and Fousts were there also. In honor of Grandpa, I provided noisemakers and fireworks for the kids to use at midnight. Not sure all the parents appreciated the gesture but hey, I'm my grandfather's granddaughter and I thought it was a blast! The Fousts brought Sparkling Cider for us all to ring in the New Year. Although, we were having so much fun playing games we almost forgot to turn on the TV to see the ball drop. (Lindsay- I stole some of your pictures again! Thanks for always remembering to take photos since I always seem to forget)

The boys and Brynlee watching a movie. Not sure where the girls were

Kenny Weston, Jared, and Joseph Pearson

Lindsay Weston, Lorren Ryan, Kaylene Foust, and Me

Earlier in the week we went to the Porter's for Pizza and Bunco. The older girls got to play due to some cancellations. It was fun to get to play and relax with friends and the kids were really enjoying the late nights.

On new Year's day we "camped" in the family room by the tree. The kids LOVE it when we all sleep together. Since church is now at 11:30 maybe we'll have more opportunities to campout this year. The extra few hours to sleep and get ready help.

Zoo Lights

2011-01-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

Over the Christmas break, I took the kids to Zoo Lights. This ended up being a fun night even though it had a rocky start. Jared ended up missing it due to work but the kids and I had fun and were glad the rain stopped!
Only part of the zoo has open, but it was covered in lights and decorations. There were 2 puppet shows in the Bug building. Storytellers (who had to move from their fire pit due to the earlier rain), and crafts were enjoyed in the cafe. The carolers took requests and the kids enjoyed picking songs for them to sing.
(I am not a very good photographer and I have not figured out how to take pictures of lights at night so the quality is not very good!)

Xandy ended up getting picked to play the part of the dog in this story. She was pretty excited at first but then reality set in and I think she was mortified she had to crawl around the "stage" barking. LOL!

Christmas Day

2011-01-14T17:19:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas Card door

My pretend fire since Jared won't let us use the fireplace here

This was supposed to be a plate year, but being as we forgot about decorating them until after the kids were in bed, Santa had to fill the stockings hanging from the mantle instead. Santa left those silly zhu zhu pets in their stockings. Within the first few minutes of them being unwrapped two of them had run behind the refrigerator. We had to use a broom to get them out. Seriously!!! They're so similar to real rodents it freaks me out!!!!! Santa made up for it by bringing some items for our 72 hour kits in the stockings.

Jacob asked for "How to train your dragon thingys" for Christmas. No specifics, he just kept repeating that phrase every time someone asked him. Santa brought him a helmet and sword. Although he was very excited, he kept waiting for the shield which unfortunately, was not under the tree. Guess he needs to be more specific with his wish list next year

After unwrapping the sword, he immediately started swinging it at me. I quickly reminded him that swords were for killing dragons not people. Without skipping a beat he said, "okay mommy, you're a dragon, daddy's a dragon and the girls are dragons".
The big present from Santa

Kid snuggies

Bella and Xandy were thrilled to get boots from Santa

Katy must have been a quick unwrapper cause I don't seem to have any pictures of her unwrapping presents. Santa brought her some new clothes.

Christmas Eve

2011-01-14T16:37:00.001-05:00

Our traditional Christmas Eve dinner (On a side note: This year I went to Alexandra's class to talk about Ukrainian Christmas during their Holidays Around the World day. It was interesting since so many of our Ukrainian traditions are centered around Christian beliefs. But, I didn't worry too much since there was a Hanukkah station I figured it all balanced out. I probably murdered the pronunciation of the Ukrainian phrases I tried to teach them. Jenny tried to help me but I think I was a lost cause. I also told the legends behind Saint Nicholas and the 3 gold coins, and the widow and the spider. The kids got to take home 3 chocolate coins and a homemade spider ornament)

The annual acting out of the Nativity story:

Mary, Joseph and the Donkey

The Angel

Our darling shepherdess

Gathered at the stable

Later while watching the Joy to the World, Jacob expressed his extreme disappoint that we did not have a real donkey like in the movie. After he finished huffing in unfair disbelief, he requested we get one for next year. That request was quickly followed by a request for a real baby to play baby Jesus next year as well. Jared told him he had a better chance of getting the donkey. Bella and Xandy both wanted to play Mary. When I offered the baptism dress to Xandy as an angel costume she happily relinquished the role of Mary to Bella. She was very proud to be wearing the baptism dress and made an excellent angel!

Carriage Rides and Carols

2011-01-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

My favorite neighborhood activity is the annual carriage and carols. Everyone interested in participating pitches in $10 and we rent a horse and carriage. The carriage has 4-5 benches so we can smash a lot of people on each ride. The horses pull us through the neighborhood while we sing.

My friend, Liz, spearheads the event so the boarding point is in our cul-de-sac. There is a table set up with hot chocolate and cookies and a patio fire pit. This year Liz even got a group of choir students from either the college or the HS (don't remember which) to stand in the cul-de-sac and sing to us.

Last year, we had some issues with remembering words to songs so this year Rita and her family made song sheets for everyone. The kids and I have a blast! Jared tolerates the activity for our sakes. I think Bella went 3 times this year. She couldn't get enough. The first time we all rode as a family. When we got off the carriage and walked to the hot chocolate table, Jacob was already missing. As we looked around trying to find him before he got trampled by a horse I found this scene

I should've realized if Murphy was out, that's where Jacob would be. Jacob LOVES Murphy!

More December Activities

2011-01-11T16:44:00.003-05:00

The girls and I made 27 dozen cookies in a 48 hour period this December. That's what happens when you keep telling people "Sure I can bring a few dozen cookies" to this and that. When I sat down and added up how many dozen I had committed to bake for events, I was floored. Add into that what I needed for the neighborhood cookie exchange, and the platter I always send to work with Jared, and there you go...27 dozen. It was a lot of fun though. I got some good bonding time in with the girls. We even recruited Dad and Jacob to help with some of the decorating.

We were gone for Thanksgiving, and Jon and Elise were leaving for Christmas and New Year's so we had a Holiday meal with them mid- December. We went to their house this year. Elise made a wonderful beef brisket with a blue cheese sauce, and homemade rolls. I made a my favorite cranberry, orange, candied pecan and feta salad with poppy seed dressing. I also made an orange cake my friends had coerced me into trying a few days earlier. Its is so moist and yummy its evil. Elise and I must've been on the same wavelength that day, cause we were dressed the same. Katy and Paul are missing from the picture.

Goshen (Xandy and Bella's school) went caroling at a nursing home nearby. I thought it was a worthwhile cause so I took the kids (even the reluctant ones). I was so glad we had gone when I saw how happy the elderly people there were to have the little children singing to them. Jacob though one "grandpa" (to use his words) was hilarious cause he kept laughing and cheering during the songs. Katy was a good sport for helping them sing even though it wasn't her school. (The nice thing about the way this city divides the school district up is that everything is so close to you. The school and 90% of the kids attending it are within 2 miles of us and the nursing home was half a mile away)

Christmas Eve we got a nice surprise. It started snowing and snowed just enough to give us a white Christmas. The kids and I went sledding on Monday after Dad had to go back to work. We sled down the rentention basin behind our cul-de-sac. Its convenient to not have to drive somewhere.

School Parties

2011-01-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

Since Bella and Xandy are at the same school, I've been able to sneak back and forth between their Halloween and Christmas parties. Its been nice to be able to see at little of each of their parties. I'll be at Katy's school for Valentine's. With three school kids this year, they each get me at one party. I love how this district doesn't limit the number of parents at each party. It really does help to have extra hands to help keep some semblance of control. Here's some random pics of their parties.

Ward Party

2011-01-11T16:25:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to blog about this since I'm so behind, but I wanted to record Jake's story from the night.
After dinner, the primary kids dressed in costumes and sang songs about Christ's birth. Jacob was very upset that he was not old enough to participate. Katy won the tug a war with a couple other girls and got to be Mary (back row). Bella and Xandy are both angels and on the left side of the picture.

Jake was stuck sitting with us but, at least Lisa and Rich were sitting with us too. All the kids, but especially Jacob love Lisa. Jacob gets jealous when her granddaughter comes to town.

Anyway, immediately after the primary stopped singing, sleigh bells were heard and Santa walked in. The primary kids were good and stood waiting for some signal that they were released and could go see Santa. Santa meanwhile went and sat in his chair. I was watching Jacob to see his reaction to Santa's appearance. I saw a train of thought pass over his face that took about 2 seconds. He looked at Santa, back at the kids, and back to Santa again and then he took off. I could see the wheels turning and can just imagine him saying "Fine, if I can't sing, I can at least capitalize on the fact that I'm not standing in the front of the room in a costume right now." He ran right up to Santa and was first in line to sit on his lap. This caused a chain reaction in the room as all the kids raced to get in the line. I might have been embarassed that my child initiaited the mayhem if the whole thing hadn't been so funny.
I barely had time to pull my camera out it all happened so quick so Jake's picture is pretty blurry

My Sunbeam

2011-01-11T16:11:00.001-05:00

Its official, we no longer have a child in nursery. This is not the first time its happened, but its the first time we haven't been anxiously waiting for the next one to enter nursery. Bella was not happy when she graduated from nursery to primary so I was curious to see how Jacob would take it. Since the girls are in Primary and his best bud Tyler was moving up with him, he did great. He was actually, incredibly excited. The other funny difference was Bella refused to participate in Sharing Time for about a year. She sat quietly and watched but was not interested in doing anything else. Jake came home excited the first day because he had gotten to put a scarf on a snowman. I love how individual they all are. Here's pictures of him ready for church that first Sunday.

Katy's B-day Part2

2011-01-11T16:02:00.001-05:00

Since we will be moving sometime this year, we decided to let the kids of B-day parties this year even though our family rule is every other year. December was too crazy so we had Katy's party the weekend after New Year's. We were brave and let her have a sleepover. All and all in went great. We had a few minor mishaps..spilled orange nailpolish on the off white carpet, and a poor little girl who got sick and threw up rootbeer also on the off white carpet. Besides the fact I spent a lot of time on my hands and knees scrubbing, it was fun. They ate pizza, giggled, made eye masks,giggled, painted their nails,giggled, ate homemade icecream cake,giggled, watched 16 wishes, and giggled some more. We did finally get them settled down around 1am. We finished the party with cinnamon rolls in the morning.

Katy's 10th B-day

2011-01-11T15:52:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I have been a mother for a decade now. Katy turned 10 two days before Christmas. I used to think I did a great job of making her B-day special despite the fact her b-day is two days before Christmas. However, I found myself dreading asking her what she wanted for her b-day dinner. I always make the kids the meal of their choice on their b-day. Why was I dreading it so much, because I knew what the answer would be--lasagna. I already was making our big traditional Ukrainian dinner on the 24th, and we had friends coming for a ham dinner on Christmas. The last thing I wanted to do was make a lasagna. Three days of big meals did not sound fun. Then there was the matter of the cake. Really??? My house was already over run with cookies, candy, fudge, caramel popcorn, etc,etc. A cake?? The thought of more sugar made me sick. As I pondered the situation, I remembered something that would create an ideal solution but it had one drawback...it cost money. I needed to get her Dad onboard my plan. I called at work and described the situation. Before I could even present my solution, he came up with it on his own! Score...although I did wonder why it took me days to figure out and only took him about 10 seconds. On the night of her B-day, with the kids coupons for a free meal at the Pasta House in hand, we headed out to eat. She got lasagna, cheesecake with a candle, and a restaurant full of people singing to her. I got the satisfaction of giving my daughter what she wanted without overworking myself 2 days before Christmas. I didn't even have to clean up. It did cost her Dad the price of 3 meals (we only had coupons for the three little ones) but overall a success. (On a side note: our wonderful pixies left Katy's second favorite meal-chicken pot pie- on our porch while we were out. Guess I should've been patient and it would've worked out on its own)
We also finally took the kids rock climbing at the YMCA on her b-day. She's been asking to go since we moved here and we never got around to it. Not sure why, it was free. They all had a blast, except poor Jacob who was too little but he was a great sport and watched a movie on my phone to pass the time. After dinner we went and saw Tangled. A couple other families from our street were randomly at the same showing. It turned into a fun little neighborhood activity.

Our neighbor Liz happened to be rock climbing with her boys so she helped belay the girls while Jared and I took a quick course on belaying. If the children don't have someone to belay them, they have to wait in a long line for one of the two staff members to do it.

The pillowcase Grandma Reed made her.

Overall, I think it was a fun day for her. Besides, it was the first days of Christmas break, so that should've made it great on its own

Piano Recital

2010-12-16T17:27:00.001-05:00

Here are some videos of the girls' piano recital. Our memory card on the camera was full so they were taken on the phone which leaves a lot to be desired on the quality of the video. Katy actually played 2 songs and a duet with her teacher. I can only find one song. I'll have to see if the other 2 are on Jared's phone when he gets home. (I added 2 more videos. One of Katy's first song and another of Bella. Its the same as the other one except it has her introduicing herself and her song. This was a HUGE accomplishment for the child that does not like to speak in front of large groups. Especially since we forgot to tell her she had to introduce herself until right before her turn. She had a panic attack so I told her the important thing was to play, if she didn't want to do the introduction not to worry about it. I was stunned when she got up and gave the introductions. We are so proud of you girls!)

Playgroup Christmas Party

2010-12-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

Our playgroup had its annual christmas party at the Game. Santa came and brought a book for everychild. The kids got to play in the suspended play area, make crafts, and eat pizza.

We took Tyler and Brynlee with us since Lindsay just had her baby.

Tyler, Jacob, and Elijah had a blast playing together

Gingerbread House

2010-12-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

They added frosting icycles after I took the picture but I never did take a new one

Game Day and Tree Hunting

2010-12-15T22:24:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning we went to get the tree. I found a place called Wilcox trees several years back. We love riding the tractor through the woods to the back lot. We also enjoy the free hot chocolate at the end.

How many people does it take to cut down a tree? There were 6 of us, 3 in my brother's family, my 2 parents, and Karl (my second cousin)and his two boys (3). Yep, 14 of us went to get one tree, but we sure did have fun.

The rest of the day was game day but our numbers were low this year. Loni and Todd helped boost our numbers when they stopped by with their family to join in the fun.

The kids all trying to carry the tree

Katy's new hat

I love these signs. They rank up there with the Raging Rivers sign.

Black Friday

2010-12-15T22:13:00.002-05:00

Jared won the prize this year for waking up the earliest. We left the house at 3:30. Natalie and I were the only other early morning shoppers and we left shortly before 5.
Later in the day my mom's sister and cousin came from Pennsylvania with their families (including grandchildren) to shop. It is a tradition starting back when we were little. My grandma lived in a little apartment in my mom's cousin's house. We would have a giant Thanksgiving dinner and the next day we would all hit the stores. The tradition was discontinued for a few years after we all moved away and grandma passed away. A few years ago after my cousin moved to Pittsburg it started back up. Her family goes to her house for Thanksgiving and the next day they make the couple hour drive to my parent's house and we all go shopping. This year my mom's cousin and family decided to come join in also

Part of the tradition involved eating lunch at a hotdog place outside the mall near my grandma's. This was not my most favorite part of the tradition. If I'm being honest I have to admit to throwing several teenaged fits because I did not want to eat a hot dog. Sometimes I'd run to subway to get my own food. Well, there is a hotdog place a few minutes from my parents so we started the day with lunch. Hotdogs are still not my favorite, but it was hilarious to take 25 people into this little hotdog joint. Some of the workers were heard muttering choice words when we all filed in.

yes, everyone you see was part of our group!

Then we went to Crocker Park for some shopping.

Katy was proud to make the first purchase of the shopping trip. We realized when packing that she had out grown all her hat and boots. She was freezing and found a hat she like at the GAP. Being the cheapskate I am, I told her I'd buy her one at Target but if she wanted a $16 hat she had to buy it herself. Since she has her own income now, she decided she really like the hat and bought it. I have to admit I'm a little jealous. Its very warm!!!!! (and cute) The wind was bitter cold so we didn't last as long as we normally do. We did stumble upon Santa when we ducked into this cute little toy store to warm up. The Santa there was terrific. He really took the time to talk with kids. He asked my girls "whats this I hear about you three fighting". Ah, the look on their faces was priceless! Xandy asked for a puppy. Santa asked who was going to take care of it. She said "my little brother, he likes dogs" Santa told her it was probably not a good idea to ask for something unless she was willing to take care of it.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-15T21:58:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Christmas with my family on Thanksgiving day. Here's a some of what we did:

Natalie and I started the day with a 5k. It been pouring most of the night so we were dreading the race. IT was actually perfect running weather by start time. I wanted to run under 25 minutes but decided with the wet conditions not to push it. I was feeling great though so after a little more than a half mile, I started to push a little harder. I ran a 25:31. I was so mad at myself for not trying harder from the start. Its still the best time I've had post college so I won't complain too much.

Anxiously waiting for dinner

The Crazies

opening gifts

Pop Pop distributing gifts. The tree in the background was put up soley for our Christmas celebration. The real tree was cut down Saturday morning

It got really quiet and then we heard muffled giggles. We found the kids crammed into a tiny closet. I guess they were hiding from us. It reminds me of a time Katy and PopPop hid in a closet when she was only a year or two old. They thought they were playing hide and seek with us but we didn't know so we never looked for them. Katy fell asleep on my dad and he couldn't get up because of the position they were in. He had to stay there for awhile until we finally wondered where they went and came looking for them.

Playing games with Mima and PopPop

Jacob's first shoot

2010-12-15T21:06:00.000-05:00

Jacob decided he wanted to try his hand at some photography the other day. He stood on a chair with the camera (so he could see more than my legs) and told me to strike different poses. Here are the results:

Not bad for his first attempt

Anniversary dinner

2010-12-15T21:03:00.000-05:00

Our anniversary was the day before Thanksgiving. We spent the day with friends and family having fun and preparing food. It was a blast but we didn't get to really celebrate the day.
After we got home from Ohio, I cooked a special meal for Jared and I. The girls decided to be our servers. They also decided that Jared and I need to be dressed nicer for our "date" and sent us upstairs with instructions on what to wear. They did a great job serving us! They poured our drinks (sparkling grape juice). Then they brought in our appetizer and bread followed by the salad. After clearing those plates thet served dinner. It was nice and they looked so cute. Xandy really got into her role. She called us "sir" and "ma'am". Katy asked if they could serve us again sometime. She even wants to make dinner for us next time. Bella "babysat" Jacob during the meal. It ended up being expensive babysitting for us since the two of them managed to break the TV in our bedroom.

Don't you love their outfits?

Happy 11th Anniversary Honey!!

Another trip to the Benjamin Stephenson house

2010-11-17T22:12:00.000-05:00

I chaperoned Bella's field trip to the Benjamin Stephenson house on Friday. Due to budget cuts this is one of the few field trips the kids will get this year.

Inside the house the children were expected to life by the etiquette rules of that era. Which meant the girls got the soft setee and the boys had to sit on hard chairs. The girls also got to always be first. The boys in our group were dying. They thought it was horribly unfair.

Saturday I got another excursion with Bella. We went to her friend Camie's B-day party. Camie just recently moved out of our ward to another ward. She was the only other girl in Bella's primary class so she really misses Camie. She had a countdown all week until the party. On Saturday, she got up and was dressed and ready to go hours before it started. She was ready before me and I had a church meeting to go to beforehand.

(Don't try to take her picture if she's not in the mood!)

Children's Zoo

2010-11-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

Bella has been asking to go to the zoo for months. Since we didn't make it with Grandpa and Grandma, I took them on Veteran's Day. She didn't just want to go to the zoo though, she wanted to go to the Children's Zoo. She loves to pet the guinea pigs and brush the goats. We met up with a couple other moms from school and had a wonderful time. The other two moms each had girls Bella and Xandy's age, so we took Delaney along with us so Katy wouldn't be bored. (Poor Jacob was the only boy out of a dozen people, but the zoo is his favorite so he didn't mind too much). One of the giraffes came right up to the fence and was eating grass out of people's hands. The girls thought it was great. Jacob was disappointed that the giraffe couldn't reach his hand. (Notice the shorts! we couldn't have asked for a nicer day and I love that it was still so warm in November!!)

Overheard at the Puffin Pool:

Jacob: Mom, when I grow up to be a puffin, I'm going to splash people

Me: Sorry, but little boys don't grow up to be puffins

Jacob: (Pouty face) Aw..... (face suddenly brightens) Can I be a puffin for Halloween next year?

Me: If you want, sure.

Jacob: and can you put me in a pool of water to trick or treat in?

Me: ?????

Jacob funnies

2010-11-17T08:21:00.000-05:00

If you squeeze Jacob's to tightly he gets digruntled and says "Stop squeezing my head off"

The other day the car wouldn't start when we came out of the YMCA. Jacob kept telling me "Just pull that thing down right there.(he was pointing at the gear shift) Mom, that's how it goes. Just pull it down!"
Should I be concerned that he's already figured that part out?

On a side note, Jared had to come help us. Apparently there was a glitch and the interior lights weren't going off when the door shut. After figuring out what was wrong, we took the lights off the door mode and Jared jumped us. Afterwards, we went to Qudoba so Jared could eat before returning to work and so he could make sure the car would keep starting before I set off to run errands. Jacob thought it was the best day in the world. He told everyone we ran into that day that "our car broke and Dad came to rescue us and I got to ride in his car to the restuarant, and he bought me a soda!" So even though I was slighly inconvienced by the 20 minutes spent waiting for Jared, and Jared had a even bigger inconvience leaving work, the day was wonderful in Jacob's mind. Just goes to show its all in the perspective.

Turkey disguises and Christmas jewelry

2010-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Each year, the students and families at the elementary school disguise turkeys so they can blend in and not become someone's dinner. Sometimes the directions are specific- like the year Katy had to decorate hers to look like a professional of some sort. Xandy followed her lead that year and we had a teacher and a nurse. This year the directions left it up to your imagination. After steering them away from things they had done in the past (I really wasn't keen on making another teacher) we settled on a flower garden and a christmas tree. They both turned out pretty cute. Xandy said hers was the class favorite.

Jacob loves to have his picture taken, BUT only if he can make silly faces. Trying to get a cute serious picture can be next to impossible on some days

The girls made the necklaces and bracelets they are wearing in this picture. They made the jewelry to match their Christmas dresses that are red satin and black velvet. This was the first time Jacob wore a suit coat. He was so stinking cute, I had a hard time reprimanding him when he was irreverent.

The last two days

2010-11-16T15:21:00.001-05:00

The primary program was scheduled for the week after Grandpa and Grandma were there. I wished the timing would've been a little better, but we did skip Sunday school to watch the primary practice. It was the next best thing to actually having them there the week of.

Sunday after church we hit the trail for one last walk and Grandpa grilled some yummy steaks for dinner!

The "boys"

Even more silliness occurred

Jeanne stayed home to read (or maybe to enjoy the peace and quiet)

Monday the girls tearfully said goodbye before leaving for school. Shortly after I got back from my morning run, Jared called. He was sad he'd had to say goodbye the night before and was already missing his parents. He asked if we'd have time to meet him for lunch before they left for the airport. So, the rest of us got one last excursion together and Grandpa got to eat at Steak N' Shake afterall. The girls were NOT happy when they came home and Jacob told them his secret.

The Great Godfrey Maze

2010-11-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

(continuation of our week with Grandpa and Grandma)
Saturday was Katy's last soccer game. She was glad Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Jeanne got to see her play.

After the game we headed to the Great Godfrey corn maze. Grandpa bought everyone the combo passes. In addition to unlimited access to the maze, we got to go on a zipline, shoot the corn cannon, ride on a hayride, and the kids got to ride on the kiddie train. We packed a lunch and continued to enjoy the beautiful weather. I even regretted not wearing shorts. It got really warm!

The corn cannons

silly Grandpa!

Grandma and Katy on the zipline

silliness must run in the family

The corn box is a favorite with our kids. It took me months to get all the corn out of the washer and the car last year. We did a little better at emptying our pockets and shaking out our clothes this time. All the kids took a turn getting buried and all 4 wanted their picture posted

Bella

Jake

Katy

Xandy

We finished off the fun day with a trip to Bobby's.

Geocaching

2010-11-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

Jared had a pretty busy week at work the week his parents were visiting. Additionally, one of his co-workers was going out of town for a wedding. He had pre-warned me that he wouldn't be able to take any time off. I was disappointed he wouldn't be able to spend more time with them. I was however, planning on pulling the girls from school on Friday. It had been almost 2 years since they had seen Grandpa and almost 1 year since they'd seen Grandma. Jared surprised us all on Thursday by informing us he had arranged to take Friday off after all.

Earlier in the week I learned that Grandpa had a handheld GPS. I had always wanted to try geocaching with the kids and hoped we could fit it into the week. (Our regular GPS is a piece of junk and won't let us input coordinates.) Thursday night we hurried and found one geocache before it got dark. Friday was a beautiful day, so we grabbed the GPS and set off on another geocaching adventure. We looked and looked at one location and couldn't find it anywhere. There was a park nearby that distracted the little kids. After searching for quite sometime we gave up on it but knew there was another one off a trail about a mile away. I knew we could connect to that trail from the trail at the park. Grandma and Aunt Jeanne stayed at the playground with the little three while Katy, Grandpa, Jared, and I set off to find another cache. It ended up being a really fun one. When we opened the official geocaching box, another container that fit the exact description of the "missing" one was inside. I think the two must've been combined at some point. It was hidden under a bridge. When I climbed out, I startled a biker so bad he almost fell off his bike. I thought it was funny although I'm sure he wasn't as amused.

Under the bridge

the "missing" container

We were all getting hungry so we decided to try to beat the weekend crowd and headed to Pappy's Smokehouse. Apparently its busy all the time. We waited in a line as long as the one the first visit. Poor little Jacob fell asleep in line and we never could wake him up to eat.

We took a roundabout way home so we could stop by the temple. I LOVE being so close to a temple!

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home

2010-11-02T12:22:00.000-04:00

The Arch

2010-11-02T11:39:00.000-04:00

We were planning on going to the Arch on Saturday but were worried since it was forecasted to rain. The Arch on a cloudy day is not nearly as fun as when your view is not inhibited by clouds. Thursday was beautiful and sunny so we decided to go without Jared and the girls.

Jacob's favorite view:

The observation windows

Jacob trying out the ball in the baseball exhibit in the Gateway to the West Musuem underneath the arch

Jacob and Grandpa relaxing in the seats from the old stadium

Although it never did rain on Saturday, it was a perfect day for the Arch and left time for more fun activities on Saturday.

Halloween

2010-11-02T11:23:00.000-04:00

The Primary Program was on Halloween. The girls did a great job on their parts. The older kids all wrote talks and Katy did a great job. During the song Nephi's courage 3 boys from one family sang the second verse and Bella, Xandy, and Katy sang the third verse. All the kids did a terrific job. Its my favorite Sunday of the year!

We promised the kids we'd go to the parade since its our last Halloween here. So even though its Sunday we off to the parade now.

Update: The parade was 2 hours long with over 115 groups in it. Some groups having multiple floats. We had a blast but I didn't take any pictures. I'll have to check with Rochelle to see if she took any.

Trick or Treat

2010-11-02T11:19:00.000-04:00

We carved pumpkins Thursday night.

Bella made two side to her pumpkin and insisted on a picture with both sides

The older girls ran out of time and finished theirs Friday evening.

The Westons came over for dinner and Trick-or-Treating on Saturday. We had the traditional sloppy joe cooked in a pumpkin and I also tried Butternut Squash Black Bean chili served in a pumpkin also. We remade the Spider Bread from last year, but halfed it this time so it wasn't as overwhelming. Our trick-or-treat is always the day before Halloween because the city has a parade on Halloween. I love Halloween and I love how in this world of "me, me, me" that people will pay to give candy kids they often don't even know. Our neighborhood gets a couple hundred trick or treaters so this is no cheap endeavor. It brings such a fun sense of community to the neighborhood. People out on the street talking and visiting while enjoying fires and food, its great.

Josephine's

2010-10-31T22:21:00.000-04:00

Wednesday for lunch the Jeanne, Grandma, and I went to lunch. Grandpa and Jacob packed a picnic and headed for a boys trip to the park. Jacob was proud as a peacock to be going out with Grandpa by himself.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch and dessert with some gift shop browsing afterwards.

Cahokia Mounds

2010-10-31T17:46:00.000-04:00

Tuesday we went to the Cahokia Mounds. Its 150 some steps to the top. We were very surprised Jacob made it to the top himself. When he got to the top he let out a big breath and went "phew". I was afraid the lady coming down was going to fall and kill herself she was laughing so hard at him

The view from the top

Fall Parties

2010-10-31T17:03:00.001-04:00

Bella's Class

Xandy coloring at her desk

Bella during the parade. The girls' elementary school is next to one of the middle schools so the kids walked around the track for their costume parade. I overheard one little girl complain to her friend "this is more like a REALLY long walk than a parade. I didn't get to throw any candy"

Bella and Madison playing Halloween Bingo

The pumpkin spoon relay. Not sure why Bella left her clothes on under her shirt and poodle skirt

Xandy making a handprint Bat craft

The kids in Xandy's class thought we looked like sisters in our costumes. Liz and I may not be sisters, but we are neighbors and good friends

Bella's First Field Trip

2010-10-31T16:55:00.000-04:00

Friday was a busy but fun day. I made soup for the Teacher Appreciation lunchm taught my first full hour class, went on a field trip with Bella's class to the Watershed Nature Center, went to the younger girls' costume parade, helped with Bella's Fall party, and even stopped into Xandy's party for a few minutes.Bella has a friend Madison in her class. Madison is in the other ward but the two have become close friends. The sit next to each other in class also.

Bella and Madison

Bella's class

A visit from Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Jeanne

2010-10-31T16:47:00.000-04:00

Jared's parents and aunt went on a church history tour that ended in St. Louis. We were lucky to have them stay with us for a week. We fit in lots of fun activities including a trip up the Arch, visiting Cahokia Mounds, several walks on the trails, lunch at Josephine's, our first geocaching experiences, two trips to Bobby's, lunch at Pappy's, and a day at the Godfrey Maze.

Its been two years since the kids have seen Grandpa. They were excited to see him!

A walk on the bike path. Grandpa and Jacob showing off their BYU shirts. Jacob thoroughly enjoyed having Grandpa here and getting one on one time while the girls were in school.

Grandma and Bella

Jeanne and Xandy

I have a ton more pictures of their visit. I'll post them in small groups over the next few weeks. Special thanks to Grandma for the majority of the pictures. I was so busy having fun I forgot to take pictures most of the time.

Eckerts Fall Fun Farm

2010-10-30T15:56:00.001-04:00

I took the kids home to rest before we headed out for more fun that evening. Our friends had rented a bonfire pit at one of the local orchard's fall festival. We had hotdogs and s'mores around the fire. The orchard had carnival rides, mini-golf, a little cornmaze, a haunted hayride, a long dark tunnel slide down a hill, and pig races. The kids really enjoyed the pigraces and the haunted hayride. The Haunted Hayride even had a Frank (think CARS) that chased the wagon. That was the highlight for the kids. Before we left we let the kids each pick a pumpkin. I had hoped to get there early enough to pick apples but Jared didn't get off work in time and then our GPS froze right at the part we needed it so it took some time to figure it out and get there.
(I can't find the pictures from this night but hopefully I can post some soon)

That weekend was Stake Conference and Elder Maynes from the Seventy came. Since we were going to be missing Sunday to take Austin back we made sure we could attend Saturday. After the sitter came I drove down towards the Stake Center and stopped to get Olive Garden Take Out. We had wanted to go out of dinner but there was only an hour between the Priesthood session and the Adult session. So we had a picnic dinner on the church lawn. It was peaceful and fun.

Watershed Nature Center

2010-10-30T15:41:00.000-04:00

We had Austin with us for a week at the beginning of the month. He had a week off school and since his mom and dad both work, we got to have him stay with us. We met in Lexington the first week-end at my Great-Aunt Glady's house. It was fun to visit with her and cousin Linda. We also got to see my parents who were exchanging cars with Tonya and Dustin. It was a quick trip but was lots of fun. Jacob adored Austin and loved having a playmate. He even told the neighbor "I got a new brother". Austin handled Jacob's smothering very well. We had several playdates throughout the week besides Jacob's B-day party. For one morning playdate we had 5 little boys and no girls here. Thats something I never thought would happen in this house!!! The girls had Friday off and Austin was thrilled to be able to spend more time with the girls. After debating what to do, I talked them into park hopping.(I did not feel like driving to the zoo) We packed a picnic lunch and off we went.

Making animal tracks

There is an observation tower that looks like I've always imagined King Benjamin's tower. Austin was pretending to be King Benjamin (which of course Jacob had to imitate). Austin climbed up, raised his arms above his head and said "Ladies and Gentleman, today we are going to talk about Jesus Christ and a little bit about CTR". It was priceless!

After leaving the Watershed, and a quick stop at the library, we went to the park we had family pictures taken at. We had a picnic with the Pearsons and played on the playground. We finished the day at Sonic where we got 4 icecream cones (Jacob was dead asleep by this time and I couldn't get him to wake up), a small soda pop, and a large slush for $1.70! I love Happy Hour and Coupons!!!

Buckeye boys

2010-10-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

I just love these two and this picture! I also love how Jacob always wants to be like Dad. This picture was taken of them watching Katy's soccer game. ( Jacob has a OSU hat on too)

My "baby" boy

2010-10-19T09:14:00.001-04:00

I wrote this post several weeks ago and just never got around to adding pictures and posting it. His B-day was almost a month ago now

Okay, so maybe he's not a baby anymore. Especially since he turned 3 last week. THREE???? I can't believe how fast that time went. Here's a little bit about him:
He loves to play with his sister's.
He adores his Dad.
Mommy is his best friend........until the girls and Dad come home
He is my pickiest eater
He still loves to snuggle with me (except when he's trying to stay awake)
Toy Story is his latest obsession
He wants a little dog
He has tried to get on the school bus a few times
He beats up the bad guys during movies and TV shows
He wishes he didn't have to take turns saying prayer- he wants it to always be his turn.
He loves missionaries now that Uncle Alex is on a mission
He likes to talk and talk to anyone who will lend an ear
He will always be my baby

We got a Turtle Pie from Bobby's on his B-day. IT WAS GOOD!! He kept asking when his friend party was. His sisters all had friend parties this year and he was insistent that he had one. I wasn't sure it was necessary for a 3 yr old (this is what happens by the time you get to the 4th). He was so insistant that I finally broke down. He, of course, wanted a Toy Story party. He had a few friends come over while Austin was visiting. He was super bummed that his best bud Tyler was out of town. We went through an obstacle course to escape from Sunnyside. Then we dug for Army men in the sandbox. We had some other games to play but never did get to them. He had a blast and will still tell anyone that we see all about his Toy Story b-day. I forgot to take pictures at his actual party which is why its only him and Austin in the pictures. I had them re-create picture ops from the party after everyone had left.

Woody singing Happy B-day to Buzz

Army crawling through part of the obstacle course

Digging for army men

Playing with the Toy Story racer toy Jacob got for his B-day

Even though Tyler couldn't come to his party we did get to go to the zoo with them a few weeks beforehand. The boys had a blast

It was fun to see the baby giraffe

Group Fitness Instructor Certification

2010-10-09T23:41:00.000-04:00

A month ago I went to an all day group fitness certification on a Friday. I had wanted to certify for a little under a year but decided to wait to fall because AFAA was having an Apex event in St. Louis which made the cost of the course $99 instead of $299. AFAA is the Areobics and Fitness Asssociation of America. We had a textbook for the course, along with a supplemental guide, 40+ page study guide, and practice test. I borrowed my friend's books so I wouldn't have to pay another hundred bucks for all the materials. AFAA does send everyone a study guide for free. I spent many hours of reading and studying leading up to that day. I tend to be a little obsessive compulsive when it comes to studying for tests. In addition to reading all the materials, filling out the study guide, and memorizing the muscles in the body, I made flash cards out of the entire study guide. It took a LOT of index cards.

My friend Kristie decided to certify with me. We worked together to come up with our pratical portion of the exam. We needed to demonstrate a warm-up and cardio segment of a class. Everyone in the certification would be demonstrating this at the same time. We figured if we were doing the same routine, if either one of us got nervous and panicked, forgetting the routine, we could glance at the other and make a quick recovery. We also had to prepare an individual exercise with three different intensity levels to verbally and visually teach the rest of the class. I chose the plank.

We also had to get CPR/AED certified beforehand. We did an online course through the American Heart Association and then took a pratical exam at the hospital. It ended up being a very convenient way of certifying since I didn't have to get Jacob a babysitter. I did the online portion while he was napping and Kristie and I switched off watching him during the pratical

The day of the certification came and we set off with butterflies in our stomach. We were disappointed when we arrived at the location (a local college) to find there were no signs directing us. Our packets only had the address of the college listed and we assumed there would be signs or something to help mark which building it was in. We headed to the entrance that appeared to have a fieldhouse near it. When we saw other people in workout attire and yoga mats we hoped we had the right place. A lot of the other people at the certification already taught classes and were certifying with AFAA through their respective gyms. It was a little intimidating since Kristie and I don't currently teach classes. I had taught the ab part of my friend's class a couple days beforehand. It went pretty well so that helped me feel a little more confident. They ended up splitting us into two different rooms based on the first letter of our last names. Of course, Kristie and I ended up in different rooms.

We spent most of the day reviewing the packet and going over different parts of the pratical exam. I liked how much feedback we were given. It also helped that the instructor kept checking our alignment to make sure we wouldn't have any points deducted during the actual pratical part of the exam. I knew that as long as I did everything the way I had all day, I'd be fine. She kept stressing that they weren't looking for creativity, just proper alignment and execution.

When it came time for the pratical portion they lined us up alphabetically by our last name. I wasn't worried since "R" was in the middle of the "M-Z". There must've been a lot of "s" in there cause I ended up front and center. The warmup and cardio segment of the pratical were probably pretty funny to watch. There were 40 of us in the room all doing our own thing. I had to make small moves to keep from crashing into the people around me. When it came time for the strength exercises and stretching, I got a little nervous. One of the judges was standing directly in front of me. Everytime she made a mark, I panicked that I had done something wrong but I seemed to be in correct alignment. It was just nerve-wracking having her stand right there. They rushed us through the individual presentation due to time contraints. I didn't get to say everything I had planned but it was okay.

I got my results in the mail this week. When they say it takes 4-6 weeks it really does take that long. I only missed two on the written test out of 100. They don't tell which ones you miss, nor do you find out your pratical score. I only know that I passed. I am now officially a certified group fitness instructor. Since the certification day I've taught a few more portions of my friend's class. I am also now on the sub list at the YMCA.