May's Ten Things

I'm not sure why I'm even surprised anymore at how fast time flies.  Seems like I'd be used to it by now.  May was a crazy month.  Todd had a few late nights at work, along with weekend working.  He had camping and I had tons of pageant stuff.  Soccer games and end of preschool festivities.  We had sickies, including myself, but through it all, there was plenty to smile about too!

1.  The Wisteria at the library

2.  Watching Ethan win the E-BOB competition
3.  Madeline scoring five goals in one soccer game
4.  Our kite flying FHE
5.  The nice weather was good for lots of family walks/bike rides followed by racing in the front yard

6.  Madeline's preschool graduation (hopefully I'll post about that tomorrow)
7.  Mother's day was very nice and included some really cute and thoughtful homemade gifts from the kiddos
8.  I had fun helping direct the Miss South Jordan Pageant
9.  Cooper enjoying cucumbers at a restaurant
10.  Spending Memorial Day with family, a fire pit for hotdogs, and homemade ice cream

Random Fun!

Ethan's not the only one who can wear a crown (see previous post)

 Being Velcro-ed to a wall is fun . . . at the Scout Expo

 A Family Home Evening all about FUN - surprise new kites for the kids from Todd

 Watch out . . . a massive two kite tangle is about to occur!!

 Laughing on my bed...

 And enjoying a cucumber at a restaurant.

E-BOB Champion

Several months ago, Ethan mentioned how his school does an E-BOB competition every year.  Elementary Battle of the Books!  Each grade is assigned a list of books they can read if they choose.  The first graders were assigned four books.  Three novels and a book about animals.  Ethan explained that there would be a test and a competition later on.  It was so far in the future, that I didn't think much of it.  I had planned to check the books out from the library, but always kept forgetting.  He told me it didn't matter, he read them once in his classroom.  

Then one day, a couple of weeks ago, Ethan came home and declared, "Mom!!  The E-BOB competition is TOMORROW and you're invited!  I made it into the competition!  We took the test two days ago.  I scored really high!"

Whoops!  I guess I wont be checking those books out for my son...when he left for school the next day, I told him we might not make it.  Who knew what Cooper would be doing.  Plus, silly me, I didn't really realize what it was anyway or if it was actually a big deal.

To make a long story short...I'm REALLY glad I went.  Because I got to watch Ethan win the ENTIRE competition for first graders!!!

Top 12 on the test went on to do a spelling bee type round.  He was the only one who knew all of his questions and also answered correctly some of the other kid's questions when they passed.

Top 6 went to the speed buzzer round.  He answered the most and again was the only one who didn't have an incorrect answer.

Top 3 got awarded metals.  I have to admit that after they announced 3rd place, I broke out my video camera and started it rolling.  I kinda had a hunch at that point...what fun!

So proud of Ethan!  And I think next year, we really will have to check the books out...

Soccer Domination!!

Saturday, the kids had their soccer games.  It was picture day too, which meant a game at 10, a picture at 11, a game at 12, a picture at 1.  I knew that would never work, so Todd and I decided to divide and conquer.  I took Ethan and then Todd took Madeline.  I thought this was a splendid idea until Madeline and Todd got home and I found out what I had missed!!!

Before Saturday, Madeline's team had lost every single game.  Madeline liked playing but hadn't really gotten into the games a whole lot, and didn't know she could score.  But this past Saturday, something in Madeline's brain clicked and I guess she figured out how to dominate in soccer.  I wish I could tell you what happened, but see, I wasn't there to see it.  And what exactly did I miss???

I missed seeing Madeline SCORE 5 GOALS!!!!!  Her team won 10-3!  She's number 7 with the piggy tails in the pic.

I don't know how it happened, but I sure hope it happens again, because I am NOT gonna miss another game.  She just kept taking control of the ball, handling it all the way down the field and into the net over and over and over.  She rocks!  I'm totally taking my camera this week.  Because I have a feeling last week wasn't a fluke.  Fingers crossed!  No pressure girl!  But can I see you make at least one goal??!!??

This inspired Ethan too.  So maybe I'll be lucky enough to see both my kids score.  That would be fun!

Madeline, I'm totally proud of you.  You're way too cool for me.  I never scored 5 goals in one game.  Oh wait, I never played soccer, but if I had, you totally would have kicked my trash!  :)

xoxo

Eight Months Old

All three of my kids have blog worthy posts I need to work on.  But I had so much fun taking these pictures, that they get to go first!  Madeline and Ethan both have posts coming though, because they've been pretty awesome lately.

Cooper is 8 months old today.  Awww Coopey, I love you.

My Little Dancer

Watching Madeline dance in her recital was one of my favorite moments as a mom.  Maybe because I loved dancing so much.  Maybe because the way she moved and grooved in tap was just so darling.  Or maybe it's because her ballet number was so sweet.  Or it could be that I am just so in love with my daughter.  But whatever the reason, it made my top favorites list of motherhood moments.

 Her two best friends danced with her.

 We (the moms) covered them in glitter and they were so excited!  How could you not be when you're wearing a fancy sparkly costume, with makeup and an audience clapping for you while the lights shine on you as you dance?!?  Madeline was really good too.  She knew her steps and did them with emotion and enthusiasm.  It seriously took my breath away with cuteness.  I hope if you're reading this you've had an experience such as this, because everyone needs a moment at least once in a while that takes their breath away with cuteness.  It's a recipe for happiness.

 Madeline was so overcome with excitement and pleasure after dancing that her emotions spilled over and she burst into tears.  "I don't want to stop dancing Mommy.  I want to do another recital.  I always want to do ballet!"

Ah, now that is a heart I understand.  I never got enough of it either.  And I think I mourned the loss of dancing for years after I had to stop.  There is a part of me that still misses it, even after 20 years.  Yes, I do think that is why I loved watching her so much.  And I loved watching her love it.

April's Ten Things

I feel like I have no idea what happened in April.  Did we even have that month?  But somehow through the blur, I still have ten things to smile about for April!

1.  I enjoyed General Conference!
2.  Madeline's Bakery (with a princess shaped sugar cookie!)

 3.  Cooper's piano concert

 4.  Madeline's fashion show that went on for an hour and all her requests for pictures in each outfit

 5.  We enjoyed a dinner get-together with long time friends, and my kids performed magic tricks for our guests.  Totally made me smile.

6.  Madeline's ballet recital was probably the highlight of the month for me.  I'll post more about it tomorrow!

 7.  I finally planted things in my vegetable garden.  It made me happy.  I guess I had forgotten how much I like planting peas.

8.  Attending my cousin's wedding was incredible.  I think I could go to a sealing every day and never tire of them.  It was so wonderful!!

9.  My lesson I taught in Relief Society went really well!  I was nervous because I haven't ever taught adults before, but it turned out great and the Spirit was really strong.

10.  And last the best...Ethan's spelling pretest!  You have to understand something, this kid gets 100% on almost every. single.  pretest.  He had a MAJOR brain cramp moment.  It was the best giggling session I had all month: