Alayna with the teacher assistant Miss Meredith
Monday, February 27, 2006
Feb 27, 2006
February 27, 2006
Another very busy week flew by. I am truly amazed at how many things go on around here. Let’s see...
Marisa had her choir concert on Tuesday night. They did a great job and sounded even better than last time. They have a wonderful conductor. However, Marisa just found out that she is retiring this year, so we are very sad about that. She is Marisa’s favorite teacher.
Marisa also had her business fair this week. They each had to come up with an item to make and sell. She chose to do chocolate molds. We worked hard for 2 nights and made about 250 chocolate molds. I was able to go with her to the fair. The whole middle school was able to come buy things. She sold 39 items which I thought was so great. She was disappointed because I think she had the high expectation of selling them all. I think she did an amazing job and I am so proud of her and all her hard work. The fair was a huge success. The 6th graders do it as part of a reading and science unit
Wednesday was such a long freaking day. I am recording it here not so much for your reading pleasure, but to get credit for that very long day. We started by getting up at 6:30 as usual and got the kids out the door. Then Alayna had her gymnastics class (which she loves, by the way!) Then we went and did a huge shopping run at the new Walmart (always fun!) And we went to Michaels to get more molds for Marisa’s project. Then we were off to register Alayna for preschool next year. We will be moving her to MWF class. (She seemed to do ok with her new teacher this week) Then we went to the Playstation for a huge good bye party for Miss Betsy (her preschool teacher). Alayna did lose me at one point and went into hysterics (another whole story altogether). Then we went home and started making tons of molds, picked up kayla from math club, took the kids to volleyball, then the Kayla had activity days while Marisa and I made molds and watched my VT kids. Whew! I survived...
Bob and I had our dinner club on Friday night. Marisa got together with some of the young women and arranged a mass babysitters club for that night here at our house. I think there were 20 kids here! But they did a great job and it helped out those parents who needed babysitters. They plan to do it each month. Anyway, it was a Valentine dinner with Prime Rib and then 4 couples were part of the Newlywed game. Bob and I were chosen to play and it was so hilarious. We lost, but that’s ok, we learned some very interesting things about each other: Bob doesn’t know Alayna’s birthdate, I didn’t know that Catherine Zeta Jones was Bob’s favorite actress, Bob didn’t know my favorite drink , and I had no clue what he thought he wanted to grow up to be. Oh well, we had a great date evening and that’s what counts (although you should have seen the winning basket! It was FULL of chocolate and all sorts of goodies. Dang!)
Marisa had her very first “out of the family” babysitting job on Saturday night. She watched 3 kids (5,3,1) for 6 hours. She did such a great job and even made money! She wants to put it straight in the bank and you can bet I am encouraging that.
I traveled to Anamosa on Sunday and heard the coolest youth speak for Seminary Sunday. They each spoke on their favorite hero of the book of Mormon. I loved the guy who spoke on one of my favorites “Teancum: the coolest assassin in the BOM”. It was amazing to hear these kids speak.
We have a busy night ahead: math club, volleyball, FHE, Alayna’s new favorite game “UNO” and 24! Our love to you all!
Another very busy week flew by. I am truly amazed at how many things go on around here. Let’s see...
Marisa had her choir concert on Tuesday night. They did a great job and sounded even better than last time. They have a wonderful conductor. However, Marisa just found out that she is retiring this year, so we are very sad about that. She is Marisa’s favorite teacher.
Marisa also had her business fair this week. They each had to come up with an item to make and sell. She chose to do chocolate molds. We worked hard for 2 nights and made about 250 chocolate molds. I was able to go with her to the fair. The whole middle school was able to come buy things. She sold 39 items which I thought was so great. She was disappointed because I think she had the high expectation of selling them all. I think she did an amazing job and I am so proud of her and all her hard work. The fair was a huge success. The 6th graders do it as part of a reading and science unit
Wednesday was such a long freaking day. I am recording it here not so much for your reading pleasure, but to get credit for that very long day. We started by getting up at 6:30 as usual and got the kids out the door. Then Alayna had her gymnastics class (which she loves, by the way!) Then we went and did a huge shopping run at the new Walmart (always fun!) And we went to Michaels to get more molds for Marisa’s project. Then we were off to register Alayna for preschool next year. We will be moving her to MWF class. (She seemed to do ok with her new teacher this week) Then we went to the Playstation for a huge good bye party for Miss Betsy (her preschool teacher). Alayna did lose me at one point and went into hysterics (another whole story altogether). Then we went home and started making tons of molds, picked up kayla from math club, took the kids to volleyball, then the Kayla had activity days while Marisa and I made molds and watched my VT kids. Whew! I survived...
Bob and I had our dinner club on Friday night. Marisa got together with some of the young women and arranged a mass babysitters club for that night here at our house. I think there were 20 kids here! But they did a great job and it helped out those parents who needed babysitters. They plan to do it each month. Anyway, it was a Valentine dinner with Prime Rib and then 4 couples were part of the Newlywed game. Bob and I were chosen to play and it was so hilarious. We lost, but that’s ok, we learned some very interesting things about each other: Bob doesn’t know Alayna’s birthdate, I didn’t know that Catherine Zeta Jones was Bob’s favorite actress, Bob didn’t know my favorite drink , and I had no clue what he thought he wanted to grow up to be. Oh well, we had a great date evening and that’s what counts (although you should have seen the winning basket! It was FULL of chocolate and all sorts of goodies. Dang!)
Marisa had her very first “out of the family” babysitting job on Saturday night. She watched 3 kids (5,3,1) for 6 hours. She did such a great job and even made money! She wants to put it straight in the bank and you can bet I am encouraging that.
I traveled to Anamosa on Sunday and heard the coolest youth speak for Seminary Sunday. They each spoke on their favorite hero of the book of Mormon. I loved the guy who spoke on one of my favorites “Teancum: the coolest assassin in the BOM”. It was amazing to hear these kids speak.
We have a busy night ahead: math club, volleyball, FHE, Alayna’s new favorite game “UNO” and 24! Our love to you all!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Feb 19, 2006
February 19, 2006
I am finding it hard to find a good time to write the newsletter. This whole month I have been traveling with the Stake , so the Sundays seem to be gone before I know it. Last week we traveled up to Wavely and Fayette, almost 2 hours from here. Waverly finally got a chapel which is so exciting! Today we are visiting all 3 Cedar Rapids wards, so at least I can be there to help Bob with the kids during Sacrament.
We ended up with one snow day which was kind of silly. We were told this gigantic storm was headed in and would drop 6-8 inches overnight- we got about 2, but they cancelled school anyway, which I didn’t mind. But now we have to do a makeup day. Oh well. It is 4 degrees outside and was -10 yesterday. Mighty chilly if I do say so myself. A great excuse to stay in doors and play.
Speaking of playing, we got to watch some really fun movies this week. Sky High was so cute and we laughed so hard during it! Then we enjoyed Zathura on Friday night. What an adventure! Last night, Bob, Tyler and I watched half of Batman Begins. I love it so far. I like it way better than the past Batmans that have been made. Can’t wait to see the end...
The girls start volleyball this week. Marisa is going to give it a try this session. It will be fun for them to play on a team together. Alayna has another session of gymnastics starting this week. Tyler was supposed to test for his orange belt this weekend, but it was two hours away so we decided to wait so he can test closer to home. We got notice that next week is Alayna’s preschool teachers last day. I am so very sad, she is an excellent teacher. I guess she is going into banking. We are really going to miss her. I hope they get another great teacher.
We finished our car and home 72 hour kits. I even laminated emergency cards for each of us to put in our bags. I feel so relieved to have that done.
Well, I guess that’s it for now. Hope everyone had a Happy Valentines Day!!
I am finding it hard to find a good time to write the newsletter. This whole month I have been traveling with the Stake , so the Sundays seem to be gone before I know it. Last week we traveled up to Wavely and Fayette, almost 2 hours from here. Waverly finally got a chapel which is so exciting! Today we are visiting all 3 Cedar Rapids wards, so at least I can be there to help Bob with the kids during Sacrament.
We ended up with one snow day which was kind of silly. We were told this gigantic storm was headed in and would drop 6-8 inches overnight- we got about 2, but they cancelled school anyway, which I didn’t mind. But now we have to do a makeup day. Oh well. It is 4 degrees outside and was -10 yesterday. Mighty chilly if I do say so myself. A great excuse to stay in doors and play.
Speaking of playing, we got to watch some really fun movies this week. Sky High was so cute and we laughed so hard during it! Then we enjoyed Zathura on Friday night. What an adventure! Last night, Bob, Tyler and I watched half of Batman Begins. I love it so far. I like it way better than the past Batmans that have been made. Can’t wait to see the end...
The girls start volleyball this week. Marisa is going to give it a try this session. It will be fun for them to play on a team together. Alayna has another session of gymnastics starting this week. Tyler was supposed to test for his orange belt this weekend, but it was two hours away so we decided to wait so he can test closer to home. We got notice that next week is Alayna’s preschool teachers last day. I am so very sad, she is an excellent teacher. I guess she is going into banking. We are really going to miss her. I hope they get another great teacher.
We finished our car and home 72 hour kits. I even laminated emergency cards for each of us to put in our bags. I feel so relieved to have that done.
Well, I guess that’s it for now. Hope everyone had a Happy Valentines Day!!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Feb 9, 2006
February 9, 2006
We have had such an event packed week that it has taken me until Thursday to find the time to sit down and write up our adventures. I am sometimes amazed at what we can pack into a week. Let’s see...where to begin?
Marisa had her auditions for the orchestra. If you have stayed up with our blog, you know she made the Metro Honors orchestra. They take the top orchestra student from each grade from the entire metropolitan area. Then they have to audition for what chair they will be. Marisa made 9th- so she is ranked 9 for all 6th graders in this entire area. Isn’t that awesome?? The concert was held Saturday night in the Paramount theater which looks like a mini castle. I got to go to the dress rehearsal and they sounded amazing!
On Thursday evening we had our Survivor Premiere party. We had several families over and had our new chocolate fountain which was a gigantic hit!! It has now spread through the ward that we have the coolest parties. Great...now we have to have more of them. Anyway, we had a great time and really love that fountain!!!
On Friday morning, Hal and Corey did a science presentation to Kayla’s class at school. Bob and I got to come too. It was so cool!! They did all these fun experiments with dry ice; making the kids apple pop, popping lids off butter containers, watching a balloon blow up from the dry ice, etc. I am doing a horrible job explaining, but it was just so much fun. The kids were so attentive, I couldn’t believe it! The best part was how Hal dumped Mentos mints into a liter of coke and it exploded into a giant fountain!! (We had to do that outside, obviously) Kayla’s teacher said the presentation was so fun that it was one of the highlights of the year!
On Saturday, the primary had an adorable musical presentation on the Book of Mormon. New words were written to familiar tunes and they acted it all out. Way too cute! Even Alayna got to participate. I will put some pictures up so you can see.
On Sunday, I had a long day to travel to Cedar Falls and Waterloo. But thank heavens Hal and Corey were here which made the day easier on Bob. That evening, We got to introduce Hal and Corey to our new favorite game “Family Fun Cranium”. What a blast that was. Then we had more chocolate fondu!
On Monday, Hal and Corey did the science presentation to Tyler’s class and the other 2, 2nd grade classes as well. I went to two of the presentations. It was fun to watch again. I just know all the kids went straight home and begged their parents to get them dry ice!
On Tuesday, Hal, Corey, Bob and I , spent the majority of the day building a rolling food storage shelf. It looks so awesome and really helps to organize our supply. I will say that “construction” is not my thing. I was sad to see I had no patience at all and when I stripped the screws I just wanted to cry. I think I will stick to my day job!
Yesterday, Marisa was invited to the YW New Beginnings program. Bob and I got to go with her. I can hardly believe she will be in YW in just a few months. Where has the time gone? Before we left yesterday, Marisa had disappeared for an hour. When I asked where she had been she said “I was being nervous”. How funny is that? Anyway, it was one of the best New Beginnings I have ever seen. We have some amazing YW in our ward and I can hardly wait for her to be associating with them. Marisa came home so thoroughly excited last night, especially after many girls came up and told her how excited they were that she was moving up!
Alayna finished up her session of gymnastics and will start a new one next week. She can skip really well now. For some crazy reason, she has decided to wear underwear this week and go in the potty. She has only had one accident. How wonderful is that?? I guess she had to be ready and it had to be her idea. Kayla is loving the math club and she is already planning her birthday which is next month. We got a notice from school saying that after some preliminary testing, they decided they would like to test Tyler for the gifted and talented program so that was really cool. I completed my last class, but after several thing have happened here, I am considering more schooling to get a middle school endorsement. More to come as details develop.
We hope all of you are well. Again, hint hint, we love to hear back from you!
We have had such an event packed week that it has taken me until Thursday to find the time to sit down and write up our adventures. I am sometimes amazed at what we can pack into a week. Let’s see...where to begin?
Marisa had her auditions for the orchestra. If you have stayed up with our blog, you know she made the Metro Honors orchestra. They take the top orchestra student from each grade from the entire metropolitan area. Then they have to audition for what chair they will be. Marisa made 9th- so she is ranked 9 for all 6th graders in this entire area. Isn’t that awesome?? The concert was held Saturday night in the Paramount theater which looks like a mini castle. I got to go to the dress rehearsal and they sounded amazing!
On Thursday evening we had our Survivor Premiere party. We had several families over and had our new chocolate fountain which was a gigantic hit!! It has now spread through the ward that we have the coolest parties. Great...now we have to have more of them. Anyway, we had a great time and really love that fountain!!!
On Friday morning, Hal and Corey did a science presentation to Kayla’s class at school. Bob and I got to come too. It was so cool!! They did all these fun experiments with dry ice; making the kids apple pop, popping lids off butter containers, watching a balloon blow up from the dry ice, etc. I am doing a horrible job explaining, but it was just so much fun. The kids were so attentive, I couldn’t believe it! The best part was how Hal dumped Mentos mints into a liter of coke and it exploded into a giant fountain!! (We had to do that outside, obviously) Kayla’s teacher said the presentation was so fun that it was one of the highlights of the year!
On Saturday, the primary had an adorable musical presentation on the Book of Mormon. New words were written to familiar tunes and they acted it all out. Way too cute! Even Alayna got to participate. I will put some pictures up so you can see.
On Sunday, I had a long day to travel to Cedar Falls and Waterloo. But thank heavens Hal and Corey were here which made the day easier on Bob. That evening, We got to introduce Hal and Corey to our new favorite game “Family Fun Cranium”. What a blast that was. Then we had more chocolate fondu!
On Monday, Hal and Corey did the science presentation to Tyler’s class and the other 2, 2nd grade classes as well. I went to two of the presentations. It was fun to watch again. I just know all the kids went straight home and begged their parents to get them dry ice!
On Tuesday, Hal, Corey, Bob and I , spent the majority of the day building a rolling food storage shelf. It looks so awesome and really helps to organize our supply. I will say that “construction” is not my thing. I was sad to see I had no patience at all and when I stripped the screws I just wanted to cry. I think I will stick to my day job!
Yesterday, Marisa was invited to the YW New Beginnings program. Bob and I got to go with her. I can hardly believe she will be in YW in just a few months. Where has the time gone? Before we left yesterday, Marisa had disappeared for an hour. When I asked where she had been she said “I was being nervous”. How funny is that? Anyway, it was one of the best New Beginnings I have ever seen. We have some amazing YW in our ward and I can hardly wait for her to be associating with them. Marisa came home so thoroughly excited last night, especially after many girls came up and told her how excited they were that she was moving up!
Alayna finished up her session of gymnastics and will start a new one next week. She can skip really well now. For some crazy reason, she has decided to wear underwear this week and go in the potty. She has only had one accident. How wonderful is that?? I guess she had to be ready and it had to be her idea. Kayla is loving the math club and she is already planning her birthday which is next month. We got a notice from school saying that after some preliminary testing, they decided they would like to test Tyler for the gifted and talented program so that was really cool. I completed my last class, but after several thing have happened here, I am considering more schooling to get a middle school endorsement. More to come as details develop.
We hope all of you are well. Again, hint hint, we love to hear back from you!
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