The Sounds Around Us

This past week-end full of many sounds. I chaperoned Trevor's field trip to the Shriners Circus. Little did I know what I was getting into. In years past this circus was held just around the corner from us, maybe a 10 minute bus ride. So when the teacher asked if I could help out, I said sure. Well, apparently this year the circus was held in a different COUNTY so we got to enjoy a loooong loud bus ride, full of excited kids that kept popping out of their chairs. So by the time we got to the fairgrounds, my ears were ringing a little and my voice had a funny tickle in it. By the time we returned to the school that afternoon, my voice was disappearing fast.

The circus was fun and it was great to see the kids reactions to the different stunts and animals. There were mischievous monkeys, tigers jumping through fiery hoops and much more. Trevor liked the daredevil motorcylist on the high wire the best I think.



Friday afternoon some friends came over and we babysat them so their parents could go out that night. The kids had a blast and were all really good. Who knew the funnest activity of the night would be coloring a zillion paper plates. The girls loved it, the boys...not so much. But they found other ways to entertain themselves.



Saturday morning we had to get up early to pick up Michael's friend Ade and head to the Stake YM Basketball Tournament at 8. Our MW2 team actually had enough guys for a team (mainly deacons) and played awesome against those tall, older Sugar Land teams. Michael did awesome, scoring 20 points in the first game. By this point, I had NO voice and had to just clap (and hit Trevor everytime he needed to cheer on Michael for me! Poor Trev, he probably had a bruise by the time it was all over with!).

We had to leave Michael at the game and run back towards our house for the other kid's first piano recital. They have a great teacher, Amy H. and it was fun to hear their songs and the other kids she teaches perform. Amy is going to have a baby in the next couple of weeks, so we will be taking a break from the official lessons until later this summer. The true sign you have a great piano teacher...when your kids want you to keep giving them lessons while their teacher is on break. Hayley has pure faith in me, Trev keeps looking at me when Hayley talks about it, and says "Are you sure you can do that?" Sure, I can handle book 1...it's the later books I would have issues with!

Afer the recital we rushed back over to the church and watched the end of Michael's 2nd game, then we headed home. That night we got together for dinner with our good friends the Mendenhalls who were visiting before moving far away, and some other fun friends. We went to Double Daves, a fun pizza place where the kids run wild, and the adults chat and Michael watches the NBA playoffs on all their tvs. It was fun, with the exception I couldn't TALK! But the company and food was great...I'll miss ya Z!

As far as my stint with laryngitis goes, I know my kids sure haven't missed the sound of my voice this week-end. "What did you say? Oh, sorry Mom, I didn't HEAR you tell me to stop sitting on my brother!" Nice...especially as Don has been in Germany during all of the fun adventures this week, so I am the only voice of reason - ha!

Last of all, I have to tell you that prayers do get answered. In family prayer last night, I was blessed that "Mom could find her voice" and guess what, this morning I can talk almost normal!! Hurray - because I have a lot to say to those kiddos now! :)

Spring Program

Trevor and Hayley performed in their school's Spring Program on Thursday. The program was about a kite that a group of kids in Japan had that flew away to different lands, so the kids did skits, dances and songs in the different languages that are taught at the school. Trevor performed with the boys in his Chinese class and did an awesome King Fu style dance. I wish I had it on video, it was so awesome.




The grand finale was the kindergartners all singing, "If You're Happy and you know it, Fly a Kite" in 5 languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese). Hayley was really cute.



Afterwards we went out and celebrated with a scoop of ice cream - yum!

MW2 Grandparent's Day

Last week we had a Primary activity for the kids at church. They had invited some of the grandparent age members of the ward and each class got to adopt some ward grandparents, sharing some of our talents with each other. Our Sunbeam class had fun with the Butlers and Sis. Gray, building a puzzle, reading a book, and singing "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam". It went fairly smoothly for our group of 3 year olds (We tried to stick with the safest "talents" they had in order to avoid any permanent scarring of the grandparents!). The granparents were all such good sports and it was cute to see the Jake recognize them at Church the next day.




The Cub Scouts planned, prepared and served the lunch for the activity. Trevor helped to make 6 dozen sausage kolaches that were a big hit.

LUNCH ANYONE??

MICHAEL AND TREVOR WITH THEIR GROUP, AFTER SHOWING OFF THEIR AWESOME SPORTS SKILLS

Flower Children

Jake & I planted flowers a couple of weeks ago. Usually Hayley is my big helper when it comes to planting flowers, but on this occasion she was at school and I wanted to get the flowers planted before company arrived that afternoon, so Jake was my man. He did a great job...until he turned the hose on me!!! I guess I should have seen it coming, he is afterall, only 3...right?



I am lucky to have so many helpers with the watering each week. It didn't take me long to realize I wasn't safe to be outside with anyone while this was going on. Hayley learned quickly the best way to water the flowers is in your swimming suit (I told you she was a smart one!). My sweet Trevor has now gotten me soaked 2 different times. I can't believe I fell for the ole "problem with the hose" routine. That boy better watch his step!

Favorite Toy of the Week - the Box!

We got a new filing cabinet last week and Trevor, Hayley and Jake immediately took control of the big box it came in. We had to cut one side of the box when we removed the filing cabinet, but that was ok. They wanted the other side of the flap cut off too, so they could make it into a plank for their pirate ship. For the last week, the box has provided hours of fun. They used crayons and extensively decorated all sides of the box to match whatever game they were playing at the time in it. Hayley even tried to sleep in it one night. Who needs toys or TV when you have a cool box, right?! So fun...

A Little Bit of Magic

Trevor's Cub Scout pack has been doing magic this month, including painting their own magic wands. Trev has really enjoyed this, especially since he just finished reading all 7 Harry Potter books last month!



Jake enjoyed some of his own magic last week at preschool, as he and his friends would "disappear" as they played with the parachute. What fun!

Michael and the Sacrament

Michael passed the Sacrament for the first time last Sunday. He was ordained a deacon on his 12th birthday and due to General Conference the first week-end in April, this was the first opportunity he had to pass the sacrament. Because of Trevor's baptism the previous evening, we still had several members of our family in town to share in this sweet experience as well. It was a special meeting for our family as we watch both Don and Michael pass the Sacrament together. We love you Michael!

Don, Michael and his Grandfathers on this special day.

Michael and his Grandmothers

Aunt Rachel and Michael

Trevor's Baptism

TREVOR'S BIG DAY!

Last Saturday Trevor was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Don. It was a very special day as Trevor made this important decision in his life, surrounded by so many people who love him. We are so proud of Trevor and the wonderful person he is. He is so great to be around, always smiling and being funny. Trevor, we love you and are so proud of you!!

TREVOR AND HIS DAD

MOM AND TREVOR

HAYLEY, MICHAEL, JAKE AND TREVOR...STILL CAN'T GET A GOOD SHOT - JAKE!!!

Trevor planned the entire program, from music, to prayers and talks, to the scruptious refreshments. Once we got a slight clothing issue resolved, the service began. Trevor had picked some of his favorite Primary songs for the music, and had asked his grandmothers to give the opening and closing prayers. The opening song was I am a Child of God and the closing song was We'll Bring The World His Truth. He had a special musical number by all the Primary aged kids of Scripture Power. It was so great to hear their sweet voices singing that song. Trevor had asked his cousin Ashlynn to speak on baptism and his Uncle Ben to speak on the Holy Ghost. His grandfathers were the witnesses to the baptism. It was a great service and we are so grateful to all of you who helped make it so wonderful. We had many family members come in for the service, as well as so many members of our ward family, past and present who came to support Trevor. Thanks to all of you who were there & those who wanted to, but couldn't make it. We appreciate all your love and kind cards and calls! Trevor is one special kid!


GRANDMOMMIE AND GRANDPA B. WITH TREVOR

GRANDADDY AND GRAMMY M. WITH TREVOR

GREAT UNCLE GILBERT WITH TREVOR

After the service, Trevor had decided he wanted a desert table filled with his favorite cookies and brownies. It was quite the spread, complete with CTR sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, rice krispie treats, brownies & special raspberry cookies (thanks Grammy & Rachel!), and m&m cookies and snickerdoodles (thanks Lyn!). Aunt Cynthia kept things running smoothly as the kids and adults enjoyed their treats. Thanks again to everyone who helped out and came and supported Trevor. It was a great evening.



MORE PICTURES FROM THE BAPTISM....

COUSINS ANNA, JAKE, ASHLYNN, ALEX, HAYLEY, TREVOR AND ABBY

CLOSE 8 YEAR OLD COUSINS - ALEX AND TREVOR

HAYLEY AND TREVOR

TREVOR, DAD AND MOM

TREVOR AND SISTER SIMMONS

AUNT RACHEL,MICHAEL AND AUNT CYNTHIA

UNCLES BOB AND BEN ENJOYING THE COOKIES!

TREVOR AND HIS PRIMARY TEACHER, SISTER GRAY AND CUTE PRESTON

EATING THE TREATS...AND APPARENTLY A LEMON FROM THE WATER TOO - YUM!

IT'S GREAT TO BE EIGHT! WE LOVE YOU TREVOR!

Family Fun

Last week-end we had a lot of family come into town to participate in Trevor's baptism. It was so fun to have cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents around all week-end to play. We kicked off the festivities with a major water balloon fight between the 8 cousins Friday afternoon...just what everyone needed after a day of school and a loooong car ride!
ABBY, NOT AS INNOCENT AS SHE LOOKS!
TREV TAKING CAREFUL AIM!

That night we had fun talking, playing video games, eating great Mexican food, and of course, the girls had a blast fixing Uncle Ben's hair so pretty! My youngest brother is such an awesome uncle, and a VERY good sport!!

ABBY, HAYLEY AND ASHLYNN GIVING BEN A MAKEOVER, COMPLETE WITH SPARKLY HEADBAND!





Later that night my parents arrived and we ended the evening by laying out lots of sleeping bags and putting in the movie "Alvin & the Chipmunks". Grandpa and Uncle Ben held down the fort while my mom, SIL Cynthia & myself went to the airport to pick up my big bro Bob late that night. When we got home, just about everyone was asleep - hurray!
JAKE AND ANNA SNUGGLING WITH GRANDPA DURING THE MOVIE


The next day started early with basketball for Michael. Grandpa & Grandmommie helped jump-start the morning by bringing a couple dozen donuts to the house. We went to Michael's basketball game where Don's dad meet us with a surprise visitor - Aunt Rachel for Arizona! It was so fun to see the look on Trevor's face when he saw her. What a great surprise - we loved it!

RACHEL AND MICHAEL AT THE GAME

Michael had a great game, complete with 5 steals and 7 points, and too many assists to keep track of...he must have been inspired by his own cheering section! I think the 15 of us stood out just a little bit!

PART OF THE CHEERING SECTION

After we came back to the house for lunch, my parents and brothers took the kids swimming while Cynthia and I took care of some last minute preparations for the baptism....so much faster without the little hand helpers! By 2:30, everyone had gathered back at the house and we got the phone call that Don had cleared customs and was on his way from the airport - Hurray! Don had been in Panama for the last couple of days for work, and I think I finally breathed a little easier once he actually walked in the door at 3, just 3 hours until the baptism was supposed to start. Whew!

We ordered Trevor's favorite pizza, Extra Large Pepperoni from Dominos and had everyone eat an early dinner before heading over to the church to set up for the baptism. More on that special event to be posted next!

That evening, after the baptism festivities, Bob,Cynthia & kids, accompanied by Uncle Ben had to leave to drive back to Dallas. We were all sad to see them go, but were so happy they were able to be with us for all the fun.

MORE FUN COUSIN PICTURES...
ABBY AND HAYLEY
THE GIRLS IN THE TREE
JAKE'S ANNA BANANA!

Hurray for Hayley!

Today we got a letter from the school saying Hayley has qualified for the Gifted and Talented program. She loves school and learning new things, so it doesn't come as a surprise to us that she is "smart". Great job Hayley!

Let's Cruise and other fun things

Last week the elementary school was prepping for their big spring fundraiser, a "Carnival Cruise" which was hosted on Sunday. We didn't attend the carnival but Trevor and Hayley had fun dressing up on the other spirit days. Wednesday was Beach/Hawaiian Wear day.



Other fun happenings in the week included Trevor's first day of Cub Scouts, Don's trip to Panama for work, swimming at the Y during Michael's basketball practice, tons of family coming into town for the week-end (including a surprise visitor!), Michael's great basketball game with his own cheering section - 15 people!, and of course, Trevor's baptism...more on that to follow soon!

MICHAEL SINKING A FREE THROW