Aanaisms for today...

Well, Aana and I both take tennis. Her usual teacher was in a big tournament and my teacher subbed for her class. She came home and told me that she went up and said to him, "Hi, I'm Aana...Shanda's daughter...you know...the one in your class that isn't very good!"

Today at dinner we were discussing a family goal to eat more vegetables. She interrupted and told us that she needed to eat the most vegetables of anyone in the family...because she was constipated!!??!! (now where did that come from...I have no idea?) I guess a little fiber never hurts.

When Dad's away...the girls will play!

Larry left town to help a dentist in Ephrata so we were able to have some girl fun. Grandma and Aana went to the Airshow last night and had a blast. Aana had seen them practicing the day before and was fascinated with the jets...so Grandma surpirsed her with tickets! Addie and I stayed behind and drove all around on the golf cart (which she loves) and hung out together.

Am I the student or the teacher?

This might not have a lot of meaning to others, but I wanted to report on one of those parenting epiphanies that I get sometimes. This one was taught to me by Aana. She has been ready to read for a while, but I didn't realize how ready until yesterday. When she and I were sitting down reading, I asked her to read to me. She actually went through 8 pages of the book reading every word. I was shocked! I have learned this month that I think I am the one that holds her back. It was the same with riding her bike, and other things... it is like she just gets tired of waiting on me to teach her, so she just figured it out herself. )

As far as reading is concerned, I have worked to teach her letter sounds and recognition and have worked on phonics, but I procrastinated the reading...and I don't know why. I don't explain this to suggest that my daughter is intelligent, but I see it all around me and I am amazed at how bright children are and how large their capacity to learn is. I was humbled by my experience yesterday...and I have made a personal goal to not be the one that holds my children back. I will try to MAKE the time to work with them even more... I truly believe that these special spirits were saved for these days. I am humbled that my Father in Heaven has trusted me with the learning and care of my two girls.

I have also been taught a lot about repentance by dear Aana. There have been several experiences lately where she has been truly broken hearted over things that she felt were bad choices she made. These choices to me seem very trivial, as I have noticed she expects ALOT of herself. But we have had the most wonderful conversations about forgiveness... and it has caused me to ponder a lot. I hear her sweet, genuine prayers blessing everyone that she can think of and lately she has put a lot of energy into asking our Heavenly Father to forgive her for her bad choices. She already has a testimony of repentance and has tearfully told me that she knows that Heavenly Father has forgotten about her bad choices...because she is trying hard not to make them again. I often feel as though I learn more from my children than I teach them. This is yet another recent experience like that. I apologize for venting this on my blog...but when I sat down to write...this is what I found myself thinking of. My heart is full...

Just because I liked it...

"As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey." - Marjorie Hinckley

Happy Campers!

All summer we promised that the girls we would go camping and we finally did it. We went with some friends to a nearby campground that is on the Snake River. We were right next to a park and had a great view of the river. Most importantly, it had showers and nice restrooms...so I was happy. We had the usual camp favorites hobo dinners, smores, and hot dogs. The kids had a blast and we enjoyed the time in the outdoors.
The next day we spent a few hours on the water where our friends brought a jet ski and Mark and Bree brought the boat. Addie did the usual eyelash thing even going fast on the boat with the with blasting her while Mark was driving. We only got to stay one night because I had to rush back and prepare to teach my sharing time today, but it was a great weekend!

Daddy Daughter Football

I apologize for the lull in blogs. This last week or so has been very busy!! Last weekend, Larry and Aana went to Seattle to watch the BYU game. They met up with my Larry's parents and brother who flew out for the game as well. They had a great time, and I am sure it helped that BYU won!

They walked around downtown Seattle, went to Pikes Market (if you have been there, you will remember the flying fish...), and visited some family friends for a pre game bbq. I was just curious to see how Larry would do Aana's hair, because he had never had to do that before.

Addie and I had a good time hanging out at home. The weather here has been amazing...I just don't know how long it will last.

Bye, Bye Training Wheels...and Hello Kindergarten!

So, I don't know what took us so long to take off the training wheels of Aana's bike. Mostly my fear, I guess...and my feeble attempt to protect my daughter from the increased possibilty of road rash and broken bones...but Larry decided to take the matter in his own hands. I went outside to leave and he had taken the training wheels off...and she was riding down the road. It was done!

I don't know why I was expecting it to be more like a ceremony...where we take pictures...talk about bike safetly, give her a pep talk...and run beside her for a long time to steady her and help her practice, but... It took less than five minutes and it is over! No major accidents yet, and I keep counting my blessings that we live near a queit culdesac so I don't have to worry as much.

Also...Aana had her first official day of school today and she was trilled! She has been dying to go to school and is just dissapointed that it is only a half day. There were no tears...for either of us...because I knew how excited she was... I am just amazed at how fast kids grow!

My Birthday Fiesta!

After being away from my family for so many years, I really appreciate being close so that my Mom can make me a birthday meal. I gave her a challenging request, but she made an amazing mexican feast...and it was great.

Somehow we ended up with pictures of the girls only...but here we all are. My mom, sister, me, and my girls...at dinner. For those of you that know my sis, Bree...she is due with a little boy in December. My mom and dad live nearby and we get to spend a lot of time with them. It has been so fun!