the "angel"

Daddy and his angel

Playing in the bathroom

March 13, 2005

March 13, 2005
What a crazy week! And it still isn’t over yet. Where should I begin?
Marisa has ben spending every Monday after school practicing with the gifted and talented students for their Trivia Team. Their actual test is tomorrow. Then they get to compare their scores to other programs around the nation. She is very excited and has been practicing quite a bit.
On Wednesday, I had all 3 parent conferences. I am proud to say they are all doing a fantastic job. I really do like this school district and the kids are doing so well.
On Thursday, I had my first Stake meeting. It went well, but I felt a little overwhelmed. There is a lot more involved in this calling than I knew. But I am very excited. Next week we feed the missionaries at zone conference. Then on Saturday, we have the huge annual RS symposium where I will be speaking (not too long thank heavens). Today we are visiting one of the wards and will visit the other 9 in the next 2 months or so.
Thursday night was Marisa’s "Festival of the Orchestra" concert at the big High School concert hall. They do this once a year where all the 5th graders in the whole district play together as an orchestra, then the 6th, then the middle school and then they have a high school symphony orchestra. Marisa did such a great job and she said it was so cool playing with a conductor on a stage with so many other 5th graders. The 6th graders then played. When the middle schoolers started to play, I started to cry. They were so amazing! I realized how much I love orchestral music and how grateful I was for parents who exposed me to it and helped me develop a true love for it. ( I can see my parents shocked faces now!!) I was completely blown away by the full high school symphony orchestra. They did Schindler’s list and had two incredible violin soloists. They also played Pirates of the Caribbean (my favorite music) and I of course, cried. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening watching with kayla. We had a great time. Marisa is SO excited now to continue with her violin. And Dad, someday I hope to get their for the messiah performance. (But you have to let me conduct-jk!!)
On Friday, Bob and I spoke at the Ward Enrichment Night. It was on "Love is the Tie that Binds". I think it went well- it was very nerve-racking since we haven’t spoken here before. It was a nice evening with dinner, speakers,e tc. When we went to the Activity, Tyler said he was feeling so sick. So, I left him home (on purpose this time)with marisa. When we came home, he had throw up all over the couch. We moved him into his bed, where he promptly threw up again. So, we put him in the bath while we cleaned up. Then we got him out and he threw up again. Long story short, he couldn’t keep anything down until today at 1:00. He has had a fever and has been so miserable. Bless his heart! I just pray no one else gets it. I have been following everyone around with disinfectant spray. I am determined that it will all be gone by the time Nina gets here Saturday!
Yesterday, we did all our normal Saturday routine and then watched part of Karate Kid II. Tyler is more determined now than ever to take karate.
Well, I guess that sums up our week. Not too exciting, but very busy. This week is even crazier and then Nina comes- whoo hoo! Our love to you all.

Being silly

March 6, 2005

March 6, 2005
I promise we are not trying to one up ourselves each week, although it must seem like it. I thought after last week’s disaster of forgetting a kid at home was as crazy as it would get here, but I guess not. On Friday, I was on the treadmill, trying to get my workout in. I realized Alayna was missing, went upstairs, and found her giving her baby doll a bath in the toilet. After I disinfected everything in sight, I dragged her downstairs and told her to go play so I could keep an eye on her while I did the treadmill. Only a few minutes later, she started screaming. I looked behind me and realized her hand was caught in the treadmill. I jumped off and yanked her hand out. Thank heavens her hand wasn’t mangled or broken. She has 2 fingers that lost a lot of skin. So, we raced to the emergency walk-in clinic here in town. We were there 2 hours and still way down the list. So, I went up angry and asked for a nurse. So, the nurse saw us real quick and told us t o keep her hand bandaged and keep antibiotic ointment on it. Her fingers look pretty infected now, so another trip to the doctor may be in order tomorrow, but I feel blessed that it didn’t end up worse!! Now she walks around saying "No touching mommies treadmill..." Ya think?
Other than that, the week has been fairly uneventful. Now that it’s official, I can let you know about my new calling. I have been called as the Education Counselor in the Stake Relief Society. I am excited, but very nervous. I hope I will be able to do ok in this calling.
I taught Tyler’s primary class again today. Boy they are a wiggly bunch. The girls had a fun activity days on Tuesday where they shared family pictures, recipes, and games.
Last night, we watched "Karate Kid" as a family. What a trip back in time that was. I haven’t seen that movie in so long. Tyler and Kayla have been begging to take karate so we thought they would enjoy the movie. They all loved it. Of course, now they think they can practice on each other. We will have to talk about that.
Well, nothing else to report today. We have a very busy week ahead. Bob and I are even speaking at Enrichment Night on Friday on love. That should be interesting...
Have a wonderful evening!

Our new hair