Catch up

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End of November:

November was kept busy with school and family.  

Elli participated in the reflections program for her school and won! She wrote a poem about how people are all different.  Her poem went on to the next level and she was thrilled to get a medal!

We went to our first BYU game with the kids.  They didn’t enjoy it very much, besides the foot long maple bars (cougar claws) and hot chocolate!  Surprisingly we stayed plenty warm and made it until half time at least!  

I spent the month beginning my student teaching in a first grade class at a school in my neighborhood.  It was really nice to not have to commute to Orem every day.  UVU has us do a month of student teaching in November and then our 3 months are from January through March in the same class.  It is actually really nice to get used to the schedule, the teacher’s routine, and the students. 

For Thanksgiving dinner we enjoyed going to Grandma Smiths. The kids slept over there and Neisha and I went up to Park City to work with Steve on Black Friday.  We actually really enjoyed it. Our mistake was shopping for a while before beginning to work, that made our feet really tired by the end of the morning.  

More catch up...

-->December:

I was happy to finish out the semester after a good month of student teaching and some intense tests and presentations.  Christmas break was wonderful to say the least!  Neisha came and spent a few days with us and then Steve’s mom and dad came for a week for Christmas and Zachary’s baby blessing.  It was fun to spend time together as we don’t get to see them very often. 

We played the m&m game. As you can tell, Carter is pouting, as he does every time he is losing.

Making treats for the elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa.

Christmas Eve PJ's and socks from Grandmas and Grandpas.

Our family on Christmas morning.

Santa brought the kids new bikes and helmets.

Elli and Bailey also got skateboards from Grandma Shellee and Grandpa. It was hilarious watching them try them.  You will also notice the Seahawk shirts they are wearing. Carter got one too, as well as unborn baby boy.  I think it was Steve's favorite part of the day.

*I am really not biased to my girls. Carter just hates pictures taken and the girls love it.  Thus, the overload of girly pictures!

Bed head, Bad attitude, and other random Boy stuff

Carter is in great need of a haircut but he doesn't want to cut it.  He wants to grow it out he says.  Problem is, he doesn't have the hair type to have longer hair. It is too thin and grows straight forward. Now that its hanging over his ears, I may have to come up with something creative to cure this situation.

The other day, Steve brought up the idea that it is time to start threatening/bribing/reminding kids with the 'Santa Card'.  He tried it with Carter a few minutes later and his response was, "I don't really care if I am bad cause I want coal anyways."  It wasn't even a response with attitude.  He was dead serious and then even started his Christmas list with 'coal' written at the top.  So much for that idea.  Great...

Carter got 2 behavior slips at school this week.  At least he is open about telling me.  I am having behavior problems with him at home too so I don't doubt school is no different. He is always mad, whining, yelling, crying, about something. Its hard to look at it from a teacher and parent perspective now because although I can see the problems taking place both places, I don't have a clue what to do about it.  It is making me crazy! 

I have always said that Carter has only 2 sides- angel and devil.  It still stands true.  Nothing beats his snuggles and hugs and sweet "I love you mommy", and yet, more times than not lately, its the other side that prevails, screaming, kicking, "I hate you", and threats.  I sure wish we could figure it out :(

Meeting Zachary

We want to welcome sweet little baby Zachary into the Robinson family. Its amazing how small they can be and still fit perfectly into a family. He is a perfect blend of Dave and Kate and I can definitely see Natalie in him.  What a cute little family!  We were so happy to meet him and can't wait for our little guy to arrive. I bet they will be good little cousin buddies.  There is nothing like holding a newborn straight from heaven. Congrats Dave and Kate!

Wax Museum

Bailey had her 5th grade wax museum this week.  She chose to represent Elizabeth Blackwell- the first female doctor.  We went down to see her. She was very excited about it. I wasn't feeling well and didn't get any video of her script, but at least we made it to support her.

Nice shot

Yes this is my blog. These pictures are of my kids. And they are holding guns. Real ones. Not toys. I know it is weird.  I HATE guns. They scare me to death.  Somehow though, some of my siblings and my dad have recently acquired an interest in shooting.  There was no talking Carter out of going shooting with them.  Surprisingly Elli even wanted to try it out.  My mom and I didn't choose to go along. Surprise. I was happy when they arrived back safe and sound. This isn't going to be happening regularly, but I guess I had better get over my fear of guns!

 

Pumpkin Carving

While in St. George we were able to carve pumpkins. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Carter picked a green pumpkin and was more interested in using the tools to carve his than what it would actually look like when done.  Elli, being as perfectionist as she is had a few meldowns during the process as she wanted hers to be fancy and precise.  Good thing she has patient aunts and grandparents, cause I wasn't!  The best part is that I don't have to do them at home now! ; )