365 days of gratitude: April
April 1-
Its April Fools day. We didnt do any pranks. oh well. However, preschool was at our house. We did the letter Y. For a snack, the kids had yogurt. We did an alphabet Yoga video & they colored a 'letter Y' book. Lily came but Layla didn't make it & Henry came late. Camilla (new to the group) loved doing yoga. Overall it was a good 'pretty school' day. After that, Clara helped me make bread. She's such a good helper! Mer had softball practice. I dropped her off at practice & Curtis stayed there to bring her home. It worked out well. Curtis did have the weekly bishopric meeting to attend. After getting the girls in bed, I went to bed too. I think having the girls home during Spring Break wore me out. But, overall I think it was a good Spring Break. The girls are getting better & perhaps I too am getting better about managing them or coping with problems that come up? I know The Lord blesses us SO much!! I try to be continually grateful for that.
April 2-
Ah! A day of rest.Thank Heavens for Wednesday. Somehow, this day has become my rest day, where it's not so busy like the other days in the week. Roxanne and I got together for a planning meeting for Scouts. We planned out activities for Scouts through August. (Finally) We had Scouts in the PM at church. I drove my motorcycle to the church. It was fun!! After scouts, Roxanne, Emily, Meg and I got together to rehearse our musical number for Broadway night. It's going to be fun!
April 3-
Happy 9th bday to Mer! Curtis got the girls off to school. We had preschool at our house. Lily wasn't there, but Henry came and Eden was late. Layla came to pretty school. I showed the kids a video about the origins of Yoda. Then we did a different Yoga video. They colored a picture of Yoda. For a snack, they had home made bread with butter. It's because yeast is used in making bread. :) The kids had plenty of play time as well. Pretty school will be at Erin's next week. :) Even though today is Mer's b'day, we'll celebrate on Friday. I made a pan of brownies from the Thrive mix for Mer's b'day. The girls had that after dinner.
There was a really good RS activity at church. Jill Smallwood was the neighborhood bus and gave me, Gina and Amber all a ride to the church. There were classes about eating healthy, sprouting, gardening, and organizing your home. Meg Willardson talked about gardening. Later, after telling Curtis about Meg and all that she does, he said, 'she's the Bella Vista Wendy.' It's true! I told Wendy that. :) A new sister, Kelcy Wanamaker gave a short class about organizing. That is something I'm starting to get into. Slowly but surely. I'm grateful for this whole day!
April 4-
Happy Friday! Wendy watched the littles so I could go to yoga at Yoga Story. Amy wasn't there. We had a sub named Nita. It was still a good class. After getting the kids, we had Tabs here so Wendy could go to a meeting. It was helpful b/c the kids could play and I got the house and cake ready for Mers bday party. E & M also helped with the house after they got home from school. As E & M are growing, they are learning to be more aware of others needs. E can be so helpful! She helped to clean Clara's messy room
Thurs night. :) Mer is starting to understand that I get upset and stressed and need help sometimes. Aw... :) What a blessing!
Mer's party was a big success! We did a Western theme. The kids played tug of war. I took their pictures so they could make "Wanted" posters. Curtis ordered a bunch of bandanas for them to take home. Curtis got a fire going so they could grill hot dogs. Mer invited friends from church, school, and her softball teammates. There were about 17 kids that came. It was great!
After all the kids went home, Curtis told me that E asked to have 2 brownies in her lunch. He told her 'no, they're too big'. (She prob just had one instead) Curtis took a piece of paper and a brown marker/pencil and wrote 2 E's on it. He gave it to her and said, 'here are 2 brown-E's'. (2 brownies) Wow. What an eye roller! I posted that on FB and had to include my dad. It's just the kind of joke he'd like. :) Yay! What a good Friday!
April 5-
Celia texted me on Friday, asking if we had any plans for the weekend. She and Mark were going to make a trip to Eureka Springs and wanted to know if we'd watch her kids. Sure! The kids will have a good time. I was up in time to get E ready and off to her art lessons. Curtis was still asleep when it was time to go get her. I took N and Princess with me to go get her. The weather was fabulous! Made me wish I could somehow do all my inside chores, outside. I did open the garage, and listen to General Conference while I was organizing the deep freeze. Celia, Mark and the kids showed up around noon. It was fun to have all the kids here. Elizabeth and Eli are the cutest of friends! Between sessions, Curtis took Clara and ran some errands. I was able to chat with my parents online via Skype. It was good to talk to them. Curtis came back after the 2nd session, and I went out for a motorcycle ride. It was so fun! It's general conference AND, it's perfect weather for a bike ride. Could one person endure so much happiness?? It's a risk I'm willing to take! :) I used a helmet that mom and dad Chandler gave us. After my early evening ride, I had 2 words for Curtis. "Face shield". What a difference those make. As soon as I got home, Curtis went to the church for the Priesthood session. I had some dinner and then we watched a Harry Potter movie. We didn't watch the entire movie. I started getting a headache and went to bed sometime after 10 or 11. Overall, a blessed day that I'm grateful to be a part of.
April 6-
Some of the kids were up early while Curtis and I were trying to sleep in. Just before 11, I saw a text from Celia that said they were on their way back. She sent it just before 10. Curtis and I got a move on so we could help get kids ready to go. When we got up, E, M and Eli were out playing in the woods. Gabe went to get them after Celia and Mark got here. (side note, Mark drove himself and Celia to Eureka Springs on his motorcycle) When they got back, Celia told us it was 'Diversity' weekend in Eureka Springs. Nice. We did eventually start listening to General Conference, once the kids were on their way home. I was able to catch bits and pieces of the first session. Hopefully I'll be able to learn more in the 2nd session. Fortunately, we can listen to it all again online fairly soon. General Conference makes my heart happy.
April 7-
Wow. Another day of rest. And I was more than fine with it. Benchmark testing started this week. (It's so over rated!) E & M are kind of stressed about that. At least they don't have homework. Broadway night is
this Friday night. Some of us sisters are getting together to sing, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". We will have rehearsals this week. :)
April 8 -
Preschool was at Kelcy Wanamaker's today. She has a little girl about Clara's age named Camilla. They are rather new to the ward. Today was also a weird whether day. It started out a little sunny, it got cloudy and hailed (or sleeted) and the rest of the day was windy. After E &M were home from school, I went for a bike ride. I drove out the back of College Place, through Little Flock, Pea Ridge and then back into Bentonville. All together it was about a 45 min ride. That wind was blowing me around. But it was so much fun!! Mer had ball practice at Central Park elementary. I dropped her off and Curtis met us there. (He brought her home) We had rehearsal at church for broadway night. Lela Ellingson (B'ville 1st ward) was our pianist. She was great!! I'm very grateful that she was such a great help for us. I appreciate her!
April 9-
Wednedays are usually my 'less busy' days, which are so nice in the middle of a busy week. Sadly, I have nothing in my calendar for this day, except Scouts. It must've been a pretty good day. :) Our group did get together for reahearsal, again, for Broadway night. Sheesh! This music is harder than I thought. It's fun, but hard! The Boogie Woogie group consists of: Tamara Heiner, Roxanne Dragovich, Christine Smith, myself, Emily Olson, Meg Willardson, and Janet Skoch. (Tamara is friends with Meg from Bella Vista ward) It's been fun getting together with friends to share talents. :)
April 10-
Preschool was at Kelcy's today. She's really nice. Before preschool was finished, Mardee was there early, having some lunch. It was nice to sit and chat with her and Karyn(who came a litle later). Mardee and Spencer Clive were prepping to be the emcee's for Broadway night. That's a big task considering Mardee is expecting baby #5. (surprise!) We did get together for rehearsal for Broadway night. I think we were all nervous to one degree or another. I just kept telling myself, and others, that it was all for fun.
April 11-
This AM, after Curtis got E &M off to school, we went to his Dr. appt, that he was really NOT looking forward to. Well, I can't blame him, but it was really hard to have sympathy/empathy for him. Considering I've been through L&D of 4 children, whom I love! While he was in surgery, I borrowed some costume stuff from Wendy. I love her! She's so great! After Curtis' surgery, I'm pretty sure I attempted to keep the house relatively quiet so Curtis could rest. Today was another great day for a bike ride! The weather was perfect! Some of us went to the church early for a sound check. Then it was time to rush home and get ready for Broadway night!! Curtis and I came seperately. I didn't know he was going to come in his 70s garb AND a wig! That was funny! Curtis took a video of our song. We have plenty of pics too as proof of all the fun we had! Quintin Sperry was the DJ for the evening and for the dance afterward. It was so great! I figured that since I didn't go to yoga, dancing would have to do. After a while, Janet joined Curtis and I for a late night dinner at Village Inn. Yummy food and good times with Janet! Hooray!
April 12-
E, art lessons, Baby shower, motorcycle ride, good busy day (While Curtis was out with E, he took her shopping for training bras. I'm of two minds about this. First, she's my firstborn and I was kind of looking forward to this. But on the other hand, I'm glad that Curtis is the kind of father to care enough to have an open conversation with her about it and to take her shopping. (sigh, oh well. It is what it is.)
April 13-
Fast Sunday. Oops! I forgot. Testimony mtg at church. Clara gave the opening prayer in Primary. She did a great job! (Daddy helped her) 2 kids are being baptized this evening. Landan Shaw is going to be our new Cub Scout. We had Jared and Heidi Stewart (and kids) over for dinner, just in time for us to go to the baptism. The Stewart family all went to the baptism and M came with me. I'm grateful we could finally have the Stewarts here for dinner. They are such a great family! (it stormed and b/c the thunder, M slept in our closet)
April 14-
Last week, Curtis came home telling me about Ethan's mom passing out and being taken to the hospital. Sadly, she passed away on Wed or Thurs. Her funeral was held today in Fort Smith, at
10 at the Stake Center. We were just in FS for their Dad's funeral back in September. As sad as death is, I'm grateful for the knowledge of the Atonement and the Resurrection the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us. It was good to see the Pennington family. Tho, Carol Pennington's death is so unreal to me. She's been around for as long as I can remember. It was unreal to see her in the casket. As an added blessing, Aj was able to watch C & N for me so could go to the funeral with Curtis and 2 of his co-workers. Thank you Aj Cude!
When I got back to B'ville, I quickly did some grocery shopping at Aldi. The weather was SO cold, that I didn't even bag up my groceries. I just put them all in the car. Fortunately, E & M helped me bring them in after I got home. E & M can be really good helpers. Mer's first game was cancelled. We had a good FHE about 'honesty'.
April 15-
Preschool was at Karyn Bennet's home. Clara wasn't feeling well. Neither was I. It was just mostly a sore throat. I felt fine otherwise. Clara went to preschool late & didn't stay the whole time. I got her in time to take both littles to my dental appt. That was 'fun'! Really, it could've been worse. :) I'm grateful for this new person I've become so that I didn't get all stressed out about it. The hygienist gave Clara toys and a toothbrush for being good. :) Added Bonus! Curtis didn't have a bishopric meeting that night. It was nice to be home as a family. :) Hooray for blessings!!
April 16 -
Ah, good ol' Wednesday. My day to recharge, prep for scouts, (if I remember...) get some rest, work on some little 'to do' things around the house...It's usually a good middle of the week time to recharge.
For Cub Scouts that evening, I got Roxanne & we drove to the Davis Home in Bella Vista. The boys were getting cars cut & ready for the Pinewood Derby that's coming up on the 25th. Since this is all still relatively new to me (even though my year mark is coming up) I felt more like an observer while this was going on. At least Roxanne has 2 boys who have done this previously, so she knows more than I do about making the cars & such. I really like Roxanne & am blessed to be able to serve with her in scouts.
April 17-
Happy Thursday! Clara was somewhat in a better mood. She went to preschool, late. Oh well. She stayed the entire time. While C was in pretty school, I went to Jessica Turcotte's to visit with her & learn about feeding her cats while they are out of town. She has 3 little boys. They are cute and she's really nice. :)
After getting C from preschool, we came home, had lunch. I put N down for a nap & took some time to lay in the hammock & listen to 'Back When We Were Grownups' by Anne Tyler. So far, so good. When E & M came home from school, I took them for a ride around College Pl on the motorcycle. It went well. E was a much better passenger. :) After that I went out for a ride! It was good weather for it. Curtis was home early. Mer had a ball game, Curtis took her to that at 7. I stayed with E, C & N to read scriptures and then went to book group at Joane's. Wendy & her mom came. Several ladies couldn't make it for various reasons. It was still good. We discussed 'The Guernsey Literary potato peel pie society' It was a book I had listened to months ago. I really liked it!
April 18-
Happy Good Friday. (Is that correct?) Today, I'm grateful for beautiful weather, morning yoga & my husband. <---I'm always grateful for him. He has the day off from work, so I was able to leave C & N with him this AM. It's so nice & convenient! Being able to attend yoga once a week is so great! I'm also thankful for audiobooks. I can listen to books and still get stuff done. :)
April 19-
Easter lunch/dinner with in-laws in Muldrow. Attended Emily Bardins reception in FS. It was a good day to see family & friends.
April 20-
Easter! New changes too. Our family was called to serve/attend the Rogers 2nd ward, Spanish speaking. Curtis will be the ward clerk.
April 21-
Mers ball game was cancelled, FHE was a family walk on a trail behind Crystal Bridges. I am grateful for nice weather & family time.
April 22-
Pretty school & a ball game. It has been fun having a co-op preschool with friends. Clara has enjoyed it & so have I.
April 23-
Today was a beautiful Wednesday! After getting E & M off to school, I was able to get stuff ready to have friends here for lunch. The original plan was for VT-ing. Then I saw some friends bdays were coming up. I also invited some friends here in College pl too. It was great! Guests included: Jenny Harrington, Joane Loden, Meg Willardson, Gina Blake, & Amber Shefchik. We had taco soup & chicken salad. The weather was perfect & so was the company. :) There were no Scouts or Activity girls at church tonight bc of a Teacher Appreciation event. So, after dinner, bc Mer got her chores & HW finished I took her for a ride on the motorcycle. Another reason for going was to try out the new face shield that Curtis ordered for my helmet. :) ah! What a difference that makes.
(ALERT: In an attempt to do better with this gratitude journal, the entries will be shorter & less detailed. I'll try to just stick to what I'm grateful for & maybe a brief explanation.
April 24-
I'm grateful Clara was able to go to pretty school at Eden's house. I'm also grateful that Kelcy was able to have Clara over afterwards. (I had a Dr's appt & wasn't sure how long it would take.) <---That leads me to be grateful for Dr. Johnson & modern medicine. After having irregular bleeding all/most of April, he determined that my birth control dose needed to be upped.
April 25-
Again, hooray for
Fri morning yoga. It is a life saver for me. How do I love yoga....let me count the ways. Ah! (Happy sigh)
Friday night I attended my first & last Pinewood Derby. It was chaotic & fun. The cub scouts had a GREAT time, which is really what it's all about. :)
April 26-
I am grateful that E is taking art lessons on Saturdays @ Hobby Lobby. I'm also grateful Mer still likes to play softball. The Cuties have different coaches this season & so far, they are off to a good start.
April 27-
Jessica Turcotte is new to the Sugar Creek ward. They moved from the Centerton area. She asked for help feeding her cats while they were out of town. I volunteered, before knowing we'd be transferred to a different ward. Oh well. No biggie. I actually took a little time out of church to go feed her cats. It's been fun taking care of them. Remember, Dogs have masters, Cats have staff.
April 28-
What a busy Monday, but a good day. Elders were transferred out of Sugar Creek & now there are Sister missionaries. I love Sisters! They came for dinner & Curtis took Mer to her ball game. I'll miss Elders Reed & Anderson. But I'm happy to meet Sisters Lavea & (forgot her name)!
April 29-
Pretty school was at our house this week. We did Ch- words. For fun, the kids all helped to make double ch-ch-chocolate chip cookies. :) This will be my last week, as public schools & other preschools will be winding down, we will be too. It's been fun getting to know these little sweeties.
April 30-
Hm. Middle of the week. Even though on Sunday I was released as a scout leader, I helped Roxanne in Scouts. I'll miss those fun, energetic, rowdy & sweet boys. They grew on me. :) It's been great serving with Roxanne too.
