back into the swing

Christmas break was so great.  I feel like this year was especially enjoyable, that somehow we minimized the stress or planning or preparing and really got to enjoy being with family, fun activities and most especially, the holiday spirit.


and now back into the swing of things.  The girls all went back to school with a renewed commitment (mostly me insisting) to getting their homework done and turned it!  Not our strongest suit.  With the girls involved with so many activities, it's easy to forgot and let them have every minute of free time that they can find.  So we trimmed down the schedule a bit and have intentionally blocked out homework time.


L had winter boot camp at the dance studio.  If anything. her love for dance has grown this year and she comes home beaming every time.  I know at school, and elsewhere, she feels "small" (her words, not mine).  Despite her many talents, she lacks confidence and tends to be outside social circles I know she wants to be part of.  But at dance, she's part of a team.  She's told me dancing makes her feel free.  I love watching her face during rehearsals.  And to make life even sweeter, she's become really good friends with someone on her team.  Today her friend invited her to go ice skating and she was ecstatic.  Then we invited the friend to stay for a movie night with us.


A and E had their first piano class and we've been reviewing the basics this week.  A has taken to it immediately and her maturity shows.  She's been wanting lessons for a long time and is excited and ready.  E is the youngest in the program.  Truthfully, younger than the target age but since it's the last session the teacher will be offering, I didn't want to miss the chance to have her in this program.  She's excited about it but more impatient and easily distracted.


Z is crawling everywhere and into everything!  And if possible, cuter than ever.  Except at night.  During the day he's happy and cheerful and sweet.  At night he wakes up crying almost every hour.  He must be teething.  I am so especially grateful for my amazing husband who helps as much as he can and frequently trades off with me at night.


Aside from the sleepless nights, this was a great week.  We've been playing board games with the girls, been ready and prepared for school, and are getting focused to eating healthy again.  We had a really good evening with Grandpa, going out to dinner, getting ice cream and then introducing the girls to "The Princess Bride" which they loved!  Today JoJo came to visit and we all went sledding behind the truck.


I have a new calling at church! I'm really grateful for the change and so excited for what I will be doing as Enrichment Committee Chair.  I love planning parties and activities and I get to attend Relief Society, this will be so great!  Husband got a new calling a few months ago, as stake young mens president.  He is exceptionally talented, particularly in a leadership capacity.  I'm glad he has this opportunity and while it certainly is a heavy load, I'm glad he will be able to have that influence and involvement.