i love my kids

Saturday all the kids had plans. Carson's Webelos pack joined the 11 year old scouts on a hike. They hiked 5 miles in about 2 hours. When I picked him up he wanted to show me the park/school they played at. Of course he convinced me to stop to let him play. 

Karlee had a basketball game that Brian took her to. We had four families move away since last year taking with then 7 girls. Our team is a little sad now. It sounded like she still played well though. 

Last night both Mason and Karlee had plans at friends houses. Mason went to Brian L and Karlee went to Miranda M. They have some great friends from church. I'm so glad. 

I received this wonderful picture from McKinzie today!! 31 weeks! Wahoo! I hope it's gone fast for her. It's been a quick pregnancy for me.  

We talked with Bailee tonight. She's sick... She doesn't sound good at all. I wish she was home so I could make sure she was resting and taking meds. I wish I could take care of her and make it all better.  

race to the finish

This past week Bailee sent me this amazing sunrise! She was up early helping to build a quincey, an igloo in layman words, for a class. All the groups had a competition on their quincey and only had a few days to build it. She said her group didn't win. One group had a slide. Another group had a sitting area. (Over achievers!) They slept in their quincey Friday night and said she stayed fairly warm. I know I'm repeating myself but she's having far too much fun at school!

Carson had his Pinewood Derby Thursday night. He wanted his car to look like a wand. I love the "HP" Brian added, for Harry Potter of course. 

There were 17 cars ready to compete. His was the 17th. 

At weigh in his car only weighed 1.3 oz. Brian had to get creative with the weights and it worked amazingly well. After many, many races his car came in 3rd!! The best result of all of our cars ever! Carson also received an award for "the most creative use of weights". You've got to admit his car looks pretty cool with that weight. 

musical kids

Tonight I needed a treat. While I was mixing cookies Carson serenaded me with his viola. 

The other morning I asked him if he liked playing the viola. He said it was hard. I told him it was hard to tie his shoes once. He smiled at me and headed out the door to the bus stop. I hope he continues playing. I really enjoy listening to my kids learn new instruments. 

McKinzie played the flute through her Jr. year. Then she played the piano a little during her Sr. year at my request. Bailee played drums, bell, and other instruments through middle school. She played the piano for a few years as well. Karlee has been playing the piano since 2nd grade, I think. She's currently not taking lessons but she often sits down and plays. She has an amazing talent on the piano. I hope she always plays. Mason tried the French horn for only one year I believe. He didn't care for it at all. He started taking piano lessons when he was in 4th or 5th grade intending to play the drums in middle school, but he changed his mind. He's been taking lessons here for a few months now and he has shown real talent. His fingers just know what to do. Carson tried the piano for a few years before we moved here and he struggled with it. He's glad to be playing the viola. Me too! 

This past week Karlee has been acting like a nanny for me. (I told her I would provide room and board.) She picks up Mason after his clubs. She takes Carson to a friends house. She helps the boys stay focused with homework and practice their instruments. She has often started dinner for me till I get home or made the entire meal. Today I left a grocery list and my credit card for her to run to the store. She's awesome!! I think she's enjoyed feeling like an adult too. 

all around good day

Although I'm totally exhausted, it's been a great day! 

Today was the 3rd time in 7 days I've ran (5K)! It feels soo good! My visiting teacher came over and it was a nice reminder how the "The Family, A Proclamation to the World" was inspired over 20 years ago. So many important messages in those few paragraphs. 

I chatted with Bailee about my Grandpa & Grandma Hansen, she needed to ask me questions for her family history class. I was reminded, as I read his history to Bailee, that Grandpa drove horses pulling a sleigh as a school bus shortly after they were married. So cool!! Btw, Bailee made that cute hat out of a sweater! Super cute!!

At work today the 5th graders weren't there because of a fieldtrip. The lunchroom was so quiet without them...heaven! Work also went well at the office. I entered trips into billing then Deb asked me to do some more filing. I'm grateful someone is giving me something to do. After work I filled up with gas and I loved the cost, $1.65 a gallon! I don't EVER remember getting gas this cheap. 

After dinner I finished this burb cloth, that goes with the blanket, for Brenton's new baby. Logan Parker was 6 weeks early and weighed a little over 4 lbs. I believe he'll be in the NICU for about 4 weeks.

Now I'm sitting next to Brian watching/listening to The Big Bang Theory. Our favorite sitcom by far!

The kids had church tonight. (It's nice to have a quiet evening once in awhile.) We often check the DVR to catch up on our shows without any interruptions.  

my boys

Kinzie sent me a picture of Adam's love note to me. He's getting so good with his spelling. I struggled figuring out the last word but Brian didn't have any trouble at all, hot chocolate! I sure need me some Adam time. 

Here's a sneak peek at my new project. I finished cutting out all the prints and today I've been cutting out the solid color. Still more to cut. 

These boys have spent a good portion of their day playing minecraft. We bought a new laptop a few weeks ago and it works much faster so now Carson can keep up with Mason in the game. It's not necessarily a good thing but I'm glad they spend more time together. 

a day off

It's been so nice to not go to work today. Don't get me wrong, it's still been a full day. I still got up just as early, 6:15. I ran 3 miles, that's twice this week. Then I took all the kids to the dentist. Both boys looked great while Karlee had a tiny cavity. Luckily the dentist had time to take care of if today. While we were waiting Carson was reading The Reader's Digest! He was loving it! Who knew it would be a hit for a 10 year old. He kept reading out loud all the jokes. Mason was loving it too. 

I took the kids home then ran a few errands. I couldn't believe how crazy Walmart was. I guess everyone else was off work too. 

I picked up a few things for dinner then I picked up a movie from Redbox. Brian and I will have our date tomorrow as we will go to the Temple. I decided to make dinner a little special. Since I had more time I decided to try a new dessert. I made "molten lava cake" from scratch. It wasn't difficult I just needed to plan ahead. While I was mixing it I was amazed at how it tasted exactly like the original. 

I made ribs for dinner and the boys loved it! (Unfortunately Karlee was babysitting tonight.) While we were eating I put the cake in the oven. It turned out perfect! We were amazed with the result. After dinner and dishes we watched a movie together, The Scorch Trials. Carson came and sat next to me during a few of the more intense parts. 

I was able to start a new sewing project this afternoons as well. I hope I can stay focused and finish it fairly quick. It's a gift. More good news! Carson took off his splint this morning and it seems he won't need to wear it any longer. I'm glad he didn't break it last week. Little miracles. :)

a full day

I couldn't resist this morning, I had to take yet another breathtaking picture from our driveway. It was around 20 degrees and it felt heavenly! We ended up reaching 40 degrees today. 

I spent a couple hours with this handsome boy, and a few amazing women, at a presidency meeting with the Aurora/Spanish Ward. (This is Holly B's son Sean. He's 5 1/2 months old and smiles easily. It was easy to get him to giggle too.) The Aurora Ward is struggling with budget concerns and communication. By the time we left everyone in the Stake Primary Presidency had an assignment to help with the Aurora Ward's concerns. They have their Ward conference Sunday.  

I spent the next couple hours running errands and having lunch before heading to work. I have a 4 day weekend with the kids! Wagon!!

Work was very busy for me. I was able to take care of and sort through their filing, entered a few charters, and cleared about 30 exceptions for attendance.  It was probably by busiest day yet at the office. 

Brian was at the office today. It's kind of strange when he's there. We try to keep it professional but even that's weird. He did come say hi and gave me a kiss. That made it less weird for me. 

As I headed to the car I saw the remnants of the sunset, very pink. The days are beginning to get longer and I'm grateful. 

Karlee and Mason felt pretty good about their finals this week. They are glad they're over. Karlee's biggest concern is her Calculus class. She's hoping to have a B for the semester. It'll come down to if her teacher grades on a curve or not. 

Bailee got some good news yesterday. She received a scholarship!! It's through the school and it will pay her $475. It'll cover the balance on her Badger Creek semester and give her a little for books. She was thrilled! So are we. 

Here is one of the books she needs. It's a "really cool backcountry ski book"! Such a hard life she has. 

Carson is tired of wearing the splint already. The novelty has worn off. 

boys

Another indoor recess today. That's 3 days in a row. I was grateful. My face and hands were in pain as I walked into the school, it was that cold. The kids would rather be outside but they entertain themselves well. 

With CJ wearing a splint he can't wear jeans. He can't snap them with one hand. I had to go out and buy him a few pairs of athletic pants. I really REALLY don't Ike him wearing them to school. In fact, of the 23 kids in his class only 6 had on real pants. It was either athlete pants or leggings. Sad if you ask me. Ok. I'm off my soapbox. 

winter arrived

Sunday we woke up to fresh snow. It was beautiful and COLD! When we arrived home from church at 4:30 it was -13 with the wind chill. All in all its not bad considering that the Chicago winter didn't arrive until January 10th. 

This happened yesterday as well. Before church the boys went out to sled. When there's enough snow the boys will sled down the stairs to the backyard. Carson thought there was enough snow (there wasn't). Halfway down he put his feet down to stop. The sled kept going and he fell the rest of the way down the stairs. He hurt his knee and wrist. This morning his wrist hurt more and was swollen. I took him to get X-rays and they said it was common for the break not to show up for a couple weeks. So now he's wearing a splint and he'll get more X-rays in a couple weeks. 

For as wild and crazy as this boy can be I'm surprised he hadn't broken or sprained something sooner. Love you Carson! I hope you heal quickly. 

kids

Oh the many faces of Karlee!! She missed school on Tuesday since she spent the night in the bathroom. Literally! She threw up so much she ended up grabbing a towel to keep her warm and she slept on the floor. Poor girl. Finals are next week and I'm sure she wants more time to prepare. Just over 4 months and she'll be graduated! Exciting times ahead. 

Carson wanted cake tonight but I didn't want to make one. I dug through my recipes and I found the winner! Cake in a mug cooked in the microwave! He was impressed. It ended up being more than he could eat. 

His friend AJ stayed the night last night. They played Wii and included Mason in a game of monopoly. AJ kicked their butts! I think they all had fun. 

I took this picture of Mason after he finished playing the piano. He was amazed at how much better he felt once he was finished. He said he was shaking. He agreed that the next recital he would be willing to play a hymn. That's my/our goal...to play the hymns. 

This morning he got together with scouts and passed of his welding merit badge. He enjoyed it enough that it peaked his interest as a career option. That's saying something. 

Here's her profile! Doesn't she look great?! About 2 1/2 months and he'll be here. I can't share the potential name yet but the initials are DCM. I'm hoping he comes the last week in March while I'm there for spring break. I'm ready Kinz! Are you??

Bailee keeps sending me videos of her doing crazy fun things! This is her at the top of a sledding hill. Can you see people sledding behind her? She's having a blast at school and she hasn't even been there a week. I hope she continues enjoying herself and making new friends. 

recital

Mason had his piano recital today. He was so nervous.  He was third on the program. He also said he was glad to being early, by the end no one would remember how he did. There's something to that theory. Mason played the Star Wars theme and Deck the Halls. He played them both very well.

I really wished they wouldn't have left this chair in the way. It was left close to the piano for the teacher if they needed to sit with their student. 

This is a picture of all the students that performed today. There is one boy, Miles, from Carson's school. Most we did not know,

all good...almost

Bailee sent me a couple pictures of where she'll be this semester. She'll be at Badger Creek to live, attend class and work. She's very excited about it. I hope she'll keep sharing pictures. 

This was my view as I was cleaning up breakfast this morning.  I'll never tire of of God's beauty!

Yesterday I put all of Christmas away and tidied up the storage room. It is a beautiful sight! 

Then today, when I arrived home from work, Karlee had made cookies for ME! I've soo needed these this week. If Bailee was still at home I would have asked her to make some but I hadn't asked Karlee because she often has too much homework and I didn't want to add more to her day. This was so sweet!

Monday was tough at the office. There was a special needs person there, it was only the second time I've seen her. Nobody told me her name or shared any special information about her. I was sitting at Toni's desk working on the computer and hanging up keys when all of a sudden she came at me with a key in her hand. She barely missed my left cheek. Jose mentioned she was deaf, so it was difficult to communicate with her. I figured she wanted to hang up the keys. I started putting the keys on the counter for her to hang up. She then came at me again and the key made contact with my forehead. Jose them came and stood between us. Shortly after I moved from Toni's desk. 

Jose and Toni have become more friendly, I think they're concerned once Brian here's about this there will be trouble. Funny thing is I still know know who she is. If she's there again I will not sit near her. I'm sure she'll remember and I'm not about to make it easy for her to attack me. My forehead still hurts...

stats

I've enjoyed my Fitbit more than I thought I would. This afternoon, on our way home from church, I checked the rankings. I was pleased to see I was first! It's rare for many reasons. 

When Staci was training for her half she was kicking my butt. Marcia is often #1 though. She walks miles everyday. Since I've stopped running, due to a painful knee, I'm lucky to be 3rd or 4th. Althea is another that is often above me as well. 

Just the other day I found out that Terri had a Fitbit. I almost didn't invite her to join me with her being a nurse and all. I had a feeling she walked a lot at work. 

I've checked the rankings again and Terri is first by maybe 700 steps... Tomorrow is another day. 

hard working day

We've worked hard all day. Brian put our Christmas tree away and dusted off all the fans while the kids and I cleaned and cleaned the basement along with all their regular chores. The only Christmas left is ALL the snowmen on the entertainment center. I'll probably get around to putting them away Tuesday. 

We made room, in the basement, for our new/used ping pong table! I found it on Facebook for free! Brian's favorite number! 😂 Shortly after we put it together the boys, Brian, and I played a few games. So fun!! 

The week before Thanksgiving I found the air hockey table for $50. Carson can no longer say our house is boring!!

Plus I cut a few heads. Boys need haircuts so often. 

Tonight we facetimed these cute faces!

Retta got this huge bear for Christmas! I'm not sure how she can hold it up. I'm sure it weighs more than her. 

McKinzie's belly is growing. We can't wait till April to hold their little one. Come on Spring! We're ready!!

New Years Eve

We had such a wonderful day yesterday. Mason had a scout activity at church. They used bow and arrows, knives, and tomahawks; all what a boy loves.

Then the boys cleaned up the sidewalk from the sleet this past week.

During the afternoon we went ice skating at our local rink. I think next time I need to bring my own laces. 😂

It took me a couple laps around the rink to remember how to skate. Luckily I never fell.

The kids seemed to wear out sooner than last year but they stayed strong and kept skating with me. Except Karlee, she took a break and sat with Dad for a bit.

 We were taking a selfie so Dad thought he should do the same with the big camera.  He took a great picture!

In the evening Karlee went over to Chloe's while the rest of us stayed home with good food!

Those👆🏼are peppermint sugar cookies I bought in a tube. They were so good! I'm sure I've eaten most of them. Michael was able to stay the night. All the boys had fun (so loud) together.

And of course we made donuts!! 

🎉Happy New Year!! 🎉