Before Jenna and Kevin switched schools they were both recognized in an awards assembly for being "bucket fillers." Bucket fillers are students who say or do nice things for other people on a regular basis. Their assemblies were at different times. Unfortunately I forgot my camera when I went to Kevin's (his was the first one). My friend got pictures for me, but I haven't gotten them from her yet.
Here is Jenna with her teacher, Mrs. Levesque, and the other students in her class that were being recognized for various awards. Jenna is fourth from the left among the students.
Jenna and her teacher. I took one of her getting the award, but it was blurry.
Now, onto the change. We finally got another daughter. Oh, wait, that's my son, Jared, the princess. He told my brother-in-law the other day that he wished he was a girl so that he could wear princess dresses. Haha! I guess he decided he could wear it anyway.
Last week was one of change for us. Last Friday (a little over a week ago) we moved into our new house. Derek and I were planning to do it on our own, but a couple of people found out and showed up to help us. That was really nice because it went a lot faster. The people here are so awesome. A friend of mine offered to watch my kids that Thursday (they were out of school for Veteran's day) so I could do some packing. My children had a great time playing with her children, and I was able to get a lot done. Then my other friend took Jared all day that Friday so I could finish packing and moving some things. And, she took Kevin and Jenna after they got out of school that day so that the move would be easier. My kids had a blast. This friend has six children of her own, and one on the way. She is the most amazing person. My children always have the best time when they are at her house. Her husband and oldest son helped us move that night. Another family showed up, husband, wife, and two oldest children, to help us move. We are so blessed.
That same night Derek's brother, Brian, and his girlfriend, Lia came to town for the weekend. They attended a Yoga conference while they were here. We had a great time hanging out with them.
They were super nice and read with the kids before church on Sunday. That is a good way to win over my children. :)
Lia reading to Jenna and Jared
Brian and Kevin reading to each other.
I spent the week trying to organize rooms, and slowly (very slowly) unpack boxes. The only room that I have left to really organize (other than the living room which I cannot organize yet because it is full of boxes) is the boys' room. I have struggled to get that one done because Jared is always napping during the time I need to organize. :) Hopefully now that most of the rooms are organized I can make a dent in the massive amount of boxes in my living room.
Kevin and Jenna started at their new school this week. The transition went a lot smoother than I expected. They are now attending a year round school, so we will see how that goes. We are looking forward to having the vacations spread out throughout the year. Poor Kevin actually missed three days of school this week because he was sick. I finally took him to the doctor on Thursday, and he was diagnosed with a sinus infection. He is on an antibiotic now, and feeling a lot better.
Last week Jenna and Kevin ran a little fun run turkey trot at their school. Jenna's was .25 miles and Kevin was .5 miles. Kevin had been very sick the three days prior to the run, so he walked it.
Jenna before the race
Jenna after the race. She ran the whole time. I was really proud of her.
Kevin during the run. Because he had been so sick, he walked the whole thing.
Kevin
Kevin and Jared
Jared running back to the car after the turkey trots.
Last Saturday Derek ran a Turkey Trot. It was a 5K. I think that his chip time was 19:12. He won his age category. He got a trophy with a funny looking turkey on it - hilarious. The kids love to see their daddy win things in races. We are very excited for him. He was pretty excited too. It is nice to be rewarded for all the pain. :)
Chick-Fil-A was one of the race sponsors. He is a picture from before the race with the Chick-Fil-A cows. Kevin, Jared, Derek and Jenna. Jenna loved these cows.
Jenna and the blow up turkey
Jenna and the race turkey. This turkey rode the scooter leading the race. Jenna loved this turkey as much as she loved the cows.
Kevin and Jared with the turkey
The kids had to keep themselves occupied while they were waiting to cheer for Derek.
Here is Kevin playing with the stick he found. He had a great time with it, but I was a little worried that he would take someone out with it.
Jared sitting and waiting
Jenna putting her shoe back on after it fell off
The turkey leading the race on his scooter
Derek near the beginning of the race
You can just see Derek finishing the race here.
Derek after the race with some people from church that also ran the race
Derek with his turkey trophy
On Sunday we attended our new ward (assigned congregation - they are assigned based on where we live). Again I was worried about the kids (mostly about Jenna) making the transition. It turns out that one of the girls in Jenna's class at school is also in her class at church. This sweet little girl drew Jenna a picture during Sacrament Meeting. Then this same sweet girl saved Jenna a seat for their class. That was a huge relief. Jenna is so shy, so we are very grateful for this sweet girl.
Overall, we are very happy with this change. The kids all have friends their ages on the street. They have spent a lot of time playing with their new friends. The little girl two houses up from us is in Jenna's class at school, which helped Jenna transition much more smoothly into the new school. They have become fast friends.
Change is always a challenge, but I feel like this is going to be a very good change for our family.
The whole family in front of our new house. (Be surprised if this picture shows up on a Christmas card - not positive which picture I will use, but leaning heavily toward this one). :)
We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
