I came across the cutest picture of Christian and fellow Seniors on Facebook the other day.
Cute Pep Rally shot, eh?! How are they all so beautiful and how are they getting so old?!
Grant is still hilarious and thankful when I bring him food. Haha!
I am thankful when Danny does extra little things to show that he cares.
I had fun helping Victoria shop for old lady clothes one night. She may kill me for this photo. I don't think she bought either of these. Maybe I can insert a picture of her "grannies night out" with friends look. They had fun.
Katherine and I went to a 6th grade orientation. It was fun to get ready for her big transition to middle school. She enjoyed hearing about the classes that she could pick and enjoyed visiting the library. While in the library we had a few surprises. We saw these book recommendations from Grant and his friend Ranveer. We also talked to the librarian, Mrs. Nicolay. She said that she loves Grant and that he comes in almost every day. (I talked to him about that because I was surprised because he doesn't read too much. He told me that he and Ranveer go almost every day when they are finished with their English work. Apparently, they have a great time entertaining Mrs. Nicolay. Haha, she told me the same thing. Initially it made me cringe a bit because I think it is he is so hyperactive. I kind of introduced Katherine as the opposite. "Well, Katherine really does read books and will probably check them out every day." After reflecting, I can't be too upset about it. He has a 108 in English and he finishes his work quickly. I know Ranveer is super smart too. They honestly are bright and often hilarious. She seemed genuine in saying that she enjoyed their visits. Grant loves moving, walking down the hall and interacting with another caring adult is awesome. Plus, I think it helps Mr. Mitchell because then they can't entertain the other students while they are trying to get work done. It was an interesting tidbit to learn, but really it made me happy because it really does seem like a great win-win kind of situation. It made me feel even more thankful for the staff at CMS. They understand and adapt to student needs. I may or may not have mentioned it before, but Grant loves Mr. Mitchell. He thinks he is an awesome teacher!
And back to Kate. She had a good night and is looking forward to middle school! She is most excited about the electives! It will be hard to decide which classes to take!
Another CMS related post...
Andrea and I were happy to put together a reception for the students and their families after their advanced acting classes' plays. We became quick friends and I really enjoyed working with her!
Grant was Brom Bones in the Legend of Sleepy Hallow.
He did a great job in that role- heartthrob, showing off his muscles, leading the boys, bullying etc.
Grant enjoys attention for sports, but is more nervous with spotlights on a stage. No one would have known though. He did a great job. We were really proud of him for performing the role that he was asked to perform despite the discomfort. We are thankful to Mr. Wayne for his teaching and directing our boys. The push has been good for both of them!
Dawson and the family came to support and to be entertained. We enjoyed it!
We had a random "Feed your Neighbor" dinner one night.
Victoria recalled doing this years ago at our first Carrollton house, thought Katherine should also enjoy it, and invited us.
(We aren't all as fun or adventurous as we used to be, but we agreed.)
So, we had to either let the person next to us feed us with regular utensils or eat with a random kitchen tool- wisk, rice spatula, tongs, medicine scoop, meat grinder, etc.
The food was good and the feeding/eating was ... something.
Katherine and her friend, Katherine, were pumped for the County Math 24 Competition!
Ready to go!
She beat the boys and advanced!
Whole team with their amazing coach and ACE teacher, Mrs. Murdock! (She has been one of Katherine's favorite parts of Yowell and we love and appreciate her passion and professionalism.)
Kate and Reid played at the same table in the finals. This was adorable to see, but probably bad for both of them, strategically.
The team did really well overall! Unfortunately, K and Reid tied for 4th. Apparently, in the final round they added new more advanced cards (Double digit cards- we have since purchased them and will be more clear about the rules and procedures next time.) Katherine hadn't used them before and didn't have them memorized. Katherine had fun, but was annoyed and disappointed too. She wanted to win for her grade and as the county champ like she did last year and she had put in a lot of work, but she handled it with grace.
We were proud of her and loved being there to cheer her on, even if I am the least photogenic person I know.
My mom is the best!!! Thanks for the St. Patrick's Day treats!
Katherine and I had fun on a day off of school and went to the zoo with my friend, Christine, her son Walter, and the three girls that she babysits.
It was a great outing! I loved getting to know Christine better and K had fun with the kids.
The Richmond, VA temple is ready and there was an awesome open house! There was a special day/time slot for the young single adults. Of course, Victoria went!
And... because my girl loves a good party and takes responsibility for making her life what she wants it to be... she hosted a St. Patrick's Day dance! I love her and live vicariously through her adventures. When I say she hosted.... I mean she asked her branch if they could and they said, "Sure, go for it! Save the receipts." She asked Richmond's YSA ward for access to the building and they let her in. She got all of the food, decorations, music, etc. She found friends in Richmond, via missionary friends, to help set up, got the party started, and nearly cleaned up by herself. Haha, not going to lie, before she went I advised- "Date the guy who stays to help you clean up." Well, she had a fun time at the dance and hoped that her friends would stay to clean up. Everyone left... except for 1 new friend. Lucky him. (He was a military officer and moved shortly after, but they had a few really fun dates before he left.)
V, want to send me any pictures?
Kate and Danny ran a cold 5k for St. Patrick's Day. It was cold as in chilly and also because they didn't train for it. I celebrated by cheering for them in a warm coat and mittens. I don't know if anyone knows this, but I used to run a lot, so not feeling ready to run a 5k makes me feel like I have let everyone down. In Provo, I would run many miles each week, even from campus to the Orem mall and back on Fridays . In fact, Danny proposed to me by asking my running buddy to not show up at 6:30 a.m. one morning. He surprised me with candles, rose petals, and sweet notes and proposed to me in my running clothes while he was in a handsome suit. So sweet! I have had tiny spurts since then when I have had a running buddy nearby, but don't really love running on my own. I haven't been running for a long time and don't want to embarrass myself. I should probably start back up so I can run races with Katherine! She is awesome and worth it!
Back to the main story. It was cold and uncomfortable and they worked hard running the hilly cross country course,
but they had good company, lots of high schoolers and a mom cheering for them, and they did it!
Here they are with their cool Gold Rush 5k medals!
Random picture of V with some split peas
We were shopping and saw it and it reminded us of a funny story from a couple years ago when she made Split Pea Soup for some missionaries during covid. It was a time when they couldn't come in, but we made food for them on Sundays and they came to pick it up. Anyway, V makes good food, but this wasn't her best. In fact, extremely burnt tasting. "Burnt cigarette soup"was Grant's description. We decided to drive them a different meal and Elder Brian came to the door wearing an apron. We all just laughed. So funny. I believe it was when Elder Lloyd and Elder _____. We loved them.
Grant and I visited Christian at work at Martins. While there we found some pepperoni that looked as "sus" as we did. It looked like it was turning gray/green. I almost vomited, so of course Grant chased me with it. We also looked sus because whenever we went to visit we played a game to not be spotted by Christian. I don't know if I can recall the specific rules, but basically, I tiptoe throughout the store and Grant moves wildly around me and we see if we can do it without Christian or one of his coworkers noticing. Then we say, surprise and Christian grins, but doesn't want pictures.
V and I had never been to DC, that we could recall, when the cherry blossoms were in bloom. Obviously, we needed to address this.
Girls Day in the basin!
Love her company and her little cherry blossom matching hat too!
The blossoms were beautiful and we had a great time! Unpicted is Victoria being interviewed on the news. I don't know what channel, but she gave a great interview!
Also in bloom!!! Yay, spring is coming!!!
I am not an artist, by any means, but I love subbing for art. (The start of a project- next we then traced our lines with sharpie, then added color!)
It is fun to see all different age groups, the students are happy and engaged, and I get to go around and talk to them about what they are creating. It is great.
I still love seeing my kids sleep. What a cutie. And I love weighted blankets too.
My friends are the best and several have gone to see V for haircuts/styling! I don't have pictures of everyone, but definitely appreciate them supporting her, especially as she is building a book from scratch at the new Richmond location!
My friend, Tania, who moved to Florida, even brought her daughter when they were in Richmond visiting!
Jenn has become a regular and is one of Victoria's favorite clients! This weekend Maria and Jenn brought Kailynn to the salon. I met up with them and we went shopping and to dinner at Short Pump Mall afterward! So fun!
While we were there Danny took Katherine and Jojo and Grant and Dawson to a UVA baseball game. They had a great time too!
I didn't get good running pictures from the stands, but Danny and I love watching C run. It is fun to see him having fun with the friends he has met over the years too!
C and Mia post races!
After we got back to CCHS to get C's car, it had a flat. Not fun, but I love that my boy can take care of it! Danny is still there to encourage and advise with car stuff, but makes sure that Christian can do it on his own too. Love these strong capable, problem-solving men!
Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add? It was a busy month!
