The last few weeks

Here we go:

Faith

is the worst tantrum-er I’ve ever had, or seen for that matter.  I won’t detail the last few days, because I don’t want to revisit them, but for posterity (specifically Faith’s children):  SHE IS THE MOST STRONG WILLED CHILD I HAVE EVER HAD.

is IN NURSERY!  That was me doing the jump where you click your heels together on the way back down the hall.  She didn’t cry a single tear (because she only cries when she’s not getting exactly what she wants and nursery, with all its toys and great leaders and kids, is apparently what she wants.) 

is speaking in sentences:  “Go side! (outside)” and “Book Fall” and “Dad bye, bye”.  She’s insanely smart and verbal.

is happy to read books for 11.5 hours a day.  Don’t even start if you come over because she’ll never, EVER let you stop.

 

Seth

is reading.  I’ve never had a child read before kindergarten.  This is why I’m sending him to kindergarten even though he’ll only be 5 and 9 days old when school starts. 

is tying his shoes!  I did one teaching session and the next day, put him in the car with his shoes in his hands and told him I’d tie them when we got to the store.  I went to get him out and they were tied.  Well.

lost his Sharing bag and cried his eyes out, because he had glitter balls (explanatory post to follow) to share.  Gabe found it and I have never seen a happier 4 year old.

joined Jane in the elementary school’s backward day.  He wore his clothes backward until bedtime.  He look ridiculous.

 

Jane

also cries all the time.  What am I doing wrong?

is also smart.  She LOVES LOVES LOVES school and is reading on a 3rd grade level and aces her math everything. 

got out the sprinkler on our one 80 degree day a few weeks ago.  Faith joined her.

is DYING to be made Family Star of the Week and I even planned to give her the award this last Sunday (for a really sweet, self-initiated, humble apology to a neighbor girl she had been mean to), but she came up to me on Sunday and said, “Mom?  I think you should give Dad the Star of the Week, today.”  (Stay tuned to find out why.)

 

Gabe

 

has struggled with mornings, completely jobs in any decent manner and being honest about those things.  We came up with the idea to give him all of the “After dinner jobs”.  He’s in one area, NOT in the morning and his performance is easily monitored.  It takes him 30-60 minutes to sweep, clear the table and load the dishwasher but he does it.  I’m pretty proud of him.  Plus, he’s been on time for the bus every day for 2 weeks straight.

ran 4.5 miles in 45 minutes for his school’s after school running program.  He left me the cutest note asking to run with me some days.  Like I’d say no to that.

received his Bear badge at Scouts.

LOVES his teacher.  Mr. Olsen is the best and Gabe comes home excited about what they are learning every day.  They picked Wax Museum people and he got Dale Chihuly.  He said “No one else wanted him, Mom!”  Can you tell whose mother was a Humanities major?  And went to a Chihuly exhibit last year?

is saving his little heart out for….a trumpet!  (?)  Mr.Olsen plays the trumpet as does Cool Older Cousin, Austin, so that’s what Gabe is dying to do.

 

Emma

was as excited as the rest of us to receive 4 free tickets from Ryan’s co-worker to go to the Little House on the Prairie musical.  She, along with Gabe, Jane and Mom, had a great time.

was complimented by my neighbor for her help.  Laura was hosting book club and needed someone to come do the vacuuming, table setting, etc.  The next time we saw each other she raved about how incredibly helpful and enjoyable and interesting to talk to Emma was.  Emma’s kind of a gem.

was given the responsibility of setting her own alarm for her early morning violin class.  Sleeping in: 4, violin class: 2.

 

Ryan

found out he doesn’t need to take the GMAT to officially apply to his MBA program (they’ve changed their policy and will accept the GRE he took a few years ago.  For his OTHER master’s degree).  So…the last 3 months of studying?  Pointless.

was put in the Bishopric last week.  You don’t need to leave me consoling comments, wondering how in the heck he’s going to go to school, work, city council, church and be a father and husband.  You can if you want, actually, but we DO believe that callings bring a) Miracles and b)Blessings.

Jessica

wants to train for a marathon every single week of her life.  Her knees feel differently.  (MAY 15!!!!)

is trying to love this aging face and body (Seth asked me yesterday: “Why does your skin crack by your eyes, Mom?”  That’s what I want to know, buddy.)

The whole family

enjoyed a visit from Grandma Dorrie and her fiancé Rick.  We love showing off the hikes, desserts, gardens and crazy weather Spokane has to offer.

had the best time with Grandma and Grandpa Nut, when they sweetly came up last weekend to participate in Ryan’s High Priest Ordination and calling.  We had a blissful, spiritual time with them.  Thanks, also, to Uncle Doug, Aunt Marcy, Alex, Heather and Kevin for being part of a sweet day.

  

can’t take a decent Easter picture to save their lives.

 

Phew.  Done.