Spring Break: Dart Wars and Skating

Because of Disneyland and an illness we missed our schools daddy-daughter dance and mother and son Dart Wars activities.   The kids were pretty upset about that.  Correction: the girls were upset.  In truth we have never done any of those school activities - the boys never cared.  But now that the girls go to school the girls REALLY care - this year we have been to back to school night, family movie night, and breakfast with Santa - all because of the girls.  

Since we missed these nights we decided to take our last Saturday before soccer season started (and last day of Spring break) and do a date.  I took the boys to dart wars - along with their friend Finn (the Groupon was for four people).  I have never participated in Dart Wars before -  just watched from the sideline.  It was pretty fun.  We had a great time together.

Jason took the girls skating (their choice).  They tried roller skating and roller blading.  Apparently it didn't go very well or last very long.  But as they were walking out to the car they declared it to be "so fun" and keep asking to go back.

Spring Break: Madison learns to ride a bike!

Last year Madison had no interest in learning how to ride a bike.  I, however, was pretty ready.  I really enjoy going on long beautiful bike rides with my kids and was ready for her to be riding on her own.  We tried all summer and fall last year - but she hardly gave it her best shot.  Her friend grew out of her bike and gave it to Madison - that was the incentive she needed because 10 minutes later (I am not exaggerating) she was riding a bike and about 20 minutes after that she was REALLY riding a bike - like turns, doughnuts, going up curves, starting on her own, ect)  It was amazing.  Now I can't get her off her bike.

SpringBreak: Soccer, Park, Library

We still had soccer practices to go to.  Megan and Noah played around for a while passing the time.

We took a bike ride to a park where Brock and Finn chased around a tumble weed and were so excited when they caught it.

And we went to the library.  After we go to the library the kids will sit in the living room like this in complete silence going through all the books for at least 2 hours - sometimes more.

Spring Break: Littleton Farm

Another day we met some ward friends at Littleton Farms.  First we had a picnic lunch.  (Well not first - they did it last but we were an hour and a half late - so we ate lunch with them first and then we went through the farm after they all went home)

The best part was watching and learning from the Black Smith.

One of my favorite things about me kids is how inquisitive they are.  There was about 20 kids watching the demonstration and my kids were the only ones that asked any questions - and they were all great questions too.  They defiantly get that from Jason.

Spring Break: Castle Rock

After Ammon left we kicked off our Spring Break.  I actually had a horrible spring break with all sorts of dental and medical issues.  I had appointments everyday and was constantly in pain.  We took it pretty east with only a few outings.  

One day we hiked Castle Rock with our good friends - The Barretts.

 I love Castle Rock becasue you can climb on all the rocks.

Megan is so funny - she likes to go off by herself and sit in quiet contemplation.  She is a lot like me.

I am so glad Jen faced her fear of heights and made it to the top with us!

Ammon's goes home

Ammon left us on Monday, March 20th to go home back to Utah.  It was very sad.  We still miss him.  We had a little going away breakfast for him with some of his friends he had made while here.  It was in the middle of Spring Break - so most couldn't make it - but we are grateful for the ones that could.

The kids made him this banner - I am sad you can't see it.  It said, "We love you, Ammon" and they all drew and wrote thing about him.

I loved having Ammon in our home.  I am so glad we took him in.  In the end it was harder than I thought it would be - I had to "mother" him more than expected - but I was happy to do it.  Having Ammon helped me to really know that I can love someone else's child like my own (which is good to know because we want to do Foster Care).  He also helped me to know that I have a lot to look forward to as my children grow up.  I don't think Ammon coming to our home the first year Madison went into Kindergarten was a coincidence - I think it was Heavenly Father's way of helping me bridge this transition and knowing that teenagers rock and are so fun - and still need a mother as much as toddlers do.  I am excited about the next ten years of mothering - when this year I could have been morning the loss of my last 10 years.

Also he appreciated me!  He has the maturity and wisdom to always be on my side when the other 4 have turned against me.  Example: EVERYONE would be complaining about what I made for dinner - Ammon said the dinner prayer and in it he Thanked Heavenly Father for all I do in the family and how hard I work to make wonderful dinners and to bless me for it.  FANTASTIC - he can stay forever as far and I am concerned!!!

The girls wanted a "girls with Ammon picture"

Madison loved coming with me everyday to pick Ammon up from High School - I am not being sarcastic - it was one of the highlights of her day!

The kids loved having Ammon around and he had a unique relationship with each one of them.  I think Brock misses him the most though - he loved having someone older to play with (and do the hard jobs).  We are on pins and needles wondering if he will come back next year - either way we hope to stay in touch forever.  We got to know his family really well and we just love them - it feels like we have always known them.  My kids think that Ammon's parents are like another set of grandparents and want to go stay at their house when we go to Utah - ha.

FYI - Jason was traveling when Ammon left so he didn't get pictures with him.

Ammon's Birthday

We got to celebrate Ammon's birthday just a few days before he moved back to Utah.  To celebrate we took him to Olive Garden - his favorite restaurant.  We also invited his best hockey friend and his mom, Pallen and Jodi - they took him to all his hockey practices and games - we COULD not have had Ammon at our home with out them. 

Ammon turned 16!

At home I had also made him a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting (his request) and got him a few gifts.  Happy Birhtday Ammon - we are so glad we got to spend the year with you.

Conference

A short pause in my updating to post about some of my current feelings.

General Conference was so wonderful.  I am so grateful for General Conference - an opportunity to realign my values and goals every six months - it is so perfect.   I needed it this year too - and I almost didn't want it.  This winter has probably been my hardest winter in a long time.  I still haven't figured out exactly why.  I almost always have a hard January or February - and in some years I have had both - but I seemed to have a hard January, February, and March.  Everything was just at an all time low.  Low on health, low on sleep, low on energy, low on happiness, low on joy, low on accomplishments, low on socialness, low on spirituality, low on desires.  Low everything.  About 2 weeks ago I realized that I needed to snap out of it so I could be prepared for General Conference, because even though my cup was empty - I didn't even really have a desire to have it filled - so it wouldn't have been.  I knew I needed knew desires.  It was kind of scary though because in the past once I am really done being "blah" I can usually snap out of it with my usual tricks.  But  this time around none of my tricks had a lasting effect.  I would feel better for a few hours - but never even for a whole day.


Well, now, after General Conference my compass is realigned.  I am feeling so refreshed and able.  I am confident in my abilities and I know in whom I can turn to for help and support.  I have a clear vision of where I want to go and what I need to do to get there.

Jason's Head Shots

Jason's co-worker offered to take some heard shots for him for his author page for his book.  I LOVE them.  

Jason's Birthday

We had a small family celebration for Jason's 32nd birthday.  It was the day before we left for Disneyland so we were all a little pre occupied - but I did manage to make him his favorite dinner and a strawberry trifle - his favorite.

One of the best things about Jason is how simple and easy he is.  The kids love him more than anything in the world and tell us (even me) on a regular basis that they like him more than me (not in a mean way - they always say they love me too - just him more).  It really doesn't bother me - I love him the most too!  He is a wonderful dad - he gives his whole heart and soul to his family.  Love you babe - Happy Birthday!