Search This Blog

Monday, September 30, 2019

September 2019

We were in full swing in September with soccer, dance, gymnastics, youth activities, a camp out for Sterling, band practice, doctor appointments, church meetings, marching band, and of course school.

I forgot to share in my August post this video of Eve playing during the first home football game half time.  This file was too big to upload, so I have included a link to it instead.

Here are some pictures of our highlights of the month.

This is a photo I snapped from the hallway at church.  Christian LOVES his Primary teachers!   They are so good with this age group. Christian can't wait to see the Torres teachers!


Unfortunately this happened while out collecting fast offerings on Sept 1st.  We are glad we have insurance and are thankful no one was injured.  Accidents happen, it is just part of life.


Labor day weekend was a great time to earn money.  These two had some VERY generous donations.  

I've been enjoying Christian's artistic abilities.  He loves to draw during free time at school.  Here is a bank robbery, a fight on a ship, and a beautiful outdoor scene.



Sheri has started the flute in her school band and loves to practice at home.  The girls enjoy playing together.  Sheri has picked it up quickly thanks to Eve's guidance and her previous music knowledge.

Some Saturday nights are the best with just the family.  Here we are having a dance party with our Alexa and the party light.  Most of the shots with the girls were too dark to share.



When you have a pretty and healthy dinner you have to capture it and share, at least that's what Eve told me. :)

Also, a beautiful sunset.


We celebrated Christian's 7th birthday with a low key party with friends a few days before his birthday.  This was supposed to be a family celebration year, but with the move it was important to make connections with friends and their parents (to facilitate future play dates etc).



Christian has been very interested in Pokemon with his friends this year.  I got him a card organizer and a Pokemon drawing book.  He brings his cards to school every day and trades with friends.


He has also been very interested in rocks, gems, and crystals.  This is a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Smith.  He also used his birthday money from Grandma and Grandpa Murray for a gemstone digging kit.  The kids have also been digging a giant hole in the back yard.  Who knew that digging could be so entertaining?

On his actual birthday we were out shopping and getting Jamba Juice when I got this video in the parking lot.  We  have a lot of fun sometimes!  I sure love these kids!

This month Sheri earned the award for resilience.  She is excelling in all her classes.  She reads at a 9th grade level, is ahead in math, and is loving her teacher whom she often helps after school.  Her teachers often give her 7th grade math work to keep her challenged.  She has exceeded all her personal goals at school thus far.



Eve had her first marching band review which was hosted at Pitman.  It was so cool to see all the kids in uniform and to see them marching together.  It was actually thrilling for me to watch.   I guess I didn't expect to be so excited, but when people bring their talents together it is pretty special!  Doesn't she look like a doll?



This month was a month of preparation for me as I was about to receive a big calling.  Mentally it has been a bit weighty, but also a good challenge for me.  Here I am one Sunday after church.  When you have a good hair day you have to capture it. Ha!


Also, when your kids look so much alike you have to snap photos!





Well, that about sums up our month.  Sorry no soccer pictures but you will see some next post and you can imagine us at weekly practices and three soccer games every Saturday right?  
Happy September!

Saturday, August 31, 2019

August 2019

August was a great month as we transitioned from summer activities to school and fall sports.
Here are some highlights:
August 3rd was our ward youth beach day.  The kids have really started to connect with the youth their age and I am enjoying getting to know the other leaders.



The summer included weekly gymnastics classes.  The kids have really enjoyed their teachers.



On August 9th we visited with Roberta. (I have been care giving for Roberta since February and we are good friends)  She invited us over for lawn games such as mini golf, horseshoes, lawn golf, as well as swimming at her retirement community.  The kids enjoy being with Roberta and we are happy that we are making her day more fun too. 



 The kids like her heated pool. :)


August 12th was the first day of school.  
Here is Eve starting 10th Grade.


Sterling starting 8th Grade

Sheri beginning 6th Grade (still in Elementary school here)



Christian 1st grade -His first year of full day school.  I am sad to have less one on one time with my baby, but also looking forward to more productivity.  I just have to get extra hugs and time with him and the others before and after school to make up for it. 


He is so ready for more, socially and academically!

August has brought soccer practice again, marching band practice, as well as back to school nights.  I also enjoyed our Stake RS Conference.

On August 17th we went to the temple with Eve and Sterling.

This month was Roberta's 90th birthday.  Her daughter, Terri and I hosted a birthday party for her on August 25th at her retirement community.  It was well attended and I was so happy that she felt celebrated!







If you haven't seen Christian's funny ear folding trick here it is.  The photo credit goes to Terri who shared it with me. :)

Christian especially loves to see Roberta at church and waves or gives her a hug.  We are happy we could celebrate with Roberta!  We love her and she loves us!

August 30th was Pitman High School's first home football game.  Eve participated in the band including the half time show as well as in the stands (pep band).  The kids have a great time and I am happy that she is having fun social experiences.

On the 31st Matt took Eve and Sterling to help with grape picking in the church vineyards. The grapes are dried out to be made into raisins that go for humanitarian aid.  They were happy to be a part of  such an inspired and meaningful work - all done by volunteers.


To finish this post I thought I would include a fun video that illustrates my feelings - 
Happy and blessed.