Dad's Day

I wanted to write down a few thoughts about Father's Day. First, Tod is such a wonderful dad to his three girls and his boy. They simply adore him. On Sunday at church, Ashton filled out a questionnaire about her dad. They had to write in what they thought their dad would say...and she was spot on putting down that his favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip and his favorite sports team is the Cardinals. There were 2 questions that were so profound to me. One was What has been his happiest moment? Her answer: When he got married. The other question was What does he enjoy most in life? Her answer: His family. To me, there could not have been a greater tribute to Tod than that. And it's true (especially the one about marriage, right???) The kids know their Daddy loves them and finds great happiness in them.

I also wanted to write about my dad. I always think about how incredible he is, but these thoughts have been especially prevalent since he visited for Asthon's baptism. In fact, after our weekend together as he got ready to leave, I followed him out to the car and literally felt like holding on to his leg and crying for him not to go. It was like I had reverted 30 years. I just love to be around him. I love how patient, kind and loving he is. I love that he is stable and strong and someone to count on. I always know where I stand with him. Another thing is that my dad can fix anything. I'm not just talking about things that are broken (although he is great at that too!), but he just has this knack for making things be all right. Plus, he is great at thinking up solutions. Last week, I called him in a panic on Regan's birthday. I had about 10 things going on at the same time, and the cake I was making was a disaster. I had only baked one cake mix when I really needed 2 to make the cake tall enough for the Barbie doll. I took a deep breathe and knew there was one guy who would have the answer. Sure enough, my dad was at work but was able to direct me over the phone to find an empty can, cut a cardboard circle with a hole in it, place the cake on the can and then guide the doll through the cake. Impressive. I could just picture Dad at his desk possibly making a little sketch as he instructed me on what to do. Whenever I look at this picture of the cake, I just smile. I am so lucky to have a Dad like him. He has always taken time for me, and he is someone who I greatly admire.

Summer: Weeks 1 and 2

Summer is zipping by and I wanted to record a few of the things that we have been doing. First, my motto this year has been, "Work first and then play!" I didn't want to make things too complicated so I am just having the older girls do 4 things each morning- chores, practice piano, reading, and writing (can be anything from an email to a list to a thank you note, etc.) Also, in my parenting, I am trying to say "yes" more often and save the "no" for when it is really important and not just inconvenient! Some days are better than others! So here's some of the happenings:

Gymnastics- The girls have been taking gymnastics since May and have loved it. They took it in Texas and really did well. For some reason, I had been dragging my feet on it here, but this summer they are going twice a week and really progressing. I'm glad to see them back in it.

Softball and More Softball: We have at least 4 games a week! Ouch. Good thing the season is short. Tod is coaching Jordan's team this year in coach pitch. Ashton is in regular softball.

Friends: One of my favorite parts of summer is spending more time with friends. Last week, the H family came over from Des Moines. We loved hanging out with them and eating at Chick-Fil-A. They used to live her and L was one of my first friends when we moved to Iowa. I am still amazed when we are together how much alike we are. We will just be talking and be like, "I do that too!" It's amazing. Now she has 4 adorable boys. You better believe we are all lobbying for some future hook-ups.

Yesterday, I had another sweet treat. The J family drove out from Utah and stopped at our house on their way to visit family in the midwest. M became my best friend in 7th grade and we were college roomies for 3 years. When they called and said they were getting close, I looked around my house and thought how it was actually quite messy. But then I thought, "Wait a second, this girl lived with me for a long time. She knows all my secrets and has seen me at my best and at my worst. I don't need to try and fool her." It was so good to see her and her hubby! Even though a few years had past, it was just like old times. I always been so thankfu for her friendship. She has 5 cute kids and most of them are very similar in age to mine. We had a wonderful afternoon together and can't wait to see them when we go to Utah in a few weeks. So many memories came flooding back.

Then there are our "day-to-day" friends. I love that we have more time to be with them during the summer. We can meet up at the library and go to Sonic. We can run across the street and play in the plastic pool. We can sit on the porch and chat while the kids ride bikes. We can visit during softball games and share snacks and goodies. We can have barbecues and just enjoy the company. The slower pace makes me appreciate having all these great people in my life who love me and my kids.

Vacation Bible School: Last week was VBC at the Lutheran church where the girls have gone to preschool. This was the first year the girls have gone and let me tell you, it was heaven for me and them. I got 3 hours of quiet time each day (with only Cole) and they got to play games, do crafts, have snacks, sing catchy songs and run around with friends. They learned a lot too. I was so impressed by the things they learned about the Bible and about God and His reality in our lives. It was also good for them to see that just because we all go to different churches, we have a lot of the same beliefs. Among all of this, I am teaching group piano lessons which I am really enjoying (picture banging out different rhythms on loud instruments down in the basement) and trying to finish my independent study class.

I love summertime!

Fabulous Four!

Four years ago today, Regan Cynthia came into our family! And what a girl she is- happy, charming, chatty, playful, silly, stubborn, strong-willed and not a sleeper!!! Happy Birthday Rooda! Regan is so excited today- she hasn't really known when her birthday is really coming, especially with all the hub-bub surrounding Ashton's baptism, so this morning she was thrilled to learn that today is the day! Of course, Regan opened her birthday outfit and I let her sneak a peak in my closet at the other wrapped gifts for later. I am going to go and get her some balloons to take when I pick her up from Vacation Bible School. Then tonight, we are off to her favorite place, Chuck E. Cheese!

I love this little lady so much. She has a love for life and is excited about everything. She gives the best hugs and kisses and is always up for some snuggles. In fact, she really makes me feel loved each and every day. This past year, with both of the older girls in school, Regan has been my little side-kick. We do laundry together and cook and clean. She stays right with me and although at times I wish she would go and play, I really wouldn't have it any other way. For being a fussy baby/toddler, Regan has become much more "go with the flow" and is actually very easy. But, watch out! When she turns, she really turns and then you are in it for the long haul because she is my most stubborn child. Regan loves her daddy, her sissies and her baby boy. She also likes dolls, princesses and dress-up. She cannot wait to be in dance class and also LOVES to swim. When I look at this tiny princess, I just feel happy. She brings much joy and love to our family, except when she doesn't, because she is screaming in the garage. Oh well! We love her so much, and she has us all wrapped around her little finger. Happy Birthday Princess!

Ashton's Special Weekend

Last Saturday, Ashton was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was such a memorable, wonderful weekend- one of those moments when you wish time would stand still and you could just stop and soak in everything that is happening.

One of the things that made this weekend so neat was being able to share it with so many people that we love. My dad and Pat flew in from Utah, Tod's parents drove up from Missouri and my step-sister and her family came from Ohio. Being surrounded by family was such a treat for all of us.

At Ashton's actual baptism service, I could literally feel the room brimming with love. Many of our closest friends attended which we appreciated so much. They have been like family to us. Jordan said the prayer, the girls and I sang a song and Grandma Patsy and Grandma Cindy gave amazing talks. Ashton was lucky to have her dad be able to baptize her and confirm her. The spirit was incredibly strong and Tod and I both felt so full of love for Ashton and so glad that she made this choice. And although we did encourage her to be baptized, it was her choice. One that I know will bless her forever.

Of course, we bought Ashton a beautiful white dress for the occasion. For her special day, I let her wear my mom's pearl necklace. It is the same one that I wore on my wedding day and I hope each of my daughter's will wear it when they are baptized and married. I told Ashton that now she could have a piece of Grandma Kim with her today, and I could really feel my mom's love and presence througout the day. Throughout Ashton's life, on several occasions, I have felt my mom very near and I do believe that these two have a connection.

This is a time that I look back on with special memories and I hope that Ashton will do the same. Thanks to everyone who supported and helped us.

(Thanks to my friends for taking the pics! Absolutely beautiful.)

Last Day of School

We had excellent teachers this year and learned a lot...but no matter what, the last day of school is still so exciting and fun! Can't wait for all of our summer adventures.

She is 8!

Today is Ashton's 8th birthday!!!! That seems impossible to me, that I have an eight year old. I remember her birth with so much happiness and excitement to become a mother. Today is cloudy and a bit rainy, just like it was 8 years ago. I am especially proud of Ashton this year. She has overcome challenges and is working on hard things. She is a great person who always expects a lot from herself. I also expect a lot from her and don't always thank her for doing all that she does. She is very smart, is an excellent reader and does so well in school. She makes friends easily and is concerned about others. She tries new things and is sensitive and loving. And this kid can play harder than anyone I know. Whether it's swimming, biking, being outside or make-believe, no one can outlast her when it comes to playing.

These pictures are of Ashton this morning before school. I just returned from having lunch with her and tonight, Tod and I are going to take her out to dinner, just the 3 of us which is a real treat. Then we will have cake and ice cream and presents. This weekend is Ashton's baptism and she is ready and excited. We are all looking forward to this event!

The Last Few Weeks

May is always such a busy month and this year has been no exception! We are enjoying the great weather and many fun activities. Here's what has been keeping us busy:

I held my spring piano recital on May 11, and it went really well. This year I have had 13 students, and everyone of them made me so proud at the recital! They are all so unique and special to me. Teaching piano this year has been a sacrifice for my family in some ways, but the recital made it worthwhile. It was so rewarding to see the progress that my students made.

I also finished up another semester of work on my Masters Degree. This semester I was able to carpool to Iowa City with 2 of my class mates. These girls are so different from me and on the surface we really didn't have much in common...but we really managed to become good friends through our semester together. This experience really reminded me that "different is good." My final project was a case study that I conducted on Jordan's literacy. It was so neat to do a project on something that I care so much about.

Ashton has been playing soccer again this year. I didn't get to as many of the games as I would have liked, but I was tickled to see the improvement she has made and all that she has learned. I am glad that she enjoys team sports.

Regan had her last day of preschool. She had a great year and it was so fun for her to go to the same school that Ashton attended. The teachers are just so nice, caring and down to earth.

Some of my very favorite people came to visit last week- my sister Katy, her husband Nick, and my nephew Sutton. We had a great time going to the museum, swimming, and going on walks. It was so fun to get to know Sutton better- he is adorable and funny and he eats a ton! Nick did some yard work for us which was so nice. He likes to talk as much as I do, so we always have a great time visiting. What can I say about my Katy? I love that girl and no matter how long it's been, we always have the same close bond. She is an amazing mom and career woman, and also such a loving aunt. I was sad when the George family left. Thank goodness we will see them again in just a few weeks!