Today was busy. Clark, Vivian and I dropped Victoria off at dance class and then ran to Target to get birthday gifts for my visiting teachees and Victoria's classmate, Norah. After we picked up Victoria from dance we headed over to Jodie Norton's house and gave her the cinnamon leaf scented candle and lipgloss and checked in on her. Then visited Kristi Dickinson for 40 minutes and left her with the same gift.
We came home and played outside for about 20 minutes. The weather was perfect. It was probably about 68 degrees, the sun was shining and there was a light breeze. While we were playing, Clark quietly snuck back inside and secretly made peanut butter sandwiches for all four of us. He said he wanted to surprise us with lunch. He is such a thoughtful and observant boy. He has always been that way. I do love him fiercely.
The middle of the day consisted of reading, watching a television show, cleaning, and schoolwork. Clark is really impressing me with his math abilities. He can now adequately regroup numbers in both triple digit addition and subtraction problems. His handwriting also continues to improve, as does his vocabulary and reading comprehension. I do love homeschooling that boy. So far, he makes it easy.
The afternoon was full of outdoor play for Clark and Victoria while I paid bills. Our dinner was black bean tacos with steamed broccoli. Victoria made the guacamole almost completely by herself and Clark finally figured out how to open a can with the can opener. Those two love to help cook when they can. After dinner we all played outside for about 35 minutes until it was too dark to see. Vivian was a hoot to watch outside. She thinks she's capable of anything the older children can do. At one point she had Clark's helmet on and was lying on her tummy on top of the skateboard while pushing herself with her hands and feet. That skate board is probably twice her length but she managed to go pretty far. She's a very determined little one. So is Victoria. When Clark got his new big boy bike on Sunday for his 7th birthday, Victoria immediately asked Brent if he could adjust the seat and handle bars on Clark's old bike so she could ride it. It's still a little hard for her to get started on it by herself because it's so tall but she is bound and determined to ride that bike. She looks so old on it's seat.
Brent came home a little after 7 after he ate dinner he helped the kids get ready for bed and then played with them until it was bedtime. I read the children the book Bedtime For Frances, we said prayers, and then I tucked Clark and Victoria in their respective beds while Brent put Vivian down.
It was a full, productive and fulfilling day.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
October 27, 2015
Today Clark, Victoria, Vivian and I visited a pumpkin patch with Victoria's preschool class. First, the children and I worked on a scavenger hunt to find different types of stuffed animals after reading their descriptions. Clark did the reading and then we would search for the respective animal.
Next, we were each given a small, plastic cup full of animal feed so that we could feed sheep, goats, and longhorns. All the children enjoyed pouring feed into their hands and then holding their hands flat like a table in front of the animals and feeling the animals lick the food out of their hands. Vivian seemed to especially enjoy the process. She would giggle over and over each time the animals would lick her hand. She continued to lay her flat hand out in front of the animals' faces long after she ran out of feed.
We then were able to sit in an open trailer full of hay bales which was driven around the farm by a john deer tractor. Clark and Victoria said that was their favorite part of the patch experience.
The children then had a snack and listened to a story about a scarecrow. Afterward, they each picked out their very own pumpkin. It was a pleasant time. I believe everyone enjoyed it thoroughly.
On our drive back to the school, I happened to noticed a woman crossing an extremely busy and dangerous street with a toddler on one hip and a large, heavy car seat over her shoulder. After crossing the street she had the toddler walk but continued to hold the carseat slung over her shoulder. As I sat at the stoplight I debated as to wether I should attempt to ask her if I could give her a ride somewhere. Normally, it's not something I would do; especially with the children in the car with me. I said a silent prayer and felt like it would be safe to help her. I pulled into a parking lot and asked her if I could give her a ride. She very gratefully accepted. Once she got her daughter situated in the carseat, she directed me to her home. I learned that her daughter, Hope, would be two in December and her name was Erin. They had just visited the doctor and couldn't find a ride home, and had decided to walk home instead. Based on our brief conversation and my superficial observation of her home and situation, it appeared that Erin may have many material needs. It was a really good reminder as to how much I have really been blessed in my life. I have never wanted for any necessities of life and have always been very comfortable. I also remembered how often I take that for granted. I may have shortened Erin and Hope's trip by probably an hour but they did much more for me than I for them. I gave Erin my phone number and offered to help her with rides when I can. I hope she will take me up on it.
The rest of the day consisted of reading with the children, cleaning, playing outside, and a little schoolwork. It was a nice autumn day.
Next, we were each given a small, plastic cup full of animal feed so that we could feed sheep, goats, and longhorns. All the children enjoyed pouring feed into their hands and then holding their hands flat like a table in front of the animals and feeling the animals lick the food out of their hands. Vivian seemed to especially enjoy the process. She would giggle over and over each time the animals would lick her hand. She continued to lay her flat hand out in front of the animals' faces long after she ran out of feed.
We then were able to sit in an open trailer full of hay bales which was driven around the farm by a john deer tractor. Clark and Victoria said that was their favorite part of the patch experience.
The children then had a snack and listened to a story about a scarecrow. Afterward, they each picked out their very own pumpkin. It was a pleasant time. I believe everyone enjoyed it thoroughly.
On our drive back to the school, I happened to noticed a woman crossing an extremely busy and dangerous street with a toddler on one hip and a large, heavy car seat over her shoulder. After crossing the street she had the toddler walk but continued to hold the carseat slung over her shoulder. As I sat at the stoplight I debated as to wether I should attempt to ask her if I could give her a ride somewhere. Normally, it's not something I would do; especially with the children in the car with me. I said a silent prayer and felt like it would be safe to help her. I pulled into a parking lot and asked her if I could give her a ride. She very gratefully accepted. Once she got her daughter situated in the carseat, she directed me to her home. I learned that her daughter, Hope, would be two in December and her name was Erin. They had just visited the doctor and couldn't find a ride home, and had decided to walk home instead. Based on our brief conversation and my superficial observation of her home and situation, it appeared that Erin may have many material needs. It was a really good reminder as to how much I have really been blessed in my life. I have never wanted for any necessities of life and have always been very comfortable. I also remembered how often I take that for granted. I may have shortened Erin and Hope's trip by probably an hour but they did much more for me than I for them. I gave Erin my phone number and offered to help her with rides when I can. I hope she will take me up on it.
The rest of the day consisted of reading with the children, cleaning, playing outside, and a little schoolwork. It was a nice autumn day.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
October 21, 2015
Victoria had ballet/tap class this morning. She looks so adorable in her little leotard and tights. I can't wait to see her recital in December.
After dance class, the kids and I visited Yellowjacket park where I met my visiting teachers and the kids played. They love that park. It's great because it's enclosed and there are so many things to do for the span of ages between the 3 children. Vivian was fun and terrifying to watch as she dared to climb and play on the parts of the park that were clearly meant for older children. She would determine to climb up oversized ladders and jump over large gaps onto playthings. It was frightening and yet my heart swelled with pride to watch her make a decision and follow through. She is a force to reckon with.
For workbook time today, Clark learned how to regroup when subtracting double digits. I was amazed at how quickly he understood how to do it. And all in one lesson! There were some big numbers to work with and he did most of it in his head. That little boy continues to impress me with his ability to work out math in his head. A talent that I do not naturally possess. He has so much potential to do great things.
Today was the last soccer practice for the fall '15 season. This is Clark's second season of soccer and he's beginning to show some real improvement. I hope he will continue playing the game for a while. He has some potential to do well, especially on the defensive side and as goal keeper.
Vivian always has funny things to say but her newest vivianism is to add the word goodness to emphasize her sentence. For example:
Me: Vivian please put the brush away.
Vivian: (in a displeased voice) O-KAY! GOODNESS!
She is full of spice and keeps me on my toes. I love the way she adds so much spunk to our family.
Clark said the sweetest thing to me today. He said he was sorry that I had to work so hard (being pregnant) for Claire. He is incredibly aware of others, especially for a 6 year old boy. I'm so impressed that he came to the conclusion that it was a lot of work for me to be pregnant with Claire only to lose her in this life. He is one of the sweetest and kindest people on this earth. I do love him fiercely.
Victoria has really flourished into a little girl as of late. Gone are the days of her toddlerhood. She's lost most of her baby fat and her face has become longer and leaner. She's looking so old! And she's asking how she can help me, doing things (like chores or noticing a need to be filled) without my asking, and helping Vivian with things she can't do on her own. Victoria is extremely excited to meet Baby Sister in December. She will be such a big help when Baby Girl is born.
I have been blessed with such lovely children. I do hope they will always know how much I adore them.
After dance class, the kids and I visited Yellowjacket park where I met my visiting teachers and the kids played. They love that park. It's great because it's enclosed and there are so many things to do for the span of ages between the 3 children. Vivian was fun and terrifying to watch as she dared to climb and play on the parts of the park that were clearly meant for older children. She would determine to climb up oversized ladders and jump over large gaps onto playthings. It was frightening and yet my heart swelled with pride to watch her make a decision and follow through. She is a force to reckon with.
For workbook time today, Clark learned how to regroup when subtracting double digits. I was amazed at how quickly he understood how to do it. And all in one lesson! There were some big numbers to work with and he did most of it in his head. That little boy continues to impress me with his ability to work out math in his head. A talent that I do not naturally possess. He has so much potential to do great things.
Today was the last soccer practice for the fall '15 season. This is Clark's second season of soccer and he's beginning to show some real improvement. I hope he will continue playing the game for a while. He has some potential to do well, especially on the defensive side and as goal keeper.
Vivian always has funny things to say but her newest vivianism is to add the word goodness to emphasize her sentence. For example:
Me: Vivian please put the brush away.
Vivian: (in a displeased voice) O-KAY! GOODNESS!
She is full of spice and keeps me on my toes. I love the way she adds so much spunk to our family.
Clark said the sweetest thing to me today. He said he was sorry that I had to work so hard (being pregnant) for Claire. He is incredibly aware of others, especially for a 6 year old boy. I'm so impressed that he came to the conclusion that it was a lot of work for me to be pregnant with Claire only to lose her in this life. He is one of the sweetest and kindest people on this earth. I do love him fiercely.
Victoria has really flourished into a little girl as of late. Gone are the days of her toddlerhood. She's lost most of her baby fat and her face has become longer and leaner. She's looking so old! And she's asking how she can help me, doing things (like chores or noticing a need to be filled) without my asking, and helping Vivian with things she can't do on her own. Victoria is extremely excited to meet Baby Sister in December. She will be such a big help when Baby Girl is born.
I have been blessed with such lovely children. I do hope they will always know how much I adore them.
Friday, September 27, 2013
September 27, 2013
This morning, on our way to dropping Clark off at preschool, we were stopped at a stoplight and Clark observed that there were two black people in the car next to us. He asked me if I knew why some people were black. I asked him what he thought. He said, "Some people are black because they drink too much coffee!" Oh, the logic of a four year old.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
September 25, 2013
This morning I was holding Vivian and she was happy and looking around. Clark was standing by us and staring at Vivian with a grin on his face. As he continued to stare at his new, little sister he said, "I'm going to marry her (Vivian)." He was so pleased with his new found thought; he couldn't stop smiling. Then he said (for the 30th time since Vivian was born), "I love babies." He is the sweetest, little boy in the world. I love his pure thought and love for others.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
September 11, 2013
Vivian was 5 days old and we were all feeling a little restless. So, we decided to take a last minute trip to Costco to get out of the house. It was almost 5p.m. and didn't think about rush hour. Once we were on the freeway we decided to just bite the bullet and continue on the road- even though it was stop and go traffic. The kids were doing fine with the long trip with the exception of the occasional outburst from Vivian. We were almost to our destination and Clark began to complain incessantly about a sore throat. As I turned around to tell him that we couldn't do anything about it until we got out of the car I watched him projectile vomit into his lap. My darling, little boy continued to vomit until I was convinced there couldn't be anything else in his stomach. Somehow he managed to keep it all in his lap and carseat. We pulled into a parking lot and I stripped Clark down until he was completely nude while Brent went into a restaurant and got take out bags to put Clark's clothes in. As we drove back home we all couldn't help but laugh at the situation and how Clark's little, nude bum was sitting on a cold car seat. Sweet, sweet boy was calm as can be even though he was naked for the 20 minute drive and his sisters were whining and crying.
Things calmed down after we got home, Clark and Victoria got a bath, and Vivian had been fed. While I put Vivian down for her nap I couldn't help but cry with gratitude for all of my darling, little blessings: Claire, Clark, Victoria, and Vivian. The Spirit was so strong as it reminded me of the pure joy these beautiful babies give me. I was overwhelmed with thanks for my sweet children. I love each and every one of them. Even during chaos.
Things calmed down after we got home, Clark and Victoria got a bath, and Vivian had been fed. While I put Vivian down for her nap I couldn't help but cry with gratitude for all of my darling, little blessings: Claire, Clark, Victoria, and Vivian. The Spirit was so strong as it reminded me of the pure joy these beautiful babies give me. I was overwhelmed with thanks for my sweet children. I love each and every one of them. Even during chaos.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
March 20, 2013
When MomMom and Aunt Savannah came to visit over St. Patty's weekend, MomMom bought Clark some darling cowboy boots. He was elated to receive such a fabulous gift. He's worn them as much as allowed. I'm pretty sure he'd wear them in the shower if he could. This picture encapsulates many of Clark's favorite things right now: His baby sister, Star Wars, and his new boots!
2012
Untitled from Holly Gardner on Vimeo.
Clark will be prepared to kill zombie scum during the Apocalypse!
2012
V becoming mobile from Holly Gardner on Vimeo.
This is a video when Victoria was starting to maneuver her way around.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
March 30, 2013
The Easter Bunny visited our house on Saturday. The kids were so excited for all the goodies they received. They got a chocolate bunny, some marshmallow peeps, candy filled eggs, bubble wands, glowing stars to put on their ceilings, and new toothbrushes to clean their teeth after munching on their treats. Surprisingly, the kids were most excited about their new toothbrushes. We've trained them well. Haha!
Friday, March 29, 2013
March 29, 2013
Our ward's primary had an Easter egg hunt Friday afternoon. It was Victoria's first egg hunt where she had some notion as to what was occurring. I hoped to get some photo/video of Clark but he was all over the place. Too fast for his slow momma.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
July 10, 2012
Victoria has become quite the chatterbox lately. As of today she can say the following words and phrases:
thank you
love you
miss you
truck
look
up
bye bye
hi
amen!
ball
mama
dada
off
hot
She's so observant and loves to mimic everything we do at home. For example, she has watched Clark put on his swim goggles many times. Today, when we were swimming, Clark had put his swim goggles on the ground and Victoria picked them up and tried putting them over her head. Oh, I love that baby!
thank you
love you
miss you
truck
look
up
bye bye
hi
amen!
ball
mama
dada
off
hot
She's so observant and loves to mimic everything we do at home. For example, she has watched Clark put on his swim goggles many times. Today, when we were swimming, Clark had put his swim goggles on the ground and Victoria picked them up and tried putting them over her head. Oh, I love that baby!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
My baby is growing too quickly for my taste. She turns one year old a week from today. How did this past year go by so fast? Last night I nursed Victoria for the last time. She is now officially weaned and it breaks my heart. Tonight I just rocked her without nursing and she snuggled me so perfectly without the slightest complaint that I wasn't nursing her. I didn't want to put her in bed, fearing that she might be all grown up in the morning and she wouldn't need her mama anymore. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for my precious children. I am so very grateful for the Atonement, which allows be to be with my babies and husband forever. The Plan of Happiness is exactly as titled. I am forever indebted to my parents for teaching me of the straight and narrow path AND for exemplifying how one should walk it. Today marks 31 years since my parents were sealed to each other and to me and my sisters for eternity. My heart swells with joy just thinking how I get to be with my entire family FOREVER. And tonight I got to experience a moment of eternal happiness while rocking my baby girl as she snuggled up to me.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May 2, 2012
Clark said the family prayer tonight. He thanked Heavenly Father for the "circles that you pull and count for Uncle Samuel" (a paper chain we made to count down Samuel's visit). He also prayed "bless Mommy that she'll be safe, and not mad" (I was pretty grumpy today. Obviously it carried into Clark's day). And he thanked Heavenly Father that "monsters won't get us in the dark and won't eat our house."
"And a little child shall lead them..." Isaiah 11:16
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
November 9, 2012
We visited Grandma Kelley today. Clark and Victoria loved visiting Grandma! Victoria thought Grandma was so hilarious. V loved hugging and playing with Grandma. Clark was impressed by Grandma's collection of tractors and go-carts. She even let him ride and drive a tractor. Clark is never going to stop talking about this day! It was so nice to visit with Grandma. I wish we lived closer to her.
April 23, 2012
The other morning Clark had just woken up and Brent asked Clark if he needed to go to the bathroom. Clark replied, "No, I don't have fire in my belly."
November 7, 2012
We went to Sweet Tomatoes with Heidi for lunch. Victoria sat up in a high chair for the first time, just like a big girl! She was super excited to sit in the high chair by herself. She's growing too quickly!
November 14, 2012
The children loved playing with Maxwell while we visited Mom and Dad's house in November. I couldn't believe how much Victoria loved him. She would get so excited every time he would walk by her and she would begin to bounce and reach for him. Clark loved wrestling him.
We really need to get a dog. We just need to convince Brent.
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