Tyler "Hanging" around...hehe!

April 10, 2005

April 10, 2005
Well, this past week was a very long one. I am sure you can tell since we didn’t get the newsletter up yesterday.
Kayla started track this week. I think she liked it. Her first meet isn’t for a couple of weeks. She is such a fast runner so I think she will do very well.
On Thursday, Tyler got his 4 cavities filled at the dentist and Kayla got her teeth cleaned. Then that night, I went to Stake Auxiliary training. I should have been more appreciative in Torrance that our Stake building and all the wards in our stake were less than 10 minutes from our house. Very unlike here. We had to travel up to the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. It is a little over an hour drive. Then we had to set up for our presentations. All the RS rooms looked gorgeous. As I pulled out my tablecloth and found it covered in dry ramen, I wanted to cry! I’m just not into all that fluff, but oh well. I did an hour presentation to all the Education Counselors and I think it went well. It is VERY intimidating having a Stake calling, especially when you are so far from being even in the same realm of perfection. Then it was a long drive home. I got home after 11pm. Made for a long night!
On Friday, we went and bought me, Bob, and Tyler new bikes. We scored at this huge sale at Target. On Saturday, we drove out to a new housing area where no one was, to teach Tyler and Marisa how to ride. Tyler fell a few times, but after trying real hard, he finally got it. We were so proud and he was so excited. Then, however, one time he decided to get off and forgot to slow down and use the brake. He had quite a spill, but he was ok. Marisa fell months ago off the bike and has refused to ride ever since. We decided we will be bike riding a lot this summer as a family to stay healthy, so she could run behind or learn how to ride. Needless to say, she is not so happy with us right now. She spent a lot of time trying on Saturday and actually rode a bit so she is making progress. Then we came home and we rode around the block. Tyler and Alayna rode in a big yellow thing that hooks to Bob’s bike. Marisa stayed home, she had had enough. But we are all excited for riding this summer.
We relaxed Saturday night and watched Karate Kid III. The kids got a big kick out of it- hehe!
On Sunday, I traveled back out to Cedar Falls/Waterloo to visit 2 wards. 6 hours of church is way too much for me. We left at 8:40 and I was back home at 5:00. It went great though and I learned so much! When I came home, we watched all the cool things that were shown between conference sessions last week. Even the kids watched with interest.
I never thought I would be one to report on my yard, but I have to tell you, we have beautiful plants and flowers blooming all over. Plus, the weather has been gorgeous, even with the "April showers". It is so fun having a yard to take care of and enjoy. I was eyeing this GORGEOUS, mosquito enclosed porch swing at Sam’s- Bob just laughed at me. Well, we are enjoying the Spring and can’t wait to see what the April showers will bring. Have a lovely week!!
Love-Kris

April 3, 2005

What a beautiful Spring day!! The weather here has been so lovely. It almost makes me forget those horrid days of ice and snow! We actually got outside this week to do some yardwork. We found that many of the plants have new green shoots coming out of the ground. How exciting! Now I guess we will have to work on the lawn at some point.

Bob was kind enough to take the kids to Grandma and Grandpa Harts house this weekend so I could get tons of stuff done and relax. It was amazing how much I was able to do, and how relaxed I have been. I hear they have been having a great time there as well. It was so great to watch all of General Conference uninterrupted. I don’t think I have done that in about 12 years...

We took Marisa and Kayla to the orthodontist this week. It looks like Marisa will get braces in about 9 months once her last 2 baby teeth come out.

I also attended a meeting for the middle school parents this week. I wanted to cry. We had prayed so hard for a good school for our kids to attend, and while in L.A., I figured I would end up homeschooling. Anyway, this is one of the most incredible schools I have ever seen. It makes me think about renewing my degree to work in middle school- how insane is that? Anyway, I don’t want to go into too much detail and bore anyone, but wow! Marisa has already signed up to do orchestra and choir. They are also encouraged to do as many extracurricular activities as they can. She is going to do dance where she gets to perform at the 7th and 8th grade football games. She is also going to be on the drama team as well as the geography bee team (which she is incredibly excited about). They have a fabulous staff who expects you to call and email them. They have a computer system where you can see your child’s grades for every class up to the minute. They also email you all morning announcements as well. They have several programs that they pioneered here and took to Washington DC which have now been implemented all over the nation. I feel truly blessed that Marisa can attend this school. I think it will help her to succeed and grow in ways she never knew she could. How exciting it is to be here!

Well, I don’t have fun pictures to post today as the kids have been gone for the weekend. But I will get some up next week. I hope this week is a great one for you all!

who's that weird guy in the middle?

Easter egg hunt

Kayla's new hat

getting ready to find easter eggs