Meet the teacher and Back to School feast 2014

 I have had a very hard time with school starting this year. I've been dreading the count down. 

I think part of it is because of my exhaustion I've had this summer due to pregnancy. I haven't been able to do as much as I wanted to. I tried and did what I could but still....

I have loved being with them all summer and as crazy as I got on some days, I'll truly miss being with them all day. 

Thomas' Preschool teacher, Mrs. Ridge and Emma with 2nd grade teacher, Miss Connell.

Emma is starting 2nd grade and I was barely ready for her to start 1st grade and now that's gone. :) They grow up so fast, don't they? But she is very much looking forward to it. Especially after meeting her teacher, Miss Connell last week and learning about some friends who will be in her class. I pray so hard that she'll have a great school.

Thomas starts his second year of Preschool at Learning Dynamics and it will be wonderful. He is really excited to learn to read and have fun. We met his teacher Mrs. Ridge today and she is delightful.

 Tonight, we had our annual Back to School feast. I haven't felt very good and so we got take out from Noodles and Company and had some Martinelli bubbly. :) The kids were very much happy with the choice of food for our feast so I count it successful. :)

They received their handmade crown and little school supply gifts. Thomas got some markers and crayons and Emma got some pretend money so we can practice counting money.

 Derek prepared a great lesson on our family theme for the school year,
"Be strong and of a good courage..."  Deut 31:6

We talked about the story of Abinadi and King Noah and the courage Abinadi had, to risk his life to stand for truth.

We brought up different life scenarios that the children may face in school, bus, and in life that can relate to having courage and being strong. I hope it sticks. :)

 Then we put on a modeling show. The kids showed an outfit they will wear for first day of school.

 Then saving the best for last; the father's blessing given to each child, even Joseph. 

Words of hope and encouragement for our little ones as they face things in this world and to always remember who they truly are.

 Joseph insisted on receiving a blessing too. So sweet.

It was a good night. Let's hope and pray for a great school year for our family. :)

Announcement

 July 26th 2014

The children were surprised with their own personal card from me that had a little note with

 baby #4's ultrasound picture.

So after telling the exciting news to the children, we hurried upstairs to start a photo shoot to announce to the rest of the family. This was the progress in each picture. Little Jo Jo was not having it. He was being hilarious though, and the kids were cracking up THE WHOLE TIME! 

He is such the funny little dude. I'm excited for him to be a big brother. 

 FINALLY! We did it! This was the best we could do. There was a pile of gardettos in front of Joseph, hiding behind book. Whatever we needed to keep him sitting. hahahahhahaha. Good times.

Here's our little peanut!

Father's Day- 2014

 It was a wonderful Father's Day. The kids woke up and helped make Daddy some breakfast.

 They were antsy to give him their cards and gifts.

Look out for Jo. Wait for it....

 He got some...

 He SCOOOOORED!! Look at that bed hair and teethy grin of pride.

 He didn't stop there. He kept helping Daddy eat his breakfast.

 Emma made this cute jar for him in school. SO cute!

 Thomas gave him some popcorn and cute picture.

 We always LOVE the cute cards the children draw.

Oh...and this was a fun surprise for Daddy on Father's Day! He was excited and surprised.

I actually gave him the test a few days before Father's Day because I couldn't hold it in any longer. 

It was a great day!!

Derek is a wonderful father to our children. They are so blessed to have a Daddy like him. He is so fun, loving, hard working and always makes time to be with them and play with them. 

We love you, Daddy!

"True Happiness" F.H.E

Last night, we had our Family Home Evening lesson on "True Happiness". We talked about the Plan on Happiness and how our family is a huge part in that Plan. We talked about how when we make good choices and follow Jesus' example and teachings, it will make us truly happy but also bring our family true happiness as well. We can help each other and lift each other up.

We made these boxes after our lesson and each day a person from our family will be chosen to be the Spotlight and we write on some little hearts, something we love about that person. At the end of the day, we read what people wrote. Should be fun!

Thomas the T-baller

Thomas played T-ball this summer season. He did SO great. It was amazing the improvement these boys made from the first game to the end. We were so proud of Thomas seeing him hit that ball, running (even if he missed the direction to first base at times:) and just had fun. 

So entertaining watching these boys.

First game:  June 3rd 2014

 They chose "Great Sharks" as their team name!

 Thomas blowing his fingers. He finds this to be so calming. I guess it's better than picking nose.    It's so funny.

 Look at that game face.

It's cool to walk with t-ball mit on head.

Last game: July 8, 2014

 Way to go, Thomas boy!

He still wears his t-ball shirt on a regular basis and says he's going to his t-ball game. I don't miss the miserable hot evenings, but we sure loved watching him play.

Freee the ladybugs!

  When summer began, we gave the kids a ladybug farm. After about a month of letting them take their course, it was time to set them free this morning.

The kids LOVED seeing them readily fly out of their farm and keep flying onto their shirts, hands, necks, and backs. It's like the ladybugs didn't want to leave our sides. :)

 This one did not want to let go of us. It kept flying from one person to the other.

Here on Joseph's neck.

 Now onto Thomas' head, that made him laugh hysterically.

 

Joseph still looking for more ladybugs on our tomatoes. 

Thursday evening, July 10th 2014

The evening when Mom was alone with the munchkins, getting ready for bed. 

I'm tired and grouchy.

Thomas remains in the bath tub while Emma is getting dressed.

Joseph frolics with no diaper after getting out of bath. 

I'm tired.

I'm helping Thomas, I look back and see Joseph on stool, standing at bathroom sink.

Something dark just plopped on the floor.

It was poop coming out of Jo-Jo's bum. Awesome.

One minute later after wiping him all up and cleaning floor, I hear Thomas say, "I love bubbles." Then proceeds to toot in the water. Hilarious.

Emma is brushing her new stuffed doggy, Earl's teeth. 

Now they want to "break dance" to some tunes just before bed.

I'm tired. :)