Summer Projects Status: SUCCESS!

 At the beginning of the summer when I made my list of desired projects, I was feeling slightly overwhelmed, but determined.  But like the tendency of many projects, their complexity can enhance as other problems are revealed...I definitely ran into this but I'm happy to report that everything has come together!

We hired a tree company to take down a huge dead elm tree and clear out all of the invasive trees along our property line.

We planted four itty bitty arborvitaes in hopes they'll provide us some privacy in a few years.  We also set up a swing set for the kids.

The Honeysuckle trees around our deck did provide privacy and shade, but they were out of control.

So we had them removed and planted some trees on the other side of the walkway to open up the space.  If you look closely, you may also see the little maple we planted between the walk and deck in hopes it will provide us some shade in a few (or maybe several!) years.

I put some patio block down to soon house a much-wanted porch swing.  At the same time, I was able to shape the ground around the patio so everything was a little more level.  We also planted the privacy trees pictured behind the patio block.

And finally, the last project of the summer was just completed: I repositioned and leveled all the stones in this path and applied concrete as grout.  Oh, it feels good to be done...for now!

Kyron 18 Months

 

Somewhere at the end of the summer, this big guy reached 18 months.  Ever since he figured out how to move about on his two feet, he has been go, go, GO!  He loves emptying every box of whatever its contents are, turning on the stove, and "helping" mom with laundry (it's pretty pointless to fold laundry when Kyron's awake, but he sure knows how to help put clothes in the dryer, throw the handy-dandy dryer balls in, and push all the right buttons!)

It seems Kyron understands everything we say to him, but he has no desire to verbally respond.  In fact, when I ask him to say "Mama" or "Dada", 99% of the time he replies with a very grumpy grunt.  However, he'll do some animal sounds for dogs, lions, and ducks!

Anytime he sees the pantry door unlatched, he makes a beeline for his favorite snack of applesauce pouches.  Kyron's still a pretty picky eater, but he's finally starting to actually TRY some unfamiliar food before he decides if he likes it or not.  Before, he would just look at the food and chuck it across the room, never letting it near his mouth.

I'm glad I got this video when I did--he has refused to do this song ever since, ha!

Outside is his favorite place to be and if he can get into something dirty while he's there, he is in heaven!  Kyron also loves to take hold of the scooter backwards and run as fast as he can down the driveway--we're working very hard on stopping at the road. 

He still loves to snuggle at night, which makes my Mama Heart so very happy--I'm soaking in all the love I can get.  And, admittedly, the fact that he's a Mama's Boy makes me melt.  

He considers himself a pro when it comes to eating with a spoon.

And here's a side-by-side of Geoff and Kyron.  There's no point in putting up my 18-month photo to see who Kyron looks more like, he's all Geoff!  Such sweetness!

Geoff's Birthday

 

On September 13th we enjoyed celebrating Geoff.  As usual, his main focus was to keep everything simple so we enjoyed some homemade pizza and fruit salad.  (Lucky for the kids, I had some cupcakes in the freezer, so they had a little bit more of an exciting dessert than the adults, ha!)

If I've learned anything from this pandemic, it's that I'm so grateful to be stuck with this guy.  He's been right by my side as we've had to adapt to the many twists and turns this year has brought.  So thankful for his listening ear, his support, and his much needed hugs when the days don't ever seem to slow down.  Through all of this, we have been extremely thankful for our health, Geoff's employment, and for each other.

Happy Birthday, Geoff!  We sure love you!

Lillian's First Day of Preschool

This little girl waited VERY patiently for preschool to start.  I didn't know what to anticipate with online learning--so I didn't start Preschool until one week after Eliana started Kindergarten.  For a 3-year-old, that is an ETERNITY!  But she made it!  Because of Kyron's energy and lack of boundaries, we are holding preschool during his nap.  So all morning long of Lillian's first day, she kept telling me all about preschool, "First we'll do a puzzle, then we'll play a game, then we'll make a craft, then we'll have a snack..." the list kept going on and on and on.  Finally, I piped up and asked, "Lillian, who is the preschool teacher?"  She sheepishly grinned and pointed to me.  Thankfully, when I asked if the teacher could plan preschool, she nodded in agreement.  ha!  During preschool, Lillian was on cloud nine and loved all the activities and the one-on-one attention.  But about 5 minutes after we were done with the first day, she started to cry about all the things we DIDN'T do.  I assured her that we have all year to fit in other fun things and that seemed to calm her worries.

Looking forward to a fun year of learning with this cutie!

First Day of School 2020

A few weeks before school there was a lot of discussion and debate as to how to approach the school year amidst COVID.  The final decision was all online.  My heart breaks for the situation of the world and for opportunities lost.  I've been grateful to see the resilience of the teachers and kids as we keep moving forward in hopes of a return to normalcy in the near future.

The day we drove back from Pennsylvania was a meet and greet with the teachers--COVID style.  Hylie's third grade teacher, Mrs. Kimmerly just had a baby (yet she still showed up for the parade!) and will be on maternity leave for the first six weeks.  Mrs. Green will be filling in for her until then.

 

Hylie has been doing VERY well with the online format.  She stays pretty engaged and doesn't complain.  I am sad at how little interaction the kids are able to have with one another--Hylie is usually called on for a comment one or two times a day, but there is no chance to really talk with friends.

A few days before Eliana started class, she was beyond thrilled to visit the school and meet her teacher "IN PERSON".  She got to spend about 20 minutes one-on-one with Mrs. Klimes and for this I was so thankful.  Eliana LOVES Mrs. Klimes--everyday when Eliana's getting ready she talks constantly about how she can't wait to see her teacher.

I admit, the first day of kindergarten was ROUGH!  Kids were not muting, so the screen kept jumping from student to student.  There were a ton of technical problems and Eliana was pretty burnt out before lunch.  My heart ached to see the teacher near tears by the end of the day.  I called my parents in tears as well, wondering if I should just homeschool--not because I didn't feel the teachers weren't doing a good job, but because of the lack of interaction and distraction of technical difficulties.  However, I am grateful to report things continue to improve SIGNIFICANTLY.  At first, Eliana just felt all participation was optional, but as her teacher and I continued to prompt and encourage her, she is now getting up and moving during movement breaks, she is better about not typing in the chat field during class, she gets out the correct supplies and is doing her work, and Eliana is a master at unmuting herself when she gets to make a comment.

We continue to pray for solutions to COVID-19 but we also pray with much thanks for the resources we have to continue with public education during this different time.

And the Winner is...

 The girls participated in a summer reading program with our local library.  Eliana was thrilled to be a winner of one of the drawings.  She was given a gift card to the Lego store.  She and Geoff scoped out the website together.  Geoff and I were sure she was going to get a "Captain America" set but when Eliana caught sight of a desk organizer, she was HOOKED!  She couldn't wait for it to arrive in the mail!

This kid followed the directions beautifully and absolutely loves her new little treasure.

Hylie and Braddock's Baptism

Hylie and Braddock were hopeful to have the opportunity to share their baptism day.  Because of the needed precautions during the pandemic, we submitted approval for our family to be together for this ordinance and were so grateful when we were granted permission.  Not only were we able to be with family in Pennsylvania, but other relatives could tune into the program and baptism via computer.  It was such a special, beautiful day.  Grandma Nelson and Grandma Hilton prepared some touching talks about baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The cousins all sang together with Tanner accompanying them on the piano while playing his own arrangement of "When I Am Baptized".  

Grandma Nelson surprised Hylie by making this lovely white dress for her special day.

Watching Geoff baptize Hylie was very sweet.  The most touching moment for me was when I watched Geoff and Hylie hug right after she was baptized while still in the font.

I'm so thankful for a Father in Heaven who ensures His children understand not only how to return to Him, but also how to become a better person through His love and help.  As I have watched Hylie learn and grow, I have been touched by her eagerness to understand and to apply what she knows.  Her smile never faded the day of her baptism and she shared with me that she felt so good to be baptized.  I pray that she will learn how the spirit speaks to her so she can recognize the blessings and guidance that comes from the Holy Ghost.  I know that happiness comes through God's Plan.  How I pray our children will experience and recognize this happiness as so many different views and paths swirl around them.

After the baptism, Dean and Andrea hosted a luncheon--we visited all afternoon and into the evening.  How I love being with family.

Kyron was fascinated with Chloe!