The Children's Museum

Lily's teacher is having surgery and Olivia broke her arm so Lily made some sweet cards for them. She is so good at making cards and loves doing things to make others feel better.

When we read books at night she tried to read one of the Star Wars books to me, "What is a Wookie?" She was really good and when she stumbled (it was mostly from memory but she did sound out a few words and knew some from sight words) Ryan was there to help her out. Kids really have amazing memories.

This was a good day because when I asked Ryan if he was excited to go to school he exclaimed, "Yes!" He hasn't been excited for awhile but he is back in his groove and happy to see his friends and teachers. I'm so grateful since that was a hard time when he cried each time I dropped him off. I definitely feel like this is an answer to prayer.

Tuesday Ryan was struggling so much. He was hitting, throwing things, and just being defiant. I did mind, body, soul time with him, but it wasn't enough. I sent him to his room several times after hitting, but it wasn't enough. I went to my room, sank to the floor and just prayed a desperate prayer. I didn't know what to do with him or the other kids, feeling like I just can't give them all what they need. And it was cold and windy and I didn't want to go outside and I felt completely incapable of making it through the day. But after praying I perked up a bit and went to Ryan's room. We talked on his bed and when I asked him what stuff he wanted to talk about he said, "being grateful." He was grateful for his orange coat, his Avengers jacket, snow, the picture Lily and I drew him, me, his family, his rocket, his orange car from China, and his froggy. It was a nice moment, but a little later he threw something at Lily and scratched her. We laid on his bed again later and he wanted to talk about more "being grateful" stuff. This time he was grateful for hugs and kisses. He can be so sweet. And then when he's frustrated he really lashes out, but I am grateful I saw his sweet side a few times today.

We had someone come look at our furnace today. Another company came last week to check it, but for some reason our property manager was told we made need a new furnace. I was told it was fine so while it was confusing, the manager arrange for a second opinion. Everything checked out, but when the man went to leave we started talking and I shared some gospel messages with him. I invited him a couple times to hear the missionaries and while he declined, he does have a friend who is serving right now. I thought perhaps we needed a second opinion was for me to talk to him so I prayed as he left that his heart would be opened and the missionaries would find him. I felt good sharing the gospel to someone who was good and just wanted more out of his life. I'm grateful for that opportunity I had to say what I did.

We took Riley from church to donuts and hot chocolate and the kids were so excited to pick her up from school. Lily made her a picture and a heart from perler beads. They kept asking her what she knew about Star Wars. We had a nice visit and the kids did really well, so I was grateful and our prayers were answered.

During nap time Lily and I did some music practice and reading lessons. Lily wanted to practice "What is a Wookie" and is learning it more. It was neat too because some of the practice from her reading lesson today came in handy and helped her sound out some of the words. We are making progress!

I had such a rough last night with kids and Jeff had to come to the rescue. It was not my best night, but Jeff was very forgiving of me and supportive and is my biggest cheerleader, so I'm extremely grateful for him.

I decided I was tired of staying home with the cool weather so we headed to the Children's Museum. Diana came and was so helpful and we even brought Kalissa with us. The museum has been renovated and was so much fun. The kids were busy going from one thing to the next and the outdoor part was incredible. I got a pass and we will be excited to keep going back! The best part is that there was no one in line at the zipline so the kids got to do it over and over for about 20 minutes, it was the best!

Posing for the camera.

All pictures of the kids.

And even more pictures. They had fun taking shots while I got a membership.  

This had platforms to climb up, and it was high! Ryan tried, but was too short. But the girls had fun. 

Ready to climb!

It was very wobbly so he was scared at first, but then he got the hang of it. 

Three artists at work. 

Ryan loves painting the statues the best. 

Ryan waiting for the zipline. 

Lily loves her queen chair. 

Such fun things to climb outside. 

Max is king, but the look on the baby behind him says not for long.  

Ziplane fun!

Lunch on the hill

Max doesn't like the hay.

Playing with clay. 

The orange balls are always a hit. 

Getting ready for a dinner party.  

Shopping for fruit and veggies.

Ryan needed help at first, but then he loved it when he got the hang of it. 

Taking a break after a very busy morning.