This school year, I have a second grader and a preschooler. School with Lucy will still be very informal and laid back but we will begin the basics with her. We are ready.
The preschooler chose her own curriculum.
“Mom thinks we’re going to go easy on her this year!”
You can tell here that Jack has grown a foot this summer.
This pretty much sums up the day.
“Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.”
– Yoda
Our first summer here has been full! We are definitely enjoying the weather. Highs in the eighties/low nineties and lows in the sixties (sometimes 50’s!). It has been perfect weather for getting outside and exploring our new state. And hosting boat loads of friends and family from the south.
Yes, you are reading the forecast right. Tomorrow, August 10th, will be a scorching high of 80° and a low of 58°. In August.
I’m so proud of this boy. He jumped in without hesitation to a brand new team and had a great first season with the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club with team Slovakia.
Summer started with his end of the season pizza party. He will be starting the fall soccer season soon.
Our church had an early Vacation Bible School. I helped out in Lucy’s room. Our children’s staff is phenomenal. The kids both agreed that the music was the best part. Lucy demanded to practice the songs and dances at home. My God is powerful! I will hold on to Him!
We’ve already been to the zoo several times.
And we found a renaissance festival! My Merida met another Merida who helped her shoot.
Lucy had no problem meeting the rats of the rat circus.
Some new friends invited us over to eat, play, feed chickens, and collect eggs.
And yet another move. We closed on our home at the end of June and moved the first week of July. Doug and I were so grateful for the church members who moved us into the apartment, out of the apartment, and into our house. We are blessed. This was the kids’ last night sharing a room together since March. Everyone was very excited to get their own rooms. Goodbye, apartment.
Four days after we moved into the house, two young ladies from our days volunteering in the college department in OK cam to visit us and Lucy had to give up her new room already. Brittni and Kayla kept us up too late, made us eat out too much, and brought a ton of energy, bad music, laughter, and sarcasm into our home for a whole week. They may be done with school, but they are still our “college girls.”
All of us spent the week exploring our area more.
This was a day trip to Palisades State Park in Garretson, SD.
The park was beautiful, but sometimes nerve-wracking as we wrangled an adventurous, headstrong little girl and a young boy intent on proving his bravery, all over the cliffs.
This is actually a view from below Devil’s Gulch Park. The legend goes that Jesse James himself out ran a posse and jumped the 20 foot gulch ensuring his getaway after robbing a bank in MN in 1876. I believe it.
Come back soon, Kayla and Brittni!
The same week the girls left, my family came for their first SD visit. My parents brought my nephew, Carter, who was visiting all the way from Qatar and my sister and her husband brought my other nephew. Or as Lucy refers to him, “little baby George.”
Jack was thrilled to have a gaming buddy. Carter is supernaturally patient with children and is such a cool kid. I miss him and his parents who need to come visit us.
Although he did sleep a lot.
Lucy showed off her newly learned moves. Aunt Tammy pretended to keep up.
My parents really like babies.
It is mandatory that all visitors ride the ferris wheel at Scheels.
Last month, Jack went to Eagle Camp hosted by our church. He was gone from 9-4 Monday thru Friday having the time of his life. I was very impressed with the camp and hope he can attend next year. His favorite part of camp was free time. He was presented with the “Bible Study Legend” award and was one of four kids nominated for the Eagle Lake Award. He also won the cutest-sweetest-smartest-seven-year-old-and-best-big-brother-in-the-whole-world award.
While my family was up here, we took some family pictures in Falls Park. Sadly, this group isn’t together very often.
My kids rock
Hoopers!!!
My parent’s first time with all four of their grandchildren.
Cousins!
Right now, Doug’s parents are visiting and I will have more to share from their visit. And just for the record: Shawnee will have a high of 96º tomorrow and San Antonio’s high will be 102°. Who else wants to come see us?
After out of state visits for job interviews and a cross country move immediately followed by a family vacation, I found myself STRUGGLING to finish out the school year with my first grader. The year had started out perfectly with all 36 weeks, 180 days mapped out, new curriculum, cute pictures, and even a mission statement. We would finish our school day before lunch and I ruled the world. The year ended with me looking at the clock and thinking, “oh no, we haven’t started yet and I have to get dinner in the oven.” Our last day of school officially ended on the third day of VBS, June 3rd. And we aren’t doing summer school. I didn’t take his last day picture until today (the 26th). Last year, I made a big deal about the last day and we did projects and played a game and took pictures and I let Jack pick out whatever he wanted at the store (Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch). This year, I chose to do absolutely nothing and prayed he wouldn’t notice. He didn’t. But, we made it. All 18o days. And I am blogging about it almost a month late. Second grade will be all about second chances.
His most recent picture showing off his missing tooth.
This year, we spent a lot of our writing time composing letters to friends and family. He officially has the best handwriting in the whole family.
This was our 100th day of school project.
I was very happy with our history and Latin curriculum. This was our first year to try Latin and Jack, no surprise, picked it up very quickly.
Yes. He wrote and can recite the Lord’s prayer in Latin. Memorizing does come easy for him, but he still works diligently. He memorized the second chapter of James this year and is a true math whiz. He goes through his math facts flash cards faster than me. He also likes to do math problems in his head for fun. So that makes 2 children that are nothing like me.
I love you.
Love note for mommy. ♥
Our reading list this year:
Charlotte’s Web
The Chocolate Touch
The Magician’s Nephew
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Several Captain Underpants books (because we’re a classy homeschool) There is not much redeeming about this series in particular except for the fact that my super serious son will laugh and giggle out loud when we read about Captain Underpants and Professor Poopypants.
Several Animorphs books
The Phantom Tollbooth
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
He is a model student and and is forever asking questions and making connections. He learns and loves easily and I couldn’t be prouder of all he accomplished this year academically or otherwise. He is wise beyond his years and makes me look like I have my act together even when I’m failing. I cannot believe my first will be in second soon. Ego amo te, little man.
I once said, “I will never move further north than Oklahoma.” I thought it would be too cold and there is nothing to be gained from being too far from Texas. If a state doesn’t carry Blue Bell ice cream, it’s not habitable. Now here we are three months into our move with three states beneath us and the motherland.
I once said, “I will never have a girl.” I don’t understand girls and their interest in drama, clothes, and hair. This morning, my daughter changed her clothes four times, screamed bloody murder while I brushed her hair, then immediately asked if we could have a tea party.
I once said, “I will never be a dance mom.” Then, my daughter begged to wear ballet slippers instead of shin guards. She had her first ballet class yesterday and I discovered something I wasn’t expecting: I’m not sad that she is different than me. Watching her unique personalty and interests grow has been a joy. Her love for glitter, frilly clothes, and dance is just who she is. And thank God for that, because those interests were not passed down from me. So for now, I will walk into a dance store like a deer in the headlights and ask way too many awkward questions, (Is this a leotard?) (Why are the sizes weird?) (It’s how much?!) and watch YouTube videos so I know what to do with her hair, and struggle as I try to get her into tights, and marvel at how foreign it all is. And after her first class when her instructor tells me, “she is just lovely,” I melt with pride. We are a strange mother/daughter pair but God knew exactly what he was doing when he made me her mommy.
I am very grateful today and every day for three very special men in my life:
I am grateful for the godly father who raised me to love Jesus.
I am grateful for the godly father who raised my husband to love Jesus.
And I am grateful for the godly father who is raising my children to love Jesus.
A gift for father and son
Happy Father’s Day. Thank you.
Last weekend we found ourselves back in Oklahoma. We had only been gone for 70 days. Nothing seems to have changed except I think the Kickapoo construction has actually gotten worse.
Of course we saw some friends =) but not all of them. =(
We may have eaten at a certain chicken restaurant three times in four days.
Brittni!!!!!
And of course we had to visit our favorite places in Shawnee. If the people don’t bring us back to Shawnee, then Hamburger King will. And Janie’s snow cones. But for real, go to Janie’s and order a Harry Potter.
And yes, we got ice cream at Braum’s. Only because Blue Bell was unavailable and Jack still had his last free cone coupon to redeem from his reading rewards program.
The real reason for our visit: Glen and Brittni’s wedding! We first met these two in the college ministry when Doug was teaching. Doug had the honor of counseling them and officiating their wedding. It was truly a blessing to be a part of their day. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Quintana!
On the 12 hour (flat) ride home we saw this in between light scattered showers: a double rainbow on the prairie. Beautiful.
Not only was Sunday Mother’s Day, but it was also Jack’s SEVENTH birthday! We both decided we were happy sharing our day with each other (having two cakes may have had something to do with that). Personally, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than celebrating the child who first made me a mom.
so sparkly
She made me this card at church.
Best. Day. Ever.
After the sacred Sunday nap, it was time to celebrate the best big brother in the world. Seriously. I caught him a few weeks ago reading a bedtime story to his little sister all on his own.
opening gifts
Daddy decided the time was right for a STAR WARS introduction. Because seven is a big deal. These are the moments you dream about before you have children.
He was so intrigued that he only asked about a gazillion questions. Every thirty seconds.
cake #2
Happy Birthday, Jack!
It has been difficult coming back to reality after a truly magical week at Disney World. I am grateful we had the chance to take this trip and spend so much time with my family.
The family minus Bryan, Val, and CJ. Missed you three.
This was also a birthday trip for Jonathan and Jack.
My royal family: My mom, Charlotte, and my nephew, George.
Representing Pawnee, Indiana at the Magic Kingdom.
And speaking of Pawnee, I found FOUR Disney employees who claimed Pawnee, IN was their hometown.
We were Belle’s guests and had brunch in her ballroom.
Lucy couldn’t stop dancing, so Daddy joined in.
We tried the grey stuff. It was delicious!
In the West Wing
Doug in Gaston’s chair enjoying a brew. Oh what a guy.
I was a little excited to be in the library.
Doug was appropriately chosen to play a knight in shining armor.
Lucy told Belle all about her stuffed animals.
Doug pretending not to be super excited about meeting his favorite princess.
Jack wasn’t thrilled about being a bug.
Playing dress up in the gift shops is fun.
Hollywood Studios
I remember playing on this set when I was a kid.
Anty!
Queen Elsa drives a speeder.
KA-CHOW!
s
I learned that Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
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Jack carrying around his new lightsaber for May the Fourth. His favorite attraction was Star Tours and the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.
Sven photobomb
Silly Uncle J
j
Lucy tried to look under Cinderella’s dress to find the glass slippers.
Lucy’s favorite ride was the Tea Cups. Especially if she could claim a pink or purple one. Her favorite show was the Frozen Sing-Along. Shocker.
Jack for president
None of these ride photos were staged. These were our genuine and candid reactions.
Lucy’s first time on a rollercoaster: smiling, laughing, and she even put her arms in the air.
Jack’s first time on a rollercoaster: the most terrified face I have ever seen. He is fearing for his life. Don’t feel too sorry for him though because he chose to go on it a second time.
Disney is exhausting. We walked 9-13 miles everyday. Lucy was tired just from traveling. When we arrived in Orlando, she lay down on the floor by the baggage claim and fell fast asleep.
Baby George is really asleep in there.
We had a hard time getting him out of bed in the mornings.
Being goofy with Goofy.
George is the happiest baby and loved meeting the characters.
MICKEY!
A highlight of the trip was watching Lucy meet Elsa and Anna. They were real to her. It was magical.
Anna told her, “Do you want to hear something crazy?! We could be twins!”
That smile was there for the rest of the day.
We took some of the Disney magic home with us.
My new happy place: eating funnel cake outside Cinderella’s castle at 1AM.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for inviting us on this trip. When are we going back?
Facebook reminded me today that it is Sibling Day. Today I am even more aware of the miles between my siblings and I and it made me sad. Still, I am super proud of both of them and and their current adventures.
This is my big brother, Bryan, and his family. Currently, they live in Doha, Qatar.
source: kids.brittanica.com
Here is a map for people who don’t know where Qatar is.
He and his wife work for a branch of Texas A&M University in Doha. They are quite the world travelers. They just returned from a trip to Singapore and spent Christmas in Japan. Last year they celebrated Christmas in London. I haven’t seen them in forever, but I am so happy for them and their chance at this amazing life experience. Someday I hope to join them for a visit and actually get out of the US.
This is my baby sister, Tammy, in the Texas bluebonnets. We didn’t get along too well growing up until we moved to Texas from Missouri. We had to share a room at first and we had no friends but each other so we were forced to love each other. We are very different. She is A-type, a CPA, soft-spoken, and a fashionista. And recently, she is a new mommy. And she’s a pretty great one. I get to see her soon and I couldn’t be happier.
This is still one of my favorite photos of us. In typical middle child fashion, I went my own way and didn’t graduate from Texas A&M like the other two. The Aggie cult is real.
Happy Sibling Day, Bryan and Tammy! I love you and miss you!
I’d be lying if I said our move went smoothly. The week before we left, Jack was treated for strep throat but was on the mend the day of our move. As we got on the road, it was pretty obvious that Doug wasn’t well and needed medical attention. We found an urgent care in Ponca City, OK where Doug tested positive for strep. We decided to stop for the night instead of trying to get there in one day because of the delay. The next day, we stopped for lunch somewhere in Kansas and heard from our realtor that we had an offer on our house that we accepted! Upon our arrival at our new apartment complex, we were greeted by a large group of people from our church who unloaded the entire Uhaul for us. This was a huge blessing and a perfect welcome. Our first morning in SD I woke up ill and tested positive for strep as well. I will always be grateful for Doug’s parents and brother who not only helped us move, but had to pick up our slack while we were sick. To say we couldn’t have done it without them is an understatement. As it turns out, Doug had to call in sick his first weekend and another leader was on the schedule for Palm Sunday, so his first official weekend leading worship was Easter.
Our church had three Good Friday services in the chapel.
First Sunday
Jack and I were asked to participate in a testimony time during the closing song. We had to finish the phrase, “Because he lives…” Jack’s sign said, “I tell others about Him.” Mine said, “I go where He leads.”♥
Lucy’s first pair of heels. She burst into tears in the store when I suggested she pick out some flats instead. Someone once suggested that I should let her wear heels because it would slow her down. That was a lie.
We finished the day by relaxing and playing with some new friends.
Doug had a glorious day off on Monday so while Jack and I did school, Doug took Lucy on her first ever daddy/daughter date. Monkey came too. They went to the movies and saw Cinderella. According to Lucy, Monkey really liked it. Then, while Lucy took a nap, Jack got to go out with Daddy too. They bought Legos.
And even though it was a day late, we dyed eggs and baked a cake.
She was so over pictures.
Happy Easter! He has risen, indeed!