It's my birthday and....

I'll wear what I want to, wear what I want to. You woo-ould to if it was your birthday too! Do do do do do!

I have a stupid song stuck in my head so I thought I would share my remixed words for the day!

You ever just want to wear clothes like you did when you were a teenager and just not care, that is me today.

I am well aware that this is my husbands hat and that I probably should have him wear it but it is cozy and I don't want to fix my hair. Plus today is my birthday and I am super busy. I want to stay home in my pajamas and be a bum and watch old movies. But instead I got up early, worked out, had my visiting teacher come over, went to the store, and now lunch is cooking then off to drop off Layla. And today is grocery day for my grandma and I am taking her with Isa. It should be exciting and hopefully doesn't take more than 3 hours. Wish us luck.

So this is my I don't care what I wear attire coupled with black under armor capris and running shoes. I know stylish right! Oh well I am 28 and am pretending I am 18!

If I was a buddy......

this would be me. The girls built me a stuffed animal at build a bear for my birthday. Like I said earlier in a post we are into Hello Kitty. This is one of her friends. Brian told me that if he had to pick a build a bear that was me, my new "Love Bunny" would be it.

I love it, she is so stylish with her goodies and bow don't ya think.

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MY CLASS

Just a note about my class. These a three of the five girls I have for church. They are by far the sweetest kids. They are all do very different and bring something to our class. We all came out to support Jennifer on the right as she was baptized. It was special to be there and to feel of the spirit. I know these girls are going to grow up to be amazing women some day. It seems crazy to think it wasn't that long ago that I was in their shoes. Crazy how much time passes and how much we grow in the early years. But I love these girls and they definitely teach me so much each week. Not just as a teacher but as a mother and I hope my girls turn out as great, that would be amazing! They have been taught well! And aren't they stinking cute!

THE BIG KINDERGARTEN POST!!!!

Thanks to my little sister Mia the girls are so into Hello Kitty now. When Mia was a kid it was all the rage, and appropriate since she is a cute little Asian we bought her tons of hello kitty stuff as a kid. With the new niece we have begun the Hello kitty craziness again and it has spread to our house now. Hence the backpack! 

She had to pack the actual school supplies in her backpack to head to school. She of course had to examine every single item which helped take up a good chunk of the morning.

I have no idea what was running through her mind at this time but when I looked out of the kitchen I saw her like this and had to capture a shot. By the way she is so stinking skinny and muscular. She is just bones and muscle.... the calorie packing is apparently not working. Oh well she will love it come high school and college right?

Layla picked out her clothes the day before. And set them out so that I was sure to know what she was wearing. I loved that she put the pants under the dress, she explained to me that is how it is at the store. LOVE IT!!!! And Isa tried to help straighten her dress for her while she was getting dressed in the living room. And as a side note yes we have bedrooms for the children to dress in but for some reason we are just one big happy family with no privacy. The girls strip down in the living room to change more often then not and they insist on talking to you while you go to the bathroom or shower. I was hoping this would end by the time we go to kindergarten but obviously not. They are girls right this is normal??!!

And here are the proud family members of our ever so grown up Layla. We can't believe that she is so big. She is tall now too. It seems like just yesterday she was a mere 3 pounds hanging out with us on our chest and now she is all grown up and headed to school. I really thought I wouldn't feel old until I hit 30 but the whole elementary school mom thing definitely make me feel old already. I don't know what I will do when Isa goes to school next year. The house just won't be the same.

Our big girl. She wasn't nervous at all. She used to be really shy and kind of reserved. Especially when we moved here. She spent six months crying because she missed Rexburg, her best friend, and grandma. Nights were hard there until me moved to this apartment. Now she has grown leaps and bounds. She is not outgoing but happy to try new things and new places. She is a quiet sweet little girl who wants to be a friend to everyone. 

okay so Isa is excited that Layla is going to school for one reason, she gets me to herself. She has been waiting for this day since layla finished preschool in Rexburg. We used to have three mornings a week just the two of us. And for a year and a half we have had to share all day as a three some. Now it is back to just me and Isa again and she couldn't be happier. It is nice to have time just with her. You forget that you haven't had it really when it is the second or later children. The first gets time just with you. Layla had a good 19 months before Isa was born and then for a while we kept her at home so it was just Layla and me for a while. Isa needs this time just as much as I need it with her. We are buddies and that makes me smile.

Back to the growing little weed. 

Layla is only doing half day kindergarten for several reasons. After going to school and helping teach kids and work with them in college I decided that full day just isn't worth it. And I am old fashioned I know because everyone we know is doing full day. But for those who are like me I will put in my two cents about half day here and you can think I am crazy all you want. 

My reasons....

*Why go to school for 7 hours at age 5 when you will have to do it for the next 12 years? 

*They only get 30 minutes more of "school" a day the rest is free time to explore their interests like art, reading, and home living. 

(for this one I have to say that being a stay at home mom is where it comes in handy. I don't work and get paid I work for my kids. I am a preschool, art, music, dance, math, science, and social studies teacher all day everyday. They are not getting anything at school in those extra hours that we don't work on at home.)

* They will be gone for so long that they need that extra time with their family. For the next 12 years school will be full of homework and activities and lots of running around. Kindergarten is where we learn to LOVE school. If you are gone all day and feel like you miss out on anything because you are away you are doing the kid justice. FAMILY IS ALWAYS MORE IMPORTANT.

* She is socialized enough and I will work on the rest. Church comes in great here. Layla has a whole different set of friends at church she meets with and learns with. And she learned valuable lessons there. And we work on teaching those "life" lessons at home. And I think supplementing her school education at home with a religious one is just what she needs.

* She will grow up too fast. This is my selfish reason to keep her home. I want more time with her. I don't want her to grow up. I enjoy the morning playing circus and reading books. I love to watch her perform is her various capacities. She is my little girl and this is my last year to spend the mornings just snuggling with her. Why make her grow up, she has the rest of her life for that! Trust me I know that for every reason I have for why not other families might have for why yes... and that is why there is still a choice. So everyone and pick what is best for them. But don't judge me cause I pick half day I am not just old school.

And I will leave my soap box now! 

Outside the school doors already to go!

Waiting so patiently with the happiest grin!

Good bye!

This walk to class was special to watch. They talked about school together since both of them are taking big steps in their education. This is a big year for them and I am proud they do it together. 

Layla's table with the only other two girls in class!

The final pose. I love this little girl more than words can express. I am so proud of the sweet confident girl she is turning out to be. She is a good friend to everyone. She doesn't seem to notice the differences that make others judge people. And for lots of reasons she is sensitive to those who are different. I am proud of her and proud to be her mother. She is growing up so fast. Ah my little Layla congrats on your first big year of school!

Kindergarten Jamboree Night

Well Monday night we had a school ice cream social. It was weird to go there with the girls and check out the school. We found out that Layla was switched to the afternoon kindergarten class. I am okay with it but it is definitely going to take some getting used to. I was hoping for morning so that Brian could take her to school for me and I could just pick her up. But it will work out. I am happy that she is in a very small class. There are only 10 in her class. She is one of three girls. Anyways here are a ton of pictures from our first time at the school.

All ready to check out the school. The girls liked the cafeteria except that it is in the basement. They thought it was weird. And trust me one of the biggest factors for putting Layla in half day was lunch. She is not ready to eat in public without a helper everyday. We just are too stinking clumsy and make messes everyday. I know it isn't her fault so the extra year will be good to grow from. 

Next we headed to the class. This is the reading corner. This has been one of her favorite spots so far the first week. SHE LOVES TO READ. The most exciting thing for her is that she will learn to read on her own this year. 

The cubbies, Layla found hers right off the bat.... it is the very first one closest to the door.

The mat where they sit and read, play, and sing together.

More photos of the class room. Layla and the other two girls Allie and Sophie sit at the green table. Her teacher Mrs. Pryor was nice to put the girls together at one table. Layla feels very comfortable with them.

The Home Living Center. Of course she is at home here it has dress ups and and kitchen with real menus. 

Next is the Library.

Layla is so excited to go check out her first book next week!

And last the bounce course and my happy kindergartner. She is so excited to be in school. It has made sending her off much easier then I expected. And half day is perfect. She is gone just long enough that Isa and I have some fun time together and not too long that I worry about her. 

YEAH FOR KINDERGARTEN!!!

Kindergarten Preview

Okay there is a ton to write about and I might just cry writing it so I am going to put it off a day or two and work on editing photos instead. But just because I know that there are Grandma's and best friends checking the blog hourly for a photo I thought I would post one. Here is a sweet moment between two very important people. (do note that Isa is there too but for this post only it is about the big girl and her moment to cherish!)

The Goodbye (and the pep talk we girls need from our daddy!)

How do you tell your kid is ready for school

1. They wake you up the day before to remind you to get going we have lots to prepare.
2. They remember exactly how long they have till you leave, even if it is over 48 hours.
3. When you ask them what they want to wear they can tell you exactly down to the shoes and bracelets.
4. They put out their shoes and backpack 18 hours in advance.
5. They promptly put on their shoes once they get out of bed even them school doesn't start for another 5 hours.

I think Layla is ready for Kindergarten today cause really she is walking around just waiting till 12:20. And she has decided to eat cereal for breakfast because it is the quickest. I don't think it will bring the hours faster but if she thinks so that is great!

Wish us luck and we will post photos later today! 

I hate grout

Okay everyone, I have a cleaning question. My grout is horrible. It only takes 2 or 3 showers before my grout gets moldy. I try to keep it clean but it is out of control. It is gross and I can't get rid of it. I have tried comet, Ajax, 409, Lysol cleaner, Mr. Clean, baking soda, vinegar, Windex, and a bet a dozen others I can't think of. NOTHING WORKS!!! So what do you use for mold? Also what do you use to get those annoying hard water stains. The worst thing is the girls bathroom looks spotless. Ours is totally gross. Any and all suggestions are appreciated and encouraged!

I won't post my bathroom pictures just yet, I will hope for a good fix and then I can do a before and after photo. But since posts need photos here is a random something for you!

(Seriously I love these comics! )

Turning 500

Well we are all getting old and time is passing by so fast. This is officially my 500th post. It is crazy to think I have written and documented so much of my life here. But I am really glad I have. I am not a good journal writer. I just don't have the heart to sit down and put into words my life. But here in the world of blogging I can. I can express to my close friends and family the day to day routines in our home along with the many accomplishments and challenges we face. And I do it because it gives me a place to vent. Somedays it is just a place to talk to adults. You know after a long week of talking to kids you feel as though no one ever hears you or cares what you say. But on a blog it is different. If anyone is reading it obviously they care what you have to say. If you don't why are you here right?! Anyways I thought it would be appropriate to share a sweet story for my big 500!

WHY NAUVOO

Growing up in the Independence stake in Jackson County we heard countless stories about the rich church history here. And trust me I think I could almost recite the whole Liberty Jail presentation. And I loved learning about the pioneers. But most important to me as a kid was going to Nauvoo. It was fun, it was different, and it had something special. After my little sister was sealed to our family in the Chicago temple I really understood that I too wanted to be sealed in the temple when I got married. The next summer we took a trip to Nauvoo. When we sat on the temple grounds my parents told us about the trial it was to build the temple. And they shared their testimony of those saints faith in the work. It was the first time I really remember feeling what I understood was the temple in a real tangible way. I told my mom that I wanted to be married in the Nauvoo temple. It was years before I understood that there wasn't a temple there anymore to be married in. I just assumed that there would be. Years dragged on and I soon understood that I would have to find a new place to be married. Years past and I grew up.

Before I left for college and moved on to the next stage in life (the crazy college, possible marriageable stage) the church made this wonderful announcement. 

“I feel impressed to announce that among all of the temples we are constructing, we plan to rebuild the Nauvoo Temple…The new building will stand as a memorial to those who built the first structure there on the banks of the Mississippi." President Hinckley G.C. 1999

This announcement ment so much to me. I felt like it was a dream come true. I just hoped that when it was finished I would be able to be married there just as I always wished. My family was privileged to be able to work at the open house. My parents were tour guides and I worked with my two younger siblings at the doors of the temple. It was the last time I spent together with them serving the Lord. It was the last time that I was there at a holy temple with my sweet little brother and sister. It meant so much. I didn't know that over the next year as I prepared myself to enter into that temple to make sacred covenants with the Lord that they would not be following my path.

When I think of the Nauvoo temple I think of an amazing spirit. I think of families. I think of faith. I was there as a kid dreaming to one day enter that amazing temple that no longer stood. I was there when it opened with my family serving along side me. I was there to make my own sacred covenants with the Lord. I was there to marry the most important person in my life. And this summer I was there with the wonderful family we have built. It meant so much to share the beauty and spirit of the temple with my daughters. I totally was filled with the spirit as I watched the temple light up under the stars at the pageant. And I am so glad i got to see Layla's eyes light up as she shared that moment and spirit with us. (Isa was a sleep) So here is to my wonderful, beautiful, sacred Nauvoo temple!