June 2014

June has been full of good things. I have also taken time to catch up on the routine things that have needed attention, such as going through mail, my church calling, and catching up on blog posts. Here are the highlights from this month:

Swimming lessons- We have spent 2 weeks, each morning (M-F) at Morton Middle school. Sheri took the beginning level (above preschool), Sterling took intermediate (started in beginning but moved up to be with friends), and Eve in advanced. I have been very proud of how hard they all worked! I think they all improved in their ability, strength, and comfort level with the water! Eve will continue for just 4 more days with the "Skilled" level since we won't be here for the entire next session, but her teacher asked her to come practice anyway. Her teacher also encouraged her to check into swim team in the future. Sterling really became a more independent swimmer (not needing the sides as much in the deep water), and has become much less shy about putting his head into the water during various strokes. Sheri has had such determination and gusto. She has really given her best and I was so pleased that her teacher already felt she was ready for the next level. We will just need to keep their ability by swimming for fun throughout the summer.

Dance recital time-

The girls had their dance dress rehearsals and recital the week of June 9-14th at Burke High School. It was so fun to see Sheri in her very first dance recital! She loved it, especially getting all dressed up, including makeup! One especially sweet moment was when Sterling saw Sheri for the first time and told Sheri, very sincerely "You look beautiful!" She loved her white, sparkly outfit. She loved to pretend to be Elsa from Disney's "Frozen". Her numbers were danced to "Amazing Grace", and "You're a Grand Old Flag".

Eve had an especially challenging year since she was placed with a competition class that had more experience and training. She definitely felt daunted at times, but worked very hard to catch up! It didn't help that we left for 2 weeks just before recital, but it was unavoidable. I was extremely proud of how much she has grown in this year! She did well in her recital pieces, and realized that even when we have struggles, perseverance is worth it. I am so grateful that her experience was positive. I didn't want her to be afraid and give up when things get difficult. She also loved the glamour of getting dressed up. Her numbers were danced to "We're in the Money", "Dance Dance Dance", and "Copellia".

Father's day was pretty simple this year. It started with letting Matthew sleep in, then he got snuggle time with Christian. We had church and then invited friends from church over for dinner for a cook out. We invited the Snows, the Downums, and the Portwoods. We bar-b-qued ribs and had an array of sides to accompany them. It was a full house, but very fun. We haven't had friends over in a long time. The kids and I are so blessed and priveledged to have Matthew! Matthew and I also know that we couldn't have the happiness that we enjoy were it not for our fathers, and the heritage they have given us! We love them and are forever grateful for them!

We were finally able to celebrate the birthdays we missed while we were in Africa. We have decided to only have "friend" birthday parties every 4 years (ages 4, 8, 12, & 16). So this year we decided to have a horse lesson to celebrate Sheri's birthday. Sheri loves horses! This was a 2 hour lesson where the kids learned about the horse, how to brush/groom the horse, how to mount and dismount the horse, and basic posture and beginning riding skills. Everyone enjoyed it, but I think the girls were not feeling their best and so couldn't fully enjoy it. They have been asking to go again sometime however, so I think it was worth it and a very positive experience! Christian just enjoyed the barn animals and playing in the dirt.

We also had crepes for breakfast, hamburgers for a dinner, a horse themed cake and recently got Sheri a new bike. She has outgrown her old bike, and we are hoping this is the summer when she can learn to ride without training wheels. If only we could find more time! I am amazed that she is 6 years old now, and will be starting first grade in the fall!

Sterling turned 8 years old this year! This milestone year will be even more special in July when he is baptized. We are looking forward to having our families there! Sterling wanted a "Star Wars" themed party, and so I planned it. Birthday parties are NOT my forte, but I really tried for his sake.

Here is what we did:

Decorations

Light sabers for the guests

A Darth Vader pinata, that Sterling and I made together

Games such as "Use the Force", musical chairs, pass the Death Star, Who am I, and Jedi vs. Sith

Pizza and "Yoda Soda"

and a Death Star cake.

Of course, there were always light saber battles all around.

I think the party was a success. Matthew was a great help, the kids enjoyed it, and Sterling really felt loved! He knows that time and energy are prized commodities for me. He definitely recognized that for me to put this together, it really meant that I loved him! He is such a sweet and grateful boy! It was a lot of fun!


The rest of the month has been filled with baseball, Christian learning to say more words, reading, and free time. I think the kids have enjoyed friends and more discretionary time.

Here are some fun things Christian says: "Airplane", "Help me please", "yuck", "I lah lah" (I love you), "you do?", "Eeep" (Eve), "guck" (drink), "cars", "nack" (snack) and "book". He also sings "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen movie.

Summer is grand! Here are a few more pics for fun!