It's been awhile

Yes it has. Time has a way of flying by when you are having fun, really busy, or don't want it to. (It never flies by when you are pregnant though isn't that the irony?) Our family has had a lot to do this last little while I haven't blogged.
Cameron received his wolf badge and a few arrow points in January-which was a great accomplishment. He still hasn't done a Pine Wood Derby yet...our ward was split and we are now in a n "new" ward (for us-not for some around here). They have had to re-call (re-issue callings) to pretty much everyone as all the organizations were not staffed. So they have barely gotten to the Scout den leaders so hopefully scouts will be starting in the next two weeks. And then Cameron can get back to his routine of going.
Kimball has finally received 100% on one of his spelling tests. I think he was coached quite a bit the day before and then right before as he missed 5 out of 8 the day before. He is reading better, slowly, and is doing well in math. I've been thinking of homeschooling him for 2nd grade to catch him up. And I think my sister in law who is homeschooling her daughter is wonderful! It is a lot of work and I have only been thinking about it and not doing it. Shawn isn't convinced that it's a good idea because of all the work involved-but I can only see the good points right now. We are still discussing the matter and have not yet come to a conclusion of what is best for Kimball. We are sending Trent and Cameron to school though. Trenton is really looking forward to going and Cameron is doing well.
Shawn and I have been called to be nursery leaders (for me, again-for Shawn its the first time) and it's really fun. Again we are teaching the 18 months to 3 years and it is quite exhausting. Lots of women I have talked to who don't enjoy being in the nursery ( I don't get that-you get treats and you can play with toys) say the time just drags on. It always seems to fly. We just can't fit in everything we want to do with the kids in those two hours. Shawn and I work with another couple and together, we both are trying to work out a schedule that will flow smoothly. I've gotten a few ideas off the the internet-and we are trying them out--but when you have 22 kids (max)--we usually only have 14-16, it makes it hard to keep order in between activities. I love being in there and getting to know the little ones. Shawn is really good with the kids too-especially the ones who gravitate towards men--he keeps those ones from making us deaf.
Kimball is now a year older. I can't believe how fast our children grow up. When they are two-it seems like they will never get out of the terrible into everything and then some stage. Then you blink and they are already baptized and know everything. (At least I know the "know-everything" stage goes until they leave home and are on their own and THAT is when they start to appreciate mom and dad--as for the other stages-I knew more when I was 18!) It makes me sad to see my children growing up (happy too if you can understand that). I don't want to miss anything and then I worry if I have taught them the right things, or am I teaching them the right things or what are they going to do with their children? Now for those of you who think that I am prone to worrying too much, I really only reflect on these things when I have time to think (walks, before I fall asleep, washing dishes, etc.). The rest of the time I try to be busy doing...and that brings to me to our little excursion to the Treehouse Children's Museum.
The boys and I (Shawn had to work) went to the museum on the day off from school to just get out of the house. Sometimes I feel that all we do is clean up after ourselves and clean the house and do the dishes..so on this day off I told them that we would be having fun and NOT worrying about the house. We did a buddy system and Cameron took Samuel. I was concerned that Sam would run off and Cameron would come to me and tell me he lost Sam and then you can use your imagination of worse case scenario--but it turned out awesome. Cameron patiently took Sam to the different exhibits and ran around showing him things. Trenton and Kimball stayed with me and we explored other areas. We stayed for awhile and the kids had tons of fun playing, touching, artisting and so on. I am really glad I took them and they were very well behaved. I do wish I had more time there to read with the boys but well some (no naming the two year old) don't sit particularly well so maybe at a later date.
We are now reading White Fang, Fablehaven 3 (we have to finish that one before the next one comes out)and some misc. fairy tales and stories the kids like to hear. I really enjoy reading out loud and from what I hear, it sure helps children want to read. Not to mention it's really fun to ham it up (for me)!
Time has gone quickly and soon spring will be here. I'm counting down the days when walks outside, riding bikes around to parks, picnics where our dog doesn't eat our food, gardening, and yes even mowing the lawn are normal activities to do daily. I'm cabin-fevered and ready to move on to warmer weather. For now though, I will have to enjoy the time that is here...and thank goodness-it's bedtime! Good night.