A Busy Sunday and so on

This year our primary is doing something a little different.  They have been sending home a bag with a child and asking them to bring back three or four items that represent them.  Andi has done it and I think she just grabbed the first few items she saw.  But Jackson recently did it and I loved the thought he put into it.

Hockey trophy because he loves playing hockey and playing with his friends.

Scriptures (made easy) because he enjoys reading the scriptures stories at night as a family. (and believe me, the kid can tell you more scripture stories than I ever could)

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid because he collects them and enjoys reading them over and over.

The notebook/journal because he feels this particular picture of a fireplace in a home is one of his best drawings yet.

I love all the ways in which he captured himself and I am proud of his self recognition.  People goes years trying to figure out who they are and what they stand for and I'm so happy he already knows.

 That sunday I left a bit early to meet the Barron's in LA for Jasymn's dance competition.  On my way I noticed Andrew's truck had been moved and just so happened to be blocking in the truck of one of his young men.  The other truck on the right, helping him to block in the kid, is Jake, the other Young Men's leader.  Boys will be boys!

I was happy to be invited to Jasymn's showcase because this family really does mean a lot to me and it's so rare I get to spend time with them anymore.  And Melanie, Melanie will always mean so much to me.

Some families in our ward have met together for years now at the park on Sunday evenings every Spring.  That sunday was one of the first ones and it was fabulous getting out there with the kids before the week began.  This goes on for only a short period of time but is memorable nonetheless.

 I love capturing cute moments between Cole and Jacob - here they're excitedly watching as Brother Pyne flew his remote control helicopter.  Aren't they adorable!?!

I've been subbing a lot, lately, and for the most part have really enjoyed it.  I did not enjoy the day I showed up and found out I'd only have students three out of the six periods because that makes for an incredibly long day.  And to top it off, the teacher for which I was subbing seems to have a bit of dementia (so I've been told) and as a result left me notes that weren't all that competent.  I mean no offense to this person but when it comes to the education of young ones, there really should be something more a school could do to get the very best in their classrooms.

 Mr. Ryan is one interesting child.  He throws away an ice cream sandwich so he can come in and eat fresh strawberries.  He'd pick an apple over a doughnut and yet, he's my pillsbury doughboy.  Genes are an interesting thing.

 Melanie drove Jaz over one night to drop off a thank you card and flowers for attending her showcase.  Super, super cute card.

 Almost every Tuesday when I pick up the boys they ask for sushi.  

 So Andi had a bit of an issue in the dugout during one of her games.  A couple boys kicked over her princess bottle because "it's a baby cup".  It baffles me that this type of behavior happens at such a young age and in such a setting.  Parents, coaches, adults are all around and these kids aren't even afraid of that fact.  What would they be willing to do in private?

 Kaelyn, Talia and Jacob chose to come with us to the fields one Tuesday instead of going home with their dad.  Talia was adorable as she participated as the bat girl for Andi and Ryan and Kaelyn closely watched Jackson's game while Jacob played with Cole.  It was a great day.

I began perusing Pinterest for some Easter ideas for Cole's preschool class.  He quickly joined this search and made a list of his preferences.  Because he's got the daddy he has, his first wish was granted and Cole happily brought chocolate covered peeps.  Eww!  Oh, and the Easter party was celebrated on April 2nd so of course it was crazy mixed up day.  Hence the outfit.

A Break from Hockey

Juana and Ito sent Ryan and Cole their birthday gift and card in the mail and let's face it, it's always fun to receive mail that isn't demanding you pay them something!  But the real reason I'm posting these pictures is because the messages they each wrote each child shows just how much they know and love each one.  The fact that they have a personal connection and relationship with all four of my kids means more than words can express.

 Speaking of bonds, I'll tell ya Cole is one lucky four year old.  He has two of the very best friends and couldn't be happier about it.  Hunter was a stud and happily hung out with me while Cole and Jacob had to go to school but he was over the moon when it was time to pick them up.

 And the streak continues as I am reminded of how lucky I am for incredible friends.

 After gymnastics one day, Andi came home complaining that her heart hurt.  She went to Andrew about this and considering our family heart histories, he became worried.  I wasn't so much because I figured she's a gassy girl, it's probably just that.  A few days later she complained again and Andrew mentioned having me take her in.  This is huge for Andrew, the man that forgets doctor's really do learn something in school and might be able to give us answers we don't know.  Well, I was still hesitant knowing I had a well-check scheduled a couple weeks out.  But when she once again complained, I started thinking about her characteristics.  For one, she has an incredibly high pain tolerance - so what if it's really painful but she doesn't describe it that way.  For two, she's distracted easily - so maybe at gymnastics, or at recess, she's able to distract herself enough to not dwell on what's going on.  So, considering Wes' HCM and Ryan's VSD, I decided to schedule an appointment to check things out.  

I picked up the kids straight from school and luckily Cole and I had some Topper's leftovers from our lunch with grandpa grandpa because who doesn't come home from school hungry!?!?  I thought the scene before me as I sit inside the doctor's office was pretty funny.  My little doggies outside the window didn't seem to mind the terms and conditions of eating those leftovers.

 The doctor didn't hear anything wrong with Andi's heart and explained that it was probably more likely inflammation around her lungs so that when she took deep breaths, it was rubbing and irritating her.  To be honest, I wasn't too concerned but it was also nice hearing that.  We were told to try IbProfen for a week while we waited for the referral to the cardiologist.  She never once complained again.

(Fast forward a couple weeks - I did take her to the cardiologist and everything came up normal)

 We have had to say farewell to hockey for the time being.  Baseball takes up our time Tuesdays-Saturdays and so hockey was just too much.  It was sad but also nice to have a break and look forward to returning to it.  But we have so loved watching the boys play and hang out with good friends every weekend.

 My parent's devotion and support to these games has been priceless and I just hope the kids realize how rare it is and how lucky they are.

 Ryan's last game wasn't a great one and the poor kid had three incredible goal attempts that just didn't quite make it.  Although he did earn an assist.  But they lost which was fine by me because finals were played on Sunday this season so it made it that much easier.

 Jackson's game was intense and that's really the only defense I have in not taking pictures.  The game was not played well and it was a sad way to end the season but I'm glad Jackson wasn't too broken up by it because that's always sad to see, too.  Although I do value the fact he is passionate.  Either way, it came it went and we're looking forward to the fall season.