At the Beach!

We had a great time on our vacation back in July! We had a terrible time getting to the West Coast. We decided to try and fly standby. The first day we woke up at 2:30 and drove to the airport. We had no luck getting on any of the flights. We looked at the loads for the next day--still no hope. Finally, on the third day they looked good, until we got to the airport. Luckily for us--there was someone who was too drunk to get on the flight. That opened up enough seats so that all 5 of us could get on! We didn't have any time to rearrange the seats, so our seven year old sat by himself. The flight was long--ORD to PHX. We had no trouble at all getting into Orange County Airport.

The first day we were in CA, we just hung out at my brothers house with his beautiful wife and fun little boy. The next day it was at the beach! We all had a blast with the sand, waves, and sun! What a great day. We think the next time we should rent a beach house so we can just enjoy it for an entire week. I even rode the waves--but I really need to build up my stamina for body surfing.

The boys loved having Jonathan out there to play with them in the waves. It was nice we had four adults to four children! A great way to do the beach.

My kids loved Mary and Jonathan. They were great hosts, and we had a great time with them. It was a special treat for Mike and I. We haven't been able to spend much vacation time together since I've been in school. He has used a lot of his vacation to watch kids while I did school work. It was a much needed break after a stressful two semesters.

Swimming Lessons

The boys were in the same swimming class as their cousin. It was fun to see them save each other's spots. Find their favorite color rings for each other, and encourage each other. They did great! They all improved a lot. Luke even got his face wet, and learned how to do all the floats. He even held the record for holding his breath under water. I was able to swim some laps at the same time as their lessons. We always stayed and went swimming during free swim. We just had a blast! It's sad to think that summer is dying down, but at the same time, fall is my favorite season.

Rock Climbing

As I looked at these pictures of the cousins going rock climbing together: I recall how blessed we are! My sister and her family moved here from California, and we moved here from New York. It's hard to believe that we ended up in the same place. Anakin has made it to the top of all the five stations. I am proud of Luke--how is very afraid of heights that he keeps making progress! I made it to the top as well! I never did one of these as a kid, so I had a blast. I wouldn't want to go rock climbing without the cool harnesses! It is so fun to come down.

A Fun Layover!

We went at the beginning of July to visit Mike on a layover. It was the first time without a pack and play! I have done it before, but that was when the baby could still sleep in the car seat. After a fun afternoon of swimming and eating, and jumping between hotel beds, we all settled down for a good rest. The next day we hit one of our favorite children's museums. We had to cut it short because I parked on the street.
We still had fun!!!!!

We love the walking piano!

Everyone had a great time with all the golf ball activities. The museum was relatively empty because we got there right when it opened!

GG Turns Three

For her birthday, we just had a very simple party at home. We also went swimming! As soon as we started singing, she knew exactly what was going on. She was very excited!

I have always made my mother in law's white wedding cake recipe and died them pink. When you wait 36 years to have your little girl--you do a lot of pink things!

Mike also made her bookshelves, and we finally have moved her out of her crib and into a twin bed!!!!

Our oldest was out of a crib by 15 months, the second 22 months, so why did it take 36 months for GG. There was no incentive.

For our activity, we also did finger paint! Everyone loved that!

I think he might of painted a little with his mouth.

Even Luke had a blast!

There's our birthday girl. Enjoying the fun.

The latest writing project

This week we studied hippos in school. We learned many cool facts about the second largest land mammal. We wrote one paragraph based on the book, The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown.

Luke and I worked on this together. I gave him the organization and he told me what to write as I transcribed it.

The most important thing about hippos is it is my favorite animal. It is true that when hippos nap under water, they come up when they need to breath. Hippos only live in Africa. Wow! They have teeth that weigh six pounds and are as long as my arm. But the most important thing about hippos is it is my favorite animal.

I've come to the end . . . .

Of my Master's Program! I finished my last class on Wednesday. I am sure I was in about the easiest Master's Program--not that it diminished the accomplishment, but it certainly made it possible. I am just happy that it is over.

Everyone kept asking me while I was in school if I planned to work after I graduated. My answer was always yes! Then the economy happened, and I happen to live in one of the most fiscally irresponsible states. They cut many programs that were beneficial, but I guess expendable. They are still behind on their bills, and when the state didn't pay for the text books, they sent the bills to the districts. Almost all school districts are carrying debt because the state has not allocated the taxes to the districts.

So I'm left to wonder--why did the Lord want me to make a big push this last year and finish? I could have dragged this out another year--even two--and my kids would have been older when I student taught. My thought was that it was for the job--this would be a great time to find one--all teacher's contracts were up in every district--which would mean a lot of retirements. The perfect job was just waiting for me. This often happens to me, I get a little bit of inspiration, and I interpret the inspiration to mean what I want it to mean, when perhaps there are other reasons, better reasons, higher purposes. At least the Lord is patient with me, at least He knows I will follow the inspiration, then when it doesn't work out like I thought it was supposed to, He allows me to figure it out after the fact. Maybe I should just follow the inspiration without trying to figure out the "why" or what will I get out of this, and just do it. I certainly don't know all the reasons, and I am sure their are too many for my little brain and small perspective to understand. So I don't work next year--even though I thought that is what was "supposed" to happen. I feel I am supposed to keep trying to look for a job--I don't know why, and if I try to believe it's because I will land a great job . . . I might be wrong. I need to walk into the darkness--trusting the Lord. A lesson I am sure I will have to keep learning everyday.

Other news:

Luke: had a great time at day camp. It was three days of hiking in a creek. We are trying to have him build his endurance for hiking--this did it. The people who run the camp are wonderful. They are so down to earth, and love nature. We will try to do it again next summer. He also did soccer camp--which he loved! He wants to do soccer in the fall. It should be fun, and something I think we can do!

Anakin: Was very sad when Luke went to his nature class by himself. Because they are so close in age, I try to find activities that fit both their age groups. This one did not! As we dropped Luke off for an all day hike (9 to 3) Anakin was very sad and said, "I want my brother." I responded, "Do you need a hug." Then with a choked up voice, he said, "No, I need my brother." I immediately drove to my sister's house, and he stayed and played with his cousin for the day! We also climbed up a rock wall on Saturday! It's our goal to make it to the top by the end of the summer--I am sure he will make it, but me . . . We had a great time together. When we got home he picked a flower for me. I love having one on one time with my kids!

GG: finished her last speech therapy. She has aged out of the program. The speech therapist couldn't believe I know all the sound cues. When the speech therapist first came, he said his goal was to teach me how to work with her. I took that to heart, and now I think I can basically do what he did. He did teach me how to work with her! She has one more appointment with the OT. I am going to learn the brushing technique. It is supposed to help with her sensory issues. I will need to do it every two hours every day for one month.

She is going to public preschool next year. Because of the cuts, it will only be two mornings a week. She will receive one hour of speech therapy and one hour of Occupational Therapy. I don't know how she'll get the socialization ect that she needs in those two days when they are always pulling her out of class. At least it will be a set schedule at one location. Right now we're running around all over the place for her to receive her different types of therapy. I think I would like to find her a private preschool for the other two mornings. She does so well in a structured environment--me--I'm not structured. Anakin--has afternoon kindergarten. I'm not sure if I will try to have that changed. He really wants to have Luke's kindergarten teacher, and I am afraid to ask for too much. Maybe I need to call the principal and talk to her about the situation. She is a wonderful administrator, so she will try her best. They are starting all day kindergarten for fifty kids--which they will pull by lottery. If they call me, what do I say . . . This parenting thing is hard!

Today, I am at peace with this whole I don't have a job, why question. Hopefully it will last. Thankfully, I have the gospel in my life that allows me to know I don't know everything, nor will I in this life. It is a faith-based work. I just need to keep building my faith!