March 12-25 ... What's happened the past couple weeks

March 13, 2012

Substituting in Seminary

 The Domino Effect

              I was asked to substitute in Seminary on the 13th. I was thrilled. I really do enjoy teaching Seminary. I really miss the challenge of coming up with an engaging lesson and getting to know “my kids.” I will be honest. I don’t miss getting up at the crack of dawn to teach by 6 am.

         The lesson was the book of Esther in Bible. As I read the manual and tried to come up with what I could teach that would be just right for these kids I didn’t feel inspired. So, I read the book of Esther then went back to the manual and tried again. Nothing… what to do? I was teaching in two days. I went about the rest of my day and tackled lesson preparation at bed time. Inspiration hit. THE DOMINO EFFECT!!! The decisions that were made had the domino effect. Think about it. 

¨ Queen Vashti refused to dance before the drunk king and princes. She was dethroned.

¨ The king looked for a new queen. Esther was brought to the palace by her kinsman, Mordecai.

¨ While seeing how Esther fared Mordecai overheard an assassination plot. The would-be assassins are killed.

¨ Mordecai won’t bow down before Haman. Haman’s pride is hurt and he convinces the king to allow him to send forth a death decree to all Jews.

¨ Mordecai tells Queen Esther of the decree and asks her to petition the king the rescind the order. She asks him and his people to join her and her maidens in a three day fast.

¨ The kings allows Esther to speak with him. She invited him and Haman to a banquet.  At the first banquet, invites them to a second banquet.

¨ Haman returns home after the banquet and tells his family what a great day at the office he had. He then explains that even though his day was great one thing still irks him…. Mordecai won’t bow down before him. His wife and friends suggest that he build a gallows for Mordecai to be hanged.

¨ The king can’t sleep. He starts reading the chronicles. He discovers that Mordecai was the one who revealed the assassination plot. Decides he wants to honor Mordecai.

¨ Haman comes in to ask the king’s permission to kill Mordecai. The king asks Haman how he should honor Mordecai. Then Haman must follow through with giving the honors.

¨ Haman attends the second banquet. Esther reveals that she is a Jew and asks the decree be lifted. The king is upset and Haman is hanged on the gallows that were built for Mordecai.  Mordecai is promoted.

        Did Queen Vashti realize that her decision to not dance before the king would have such an effect on so many people? Did Mordecai know that when he brought Esther to the palace she would be the key to saving all the Jews? Did Esther know when she was chosen as queen she would save her people and change Haman’s life? The answer to all these questions is no….. So, my question to you is this. What decision are you going to make today that will have a huge domino effect on the future? Are you willing to be true to yourself and live your life with absolute integrity? What decisions have you made in your life that you can look back on and see the domino effect? An example from my own life: I decided to go on a mission. I served with Rebekah Rice. She went to BYU. She and Josh were in the same ward. Josh and I were invited to her engagement party. You know the rest of the story.  I have often wondered if I would have met Josh if I hadn’t served a mission.

 March 16, 2012

Bus Rider of the Week

     

          Matthew was awarded “Bus Rider of the Week.” Each week the bus driver picks a student who is safe and considerate on the bus for this award. They are given a certificate and are allowed to sit wherever they want on the bus, which is a big thing because Stan assigns the kids spots. Matthew was happy to get this recognition. We were happy too because it shows that Matthew is improving in making safe choices. WAY TO GO, BUD!!!!

March 16, 2012

Setting the Leprechaun Trap

              We have a tradition of setting up leprechaun traps each St. Patrick’s Day eve. This began as a science experiment for Ceithlinn in Kindergarten and has continued the last 4 years since. Our kids really get into this. The traps are set in the kitchen with fake gold money leading to them. Matthew’s has a “Do Not Enter” sign because everyone knows that leprechauns to the opposite of what you want. They are mischievous that way. This year in addition to the sign and coins the kids decided to leave half of a cheese stick in each of their traps. This was decided because Matthew remembered the leprechaun leaving us “cheese” last year, so they must like cheese. I reminded Matthew that our leprechaun, Phineas O’Malley of the Faire Folk left us pudding that turned green when we stirred it. He said that pudding was made of cheese so we needed to leave the cheese for the leprechaun. How could I argue with that logic? Ceithlinn left a note for our leprechaun. It reads, “Dear Phinious O’mally, I like you. Can I see you in person? I won’t harm you or capture you. Your Friend, Ceithlinn P.S. Can you give me something green?” Ceithlinn also left Phineas her “gak.” This is a mixture of glue, water and Borax. That night both kids were so excited as they went to bed. Ceithlinn said she felt like it was Christmas.

March 17, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day

Phineas’ Visits — Here’s Proof

              The kids woke up about 7 to see if Phineas had visited. They were excited to see that our fake gold coins had been replaced with chocolate gold coins and that footprints had been left on the kitchen floor. This was the first year they figured out that Phineas must have stepped in paint before coming in so we would know he was there. He also left something green… a helium balloon. He also left a note for the kids that reads, “My dear Friends Matthew and Ceithlinn, You forgot, us wee folk can’t be seen, It’s against the law says King Cavanaugh; But I brought you both something that’s green! I hope that you like this balloon And the pile chocolate doubloons. Have fun on St. Paddy up there in Seatty With all of those Irish buffoons! Signed Phineas O’Malley”  Phineas must have brought us our other surprise… SNOW! Can you believe it snow on St. Patrick’s Day? The weather this year has been so crazy.

March 17, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day

Irish Festival in Seattle

      We  ate a quick breakfast and drove to Seattle for the Irish Festival. We weren’t sure what to expect because this was our first time going. It was at an exhibition hall. There were about 6-8 booths for shopping or looking into Irish genealogy. There was one stage for performing and a beer garden, of course. There was a small children’s art area that looked promising along with face painting and balloon animals. The face painting and balloon animals cost $2-8 depending on what was wanted… we passed. The children’s art area was scarce on supplies so Ceithlinn drew a couple shamrocks and leprechauns. Matthew was disappointed he couldn’t make a sword. Not sure where he got the idea he could make a sword, but he was disappointed nonetheless, and decided to look at some nearby maps with Josh. He made this face that makes him look like he is in pain. He thought that was funny so, that was the pose we got for the rest of day.  I really enjoyed watching the different Irish dance groups and got even more excited to start my own studio in a year or so. I get to lose some weight, get some stamina and technique back before I start teaching. Ceithlinn also competed in a “Most Irish Face” kids contest. I’m still not quite sure how this was being judged, but she had fun and even gave her 2nd set of green beads to another little girl that accidentally was passed over. All in all the festival was okay. I think I may get involved to make it GREAT. There really is so much that could be done to improve on the base they have.



Matthew's pained expressions

Ceithlinn's leprechaun

Most Irish Face

(Sorry for the formatting. I'm not sure how to fix this. Anyone else know?)

What else is happening in our lives? Josh’s counseling practice is doing okay. We feel like we are starting to figure out how to be small business owners. Josh has also been asked to portray Judas Iscariot in our upcoming Multi-Stake concert “Lamb of God” by Rob Gardner. It is a beautiful oratorio about the last few days of Christ’s life and His resurrection. Josh does a great job, of course. I am in the choir. 

I just completed another quarter at Pierce and have enrolled in my last full quarter. I will graduate in June with my Associate in Business degree. It is nice to see the end of this tunnel.

Ceithlinn continues to do well in school and has become a very giggly girl. I love listening to her and her friends play. They are so silly and fun. It is really great to watch her grow up. I dropped her and her friend, Katie off at church on Tuesday for an activity. As they got out of the car the both got really excited as two other friends approached. Then all  four of these 9 –10 year old girls started talking and giggling together. Ceithlinn didn’t even turn around to say good-bye like she usually does. I realize in that moment that she is on the threshold of tween and then teen. I was so happy to see she was surrounded by good friends and that they had fun together. Here’s to hoping we can keep that going.

Matthew is doing okay in school. We have conferences on Friday to get the total update. He tends to have more good days than bad and has some good friends. Every time I go in to volunteer in his class Kelly Jo asks if he will come to her birthday party this summer because he’s going to be the prince. Last year Matthew said he wanted to marry Kelly Jo. This year it is Katie, but he and Kelly Jo are still friends. Matthew turns 7 tomorrow (26th). It doesn’t seem like it has been that long. He is very excited about being older. This morning he came into my bed and said, “Mom, tomorrow is my birthday.” in a hushed, excited whisper. I said, “ I know. Isn’t it exciting?” He said, “Yeah, tomorrow’s my birthday.” with a HUGE grin and then he cuddled in for a little while. So very wonderful.  Oh, that reminds me. On Friday Matthew was doing some math. He was writing just the answer without showing his work. His para educator, Mrs. Kelly, said he needed to write down how he got his answer for Mrs. Bunker. He looked at her and in all seriousness said, “Why? Mrs. Bunker already knows the answers?” How do you argue with that? Man, I love my boy! I am so  grateful I get the privilege of being his mom. I had no idea how he would change our lives  for the better.

Catching up... January 31 - March 11

Pumpkin Pie

January 31, 2012

             Ceithlinn’s favorite pie is pumpkin. We bought everything to make a pie at Christmas, but never got around to it. So, I decided that before I went to class on Tuesday, January 31 I would make pie for dessert. The kids wanted to help. I LOVE that my kids like helping out in the kitchen… yes, they even do dishes. Ceithlinn helped roll out the crust and put it in the pie pan. Both kids got in on the “forking” of the crust. As you can tell by the photo of both of them busy, “forking” is serious work. They were kind enough to oblige me when I asked to take a photo. The pie was delicious!

Matthew’s 1st  Grade Concert

February 7, 2012

            Matthew’s school concert was on February 7th. The theme was “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” It went through the whole story. The bears left their house, Goldi came a-knocking and then decided to snoop about (the kids sang about how it isn’t good to snoop), she at the pudding (not porridge), sat in the chair and slept in the beds. The concert was in total about 20 minutes. Just the right length of time. Each child had bear “ear” and a “nose” as they sang. Matthew was so excited he got to keep these and bring them home.

           Kind of a personal side note... imagine that something personal on a blog… When we attend the kids various concerts or performances I always give a big holler out. It is distinct. The kids will ask if I am going to holler for them usually on the ride to the venue. I tell them to listen for it. After the first number I holler long and loud. The kids always find me, give me a thumbs up or a big smile. I am glad they know I am there supporting them. It is important to me that they know that.  This blurry photo of Matthew smiling right at me was right after he found me in the audience. His smile says it all, doesn’t it? He was so proud to perform and grateful that we were there for him. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. In fact, I missed class that night to support my boy. Wonderfully, my professor understood my priorities and didn’t push me to come.

Valentine’s Day 

February 14, 2012

           BLE had a Valentine card competition. Ceithlinn decided she want to make something to enter. She found this idea in a craft book she got for Christmas. She did a great job. She won first place for the fourth grade. Her friend Jaelyn won second. She was awarded a “Best in Show” certificate and a brand new art kit! She puts the art kit to good use. I am not sure what she did with the certificate.

          This year the kids really got into handing out Valentine’s. They even made some for each other and us. It was so fun to see how happy and excited they were to be giving. Really wonderful. We had purchased a very small box of chocolates for everyone that works with Matthew, there are about a dozen teachers, Para educators and specialist. Mrs. Turk, the school counselor was gone when we stopped by. Matthew asked me to write a note for her and leave it with the chocolates. He dictated as I wrote something about how much he loved her and thought she was nice. A couple of weeks later I was speaking with Mrs. Turk and she said that his note had really made her day when she got back into the office a week later. She asked if he had really said what was on the note. I told her yes. She was so appreciative and said they don’t get people that often express their gratitude for what they do. That made me sad. We are very blessed to have some WONDERFUL people working with our kids. (see my gratitude blog, day 10 for further on this www.jenis365ofgratitude.blogpot.com)

IXL Greatness

February 24, 2012

             BLE has a wonderful program they started this year to help their students become leaders. As the kids accomplish goals, help out around the school or are good school citizen they can earn tokens to be put on a necklace. This necklace is called their Leader Lanyard. Each Friday students throughout the school get to wear their necklaces to show their leadership. Students really enjoy earning tokens for their lanyard. They really get a sense of accomplishment and pride.

           As part of the school curriculum there are two computer programs the kids are encouraged to use at home. One is a reading program called Raz-Kids. The kids hear a story, then read the same story out loud and then answer comprehension question about what they have heard and read. It has been neat to see their reading skills develop with this program as we do it together. The other program is IXL math. This one has over a hundred different math skills available by grade level. The kids are encouraged to work on this at home to improve their math skills. IXL takes a while longer for the kids to do.

           Both Ceithlinn and Matthew earned IXL tokens for their lanyards on February 24th. Matthew earned two tokens for all the work he has been doing at home to improve his math skills. He was one of several 1st graders called up during the school’s morning message (announcements at the beginning of the day in the gym). Ceithlinn earned a token for being the only 4th grader to attempt and complete four difficult exercises. They were teaching Algebra. She spent hours with her dad and I doing these problems because she really wanted to earn her token. (Below are pictures of Ceithlinn and her Leader Lanyard.)

Sea Turtle 2

February 25, 2012

             This next bit goes back MONTHS, and begins with nothing about a turtle. In June of 2011 we took a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate my grandpa’s 85th birthday. On August 17, 2011 my grandpa passed away at his home with his sweetheart by his side. That evening my younger brother, Richard called to let me know of Grandpa’s passing. When I told Ceithlinn she immediately started to bawl and was very upset. Matthew asked what was wrong with her. I told him that she was sad because Great-Grandpa had died. He thought about this very briefly and then said, “That’s okay. I have another one called Grandpa Dave.” He then walked off and began playing.

           Fast forward to Labor Day. We went to a local furniture store, The Old Cannery for free hot dogs, drinks and to have a little dream shopping. While we were there we saw that a clown was making balloon animals. We stood in line for an hour or more waiting to get a turtle made for Matthew and a lady bug for Ceithlinn. Oh, the joy when the turtle and lady bug were presented!! The turtle was given the name of Sea Turtle. (Matthew is very practical when naming things… his favorite stuffed animal, a tiger, is called… Tiger) I don’t remember the name of the lady bug. (Sorry Ceithlinn) On the ride home one of the front legs of Sea Turtle burst, so did Matthew. He insisted that we return and get another one. That wasn’t possible because we were at the end of the line and the clown was gone. For the next 20 minutes there was no consoling Matthew. Huge tears ran down his face. He kept looking at me and asking me to fix it or make him a new one. I told him I didn’t know how. At one point he said, “I wish you had gone to clown school instead of college!” I was very near tears myself and agreed that it may have been a good thing if I had gone to clown school then I could fix this turtle. After many tears shed on Matthew’s part and prayer on mine, Josh came up with the perfect solution. He moved the remaining leg more to the center of the turtle and drew a squiggly line on it so the turtle looked like he was clasping his hands. Oh, wow, the joy on Matthew face!! Josh won Father of the Year in that moment.

          Fast forward to January. Our orthodontist was throwing a patient appreciate party at the local skating rink. We were told a clown would be there. Matthew began asking if I remembered Sea Turtle and could we get him another one because he was still sad that the turtle’s leg had popped. I said sure. Well, the day of the party Ceithlinn got sick and we weren’t able to go. I promised Matthew that we would keep an ear out for other events this clown might be at.

        Now, fast forward once again to February 25. It is the ward (church) chili cook-off. Guess who will be there?! You’re right… the clown!!! Oh, elation!! We stood in line for about half an hour for Sea Turtle 2. Matthew was thrilled until the shell began to shrink. There was a microscopic hole. Luckily, the clown hadn’t left and we were able to get it fixed. This took standing in line for another 20 minutes or so and reassuring Matthew that we wouldn’t leave until the turtle was fixed.

About a week later the turtle was getting deflated and sad looking. Matthew asked if we could take a picture before he popped it. He said he was going to keep the balloon turtle shell so he could remember his turtle. I suggested we take a picture because the shell would continue to deflate. He thought that was a good idea. So, now you get the picture that will forever immortalize this TALE OF A TURTLE.

        Every time I think of this I find it interesting that he could be so upset about a balloon turtle and so nonchalant about a grandparent dying. It never ceases to amaze me how his brain works.

The balloon turtle shell

This Week in Our Lives...Ok, it's 2 weeks - Jan. 23rd - Feb 5th

On January 24 Ceithlinn and her friend, Elaina Robison, performed in Bonney Lake Elementary's Extravaganza! This was Ceithlinn second year participating. The girls sang "Somebody Come and Play" from Sesame Street, and were accompanied by Josh. At the tryouts when the girls were asked why the chose this song they both answered, "We thought it was age-appropriate." The girls did a great job! I will see if I can get the video to upload. If not, check on Facebook, hopefully I can get it there. I wasn't able to get photos and the video is too fuzzy to make good pictures.

As an incentive for the family to finish our chores each week we have a reward. To earn the reward chores are to be completed by Saturday afternoon. The first three Saturdays of the month our reward is something easily done at home such as a movie night with popcorn, playing board or card games, playing the Nintendo, making cookies, etc. If we earn the weekly reward three weeks in a row, then we earn the "Big Reward." This is something that we usually spend money on and get out of the house either as a family or with friends. Rewards have been bowling with friends, going to the $2 movie and buying concession, etc. Our "Big Reward" on January 28th was to go to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. It is absolutely AMAZING how much they packed into such a small space in the middle of the city. We asked the kids what animals they wanted to see. This was our second time every going to WPZ. Matthew said he wanted to see the Komodo dragons and Ceithlinn said she wanted to see the gorillas.

We arrived at the zoo at the South Entrance. The first thing that we saw was a replica of an African village. Seeing the huts made me even more grateful for how truly blessed we are here with our homes, indoor plumbing and electricity. The kids climbed in a little hut, we think it may have been like a chicken coup or something. Ceithlinn enjoyed playing the big drums and dancing. We then went on to see hippos, giraffes, lions and other Savanna animals.

 

At lunch time we stopped the little picnic area and ate our sandwiches. When we go to the zoo the kids like to use our animal cookie cutters to make fun peanut butter and honey sandwiches. This was something I started when Ceithlinn was preschool aged. It became an unintentional, fun tradition. Those are some of the best traditions, don't you think? Anyway, this time we brought a flamingo, a sheep, a squirrel and a hippo. The other three had been pretty well devoured by the time I got my flamingo out.

After lunch we were on our way to the Komodo dragons when Matthew spontaneously put his arm around Ceithlinn. I missed the original shot, and he was gracious enough to do it again for the photo. I just love when they spontaneously hug, kiss or say I love you. It warms this mama heart of mine. I have said it before, I will say it again. We are truly blessed to have the kids we do.

On to the Komodos... one was sleeping with its back to us and the other was sitting up next to a window with lots of condensation. Those picture didn't turn out so well. You get to see Matthew by the sign, doesn't he look so happy, and the kids playing on the Komodo dragon statue. They tried sliding down the tongue. It didn't work so well, but they had fun trying anyway.

While at the zoo we had the fantastic opportunity to feed the penguins and the budgie birds. The penguins were fun because they would sort of jump to get the fish. This was a first for all of us. The angle of that I had to shoot from wasn't great so you get to see Matthew's leg, Ceithlinn picking up the little fish to feed the penguins... very proud of her for that. She doesn't usually like trying new things... and Josh feeding the penguins. The budgies had just been startled before we came in so it took patience to get them to eat the seed sticks. It helped that Josh is tall and could coax them down. This was a first for Ceithlinn and Josh, Matthew fed the budgies at his field trip last year to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma. I forgot warn Ceithlinn that the budgie would land on the stick to eat. The first budgie that landed knocked the stick out of her hand and was a bit startled. Ceithlinn then held the stick with both hands and really enjoyed the experience.

Eventually we made it to the gorillas. The littlest one was quite the entertainer. He licked the glass and picked on his sibling. He would bang on his chest and dart after his sibling. They would wrestle and then move away from each other. It was interesting to watch the mother gorilla. She reminded me of myself when my kids are rough-housing. She pretty much ignored them until it got started to get to rough. At one point she shooed the bigger gorilla away. Of course, the younger one egged him on again. So, mom picked at her berries and would occasionally look up to make sure things didn't get out of hand. It was fun to watch and laugh. The kids still talk about that gorilla.

We definitely want to go back for another big reward, perhaps when it is a bit warmer. Below are pictures of us with the kids on a couple of statues they liked... see I really was there.

Those are the big highlights from the last couple of weeks. I continue to go to college. I am in my second to last quarter at Pierce College. We are all looking forward to graduation in June. Josh continues to build his private practice. The kids are doing well in school. Matthew goes to Occupational Therapy (OT) at Good Samaritan Children's Therapy Unit (CTU) on Friday and just start Speech Therapy. Both of these focus on behavior modification and social skills. He really enjoys going. Oh, on that note... Matthew earned therapy pool time.

In November or December Matthew had a couple weeks at OT that ended with a massive fit, meltdown. After the second one his therapist, Brandi, saw that he really like looking at the therapy pool through the big window. To get to the pool you have to go through a couple of access only doors. She came up with a fantastic reward. If Matthew could come to therapy and listen well, follow direction and not have a fit for three weeks he would get pool time on the fourth week. At the end of each week he could put a sticker on a chart so he could see his progress. It worked pretty well. The first two weeks went off without a hitch, week three... not so great, massive meltdown at the end, but he was great the fourth week and earned that third sticker. Well, we ended up waiting a few more weeks before we could get into the pool. The first Friday Brandi was out of town, the next Friday we had our ice storm and CTU was closed, the third Friday Matthew and Ceithlinn got in their suits and Brandi came in and said that something really stinky was coming through the vent system in the pool room and she was sick to her stomach and had a headache. I thought, are you kidding me?! We were able to explain to Matthew our safety concerns (health concerns), Brandi let him smell it for a moment and he was fine with waiting another week. So proud of him for making that adjustment. I thought there might be some sort of fit, but he pleasantly surprised us. Both Brandi and I thanked him and complimented him a few times on making the shift in plans. Anyway, Matthew was able to get into the pool and Friday, the 3rd, and had a ball! He is really cute when he goes under the water. He will plug his ears with thumbs and his nose with his fingers to prevent water from going in either. It makes me laugh. This is the resolute of having ear tubes until he was 4 I think.

One last thing... Matthew woke up on Friday and came in with a big smile and said, "Mom, I had a good dream last night." "You did? Wanna tell me about it?" Now with an even bigger grin, "I got to ride a nice T-Rex!" "Wow, were you way up high on this T-Rex?" "No, it was a little one. It brought me to meat!" Then he looked off with a dreamy smile. He must have been remembering what that dream was all about. Later I found out the T-Rex was orange. Man, I love this kid!