The other big news of the week is that our van went kapoot (yes, that's the technical term). Luckily, we've been saving for a new car (although we were hoping to wait until spring), so when the transmission started to go, Dennis went to the auction and got us a 2000 Chevy Suburban (blue, leather seats, sun roof, VCR). It's very nice; used, obviously, but 8 passenger is heavenly. :) We'll see about the gas mileage.
Last Wednesday was absolutely insane! Luckily, Dennis has the flexibility to work from home at times. I had a meeting from 9-3, then scouts from 4:15-5:15, then a grant presentation from 6-6:30, then a cub committee meeting from 8:30-10 (which I skipped because of a migraine after that crazy day!). Shaylee enjoyed a pizza party at Young Women's, and with as little time as I had, everyone else had a pizza I picked up on the way home as well.
I have really enjoyed working with the Bears in scouts, although I can honestly say they have more energy in their little fingers than I have in my entire body at this point. We've had a fun month talking about cars (we're visiting a car dealership this week), but we're excited to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Blue & Gold Banquet next month.
Connor went back to the chiropractor and Devin had an eye appointment on Thursday. Funny thing, they told him to wear the glasses he has more often. The problem is that he's farsighted, so he doesn't see a huge difference when he puts on his glasses, but his eyes get really tired if he doesn't wear them when he's reading (or playing video games, which have now been outlawed except on the weekend).
Shaylee was a sweetheart and babysat for the neighbors Friday night so they could attend ward temple night. I sweet-talked Dennis into keeping the other kids so I could go and take Marva (a woman I visit teach) with me. Marva doesn't like to drive at night, so it was a wonderful opportunity for her, and for me, to be in the temple together.
Saturday I trained all day for Project Read, and when I got home, Dennis (having been home with 4 kids all morning) was ready to walk out. We played games with our neighbors the Dolan's that night--I'm worried they might not come back if Dennis keeps beating them!
Sunday we had the opportunity to go see the life history of Grandma and Grandpa Burnett put together by Uncle Curt. What a sweet experience! We were particularly happy to get our own copy to share with our children in the future.
Monday we had quite the snowstorm, and Aspen came out right in the middle of it wearing a swimsuit and begging to go out and shovel. Where does she come up with these things? Monday night Devin had another basketball game, but it was late, so we just picked up shakes on the way home for FHE and then read scriptures together.
Aspen and Shaylee both had dance again today and Devin is at basketball practice. Aspen loves to dance and talks about it all the time, but 1 hour is a long time for a 2-year-old girl. Today I found her in the bathroom at dance class completely naked--she had to go to the bathroom and had to strip completely (leotard, tutu, tights, etc.) to go. It was hysterical! Check out this cute picture of her in her dance outfit.
Shaylee has spent a lot of time studying (particularly math) recently, so she is excited about a field trip from school the next two days for being such a good student and having all of her grades caught up.
Devin still enjoys teasing Aspen mercilessly, but sometimes I'm thankful for the break from entertaining her . . . if only I could find a similar break from laundry! My mom will laugh when I mention that today Aspen explained that she had not "hit" Connor, she "punched" him. Great . . .
Anyway, on Monday we went to Devin's basketball game (they lost), but Devin played a great game.
Tuesday night was pack meeting and Dennis had planning commission. On Wednesday, Aspen had her friends over for play group in the morning and Shaylee went ice skating with the Young Women. While she was gone, Aspen enjoyed making muffins while Devin and Connor hung out.
Shaylee decided she wants to take a break from horse-back riding lessons, so she is going to try her hand (or foot?) at dance instead. She has taken two dance classes at school and really loved them. She's considering taking a "Hip Hop" class at the Academy of Dance Design on the corner by our house. She also just finished her second term at school with another 4.0. Way to go Shay! On Saturday she went with the Young Men & Women in our ward to serve breakfast at a homeless shelter. It was an eye-opening experience for her.
Devin started basketball this week. His on a team with several of his friends from the neighborhood, so that is "cool." They have their first game tomorrow night, so we are all rooting for him. He also got straight A's this term and is excited to go out and celebrate.
Aspen, as always, keeps us on our toes. She has been riding her scooter through the house non-stop since Christmas and can't wait to use it outside on the sidewalk like the "big kids." Her favorite question right now is, "What you doing?" She's learning a lot that way! "Filing my nails, curling my eyelashes, etc." She wants to be just like mom and/or big sister Shay. She may also start a dance class at the Academy of Dance Design--she's so excited! Her favorite thing right now is watching "Elmo's Potty Time" on sesamestreet.com. Of course, she's had an accident while watching Elmo say, "If you feel the need to go, then go, or you might have an accident!" Oh well.
Connor had a big week. He went in for his 2-month check-up, and he is off the charts for height (I could have told you that--he's already wearing 6-9 month clothes!). He is in the 84th percentile for weight (already over 14 pounds). He is so strong! He holds his head up almost all the time on his own, and he rolled over for the first time on Friday. We're in trouble!!!
On New Year's Day we all went to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets. If you haven't seen it yet, we highly recommend it. Aspen and Connor were both very good during the matinee, which was a relief!
We then had the privilege of being in the Salt Lake Temple with Eric Burnett as he married his sweetheart Amanda Erickson for time and all eternity. Dennis and I got to go back to the temple on Saturday to do an endowment session--our first since Connor was born. What a special, peaceful experience! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Pearson for keeping the kids so we could attend!
