Practically a Professional

I loaded the kids in the car this morning to run an errand before we had to take Hallie to school.  We got everyone in only to discover that the car wouldn't start.  Normally I would just defer to Jon at times like this, but he is in Orlando for work this week.  I wasn't sure what to do, so I called Becky and made her come over (because of course she would know how to help).  

I got Jon on the phone and he told me that I needed to take the battery out of the car, buy a new one, and then install it.  I was feeling pretty nervous since I generally don't use any tools unless it involves hanging pictures on the wall.  But, with Becky beside me telling me that of course I would be fine, I succeeded in replacing my own car battery!  I felt pretty awesome.  It's apparent that I am well on my way to being a full time mechanic.

Family Day

On Monday Jon didn't have to work so we spent the whole day together as a family.  We did our yard work and then spent the afternoon in Salt Lake.  We went to the new mall and ran through the water that shoots out of the ground and walked through Temple Square.  I don't think we've ever been there as a family except at Christmas time, so it was a fun experience.


They have a big display on temples and families in one of the visitors centers, and there's a replica of the Salt Lake temple that you can see inside the rooms.  As I was looking at it with the girls and explaining what the different rooms were for I found myself crying (of course, as Rachel said).  Right at that moment, it was like Heavenly Father was reaffirming my knowledge of all that I know is true.  I just was overcome with gratitude that my family has the chance to be together forever because of mine and Jon's temple marriage.

 I love days when our family can just be together all day long.  They are especially appreciated these days since Jon has been traveling more often. 

First day of school

  Yesterday was the first day of school for our kids, and they were so excited!  Jon didn't have to go out of town until Tuesday night, so he got to take Rachel and Hallie to school, and he also got to pick them up (since it was short day).  He took the girls out for pizza and dessert after school -- it made going back to school seem like a celebration.

It's funny, but when Rachel started school she was super confident about herself and her abilities, so of course I was too.  She wasn't nervous to meet her teacher or the other kids, so therefore I also felt like it was just a big, fun adventure and nothing to be nervous about.  After the first day it was no big deal to Rachel to just run up to the doors and get into line with the other kids without having me with her.

I realized just how different our 2 sweet girls are as I walked Hallie to the line today.  All weekend she was really excited/nervous about meeting her new teacher and having to be with other kids.  We went to class yesterday, and Hallie did everything she was supposed to, but she definitely did not talk to anyone -- she wouldn't even look at anyone straight on.  If she wasn't sure what to do, she just sat quietly and looked around, but wouldn't say anything. 

Today I was prepared to just drop Hallie off and watch her walk to the line, and she said that was okay with her.  But as I turned to say goodbye I could see the worry on her little face.  I didn't realize how nervous she was to be on her own until I felt her little hand squeezing tighter and tighter as we got closer to the doors.  Since she was feeling so scared, I found that I too felt more nervous the closer we got.  And when we got to the line, she just wanted to hold my hand a little longer while we waited for the bell, and I found that I wanted that too.

It's just funny how the different feelings and emotions that my kids are feeling seem to suddenly become my own.  I love those girls so much, and I hope that everything goes well for Hallie today.

Kale and I decided to have school with just us while the girls go to their school, and man, that kids is smart.  He knows all of his letters and their sounds and can even write all of the letters (minus the N) without any help (although he still holds his pencil way weird -- I don't know how to help with that).  How did my barely 4 year old get so darn smart?  I remember feeling this same way about Hallie the year before she went to school.  I must have genius children that just can learn things all by themselves.  Anyway, we did school today and Kale was delighted with the one-on-one attention since Sky was sleeping.

I love the new school year.  It's so exciting and new and the kids are happy to do homework and practice piano because it's been so long since they've had to do anything.  And since they're excited, I too am excited and it doesn't feel like just one more thing for us to do.  Hooray for school!