May 2019

May was a month of beautiful moments.  The kids definitely have made their friendships closer and have connected with their teachers.  This has been the last month of school until summer break. Here is Sheri with her good friends, Keirah and Celeste.

This month I got the courage to try bangs again.  Thanks to my friend Chrissy Hamilton, who cuts hair, I am really enjoying them and learning each day how I like to style them.

I was able to accompany Christian on his Kindergarten field trip to the Fresno Zoo.  We had a nice time.   Here he is with friends, Colin and Ryan.

We enjoyed touching the stingrays and tiny sharks. 

This month our cherry tree has exploded!  We literally haven't had room enough to receive it.  I made 3-4 crisps, cherry jam, froze a bunch, and gave away 7-8 huge bags full as well as 5-7 large bowls.  Next year I will try some canning.  There was a lot of picking to do.  All the kids helped, but Sheri was my best helper.  One evening we cut down a branch that was over in our neighbors yard and it was a whole family project!!!  I invested in a cherry pitter.  It was not expensive but made a huge difference.

Our garden continues to grow!  Matt has been adding drip lines throughout the yard.

The flowers in our yard continue to amaze us and bring us beauty.

For Mother's Day this year Sterling got up early and made me breakfast (french toast) in bed.  It was delicious.  I was impressed that he was able to do it all by himself!

He also made this beautiful box for me and spoke in church about honoring your parents.  He did a fantastic job and I was so proud of him!

In the evening Matt and the kids made dinner!  I felt very loved!  It was delicious!

This is a painting that Christian made for me.  It's especially meaningful since this has been the theme of our family since the beginning of our courtship days.  I love his little finger prints!

Sheri made these beautiful cards for me and also a bath bomb.  She is always kind and does sweet things for me.

Eve made us these rings and made mine yellow since that is one of my favorite colors.  Eve is very thoughtful!  She does kind things for me very often.

Eve wrapped up her Swimming Team season strong.  She gained a lot of strength and learned how to overcome performance anxiety.  It was fun to see her growth!

Here she is with Maya and some other friends and coaches at the end of year picnic.

I've loved seeing Christian's reading and writing improve.  Here are a few samples of his work.

The youngest 2 kids were able to participate in the annual gymnastics performance carnival.  It was fun to see all the skills they have been working on.  Sterling was at 6 Flags with his school band and so was unable to attend.  The kids have been learning quickly even though they had to start at level one.  Their teachers are giving them extra challenges each class since they have had previous tumbling/acrobatics.

Here is Sterling after a school band concert.

I am enjoying my last few afternoons with Christian before he starts full day school in the fall.  I love reading and snuggling with him, teaching him piano, and enjoying his fun personality.

Sometimes Matt takes the kids on fun outings.  Here he took them to Knights Ferry again to explore.

May was very much buzzing with excitement about the open house for the newly renovated Oakland Temple.  The youth had a special tour just for them.  It was fun to be with the youth on this trip.

Matt and I got to take the younger 2 kids as well.  I am grateful for opportunities to show them the beauty of these special houses of the Lord.

For Sheri's birthday this year we were able to take her horseback riding and have a lesson.  She picked up quickly since she has ridden before.  She wants lessons regularly now.  :)  We shall see.

Our friends from Ohio, the Hoyles sent Sheri the Hunger Games series since they know it's a favorite for our girls.  I thought that was so thoughtful!

We also had a few friends over to celebrate.  

We sure love this SWEET GIRL!

The school year came to a close on May 31st.  Christian had a graduation ceremony as well as a water/play day.  It's hard to see you youngest get so grown up!  He is getting so smart, kind, fun, and independent! 

Here is Eve on her last day of school.  Whew, we all made it through this tough semester of transition!  Eve worked her tail off and got all A's.  I am very proud of her, especially with 5:50 AM seminary!  All the kids got all A's and praise from their teachers.  Now we are all ready for a BIG break!  We left this night for vacation, but more about that in my next post.