Taylor waterskiing

Taylor has decided that he likes waterskiing, hmmm, I wonder where he got that from? He has only had a few times to really try but he is doing great on slalom. He cuts from side to side and can usually get up 1st time. We didn't take the wakeboard this time but it's a natural with his skateboarding background.

Memorial Day weekend

After all the arm drama we decided to do a quick trip to Nacogdoches for Memorial Day weekend. We hung out with my sister Amy and her family. On Monday we went to Lake Nacogdoches and enjoyed some water fun with their boat. It was nice to just have time to relax and enjoy the time together.

Paige and cousins on the tube. This is the first time Claire went on without a adult. She was having fun until the water got bumpy and then she was done.

Paige hanging with the cousins on the bow of the boat.

Lexi all bagged up so she could at least wade in the water. She was a bit frustrated that she couldn't go on the tube. She got in as far as the bag would allow.

Taylor and Harrison chilling together. It's funny that at such a young age Harrison is looking for the male bonding. Since there is so many girl cousins he looks to Taylor for comraderie. Even when he first woke up he was calling for Taylor.

Broken arm

Lexi and her big purple cast. She didn't realize that it would be so dark and was concerned that people couldn't write on it. Black Sharpies work just fine. And we got a smile out of her too.

Getting the cast on. She was not happy when the Dr. was molding the cast in the curve that he wanted the arm to heal in. This was probably the most painful part of the ordeal.

You can see that Lexi is not in pain with the broken arm. No tears here.

The night Lexi broke her arm was her choir concert. She had a solo for one of the songs and she was not going to miss her chance to perform. She did a great job and of course got lots of sympathy as well as praise for a beautiful performance.

On May 21st just as I was leaving the grocery store with a full cart of groceries I got a call from the school nurse-Lexi had fallen off the monkey bars at recess and thought she had broken her arm. I got to the school and they had Lexi's arm in a sling and with ice. she seemed to be able to move it around just fine, no tears or anything, but we decided to have a Dr. look at it. We went to the urgent care facility and the Dr. had her move the wrist, no problem, he bent the arm at the elbow, no problem. He was feeling the forearm and that's when she said it hurt. After a x-ray, it was confirmed that indeed the arm was broken. The Ulna between the elbow and wrist. The Dr. at the urgent put a splint on it and sent us on our way. I called our othopedic and they wanted to see the x-ray before scheduling a appt. When the orthopedic say the x-rays he said that it would need surgery and he wanted to see us on Fri. Fri was a mess and we ended up seeing him on Sat. He x-rayed the arm again and decided that she would not need surgery but that he would go ahead and cast it. It was a answer to many prayers. So Lexi now has a cast most of the way up her arm for 4-6 weeks. She couldn't finish her end of season softball tournament and is also out of swim team. The biggest bummer is just not being able to swim. This is our main form of entertainment during the summer. But she does get lots of attention and help with chores. I guess that's a trade off.

Bittersweet

Breakfast the last morning

Our classroom

Our class

For the past four years I have taught early morning seminary-that's a bible study class for high school students before high school starts 6:00-6:50 a.m. It is a labor of love. I have loved the students and the opportunity to study the scriptures in depth. The need to prepare a lesson everyday can be overwhelming at times, but there are many blessings that come from it. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to have both my boys in my class. We are divided by the high school the kids attend and I have had about 9 students each year-freshman through senior. I teach in our home. I know that I am not the greatest teacher but thanks to all the students who have blessed my life and for helping me to learn many important lessons. I know the sacrifice is great but definitely worth it!!! It's my last year and I'm interested to see what is next.

May activities

Taylor after his orchestra concert. Sorry the video is on the camcorder and I don't know how to digitize it. But doesn't he look handsome in a tux.

Lexi playing softball. I feel bad for the girls because it is so hot and they still get out there and work hard.

A great surprise I received the Texas Lifetime PTA award. I guess all those hours volunteering count for something.

Ken helping with a Eagle Scout Project-building a shed for Lexi's elementary. It's even got hurricane reinforcement. We are just excited because then the PTA stuff is not in our garage. It turned out great.

Catch up

I have not just been delinquent in updating our blog. Our computer was having "issues" with all things associated with Google. So after the help of a friend cleaning up the garbage we're back at it. May is a crazy month with schools cramming everything they can in at the end. So here's a few of our activities

Paige's band concert. She's in the back on the left. The one on the right. That's her that you hear playing.

Happy Mother's Day

Mom, your the best! I'm so thankful for a mom that is the greatest example of what a mom should be. She is always there showing her love and support, willing to sacrifice for others, ready to be of service to all, and willing to serve our Heavenly Father. Thanks for all the chauffering, costumes, dresses (even long distance), awesome meals, shopping, notes, little gifts and unconditional love. Your the best mom in whole world of Disneyland.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mom. I am grateful for 4 beautiful children and the blessing they are in my life. Thanks for making it a special day.

The newest addition to the family

Our German Shepherd Montana died two years ago at the age of 12. Everyone, except me, has talked about getting another dog. Of course it would need to be another German Shepherd. Jordan met a woman that breeds and raises German Shepherds while he worked at Sam's Club. Ken decided it was time to get another dog, so he got in touch with the woman and we are adding a dog back into the family chaos. We got 1st choice of the females in the litter and this is the one we chose. Puppies are cute but they grow up to be dogs and I am fully aware of the responsibility involved. I have been promised that the kids are all going to " take care of it." I think I've heard that before. We shall see how this goes.

The Lost tooth

Lexi had had loose tooth for a couple of weeks and kept trying to wiggle it to pull it out. Taylor told her to punch the tooth and it would come out. She was too afraid, so she asked Taylor to do it. He whacked it and out it came. Brothers are happy to help with things like that.

Happy Easter

Dressed for church. It's weird not to have everyone matching and coordinated. It's probably good since I don't know if I would have time to even try anymore.

The Easter Bunny commeth

The Easter bunny even looks out for the big guy!

We set a trap to catch the Easter Bunny. He falls for it every year. He hops right into the pan of flour and leaves his paw prints all the way to the baskets. Silly rabbit!!!!

Easter Fun

Paige found an egg, even in the dark

Taylor got in on the egg dyeing

The ward Easter egg hunt. It was strange that I only had one child involved in the actual hunt.