Looking on the Bright Side (Mostly)

I wanted to write last night, but had a hard time focusing on things with the tragedy in Orlando. I won’t go into my political thoughts here. I will just say that my heart is heavy. I hope that the survivors and relatives of the victims are able to find peace and that we will be able to come together as a country to forge a path toward fixing this before my kids get desensitized to the fact that mass shootings are NOT normal.

I’m not sure how to segue from that to my update, so forgive the sudden shift. Here we go:

Bear (the Bernese mountain dog) was our house guest all week.  We planned on having him until the 15^th, but his owners came home early because their little boy had been sick all week. The kids are going to miss him. He is a good dog. We got out and did a lot of walking, but it was nice to get to sweep up the dog hair and get the house back in order today.

The girls did a soccer camp at Alta High this week. It was just 2 hours each night, but they had a wonderful time. The Alta coach, Lee Mitchell is being honored with the and ESPY as the high school coach of the year. He is a good man. The stations were run by his high school players, but Coach Mitchell was there every day learning the kids names, giving them tips, and doing whatever needed to be done. He even remembered that Eva had a shirt that read “Feel the Beat” on the first day, and when she showed up the next day he smiled and asked “Are you still feeling the beat?” I am happy the girls had a good experience. They definitely want to do it again next year.

Tuesday we met up with some friends and took Bear on a hike in Millcreek.  It was a nice and toasty day, but the first and last quarter of the hike were nice and shaded.  We (Bear) discovered a mostly eaten deer leg. They were fascinated. I was grossed out. Despite the heat and a couple tumbles, the kids had a good time and Bear was in heaven.

Wednesday we spent most of the day at a pool with Naiya’s soccer team for an end-of-the-season party.  Most of the girls are moving on with the team, but a few have either quit soccer or changed teams, so it was a chance for one last hurrah as a group.  The girls loved it, but Tennessee (for whatever reason) has not been feeling the swimming vibe yet this year.  He happily watches the other kids and throws things in to watch them sink (and then to watch the kids retrieve it). He just does not want to get in. He loved it so much last year, so I was a little surprised. Looks like I am going to have to look into trying the mom and me swim class again.

Thursday Naiya had soccer practice in the morning so we took Bear to the park to play while she practiced. It was a little cooler (than the 90 + degree weather we have been having) so it was perfect to have him out.  Tennessee loves trying to walk him and to give him commands.  It is darling.

The kids also spent some time at Neema’s pool in the afternoon while I was tutoring (well, not Tennessee).

Friday was more mellow, Naiya had another practice, we walked Bear a bunch, and the girls spent time making cards for Pa’s  birthday/Father’s Day. I did a lot of cleaning, sorting, and organizing to prepare for our garage sale. Last winter Jared helped 3 different families (that were his landscaping clients) move. Each family gave him several things to go through and either sell or donate, and our garage has had these piles of things all spring.  Jared wanted to go through it all to see what is sellable and what just isn’t. Unfortunately, the landscaping season started and he just hasn’t gotten to it.  I decided that for part of his Father’s Day gift, I would go through it all and do a garage sale. 

Saturday we got up early and set everything up. Unfortunately not long after that the wind started blowing like crazy brining a storm in (the storm that the forecast said would arrive in the afternoon). Things kept getting knocked down, so we took everything down again before the sale even had a chance to start. Bummer.  We will try again in a couple of weeks. It won’t be done in time for Father’s Day, but it’s the thought, right?! The good news is that I will have company because my sister-in-law, Holly, said she will join in and get some of their stuff sold a the yard sale too. That will make It more fun for everyone.

Saturday night we wanted to go and see my niece, Carly’s play.  Tennessee was being a super duper cranky pants and the play would start just before his bed time, so I opted to stay home with him and let Jared take the girls to the play. Unfortunately he went to the wrong school and by the time he figured out where to go, they were late and the auditorium was full. Everyone was sad to miss it, but cute Eva said “Well at least now you aren’t the only one to have to miss it, Mom.”  Ha ha! I guess that’s an optimistic way to look at it.  Sounds like it was wonderful, and we hope Carly had a great time doing it.

Yesterday we met with my family to celebrate Pa's birthday and for an early Father’s Day celebration as well.  My dad asked each of us to pick a book that we love to give him as a gift. I love that idea. It was fun to pick a book that I enjoyed and that I thought he would too, and also it made gift hunting much, much easier.  (Parents are always hard to shop for!)  I picked Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. It has been years since I read it, but I thought about it just a couple days before my dad made the book request so it seemed right.  The girls thought (another one of my favorites) The Little Prince by Antione de Saint-Exupery would be a good pick. I can’t wait to hear his thoughts after he reads them… although with 6 new books to read, it might be a while before he gets to ours.

Naiya’s soccer tournament that was schedule for this week was cancelled… well not totally cancelled, just her team decided not to do it after all. Her coach has a back injury and was sentenced (by doctors) to bed rest for now. He still was considering trying to do it, but everyone was in consensus that his health was more important than the tournament. I love watching Naiya play, and I would have been happy to be to all the games, but this does make next weekend a little less complicated.  I am sorry that Naiya is disappointed, however, I do know there will be many more opportunities to play coming up!

Today was another stormy day. The power was out on and off through the day and night. It made for a perfect day filled with cleaning and regrouping.  I love spring storms, they wash away all of the guck and leave everything feeling better. Just what I needed today.

xoxo

Lucie

School's Out for the Summer (for almost all of us)!!

Hello All!

I could not be more thrilled to mark the beginning of summer break. It is always nice to slow down and have more time to enjoy the kids.

The last week of school was a short but very busy one.  Wednesday was Field Day at the school. This year the PTA dads were in charge of organizing. Moms still came to help, but it was so nice to not be “in charge” of anything but rather to just show up and lend a hand. The dads did an amazing job incorporating new fun activities and one even hauled out a huge sound system and played 80’s music the whole time. It was awesome. The kids loved it.

Thursday Tennessee and I walked with Eva’s class to a park a couple miles from the school. Once there the kids played a softball game and had lunch.  Then we walked back. It was hot, but very fun. Tennessee loved every minute and enjoyed being the center of attention.  Eva was a trouper because, after walking 4 miles, playing softball and practicing their grade-level dance, she went to soccer try outs for 2 hours.  Quite the feat since temperatures are hitting the 90’s already.

Naiya also had try outs, but for her it was more of a practice since her coach already invited her to come play up a year on the 04 team for next season. Both girls played hard in the heat and collapsed into bed (after a quick cool shower) when we got home.

Friday was the last day of school.  The tradition at Quail Hollow is that in the morning the kids meet their teacher for the next year and then they have a dance festival where each grade performs a dance.  Naiya’s class got to watch a movie while he other kids met their teachers since they will be moving on to middle school.  Eva was a little disappointed because her teacher was probably her last choice if she got to choose, but honestly I don’t think there are any bad teachers in the 5^th grade and I am certain she will have a good year even if “all” of her friends got into one of the other classes together.  I think she will survive.

After school on Friday we met up with a friend of mine to have a late lunch and celebrate her birthday. Tennessee was pretty much over all of the activities for the week. I tried to get him to take am early nap, with no luck so by the time we got to lunch, the last things he wanted to do were to sit still, eat, or pretty much cooperate in any way. So yeah, not the best lunch, but you win some, you loose some.

Saturday was jam packed with fun stuff again. Eva had he last game of the season that morning. After that her team met at a local splash pad for a lunch to celebrate their season. Naiya had been getting too much sun and I didn’t want to over-book Tennessee again, so they stayed home with Jared and I got to have some Eva-mom time. It was fun!

After the party, the girls both had their second day of soccer try-outs. It was crazy hot and the try outs were in the middle of the afternoon for 2 hours.  I sat cowering in the shade feeling bad for them, but they were amazingly chipper and energetic despite the heat.

When we got home from all of our activities, my friend dropped off her Bernese Mountain dog, Bear. This is the same family that owned Diesel. A few months after he died last summer they got Bear. He will be one at the end of the month so he is still a bit of a puppy, but he is a great dog and all 3 kids love him. I love that we get to have a dog for a couple week, and Jared loves that we get to send him home after a couple weeks. 😊 Today we started the day off with a nice family (+ Bear) walk nice and early before it got too hot.  I love that having him here encourages us to get out like that early in the morning when the neighborhood is quite and calm.

This afternoon we got word that Eva made the team, but that they would like her to play up to an 05 team instead of the  06.  I told you that she has been a little wishy-washy, and when I saw her face as I read her the e-mail I knew that this team would not be for her. They are planning on playing 3 tournaments this summer and playing through the winter as well.  Eva enjoys soccer but is not that committed and was really hoping to slow down over the summer. She really didn’t want to be the one to make the decision. I helped her list some pros and cons of accepting the spot on the team and then had her read it over and think about it reminding her that she could still play on a rec league or the AYSO league that is not comp and just plays fall and spring.  After some thought, she decided to go with the AYSO regular league. We let them know right away so that they can fill her spot still.

I won’t lie and say that it is not a little bit of a relief to me.  I love watching my girls play soccer, but if she had joined the comp team, we would have pretty much lived soccer all summer between the two girls and 6 tournaments. Plus I just don’t think soccer is a LOVE for Eva the way it is for Naiya.  She made a good choice, and I am proud of her for putting careful thought into her decision and making it for herself.

I am about a quarter of the way through my last class of the term with hopes of being finished by the end of June. That will get me just past the ½ way mark in the program and allow me some time to study for the Praxis that I will need to take in August.  Fingers crossed that I will stay motivated and on track despite the draw of fun times in the sun.

Jared is working hard not to be too bummed out about all the fun things he misses out on in the summer. I feel bad that his busiest season is when the kids and I have time to go on adventures and kick back a little more.  It doesn’t help that he usually works Saturdays and ends up pretty spent when he is home.  The girls and I have a secret project in mind to quietly work on some of the yard projects that Jared has planned to do so that we can free up some of his time and maybe fit in a camping trip or two this summer.  (shhhh!)

Other than that, we are ready to jump into summer in full swing this week. I sat down with each girl this evening and wrote some summer goals.  They have big plans. It should be fun!

Hope you all are doing fantastic and are finding ways to beat the heat. We need to plan some fun cousin get-togethers (for the Utah families) and take full advantage of the season.

 XOXO

Lucie et al.

 

The Calm-ish After the Storm

Family-

First things first. I am sure you are all dying to know if Eva got sick…. and I’m thrilled to say that she stayed healthy!  Wahoo!

We had a very productive week putting things back in order at our house. The laundry is (almost) completely caught up. Rooms have been double disinfected and Tennessee and I are sleeping back in regular beds (instead of on the tile floor).  Thank goodness.

This week I was able to visit Naiya’s class to teach Junior Achievement. Because her teacher was limited on available time, we squeezed all 6 lessons into two  1 ½ hour visits. The first visit was a little rough. The lessons delve into such interesting topics as economy, resources, and budgeting. The kids were extra antsy and pretty distracted. I guess I should have been tipped off when Naiya handed me a note earlier that morning that said "Tips for teaching my class: Good luck." Hahaha! 

After some readjusting (and including some external motivators- i.e. creamsicles), the second day was much, much better. And it is a good thing, too, because I ended up having to bring Tennessee along for the second session when babysitting fell through.  He was a very good helper and snuck in a little extra info about his books, trains and crackers. (I’m pretty sure the kids would have preferred to just listen to what Tennessee had to say for he duration of the lesson.) Naiya was happy that I came in, and I am just happy to have another thing marked off of the “to do” list.

Tuesday Naiya’s class went on a field trip. They went to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point.  Naiya was not impressed and had more to say about how unsafe it is that there are no seatbelts on the bus than about the museum. I think she was mixed up and expecting a visit to the Museum of Natural Curiosity.  Oh well!  We’ll have plenty of time for that this summer.

Tuesday night we got to visit with my parents. They just got back from a trip to Czech and brought back all sorts fun things and treats for us. I sure wish we could afford to visit there every year. It was such a great experience last year. Hopefully we can squeeze in at least one more visit while my Grandma is still feeling well.  I know it would bring her joy to see the great-grandkids again, and I sure would love to have a little more time with her. It is hard to have family so far away.

Thursday Eva’s class did a presentation of a reader’s theater.  They made their own costumes and even had sound effects.  Eva played the sky. It was darling. 

Right after the reader’s theater, her class had their University of Learning graduation.  Because Eva was one of 4 students that earned all 5 degrees (Technical, Associates, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate), she was asked to give a talk. She was very nervous, but did an amazing job. Good eye contact, nice presentation and she even squeezed in a little joke.  It’s fun to see how she’s grown this last year. Her teacher was fabulous.  I dare say she is the best teacher either of the girls have had to date. We will miss her.

Also on Thursday, Naiya’s class had an End of School Year Party.  Since 6^th graders are in the middle school at Canyon’s District, the 5^th graders get to have a huge party to celebrate the end of their time at Quail Hollow.  The party was a big hit. They hired a DJ, had a snow cone truck come, and had yearbooks for the kids to sign.  It was fun to help plan and put together for the kids.  The best part was listening to them talk about how “epic” it was after school.  I’m so glad they loved it.

The kids had a long weekend with Friday and Monday off this weekend.  I had some tutoring to get done on Friday so the kids spent some time with Neema and Pa (my parents). That was really the highlight of their day (and honestly the only thing I can remember about it!)

Saturday we went up to Park City for a quick get-away.  We stayed at the Marriot so that the kids could go swimming to their hearts content despite the funky weather.  After swimming none other than a Harry Potter marathon was playing on the TV. The girls didn’t watch the whole marathon but were happy to get to watch all of the 4^th movie (although they have seen it before). Tennessee just loved running down the looooong hall and up and down the stairs.  He wore himself out and slept well.

Today I spent most of the day catching up on school work.  I completed two projects from start to finish within the last 24 hours. Hopefully there will be minimal, if any, adjustments to make so that I can get my final score for the “Issues in Instructional Design” class. (It is absolutely as fun as it sounds.)  Jared took the kids to the park and to visit Grandma Marge’s grave.  The girls had a friend over for a couple of hours while Jared worked out in the yard and Tennessee napped. We ended the weekend making s’mores at a neighbor’s fire pit. The perfect ending to a nice weekend.

We have to buckle down for one last short week of school (although between field day, a field trip and a dance off, I’m not sure how much schooling will actually occur). Soccer try-outs are this week. Naiya is staying with the XFC team and is excited.  Eva is still on the fence and has one final day to decide which team she will try out for (if any).  She has been invited to try out by a couple teams and  really wants to play, but she also wants the summer off… decisions, decisions.

Oh I almost forgot… we are back down to 2 fish.  One seemed a little sluggish from the get go and died during the week of the eruptions.  The second little one died this week despite showing no signs of feeling bad.  The girls were sad, but we had a little funeral at sea. The two original fish seem to enjoy having the larger tank all to themselves, so I vetoed Jared’s idea to get more new fish.

Okay… I think that wraps it up for the week.  I am counting down the days to summer vacation.  I love getting the kids (sort of) all to myself!

Hope your school years, spring projects and May in general is ending well!

XOXO

Lucie et al

The Great Eruption of 2016

This week for us was… well an experience, that’s for sure! 

Monday in the middle of the night Tennessee started throwing up. It was the saddest thing because he had no clue what was happening and I couldn’t explain it to him. Every time, he would want to nurse and then would get sick again 15-30 minutes later.  This went on for pretty much all of Tuesday. He would fall asleep for a couple hours here and there, but was even getting sick in his sleep. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never had one of my kids get this sick this young, (but neither of the girls liked to lick the sidewalk either, so…). 

By Wednesday when things were not getting better I packed up a bucket, a tarp and took Tennessee to the doctor. They drew blood (super traumatic for him because he was so dehydrated) and said that the blood test showed that he was… dehydrated (mmmm… pretty sure the fact that it took the girl 15 minutes, 3 pokes, and 2 helpers to get some blood could have clued them in on that without actually running the test, but whatever). Then they sent us up to Primary Children’s to get fluids and anti-nausea meds.  That worked fine, and within a few hours they said we could go home.  He seemed back to his normal self (wanting to wheel the doctor’s chair around the room laughing and asking when we could go back to “momma’s car”).

Thursday was a slight decline for Tenn and a huge one for me. I got the bug late Wednesday night and all I could think about was how sad I felt that Tennessee had been feeling that awful. (It was really, REALLY awful).  He was a little feeling better, but was a good boy and spent much of the day napping with me and he was holding in enough fluids that I knew he wasn’t getting too dehydrated again. He just wasn’t super comfortable. The girls were really helpful when they got home from school and Jared took over when he got home from work. Thank goodness.

By Friday afternoon I was feeling okay and Tennessee had gone 24 hours without any puking. Since we were running low on supplies, I decided to venture out to the grocery store. Let’s just say that that story ends with a messy baby, no groceries and me thinking that I’m not going back to that grocery store any time soon.  Yuck!

Friday night Naiya and Jared got sick.  I’m not sure how else to put it other than that it has been a battle zone here.  Tenn still isn’t keeping things down and I feel like I’ve been running back and forth getting/helping/cleaning something for someone constantly. At the moment all is quiet (except for the sound of the washing machine… that has been a constant during this ordeal). Fingers crossed that everyone is feeling better in the morning and that Eva remains super-humanly immune to whatever this is! 

Other than “The Great Eruption of 2016,” the girls had their choir concert on Wednesday (I missed it), Eva had her voice recital on Friday (Jared missed that). Everything  was lovely and the girls did great. Thank goodness for video cameras to help capture those special moments. 

Eva’s soccer game got rained out this morning and Naiya had to miss her game today. She was super sad because it was the last game of the season, but what can you do?

This week I have reflected on how grateful I am to live in the time and place that we live. I kept thinking about how when we were babies, my mom had to wash everything by hand and line dry it. I am spoiled with a washer and dryer plus a dishwasher and loads of bleach. (I am all about the natural cleaners, but when there is puke involved, I’m not taking any chances.) I am so happy to have a flexible schedule that I could cancel my tutoring and postpone my school meetings and course work.  I am grateful for good doctors that take care of our babies, for thoughtful brother that send edible fruit bouquets to brighten your day, and for amazing friends that drop of groceries on your porch just when you need them the most. Mostly I am grateful that at this very moment it has been 6 hours since I have had to clean any of these messes because that means we are moving in a good direction.  

Next week is full of field trips, Naiya’s 5^th grade party, Eva’s University of Learning graduation, and a 4 day weekend (WAHOO!). Please pray that everyone is recovered and able to participate in all the fun activities. 

Wishing you a happy (and healthy) week!

 xoxo

Lucie et al

Family Update: May15

I have to start this out with a shout out to my mom and dad. My mom set a goal to run 3 marathons in the span of the year surrounding her 60th birthday (this November). The first was this past Sunday in Prague. My mom and dad ran together and they nailed it. I wish I could have been there to cheer them on. What a great place to run and what an awesome example my parents are to me & my kids. In November, my mom will run the New York marathon and next spring she will run the Paris.  Maybe I need to start saving up to do something for my 40th... I feel inspired.

This week for me has been more Junior Achievement, webinars for school, car services plus lots & lots of schlepping all over the valley. Seriously moms of more than 3 kids HOW DO YOU DO IT?! I am thankful for wonderful friends and family for helping me this last week. I see a light at the end of the tunnel, and its name is summer.  I cannot wait.

Tennessee’s best day ever was Thursday.  This was the day my car needed an oil change and a recalled part replaced. It was a 3 hour job so we had quite a while to wander around. First we sat in every car in the showroom and practiced our pretend driving skills. Watching him run from car to car asking “Now dis car?” was worth the dirty looks from the salesman. 😉  When “test driving” got tiresome, we moved on to horses.  (Yes, actual horses.)  We walked from the dealership over to the other sides of I-15 where the Cavalia show is going on. They had a holding area out back where the beautiful horses were just hanging out. It was fun to see them and now I really want to see the show.  I’ll have to look into it.  Horses did not hold Tennessee’s attention too long, but fortunately there is some construction going on in the South Towne parking area.  We spent a huge chunk of time watching the work trucks do their thing.  Tennessee was in heaven. (It could only have been better if they had let him sit in the trucks.) I can’t think of anything that Tennessee would have rather done that day. He sure was fun to watch.

Naiya had 2 games this week.  The first was against the number one team. They ended with a 5-3 loss, but they worked their tails off and did an amazing job.  Her second game was on Saturday. This was a blow out 6-0 win.  Their first shut-out. Naiya tried out playing forward and scored a goal.  So fun!!

Eva had a game on Saturday as well.  This was a real nail biter. Naiya even expressed how she felt like she was going to fall out of her seat because she was so on edge.  The score kept going back and forth and ended with a 3-2 loss when the other team scored seconds before the whistle. It might be funny to say with a loss, but this was one of my favorite games that I’ve watched.  Definitely not slow-paced.

Saturday was also the youth talent show that Eva has been planning at the senior center. Let’s just say things did not run as smoothly as we’d hoped. Between technical difficulties and flakey people, it was a rough one.  Poor Eva tried to sing a solo, but we couldn’t get the CD to play. I had the lap top as a back up, but the speakers weren’t working, so I tried holding the actual lap top up to the microphone as she sang. She got a little flustered after the first verse and wanted to stop. She was pretty upset. I had to take the reigns and had the other acts go. In the end, Naiya was going to sing the duet they had planned as a solo, but as I was introducing her, Eva gathered all of her courage and decided to give it a try. They did marvelous. The show was much shorter than we had planned (because of no-shows and because Eva had originally planned to sing 3 different songs), but we just spent extra time sharing refreshments and chatting with the seniors. I honestly could not be more proud of Eva for dusting herself off and trying again. I am also proud of Naiya for being flexible and willing to sing along (although she really, really didn't want to sing a solo). I am glad that in the end she didn't need to sing alone, and I am just so happy it ended on a good note.

Jared has continued to work his tail off, and it has been getting nice and toasty. I am not sure why I am surprised by this every spring, but the heat sneaks up on me. It seems to take a little while to adjust when the temperatures start climbing. Lucky for us our awesome Jared mustered up just enough energy after work to start up the swamp cooler this weekend, so we should be okay from here on out. Thank goodness!

The other big family news for the week is that we doubled our fish population from 2 to 4 and upgraded their little bowl to a 5 gallon tank. The kids are all enamored by it and sit and stare at the fish for hours (okay maybe not hours) at a time. The fish seem much happier too… if fish can seem happy.

Okay… I think that is all.  I am happy to be moving into a new week and looking forward to some musical concerts this week. Fingers crossed that things are more smooth for all involved this go around.
XOXO
Lucie et al

Family Update: May 8

Hello again! We have had a good and rainy week.  I honestly like this weather especially when it is warm-ish and spaced out enough to get outside and enjoy the “just rained” smell. Love it!

Tennessee has been sick this week, but that hasn’t seemed to slow us down us too much… except for Tuesday. That was a grouchy-baby-stay-in-jammies-and-read/snuggle (and of course spend a significant amount of time sitting in the car pretending to drive) kind of day. 

Monday and Wednesday I got to teach Junior Achievement in Eva’s class. The class is very well behaved and the lessons have been going well.  I got to come again on Thursday because Eva’s class had their Rendezvous. This is where the students come up with a product that they can make and “sell.”  They come up with a name, apply (and “pay” for) a business license. Then make their product and find a way to advertise.  Thursday was the sale where parents and the 3^rd graders are invited to come and buy from the kids.  Then the kids pay taxes on their “income.” Eva and a couple friends made piggy banks out of water bottles. They turned out so cute, and they only needed a tiny bit a help using the glue gun.  The sold out pretty quickly. It is a really cool activity and just one of the many reasons I love their school.

Naiya had a game on Wednesday. They played awesome and had their second win in a row. She had a fun time, and, of course, it was fun to watch.  She really loves soccer and would like to keep playing comp next year. 

Friday I got to meet up with the mom's on the Chamberlain side for lunch.  I arrived in my usual fashion (late) and had to skip out a little early to get the girls, but lunch was delicious and the company could not be beat. I love having so much of the family close enough to get to have get-togethers like this.  After lunch my secret wish that soccer practices would be cancelled came true. Thunder and lightning kept the girls inside.  I would feel guilty, but I think we all needed a little break from shuttling around town. Plus, the girls had a friend over so we played games and did crafts instead. 

Yesterday, Naiya went to the State Reflections award ceremony.  She got an Award of Excellence in state and received a lovely plaque. This means her story went on to National.  Although she did not win at that level, we could not possibly be more proud.  What an accomplishment!
Eva had a wonderful almost half-a-game of soccer yesterday. She scored her first goal of the season (she usually plays defense) and was really excited.  The team was up 5-1 just before the half when the lightning came in and they had to call the game. 

Today is Mother’s Day, and I am enjoying a slow, rainy day with Jared and the kids. Eva made me a personalized book mark with her photo on it, and Naiya made a book of all the reasons that she loves and appreciates me. They are both such tender keepsakes and I love them! Tennessee gave me a gift last night when he stayed asleep while I worked on the final of my Instructional Design class (I got an A!!). Later this evening, we will catch a showing of the Jungle Book with my brother and his wife. We rarely go to the theater, so this is a treat! I am so lucky to have all 4 of them to make me a momma. It truly is the best job in the world.

I hope you all have had a fabulous week and are enjoying this Mother’s Day.
xoxo
Lucie et al

Family Update: May 1

I've started sending e-mail updates to out of town family and decided to do double duty by cutting and pasting onto the blog.  You're welcome. ;)

The kids and I have been going to the senior center near our house on game night to Wii Bowl with the seniors on Wednesday nights. It started as part of a service project for Eva’s class (to earn her 4^th grade “doctorate” degree), but we have enjoyed it and kept on going. Most of the residents just come to watch, but a few will play. It is funny to see the feisty little ladies trying to get a strike. I hope I am that fun and energetic when I am retired.  The girls like to play and Tennessee loves to clap for everyone. Both the women and the men love to see Tennessee. Eva is organizing a youth talent show later this month for the seniors with some friends and classmates (and any cousins that are interested!!). It should be a good time although she is now realizing that she has to speak and sing in front of a bunch of people, and that makes her nervous. I am sure she will do great!

She just finished earning her “doctorate degree” by doing service projects. Her project was called “Spreading Smiles to Seniors,” as well as going to the senior center, she worked in a senior neighbor’s yard and she also baked lemon bars and delivered them to seniors in the neighborhood. I love that the 4^th grade at their school encourages them to go above and beyond.  They let the kids earn Technical, Associates, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees based on projects that they do outside of class. It is not required, but Eva was really motivated and got through all 5 degrees. They will have a mini-graduation ceremony on at the end of the month, and she gets (has?) to speak. I am proud of all of her hard work and am looking forward to the ceremony.  

Eva also has a voice recital this month.  She has really loved the lessons. I know she will want to continue next year as well.  I like the teacher, and, although it has been quite the schlep back and forth each week, I think we will stick with her.  She is reasonably priced, knowledgeable and kind.  It has been a perfect fit for Eva.

Naiya is getting ready to start middle school next year.  I really don’t like that this district has middle school starting in 6^th grade, but I know if anyone can handle it, Naiya can.  She was invited to test for honors math. The results will be back in a couple weeks.  If she is accepted, I will have to shuttle her back and forth  because they do not offer it at her school.  I’m not sure how that will work with my student teaching next year, but I know we will figure it out if we need to.  She also got into honors English, but they do offer that at her school (thank goodness!) so that is all set.

She has a Reflections ceremony this weekend where she will be honored as one of the Utah state winners for a piece she entered into the literature category.  We are amazed and proud that she made it all the way to state.  She has really blossomed with her creative writing the last year or two. She loves to write poems and reading them to the family. Half the time, I can’t believe that she wrote them herself. I’m happy that she finds joy in it.

Naiya is looking forward to the last month of school because they do different tournaments for things like kickball with the whole grade.  She loves being out, running around and getting dirty.  I laugh at the fact that her clothes rarely last long enough to get passed down to Eva and keep telling myself I need to become more practiced and skilled at sewing so that we can make them last longer. Maybe I’ll sign up for a community class or something.

Both girls will have a choir concert at the school this month as well. I am glad that Naiya decided (with some persuading) to join choir for the spring.  She was hesitant because she didn’t want to get up early (even though she is usually up), but she told me the other day that she really loves it and is happy that she is doing it after all.  They are constantly singing the songs that they learn and I get at least one backseat concert each day as we shuttle to and from practices and lessons. I love to hear them sing, and Tennessee has started trying to sing along.  It’s the best!

This week both girls had soccer games.  Naiya’s team had an intense game that ended in a 5-3 win for them. It was fun to watch.  Eva’s team had a loss, but Eva, herself, played one of the best games I’ve seen her play. We are in the midst of deciding where we will go from here with soccer.  There are some changes to the teams for next fall.  We’ll see how things shake out.

Tennessee had his 18 month check up this week.  18 months?! He is still just as active as ever and is talking more and more each day.  He is obsessed with cars and things with wheels.  In fact he recognized people by their car and can pick my car out in the parking lot at the grocery store.  It’s funny to see him say “daddy kuck (truck),” Neema car,” Papa car,” “Mommy car, “ and so on.  We make at least 3 visits each day just to sit in my parked car so that he can pretend to drive and push all of the buttons.  He always has to say bye to the car when we get out and often wants to say goodnight to it before bed.  My favorite things that he says right now is how urgently he says “peeese” when he wants something and when he says “bye, see ya later” to people (and cars) when we are leaving. He loves to make us laugh and always pauses to see our reaction when he does something silly before repeating it again and again for a laugh. I love this stage! (I love all the stages!!)

Jared is working like a horse trying to get his season up and running.  He is still hoping for a positive career change in the next couple of years. Landscaping is wearing.  Hopefully when I am finished with school and back at work, he will have an opportunity to move toward something that he will enjoy long-term. I totally think he should look into being a flight attendant. He is so personable and great at customer service that would excel at it, and we could get deals to travel as a family as well.

Win-win! We’ll see where the future goes with that. For now we are lucky that he is willing to work as hard as he does each day.  He has to miss out on a lot of the fun things, but tries hard to be there for games and special events whenever possible.  I’m hoping for a smooth season for him so that he doesn’t have to stress.

I’m plugging away at my school work.  Motivation is lacking as the weather gets better and better. The mountains are calling, and Tennessee (and his mommy) would much rather be outside.  Hopefully I can keep just enough motivation through the summer to finish what I need to finish before September. Other than that, this week I get to start teaching Junior Achievement in the girls classrooms. I love helping at the school in this way.  I miss interacting with classes of kids.  It is also a different way to get to know more of the kids.

Really I am most looking forward to summer!  We will have a little break from school and soccer and have more time to guide our own mini-adventures. I like having my family to myself a little more. It is the most wonderful time of the year!!