Helping Hands

 Back in 2006 Gunner  was fortunate enough to attend the Helping Hands Preschool. It was the BEST experience we have had with preschool. Miss Maren not only taught him to read but also incorporated the gospel into her school. I was in love!

 Then tragedy struck and they moved away to Utah. Sad times.


I knew we had had our last babies about the same time and prayed that they would move back and by some miracle she would teach preschool again...


Well was I ever blessed! They moved back and very close. Then she decided to partner with a friend and teach again!! YAY!!!

 So Rigdon has had the experience of going to Helping Hands. I kid you not, there is no other school like it.

 They went to the turtle farm, the temple, went on mini missions and had the missionaries come to their class, they had safety day and got to get in a real fire truck... IT goes on and on. All the while they all read fluently and recognize all their letters.

What a blessing to have two women so wonderful to teach my sweet baby!

Miss Maren with Rig.

 The Cousins. Daigen, Rowdy, Miss Maquel, and Rigdon.

 Rigdon Graduates.

 All together now.

 Singing one of the many songs they learned. They also memorized a different poem every month.

 Rigdon with some of his stuff from school.

Now off to kindergarten.

Sienna Ballerina

 Sienna and her doll Kelsey, all decked out and ready to go.

 I'm glad she gave us a smile before the demonstration because she was all business while there.

 We were all ready for the show.

 The business face.

 So serious.

 Sienna with her teacher Miss Robbin.

 Sienna with her favorite Aunt Emilee!

Miss Robbin said... Sienna is a dream student, full of focus and has the potential to be a wonderful ballerina.  She got exceeds expectations on all of her evaluations except flexibility... only a 4. Oh well can't be perfect.

Happy Birthday Sienna!

 May 15th 2005 we were blessed with our beautiful Sienna.

She has been dying for this birthday hoping to get her ears pierced. I made Ashlynn wait till she was 10 simply because I had allergic reactions to the metal. I wanted her to be old enough to take care of them. I guess they make earrings out of higher quality stuff now, since she didn't seem to have any problems. So when Sienna started asking and really wanting to get her ears pierced I thought well..... why not?

She has been counting down the days!

 On the way to Claires, the place where my ears were pierced and Ashlynn's, the follow conversations happened...

Sienna; I am starting to get nervous.
Rig; Why, it's just a pinch?
Sienna; How do you know? you never had it done.
Rig; well Marlee told me so. (in his most matter of fact voice)
Marlee is in his preschool.

 Nervously waiting for the guns to load.

 Double time! Gettting it over with in one shot.

 All done! Sienna says," it felt just like a little pinch. and then it started to sting."

"But it was worth it!"

 Afterwards a quick spin on the carousel. not cheap.

 Now we have her ballet demonstrations to look forward to on Saturday. She is doing wonderful and will get to move up to the formal division next year. She LOVES her costume!

I love how much joy Sienna has for life!
She may be small but she is LOUD!
Sienna is a fashionista. She loves cute clothes and accessories.
She is a beautiful Ballerina.
She is a good helper in the kitchen. I love when she puts on her tiny apron.

Sienna is a great blessing in our family. She was my last home birth, so she has a special place in my heart. I waited all night for her and couldn't stop crying when she was born.( that may or may not have been because she was 6 days overdue)
Happy Birthday Sienna!

Evolving

 Now that my children are getting older I can't help but remember how life was when when they were all small.

The days were spent here at my house, washing and tidying and playing at home. Our big outings would be a trip to Coscto, Walmart, Grandma's house, or the park.

It was busy! There was always some mess to clean up, or a diaper to change. I would look forward to nap time and bed time for just a little down time. Don't get me wrong I love my job and wouldn't want to do anything else. There was just so much going on that a little down time was needed for sanity. You know what I mean.

Anyway the busy was mostly in the morning and by evening things would slow down.

 Now that my children are bigger, everyone will be in school next year, There is a very different kind of busy. Now sure it's busy until 8:00 am when the kids leave for school, Then I have some down time.

I'll be honest I take some time to put my feet up and watch a show, or even close my eyes. I know what  is  coming.

Then I start the daily jobs, the never ending laundry( thank goodness for washers and dryers) the dishes all the jobs that need to get done at my liesure of course.

 I might work on girls camp stuff or go over my lesson on Sunday. It's my time and I try to use it wisely.

THen when the afternoon hits I know that is when my new busy time hits. Picking up the kids and getting the homework done. Dropping off one child or another at piano, scouts, young womens, gymnastics... the list goes on and on.

The homework folders come out and need to be checked and signed. Everyone is supposed to read a half an hour a day... try fitting that in! I do my best, it doesn't always work out and twice now I have written a note to a teacher and said we just ran out of time to finish homework and I sent them to bed at 9.

I would have never thought that when I was in the trenches with little ones that it could actually get more busy! Who knew?!

Well it does, It is exhausting most days, but I STILL LOVE IT!!!!!

IT is a joy to see them learn and grow. Now, is it bedtime yet?