February 2017

February can be a bit dull as winter drags on.   However, we found some ways to enjoy our days.

Sterling had a fun Blue and Gold Banquet with a Old West theme.  This was the first pack meeting where our ward (Dublin 2nd) combined Cub Scouts with the Dublin 1st ward.  I am really glad that we were able to make this arrangement work!  There are more boys in each den, and there is more leadership and support for the boys.

Each boy was to decorate and bring a cake for a contest.  Sterling was very proud of his cake, and I thought it was very creative!  Other boys got way more elaborate, but I still think he did a nice job all by himself!

Valentine's Day provided lots of fun class parties, valentines and treats.

 Here is a candy gram and some flowers from thoughtful Eve.  :)

 Here are some valentines I got.

We went to Cosi Science musem and enjoyed their mazes and mind benders exhibit.

Sterling wrapped up his basketball season.  His coach also recognized each of the players at the end for their unique contributions and their funny quirks.  Sterling's strengths were his enthusiasm and hard work, and his quirks were his small stature and forgetting/losing his jersey.  :)

Sheri participated in a 3rd grade musical production called "Play, Passion, Purpose" which talked about how the kids learn and develop as well rounded learners.  I love how the school district teaches the value of perseverance, collaboration, asking questions, innovation, imagination, etc.

 I took the kids swimming and rock climbing over a weekend near the end of the month.  Hooray for free guest passes to the gym!

 We went for our first family bike ride of the year on a nice warm day!  This is the first time we have all had bikes!

Even though we didn't have a very harsh winter, it is always nice to see the hopeful, first signs of spring!

Other notable February events include:

- Eve had her winter band concert.  This was fun to listen to!
- Christian is starting to read small words and improve in his writing as I continue to teach him from our Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons book.
- I have been teaching my last few tap classes at the dance studio (they offered me a regular position, but I didn't take the opportunity.  I want to be home with my kids after school as much as possible)
- Regular visits with the MT Wellness clinic for Eve to help with her back, hip and knee pain.
- A Relief Society Valentine activity, a get to know you night.  We played a fun speed question game
- Institute on Wednesdays, we are learning about the New Testament.
- I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting about scripture study.
- Our school district held a "Parent University" where parents came to learn about a large variety of topics including advance learning resources, anxiety management, cognitive skill development, preparing for college, growth mindset and many more.  I love this school district!  They really are invested in their students/families.  I have also attended seminars about drug prevention, supporting student athlete wellness, etc.
- I went to breakfast with Nassim Klein and also out for juice with Maria Dishop.

We feel very blessed and are grateful for all the positive traditions that keep us a strong family! - Just to name a few: weekly church attendance, Family Home Evening, daily scripture study (family and personal), prayer, commitment to doing our best at school/work/home, listening, kindness, healthy physical activities, and positive fun activities!
These are all blessings from God!  We acknowledge His help each day in our lives!

January 2017

Happy New Year!

On Jan 2nd, our anniversary, we went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory because we had a gift card.  It was delicious!  I had french onion soup and salad.  We also stopped by Costco, and were able to rent the movie Sully since the movie theater was packed.  Here is a sweet message from Sheri.

I continue to substitute teach for 2 tap classes on Tuesdays.   I also attend Institute classes on Wednesdays where we are studying the New Testament.

On January 5th we went to the flour mill where Matt works in Columbus. We shared a potluck with his coworkers and their families.  We loved being able to take a tour of the plant and see all the areas where they process the wheat!  I am proud of how hard Matt works and how much progress he has made during his time here in Columbus.  I am also grateful for some of his coworkers that have been an important part of the growth they have achieved.

On January 11th Sterling had his first strings concert where we got to hear him play his cello.  We enjoyed the concert and are excited for all that he will continue to learn.

Sheri started selling cookies again this year.  She put in more effort this year and has enjoyed the process, though cookies don't arrive until February.  Sales end in March.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day we went roller skating with some ward friends.  Christian tried roller skating but ultimately just wanted to play with the rolling walkers.

Sterling continues in basketball.  He has learned to be a great defender and is learning how to set up a good shot.  He plays with a lot of heart and enthusiasm.

We love to watch his games!

The best part of January was the chance to spend time together.  We have had routine and time to relax.  We feel very happy, blessed, and content!

I love my family!

December 2016

December was a wonderful month.  It wasn't too crazy.  It felt like a perfect balance of planning and preparing as well as enjoying time with those we love.

On December 2nd, Eve had a little Jazz band performance at the school's annual Spaghetti Fundraiser.  She has enjoyed practicing with this small group of students on Wednesdays before school.

Eve's Jazz band Dec 2016

On the 6th Christian stayed home since he was a bit sick.  We spent time practicing his numbers.

On the 10th we were able to decorate gingerbread houses with the Klein family.  We had a lot of fun, but had some difficulty with some of the structures.  Maybe next year we will assemble a few hours before decorating. :)

On the 11th, the girls and I were able to sing in the Stake Musical fireside.  It was a beautiful and spiritually uplifting evening.  One of my favorite pieces was a song where 4 trumpets played from different corners of the room.  It was so cool!  

On the 18th we had just a few of Matt's coworkers come to our home for dinner and games.  I think we will increase the amount of guests next year.  We enjoyed soups in a bun (taco, corn chowder, broccoli cheese, and tomato bisque) and veggies.  They brought salads, fruit with dips, and cookies.  I also served a variety of Christmas cookies.  We also had a white elephant gift exchange.  I am very grateful that Matt works with some really good people.  Things at his plant seem to be more and more effective each month.

On the 20th Christian had his preschool Christmas party.  At the end they sang this cute song.

Christmas Preschool song

On the 21st I was able to finish and mail out the Christmas ornaments that I made for my family.  I always hesitate to make crafts because of the time they take.  I feel like time is a precious commodity these days.  However, I thought these were especially meaningful and I was excited to give them as gifts to my awesome family.

The 21st was also the kids' last day of school and the beginning of their winter break.  On this evening the Cub Scouts and Activity Day girls were able to visit a care center to sing and ring bells with Christmas songs.

On the 22rd we went to see the Nutcracker with the Thomas family (Sterling got to see it before with a friend and even got to meet the cast back stage - it was a dress rehearsal).  We had a lovely evening!  We love the Thomas family!

Matt took the boys to play laser tag.  They had a blast, no pun intended!

On the 23rd I took the family to a movie.  In the evening we went to a Christmas open house at the Weber's home.  We had a good time playing games and chatting with church friends,   

On the 24th Matt took the kids to a trampoline park and out to ice cream.  This was a great help to me since I was able to work on baking the traditional pastry wreath.

  I felt very tired at the end of this day since I was coming down with something.

Christmas morning was lovely!  We enjoyed our stockings, a traditional Christmas breakfast, opened 1 or 2 presents each, and then went to church.  Eve played the flute for Mary's lullaby while the women sang.  I participated in the choir and also helped to narrate.  We are slowly getting to know and love our new ward.  (Our boundaries were re-aligned in November.)  We only had Sacrament meeting and then went home to enjoy the rest of the Sabbath with our families.  

My stomach was not feeling too great and so I didn't eat much.  I took a much needed nap!  It was still a beautiful day!

On the 27th I took the kids to Recreations Outlet for some trampoline and indoor park play.  On the 28th I took the kids to Cosi, the science center.  We went with the Kleins.  

   We enjoyed lots of time over winter break to play games and have a few play dates.  The kids also put together a large puzzle that we got from the work Christmas party we hosted.

We ended the year with a game night on New Year's Eve.  We were happy that some of the Thomas family was able to drop by to celebrate with us.  

We played Just Dance, spoons, Mafia, and Scategories.  We also had snacks, party hats,poppers, noise makers, and sparkling juice at midnight.

It has been a wonderful year!  I feel like I have experienced growth and joy as I have learned, progressed on my goals, and enjoyed my family.  I love them so much and am grateful for all the wonderful moments we spend together!  Hooray for 2016!  On to 2017!