Mini-Thon

Student Council becomes more real with each year.  Understandably Isabella gets more excited about being in it too.  As they plan events, have fundraisers, design t-shirts, create party themes, build school camaraderie and help support great community causes, she gets more pumped.  I love the little person she is becoming.

Mini-thon, click on link for official page, helps support cancer patients and their families.  They are the largest student run philanthropy organization in the world.  It was started at Penn State campus and now lots of school in Pennsylvania participate. 

This year's theme was be a child's hero, they had mini snacks - you should have seen the penny sized animal crackers - and they danced and played.  It was a huge success and they were able to raise over $9,000.  Go job Boobaloo!  I love you.

This Crazy Lot of Kids

Nothing is more amusing to me than listening to the things kids say, catching a glimpse into the way they view the world.  I feel like if I can capture the crazy talk, it will one day make them laugh the way it does me.

Wyatt:  I want a girlfriend. 
Me: Why?
Wyatt:  Not a girlfriend, girlfriend, but a friend who is a girl who is open to more.  That way when I am 16 I can just date her instead of having to introduce myself to new girls.  It's like if I plan now I can just skip all the work then.

Kody:  Give me a kiss.
Me:  No, I don't trust you any more.
Kody:  Please, I won't blow air on you anymore and I haven't licked you in a long time now.

Travis:  I'm so sad we are only going to have this dog another 13 years or so.

Kody:  Mom, your teeth are so white.  Mine are yellow, I should probably brush mine more.

Happy "Golden" Birthday

Isa had her golden birthday.  It was a action movie inspired party this past weekend.  They all brought their favorite movies and vegged out.  Lots of Avenger type movies were watched and the individual pizza making and popcorn bar were big hits.  I can't believe she's 14.  Time is going too fast, but it gets better and better with every year. 

So what makes Bella so amazing...well on my short list, I have...she's:
hardworking, funny, kind, thoughtful, obedient, devoted, righteous.

Everyday she makes me proud.  Happy Birthday, sweet pea.  And so below:  you can read her annual birthday interview:

What's your favorite thing to do?
Read and write stories and hang out with friends

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Be an entrepreneur and own my own café/restaurant

What is your favorite food?
Pretty much anything

Who do you like to hang out with?
Nina and the rest of my friends, but Nina best. but don't tell them I said that.

What do you do really well? 
A lot of stuff.  I'd say I'm just a jack of all trades for the most part.

What makes you laugh?
When someone is being ridiculous and I get to be ridiculous with them.

What is the best time of day?
Probably really early in the morning before everyone is awake or really late at night when everyone is asleep.

What are you afraid of?
Not a lot, but I guess not being liked at this point.

What do you like to do with your family?
I like to go hiking, when we play card or board games on the weekends or Monday nights.

What do you like to learn about?
Math, it's becoming a pretty cool subject for me.  Learning about the number e and compounding in real life.

Where do you like to go?
I'd say my bed, because it's my alone time.

What is your favorite book?
I don't have a favorite book, but my favorite subjects is American Classics with the women; so like Secret Garden, Little Women, Little House on the Prairie.  Or Fantasy like I really like the Unwanteds.

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
I'd wish for infinite wishes, because I'm that person, but if I couldn't I'd say...I'd probably wish that life would be exactly how I want it - not too easy, but not hard, just perfect.

Sun: Nature's Original Makeup

The first warm snap of the season is always a welcome one.  There are a million and one things I want to do - lay out, get tan, exercise and play - and a million things I should do - yard work, catch up and the like.  This year I managed to do a little of both, but not near as much as I wish I could before the rain came back.

After an incident with a guy weed spraying the whole yard and killing the bulk of it last fall, we had to reseed the whole lawn.  Not only did we have to reseed, but we had to rake up the dead stuff, break up the dirt and prep the ground to accept the seed germination.  After that we had to water twice a day for at least ten days.  Never have I been so invested in the weather forecast. And the weather had to be above freezing and perfect conditions were 60-70 degrees.  Well the weather forecast looked good and so we spent three days slaving over the yard.  Each morning I woke up sore knowing that I had another day ahead of me of the "fun".

But with the warm weather I can always convince someone to come run with me.  Isabella and Travis are my most willing partners.  And with the start of track season on Monday, Isabella thought she could use the extra conditioning.  Additionally family time was spent outside together.  For family home evening, we decided to go hiking.  Despite the initial resistance, the kids had a great time, the dog was in love and I felt like I was using this time perfectly.

Last it wouldn't be a perfect first warm snap without the color of the sun.  Working and hiking outside got me just enough exercise and color to feel healthy again.  A hint of brown with a touch of pink means a couple of days with no makeup needed.  It leaves me longing for the continued warmth and sun to cut down on my get ready time.  It reminds me why I love all four seasons and why by the end of the season I am perfectly primed for the next one.  Living in Pennsylvania gives this restless girl the perfect amount of each season with its accompanying activities.  Hello Spring, I'm officially ready for you!

School Pictures 2016

Issac - 4th Grade

Kody - 3rd Grade

Accomplishments

Isabella and Wyatt participated in the Lancaster County "Who Wants to Be the Chemist" competition.  Although neither made it to states...both did great and proceeded through several rounds. 

I put together this awesome puzzle.  Oh how I love a good puzzle.

Travis and I already got down to the temple for the month of March.  Yay!

Both Kody and Issac participated in the Pinewood Derby.  Kody made a great showing, but didn't place.  Issac on the other hand was first in his age group and 2nd overall.  It remains to be seen if he will pay the fee to move onto District competition.

 

On the horizon is the start of Kody's baseball and Isabella's track season which I'm sure will bring them many accolades.  Additionally Isabella is making a ukulele with Travis for a school project.

The kids continue to do well in school.  Kody making more of an effort than every and seeing some of the rewards of that.

 

I hope that my kids are always as driven and motivated as they are now!