Primary Program

I've been so excited all year for the primary program. But then was devastated when I found out we were moving and would miss the program in our Gaithersburg 1st ward. Thankfully Spencer's parents ward was holding their primary program on the 30th- so we got here in time for Madi to get a part, and practice all the songs with her new primary friends. She got a part her first Sunday here: "God sent the fish to shore and it spit Jonah out." Her class learned about the story of Jonah and each Sunbeam took a part in telling the story. It was adorable! Madi had her part memorized in one day and I'd have her tell it to me (slowly, loudly, and clearly) almost every single day. She did great! The program was wonderful- amazingly organized. But there was one thing that put a major damper on the program for Spencer and I. It was the little girl who sat across the aisle from Madi. On every single song, when the kids stood up to sing, the class across the aisle moved in next to Madi's class. And this girl (not sure how old, but about twice the size as Madi) would come and stand so close to Madi- almost like she was trying to push Madi over. I noticed Madi trying to move over more, but the girl just cramped her more. Then I noticed the girl stepping on Madi's feet!! OH, I was SO furious!! I wanted to march up there and take this girl out of the program. I was trying to get Madi to look at me, but this girl wouldn't leave Madi alone. And the girl wouldn't look up either- she kept looking down at Madi with this mean look on her face. Luckily, Madi still belted out a few songs. I was just bummed that for several of the songs Madi was too distracted trying to get this bully girl to leave her alone, that she wasn't singing. It's amazing how this kind of stuff boils your blood as a parent, wanting to protect your child.

Aside from this downer, the program really was incredible. There's about 60 kids in the primary and I was super impressed with their enthusiasm. They sang their hearts out and all had their parts perfectly memorized. I loved the class musical numbers, especially the Valiant 10-11 boys (9 total) singing the 4th Article of Faith. But my favorite songs were 1) "Praise to the Man"- the YM and leaders came up after the 1st verse & chorus to sing the 3rd verse with the primary joining in on the chorus. It was cool. 2)They ended the program singing "One in a Million" which I hadn't ever heard before but is a new favorite. I also loved the cute closing remarks from 5 of the primary kids before ending with "One in a Million".

Back to School!

Madi started back to school yesterday with her first day at her second preschool of the year. And I'm happy to say that we found a great one!! I loved Madi's Presbyterian preschool back in MD. Her teacher was wonderful and I loved knowing her little buddy Owen was in her class. We payed $185 a month for 3 mornings a week (9-11:30am). Sadly, Madi only got to go for 9 days before we made our big move. When we got here to CA, I had one preschool lined up to check out (one that one comparable in price to what we payed in MD), but after visiting the school I wasn't completely happy. Then after talking to Lindesy Bell and hearing all about the preschool that Brooklyn goes to, I wanted to get Madi on the list. It's a state funded program called PEEP, run out of one of the elementary schools here. It's primarily for kids with slow speech development. They have "typical" kids mixed into the class to help promote good speech skills in the other kids. Madi would be one of the "typical" kids. Not only is it a great program, but the tuition is only $40 a month!! Can't beat that!

When I called the director, there was an actually an opening in the autistic class (very mild autism). It was a class with 7 boys and the teacher wanted a girl! Originally I was a little nervous about putting Madi in a class with only boys, but when I went into the class to observe, I really liked what I saw and realized it wouldn't be a big deal. So next, Madi was brought in for a trial run (just to make sure it was a good fit). Madi had a great time! So I filled out all the paperwork, dropped it off the next day, and Madi started the day after. And so far so good! I'm pretty sure this is going to be a fabulous experience.

Madi goes 5 days a week from 12-3pm which is perfect since that's the block of time we're always home for Elle to get a nap in. Madi's entertained, Elle naps, and I get a break!!! Win-win-win!! Today I took a nap, sat out in the glorious sunshine, read from my book, and then typed up this post! I'm definitely gonna get used to this preschool time!

Getting settled

Felt like I ought to do a quick update (which I'm sure will end up being a pretty long update) since we've been here in Camarillo for 2 weeks now. It still doesn't feel real that we actually live here though- just like we're visiting. Finding a doctor, going to a doctor's appointment, hanging out with friends, and finally finding Madi a preschool (her first day is tomorrow!) has helped, but I truthfully think it's gonna take getting our stuff out of storage and moving into a new place for the move to feel final.

We do love living in Camarillo though. People have been so great and helpful- more so than I've experienced in any other place I've lived. Like the guy at Costco who ran through all the check out aisles and to the front counter to grab a coupon book for me cause I mentioned when I got there how I hadn't received mine in the mail yet. Or the produce guy at Vons who sliced me up an apple to try just cause it was a new shipment that had just arrived (and very delicious)! And then the librarian who didn't just brush off Madi's request for a book about doctors, but searched high and low through the children's section to find Madi and Elle a handful of the best children's books about doctors (I know that it is the librarian's job to do that, but she was especially helpful about it all- which I appreciated).

We also love the weather. Every day is perfection - a little chilly fog in the mornings (great running weather!), burning off to sunshine in afternoons, highs in the high 60's to mid 70's, and then the fog rolls back in from the ocean at sunset, making for a cool but not too cold evening! We've also been loving the unlimited supply of oranges, lemons, and apples from the trees in Spencer's parents backyard. Not to mention the red onions, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and herbs growing in the garden. The girls love helping make freshly squeezed orange juice in the mornings. Our first Sunday dinner here Spencer was so excited that the majority of our meal was grown and picked right from his parent's backyard! And all the houses we've looked at so far had fruit trees in their backyards! Gotta love Camarillo!

Other things to love: bonfires in the backyard! We did this Sunday night - Madi couldn't contain her excitement for staying up late and eating roasted marshmallows by the fire! The girls had a blast, but of course I suffered the next day- dealing with an overly tired Madi who had stayed up past bedtime.

Having a dog around has also been a treat. Madi loves having a friend outside to play with. I looked out the window one afternoon and watched Truly lay down for a nap. Then I watched Madi lay down right next to her. Too cute- I had to snap a picture.

Elle on the other hand is petrified and for some crazy reason thinks Truly is gonna "get her". It's taken much coaxing to get Elle comfortable with having Truly around. Elle's fine with Truly laying on her pillow, but when Truly's walking around outside Elle doesn't want to be around her. It's a bummer cause Elle won't play outside like Madi does.

As much as we love Camarillo, it definitely hasn't all been prefect just cause we're here now and finally back together as a family. Madi's still going through some type of funk. She was a little better the first week we were here, but now she's back at pulling all sorts of shenanigans. Her favorite is to get Elle to do things she's not supposed to. Madi will open the front door, get Elle to run down the sidewalk with her and then when I yell at them to "get back here" Madi will yell, "RUN ELLE RUN!" Talk about gettin a mother fired up! I've been so frustrated with Madi's disobedience lately. I feel like I've tried everything and nothing seems to work with this kid (a child who used to be my perfectly obedient one). Yesterday after dropping Madi's preschool paperwork off at the elementary school I took the girls over to the library. Instead of sitting down to look at books the girls immediately got slap happy and took off running through the aisles of books, Elle slipping on a book in the process, sending Madi into hysterical laughter. A librarian had to shush them. I was furious! I picked Elle up in one arm with my diaper bag around my back and basket of books to renew in the other arm, and marched out of the library with Madi running after us. I stormed right out to the car, put the girls in, and drove home in silence. You think Madi would have picked up on the idea that I was a little ticked off. But instead, while I was getting stuff out of the car, Madi unlocked the back door, let Truly in- which immediately set Elle off (as she knew it would). Then Madi slammed the front door and locked it. Luckily I still had the keys so I quickly unlocked it, put Truly back outside, and then marched Madi straight up to her room for a time-out. After reading Elle a story and laying her down for a nap, I continued to take my sweet time before going in to get Madi. As far as I was concerned, she could have stayed in her room the rest of the day. She finally came out though, wondering why I was taking so long. So we sat down for a nice long chat. Madi proceeded to inform me that her crazy behavior was because I hadn't given her "that ring" yet (talking about a CTR ring). Oh, so a reminder is all she needed huh! Well, what a better way to remember something than to sit and write sentences. So that's what Madi spent the next 20-30 minutes doing- writing the sentence, "I will choose the right" over and over. Followed by a strict warning that this would be what happens every time she needs a reminder for good behavior.

Aside from the disobedience, it's just so hard for me to hear my girls fight with each other. I remember my parents getting so mad when Tisha and I would fight and I never understood what the big deal was. Now I do. My girls have very few behavior issues when we're one on one, but put them together and they tease, push, argue, rile each other up, and are very competitive. It's exhausting and I'm constantly playing referee. Luckily, for as much as they fight, they really are best friends and play just as great together. It's these moments that make it all better.

Playing "doctor"

I'm so glad I brought our doctor kit with us. The girls play doctor every single day. And Madi gives birth to a baby every single day. It's hilarious and I love how excited Madi and Elle both are about their new baby brother growing in Mama's tummy!

Helping make dinner.

They truly are girls through and through. Elle still insists on wearing a dress every single day (and of course, if Elle's wearing a dress, Madi feels like she should be wearing a dress too). I am so ready for this stage to be over. We had a couple of chilly days this week- ones where a short sleeve dress just won't do (and of course Elle won't let me put a sweater or jacket over her "beautiful dress"), so this Christmas dress (one of her only long sleeve dresses) was the only thing she'd agree to wear.

Spencer's 32nd

We celebrated Spencer's birthday on Thursday. I felt like a terrible wife- didn't plan anything exciting and didn't even get him a gift. I did make him pancakes in the morning though and made enchiladas for dinner (which unfortunately didn't turn as good as usual). But we did get some exciting news that afternoon at the doctor's office. While getting a sneak peak at our growing bebe, the doctor exclaims, "Oh look! There's the penis!!" Spencer (and I) was very pleased!! Since it didn't count as an "official" ultrasound (didn't even get any pictures from it- which I was bummed about later), we can't say with 100% surety that we're having a boy, but I'm pretty darn sure. This pregnancy has seemed different from the others- mostly with how I'm carrying. My belly is HUGE and sticks right out front (gotta get around to taking a picture soon). Spencer's commented numerous times how he thought it was a boy because of how big I got so quickly. I've figured it's just cause it's my 3rd pregnancy (which truthfully is partly the reason). But luckily I've got another ultrasound coming up in week or so which should give us a more accurate look and lots of cute pictures of our little guy! We celebrated Spencer's birthday with a Marie Callendar's key lime pie and lots of cute pictures drawn by Madi. He did get the new iPhone 4s on Monday- which I completely counted as his birthday gift since it cost us a pretty penny to drop his old phone from our plan. He's seemed very happy with his new toy.

Then this weekend we were able to go out with Adam and Lora- who treated Spencer to a birthday dinner at Wood Ranch (thanks guys- you're too thoughtful). And big thanks to Spencer's dad for staying home with the girls.

Coast to Coast

Love this picture Spencer drew for the girls and mailed with letters the week before we moved.

We're finally here (got in Wednesday afternoon)! We made it- all the way across the country, and in just 5 1/2 days! We're officially MOVED to California (well, us at least- our stuff will follow in a month or two)!

Wanted to include a re-cap of our travels and adventure over the past two weeks before I forget.

Tuesday, Oct. 4th, we moved out of our townhouse. I owe a huge thank you to my wonderful parents who helped me get everything packed and ready for moving day. That morning we were totally ready (more so than last time)- with boxes stacked in neat piles and everything organized and ready to be hauled onto the truck. Thanks dad and mom- you guys were an incredible help! There's no way I could have done it without you.

Five hours later the movers were gone, the van was stuffed full, and we were headed for North Carolina.

We were all tired and ready to go, but had to snap one last picture before saying good-bye (for good) to our townhouse of 4 years.

We got to Tish and Curt's in time for dinner and bed. We stayed Wednesday and Thursday to play with cousins- and celebrate Adley's 6th birthday with him! We sure are going to miss living close to our Calhoun cousins.

The girls had fun making Gram's hair extra beautiful!

Before Ani's dance class

October 7th (day 1 of cross-country trek)

Apex NC- Memphis TN

Friday morning mom, Madi, Elle and I headed off for Memphis, TN. This was our longest day of the entire cross country trek. The drive was 723 miles and with 6 stops it took us a grand total of 13 hours and 15 minutes. It was awful! Luckily we got to enjoy the beautiful changing leaves through the Smoky Mountains. Our long drive included tons of traffic through Nashville (accidents on both directions of the freeway), putting us into Memphis at 9:15pm (EST). Madi had fallen asleep the last 15 minutes of the drive and was quickly wisked up to bed.

Taken at our first rest stop of the day. Mom wanted to get some pictures of the beautiful fall colors, and the girls loved getting out of their seats. They've both got their "beach barbies" in hand (thanks Gram Rox)- headed to California!

October 8th (day 2)

Memphis TN- Plano, TX

Saturday morning the girls were awake bright and early (of course). But it was nice to get a jump start on the day. We were back on the road by 8am- happy with only a 7 hour day ahead of us. We got into Plano, TX at 3pm, excited to see cousins and hang out with Uncle Clark and Aunt JoSue!

Tired after a busy day and ready for bed- by 5:45pm.

October 9th (day 3)

Sunday morning the triplets let us join them on their morning walk- in style! My girls were in heaven!!

We spent the third day of our trip in Plano just taking it easy and enjoying not being in the car. Madi got to join in on the Primary program practice in Clark and Jo's ward. We all stayed in the chapel for second hour to watch- with mom and I both as primary music leaders we were interested to see how another ward's practice was going (I'm happy to report that my G1 primary kids are much better singers:). Elle had a ball in nursery- I love how outgoing she is, and has no problem meeting new friends. Third hour Mom, Jo, and I headed off to spend RS with the triplets. Since it's pretty much impossible to keep them in RS, mom volunteered to keep all three kids in the empty classroom across the hall, while Jo and I attended. It was a nice and relaxing Sunday. Luckily we'll get to see Clark, Jo, and the kids again in just a month and a half- that made for an easier goodbye Monday morning.

October 10th (day 4)

Plano, TX- Albuquerque, NM

With a long day of driving ahead of us, we made sure to be on the road by 7am- which was easy to do with kids that wake up at 6am! Today was a major movie day for the girls- we borrowed Aunt Jo's copy of Cinderella which the girls were begging for as soon as we pulled away. Then Spencer had ordered and shipped the new copy of Lion King to Plano for the girls. That movie came an hour after Cinderella, followed later by Letter Factory and then Tangled. I wasn't gonna argue with their movie requests though. I was just happy to make the 651 miles in 11 hours and with just 2 stops.

Madi brushing her hair while watching "Tangled"! Thanks Candis and Tyler for the new brush and awesome car trip package! We loved it all!

And at every gas stop Madi insisted on helping wash all the windows!

We got into Albuquerque a little before 5pm. The sun was still nice and warm, so as soon as we checked in and unloaded we all headed out for a swim. Later I got the girls ready for bed while Gram drove across the street and picked up some food at a Fudruckers (which I was thrilled that Madi actually ate). The girls were down by 7pm- Madi asleep immediately, Elle not till 7:45, and mom and I by 8pm! I know- we're such party animals!!

October 11th (day 5)

Albuquerque, NM- Kingman, AZ

Tuesday morning I was awake by 4am (I guess that's what going to bed at 8pm will do to ya:). But I was happy to be able to sneak out and get an hour workout in before the girls woke up. Mom snuck out after I got back, then the girls were awake by 5:50am. Again we were back on the road by 8am. Today was just a 6 hour drive which we made with two stops. First stop was Indian City- made in honor of mom and in memory of Grandma Butler. I didn't want the girls running through aisles of breakable pottery, so they stayed outside and had some other fun.

Yes, even Gram joined in on the fun!

Of course it was just our luck that for the first (and only) time of our trip, both girls fell asleep probably an hour outside of Kingman. It was an incredibly relaxing feeling to have both girls asleep at the same time and it killed mom and I to have to pull off the freeway at our exit (for a brief moment we contemplated continuing the remaining 5 hours to CA).

Since it was only 2pm we fit in swimming and then dinner at Chili's. It was nice to have a relaxing afternoon, free of driving and being able to hang out together.

October 12th (last day!)

Kingman, AZ- Camrillo, CA

I was awake early again- 3:45am this time. I tried getting back to sleep, knowing I'd be tired later, but finally just went down to the gym and got a nice hour and a half work-out in. We took our time and actually got ready for the day on Wednesday- had to look nice for seeing Spencer later that afternoon! :) By 8:35am we were on the road for the remainder of our cross-country trek! It was a nice and easy drive- we made it to the Burbank airport at 1:45pm for mom's 2:50pm flight.

Dropping mom off at the airport before reaching our final destination just seemed wrong. The whole thing was so anti-climatic and it killed me to see her go. Several tears were shed as I watched my mom head through the double doors. She's amazing and was more help than I ever could have asked for. She was incredibly patient with the girls (and let me tell you- much patience was needed for this trip:) and even put up with my frequent "back seat driving". Since it makes her car sick to turn around or read while driving, she drove the entire way! Even with her eyes burning from staring at the road for hours on end, plus an achy back and legs, my mom never complained. She was a tropper and I will forever be grateful for her help. And she had some pretty awesome driving glasses too! :) We love you Gram! Thanks for joining us on this adventure. We're looking forward to now living closer and having many more adventures together!

Wednesday afternoon we had a wonderfully sweet reunion with Spencer. He left work early so he could be there before we pulled up at 2:50pm. We were all SO excited to see daddy. Since then I've been trying my hardest to get the girls back onto a regular schedule. Against my wishes, the girls decided they want to share Aunt Joci's old bedroom. Yes, they're talking longer into the night than I'd like and waking each other up super early in the morning, but it's super cute to hear them talking and giggling quietly in their beds in the morning. Aside from tired, adjusting kids, we've just been trying to get settled. Madi wrote up a "to-do" list on Wednesday while still in the car. I'm happy to report that in just three days the majority of her list has been checked off.

*#1 still needs some work. I checked into a preschool I thought I was set on, but ended up not being very impressed, so I've got a couple more to see this next week.

*We went to the library on Thursday- got a ton of books, a new library card, and a list for toddler and preschool story times.

*Our beach outing was completed yesterday afternoon (see pic below).

*The daddy daughter date never happened. Madi took a nap on Saturday intead. But I sure had a nice date with Spencer Thursday night- dinner out at the harbor is always a treat!

*The trampoline has been a daily source of entertainment.

*Unpacking was done Wednesday, but on Saturday I was finally able to feel a bit more organized.

*Boppi and Grandpa Al's swimming pool has a crack, so Madi and Elle did two days of the sprinkler instead.

*And lastly- I did find a doctor and was able to get an appointment for Thursday (Spencer's birthday)! So now's the time to put in your guesses for baby #3. Will it be a boy or girl??? Results will be posted Thursday night!!

We're so glad to finally be here in California and have Spencer back.

Relief

My parents are here now and what a relief it is! An incredible weight lifted off my shoulders the moment they walked in the door. Yes, my house is a complete disaster, covered with boxes, packing supplies, suitcases, and remaining items to be packed, but it's the happiest I've been in the last 3 weeks! My mom's a packing machine. It really is incredible how she just gets right in and knows exactly what to do. In 4 hours mom filled more boxes than I think I filled all week. As always, I stood by in a complete daze. While mom packed away, Dad did all the tasks I haven't been able to figure out- like fixing the fan that's stood "broken" in the corner of Madi's room for the last week. In a matter of seconds he had it taken apart and running again! Amazing! And just to have another adult around to help me with the girls is more than I could have asked for. I think I only had to deal with one tantrum last night- mom and dad quickly extinguished all the others. I went to bed last night with an overwhelming feeling of comfort- that everything's going to be ok. Something about having my mom and dad sleeping down the hall made me feel like a little kid again- safe and taken of. Thanks mom and dad for being here for me.

Girls Night

Friday night I was able to get away and go out one last time with several of my close friends. It had been a really stressful afternoon for me and this was just what I had needed- talking and laughing with friends that I love! Thanks ladies for the fun night! I'm gonna miss you all so much!