Jack's 1:1 Disney Date and Other Good Times

This week was pretty great for Jack! On Monday he had his team soccer party at the pizza place. Tanner was able to take him and he had a blast. He really loves playing soccer and it makes ME happy to see him so happy. I took Ray to a salon to get her hair fixed and she was so cute. She was so talkative and kind to the stylist, asking her about her tattoos and such. Ray really is a ray of sunshine.

On Tuesday, I got pulled into the principal’s office and Dr. D asked me if I wanted to switch tracks because “clearly, I hate Mrs. Cervantes.”  I told him no, I don’t want to switch tracks and no, I don’t hate her. It’s been a tough year and we don’t see eye to eye. And despite my best efforts to get on the same page, it just hasn’t worked out between us. But I don’t hate her. He kind of accused me of gossiping about her. But I assured him that I DON’T and explained to him that if someone asks me how Ray’s doing, I’m honest. And the teacher is mean. That’s the truth. And she’s strict and this year had been hard. But I don’t gossip. So anyway, that threw me through a loop. But I was so happy to spend the evening with Jack at Disney.

He picked out a LEGO and wanted Starbucks for his treat. We spent most of our time in Tomorrowland and he loved making silly YouTube videos with me. I was getting hungry so we stopped to get some pasta from Pizza Planet but I must have eaten too fast or something because after, my stomach was killing me and I had to go throw up! Poor Jack, I felt so badly. But we did a few rides and then stopped by the Magic Shop and he convinced me to let him get a magic trick. It’s actually really cool- the light trick that you put on your finger. We listened to JVKE while we drove, held hands, and I told Jack how much I love him. I’m a little nervous about him being with Cervantes next year. But I think he can handle it and we now have processes in place to aid us when we get feeling overwhelmed or sad.

Jack is an amazing kid. He is smart and quick witted. He makes me laugh every day. He can read the room and doesn’t like to be called out. (Obviously, no one does but he REALLY doesn’t like it). He is very affectionate and still cuddles with his blankie. He is a great reader. He has a comeback for everything but is truly a sweetheart. He has gaining the respect of his peers and teachers at school with his artistic talents. And he's an amazing piano player (major mom guilt that they don't take lessons) He started a small buisness at school called "Everything Paper" and made $23 in one day selling paper fans. I thought he should have called his business "Only Fans"... Now he wants to get into the power washing biz and clean the neighbor's trash cans and start a vending machine biz and call it "Jack's Snacks" or "Jax Snax". Anyhoo, he's the coolest kid around and that's all you need to know about it!

Wednesday we had Wyatt and Aurora over for a play date with the kids loved. Ray made everyone an after school snack and made to order smoothies. She’s amazing. The kids were super good and even though I hate playdates, this one wasn’t too bad. The boys mostly stayed in the garage playing Wyatt’s VR and playing on their computers.
Wednesday night Parker had his ecclesiastical endorsement interview for his BYU application with the Stake President. It’s getting closer!

Thursday we picked up our MCO tour packets! Our East Coast adventure will be here before we know it! Parker got dropped off at my parents house and we enjoyed a little visit.

Friday was Family Friday in the morning with Ella. I had to work so I asked Tanner to go support her but I was able to slip in for the last half. Love our little Ella Bean! And after school was Kaela’s 13th birthday bash at 3 Arch and it was so cool hanging out with Jon and fam (and 13 teenaged girls).

Saturday was a fun girls day with my friend Amanda up in Yucaipa. We went antique shopping and grabbed some yummy tacos (complete with chips, salsa, and Diet Coke). Amanda is a sweet friend who’s written 8 books! And she’s in MCO, too. It was good for my soul to be with her. Parker “pool watched” for Nichole and was able to earn some much needed money. Way to go, Parker!

Saturday night, we took my parents to dinner in Dana Point. We missed celebrating Mothers Day with my mom and we’ll miss my Dad’s birthday when we’re in Utah for a wedding and Father’s Day when we are in NYC. We tried to get into this new pizza place but they were full so we went to an Italian place called Jack’s and it was really good! We had a wonderful time together and I’m so glad we could spend that quality time together. Tanner and I chatted all the way down and back and it was nice to connect.

Sunday, the big news of the day was that Parker’s teacher’s daughter, Abi Carter, WON American Idol! We were sooo proud of her and screamed with excitement when she won! My mom FaceTimed us because we don’t have live TV, which was so thoughtful. What a joy it has been watching her season of American Idol, voting for her, and cheering her on! She’s amazing!

Best part of my week was my time spent with Jack.  But all in all, it was a pretty great week!