Meg's got 3rd grade talent

Once again Megan decided she wanted to do the talent show this year. This is her second year in a row and she really wanted to do something. This time she lost her partner from last year but it didn't stop her from wanting to put something together. She was a little sad and a lot nervous but was very determined.

She kind of wanted to do something with singing but unfortunately she takes after her Mom on that one and can't hear the notes. We are cursed with tone deafness so we had to come up with something else quick. While Meg was playing one afternoon with Andrew she was using her hula hoops and I suggested that maybe she ought to do an act with the hoops. This idea took off quickly. The next thing I knew Meg had a song picked out and several tricks to perform. Some of which made the cut if she felt comfortable doing them. Megan would come out and show Jeff and I what she had and we'd offer up suggestions on different things she could add or do differently. She did a routine to Justin Bieber's Baby Baby song and it took a little over a minute. I finally got the video clip to upload. I missed the beginning of her act but got a bit for you to get the idea.

There was 36 different acts and it took a little over 2 hours to get through them all. I think we counted 14 singers, 9 dancers, 6 piano players, & 7 unique acts. I was super proud of Megan, it took a lot of courage to perform by herself. I feel in comparison to everyone else she did an awesome job. I am constantly in awe of her as I watch her grow and couldn't be more proud of her. I'm so glad I had the chance to go as always. Now we've got to figure out what in the world we are going to do next year as Megan is already talking about it. Andrew will be eligible to perform so who knows if we will see a little pair up or not. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what next year brings.

Fishing take 2

So since we struck out with only one fish at our last fishing derby we decided it was worth another shot. We found another derby here locally and decided we should go. This one was for all the early risers. We had to be there by 6:30am to register for a 7am fishing start. We were so ready that we actually got there at 6am and found that the lake was already half full of people ready to fish.

We were a little unprepared for this new scene. People were serious about fishing in this derby and had tons of stuff with them. We just had our two little chairs, tackle box, poles, and a few snacks. It was interesting to see how people acted. I asked one guy in line if he had any tips or tricks and he was very tight lipped. Really??, this is a derby for 12 & under, come on people.

After finding the spot that we considered perfect we set out our chairs and waited until the 7am start. It was funny to see people eye us as we walked by. No one wanted you to squeeze into their spots. Some had already started fishing which was interesting. This was not the scene we were used to and the kids were kind of on the fence about the whole thing.

Finally after getting our station all set up and a few morning snacks it was 7am and time to fish. Jeff would cast out and turn the poles over to the kids who just hung out waiting to catch something and reel in every once in a while. After about 30 minutes and neighbors catching some fish the kids started to get bored. We had one nibble on Andrew's line that we lost but nothing else.

Soon the kids got so bored they decided to sit and play games instead of fish. At that point we decided that this wasn't going to happen and packed up to leave. On our way out we heard several success catches but we came up ended. It just wasn't meant to be this year. I'm not even sure the kids liked this one. It's so much more fun to actually catch something and makes you want to go again. We'll see if they are still interested as the summer begins. For me it was so beautiful out and I was glad to be out with my family doing something fun.

Here Fishy Fishy

Last year we went to a fishing derby and had such a great time that when I saw it come around again I immediately signed up. I'm thinking it may turn into an annual event as long as they keep having them. It cost $10 per child and they get a tshirt, fishing pole to keep, bait, a max of 2 fish if they catch them, & this year a nylon bag.

The day was a bit less than ideal as it was sprinkling and gloomy out. We put on our hoodies and decided to brave the elements anyway. It takes a lot more than a little rain to keep this crew down. I mean really we live in WA and we'd never get to do anything if we were afraid of getting wet.

We were there plenty early for our 9am time slot. This year the choice of poles was blue or red. It took a bit of discussion but we finally got the kids to get one of each. Both originally wanted blue but Meg later changed her mind to red. We now have 4 poles from the derby's and a few we already had. We are gathering a nice little collection.

As we headed down to the lake stocked with 1500 fish we decided to pick a different spot from last year. We went a bit further down so it wouldn't be so crowded and Jeff was sure we'd do well. So early in the morning we just felt like we couldn't possible go wrong.

The men casted out for the kids and the kids then came up to take the poles and our fishing began. We started with a little different bait then normal and found no success. We quickly changed to the power bait, little pink marshmallow things, and began to get our first nibbles. I think Meg hooked one and upon reeling it in lost it. Andrew was next to get a nibble and lost that one as well. We slowly started to get a bit worried when Meg finally hooked her first fish and kept it.

Megan was so into reeling it in. It was a hoot to watch her concentration and happiness. Slowly we started to hear people catch fish mostly at the beginning end where we were last year. The next thing we knew the time was up!! Megan only caught the 1 fish while poor Andrew didn't catch anything. He was super sad as we waited for Megan to get her 1 and only catch cleaned. It's tough to see your kids so unhappy and struggle with these types of things in life.

We had planned to go to the movies afterwards and had been keeping it a surprise. Even that idea didn't bring a smile to Andrew as we were in route in the car. We went to our oh so favorite $5 theater with electric recliners to see the new Pirates movie. By the end of the movie we had our good ol' Andrew back and life was back to normal.

It was a fun outing all the same. You can't have everything go perfect and it was a good lesson for the kids. Sometimes you don't always get everything you want. Our city is having a derby next weekend pretty close to us. This one is only $3 but you have to bring all your own stuff. I'm thinking we might want to hit it up so the kids can get their fill. I don't think there is any time limit to that one so we can spend as little or a lot of time depending on how we feel. It also says you might be able to win special prizes. It is worth thinking about. I know my kids LOVE to go fishing so I'm sure we'll be hitting it up. It is fun to do these types of things with the kids and I'm sure they'll remember them as they get older.

Kindergarten Circus

Andrew's mainstream kinder class put on a circus performance for this year. It was super cute and very well done. The teachers were dresses as ring masters and the kids had on matching color shirts depending on their act.

They came in the gym in pairs and got all set up on the stage to sing a few songs. Andrew did such a good job following directions and participating. He was dang cute!!

They had a ring set up in the middle of the floor and the color groups would come out and perform their act. They had jugglers, tight rope walkers, muscle men, ribbon dancers, plate spinners, and gymnasts. They were all glowing when it was their turn in the ring.

Andrew was in the muscle men group and boy was he showing his strength. they all came up and picked up a "500" pound weight and raised it above their heads several times. The PE teacher was coaching them to grunt and be strong. Way too cute!!

They even had a number where family got to come in the ring and dance with their kids. The floor was packed as I worked my way to Andrew. He was patiently waiting for me and showed me how to hop to the music. I loved getting to go and was really proud of my little guy. I loved how creative the performance was and how well all the kids did. We've come a long way with Andrew and it really shows.

So I had been super excited to go to this circus and even made sure the night before I had my camera all charged and ready to go. Imagine my surprise as I'm taking pictures the camera tells me that my internal memory is full. That can't be I should have and sd card in. I flipped open the compartment and sure enough someone, who will remain a mystery, took out the card and all I could get was what the internal memory would hold. Hence only one very short video clip.

B-I-N-G-O

The kids school had a PTA fundraising event of Bingo. We thought it would be fun for the kids and help out the school so we decided to hit it up. With a few reusable cards each we started our fun bingo night. When the first winner called out bingo, Andrew got a bit sad and tears started to form since he didn't win. It was a good lesson for him to be patient. We were hoping that our night wasn't going to take a turn and the kids not have fun.

We played for about an hour and several games went by. We were one hot family winning 2 bingos and one of the final blackout grand prizes. Andrew won first and he picked the green hat as his prize. I won next and gave my card to Megan. She went up to the prize table and came back with the red hat, which I thought was an interesting pick for her. Then the grand prize was full of books and other misc stuff. We were the big winners and had a great time. It was nice to do something as a family and have a good time doing it.

Happy Mommies

This years Mother's Day weekend has started off with a bang. My kids have brought me goodies that they have made for me at school. In addition Andrew's special education class put on an awesome Mother's Day concert that I attended.

I am finding myself at a loss for words to describe how much I love my children. They are my pride and joy. As they grow older and their personalities begin to show I find it so much fun to explore life with them. Their views on things are interesting and I see how they grow during tough teaching moments.

Both of my children were brimming over with excitement to give me their gifts. Megan hand decorated a box that contained a chocolate cupcake and a personal homemade card. Andrew gave me a potted plant with a picture of him stuck in and a card as well. They were really glowing to see my reaction to their hard work.

Andrew's Mother's Day concert just touched my heart. They performed 3 songs and played the marimbas. It was so awesome to see him getting into his performance and having so much fun. After they invited us the to support center for cookies and a gift of flowers. He was equally excited to have me in his class and to show me what he had for me.

It was so special to be among those little spirits. I feel so blessed at all that Andrew has taught me as his Mother. It has been an interesting journey that has taught me so much and I feel truly honored to have the experience.

I have no idea what the rest of the weekend has in store, but my cup is already overflowing. Thank you to all the women in my life that have Mothered me with their advice, friendship, and listening ear. There is truly nothing like the influence of a Mother.

We all scream for ice cream

Megan & Andrew's primary earned an ice cream social for bringing their scriptures to church. They had this cute little board that was shaped like an ice cream cone with 3 scoops of ice cream. If you had your scriptures you got to place a dot sticker on the ice cream part. Once all the white was covered the kids earned their reward.

Both of my kids were super excited to go yesterday after school. Once they got off the bus we quickly got ourselves together and headed out. There were kids everywhere and all were enjoying their treat. They had the traditional chocolate and vanilla with a variety of toppings. By the time we got up to getting ours there was only vanilla left. My kids were a little sad about that but took the vanilla and got all their favorite toppings.

There wasn't very much room as they were all packed in but they did have fun. They got to play a little pirate type candy land game at the end. As they landed on different squares there was a church related question, song, or pictures to answer. Once at the end they got to the treasure where they learned the next reward is going to be a pizza party. I love the incentive for them to make sure to bring their scriptures. I know it really has an effect on Megan and we are working on Andrew. I think after the ice cream he might start to be interested. It was good times and I'm glad that we were able to go.