And That's a Preschool Wrap!

Like FOREVER people. We are done with preschool after 8 years!

Sadie couldn't be happier about the fact that she's going to be a Kindergartener in a couple months.

Last Thursday we got to go to her graduation. She said she wanted to be a doctor when she grows up :)

She's had such a fun last year of preschool and has loved having lots of friends from our ward in her class. Charlotte is one of her friends that's going to be in Kindergarten with her next year too :)

The only thing she's worried about is missing Miss Tiffany. Hopefully we can keep in touch!

Camping

Last weekend we took time out of our end of the school year busy-ness to enjoy the great outdoors. Big tall pine trees are a beautiful thing. Second only to the nice big drop in temperature.

We went with 3 of Dana's cousins and their families.

We got there in the early evening Friday so we pretty much just had time for dinner and setting up the tent.

 

And some card playin'

Our sweet happy campers all tucked in. It got REALLY cold that night.

 

Dana's cousins all had lots of "toys" which really took the camping fun to a whole new level.

 

Emma LOVED driving this souped-up golf cart around.

 

I think the pellet guns were Eli's favorite part.

 

The kids also found lots of these caterpillar guys...

 

...and played with them for hours.

 

Sadie and Kate

 

Eli and Clint playing "war"

Lots of time and room to explore.

 

Sweet Holly :)

 

Dana and his cousins Jeff and Brian. (Yes our battery died during the night because we had to get Sadie a kleenex from the car and we left the light on).

We had a SUPER time. I hope we can make it an annual thing at least :)

Just Try to Wipe This Smile Off My Face

Granted, I am still sick today- recovering from an awful flu bug, but this has been a great day. I had to stop off at the computer to write down my favorite parts before they disappear from my brain whilst I snuggle into my soft, cozy bed and gear up for the 2nd to last day of school (AKA another party day).

1. Emma went to the 6th grade dance today at school. She was worried a boy would ask her to dance. She was a worried a boy wouldn't ask her to dance. She said she didn't want to go except they had a chocolate fountain there (thank goodness for that). I happened to be going to Holly's end-of-year 1st grade DVD viewing as the dance was kicking off. The front desk lady told me I might be able to sneak a peek through the Project Room. They were playing some lively songs to get the kids out on the floor ("I Throw My Hands Up In the Air Sometimes") and it was working. Those kids were living up their last moments of Elementary School. I tried my best not to let them see the creeper in the window with a big smile on her face. Later Emma told me 5 boys asked her to dance :) It's just so cute I can't stand it.
2. I went to Holly's DVD viewing. She got the "caring" award and the "amazing illustrator" award. She's had a very happy 1st grade year :)
3. My kind, thoughtful neighbor brought me a quart or so of juiced carrots "with a hint of broccoli". It provided me much needed vitamins and my body loved it! 
4. After school I asked the kids to clean their rooms and do a small job. Eli lost it. Don't worry- I'm comin' round to the happy part. He earned another job for his reaction and then started crying. He hates when he cries. I asked him if he was crying about the work and he said no, he's crying because he got so mad. I talked to him about weaknesses and strengths and God's promise to us. I told him there are lots of people who overcome their tempers and he can too. After this talk he did all his work and then hugged me. Then he proceeded to make me coupons. "10 min back massage", "Good for making bed and room", "Making breakfast, lunch or dinner", etc. Meanwhile I was mopping. After I was done I said I better cash in my massage coupon to help my achy back. He then ran and put a "good pillow" on the couch for my face, turned on some "soft music" (Beatles- "Across the Universe") and gave me my massage. There was a lot of karate-chop action. I tell you, I couldn't NOT smile. He's so sweet.
5. Dana has an app on his phone that plays church music. He sings along with it when he sings goodnight to the kids now. Tonight Eli joined in with "In Humility Our Savior". It was so sweet to hear them singing together and brought tears to my eyes. 

So maybe I'm extra sensitive in my weakened state but it's been a very good day :)
Tomorrow: Holly's "Water Day", Eli's class party, Sadie's preschool graduation. Oh...and the last day to make lunches in the morning for a few months. Can I get a Hallelujah?
Happy Summer!

Blessed.

I was treated Mother's Day morning to breakfast in bed. It featured: a cold egg, cold toast with plenty of butter, really cold oatmeal, 4 kids (and 1 husband) surrounding me with huge smiles, and lots of cards, pictures, notes. Oh and lots of love radiating towards me from all sides.

 It couldn't have been more perfect.

My first ever Mother's Day banner!  

My awesome Mother's Day loot :) 

My heart was very full all day. They also tried extra hard to "be good" throughout the day. I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing us with these little munchkins. 

I also thought about my own mom and how much I love her and all that she's sacrificed for me. And I got to have a nice long conversation with her on the phone and told her those things :)

I've also been blessed with an awesome mother-in-law. Without her I wouldn't have my sweetheart. She's also a  fun grandma and loves the kids so much. 

Isn't this a great family picture? Kinda screams "the 70's" :)

Finally, this is one of the pages in Holly's little book she made me at school.   

For sure one of the best compliments I've ever received.

My "Sausage Curl Girl"

Emma had so much fun in "Annie" last year that she knew she wanted to try out for the musical again this year. The musical they chose this year was "Beauty and the Beast".

For some reason Emma didn't want to try-out for any of the big parts besides Belle. They have to write 3 characters they'd want to be and for one she put "Sausage Curl Girl". So she didn't get the part of Belle but she did get one that she wanted! I was a little confused with what that was exactly, but it's basically a female sausage seller :)
Her friend Abi did an amazing job as Belle. She has a beautiful voice.

"She's a beauty but a funny girl, that...Bbbb"

Emma and her BFF Karis singing their line.

Jane, the enchanted spoon...

"Mrs. Potts", "Belle", a "Silly Girl", the Dresser (can't remember the French name), and my little sausage seller. (I had on my lens that doesn't zoom so I felt bad that I had to cut "Chip" off.) (left) Emma and the "Lady with a Baby" after the show :)

It was a lot of fun! All the kids work so hard from January to May to put on such a great show. It's a great way to end the school year too!  

I have to admit to being a little happy to have all the practices over with though :) FIVE days of school left!

Spotlight #3

Remember way back I started spotlighting the kids? Yeah I almost forgot too. I thought I better continue so the little 2 don't feel jipped later :)

Here's a few things about Holly:

• She's my favorite child to wake up in the morning. She wakes up with a smile on her face about 90% of the time. It's a very endearing quality when I have to drag the others out of bed to get ready for school. 
• She's a great little artist. I was the co-art masterpiece teacher (which I really enjoyed) in her class this year, and besides just getting to be with her at school, I loved watching her create her artwork.

In front of one of her "masterpieces" at Evening of the Arts.

•  She's a great friend and sister. Holly does a wonderful job at playing happily with each of her siblings. It is such a blessing! I know at school she tries to include other kids with she and Kinnedy at recess too.

 Here she is with her best friend Kinnedy on "twin day" at school.

• She really tries her best at everything she does. She works hard at school and gymnastics and piano. We were having a little issues with not wanting to practice so I made a little sticker chart and that has really helped her have a great attitude. I've been learning right along with her so I can help her out. We both enjoy being able to play little songs like "Abraham Lincoln" and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" (with a few chords) now :)

I'm so grateful I get to be Holly's mom. She is such a blessing in our lives :) This is going to be a special year for her since she'll turn 8 in October and get baptized. And she's pretty excited about starting Activity Days too. Right now she's good at reminding me how many days of school are left.