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.