Nephi has been hitting a lot lately. This isn't a big surprise to me and a concern since all of our kids have done this and having babysat and served in the nursery at church I know that this is normal. Being the mother of 2 former and 1 current hitting toddlers, I have sometimes got comments like if your child hits it must be because your beating or spanking your child. Even though I knew that this was not the case, it still hurt my feelings. My Mom has often told me that it is because young kids can't communicate and that is how they communicate to us that they are upset or need something. Being on the "kid scene" now for 7 years, I have often seen hurt and angry feelings of parents whose children have been the recipients of a toddler in a hitting spree. I have often thought of how silly to get upset over an unaccountable 18 month old hitting. Yesterday we were at the park and I watched something like this take place with some strangers. The upset mother asked this very sorry and apologetic mother about her parenting and the reasons this child must be the way she is. Of course being the nosy me I went up to the apologetic mother after and told her that her daughter was normal and would grow out of it. So in honor of this mother and anyone else who have ever been scolded for their parenting skills, this post is dedicated to you.
I searched on the Internet last night to see if my Mom was right as she usually is. I found several articles all saying the same thing. This is a sample of what I found.
Dr. Jane Nelson who wrote "Positive Discipline" answered a woman's question about her hitting toddler with this: "Most likely your child simply doesn't have the words or skills to get her needs met and lashes out (hits) because she doesn't know what else to do. Toddlers are short on both language and social skills, and when they play together they can easily become frustrated. When they lack the ability to express what's wrong in words, hitting and other types of aggression sometimes result. It is developmentally normal for toddlers to hit. It is the parent's job to supervise and handle toddlers kindly and firmly until they are ready to learn more effective ways to communicate. Kids will grow out of it if they get help (skills training) instead of a model of violence (hitting back)."
As you all know Stuart is in his last year/internship of getting his PhD for Child Psychology. So of course I tell him of parents that I see getting upset over actions of other toddlers towards their perfectly behaved children. He always tells me to relax because their next child will be normal and it will humble them!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas from the Spendloves
We took this picture at Grandma/pa Spendloves after church. Have a Merry ChristmasSaturday, December 13, 2008
Mom's first trip to California.
Here are some pictures that my Mom sent us a CD of from her trip to visit us this fall. It was her first time in California and first time seeing the Pacific Ocean. We had a fantastic time with her and love her very much.Summer being awarded the Math Wizard Award
Summer along with her best friend Paige (on her right) were awarded Math Wizard Awards this Friday. Summer hates math, but is very good at it. I felt kind of bad because most of the other parents there had flowers and balloons for their children. I gave Summer a hug and told her that I loved her and was proud of her.Monday, December 8, 2008
At least Spencer's honest
Summer got a cute little Christmas pin from "Grandma Weaver" from our ward yesterday. Today I caught Spencer playing with it. I told him not to play with it because I didn't want him to poke himself with it. He looked at me and said, "I am not trying to poke myself, I'm trying to poke Nephi." Honesty is always the best policy...although Spencer may not agree.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Marriage Advice
My baby brother is getting married in a few weeks. Stuart and I have some advice for them and any other newly weds or nearly deads. When we were first married we watched a lot of murder mysteries, which made me a little scared (OK quite paranoid). I was afraid that if I got up from bed to get a drink or go to the bathroom that just maybe an intruder might kill Stuart, lay on his side of the bed, and pretend to be him so that he could kill me. Hey it could happen. So I deviced a plan that when I returned to our bed (if it was dark of course) that I would say a key word and he would respond with the match that had nothing to do with the key word. I have been using the code word a lot lately and he still remembers it. Now I always know that if I give the key word and the response is a certain word that it is either Stuart or his sister Rebecca, as we told her the key words as well. Hope this helps keep you safe.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Introducing the "Foot Massager"
I have found the coolest feeling for a foot. We were driving back from Grandma and Sweet Pea's a few weeks ago, when Spencer started having nightmares in the back seat. So I headed back to the back seat of our van to be with him when my foot stepped on the softest, squishiest blanket of cupcakes (sorry Grandma and thanks for making them). This is what happened to those beautiful cupcakes. It really was an awesome feeling on the feet and the cupcakes were still delicious. I may just have to try this again sometime.
Before the haircut
This is one of the last pictures I have of Nephi before his haircut. Too many people were telling me how beautiful my daughter was so thought the long curly baby locks needed to go. I will have to take a picture of him with his new buzzed hair cut. He looks very cute. I keep telling the family that I look at him and think he is cute Keston Thomas of Lubbock with his new hair cut and big blue eyes.
The best way to eat peanut butter
I know Spencer's face is blury in this one, but thought it was a total Spencer pic. He had been at swim lessons and was starving when we got home. I was back in my room and came out to find him drenching his fingers in the jar of peanut butter and rubbing it all over his arms and hands. He sure keeps life interesting.Mormon Battalion
During the kids 2 week Fall Break, I took them to Old Towne San Diego. I took the kids to see the statues and paintings of the Mormon Battalion. We had a really good day. Old Towne has a lot of 19th Century shops and sets. We had some yummy treats too. We thought of Sweet Pea (Grandpa Spendlove) as we drank a refreshing bottle of Sasparilla.
Day of Play at Sea World
Our friend had 4 extra free tickets to Sea World and asked us if we wanted them. Considering that Sea World would have been $220 just for admission for one day for us, we gladly accepted. We had a great day. Stuart had a scout camp out the night before so met us there.
Top Left: I missed Shamu in the air, but thought it was neat pic any ways (well really not that it is neat, but is the only pics I got from my phone of Shamu so couldn't be too picky).
Top Right: Here Summer is on stage with the host at the Bay of Play at Sea World doing the Hokey Pokey. She is such a shy child! (ha, ha)
Middle Left: Summer is holding a starfish.
Bottom Left: The kids with Elmo. Nephi didn't quite know what to think of an Elmo that size. We were there for Halloween trick or treating. I didn't want to get their costumes ruined so I dressed them in their fun Hawaiian clothes as Hawaiian people. It seems like every picture we have of the kids they are in the Hawaiian clothes. But we really do have other clothes for them. Promise!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Favorite links
I know that you can put favorite links at the side, but I don't feel like taking the time to figure it all out so I am just going to post them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD_ibxy270Q This is a link to an awesome song called "How Can I Be" and is about being like the prophets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaesQ2EE8w&eurl=http://mytriplecrown.blogspo
This is a link with awesome quotes about us being strengthened for the Second Coming. It has really meant a lot this week as I have been heavily involved in campaigning for Keeping the sacred union of marriage between a husband and wife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD_ibxy270Q This is a link to an awesome song called "How Can I Be" and is about being like the prophets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaesQ2EE8w&eurl=http://mytriplecrown.blogspo
This is a link with awesome quotes about us being strengthened for the Second Coming. It has really meant a lot this week as I have been heavily involved in campaigning for Keeping the sacred union of marriage between a husband and wife.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Nephi and happenings of this week
Nephi is becoming more and more aware of the world around him. He isn't old enough for nursery, but last Sunday my friend from the Primary Presidency, Amy Walthall, so kindly took him from me and put him in nursery while she was in the nursery. Stuart is in the YM's presidency and I am the Relief Society Secretary and have to take roll. We were both having a hard time managing our 15 month old who DOES NOT want to sit for anything. So today during Sunday School Stuart was walking him down the hallway thinking he wanted a drink. Nephi stopped at the nursery door and started banging and crying to let him in. Luckily, my wonderful friend came and got Nephi again which made all 3 of us happy!
Nephi isn't talking much, but responds to questions that we ask him. For instance, if we ask him do you want this or that then he will shake his head yes and say, "yeah" or cry for no. He picks up the phone and says, "Hiya." If he is hungry or thirsty then he brings me a cup or plate.
Nephi sleeps in the bottom bunk (twin over full-size) with Summer. He used to cry when we'd shut the door for bedtime. But now that he is with Summer, he loves to be babied by her and stays and enjoys his siblings much more. We always have to check on them once they have fallen asleep because Nephi likes to climb up to the top of the bunk bed to play with Spencer and then falls asleep with Spencer. They seem to be staying up later and later playing and giggling when it is time to sleep. Because they seem to spend most of the day fighting, I usually allow them to stay up a little longer to giggle. I love listening to them play so well together.
Last week we started a new rule in our house that if anyone says anything mean or yells at someone then they have to tell that person 4,7, or 10 (according to age) things that they like about that person. It is amazing at how it changes all of our attitudes towards each other when we focus on the positive. We seem to start things like this and let it die. I really hope that we keep this one up. It has certainly changed my attitude when I am the one having to tell my kids 10 things that I like about them.
Nephi isn't talking much, but responds to questions that we ask him. For instance, if we ask him do you want this or that then he will shake his head yes and say, "yeah" or cry for no. He picks up the phone and says, "Hiya." If he is hungry or thirsty then he brings me a cup or plate.
Nephi sleeps in the bottom bunk (twin over full-size) with Summer. He used to cry when we'd shut the door for bedtime. But now that he is with Summer, he loves to be babied by her and stays and enjoys his siblings much more. We always have to check on them once they have fallen asleep because Nephi likes to climb up to the top of the bunk bed to play with Spencer and then falls asleep with Spencer. They seem to be staying up later and later playing and giggling when it is time to sleep. Because they seem to spend most of the day fighting, I usually allow them to stay up a little longer to giggle. I love listening to them play so well together.
Last week we started a new rule in our house that if anyone says anything mean or yells at someone then they have to tell that person 4,7, or 10 (according to age) things that they like about that person. It is amazing at how it changes all of our attitudes towards each other when we focus on the positive. We seem to start things like this and let it die. I really hope that we keep this one up. It has certainly changed my attitude when I am the one having to tell my kids 10 things that I like about them.
"Spencer coming out of his shell"
Spencer gave the opening prayer in Primary today. One of the Primary leaders that was conducting told Spencer that she was so proud of him for coming out of his shell. After church I told him how proud I was of him for having the courage to get up in Primary and say a prayer because he didn't want to say it (yes, I finally succombed to bribing him with a popsicle). I reminded him what Sister Walthall told him about coming out of his shell. He said, "No, I didn't....I dropped my shell." I then realized that he was either talking about seashells or the snail shells that are outside of our house. Summer loves to pick up the snail shells and talk to them calling them "Gary." Spencer on the other hand loves to smash them by jumping on them. Boys are definitely different than girls!! His cute little answers constantly remind me of how literal kids are.
"Who's Our Father" by Summer Spendlove
Who is our Savior?
Who can do great miracles?
Who's our Father?
God is our Savior.
God can do great miracles.
God's our Father.
We worship Him every Sunday.
We love our Savior and King.
He is the light and love.
He is in our family.
I know He loves us.
Who can do great miracles?
Who's our Father?
God is our Savior.
God can do great miracles.
God's our Father.
We worship Him every Sunday.
We love our Savior and King.
He is the light and love.
He is in our family.
I know He loves us.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Summer's Diary entries and notes from conference.
Today I was heading out the door for a meeting about "Yes for Proposition 8." I grabbed one of Summer's notebooks to take notes. As I was waiting for the meeting to start I looked through her notebook and noticed several journal entries. Each time she would start with dear diary and then tell about her day, life, etc. She would also ask the diary questions like "Where do you live? Do you like my LOL music? Do you have a brother? Do you like animals/meerkats? Do you like to swim?" She also asked the diary to "Send me pics of you. Please come visit me." Any ways, Stuart and I thought this was cute.
She loves to write. We were visiting Grandma/pa Spendlove and Aunt Sarah over General Conference weekend. Summer watched her awesome Aunt Sarah take notes and followed her example (thanks for the great example). I was just going to type a few of the things she wrote, but I ended up typing everything that she wrote (in the same way she spelled everything) for a record for us. Summer is so lucky to have such great Aunts.
"Oct. 4, 2008 Jefferey
Angels are sent to help people. Showing themselves. Then all things. Covenent. Instruments from the hand of god. As a seven year old lunged. Brining the cows home I felt home. Angel. god never leave us alone if we are sad. Darkness, sad, alone, prayer of faith. Religion. The princepal of nwoledge our hevenly father. In his goodness Shy like. Converted reavealed. Jesus was baptized instjous River. Holy Ghost desire fizical pure spirit holy spirit love rebieve spiritchaol heart He loves us. Branches convershen faith prayer
poor, pure heart, babelon, temple, Idel, Come to Zion.
life Reedeemer of the world. Never thirst Ligt of life. Never die. Jesus Christ Savior of the world madness hunger resuretion remain blessing clean pure fill thy holly ghost sustain presure health peace joy heal remember gift of the Holy Ghost strong manifest
Spirit of Liberty prevail god Christ forgivein gangered faith rejouce children sin church teach live feast president young saints army rebelion acaszon trail Navoo across flag soldiers true prophet sustain Lord destroy princapls faithful
Boyd K. Packer 1000 miles salt lake city104 fee 65 feet inered royallty understand twelve apostales costato san bible book of Mormon comandments loyal briefly glory suffered
comandment antonement resurectioin eternal family proclamashon kingdom of god death heavenly father gift scripture covenents anointed eternity dead gain faith repent sacred covenents opurtonity mature trials blessing judge reward mortal effort harmony makin no find real happiness wellfare celestenal god plan beware thankfully mighty heart comprehention
Rusell M. Nellson thankful happiness joy eternal plan study desire steal love not endure subject topic apostle sacred virtue family temple exoltashon continue glory sealed holy temple maring possible priestood keys earth pet james joun prophets proclainn beloved parents premortal nature gain eternal life grave indivis??? women gospel
William jump rope song gospel teachings Lord reavealed teacher princapls read understand branches church scriptures how to teach the gospel master teacher athority holy ghost showeth sek sesphal preparation rollende dillengently prophecy power and athority presence of god description edication untutered centrd marvelous identify focus appeared feat He called me by name Sunday School preside Monson forgotten dert"
She loves to write. We were visiting Grandma/pa Spendlove and Aunt Sarah over General Conference weekend. Summer watched her awesome Aunt Sarah take notes and followed her example (thanks for the great example). I was just going to type a few of the things she wrote, but I ended up typing everything that she wrote (in the same way she spelled everything) for a record for us. Summer is so lucky to have such great Aunts.
"Oct. 4, 2008 Jefferey
Angels are sent to help people. Showing themselves. Then all things. Covenent. Instruments from the hand of god. As a seven year old lunged. Brining the cows home I felt home. Angel. god never leave us alone if we are sad. Darkness, sad, alone, prayer of faith. Religion. The princepal of nwoledge our hevenly father. In his goodness Shy like. Converted reavealed. Jesus was baptized instjous River. Holy Ghost desire fizical pure spirit holy spirit love rebieve spiritchaol heart He loves us. Branches convershen faith prayer
poor, pure heart, babelon, temple, Idel, Come to Zion.
life Reedeemer of the world. Never thirst Ligt of life. Never die. Jesus Christ Savior of the world madness hunger resuretion remain blessing clean pure fill thy holly ghost sustain presure health peace joy heal remember gift of the Holy Ghost strong manifest
Spirit of Liberty prevail god Christ forgivein gangered faith rejouce children sin church teach live feast president young saints army rebelion acaszon trail Navoo across flag soldiers true prophet sustain Lord destroy princapls faithful
Boyd K. Packer 1000 miles salt lake city104 fee 65 feet inered royallty understand twelve apostales costato san bible book of Mormon comandments loyal briefly glory suffered
comandment antonement resurectioin eternal family proclamashon kingdom of god death heavenly father gift scripture covenents anointed eternity dead gain faith repent sacred covenents opurtonity mature trials blessing judge reward mortal effort harmony makin no find real happiness wellfare celestenal god plan beware thankfully mighty heart comprehention
Rusell M. Nellson thankful happiness joy eternal plan study desire steal love not endure subject topic apostle sacred virtue family temple exoltashon continue glory sealed holy temple maring possible priestood keys earth pet james joun prophets proclainn beloved parents premortal nature gain eternal life grave indivis??? women gospel
William jump rope song gospel teachings Lord reavealed teacher princapls read understand branches church scriptures how to teach the gospel master teacher athority holy ghost showeth sek sesphal preparation rollende dillengently prophecy power and athority presence of god description edication untutered centrd marvelous identify focus appeared feat He called me by name Sunday School preside Monson forgotten dert"
Friday, September 26, 2008
An Addition to our family
Summer got some birthday money (thanks Grandma/pa S., Schurings, and SKBCAM) with which she bought a stuffed meerkat at the San Diego Zoo. After playing with it for awhile, she excitedly told us, "Her name is Peyton Meerkat Spendlove and her initials are P.M.S." Summer was puzzled why Stuart and I thought this was so funny.
A NEW CLEANING TIP
If you are tired of the boring old way of getting laundry stains out of clothes, then try this new inventive way that Spencer helped invent. First pour about a quart of liquid stay remover onto your carpet. After you have spoon most of it up, then dip your stained clothes into the large mass of stain remover. This not only cleans your clothes but also leaves your carpet nice and clean. Yes, Grandma Spendlove, Spencer can teach you this new cleaning technique when we visit you next weekend.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Questions about Mommy
These are some questions that I saw on my friend's blog that she asked her daughter. I loved the idea and was curious what my kids would say so each were interviewed separately. The following are the questions and then their responses.
1. What is something that Mommy always says to you?
Spencer: Do not scream and no being scared in the dark either.
Summer: No; I love you!
2. What makes Mommy happy?
Spencer: Being nice.
Summer: When we’re nice to each other.
3. What makes Mommy sad?
Spencer: That we (Summer and Spencer and Nephi) fight.
Summer: When we’re not nice to each other.
4. How does your Mommy make you laugh?
Spencer: Tickle.
Summer: When you tickle me.
5. How old is your Mommy
Spencer: Um I don’t remember…how many are you, 4? Your 4 though Mommy (laugh) I’m so jealous of 4.
Summer: 29 or 28.
6. How tall is your Mommy?
Spencer: Bigger like Daddy.
Summer: I don’t know..Almost as tall as me.
7. What is her favorite thing to do?
Spencer: Play a game with me.
Summer: Go to the pool/beach.
8. What does your Mommy do when you're not around?
Spencer: Um, vacuum clean.
Summer: Dating Daddy.
9. If your Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Spencer: Pennies.
Summer: The greatest Mom ever.
10. What is your Mommy really good at?
Spencer: Playing games.
Summer: Being happy.
11. What is your Mommy not so good at?
Spencer: Pet shop game.
Summer: I don’t know…nothing.
12. What does your Mommy do for her job?
Spencer: Cleaning the floors, and sweeping, and mopping.
Summer: Being a Mom.
13. What is your Mommy's favorite food?
Spencer: Watermelon and candy corn (note these are actually his favorite foods)
Summer: Pizza.
14. What makes your Mommy proud?
Spencer: To swim underwater…remember you were proud of me when I swimmed underwater. Summer: When me and Spencer are nice to each other.
15. What do you and your Mommy do together?
Spencer: Play a game.
Summer: Have fun when the boys aren’t around.
16. How are you and your Mommy the same?
Spencer: Playing games.
Summer: We’re both girls and I can fit into her shirt.
17. How are you and your Mommy different?
Spencer: Black and white.
Summer: She has brown hair and I have blonde hair and she’s taller than me.
18. How do you know your Mommy loves you?
Spencer: So much!
Summer: I don’t know (meaning that she is not sure how she knows, but not that she doesn't know that I love her).
***It is always so funny to me at how honest Spencer is and how Summer is a kiss up. I sure do love these two.
1. What is something that Mommy always says to you?
Spencer: Do not scream and no being scared in the dark either.
Summer: No; I love you!
2. What makes Mommy happy?
Spencer: Being nice.
Summer: When we’re nice to each other.
3. What makes Mommy sad?
Spencer: That we (Summer and Spencer and Nephi) fight.
Summer: When we’re not nice to each other.
4. How does your Mommy make you laugh?
Spencer: Tickle.
Summer: When you tickle me.
5. How old is your Mommy
Spencer: Um I don’t remember…how many are you, 4? Your 4 though Mommy (laugh) I’m so jealous of 4.
Summer: 29 or 28.
6. How tall is your Mommy?
Spencer: Bigger like Daddy.
Summer: I don’t know..Almost as tall as me.
7. What is her favorite thing to do?
Spencer: Play a game with me.
Summer: Go to the pool/beach.
8. What does your Mommy do when you're not around?
Spencer: Um, vacuum clean.
Summer: Dating Daddy.
9. If your Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Spencer: Pennies.
Summer: The greatest Mom ever.
10. What is your Mommy really good at?
Spencer: Playing games.
Summer: Being happy.
11. What is your Mommy not so good at?
Spencer: Pet shop game.
Summer: I don’t know…nothing.
12. What does your Mommy do for her job?
Spencer: Cleaning the floors, and sweeping, and mopping.
Summer: Being a Mom.
13. What is your Mommy's favorite food?
Spencer: Watermelon and candy corn (note these are actually his favorite foods)
Summer: Pizza.
14. What makes your Mommy proud?
Spencer: To swim underwater…remember you were proud of me when I swimmed underwater. Summer: When me and Spencer are nice to each other.
15. What do you and your Mommy do together?
Spencer: Play a game.
Summer: Have fun when the boys aren’t around.
16. How are you and your Mommy the same?
Spencer: Playing games.
Summer: We’re both girls and I can fit into her shirt.
17. How are you and your Mommy different?
Spencer: Black and white.
Summer: She has brown hair and I have blonde hair and she’s taller than me.
18. How do you know your Mommy loves you?
Spencer: So much!
Summer: I don’t know (meaning that she is not sure how she knows, but not that she doesn't know that I love her).
***It is always so funny to me at how honest Spencer is and how Summer is a kiss up. I sure do love these two.
Monday, September 15, 2008
LOL
About a month ago, Stuart and I decided that many of the tween Disney shows/albums were having a bad effect on Summer. I loved High School Musical and loved watching it with Summer. But we started noticing that Summer was idolizing the wrong kind of people(Sharpay to be specific) and was trying to act like them. She really started giving us a lot of attitude. We tried talking to her about certain characters being people that you don't want to be like, but at her age she was just confused because those characters were the pretty ones. Long story short...we told Summer that she couldn't watch certain shows like High School Musical and Hanna Montana (after a particular photo shoot). She has pleasantly surprised us with her willingness to obey us. I really wanted to reward her for her obedience to us and so I was looking at Deseret Book to find the Sound of Music DVD (her favorite movie) to get for her and saw a brand new tween group called LOL (Live out Loud). I got it for her birthday and she absolutely loves it. It is a group of 3 teenagers with good morals and awesome voices. Their music is so fun and upbeat, but more importantly the lyrics have awesome messages. Summer and I both love rocking out to the music. Summer has been asking a lot about the lyrics and telling me what she thinks they mean. It has been so wonderful for her to be asking about good lyrics. This proves to me once again that when you choose the right, even though it may be hard, in the end you are rewarded with something much better. I am so lucky to have Summer as a daughter.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Did I say never....
OK, so I said that we would never do a blog, but as we read the blogs of our families we decided to break down and take the time to do it.
We recently moved to sunny San Diego, California. Stuart is finishing his PhD in Clinical Child Psychology from Texas Tech by doing a one year internship through University of California San Diego. We miss our friends in Lubbock, TX, but have made some great friends here and are loving being so close to the beach. We have had a great time at the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, beach, pool, and parks. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I can really appreciate the beauty of palm trees. They are every where and I love it. The cost of living here is outrageous and so we are living in a spacious two bedroom apartment. It has actually been a lot of fun because we have a pool outside of our apartment, palm trees every where that we don't have to maintain, and of course less cleaning than a home. It still feels like we are on vacation staying in a nice condo or something. It has been a lot of fun.
Summer started 2nd grade this year. She is so much happier in this school than last year because at her old school, there was no recess. Here she has recess and it is just a much happier atmosphere. They allow children to be children. She has made several friends. I am her home room rep (we used to call them home room mom's, but I guess this is more politically correct) along with another mom. I am excited to be involved with her school. At her school there are 11 kids from church, which made the transition a lot easier.
Spencer started preschool this year and is loving it. He loves playing with his friends. He just loves singing and being sung to. He comes home singing the songs that they sing and also loves to sing one liners from songs that I sing to him. One thing that he loves to sing is, "I know the scriptures are true!" That is definitely music to my ears. I get to volunteer in his class at least 2 times a month. I love watching him interact with others. I was so shocked to see that he was so obedient to his teacher. I think it is that he is so afraid to get into trouble. He is so sensitive.
Nephi is my boisterous 1 year old. He is into everything. I no sooner clean up his messes and then realize he has made a totally new mess. Thank goodness for great articles in our church magazine the Ensign that helps me to remember to look at the positive in this stage. He is such a cute little boy that loves women!!!
Stuart has absolutely loved being so close to the beach. He has gone surfing a couple of times since we've been here. He never wants to leave. He has also been called to be the scout master and absolutely loves his scouts. He went on his first camp out this weekend. He had a blast. That is the perfect calling for him because of his love for youth and love for the outdoors.
I (Kathy) have been thinking a lot about how blessed I have been to graduate in Elementary Education from BYU. It has helped out tremendously in teaching my children. One of my favorite things to do is to create fun educational games for my kids. I love incorporating PE into the games so that they are exercising. I was so grateful for the opportunity to teach PE at Fun of a Kind back in Lubbock, TX. I have really been able to use some of those games into our home life to spice up our days. Summer's favorite game is Parts of Speech Charades, where your hint is a part of speech and then you have to act out the noun, verb, or adj. Spencer's favorite game is a relay race with flash cards or fishing for the alphabet.
Although I dearly miss the Young Women and sisters that I served with back in Lubbock, TX, I have also loved being in Relief Society (our churches organization for women) here in San Diego. I am the secretary. I love the sisters of our ward. They have been tremendously kind to us.
We recently moved to sunny San Diego, California. Stuart is finishing his PhD in Clinical Child Psychology from Texas Tech by doing a one year internship through University of California San Diego. We miss our friends in Lubbock, TX, but have made some great friends here and are loving being so close to the beach. We have had a great time at the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, beach, pool, and parks. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I can really appreciate the beauty of palm trees. They are every where and I love it. The cost of living here is outrageous and so we are living in a spacious two bedroom apartment. It has actually been a lot of fun because we have a pool outside of our apartment, palm trees every where that we don't have to maintain, and of course less cleaning than a home. It still feels like we are on vacation staying in a nice condo or something. It has been a lot of fun.
Summer started 2nd grade this year. She is so much happier in this school than last year because at her old school, there was no recess. Here she has recess and it is just a much happier atmosphere. They allow children to be children. She has made several friends. I am her home room rep (we used to call them home room mom's, but I guess this is more politically correct) along with another mom. I am excited to be involved with her school. At her school there are 11 kids from church, which made the transition a lot easier.
Spencer started preschool this year and is loving it. He loves playing with his friends. He just loves singing and being sung to. He comes home singing the songs that they sing and also loves to sing one liners from songs that I sing to him. One thing that he loves to sing is, "I know the scriptures are true!" That is definitely music to my ears. I get to volunteer in his class at least 2 times a month. I love watching him interact with others. I was so shocked to see that he was so obedient to his teacher. I think it is that he is so afraid to get into trouble. He is so sensitive.
Nephi is my boisterous 1 year old. He is into everything. I no sooner clean up his messes and then realize he has made a totally new mess. Thank goodness for great articles in our church magazine the Ensign that helps me to remember to look at the positive in this stage. He is such a cute little boy that loves women!!!
Stuart has absolutely loved being so close to the beach. He has gone surfing a couple of times since we've been here. He never wants to leave. He has also been called to be the scout master and absolutely loves his scouts. He went on his first camp out this weekend. He had a blast. That is the perfect calling for him because of his love for youth and love for the outdoors.
I (Kathy) have been thinking a lot about how blessed I have been to graduate in Elementary Education from BYU. It has helped out tremendously in teaching my children. One of my favorite things to do is to create fun educational games for my kids. I love incorporating PE into the games so that they are exercising. I was so grateful for the opportunity to teach PE at Fun of a Kind back in Lubbock, TX. I have really been able to use some of those games into our home life to spice up our days. Summer's favorite game is Parts of Speech Charades, where your hint is a part of speech and then you have to act out the noun, verb, or adj. Spencer's favorite game is a relay race with flash cards or fishing for the alphabet.
Although I dearly miss the Young Women and sisters that I served with back in Lubbock, TX, I have also loved being in Relief Society (our churches organization for women) here in San Diego. I am the secretary. I love the sisters of our ward. They have been tremendously kind to us.
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