Spring

I love this picture of Rubix playing with his cars. He was really into playing with them until I got down the marble maze a few days ago. Now all he can think about are marbles and trying to build a fun maze/track for them.

 A couple of weeks ago Phoenix finally got her new helmet. The deal was that as soon as she learned to ride a bike with no training wheels she could get a new helmet. She really wanted a pink one, but Giro did not have a MIPS in pink so this nice light blue one will have to do. Phoenix continues to love riding her bike and got to ride her bike to school and the pool which are both about a mile and a half away.

 I went to a welcome night at Harker for incoming Kindergarteners. Keith and I are so excited for her. We can't wait to see how she transitions to Harker and being a big kid! I actually don't think that it will be very difficult because the academic portion is very similar to Challenger and she is used to the long days already. I do hope that she can make a couple of good friends because she keeps talking about missing her old BFF, Macey.

 It took almost the entire school year, but I finally got to volunteer! I went with the 3rd grade students to the San Francisco Science Academy. It was fantastic. Here is a picture of my group of 5 kids at the end of the rain forest exhibit. Axel is next to Lucas and Ameera, two of his closest friends. I really enjoyed getting the privilege to spend the day with Axel and a few of his friends.

 My little group had way too much fun during lunch. They were very clever with using the mayo and mustard packets for their sandwiches to make "science experiments". Let's just say we had more cleaning up then I had anticipated.

 We spent a lot of time in the Ocean exhibit. Here is the beautiful coral reef.

 We all loved the sea dragons as well.

 Today Phoenix had a practice for her Spring Show that they allowed me to attend since I can't make it Tuesday at 10 am next week.

 Here is a picture of the entire class.

 I was so proud of her. She was more confident then the last time I came for the winter show.

 Rubix was a champ and sat on my lap and clapped at the end of each song. We went to El Quito park afterwards. I wanted to get a picture of him since I have been lacking in the photo taking department the past two weeks. After the stomach bug went through the house we then had a bad cold that went through the boys of the house. They are all on the mend and almost healed. Phoenix and I have managed to stay healthy with just some extra fatigue requiring some extra sleep.

Phoenix continues to love swimming. She is really getting down the front crawl and back stroke. The coaches are hoping that she will decide to be apart of the competitive season. Keith and I think that she will want to once she finds out she is not allowed to go to practice after May 21st.

Axel is going to try the older kids swim practice tonight to see if he can attend their practices on a regular basis. The real reason he wants to is not for the extra 10 minutes of swim time, but to allow for less stress as his practice time moves from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. This will make it much easier for all of us as far as pick up, dinner and arriving on time.

Rubix continues to improve his ability to use the toilet. He is pretty consistent for going both pee and poop in the toilet. The only problem is we really have to make him pee every 1.5 hours and as soon as he starts farting we take his pants off so when he says "poopie coming" he can sit down on his little potty or we can put him on the big toilet. I do hope that he will become more independent sooner than later. He is dry over 50% of the time during naps, but he sure pees a lot at night. That night diaper isn't coming off very soon. I am sure of that!

Axel has his band concert next week. He also has rocket day for Cub Scouts and a birthday party next Sunday. This weekend we are looking for some relaxing fun. I might have an interview this weekend or next week. It will be my second interview for the Movement Fellowship I applied for. I should know by the end of next week or early the following week whether I have been accepted. I also have plans to see my good old friend Gwen on Sunday who I haven't seen in a couple of years!

Family Portraits and stomach bug!

Before I get to the family portraits I wanted to share this scary virus that Rubix dealt with for a few days over the weekend. He woke with huge hives on Friday and they continued through Saturday. I have never seen hives this big. Luckily, the doctor thought they were viral and it appears that she is correct. Rubix had horrible diarrhea as well with a very poor appetite as you can imagine. The funny thing is he is really tough and you really couldn't tell that he was "sick" except for a few moments here and there where he wanted to be held and cuddled with. 

 His potty training is finally coming along. He is starting to tell us when he has to go to the bathroom which is really helpful. He is not always ahead of the act, but he is getting better and better. The big news is he started holding his urine his entire nap time 5 out of the past 7 days! I am hoping this continues and that we will be 100% diaper free except for the night within the next month!

 On Saturday Kristin came over for a play date. Phoenix likes her just as much as Axel does and Kristin is seriously the cutest little girl as she has such a little crush on Axel. The kids get along beautifully and it is always a pleasure for Axel to have the opportunity to play with one of his close friends.

On Saturday morning we went for our annual family portraits. Here is the picture that I am sending the Grandparents of the 3 kiddos. It is hard to believe we are a family of 5 with a 2, 5 and 9 year old. We feel very blessed!

 Daddy wanted a picture of him and his boys again.

 I wanted a picture of us. It is our 10 year anniversary this year!

 And here is the 2018 Family Photo. I did not order any of these except the big one we have on our wall. If you would like a picture of this you will have to print it off yourself or ask me to print a copy for you. I did scan it into our computer so I do have the ability to print more if you don't have a photo printer.

I am home today with Axel as he got sick, for the first time all year, yesterday. I received a phone call from the nurse that he had thrown up. He didn't want to eat breakfast and after eating lunch his stomach protested. He couldn't keep anything down. He threw up on 4 different occasions nearly dry heaving as he didn't have anything in him. He hasn't thrown up since last night, but he also isn't eating much. He just finished a banana so we will see how that goes. Daddy is in Ireland this week and the poor thing is also suffering from the same stomach bug. He had to move his Wednesday presentation to Thursday. Hopefully he will be able to get in his 3 presentations before he heads home on Friday! I am hoping that this will be the last virus of the season before heading into the nice warm summer months. I am ready to be done with this virus season!

Spring Break

For the first time I took off of work for Spring Break. Since Phoenix is at Challenger she ended up having Spring Break with Axel. Since two kids needed to be taken care of it made sense for me to fight for the time off from work. It was really nice to have the two older kids Monday through Wednesday while Rubix was at Angela's. 

On Monday, Axel requested that we stay home for the most part of the day. I was fine with that as it was his first official day of Spring break. So after dropping Rubix off at Angela's we headed to Axel's 9 year old check up, which I mentioned in the last post.  We did a little bit of cleaning and computer game and Barbie doll playing and flute playing and that was about it for the day. At 5 pm we picked up Rubix and then headed to Westgate Cabana Club for the first day of preseason swim practice. 

Here is Rubix and Daddy watching Phoenix swim while eating dinner. Axel has swim practice before Phoenix from 5:30 to 6:15 and then Phoenix swims until 6:50 pm. This will continue until school gets out in June. 

 On Tuesday I planned a fun filled day at Shoreline Park. Axel was asked to do a family field trip to learn about anything historical for history class. I have wanted to see the Rengstorff House since moving to Mountain View 14 years ago. Of course I never visited while living a few miles from it so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. I didn't realize that it had been completely restored in the early 90's after sitting abandoned for over a decade after a fire. When they restored it they only restored the first floor as the original home and the upstairs is now city offices.

 Here are a couple of pictures of the kiddos in the family office. The kids got a kick out of the animals that were found in the park so we made sure to capture a few photos of them.

 Here is Phoenix in the "play room" or front parlor. She got to dress a replica of a doll that one of the children likely played with.

After our tour we headed over to the park that was designed after Mr. Rengstorff's boat that carried supplies for his business. It was quite boring for the two so after a picnic lunch and a picture we headed back to see if we could rent a paddle boat. I do have to mention that while we were eating lunch we had a pesky squirrel who persistently bugged us at a very close distance begging for food. 

The kids were over the top excited that we were able to rent a paddle boat for an hour. Phoenix picked the blue sparkly boat. 

Phoenix happily sat in the back while Axel and I pedaled away in the front. 

Axel was a great co pilot. He showed great endurance pedaling for almost the entire hour. The seats were harder than I remember and I actually bruised my sit bones as I had tenderness when sitting on a hard chair slouched for a couple of days. As long as I sat up straight and didn't put pressure on my sit bones I was fine. Funny!

Another very funny moment was Axel saying, "I knew we were going to do something fun. Now when my friends ask what I did, I can tell them that I went to Shoreline park and saw the Rengstorff house and went paddle boating!"

 The kids couldn't believe how many "black birds with white peaks, that aren't ducks" were, so I asked them for a picture in front of these "mysterious" birds. I loved how well the kids got along all day. It was truly a pleasure to spend the day with them.

 Right when we got home Axel had to use the restroom which meant that I could get the stool sample I needed to check to see if he is still lactose intolerant. Phoenix and I jumped into the car to drop it off at Kaiser as I didn't want to put it in my freezer! She was so cute I just had to capture a picture of her. She was loving the Mommy time. If you couldn't tell we were just about to start playing Barbies again when I told her we had to quickly go drop off Axel's stool sample.

 On Wednesday we spent the day at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. I waited until the very end of our visit there to capture pictures which resulted in a protesting Phoenix.

 The museum was quite complete and we had a very enjoyable 3 hours there. We had to cut it a little short as we had to get home so I could prepare dinner before we had to head to the Campbell Police Station for Axel's cub scouts and then directly to pick up Rubix so we could make it to swim practice on time.

 Apparently, Cub Scouts requires the Bear Den to visit a police station. It took them all year to solidify a tour. The Campbell Police Station was gracious to help out. The boys seemed to really enjoy it.

 I have never seen the back of a police car before. I had no idea the seats were like this.

 Here is the kind officer who gave us the tour with Pack 505 and siblings.

 Here are the Bear Den members with the police officer.

Thursday we did our usual library visit and swim practice in the evening.

Today was a rainy day where we spent most of the morning at the dentist. Axel got his first xrays and it showed he has a cavity. We need to visit the orthodontist and figure out what they want to do about his crowded mouth. Once that is figured out he is going to have to get a filling. Phoenix did not take xrays but it does look like she has 2 cavities starting. We may have to address them at her next visit in 6 months. Rubix will also have his first dentist appointment in October when we return.

Phoenix decided to attend swim practice again tonight in the rain! She was surprisingly tough and had a great practice. Only 4 kids showed up including her. Keith and I are really excited to see the drive to want to improve. She told me tonight on the way home that she wants to be a swimming superstar! I couldn't be more excited to support her on this new found journey.

Axel turns 9, Happy Easter! and Axel's stats

 Axel spent his birthday at Selena's house as they share the same birthday. Selena's mom Sulin was kind enough to include Axel in everything which meant being sung to and blowing out the candles. He had a wonderful time with the small group of 4 girls and himself. They went to see a movie and worked on building a Lego Cat that they programmed to move after they finished building it.

 Phoenix had a horrendous day of tantrums and pushing boundaries which ended up in Keith and I and the two boys hanging out together, while Phoenix spent some quality time alone in her room. Axel had his head resting on my lap which gave me the urge to braid his hair. He actually liked it! Here is a picture of me trying to show how we are twins with braids!

 I am not sure when this picture was taken as Axel took over my phone. This often happens where one of the kiddos will take my phone and start taking picture after picture (typically Axel). As you can tell from Rubix's helmet all he ever wants to do is go outside and ride his bike or scooter. He has started to put up quite a fight when we have to come inside.

 On Sunday, I made sure to get up early enough to not only hide the eggs, but to also make pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin scones, scrambled eggs and bacon for our morning Easter feast! The awesome thing this year is I had my wonderful assistant, Daddy Keith, to help me with the preparations. I couldn't have finished it all without his help. The Easter bunny was on a budget this month so was quite frugal with the baskets. The kids noticed but did a good job of being excited about the giant glue stick, the small chocolate bunny and the neon paint chalk they each received. It was actually very nice not having them get a bunch of candy or other items that they begged to consume or play with the rest of the day.

 Tyler and the twins joined us again. We have been so busy and consumed in our daily routine that we actually forgot to invite anyone. Tyler texted us the week before and asked us what time we were having the egg hunt, which was great for making the morning more fun for our kiddos.

 I hid 107 eggs this year. I only had pennies and bunny graham crackers to fill them with. Phoenix said that she got rich from all of the pennies that she collected. Rubix also loved feeding his "Piggy" all of the pennies he received in his eggs. Rubix really got the hang of it this year and had a blast like the other kids did.

 Axel came away with 38 eggs.

 Phoenix was a close 2nd place with just around 30 eggs herself.

 Jade and Zoe had a great time but still needed more help than I expected finding the eggs.

 We waited until Friday night to color Easter eggs. We were suppose to go to the Good Friday service, but Axel had computers until 5 pm and getting dinner down and to church by 5:30 pm just wasn't going to happen.  Instead we had a nice evening together as a family. It was really nice to have Daddy home to color eggs with us, as we usually do this annual event without him.

 I was really bummed that we didn't make it to church all weekend because of Axel's computer class and Selena's birthday party. We tried to pick him up before church started, but we were just unable to leave on time. My only saving grace was reading the story of Jesus's crucifixion and Resurrection out of our Children's bible and another Easter Book about Jesus being our Savior.

 I continue to be taught that I can serve God in more than the typical ways I think about service. I need to gladly and lovingly accept my service to my husband and my kids and be grateful when I can serve others outside of the home.

 On Thursday Rubix learned to climb up the slide sideways. He was beyond excited and did this a few dozen times!

Yesterday, Monday the 2nd of April, preseason swim team started. Here is Daddy and Rubix eating dinner while watching Phoenix swim. Axel swims before Phoenix and takes almost her entire lesson time to shower and change. The boys really have a fun time in the locker room. 

Yesterday we went to Axel's annual check up as well. We discovered that he continues to grow and is now in the 15th percentile for height at a whopping 50 inches tall! He said that he felt like she took his height before he could really straighten up and that he might even be taller. The bummer thing is he weighted only 47 lbs. The most that he has weighed is 48 lbs and he really wants to hit the 50 lb mark. Forty seven pounds puts him in the 5th percentile for weight. Axel failed the vision screen and we got lucky with an optometrist appointment right after our doctor's appointment. Axel tested the same as three years ago. He needs a prescription, but it is mild enough the doctor wants to allow his body to use his focus system. She suggested to only purchase glasses if he starts getting headaches.


Axel and Phoenix are on Spring break this week. Check back soon for pictures on our fun adventures this week!

Grandpa Burgess's memorial service, Axel's birthday party, and Phoenix rides a bike!

I had wanted to write a post summarizing my thoughts about the passing of my grandfather, Don Burgess, but I can't bring myself to do it. All I can say is that I am sad that he is no longer here, but happy he is no longer suffering. I am relieved that he believed in our wonderful Lord Jesus and now resides in heaven. We had a beautiful memorial service for him last weekend. I was very surprised at how emotional my family was. I thought the sharing of their emotions was compelling and I was quite happy at how each of my family members have grown as individuals. I loved how God's love was a theme throughout the event. My grandfather was a man that showed everyone love. He had so much grace and fortitude on how to communicate with others. He had such a knack at making people feel special. There is not one person that was there that hadn't been touched by Grandpa's charm.

Since this event I have been struck with the biggest doubtful period of my life. A low beyond all lows. I am not sure of the source, whether it is his death or my cousin Kendra's diagnosis of returned cancer. It is a fight I have had to overcome before. I still feel at peace when I am immersed in His word or prayer, but I am in pure turmoil within when I am not. I do hope this it is short lived and pray constantly for God to help me with my unbelief. Now, onwards to my almost 9 year!

Axel had his birthday party directly after my Grandpa's memorial service. I was stuck in horrible traffic and by the grace of God, arrived just in time for his party. Keith had an awful time with the kiddos as the two little ones were having fits all morning. He was happy that he made it to the party location with all three kids in tact as well. The bummer thing is, in the process, he lost his tablet as it flew off the car. I missed part of the party as he asked me to slowly drive home to look for it. To Phoenix and my dismay it was no where to be found. Phoenix had to come with as she was not allowed to participate in the party because of her inability to cooperate, listen or respect anyone for several days. Luckily a lot of love and strict boundaries has brought our little angel back. I will get to that more later.

                                     Kristin the hero getting the balls that were in the water.

                                          Rubix the golfer.

                                         The birthday crew. Kiefer, Shamack, Selena, Bebe, Kristin
Axel decided to have a low stress party at Golf Land. We had planned an hour of golf and an hour of video game play if the weather cooperated and 2 hours of video games if it was raining. Well, the weather was cool but sunny so the kids decided to play golf. They had a crazy, wild, fun game of golf that lasted almost 2 hours. Because it was nearly 6 pm when they finished, we decided to head over to In N Out for some burgers and fries.


The kids enjoyed their dinner and then we sang happy birthday to Axel. He requested Tirmasu and to my surprise almost everyone enjoyed it. I did order milkshakes for a couple of his friends, who didn't want to try it.


Axel had a school celebration this morning in home room. He requested donuts so Rubix and I were able to go to school with Axel and bring donuts. It was fun to see Axel's friends and be able to take part in something at school.


On Saturday, Axel's birthday, he will be at Selena's birthday party. I am very proud of him for being so mature and letting Selena have her party on their birthday and her school celebration the day before. I see Axel's heart growing and this awesome new found maturity. I can't wait to see how much more he continues to grow throughout the years.


    Axel and best friend Lucas.

On Tuesday March 27th, Phoenix decided she wanted to ride a big girl bike! Out of no where she decided to give it a try and in a matter of minutes she was riding! By Wednesday, she was doing loops in the park. Today she practiced starting and stopping as is very close to mastering these skills as well. I am very proud of her as we just went through a very difficult spell. She has been so unpleasant pushing her boundaries and asserting control. She actually decided to pee her bed every night for 2 weeks! Since Tuesday, after learning to ride the bike, she decided to stop wetting the bed. She has also started being her sweet self again.

Parenting is so difficult. I feel horribly ashamed of losing my cool and showing my lack of control. I do hope that through God's grace I can one day be like my amazing Grandfather, and our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus. That I can demonstrate self restraint despite what is going on inside me, so that my children will understand that we need to respond to others only in love. Regardless of how we are treated, the only way to fight the wrongs of this world is to face it with love, love, love! Love is the answer to all of our evils! I do hope they will know this by the time they leave this house at 18 years old. I will leave you with a cute picture of Rubix. He is growing up so quickly!