Some clay from the dollar store is NOT to be heated. We found out the sad melting way.
Lots and lots more soccer.
Connor gave his first ever talk in primary. It was the cutest sweetest thing.
Eden celebrated her 9th birthday and opened presents from Mom and Dad on the day of.
Connor has a real problem with sneaking into the refrigerator and eating things without permission.
Little twirp... It's a block of cheese if you can't tell...
My friend sent me this picture of Eden in the back corner. Eden went on a school field trip and they had a bearded dragon that looked just like Merlin, and they got to touch it and you could just see her sad little face in the back.
Occasionally Derek would send a picture to update how he was doing. this one he was growing a new mustache. I can't remember why, but it was pretty silly. I wish he could have come home with a mustache. I think it would have been hilarious, and only just a little creepy.
More activity days. We learned about family history and put our ancestors names on leaves to show we are all connected. Eden refused to look at the camera. Silly girl.
Eden's birthday party day was fast approaching. So lots of work went into the preparations.
Connor was acting sick, but not sick. It was really weird but he started waking up at night screaming in pain. He vomited once, and had diarrhea. I thought maybe he was having some reflux problems so I took him to the doctor. Well, the doctor got super nervous and wanted to rule out a stomach problem with twisting intestines or something. He wanted an ultrasound, but when we went they scheduled it for later. By the time we got home, and picked up the kids from school the doctor called wanting him to go to the emergency room and get the ultrasound. With all of his symptoms they did a FULL work up. It was quite horrific for a kid who was acting fine at the moment...
They insisted on an IV even though he had the potential to "not" be admitted. I wish they would have just drawn blood and then left him be unless he got admitted. But no going back. They failed on the first IV attempt and poked him two or three times. It was so sad and he still remembers how awful it was today. He was tough though. However it made it so I didn't get last minute preparations for Eden's party done, so the next day was a LONG day. I was so tired. Thank goodness for Heidi and friends. Heidi helped me to finish her cake, and another friend helped with decorations.
Eden's 9th Birthday Party!
Eden loves being able to help make her cake.
Eden had a lot of craft activities for the party and games. So really it was a lot of work and set up.
But, in the end it was worth it because I think the kids had a really great time.
Eden especially.
Dear Eden,
I think you are the child who reads these journals more than anyone else. You are the best 9 year old girl. You are silly, fun, kind, energetic, opinionated, and love talking more than anything. You love and appreciate animals. You want to work with animals someday, and want to be a Mom. You are always so very happy and you light up the room when you walk in. You are a friend to everyone you meet especially the person who needs a friend the most. You love party planning. You love life! You work hard at the things you love. You are kind to your siblings, and are such a good example to Elara every day and you are her best friend. She looks up to you and loves you and you are always kind and love her so much. You help take care of your little brother and will be an amazing Mom someday. You treat Kael kindly and he is one of your best friends too. You've been the biggest help while Dad is gone, and I'm proud of all you do for us. You are crafty. You are talented. You are getting better each day at the piano. You always get really good grades at school. Eden you are such a light. Always remember your family loves you and that you are a daughter of God who loves you too.
I'm so proud of you!
Love Always,
Mom, Dad, and your family
Of course the next day was more soccer!
Elara's team had team pictures, so we took our own. I thought they were cute.
Connor wanted his picture taken too. He cannot wait until fall to play soccer now.
Elara's coach was awesome and gave out iron on patches each game for doing well.
Elara loved them and it was fun to put on her jersey.
We decided to stay on the same team for the fall she loved it so much.
Connor fell asleep naked on the floor in his towel.
One to remember.
I love these pictures of Derek in all of his gear. I used one for his welcome home sign I made.
It seems like a typical day for Derek deployed, but I'm pretty sure he wore scrubs a lot more than his camos.
The kids had a fun run for school. Poor Eden was sick, but pushed through and ran anyway. So proud of how hard our kids work to do better and be better each day. Elara made all the laps and extra! Eden made every single lap, and was feeling done by the end and came home. Kael must have done at least an extra 10 laps. So proud of them working hard and helping their school.
We were tired and soccer went through lunch this Saturday so the kids got snacks at the fields. Nachos and watermelon on a stick. Elara was tired from her game. I think she got a hot dog though.
Lots and LOTS of soccer and this was just after one month with one more to go. The kids never got tired of it surprisingly.
March was busy and fun, but that's how we liked it while Dad was deployed. Just over one month left until Dad comes home!!!
