It's Finally February

 Life has been busy for Rayleigh! Which means I’ve been busy.

On Monday, she had piano lessons at 4:00 and then I took her to play practice at the high school at 5:00, then back to pick up Jack and Ella from piano at 5:30. Then home to drop off Jack and a quick change for Ella to get ready for cheer at 6. Then back to pick up Rayleigh at 7! And no, we did not have dinner!

Tuesday, she had play practice but then had to leave early to make it to mutual (roller skating at Skate Express). Rayleigh has something on the calendar every day! And she loves it.

Jack got in trouble for “singing too silly” during Happy Birthday. His teacher wouldn’t allow him to have a cupcake but his friend snuck him one after school because she knew the teacher was being unfair. He said he also had to sign the book for saying “Ca Caw!” When his friend jumped off his chair like a bird. (The friend did NOT have to sign the book. Needless to say, Jack’s teacher continues to suck and I have to double down on my efforts at home to build him up. He’s a good student, does his chores and is obedient at home. He gets up and gets ready for school without promptings. I don’t know WHY this 4th grade teacher is trying to ruin my life. She is evil.

We somehow survived the week and THEN got to spend the weekend at Crystal Cove! We scored a really cool cottage and Tanner made us a delicious chicken dinner. We played games and walked up to the Shake Shack for milkshakes. The stars were bright in the sky but it was cold. I don’t think anyone slept especially well. But you can’t complain about hearing the sound of the waves and waking up to the ocean! We grabbed a yummy breakfast at the Beach Comber and checked out. Then we spent hours at the beach. The kids made friends and worked hard building a big shelter. The hauled drift wood from all over the beach and created a masterpiece! The best part of the weekend was being screen free and playing games as a family. Oh, and the beach.

We FINALLY ushered in February and it’s been super great so far. As usual, we had our crazy Monday with piano lessons, play practice, and cheer. It was fun chatting with the moms at cheer practice, though!

Tuesday, I went on a big walk with my coworker, Mindy, and was back in time to enjoy buddies with Ray’s class. I was in charge of Activity Days for boys and a few of Jack’s school friends came which was so fun! They played hot wheels in the garage and when the ice cream man came rolling up, Jack bought everyone ice cream. Ray had play practice and Tanner made lots of chicken for us to last the week. Ray was feeling a little disappointed in the play and wishing she had a bigger role, feeling sad that she was missing out on other things like mutual, and was torn as to whether she should be in the play on Friday or attend a friend from church’s birthday party.

We had a big talk about it and we worked it out.

On Wednesday, Ella had activity days which she LOVED and I had Bookclub at my moms! We had a fun discussion and played 2 truths and a lie. It’s always fun when I can be with my mom and have some me time!

Thursday was the first MCO rehearsal and Ray’s last play practice. So I took Jack and Ella to MCO and worked in the parking lot while Tanner took Ray to play practice and then picked her up early so she could go to mutual. They moved mutual to Thursday this week because they were going to the institute to play games. After I got home from MCO, I waited for Ray to get home and then picked her up and she was STOKED. She had a great time and it makes me so happy that she is living her best life and feeling so good!

Friday was the 100th day of school and of course we went ALL OUT in kinder. This week was a little tricky with a new student coming in and causes a ruckus (screaming and screwing around) but we had a good time despite the challenges and partied HARD on Friday. We had a guy come in and demo a new learning tool with the kids and when he left he said, “ I’ve been in over 50 different kindergarten classes and I can say with authority that YOU are the best kindergarten teacher I’ve ever witnessed.” (Speaking to Mrs. Kliss) I feel so fortunate that I get to work with her- the best of the best! For 100th day, we all came dressed up like we were 100 years old and we gave the kids 100 snacks.

That night, Ray skipped her Frozen Jr. show and went to Jovie’s birthday party. They had a spa night and even sat in Jill’s spa. She had a great time and seemed to enjoy being with all the girls. But she didn’t do her nails because she thinks they are “crusty dusty”. It’s crazy how young girls are when they start to compare themselves and feel insecure about their bodies. She is by far the smallest girl in her class. And she sees it. She wants to be big and grown up! But you’re only a child for a short amount of time and I’m trying to help her enjoy every second.

Tanner’s new building entered survey unexpectedly so he was out of commission all weekend. Saturday, I worked out and ran some errands while the kids did chores and worked on their valentines. I got a massage (which was supposed to be date night with Tanner but he’s working). I took the kids to In n Out for a quick dinner and then brought Ray to the high school for her call time.

She performed her little heart out. I don’t think she took this play too seriously because she came on stage during one number with a lollipop in her mouth. But she had a good time and the kids and I were front row to see her and support her.

Sunday is always so nice to slow down, catch up, and relax. We’ve got another fun week ahead because Tanner booked us some more nights at Crystal Cove! He exited survey and came home in time to watch the Super Bowl. The Eagles won (Chiefs lost- which is who we were rooting for) But, onto another week!