Summer Over, School Begins



 It shouldn't surprise you that I didn't update my blog on our Summer adventures.  Life with 5 kids 24/7 doesn't allow for much free time, unless it's 10 o clock pm and then I'm tired and usually in bed.  During the Summer, we did a lot of fun activities at home, we went to the Zoo, we went to St. George for one week, and Aaron and I had the opportunity to go to Bren's (Aaron's cousins) wedding in California.  The kids stayed in Utah, with Aunt Lindsey, and had a lot of fun.  Grandma Wendy also came home from Virginia.  She has been away from Utah, for many years while she has served in the Military.  We have missed her greatly and are so glad she is home!

 

School is once again in session. I think the kids were ready to go back to school.  The pictures above where taken the first day of school, Aug. 20, 2013. Ellie is starting 8th grade, Savannah 5th grade, Abagail 3rd grade, Dayton 1st grade, and Taylon is starting his 2nd year of preschool.  So far the kids are loving their teachers. 

 

A couple big things are happening for my girls this year.  Ellie tried out for the school musical and made it as the Story Teller.  We are not sure how big or how small the part is but she is very excited.  She practiced singing, "I could have danced" from My Fair Lady non-stop for two weeks so that she would be able to audition for the musical. Savannah tried for Student Council.  She didn't make it but we were so proud of the courage it took her to run for office.  She came home from school after elections and said, "I didn't make it but there is still next year, junior high, and high school!" Savannah will also be starting music lessons and learning to play the Clarinet.  Abagail was Baptized August 31st.  We are so proud of her and the decision she made to me Baptized.

 

 Now I know I've said this once, but I'll say it again.  (Hopefully this time I'll do it.)  I know I still need to post some individual posts about each of the kids. Until then....       



Dayton Graduates from Kindergarten: May 17th 2013

Dayton Graduates from Kindergarten

 

 

Kindergarten All day, AM, and PM classes

Dayton walking across the stage. (It's to bad I snapped the picture right as he was finishing the stairs.)

Dayton in his cap holding his diploma.

 

May 17th was a big day for us.  Not only was it my 32nd Birthday, it was Dayton's Kindergarten graduation.  I can't believe his first year of school is already over.  Dayton has learned so much this year.  He went into Kindergarten barley being able to recognize ALL alphabet letters.  Dayton ended Kindergarten as one of the best readers, and on a 1st grade reading level. He learned at least 100 site words. Dayton is writing stories, writing numbers past 100, doing addition and subtraction, and so much more.  He loved Kindergarten and is excited for first grade.

 

In March we introduced "zone" chores to the kids.  Each kid has an area they have to clean each Saturday.  Dayton embraced this idea.  He is the first to get a rag and go dust his room.  He completes all his tasks without being reminded.  He asks if he can do more and often helps me complete my zone.  I love how willing Dayton is to help anyone who is in need. 

 

Dayton is a very sweet, lovable, mild tempered little, I mean six year old, boy.  He is excited about life and trying new things.  Dayton loves playing outside.  You can often find him trying to solve a mystery or playing capture the flag with the neighbor kids.  If anyone is being mean to his sister, he stands up for her and comes home and lets me know what's going on.

 

Dayton is looking forward to playing with his friends and enjoying the summer with his family. 

I LOVE YOU little D.  Happy Graduation! 

 

 

30 Day Challenge

It's been a couple busy days since my last post.  I am continuing with the 30 day mom/marriage challenge. It's gone really well except sometimes I find it hard to do these things x6!  Here is where we are at.

Day 2: Mom challenge- go the whole day without yelling
            Marriage challenge- go the whole day without correcting your husband

Day 3: Mom challenge- Hug your kids three times
            Marriage challenge- Hug your husband three times

Day4:  Missed- I'll make up this one!  I love the idea!
            Mom challenge- Kiss your children while they are asleep
            Marriage challenge- Kiss your husband the first time you see him in the morning

Day 5: Mom challenge- Say to yourself, "He/She is only _____ years old.  He's still a child" Then   treat him that way.
            Marriage challenge- Tell yourself, "He really loves his family, and he is doing his best for us."

Day 6: Mom challenge- Bake, make or buy them their favorite food.  (Really hard to do with five kids!!!!)
            Marriage challenge- Bake, make, or buy his favorite food.

Day 7: Mom challenge- Leave a sweet note for them
            Marriage challenge- Leave a sweet not for him

Day 8: Today
            Mom challenge- Calculate how many weekends are left until your child graduates from high school.
            Marriage challenge- Put at least one date night on your calendar this month.

Day 1 answers: Something you would like to do in the month of May
            Taylon- It's no surprise that Taylon said, "Play with Nana and go to school." However after hearing the other kids responses, he changed his to Play with Nana and go swimming.
             Dayton- Go swimming and make a pizza
             Abbie- Play family games and go swimming
             Savannah- Go to Nickelcade and ??? I'll have to ask what the 2nd was
             Ellie- Play outside family games and ???? I'll have to ask.  I guess I waited to long to blog.
             Aaron- Go to the park
             Me- No one asked but I wanted to take the kids to icecream (which we did that same day) and do a Cinco de Mayo dinner which we also did!

Yeah for my goals checked.  Now I guess we have to plan a date to do swimming.

          

A FRESH START

The last two and a half years have been filled with many challenges for our family.  We have faced obstacles that I never dreamed I could overcome or we as a family could overcome.  I can honestly say that some of these trials, I have not faced with very much grace.  However, as I look back I have learned something from each of these experiences. 

The last six months have been filled with anxiety, depression, and a lot of fear.  With some advice from many concerned parties, I realized it was time to take back my life. When this decision was made, I realized I REALLY wanted to become a better Wife and a better Mother.  This has been my mission and will continue to be!!! 

Being 31 and having five kids under the age of 12 has not been easy.  I have struggled with being a mom and not always a healthy Mom.  I have always cared for my children.  However, it is embarrassing to think that it has taken this long to realize that I not only want to care for my children but I want to really get to know them on a more personal level. I now look and my kids and think of how much I have missed the last three years.  My youngest, Taylon, was only one when I faced the challenges that came with the psedotumor ceribri and the medication side effects.  He has grown leaps and bounds as have all my children.  My oldest, Elizabeth started Jr. High this year and is about to turn 13.  Oh, how time flies!!!  Over the next couple weeks as I begin blogging again, I hope to update you on my children and how they have changed since my last posts.    

My new challenge:  Getting to know my husband and children on a more personal level. 

A few weeks ago we started  several new "traditions" I guess you could say.  One of my favorites takes place at the dinner table. I have always loved family dinner time.  Since Aaron and I married 13 years ago, we have always felt it was important to have meals around the table.  We turn off  distractions (t.v.  however, we need to add cellphones to this because lately they have become a HUGE distraction) and we enjoy each others company. We go around the table and ask, "What was your worst part of the day, and what was the best part of your day?"  It is fun to get to know what bothers someone in the day and what makes them happy.  We have learned that at every meal Taylon is going to say the exact same thing.  His worst part of the day is not going to school and his best part of the day, everyday, he says, "Playing with Nana."  

I have wanted to find some new ideas to start with the kids. I have loved finding ideas on Pinterest so I searched out kids activities.  I came across a couple 30 day challenges.  Being May 1st, I decided it would be a great time to start the 30 Marriage/30 Mom challenge I found at www.imom.com. 

May 1st Marriage challenge: Ask, "What can I help you with today?"
              Mom challenge: Ask, "What is one thing we can do together this month?"

Tomorrow, I will post the results from today.  As well as an update on Ellie.