Evelyn kept busy this month with plenty of babysitting jobs. Being homeschooled has allowed her to take on more jobs and she loves it. She has also been hired a few times to paint faces at birthday parties! She was thrilled this month when her new YW president asked her to do the make up and nails for her little girl's mermaid party! It was so fun for Ev. She is great with kids-- a definite strength for her. Evelyn continues to work on her music every day. She films videos and works on songs both on the piano, karaoke style and ukulele. It was sad this month for the Activity Day girls to say goodbye to Ev! Sad for me!!! I loved having her there as my assistant. But... on to bigger and better things, I suppose. Tomorrow night is her first youth night-- they are headed to Feed America and she is thrilled. Evelyn had a wonderful time celebrating her buddy Lily's 12th birthday. They painted a sparkly deer canvas and played all sorts of fun games. She loves this friend and they are lucky to have each other. Ev learned how to make bread! She decided it would be fun to bake bread and so she watched a tutorial and did it! Turned out amazing -- four loaves! So proud of these cool things she always comes up with . Ev also did a presentation this month on Elizabethean fashion and I thought it was darling how she came up with this quiz and then played a fun "would you rather?" asking about various fashion styles-- would you rather wear this ruff all day at school? OR wear a wig to your first stake dance? Cute. Ev's recent obsession is getting her braces off since bestie Reha just got hers off. I mean to say, she's obsessed. Ha! Poor thing still has a year to go! Loved that Evelyn gave her last primary talk on Sunday- she wrote it herself and did an awesome job-- on Reverence.
Dane continues to show SO much responsibility as a fourth grader. It's amazing to watch. He is quick to help out and quick to accomplish his homework without a single reminder. This month Dane saved $30 and bought the game Risk. He has BEGGED and pleaded with family members ever since obtaining the game to play the game with him. I like board games, but I must admit... it's been kind of boring to play! But, it's his newest love and so I try to be patient and press forward. Dane is still loving puzzles and we enjoy this as a family. He runs out to play soccer, then comes back in quickly to put a few pieces on. I have truly loved Dane's soccer season. He's been a leader and a hard worker. The day of his last game we all went to mexican food together. Love all of the families we spend so much time with. Dane is already having withdrawals from a few team mates he doesn't see as often now! It's been a joy to be a part of this team and it's helped Dane to feel more confident and happy as he's achieved such success on the field. I love sports and all they do to help young people develop and grow. So so funny.... Sundays are Dane's worst nightmare and I'm convinced it's mostly because he hates wearing church clothes! He actually puts his soccer shorts and shirt on UNDERNEATH his church clothes in an effort to quickly disrobe afterwards. HA! Too funny. During his teacher conference, Dane's teacher told me he was a pleasure to have in class and such a hard workeer and independent learner. She told me he was smart, well liked and helpful. Took this darling snap shot at cubscouts the other night. Anna simply adores Dane and considers him her very best friend and confidant. He takes such great care of her-- they make quite the pair. Love their relationship.
Grant has been working so hard with his reading program. I recently bought an electric blanket and believe it or not, that's actually helping motivate him to come snuggle and get to work with Mom! He loves the blanket and if I tell him I'll warm it up- he'll sit with me for a while and work. Poor thing has inherited his mama's poor circulation and constant plague of feeling freezing. But he's working hard and making progress. During his conferences.... his teacher told me that he was absolutely wonderful and so helpful in class. He's smart as a whip in math, but is jut developmentally delayed with reading. We are working on this! Grant also finished his soccer season and we enjoyed an awesome party at the Wulches last week. We've loved watching Grant this season-- kid plays with all heart and soul and he is fabulous. His little team mates are his best buds and it's been so fun spending time with these wonderful families. I always get a little sad at the end of the season because you never know where life will take you come next season- and it's always been so great spending time with the various families. Proud of our little soccer star. Grant and Dane have an extremely sweet relationship. Sure they fight but mostly, Grant looks up to his bro and they love to play together. I'm so grateful they have one another!
Anna has had a tricky month due to a lasting congestion in her lungs. Man, I've been to the doctor three times! Tried albuterol, antibiotics, the works! I'm praying it clears soon ! Consequently it's turned her into a bit of a cranky kid. I miss the old Anna that was happy and fun!! Despite being ill, she's managed to find happiness in most things. Getting out Christmas decor was the best. She assumed each and every decoration, ornament, nativity figurine was a new gift solely for her! She was in heaven and so cute. Anna sometimes enjoys doing her own hair. This month she asked me to leave so she could have some "alone time" to fix her hair! I've told her before I need alone time in the morning when I'm getting ready- ha! Anna has been wearing this cat costume around religiously-- morning and night.... she treats it like a robe to keep warm and it's adorable. We are SO excited to see Aladdin in January-- Evelyn is Jasmin and Anna is Abu!!!! Talk about cute. Proud of Anna for doing something a little above her comfort level. I pray she isn't too nervous on stage. She is very eager to start gymnastics or soccer this fall. I'm eager for her to find her passion too:)
Love this quote that I've been thinking a lot about lately. Every day I pray I'm doing a good job with these precious little ones I have the pleasure of spending my life with!
