Back to School and Bike Rides

Things have quieted down since Parker started school. He's been doing so well! He took the STAR reading exam and was found to read at a 6th grade level! His reading comprehension is better than 97% of kids in his same grade nation wide. Yep, I'm pretty proud of him. We've been doing a lot of yoga, devotionals, showering and cleaning. It's been blazing hot and it makes me want to be in the water all day with the kids. But it's good to be back in a routine. We stay pretty busy with normal stuff like school and scouts and play dates so when things go wrong (like my car battery dying) it really throws a wrench in my day! I channeled my strong mother and rode the kids to the park on Tanner's bike so that Parker wouldn't have to miss scouts. There is a classic story of my mom riding Kari, Cami, and Jon on a bike to get to swimming lessons- only back then there were no baby seat, trailers, or helmets! She's doing better each day at the rehab facility in Utah. I'm so proud of her positive outlook and willingness to fight through this. Tanner and I have been stopping by the house about once a week to water the plants and check the mail and pay any bills that need to be taken care of. It makes me so happy to be able to serve her in this small and simple way. And I know it's what the Lord expects of me.

Since I was brave enough to take the kids to the park on Tanner's bike, I met Courtney at the splash pad the next morning and join the 11 other teenagers playing Pokemon Go. ha ha We decided it would be fun to take just the 2 girls to the beach one day while the big kids were at school. I got a sitter for Jack so he could take his nap. We had so much fun! Rayleigh and Mia are so cute together! We also had a fun play date at Ashley's pool and Ashli's pool! Ray kept throwing rocks in to the pool and it was so emabajrssasing. I asked her to stop in a nice voice and a mean voice, I yelled, I spanked, and even Courtney tried to reason with her. But the only thing that got her to stop was a good old time out. Boom. No need to yell or be mean. Just a nice little time out did the trick.

Also, we have a sweet mama dove who has made a nest in our backyard! We love watching her! And she loves watching us!

I had the kids draw pictures and write notes to my mom before I mailed off their bills and such. Ray loved it but soon began drawing all over herself and eating the crayons. And then writing all over the walls and floor because THAT'S FUN! Sheesh... these kids keep me on my toes. I'm ready for a vacation! ha

On Saturday we took the kids over to my Mom's to do some business and the kids loved playing around in the street- rolling down the driveway in the wagon and throwing rocks (free range parenting, am I right?!?!?) Hope Gary didn't call CPS. We went to San Clemente to say hi to Andrea and her cute family because they were here on vacation! I had so many friends come to town this week- the week I am gone on vacation AWAY from SoCal. Oops! It's always good when we can get together. Mason and Parker picked up right where they left off and Lia and Rayleigh were cute together as always. Andrea is such a great mom. We shopped a little and grabbed some tacos and then met Scott at the Spectrum and gave him all of our beach gear. He's another one in town this week- he is taking his kids to Disneyland and Seaward and going to the beach. I wish I could have crashed his pool at the Grand Californian. Oh well. He was so appreciative of the beach stuff. Makes my heart happy to help out my friends. And even more happy that they reach out to me! I  haven't worked for 4 YEARS and here he is still staying in touch with me. I just love that.

On Sunday, after a brief visit to church, Tanner took Rayleigh to LAX to pick up his family, I dropped Parker off at Cami's and I took Jack to my high school friend, Lindsay's, incredible baby shower. It was at her mom's house in Coto De Caza and wow. It was super impressive. The thing that impressed me most, though, was the spirit I felt there. No one attending was a member of the church besides me but it was undeniable the GOODNESS that was there. In this crazy, mixed up world there are still innocent babies being born and good, loving people to care for and raise them. Shar's house was amazing. I wished I could have stayed longer but I had to get home. I was able to see another friend from high school, Courtney, and I'm sad I didn't get a picture with Lindsay! But I stole a few goodies to share with the kids. I'm gonna miss them, sticky fingers and all, when we are on the dive trip!!!!