We just loaded up the kids backpacks with blankets and flashlights and lots of Dr. Seuss books to help them celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday tomorrow. Jared will be reading to a Kindergarten class with the added bonus of wearing pjs to school. Evan is having a lights out read-a-thon. And Anna will be celebrating with green eggs and ham. Sounds like they will be having a fun day!
Dr. Seuss has so many great quotes!
I love this poster, a list of the best of the best (although one of my favorites and most used quotes is not on the list...).
"Teeth are always in style!" I need to make a poster of this quote for the kids bathroom!
"A person's a person, no matter how small." I don't need to explain why I love this one.
"You do not like them. So you say. Try them! Try them! And you may. Try them and you may, I say." I use this one often when we are trying something new at dinner, with the reminder that when he tried green eggs and ham he actually liked them. A LOT!
Do you have a favorite Dr. Seuss quote?
Do you do anything special to celebrate his birthday?
3.01.2012
A person's a person,
2.23.2012
Little Me
Anna and I have been best buds over the past 2 years. Since Evan headed off to Kindergarten, she has been by my side every day. Needless to say, she mimics the things I do and say and she listens to everything I'm saying and doing. Because a lot of my days consist of church callings and responsibilities, they have become a big part of her life, too.
But she's now having a hard time with the separation of church and state...
On Friday I asked her what she learned about at school. "Well, we don't have school on Monday because it is Stake Presidents Day!"
Earlier this week she wanted to know who our missionary is. I was confused by this. Did she mean our friend Kyle Lee who is on an LDS mission to New Zealand? Nope, that wasn't the right answer. I asked her who our missionary was (before this new one came that she was referring to)..."Barack Obama."
Oh, of course.
Silly girl.
1.25.2012
Tour de France, Lance
Funnest school project in the world.
For me to attend anyways!
For a language arts report the kids in Mrs. 6th grade classes pulled together a wax museum. Each child chose someone to research, prepared and memorized a 1 minute presentation and found a costume to represent their famous person in history.
Tyler chose Lance Armstrong! Which I felt was perfect for him since he is beginning to love biking and is studying French at school. And as an added bonus, I'm quite a fan of the guy (Lance and Tyler).
Tyler borrowed his dad's sunglasses and bike gloves. We found him a yellow jersey that we attached USPS and Tour de France logos to. He refused to wear bike shorts, though. Something about looking like I dancer in tights...
Once at the school, the kids posed as if in a wax museum. We would walk around and tap a character and they would come to life, sharing the information that they'd prepared and then freeze until the next person came around.
So impressive were these kids! We were able to meet Muhammed Ali (in a full on boxing ring), Marie Antoinette, JK Rowling (with a British accent), lots of soccer stars, Jackie Robinson, Albert Einstein, etc...
Tyler was rather impressive himself and I think he's got a bit of drama underneath that shy exterior!
P.S. Have I ever mentioned here that when I lived in France as an LDS missionary (back in 1997, gulp), the Tour de France started in the area that I was serving in--Rouen! What great memories I have from that time of my life!!
P.P.S. Thanks for the idea to blog through the Blogger app. Don't know if I love it, but I'm going to try it out!
1.24.2012
Why I Don't Blog Anymore
I blame the iPhone for my lack of blogging.
It's so easy to take and post pics on Facebook or Instagram. Just one simple click.
We went to a fun event tonight at Tyler's school and I was ready to to post about it on Facebook and realized that it would be a better blog post.
So I came home and finally took the 1000 images (from the past year) off my phone and imported to my computer.
Hopefully more blog posts to come.
We'll see...
12.12.2011
Christmas wish lists
The kids keep announcing new things that they'd like this year for Christmas.
I have to remind them that the lists were made last month for a reason. Santa is done shopping. Santa has even finished wrapping.
On the top of their wish lists this year...
Tyler--a hammock, a watch, bike pedals, Indiana Jones movies, The Lost Hero series, a new pocket knife, an electric scooter , Star Wars legos, Wii games.
Jared--Harry Potter Legos, Wii or DS video games, a bike with shocks, a new scooter, Knex roller coaster, a trampoline, an ugly doll and a guitar.
Evan--super sonic race set, a remote control plane, a DS, a watch, hot wheels tracks, anything angry birds, legos, Imaginex super heroes.
Anna--dollhouse furniture, a Lalaloopsy doll, a pillow pet, a piggy bank, Hello Kitty watch, a pink clock, a pink scooter, Rapunzel doll...
AND...get this...If you were to ask Anna what she wants most for Christmas, she will say a...
Camelbak!
She is such a Kunz!
12.06.2011
2011...A Great Year
This year, I managed to get it together. Christmas cards are addressed and stamped and ready to go. I opted to not write the traditional family letter, but instead sent our friends and family to the blog for our 2011 update. Here on the blog, I feel a bit more comfortable bragging on my kids and telling the truth on how things are really going down!
Anna (4 1/2)
- Plane flight to Michigan with Mom and road trip all over the state meeting grandparents, great grandparents and aunts and uncles, and cousins!!
- Turning 4 and her very first trip to Build a Bear! Being 4 also means attending preschool every single day. This gal is a social bug and loves spending time with her friends!
- Music and Movement class where she was able to dress up in her leotard and skirt and wear tights all day long.
- Helping Mom plant and harvest a garden. She could be found during the summer eating basil straight from the garden!
- Getting to know her Utah girl cousins! Anna was able to see every single one of her 27 cousins in 2011!--that was until baby Kaitlyn was born in October. She can't wait to meet her, too!
- Riding her very first roller coaster, The Ghoster Coaster (aka The Scooby Doo) and sitting in the front with her hands up the entire time. She was so proud!
Evan (6 1/2)
- Playing t-ball for the Orioles and sliding into home base. He came home covered in dirt after each game!
- Hiking, hiking and more hiking! His two little legs took him to Delicate Arch, all over Goblin Valley, to the top of the "Y" on Y Mountain and through the hot Valley of Fire.
- Mastering the art of playing games on our phones and finding every moment possible to sneak away and play video games. We did manage to pull him away long enough for him to begrudgingly learn how to ride his bike--now if he could only get on it by himself!
- Growing an amazing 3 inches during his 6th year! His large growth spurt was able to qualify him to make it on some of the smaller Kings Dominion roller coasters! He was a happy boy!
- Visiting Grandma and Grandpa in UT. We were able to spend 2 1/2 weeks in UT visiting family this summer.
- With poofy unbrushed hair and while wearing sneakers, he reached the coveted 54 inches! He has become a roller coaster junkie!
- Spending his birthday at Arches National Park and walking underneath Delicate Arch, although Landscape Arch was his favorite.
- Going to Kings Dominion 10 times during the summer! His favorite thing was being 305 feet in the air while on the Intimidator.
- Having his Dad coach his baseball team. He loves baseball and is a fearless natural at it. Catcher is his favorite position to play.
- Feeding Atlantic sharpnose sharks while at Myrtle Beach.
- Memorizing facts and details about every roller coaster at Cedar Point. Dreaming that he will one day be able to experience the thrill of it.
- Attending boy scout camp with his Dad and friends. He was busy while there and earned 12 merit badges!
- "Graduating" from elementary school. He earned the Citizenship Award (bragging here--only 8 kids in his grade earn this), all A honor roll and the President's Education award. He works hard and it pays off.
- Goblin Valley was the highlight of his UT trip. He loved exploring this large natural playground (we all enjoyed it).
- Starting middle school. His calendar is now busier than mine! Between French and pre-algebra studies, he's also filling his time with the robotics club, playing the cello and participating in the school play.
- Thanksgiving break, Myrtle Beach, baseball season, mountain biking and trips to Kings Dominion were other highlights for Tyler in 2011.
- Finally ridding myself of the awful cough. I had sinus surgery over the summer and wow! What a difference it made!
- Being able to see so many loved ones over the year. I was able to see all of my nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents and even some dear friends. Spending a whole week with my sister almost made me wish I lived in UT again. Almost.
- Family bike rides. Pulling Anna along was tough, but I love that we have this activity to do together. Biking to see the DC monuments was my favorite ride of the year.
- Baking cupcakes for a few weddings (and just for fun). I still love doing this but have cut back because the sugar issue is reeking havoc on my children's teeth (and my waistline).
- Starting a new job. I haven't "worked" in over 10 years! I'm now teaching music at Anna's preschool. It's only a few hours a week, so it's a great fit for me and I love spending time with the children.
- Being released as our ward's Primary president (over the childrens organization at church) and being called as the Stake primary president (over the 10 congregations in our area). Still not too sure how I'm feeling about this one!
- Spending the last few weeks of the year in Japan. It's been over a year since he's been able to go back and he's missed it. Hopefully, he's eating lots of good curry, ramen and sushi for us!
- Kayaking! He spent the summer working on flipping his kayak in a friends pool and he enjoyed a few kayak adventures with friends.
- Boy Scout high adventure with the Varsity Scouts. They canoed (Rob kayaked), rock climbed, went shooting and came home with tons of stories to share. He's enjoyed working with this group of boys as their scout leader.
- Taking the kids rock climbing, mountain biking with the boys, teaching the family how to kayak, coaching the kids in baseball--being an all out adventurous, on the go father and husband. Saturdays are always fun-filled around here!
- Working on his newest toy--a pop up trailer that we inherited from our generous neighbors when they moved away. He has lots of traveling and camping dreams for us next summer (and as long as they don't involve sleeping in a tent, I'm on board)!
- Continuing to work at Lockheed Martin. Travel this year has been a lot less, but the work load has kept him very busy. Rob's job has been very good to him and we feel blessed because of all his hard work.
11.20.2011
Extreme Sports
Have you ever heard of a PlasmaCar? (aka Wiggle Car)
We have 3 of them.
These little cars can hold up to 220 lbs and have a 6 month warranty. But we're here to tell you that they have withstood the test of time and have endured much abuse over the past few years that we have had them.
Meant to be a child's toy, these cars have taken on the label of "extreme". When our children (or the neighbors) ride on them, helmets are required. And sometimes we insist on knee and elbow pads--only because several months ago, Tyler took a nice slide down the street after his speed machine tipped over. He knows the definition of road rash!
Basically what you do is start at the top of the hill, speed down as fast as you can and either fly off the bike jump or whip into the driveway at the sharpest angle possible.
Today, the boys took advantage of all their Dad's hard work from raking up the leaves...
10.31.2011
Happy Halloween
10.27.2011
Worry Wart
Headed out on a field trip with my 6th grader today. 6th graders and a rainy day...I didn't think would be a good combination, but it was kind of sort of fun. However, I did not come home with any pictures. So sad.
I did come home with lots of thoughts, though. Maybe more like anxieties.
I hated my high school experience, middle school wasn't as bad. I was the quiet one. Some would say shy, I prefer quiet. I'd talk to people, converse in class, but outside of school I was not really close with too many school friends. I remember all of the anxieties that I felt. At that age, friends and relationships are important. Don't get me wrong, I did have friends. Just not at my school. So it kind of sucked.
Tyler is our quiet one. So I curiously watched his interactions with his peers while on the field trip.
And I really probably have no reason to worry. But I do. Because I don't want him to go through what I did. And with his closest friends in his grade moving or going to a different school, I can tell that he is bummed. He interacted and laughed with and talked to the other kids, but I could see in his eyes that he wasn't happy (or as happy as he could be). He was more happy about what they were doing on the field trip (science related) rather then the social aspects of it.
And that's ok, right? I need to just top worrying about it, right?
He is well liked. He is active in school--taking French, cello, robotics club, school play, etc...He likes the challenges that school offers. I'm sure his quiet personality will settle into a happy school routine.
So what's the problem...
me.
Stop worrying!
9.12.2011
I'm All Alone
Anna went back to school today.
I kind of missed her. I kept turning around in the car wondering why it was so quiet. One time, I even opened the door to get her out.
But I do look forward to going to the grocery store tomorrow...by myself!
A few hours of peace everyday. Weird.
And our afternoons of shoe shopping and lunch dates...awesome!
9.09.2011
I will never forget.
As the days inch closer to the 10th anniversary of 9/11, my mind has been going back to that day...
I drove Rob to work that morning around 8 am. I gathered up Tyler, 19 months at the time, and put him in the car for the drive across town. As we walked out of the apartment (just a few blocks from where we lived now), I remarked about how beautiful it was outside while noticing the blue cloudless sky as an airplane flew over head, heading to Dulles airport.
Once we were home, I turned on the tv (which at that time in my life was out of the ordinary--not so much now, though) to Good Morning America just as the first airplane hit the World Trade Center tower. I watched in shock. Did that really just happen? I immediately called Rob. "An airplane hit the World Trade Center." He didn't seem too shocked. Having lived in Manhattan for 2 years as an LDS missionary, he thought I meant a small airplane came close to a skyscraper. But watching it live, you just knew that something awful had happened. When the airplane hit the Pentagon, I felt like I couldn't breath. This was all happening a little too close to home. It wasn't too long after that that I was not able to even call my husband because all of the phone lines went down. And I sat there on the couch, glued to the tv, holding my son as tight as I could for what seemed like days. Crying.
I wondered what the effect of this would have on me and my family. I wondered what this would feel like 10 years later. I wondered if my children would ever really understand this incredible event.
I was watching a news report this morning with interviews of random people and how their lives are different since 9/11.
I don't know if the events of 9/11 have necessarily changed the outcome of where my life is now, ten years later. I still would have had 3 more children. We still would have moved to the homes that we did. We still would have stayed active in our church. I still would be a stay at home mom. Rob would still work for the same company. 9/11 or not.
But obviously it has changed me in many ways.
I'm more grateful to the loved ones that I have in my life. I appreciate more that they are with me.
I'm more sensitive to saying things like "I'm so blessed that we are all ok" or "it's a miracle that he lived" because so many people were not "so blessed" or did not receive that miracle. I think it jaded me a little bit and tested my faith.
I came out with a better understanding that God does not control us or the choices of others. That man is responsible for his own actions. And sometimes (often times), we suffer the consequences of others choices. Innocent people, even children suffer at no fault of their own. God can help us with that, though. He can help us to not be bitter or hateful or to feel hopeless or alone.
I'm more patient to those around me that I don't know. Every person has a story. Every person is loved by someone. Who am I to judge them by a quick glimpse into their life at the check out counter or behind the steering wheel.
I'm more concentious to what my children need to know and what they should know. I want them to feel safe, but I don't want them to be naive. I'm cautious as to what they see on tv or hear in the news. I remember how watching those events on tv made me feel. I don't think children need to or should feel that way. So we rarely watch the news in our home.
This past weekend, we took visited the Pentagon Memorial with our children. Obviously, they will not remember the events from 10 years ago, they were not born yet (or too young know what was happening). But we want them to understand. I think they do.
9.06.2011
No tears.
I didn't even shed one tear this year.
Not even when Tyler left for his first day of middle school.
I think all of the bickering from the past week made it a little easier on me.
But I will anxiously await for their return home so I can hear all about their first day, hoping all day that they are doing well.
I'm going to have to keep myself busy today or it's going to be a long day.
Is it 3 o'clock yet?
9.05.2011
Summertime
We had such a great summer!
We played our days away at the pools, ran around Kings Dominion, pushed ourselves on bike rides, hiked around national and state parks, visited lots of family, explored all over Utah, experienced out first earthquake, ate one too many cupcakes, kayaked together,...
We barely took time out to practice our handwriting or piano. I think we might have pulled up the multiplication table app--once! We did manage to read a few books, but never made it to the library. Yard work and gardens fell by the wayside. The carpets are stained with dirt from running in and out of the house and the house needs a good scrub down from lack of cleaning.
We just played, played and played some more.
It was an exhausting summer, but so so much fun.
That was all up to two weeks ago.
Today, I'm ready. Ready for a nap.
Tomorrow, Tyler starts middle school. And he is so excited about it. A little nervous, but mostly excited.
Jared will begin 4th grade with a much smaller class size and lots of opportunities for the attention that he needs and deserves.
Evan wants nothing to do with 1st grade or school in general. I'm hoping that he'll be able to hold it together and at least be nice to his teacher.
Anna starts preschool next week and she is so excited about seeing all of her friends at her school.
My plans for the day Anna starts school (September 12th)?--NOTHING! I'm giving myself one day to just be lazy, to stay in my pjs and take a break. And maybe even take an afternoon nap! Just one day.
After one day, I'm sure I'll be bored and wishing I had my children around to go on some more adventures!
Back to school is so bitter sweet.
8.26.2011
54"
Jared came downstairs on Wednesday morning wearing about 7 pair of socks.
I was in no mood for games. He was supposed to be upstairs brushing his teeth and hair.
And he still hadn't even touched the piano keys for his practice or picked up the broom to finish up his kitchen work.
Instead he was trying on socks.
This is a normal scenario in our home.
Something is always distracting him.
Today it was socks.
Or trying to make himself taller.
I'm disappointed in myself, though that I didn't stop to see the humor in the moment.
I would love to have a photo of his feet about right now. They were so huge and fat, covered in all those socks...different sizes and various colors.
Instead, I sent him upstairs to put on only ONE pair of socks and to hurry up because we were going to Kings Dominion and needed to leave.
I'm happy to report that Jared did not need all of those socks.
He just needed to forget to brush his hair (again, he was distracted!).
For the first (and probably only) time this season, he received the coveted orange 54" bracelet.
Which is pretty much the golden ticket to ride EVERYTHING at Kings Dominion.
Including...
The Crypt
And the ever so frightening Intimidator 305!
Jared thinks that his life is now complete...
except that he still has not been to Cedar Point!
8.14.2011
We've been gone
We just got back from a 2 1/2 week repos in UT. Some time was spent in the Salt Lake area. We had a few adventures in Southern UT and we relaxed in Utah County.
I can't believe all of the adventures and fun that we squeezed into this short amount of time. We visited one National Park (Arches), 2 State Parks (Goblin Valley and Valley of Fire), hiked one mountain, visited 2 temple visitor centers, hit a waterpark, swam 5 times, tasted cupcakes from 4 shops, made our own cupcakes, ate delicious food, picnicked in the mountains, splurged at 2 farmer's markets, shopped and shopped, toured BYU and went bowling, went tubing, dug for trilobites...and spent loads of time with cousins, family and friends!!
I think it's going to take just as long to recover!
7.22.2011
His latest obsession...
After a long 2 days spent at a nearby amusement park (King's Dominion), my almost 9 year old son came stumbling into my room last night, all sleepy eyed.
"Mom, I'm so tired! I can't sleep!"
"What's up, Jared?" (My kind way of saying "This better be good because you just woke me up!")
"I keep thinking about Cedar Point. I want to go so bad!"
(Cedar Point is an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. They're known for their extreme roller coasters and thrill rides.)
I couldn't be mad because I could understand. It's that excited feeling you get before leaving on a vacation or you just had the best day ever and you can't stop replaying the events in your mind.
The problem...he's never been to Cedar Point and we have no plans to go, at least until next year, and that's even a maybe...
He's been scouring their website. He knows all of their height requirements. He's watched extreme videos. His ride route has been planned out.
We have an adrenaline junkie on our hands!
Good think my husband is his father.
I like myself a good roller coaster, but I have no desire to ride the swings 301 ft. in the air or drop from 272 feet in the air at 72 mph or almost blackout while going down a 85 degree angled slope!
I don't even like to watch my kids do these things.
Jared used to be my little blue eyed baby.
All cute and cuddled up on me while I rocked him to sleep.
How did he turn into a 9 year old boy who prefers to go about life hanging upside down?
I sure hope an adventurous birthday at Arches National Park is going to be enough to thrill this child!
An early Happy Birthday to my wild child!!
7.14.2011
Giving myself some time
Funny how sinus surgery recovery makes you feel like you have the worst sinus infection in the world!
I'm grateful, though. Really.
I didn't have to have my nose packed.
My nose didn't even bleed.
So no gauze mustache for me!
I just have the worlds worst headache.
But that should be expected, right?
Someone was just all up messing around near my brain.
I've managed one excursion a day since surgery on Monday.
Tuesday I went to a breakfast with friends from church. This was kind of pointless as I barely remember a thing and I believe I fell asleep a few times.
Wednesday was the grand opening of Cafe Rio in Manassas. I've been so excited about this day that I didn't want to miss it. My head throbbed and the place was noisy, but it was worth it!
And today I ran to the grocery store to buy ingredients to make Butterbeer Cupcakes in honor of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Making cupcakes will be Fridays adventure and seeing the movie will be Saturdays.
And hopefully by the weekend I'll be feeling much better!
We've got vacation to get ready for!!!!
7.04.2011
Family, Food, Friends and Fireworks
We hope that you are all enjoying your 4th.
We finished up a 9 mile bike ride with our family and some friends this afternoon. Made a little stop for some ice cream while riding.
Now off for a hot dog feast and and some fireworks with friends.
We're bringing these...
7.02.2011
Don't Be A Chicken
Evan was by far the smallest child on his team, but because of the size of his head he had to wear the largest helmets. Whenever he'd squeeze that thing on, he'd remind me of Chicken Little from the Disney movie. Chicken Little loved to play baseball and his helmet would almost swallow him whole!
This week while waiting at the orthodontist, I picked up an easy reader book for Evan to read while we waited.
Life can never be simple for Chicken Little—trouble always seems to fall on him. But he’ll never give up, even when challenged by bullies and aliens. This simple Step 1 reader shows that if you believe in yourself, you can overcome anything—even if you’re the smallest chicken in town!
Cutest book ever. I really don't worry about Evan "giving up" right now. The child has so much spunk and excitement for life that it doesn't even phase him that he's a little smaller and slower then the rest of the kids. I do silently worry, though, about bullies (and aliens). His size difference will start to show more and more the older he gets. I sure hope his classmates and the kids he associates with will be kind. And I hope Evan continues to have that never give up attitude even if he is the smallest chicken in town.
6.30.2011
Music and Movement
Anna LOVED her Music and Movement class this year with the fabulous Ms. Emily. She eagerly waited for each and every Thursday to come so she could go to her dance class. Sadly, Anna will have to find something different to do next year on her Thursdays as Ms. Emily is moving out of state. I don't know if we'll be able to find another class to top it...
The end of the year performance did not disappoint and was filled with all kinds of cuteness.
Like this...
Next year it will be all preschool and Mommy time for Anna. I need to cherish this last year of my last child being home with me. Sniff. Sniff.
