WATCHING for Miracles

Ava is  huge part of us taking care of  our girls!  Sometimes we like to reward her with special things to show her how appreciated she is.  So, Ava had gotten a new ELSA watch from the movie Frozen and it was gorgeous.  She was simply so proud of it and wore it everywhere she could.  One day she wore it to the dentist office when her daddy took her.  She came home and that night after the office was closed and everyone was going to bed, she informed me so sheepishly that she had in fact lost her watch.  She knows she left it at the dentist office.  This frustrated me and I tried to explain to my now crying daughter, that the watch probably won't be there tomorrow because someone else probably saw it and took it home to their little girl that also LOVES Elsa and Frozen.  We prayed for honest people to find the watch and then I promised to call in the morning. 

The next morning, just as promised, we called the office.  They said they had not seen the watch.  We explained it and told them the story.  The front office lady took our number and promised to call us if they found it.  She even went back and talked to the hygienist that had worked on Ava and asked if she had seen it.  That lady said she remembered Ava and the watch being on her wrist because they had talked about it but she had not seen it since.  Ava was still praying so hard but I figured it was gone for good. 

Later that day we were out and about and I decided last minute, because she was still so sad and praying so hard, to stop in and check it out.  We prayed one last time before we got out of the car.  Her hopes were so high and mine, sad to admit, were not.  We walked in and up to the front desk.  I started explaining that we had called earlier and they remembered us immediately.  I was sad for Ava as a few of the ladies came over to the window to see her and they were all so sad and giving her their sweet sorrows as she was holding in the tears.  We politely thanked them, made sure they had our number, and turned to head out.  We had shared with them that we were still praying so it might turn up unexpectedly.    They just smiled.  Here is the best part!!!!!  AS were turned around to head home, with our heads hung, someone stopped us.  It was the man sitting in the waiting room when we first walked in, and he had said hi and we had said hi back.  He said, "are you guys looking for a watch?"  we said yes and he said follow me.  We followed him out into the hall and he walked up to a door and pulled something off the random door's doorknob. As he turned around to extend his hand toward us, there in his palm was Ava's WATCH.  His eyes were looking at us and watching as our expressions turned to amazement and  pure joy. . .for we had seen a miracle!  TRULY.  :)  Ava started squealing her appreciation.  As for me, not a surprise to many, I started crying.  I was so in awe that God had worked this miracle out to build my child's faith.  God does care about the sparrows and the little things!!  The chances of the watch being picked up and carried out of the office into the main complex and then hung on a random doorknob of another office that happened to be the last door before the outside door.  The even smaller chance of us seeing it or running into someone that had happened to glance, see it on the door knob, and be in there long enough to hear that we were looking for it.  We ourselves had walked past the door and watch and never saw it at all.  This man smiled at us and Ava went flying back in to the office ladies to show them her answer to prayer.  Even the dentist came out to hear what had happened.  WOW. . .oh the faith of a child. . .if only we could all have that faith.  Thanks be to God for showing up in this BIG way to such a little girl that means so much to her mama!  :) 

Last Day of School

Ava graduating 2nd Grade / Christian Graduating 1st Grade

Well, we have officially made the move. . . we have decided to become a homeschooling family!  The kids are very excited but with that comes many lasts.  Last time getting on the bus, last day of school at Hamilton Heights. . . so on and so forth.  I decided to interview them just as I did in the beginning of the year.  Some things changed but some not so much.  Ava is Purple and Christian is Blue. :)

What are you excited about for your last day of school?

                It's the end of school

                Excited it is in the end of the year

What do you want to be when you grow up?

                Be an ice cream guy

                I want to be an Ice Cream Girl and  a Teacher

What is your favorite color?

                Blue, Pink, and Purple

                Pink

What did you like most about school this year?

                We had to go and get in small groups this year, and getting wet out in field day

                I liked when it was time to switch classes, because I got two teachers instead of one.

Who is your teacher?

                Mrs. Brubaker & Mrs. Zullinger

                Mr. Rumble

Who are you going  to marry?

                Emilee at the Chiropractic

                I don't know

How many kids do you want to have?

                One hundred

                Five

What was your favorite thing about your summer?

                Getting Popsicles

                Swimming

Who is your best friend?

                Selena & Jaden

                The whole class

What is your favorite school lunch?

                Pepperoni Pizza

                Pizza Crunchers

          

Sweetest Letter on Earth

Today was an extremely frustrating day for me.  We took  Christian to his neurologist for an evaluation and though we have no answers, we still have a ton of testing to go through to HOPEFULLY figure some things out.  This is disheartening and very frustrating.  On top of that, today was so busy, I had NO time to do anything productive so I felt worthless and grumpy.  I was feeling discouraged about how foster care was affecting my immediate family, wondering why we do it, and also just worrying about our adventure of homeschooling next year.   One thing that needs to be said here is I am a person that often prioritizes many others over my family.  That needs to change.  The second thing that I need to mention is that yesterday, while on the way to a graduation party for Brady Smith, the song from Steven Curtis Chapman that talks about "LOVE fill up all of my spaces" came on the radio.  The kids and I had a great little conversation about how we want Jesus LOVE to shine through us and fill up every area of our lives so that when others see us they can't help but see Him!

So, on to today.  Ava was sitting at the table doing something on her Ipod. Then she all of a sudden told me I must find my Ipod so I can read her note and she promptly ran outside.  I took my time finding it and let me tell you, when I found it and charged it and read the text message / long letter she had sent. . . WOW!!!!! It literally brought tears to my eyes and revived my heart and just made me so so so happy in general.  I am sharing this because I LOVED it so much and I want record of it for me later on.  So proud of this girls heart.  Seriously the Best Letter Ever!!!!


Hi mom, sorry that I have not go back to you in a while.  Also I can not wait to be homeschooled next year.  Are you excited to homeschool us next year.  Just to let you know we all love you.  Also I can not wait for summer to come.  You are the best mom I have ever seen.  I am sorry for the times I fout with Christian.  I should be kinder to him.  you will always be the kind girl you always are.  I will never let you behind.  Also I am sorry for the times I did not obey you and put more on your plate.  Sometimes I wish I would not put more on your plate because you already have a lot on your plate.  I should be the best dauter I always should be.  Sometimes I get tired of the crying baby's but I love Jesus so much that I give my house to the baby's we get through foster care.  Also I like when you take me to yard sales.  Also I like your giving heart for others I love you mom.  Thank you for being my mom I would never ask for a better mom.  If I could pick a mom it would be you mom.  Sorry for lying to you today and got Christian in trouble.  Will you forgive me.  Thank you for taking us places you do not want to go to.  I love the way you take care of us and give us all we need.  I am also sorry for fighting with Christian.  I like the way you tought me to clean.

Who Farted?

Well sometimes you get a glimpse of what goes on in a family at home, when you are reading a child's STORIES they write in school.  I  keep many of the stories because it usually gives me glimpses into the real things going on in the kiddos heads.  However this one, I had to share.  I was crying as I read it and, honestly, slightly embarrassed that this is what she wrote but mostly just amused.  This story was written in its original spelling and punctuation.  No editing from myself occurred:

May 2014
By: Ava Bumbaugh
End of 2nd Grade Year

Titled : Silly

When I went to my ants house my dad was watching tv.  One hour after my dad turned the tv on, my dad made me laugh so hard.  I had a lot of teers coming from my eyes.  My dad  said "What's so funny?"  What's funy is you fourted on the couch.  I never want to sit on that seet ever again.  Dad said "its not that bad.  Yes it is it smells like roten eggs.  Reley, yes dad.  Fine.  When I turned around my ant was terrified who fourtied.  I said "it was my dad."  She said "You are in big trouble Boy."  Why because it stinks.  now go back home!  Fine, let's go guys.  Go ok ok were going.  Those people do not stop farting.  Why are they still in my driveway.  Guys, go out of my driveway.  When she went inside she farted too.  She felt bad because that was halaryis.  Then My dad farted again the whole car smelled like through up.

The End

Ava's 2nd Grade Project on Landforms

 

Ava had a project on landforms and her project topic was Valleys.  She had to fill out a research paper by doing her own research on line and in Library books.  Then she had to show some kind of landform model.  So we made this project with U-shaped and V-shaped valleys and then she painted it.  I thought she did a pretty good job.  She was nervous to give her presentation but she did it anyway!

Her cue cards she used as she gave her little presentation before her class was as follows:

Card #1 - My project is on a valley
Card  #2 - A valley is a low area of land between mountains
Card #3 -  Valleys can be formed by water or snow erosion
Card #4  - The bottom of a valley is called the floor
Card #5  - The valley soil is good farmland, rich in vitamins

The research paper was just answering many questions like what is the definition of your landform and so on and so fourth. I thought she did a great job.  She got what would be equivalent to an A in class for her project. :)  I guess the tough projects have started!

Ava's Ipod Touch

Ava had been wanting an Ipod for so very long.  Well more like for a little over a year time frame wise, but for an 8 year old that is a VERY LONG TIME.  In fact it was often referred to as "FOREVER" when said in a whiny voice.  Anyway, so for a VERY LONG TIME Ava had been saving up her money to buy herself an Ipod touch.  She saved birthday money and Christmas money and anything she made on the side with chores or for special occasions.  She was collecting pennies and coins too.  Finally, one night, our neighbor told her she had enough saved up, so she got all her money out and we counted it up.  It was not quite enough but her daddy decided that as a reward for all her hard work she had done over the past 6 months with the new foster girls (our angels) that he would foot the rest of the bill!!!! He said that she had willingly given up her room, her toys and her time to help whenever and wherever she was needed so he felt that deserved some sort of reward.  I think you can see by her face how excited she is!  She loves her new Ipod Touch that she saved for and her daddy even bought her a cool case with Cinderellas shoe on it1 

Bobsledding Report -By Ava

Ava's 1st Written report was on Bobsledding in the winter Olympics.  She brought it home and read it to us :

Did you know that two and four man bobsled teams fly down the track at speeds of as much as 90 mph?  An offspring of tobeogganing the modern day sport of bobsleding was conceived in Switzerland late in the 1800s.  The second member of the two-person team is the brake mano.  Always the last person in the sled, he or she pulls up on the brake, lowering a piece of metal into the ice to stop the sled after the run.  a pair of pushers added makes a four-man team.  They are responsible for helping to get the sled started.  The sled rips down the ice track one at a time, reaching speeds up to 90 mph.  The team with the lowest time after the two runs wins the gold.  Each nation may enter two sleds in each event.  The sleds are made of fiberglass and have weight limits.  One person steers the sled by puling one rope with his right hand to go left.  The 2002 Salt Lake City Olmipics were good for the U.S.A. bobsledding.  The two woman team took home the gold in the inaugural womens competition and four-man teams grabbed the silver and bronze.  I hope I get to see bobsledding in the Olympics this year. 

Written By: Ava Grace Bumbaugh
Age: 8 - Grade: 2nd  Teacher: Mrs. Zullinger

Ava and Her Most Recent Funnies

Today Ava was so frustrated with the dress code.  She said, "mom, I have NOTHING in my closet to wear."  I told her that she did in fact have quite a few things and she said, "well, I have a lot that I can't wear this year cause of that stupid dress code thing, but I will wear it next year. . . wait, when does this dress code end?"  I had to was inform her, as she was getting more frustrated, that in fact she would have this dress code throughout her school career. :(  Then she went on and said she would wear a dress today.  After trying on her third dress, she says, "mom, as I was looking in the mirror, I look like I am wearing a MOM dress."  (ummm, what is a mom dress?)  SO I asked why and she said because it was too long and she was too skinny for it.  I admit it is a bit baggy on her, and so I knew what she meant.  Then we spent the next few minutes looking for a sash or belt she could wear with the dress.  Once we put it on, she again stood in front of the mirror and she exclaims. . ."wow!!! That changed my whole outfit!"  hahahaha.  She is becoming so grown up.  Then she put a head band with a huge matching flower on and waltzed out to see what her daddy thought. :) Even as a grown up girl she cares what her daddy thinks, that makes me smile.

We also recently, about two months ago, had two little baby girls come to stay with us for awhile.  They are very sweet and cute and the 17 month old adores her big sister "AYA".  However, between the two girls, their is someone always loudly screaming in our home.  Finally, about a week ago, I was changing one of the girls diapers as she screamed at me and the other one was out in the living room screaming.  Ava looks at me and says, "mom can we send them back and get Johnny back, he was much quieter."  This made her daddy and I both laugh since he was NOT any quieter.  He made as much noise as these two combined.  Her and her Johnny.  He was her heart!

Ava had a little boy picking on her on the bus everyday, so we finally asked the bus driver to move him or her.  He said he wasn't surprised because he had already had to move the kid numerous times this year.  So, now Ava feels one of the girls that sits with her on the bus is too bossy, so she asked to be moved or have her moved.  We had to sit her down and talk to her about how she can't keep doing that or she will make the bus driver frustrated.  :)  She is funny though.  She really wants to be moved to seat 7 because there is a certain little boy on that seat that has a major crush on her and he always tells her he likes or sometimes even that he loves her. :)  She admitted she has a little crush on him too, but she is not going to tell him.  GOOD GIRL!

Kataira's One Month Old

Kataira is one month old today!  She weighs 8 lbs and 15.7 oz and she hasn't had a good day with the weening. :(  This however was the first day Ava got to meet her baby sister. :)  I brought Ava and My dad along with me and we booked it up to the NICU to see if we could get some good time in with the baby. Ava has been praying for her so i thought I would see if they would let her vista with Kataira.  They were more than willing and Ava was so excited.  We were able to take her into the family room so we could hang out with her in a more private way.  Ava was so excited to hold this itty bitty baby.  Ava had the chance to feed her her bottle and to sing to her.  We sang the song that my mom (Nana) had put words to for Away in the Manger song.  We only stayed long enough to feed her and talk to her and then we had to go cause she had been awake a lot that day so when she finally fell asleep we were supposed to  let her be.

The words my mom wrote to the tune Away In The Manger

You're our precious angels sent down from above
God sent you to our home for us to love
We'll always protect you and keep you from harm
And hold you so tightly right here in our arms

May God send his angles to watch over you
May you love Jesus and serve Him too
May God richly bless you in all that you do
and Always remember that Jesus Love you!!!!!

Interview 1st Day of School

Ava Enters 2nd Grade / Christian Enters 1st Grade

This was the morning of the first day of school.  We had some extra time before the bus came so I interviewed them to see what they liked, disliked and just to jot a few things down.  Ava is Purple and Christian is Blue. :)

What are you excited about for your first day of school?

                Getting on the bus

                Meeting my new teacher

What do you want to be when you grow up?

                A pirate of a boat

                I want to be a mom

What is your favorite color?

                Blue and pink

                Blue and Green

What do you love most about school?

                Getting off the bus

                Recess

Who is your teacher?

                Mrs. Brubaker

                Mr. Rumble

Who are you going  to marry?

                Maddison  ( he hasn't seen her in years, but still only has eyes and heart for her. )

                I don’t know

How many kids do you want to have?

                Seven

                Eighty-seven

What was your favorite thing about your summer?

                Goed to the water park

                Swimming at Grandma’s and Amy’s pool

What are you nervous about at school this year?

                :)  (No Comment)

                Knowing how my teacher helps me

Who is your best friend?

                Anna

                Mckenzie and Sammy

What is your favorite school lunch?

                packing

                Chicken nuggets

What is your favorite thing to play?

                At home Recess (riding bikes)

                Little people and Barbies, listening to Odyssey

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

                I don’t know

                I’m nice

Favorite Movie

                Planes and MegaMind

                8 Below  and Narnia

                The kids were very sweet and anxious and excited about the interview and the fact that school was starting that day.  Below is a picture of the kiddos before they headed to the bus.  :)  Love these two SOOOO much!!!

               

 

Camp Joy-el Day Camp

Pappy Sweetheart decided to send Ava and Christian to Day camp this year as a surprise treat.  He ended up taking them to Jubilee on his own one day, so they would be prepared and know what to expect and so they would have anticipation for the big week.  It worked!  All anxiety was gone and they were super duper excited, as they counted down the weeks until they got to go to DAY CAMP!  Ryan and I told them tales of when we went to day camp and what sort of things we remembered and loved about it.  They couldn't wait and we scheduled Nana's trip to happen right before the camp so they would be distracted and hopefully make missing her that first few days a little easier.  They would get sad that their week with her was coming to an end but then they would get really excited that it meant their week of Camp was happening soon. :)

 

 

 

 

 

Day 1 - We had to meet at the K-mart Parking lot in Chambersburg and so I swung over to pick up Reece and Nana, because Nana had spent the night with Reece that previous night.  We were driving to K-mart and the kids were getting so excited.  They were chattering and talking the entire time.  As we pulled up and had about 5 minutes until the bus arrived, Reece decided he had to poop and he had to poop right then.  Mom ran him up and had him poop and get back on the bus in plenty of time. :)  As they were pulling out, they were both waving and so excited to be heading on their adventure.  Ava had packed her bag the night before with her swimming gear, a bag for her wet stuff, money for canteen, her Bible and a journal to write notes in during chapel.  She as ready! Above is Ava ready to conquer the day! When they got home they both had LOTS of stuff to talk about and share on their big days.  They couldn't wait to go back.

 

Day 2 - This was saying goodbye to Nana day and though we knew it was coming, we also knew it would be hard.  Nana rode with Ava and I as we headed over to pick up Reece before heading to K-mart.  Reece was his joyful and excited self and Ava was very quiet on this particular car ride. I knew she was processing but didn't want to make it worse.  Finally the bus got there and they headed on and that is when she said she didn't want to go.  She said she didn't have any friends there and they separated the girls and boys so she didn't get to be with Reece.  (he is usually her confidence in these sorts of situations)  So, this time I basically forced her to go. She wanted to stay home with us and I told her all we were doing that day was driving to take Nana back to the airport, say goodbye and driving home.  I basically shoved her on the bus and as they were pulling away, she was crying pretty hard. I felt so bad and I asked Lois Ann to let me know how she was when she got there.  Needless to say, her sweet little eyes were puffy and red when she came home. . she had cried quite a bit during the day and it was pretty apparent. I think the real issue was that she was sad to say goodbye to Nana but she didn't want us to be sad that she was sad about that, so she just carried the anxiety into her not wanting to be at camp.  The sad part. .  . I was the same way.  She said she hates being away from me and I was the same way every time I went to camp too.  She decided to try it one more time the next day.

 

Day 3 - Seemed to go off without too much of a hitch.  She was ok, and seemed to be a little more ready to face the day.

Day 4 - this was a tough day.  It started out well and she was ready.  We picked up Reece and he was ready too.  She was fully anticipating getting on the bus and seemed to be fine with it all.  Then we got there and Reece had to poop again.  We were really going to miss the bus so we rushed to Wendy's but they were closed so we drove to k-mart and ran in real quick.  While we were there, someone was using the bathroom, which made us even later.  The ladies bathroom was closed for cleaning too. :(  So, as we were waiting, I had to call Brianna to tell her what was going on.  She left her house to beeline it to K-mart to ask the bus to hang on or wait a second.  All of this was in front of Ava and her anxiety started to rise.  I could see it happening but didn't know what to do.  The bus was running behind so we got back in time. . .but by then Ava had heard Brianna and I talking on the phone that if they missed the bus we would just drive them there.  Ava was much happier with that and so when we got back in time for the bus. . . she was disappointed.  So Reece went bouncing on and Ava stayed back.  Then Reece started crying because he didn't want to go if she didn't want to go but she didn't want to make him feel bad, however, she really didn't want to go.  Long story short, Brianna sort of forced him to go and he was looking out the window crying pretty hard. :(  Then Ava cried and cried and finally after an hour asked me to drive her down so Reece wouldn't feel all alone.  Awww, it was a frustrating day to say the least but mostly just disheartening to see their emotions all over the place like that. :( 

 

Day 5 - They both got on the bus heading to Camp without a hitch. I promised I was picking them up from Camp that day since I was going to see their closing program.  They seemed to both be happy about that idea.  Below is a picture of Ava's best friend she made at camp.  She became friends with her counselor and her name was Rachel.  She was really good with Ava and it was cute how Ava really looked up to her. I remember doing the same thing.  Also below is a picture of Ava's group as they went up to share their Bible verse.  She was behind two taller girls but I got the peeping of her little face. :)  Then there was Reece and his counselor too, who really seemed to hit it off too.  I think his name was Austin and he was really great with Reece's group of boys.  Joel was in Reece's group too.  Overall it was a good 'stretching experience' for Ava and I promised her that next year, if she goes back (she says she is not going back ever) that we will make sure to sign up another one of her girl friends so she can have someone to pal around with. :)  I will say this. . .watching that girl grow up and face her hardships and fear makes me so proud of her. I tear up every time!

 

 

Random 1st Grade Paper From Ava

Ava had to use her sight words to write sentences.  This is the paper I found.  Makes me smile. I am using her spelling and all. :)

I was aroud peppl.
The people where staran at me.
I went right out.
I was right I said.
Does My brother go to schoo?
Does my brother go to the stor?
The pepple where aroud me.
I'm around the wold.
Does My friend love to be aroud me?
Was my brother aroud here?
I love to be around.
I love to be right.
Peppl love me.
Where is my mom?
I love to be around when I am right.

Okay, so for some reason this just makes me smile.  First of all, we need to work on her spelling, but sadly she may take after her mama after seeing how she spells things. :(  :)  Secondly, I love how her brain works.  Makes me laugh so hard.  She loves people and they love her and she is right and loves to be right.  :)  hahahhahaha

Ava Spring Soccer - 2013

So this year Ava decided to play soccer again, for her third season.  The first season daddy was Ava's teams coach.  The second season Ava had Coach Brechbill and Christian also played on her team. This marks her third season and it is amazing the improvement she has made.  Her coach's name is Mike Thompson and he was a great coach too.  She loved her team and there were some really awesome friends and players on the team.  Their were two guys on the team that had older brothers that played soccer and they had obviously been blessed themselves with the ability to play soccer.  They were awesome.  Zimoney and Felix were the two soccer STARS on the team.  Every time they got the ball they scored!  It was so much fun to watch and cheer for them.  Ava really improved this year too.  She actually was able to control the ball when she had it, and to stay with it, turn it and even pass it to her team mates. We happened to have all morning games and the mornings were still often pretty cold and windy. :)  So below is a picture of the kiddos wrapped up before the game and then of some of them playing on the sidelines while the BOYS were out making the scores. ;)

She played so hard this year and she was very interested in the competitive side this year more than any other seasons. :)  She even took a few tumbles and jumped right back up without even a flinch.  Proud of our GIRL.  :)  We really loved our team too. . . .the coaches, the parents and the other kids were all great.  Made this soccer season fun, just like our others. :)  Fun to meet new people  Mason, Hosea and McKenzie were in Christian's class at school so that made things really fun too. :)  hahhah.  Christian would hang out with whomever was not currently out in the game.

One day after a soccer game, while talking to her Nana on the phone, this is what I heard. . . ."well, I have something exciting. . . You know how I never get a goal?  I ALMOST got a goal! I kicked the ball and I was only a inch away. . .A INCH!  But the stupid ball went out of balance."  She was excited it was close.  Little did she know that later on in the season she would in fact get her FIRST SOCCER GOAL EVER!!!!  Mason also go his first soccer goal ever in the same game. :)  It was awesome to watch them get the goals and how they reacted when they finally got them.  Ava was so excited, she threw her hands up in the air and lowered her head like, "finally, I did it!  I accomplished my goal!"  Her grandparents, myself and her daddy were all hoping and praying she would get one and then she did. :)  The video I have of it was priceless.  When she got the goal, she lowered her head and raised her arms in the air like a humble relief.  hahaha.  So funny.  A huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Mama Ava

Well, it is officially true. . .my daughter wants to be a mama.  She walked around all last Sunday with a baby stuffed up under her dress and pretending she was carrying a baby in her belly.  She would playfully and lovingly pat her little baby bump as she walked around and she asked if I wanted to take any pictures of her before she had the baby.  She must have remembered me taking pictures of aunt Bleppies before she had Roman.  So, of course I obliged and took some quick shots before she went and had the doctor "crack my belly open and take my baby out." Christian, with his NEW desire to be a doctor, graciously offered to do the whole thing for her. . .

 

 

Then moments after, we have our proud Mama.  She was so so proud and walked around like a peacock.  She asked if I would love to see her precious baby and I said, that I would def. love that. I held her and made all over her and Mama Ava was so proud.  She just mimicked the funniest things. . .anything she had seen family or friends of ours doing while pregnant and then as a new mom.  It was so dear and for a second, but ONLY a second, I got a small glimpse in my heart of what it might be like to be a Grandma and see your daughter loving on her daughter or son.  I have to say, I am absolutely sure I will love it almost as much if not more than the moment I first held my own babies.  I will embrace the Grandma stage with open arms. . .as long as she takes her time and does it all right. :)  Love this glimpse of how fun it will be, SOMEDAY FAR in the FUTURE!

 

 

 

Texts Succ. . . . .

Ava has really been watching people with phones.  She wants one, Now. . .and though we keep explaining that she doesn't need one and won't be getting one for a very long time, she is still very disgruntled about it.  She has, in the past few days, decided to borrow my phone and text her cousin REECE.  The conversations are very cute and funny and I think they both enjoy them very much.  I haven't asked Brianna yet if she laughs as hard as I do at them, but I am certain she does. Usually their texts talk about what time they woke up and what they are doing.  Then they turn into words like. . ."poop Ava" and then "pee Reece"  yup, they have fun.  I guess they are safe to have these conversations at this age at least. :)

So, Ava gets up this morning and decides she NEEDS to use my phone to text Reece and find out if he is going to church.  She doesn't NEED my help, as she so quickly reminds me, so she is on her own. She is working for quite a while on one text and I keep telling her to get ready for church.  Finally I come and read what she is writing.  It says something sweet about going to church and she hopes he can come too.  Then she pushes done and sends it.  I walk back into the room later and she looks so so sad. I asked her what it said and she just hands me the phone. I realize that she has texted to their land line and so the text bubble that came back, to respond and tell us that is was successfully sent to land line says "this message was succ. . . . " and then you have to go on to see the rest of the message.  She was so sad and finally I realized that she thought her aunt had written her back and said her message was SUCK.  hahahah.  I had to explain the whole thing, that she had accidentally sent it to the wrong number and not her cell number.  I am not sure she quite understands yet, but it does make me laugh every time I think of it.  Poor girl loves her aunt and she was so distraught in that little time that she thought her aunt, her biggest fan, had actually said her message was suck. hahahaha.  :)  LOVE my little Beaner.

Fun with Nate and Danielle

We did it again, our annual Decorating Eggs Date with Nate and Danielle.   They are so sweet to always come and enjoy this time with us and this is the greatest!  I love it.  Nate had an egg he kept dipping in colors and it ended up brownish.  :)  Danielle had an egg she decorated with Nate's name, hence he is the love of her life.  We had scribbles and stickers and glitter and lots of decorating fun.  Then there was the posing of eating the eggs we decorated before we took the shells off.  It was  fun and my kiddos loved every minute they had with these two!   Johnny IV had fun too!

Then the night got even cooler as Danielle pulled out the next idea.  She saw me post something on Pinterest about how I wanted to try something I had found.  She brought the supplies and surprised us all.  We had a glow party.  She brought decorated mason jars with the kids names on them and decorated on the outside.  Then we broke open glow sticks and dumped them and glitter on the inside of the jar.  Next we went outside and had a GLOW party with our awesome Glowing mason Jars and then the sparklers Danielle and Nate Brought.  I just adore this special couple!  They are awesome!

The Spring Concert that was Almost Snowed Out

We were not sure of whether or not Ava's Spring Concert would be cancelled.  It was scheduled in March 18th, but the day of the concert it started to snow.  Parents were calling in the entire day to find out if the concert would be cancelled.  The Music Teacher told me that she was planning to cancel the concert as of 3:35 that afternoon but we would be hearing for sure by phone.  However, the concert went on.  Lots of people did not attend but it was kind of funny to see all of the students dressed in winter attire and wearing their heavy coats.  Above is on our way to our concert and Ava in her coat and then Her and her friend Kylen from her class.  Below is Ava's class singing and performing. I am really glad they had it because she was devastated when she thought they were cancelling it. :(  She was so into her part and the motions and her words.  I love the one picture when she nonchalantly was trying to find us in the crowd. :) hahaha

 The songs they sang were :  "Five Little Snowmen at My Door", "Jingle Bells", and one other song.  The songs were actually very fitting for the winter season. :)  So it worked out well.  Standing beside her are Kimberly and Kennzie, and Kylen. . behind her is Gianna, Morgan, and MaKenzie.