Happy Birthday Jaiden!!

Jaiden is NINE years old today!  We already had a family party with Grandma and Grandpa on Wednesday night, but today we had a friend party.  Jaiden invited three friends and her brothers and sisters to go see a movie at the theater this morning.  I had purchased a punch pass for the summer movie program from the elementary school where the kids could go see movies for a dollar each.

Jaiden and I misread the movie flyer, however, and thought that the movie playing was "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2" but it was actually the first movie (which we had all already seen).  The second movie doesn't even come out until September.  So that was a little disappointing, but it was still fun and we enjoyed seeing the movie on the big screen.

Jaiden got some really fun gifts and invited one of her friends to stay all afternoon and swim.  Rick did some studio work this afternoon for a friend who wanted to record and then he and I went to an interpreting workshop this evening at the Deaf Center from 5:00 to 9:00 while Jase babysat (Janika was babysitting somewhere else).  We really enjoyed the workshop and the kids enjoyed hanging out at home and relaxing with a movie! 

 

Jaiden is probably the one who is in the pool the most out of all of our kids (and she has the tan to prove it!) and so I got her tons of swim stuff for her birthday -- a much needed swim suit, goggles, and swim tube (all pictured above), lounging swim pads, diving sticks, a swim frisbee, a water gun for the pool, water balloons, and so on.  Janika gave Jaiden three skirts that she had altered to fit her (including the white one pictured above).  They turned out really cute!

From her friends she got a cool fortune cookie maker from Emily, a darling purse (pictured above), hair flower accessory, and fancy sidewalk chalk from Keira; money, a felt craft book, and giant sucker from Lizzie; a cute necklace (pictured above) and bracelet, sidewalk chalk, mini flashlight, and decorative wooden holder which she enjoyed painting from Grandma Westra, and money from Grandma Jensen.  She had a great day!

Belated Birthday Party -- Josh

Josh's birthday was six weeks ago.  We had a small family party but no friend party since I was heading out of town for a few days shortly after his birthday.  He wanted to invite a couple of friends to go to Jumpin' Jacks.  I promised him that we would set a day to do that, but it would have to be on a Thursday since that is their discount day -- otherwise it would be too expensive.  With all of the end-of-year programs, however, every Thursday was booked.

So now with school out, I decided to grab the chance to finally have his belated birthday party.  He invited his friends, Seth Fisher, and Kyson Goates.  Josh got some fun toys, candy and a big package of water balloons from Seth.  (My kids are really into water balloons right now) and a big puzzle set from Kyson. All of my kids came to Jumpin' Jacks too -- except for Janika and Jenna.  I didn't want to bring Jenna because she required so much extra attention last time I brought her and so I bribed her with a treat and Janika promised to paint her nails.   

The kids had a great time -- they jumped, slid, bounced, and played ball for two solid hours.  Jase and Jared were really cool about letting Josh and his friends hang out with them. I just snuggled up on one of the little couches and read a book.  I even lay down and dozed for a bit.  It was great!  We came home and had cake and ice-cream.  Happy Belated Birthday, Josh!

Grandma and Grandpa Visit!

My mom and dad arrived Saturday May 25th and stayed through Thursday May 30th.  Saturday we put up the pool and the kids had fun splashing around in it all day as it filled.  They were so excited for Grandma and Grandpa Westra to come and kept asking when they would arrive!  Grandma and Grandpa brought each of them their favorite kid cereal and several bags of scripture treats.  Grandma Westra passes out treats to each of her grandchildren each week for those who read from the Book of Mormon daily.  She even does it for several of their neighbor kids!

They also brought a ton of food -- including some special gluten free food just for me!  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!  Then we got even more food delivered to us by Abbee and Madee Yearsley since Julie is selling their second home in Hurricane and passed along the food they had in that house to us!  Thank you Yearsleys!  

Sunday, May 26th Grandma and Grandpa Westra came with us to the Deaf Branch to watch us speak.  Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely meal (barbequed Salmon made by Rick) and various side dishes.  My brother, Scott's family, stopped by for a little visit Sunday night since they were in town.  Monday, May 27th,  was Memorial Day and my mom and dad went to a barbeque with my dad's brother and two sisters.  It is the first time they have been all together in years!

We are never able to visit any family graves because we live so far away and my parent's were not able to go either since they were with us.  So we were glad to hear that my little brother, Shane's family, went to visit Kellie and Cory's graves in Salt Lake (my little sister who lived seven days and my little brother who was stillborn -- both of them born in between Shane and Derek).

Tuesday May 28th I had an early interpreting appointment and my mom had a hair appointment. Then my mom and I went shopping at Ross and got some cute outfits -- yeah!!  The kids all had their piano lessons this afternoon.  Rick and I went out to dinner with Mom and Dad at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate my Dad's birthday.  The waitress couldn't believe that we had never eaten there in the six years it has been open in St. George!  We were impressed with the food and really liked it!  And of course the company was great too!

Wednesday 29th I brought Jared and Janelle in to get spacers in preparation for braces next week.  My visiting teacher came over for a quick visit and then mom and I went out to lunch at 25 Main with Nikki Norman Williams.  So that was fun to be able to visit with her!  Janika did baptisms for the dead tonight and Jared's went to his scouting activity working on the Life Saving Merit Badge where they learned how to jump in a pool fully clothes and turn their clothes into life-saving devices.

Tonight we had cake and ice cream and sang "Happy Birthday" to my dad (whose birthday was yesterday) and Jaiden whose birthday is Friday!  Thursday 30th my parents headed back to Salt Lake.  It is always so fun to have Grandma and Grandpa come and spoil us! We love you Mom and Dad!!

 

 

Last Day of the Deaf Branch!

Today was our last day at the Deaf Branch.  We will sure miss everyone!  Our family spoke today -- all but Jenna.  Josh bore his testimony and Rick signed it.  Jaiden, Janelle, Jared, Jase, and Janika all gave a short talk in sign language.  Jaiden, Janelle, and Janika sang "Teach Me To Walk in the Light" while I signed it.  Then Rick and I both spoke. I only gave one third of my talk because I wanted Rick to have time for his talk.

 The branch provided a "meet and mingle" afterwards with appetizers and desserts for us and for the Johnsons (Aaron, Kayla, and Zoa) since it was also their last week. I enjoyed interpreting with Kayla at DSU this past year. They are moving to Oregon where her husband will be attending Medical School.

It was fun to eat treats, take pictures, visit, and hug everyone!  Serving in the Deaf Branch has been such a wonderful growing experience for our family.  We have been there almost five years.  The people are so kind and friendly and humble and Christ-like.  We have benefited much from their amazing examples! 

 Aaron, Kayla and Zoa Johnson

 Tayna Degroff and Jillian Layton

 Sam Pendle, Tayna Degroff, Jillian Layton

Ouch!

I was at Jenna's end of year party when I got a message from the elementary school.   Josh had collided with another kid and got a big bruise which was quickly turning into a black eye.  They said he was at the office with a bag of ice on his cheek.  I came as quickly as I could after Jenna's party.  Jenna was really sweet and gave him one of her suckers.  Josh was really brave and hadn't cried at all throughout the whole ordeal.  I talked to him for a bit and then brought him back to class.  It looked even worse throughout the week.  It lasted for almost two weeks! 

Jenna's End of Year Party

I was in charge of the "End of Year Party" for Jenna's Tuesday/Thursday Pre-school.  I decided to have it at the park and play water games.  I was hoping that the sprinklers would be on for the kids to play in (they had been on at this same time last week when Jenna and I had come) but they weren't on today.  

I had brought some swim balls and buckets to fill with water for games.  We played several other games such as "Red Light, Green Light" and "Duck Duck Goose." The weather was actually quite nice (not too hot).  The kids had cookies and otter pops for treats.

I sent them each of them home with a collage of pictures that I had taken throughout the year and a party bag of candy.   I was glad to get the party over with -- and glad that the kids had fun! 

Jenna's Pre-School Graduation

I enjoyed going to Jenna's pre-school graduation this morning!  The weather was perfect for it.  Mrs. Kathy has been teaching pre-school for 27 years.  During the past nine years she has taught five of our seven children pre-school -- Jared for one year, Janelle, Jaiden, and Josh for two years each, and Jenna for one year.  She won't be teaching next year because she and her husband are being called on a mission.  They will be wonderful missionaries, but we sure will miss her and the incredible impact that she has had on our children!!  

 

Congratulations, Brett!

Rick, Janika, and I went to Brett Havertz's Seminary Graduation tonight.  Rick was the Seminary Representative presenting the graduating candidates. Brett will be leaving next month on his mission to Indiana. Congratulations, Brett!

 

Chinese Program

Josh had his Chinese Program this afternoon.  They did a great job! 

Pre School 2012-2013

Jenna is in two Pre-schools this year.  This one is on Tuesday/Thursday mornings and taught by the moms.  I wasn't sure how I would like it at first, but I thought it turned out to be really successful!  There were a couple of times when it was cancelled at the last minute because a mom (or one of their kids) was sick, but that can't be helped. Everyone did a great job on their week and the kids always came home with fun pictures, crafts, or projects.  The kids had a great time, it was free, and since our turn to teach only came around one week out of seven it wasn't too overwhelming.  I think I will try it again next year!

May 13-18 Recap

Monday 13:  Janelle had another fieldtrip today -- Junior Ranger Day at Tonaquint Park.  Note to self:  Next time I ask Janelle to tell me about her fieldtrip (or any other activity she is involved in) make sure I allow at least an hour for the blow by blow account to be related! 

Tuesday 14:  Jared, Janelle, and Jaiden had their piano lessons today.  Rick brought Jared to his Art Show at Lava Ridge.

Wednesday 15:  Jaiden had a fieldtrip to Sand Hollow to go swimming. Their class walked to and from and went to the park afterwards for lunch.  I brought Jaiden and Jared in to the the dentist this afternoon to get their cavities filled.  Jenna had a water party for pre-school.

Thursday 16: Janelle had a field trip to Sand Hollow today -- also walking to and from.  Josh's Chinese Program was this afternoon at the school.  I had a class tonight and so Rick brought Jase to his award's ceremony at the High School.  When I asked them how it went, they both said BORING!!  So I didn't feel too bad that I had to miss it.  Jase got a certificate for achieving a 4.0 all year.  Actually he has gotten a 4.0 every quarter all through intermediate school and middle school!  Way to go, Jase!!

Friday 17:  Jenna had her pre-school program practice this morning and the girls went to Activity Days this afternoon.  Tonight Rick and I went to Jaiden's Spring Dance Recital.  It was fun to watch her.  I got some good videos but the pictures turned out terrible -- they were all blurry.  I just can't get good action shots with this camera.  Maybe I should changing the setting next time.

Saturday 18:  Rick went to temple tonight and I went to Jaiden's second night of her dance recital.  I brought to KRAVE afterwards and she was so cute.  She kept saying, "Thank you SO much, you are the best mom ever!!"  What a sweetie!

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!!

Mother's Day was AWESOME this year!  For part of my Mother's Day present, Rick taught my lesson for gospel doctrine today -- which I really appreciate!  That saved me several hours of time and stress this week.  Rick made me breakfast today and cooked a delicious Salmon dinner for the family.  Rick and I had lots of nice quality time time together today.  The kids all gave me their cute little gifts that they made at church and school.  Janika made me a darling little bulletin board.  Jase made me some gluten free peanut butter bars.  Rick bought strawberries, cheesecake, and ice-cream for Mother's Day Tea. 

Our Mother's Day Tea party was hilarious!  The little kids love dressing up for Mother's Day Tea -- the older boys, not so much!  Rick and I always throw something together at the last minute.  I searched my closet and saw my old overalls and thought it would be fun to wear overalls and pig-tails.  Rick must have liked the idea because he also found a pair of overalls (also mine) and wore them (with no shirt -- apparently he wanted to go really hick!)  His expressions, walk, and accent were so funny,  I was totally cracking up the whole time.  The kids just rolled their eyes and told him to please go put a shirt on! 

Janika said, "I think when we started this tradition we all dressed up in Sunday best and hats -- but now it has gotten totally out of control and it just plain weird!"  Maybe next year we will go back to the traditional dressy tea party wear -- but then again, that might not near as fun!