Kindergarten Celebrations

May is moving right along. Not a whole lot has happened, but enough to keep us busy and to not feel like the month is just dragging on. Mother's Day weekend was great. Gaupo was so kind to go to the store with me where we bought bagels for both breakfasts and lunch. We did that on Saturday. Then on Sunday he got up and made me bacon, eggs, and a toasted bagel for breakfast. I was so amazed because he didn't feel like breakfast, so he really did just cook it for me. Then to help top off spoiling me he made one of my favorite meals--chicken fried steak and oven roasted potatoes. It was really good. I felt very loved, so it was a great weekend. We didn't do anything too exciting because it was rainy all weekend, but that is okay we still had some good family time and enjoyed the things we did.

Anyway, now that I have kiddos in school the end of May is quite a big deal. I don't know that I have ever been quite so ready for school to be over. Everyone asks if we have big plans and even though we are traveling to visit family and things we aren't doing anything too big. I am just excited to have my kids home. We can do things on our own. We don't have a schedule that we have to be ready for in the mornings we can just be and do our own thing. I probably am not making any sense, but I am so ready for my kids and no school. However, I think it is impossible for the school year to end, especially the kindergarten school year, without some celebrations and special activities. Last Thursday was Kylee's kindergarten celebration. The kids came in from recess and all us parents were there and waiting. The kids performed a few songs for us and a cute little poem. Then they were all presented with a certificate and then we had some cookies. It was really cute to watch all the kids. Kylee memorized both of her parts and she LOVED learning and singing the songs they did. Lately they have been learning songs in Spanish and boy have we heard those songs. I can almost sing one of them now and I don't even know Spanish and I didn't know the song before either. Its okay though she loves it.

Kylee and Mrs. Spencer

Kylee and Jensen with her certificates.

Kylee getting her certificate from Ms. Spencer

Song time.

Isn't this such a cute picture.

It is amazing to me to see how Kylee has grown over the last school  year. I took a very worried five year-old to school in the fall and now I have a full grown six year-old who wants to take on the world. She has conquered a lot of her fears lately. She can ride her bike to and from school especially if properly motivated. She can now jump off the diving board, go down the watersides by herself, and swim pretty darn well. She still loves to play with her friends and is not afraid to say hi to her classmates when she sees them. Over the course of the year, she went from not knowing all her letters to being able to read beginning level books, she can add and subtract with small numbers if she wants to, and she loves to write. She can even right stuff you can understand if she will slow down and make sure she is writing what she is thinking. She is quite the kid, I am so proud of the challenges she has taken and succeeded at. She is quite the girl.

Anyway, Kindergarten Celebration was on Thursday, and the on Friday they had field day. The do a field day just for the kindergartners. Tia and I went and watch and lets just say Tia had a really hard time just watching, but she did really good at the same time. Field Day is where the kids get to go outside and play relay type games. Some have water and some don't. The games they played were filling a bucket with water using a sponge, gunny sack and hippy-hop racing, picking up marble with your toes from the bottom of a kiddie pool, parachute games, filling a bucket with water using a bucket that has holes in it, carrying a ball on a plunger and an egg on a spoon, filling a bucket using a cup that was glued to a bike helmet, and then an obstacle course. It was really fun to watch. I think my favorite part was seeing Kylee play with the other kids in her class. I have been a little worried that she wouldn't have any friends and be kind of  alone in first grade, but after watching her at field day, I think she will be fine. Mainly because when she needed a buddy she found one and the one she found was pleased as punch to be with Kylee too. I don't know it was just really fun. I was super proud of Kylee and how she tried everything. By the end she was pretty tired, but you know she worked hard, so her and Tia totally deserved the Popsicle they earned at the end. It was a fun morning and Kylee took a good nap after.

After those two days of festivities, I totally didn't understand why they had to go to school this week. I mean they brought home all their stuff to do work with, and they had all of the end of the year things, but they still had to go. Luckily Kylee loved going and they have actually done some cool things. Like yesterday they mixed up all the kindergarten classes (there are 4 of them) and then they did some activities together. They also let them meet the 1st grade teachers, so that was fun. Kylee says she like Mrs. Higgin's the best, so we will see who she gets next year. This year of school has been challenging I know, but right now I look back on it and I just think about what an amazing year it has been. We have learned and grown, so much I can hardly believe it, but we did it and not only that but we enjoyed it and are better because of it. That last sentance is a giant tender mercy for me, because I may have taken that 5 year-old to school, but this mama was just about as scared and hesitant about it all as she was. I didn't know how it would go, if I would like it, if my kids would be behind, and a whole bunch of other worries and concerns. Now I am here at the end of the year, still a little bit worried about a new year and full day school, but knowing it will be okay because I have grown-up a little too and know that we can do anything. So proud of my Kylee girl!

What A Birthday!

As most of you know, my birthday is a whopping four-days after Gaupo's, so some of our celebrations tend to overlap or at least run into each other. For example, the Red Lobster date I believe was dual purpose. Gaupo loved the food and I got a gift of time with him and it was there to celebrate both our birthday's. This year that is kind of all the dual purpose we got, and we did take a little bit of a break for crazy treats and good. Just for a couple days. So, my birthday was Wednesday, and it was CRAZY! I got up and exercised and got ready because at 7:45 I was going to start watching a couple of kids- Alex  and Jamie Kenworthy. So, I needed to be ready when that happened. To be honest, I was a little nervous about watching them because it can really be either good or bad, but I have no guarantee about it going one way or the other. Luckily for me this time was amazing. The kids just played and played and played. Kylee even had late start, so she was home to play and it was fun to watch the kids play together then split up and the come together. It was pretty impressive and I feel so blessed that they played so well. While there were playing I made breakfast of apple cinnamon muffins and then also worked on making the brownie layers for my cake. It worked out really well.

Around 12:00 Tori and Trent came over. So, then I had six kids, it was crazy. However, bless my ministering sister Megan VonNeiderhausen's heart she came to the chaos with lunch. She brought her little boy and lunch for everyone. We had Cafe Rio and she had ordered the free kid cassadias for all the kids. I still had to make one sandwich, but at least it wasn't the possible 7. She stayed and chatted with me for awhile while the kids played and it was awesome. I really needed some to just be with and she willingly joined the chaos and spent sometime. It really meant a lot to me. After she left, Tia, Jamie, Alex, and Tori played some more. Trent I put to bed because it was a little more than he could deal with and Kylee had gone to school. However, about 2:15 Alex and Jamie's parents came and got them. So, I quickly put the girls down and then worked on the cookie dough and assembly of my cake. I got that done just before Tori came up and Kylee got home school. I still had all the dishes, but we got that done to. However, shortly after all that it was time to head to swim. I was exhausted, so I texted Gaupo asking him if we could just have a Hot n' Ready pizza. He said I can do that or I can make biscuits and gravy. I think pizza is a comfort/stress food because by this time in the day that is what I really wanted, so he said he would. So after swim, I got the girls bathed and he showed up with pizza, a single rose, and my favorite Mint Danahli Moosetracks ice cream. I was so surprised and loved. So, we sat down for dinner and enjoyed pizza and powerade and then cake. Boy was my cake sweet. I cut what I thought was a normal piece, but it was so rich I learned to cut smaller in the following days. After dinner and dessert, we just enjoyed for a bit and then put the girls to bed. Then to finish the night Gaupo and I finished our book/series of the Beyonders. It was a good book/series but I was also glad to have it finished up. After the book we went to bed, and I was tired. I feel asleep fast and didn't wake up until my alarm which after turning it off decided that I would sleep in.

Tia, the pizza, a rose, Kylee and Me.

The cake.

Me, Tia and Kylee

My wonderful family!

That actually didn't work out as great as I had planned because Gaupo came in to check as to why I wasn't awake and to get some help with homework. So, I helped him and the got on with the day. I took the girls to the dentist. Then I was going to workout while they were at school, but talked to my mom instead. It was such a great talk. I felt like we haven't done that in so long and it was really great to just chat for a LONG time. Then I got the girls  from school. Once we were home, I knew it was now or never for the workout. I did it and then got lunch. About 1/2 way through lunch, Bethany came over to hangout. So, we chatted until she had to go. That also hasn't happened for awhile, so it was really nice to just talk, and enjoy each other. Once the Blaine's left I got the kids down for quiet time. Nothing real exciting happened until that night. After the girls were in bed we made Teriyaki chicken and then a member of the bishopric came over to extend me a calling as a primary teacher specifically CTR 5 (Kylee's class). I had gotten a release from my calling on Monday, but I didn't expect a call, so soon and I wish I was righteous enough to say I was excited by this but that would be lying. I have been praying over this class since I got the assignment and I feel much better about it but when I first got it I was like really. I already deal with these kids almost everyday. I already know all of them and taught most of them in nursery, can't I have new ones. However, that isn't the case and in my setting apart today (5/6) I was told that this calling would help me grow and become a better mom and person. I was also blessed with additional patience which I definitely think I will need. So, after that came and I accepted we watch Hogan's hero's and went to bed.

Friday wasn't too special until the evening when we went for a family swim. Gaupo came home from work and we all went to the rec center. Kylee was so excited to show Gaupo how she could go down the slides. She went down for the first time with me on Tuesday night. Well, we showed him how we could do that and then after awhile I asked if she wanted to go alone. She promptly and assuredly said NO. Well, Tia heard and she wanted to go alone and that kind of helped Kylee get up the courage to do it. So, both girls went down the tube slide at the rec center along. They did great. Both were able to get into the right position to kick out of the splash, so it began. We rode the slide a ton and the girls had a blast going down alone and kicking out. It was super impressive and a very fun night. I am so glad we went and did that. I am so appreciative of Gaupo doing things he doesn't like because it makes us all so happy. Plus, we get some family time and it is so fun.

Tia, Kylee, Me, and Gaupo on the way home from our family swim.

Tia is learning to cook Tortillas. She is so proud.

Saturday was what I wish the day of my birthday was like. So, I think its a great end to a birthday week. I slept in a little bit and then we had my personal favorite biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Then we packed up the bike and went to Wal-Mart where I got some stuff that I have been needing and wanting with my birthday money, plus we picked up supplies for a hotdog roast. Then we went to Sandstone Ranch and rode bike. Our girls have grown so much. The last time we rode around the park it was 'too hard' for them. But this time they did it no problem. They just went around and played like it was just an ordinary ride. I told Gaupo, "I think our family is ready for some real rides this summer." He agreed, so it will be fun to see what we can do.

Some wild turkey's we saw on our bike ride.

Look at those two cuties looking at the turkeys.

Gaupo, Tia, and Kylee biking though the park.

 After our bike ride, we went home and had a hotdog roast. It took a little bit to get it going, but we did and it was super tasty. We had hotdogs, somores, chips, and Kool-aid Jammers.

Sitting down enjoying our flame roasted hotdogs.

After we roasted, we got the girls down for naps and Gaupo and I painted our posts. They are going to defiantly need more coats of painted but it is a least started. While were finishing up that girls painted watercolors outside and the neighbor came to chat. That is one thing I love about summer, it is so much easier to see your neighbors because you are all outside. After working on the porch, I vacuumed out the van--it was bad.Then the girls and I watch The Little Mermaid while Gaupo ran the missionaries to their dinner appointment. Then we gave the girls dinner and baths. Then we got cleaned up from the roast and watched tv and called it a night.

I love the time I get to spend with my family. I know this might look like a whole bunch of days for a birthday post, but really each one was another birthday gift to me. I loved serving my friends, and having pizza and cake. I loved talking to my mom and sleeping in. I loved swimming with my family and watching my kids (and myself) conquer fears. I loved spending time together both working and playing and I love wiener roasts. All these things didn't happen on the same day, but they were all wonderful and reminded me how good it is to be alive and to have had another birthday. So, far I don' mind getting older. Some day I probably will, but for right now it means I have had another good year and have more to come and I can't wait to see what the adventures of this year will bring.

Aren't these two girls just the cutest sisters ever. They choose to look like twins just for fun sometimes.

The Main Man Is 32

Gaupo turned 32 on Saturday and we have been celebrating since last Thursday. It all started because Gaupo's co-workers found out his birthday was coming on Saturday. Since he was off on Friday, and they don't work Saturday they surprised him on Thursday. They ballooned his office. He probably had at least 30 balloons hanging from the ceiling. Gaupo told me that apparently they had tried to put them all over the floor too, but his floor is too full of poky thing that they just kept popping, so they went for the ceiling instead. They also covered his office with post-it notes that everyone had written. Then they saran wrapped his desk, chair and phone. It was pretty great. To top it all off these great people also provided two cakes for him. This was probably my favorite thing. Gaupo never wants anyone to know its his birthday, so I have complied and not told anyone and we just make a big deal around here about it. But, this year someone found out and got him. It is so awesome. I don't think he has anything to be ashamed of since for the past 3 years he has escaped detection of ever having a birthday. It was fun to join his work for cake, and to visit with him and everyone else at work on that fun day. The girls thought it was pretty great too when I took them to work and showed them at the end of the day.

A glimpse of his office.

His two cakes.

Friday we didn't celebrate a whole lot. Gaupo was stuck home watching kids all day. I took Kylee to the eye doctor and then Tia to speech. After speech Tia and I stayed in Boulder so we could go to her field trip.

Tia and I at the park waiting for her field trip.

Tia plant her pea to take home.

Tia 'helping' with the garden work.

So, we didn't get back until about three. Gaupo was home with Kylee since about 9:30 and then he had Tori and Trent too from about 12:00 on. He was a real trooper to take that on especially when I come back home totally tired as well. However, I did get his crockpot cake made and we had his birthday dinner of Navajo Tacos. They were so good. The cake was good and we had a fun time having Jensen and Calvin over for a couple hours that night too. Gaupo was so amazing to help me babysit those kids as well.

Kylee, Gaupo, and Tia with the cake.

Me, Kylee, Gaupo, and Tia. photo credit: Jensen

Tia and Kylee with some of Gauo's many balloons.

Saturday Gaupo had to work. However, he didn't have to go in until about 8:30, so we made him chocolate milk and sausage for breakfast. Then sent him off while the rest of us had sausage and pancakes. I watch Trent and Tori that morning as well while their parents went to the temple. So, the four kids made Gaupo a birthday sign and got everything ready for a party we never really had. After getting some things done at home I took the kids to the park where their parents came and got them.

Tia and Trent with buried feet.

Then we went home and had a light-ish lunch and helped Gaupo a bit with his homework. Then we took naps while he worked. Once the kids woke up, I took them shopping for birthday presents. We got him a model bike he needs to build and a styrofoam airplane he can fly with the kids. The girls were so please to buy their presents for him and I think he really liked them.

Tia, Gaupo, and Kylee before opening presents.

Gaupo building the airplane with two very attentive girls.

While we shopped for gifts I ran a few other errands and then got home in time to quickly get ready for our date! Yes, isn't it great we went on a real date. Our original plan was to have our favorite babysitter come so we could pay her, but she couldn't so Bethany (Jensen's mom) watched them for us. The girls had a blast. Bethany was at her mom and dad's house so we took the girls there and they had a great time riding bikes and playing. Gaupo and I had a great time too. I think we actually successfully did not talk about kids or our problems but instead just talked about us and stuff, it was amazing. We went to Red Lobster which is Gaupo's favorite place and I have actually found I really like their coconut shrimp and this time I tried another kind of shrimp and it was good too. So, lucky for this picky fish eater there is something I like there. They gave Gaupo some ice cream for his birthday, so we enjoyed that too and then went and got the girls. It was a really enjoyable evening. It has been a long time since we went on a 'real' date and it was amazing how enjoyable it was. I think Gaupo felt loved and celebrated, so another good birthday in the books for him.

Gaupo and his birthday dinner date.

I feel so blessed to be Gaupo's wife. He tries so hard to do what is right and to do what he needs to for his family, work, and the church. School has kept him pretty busy, although, this last semester up until the end here has been awesome. I am so proud of all his hard work. He has really grown as he has challenged himself in his classes, and learned new things. He works really hard to provide for his family. He tries to help as much as he can with anything he can at work. He loves the people he works with and his co-workers love him. I love that he loves what he does even when he has hard days or weeks. Watching Gaupo serve as ward mission leader is a wonderful opportunity. I am impressed by the love and care he has for his missionaries and the people they teach. It has been fun to watch him share in the work. I love watching Gaupo be a Dad. He is a great Dad. He loves Kylee, and Tia so much. Sometimes he loves them so much it is really hard for him to let them learn 'the hard way.' However, he tries. I love that about him. He is always trying to do better and to be better. He isn't perfect, but I am no where close, so luckily for me we try together. He loves his girls and loves doing things with them.

Finally, like I said above I am so blessed to be his wife. I love that he helps me raise our kids. He is so supportive of me in my callings, work, motherly things, temple attendance, and so much more. I love spending time with him, watching him care for our girls, but also my sisters. I have gotten so much joy out watching him care so much about Kitt and Klaire and what is going on with them. I being with Gaupo and working at this family and marriage thing together. He is so kind and patient and I am so grateful for that because I don't know what I would do with out him. He means so much to me, so I feel so lucky that he took a chance on asking me out. Then asking me to marry him, and finally actually marrying me and sticking with it through all the ups and downs. He is the BEST!