50's night with dad

Not the best pictures, but easily the best dad!

This was a Daddy Daughter Activity Day event for Jaden. Kyle came home from work early enough to drive the two of them to Salvation Army to pick up some steals. Kyle said it was a battle rummaging through everything in the short amount of time they had before the activity began. But I think Kyle won, as is evident in his bright red sketchers. Also, the two of them had the best 50's dance performed that night. Word has it that they were just as serious about their dance as they were about the pics above. We'd expect nothing less from the man who grew up putting on shows in tutus and high heels with his buddies. Apparently, this will be something passed on to Kyle's children as wel.

Awards Ceremony for Jade

Unbelievable that Jaden has completed the 4th grade and will enter 5th grade next year . . . HER LAST YEAR IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

This year Jaden learned a valuable lesson. Hard work pays off. Fourth grade math proved to set itself apart from previous years for Jaden. What once came so easily for her in math now came with a terrible curse; long, seemingly endless hours of homework with lower grades filtering in. Jaden learned she'd have to put hard work and determination into, my least favorite subject as well, math. She worked her tail off. Many late nights of homework (with dad) after dance, piano and activity days paid off!

And congrats, Jaden, on being 1 of only 4 fourth grade students to receive a 4 in composition on the TAKS writing test. Great job this year, sis! We are proud of you.

Kinder Graduation for Ty

We just couldn't believe Ty was even old enough to begin kindergarten and we now find it quite impossible that he has just graduated. Life continues to whiz past us and Ty's first year of public school has been no different.

One boy and one girl from each class was awarded with the citezenship award this evening. Ty couldn't have been more excited to have been the recipient from his class. So proud of you Ty Guy. You definitely deserved it. You really were such a well-behaved student and a thoughtful friend to all of your classmates.

Miss Jaden's summer school invite

Parents of Ty, Jake, Holden, Sammy, Elle and Keiko, I am planning to teach my summer school again and would like to know if your child wants to come? I haven't decided on the date because I am waiting to hear from my elementary school to see which day of the week they plan to open the library. I want to have my school the same day that the library is open because, as something new this year, me and my mom plan to take a trip to the library every time they come to class. You'll see why later. New this year: My class will be longer cause your kids are older. It will be 4 hours from 9:00-1:00 (date to be determined). I will make your children lunch the night before if you would like. My price will go up because of the new time and lunch making @ $5.00 a day. Just so you know this year I will focus on: a love for reading, math and fun science. Also, I want to remind you that this is not a play date and I expect your child to be able to sit and behave through my lessons. But don't worry I make my lessons fun and exciting. We will have plenty of breaks for fun and being silly so your kid will want to come back to my class, of course! Excited to teach, Miss Jaden Harris P.S. My mom edited this so don't think I'm a brainiac or something.

This morning when he was supposed to be grabbing his backpack . . .

he was instead grabbing not one but two of these below. After which, he strapped this one on for the 3 minute ride to school--that did not end with a tailgate party.

His dad couldn't be prouder. His mom and sister's could not have been more impatient for him to join them in the car, as they were running late. Although, Jaden and I did both roll our eyes and laugh as we turned our heads away from Ty.

Wish I would have taken the time to inquire as to what was going on in his head early this morning. I'll be sure to ask after school today.

Jaden in Japan

While on the subject of lucky girls in our family, Miss Jaden got to experience two weeks halfway around the world in Okinawa, Japan! She got to visit Kyle's sister Jasmine and her family as her husband Shane, being a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force, is currently stationed there. Jaden was accompanied on the long 15 hour flight by her cousin Adam, Aunt Tricia and Grandpa Lynn--who was so sweet to have invited her to make the trip alongside him.

When the opportunity presented itself Kyle and I didn't so much have to think twice about sending Jaden to Japan. For starters she would be in the best of hands. Secondly, Jaden and Jasmine's 4 children are like siblings and they have all terribly missed each other since their move to Okinawa from San Antonio, TX--where it was that we got to enjoy so much of them. Also, there are just not enough opportunities for Jaden to get to spend one-on-one time with her Grandpa Lynn. Lastly, and on top of all that, Jaden would benefit from a hands-on cultural experience that you just can't get from books.


We just had to jump at the opportunity. It will forever be a special memory for her. Lucky girl.



While Jaden was in Japan she missed out on the preparations for a 4th grade project that was to be displayed at her elementary schools first-ever "Cultural Diversity Night." (On a side note: we are a very diverse group here in Houston, Texas--better known as the melting pot. As is so evident in my children's class make up. Jaden and Ty are definitely in the minority. And for the record, I really think it's great and such a good environment for my children.) Anyway, before Jaden left for Okinawa she informed her teachers that we had plans to sign her up as a participant in the Cultural Night program representing the country of Japan.
As we attended the rehearsals for Cultural Night, after Jaden's return from Japan, we weren't quite sure how she was to perform. As it was, all of the children that were signed up planned to represent their native country with elaborate dances, singing songs, playing drums etc. In the end and by herself Jaden ended up reading a short overview of her trip. She did it in front of an entire cafeteria packed full of people and dressed in her beautiful kimono. She did a great job.

Lucky (now say it like Napoleon Dynamite)

Me with a delicious steak dinner that I didn't lift a finger to help make.

The aftermath that I didn't lift a finger to help clean.

Of Mice and Men was calling my name.

The man behind the flowers and everything else that went perfectly today.

Not pictured is the nap that I didn't especially need but totally abused right after church. In fact, I don't even know how long I slept. Those are the best naps.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom who I did not connect with on the phone today. Sorry we missed your call. Hope you got my message. Let's be honest, when I called you were most likely on the other line with one of your other 9 favorite children or even possibly one of your 8 step-children, right? Say yes. Then I won't feel like it was my fault for not speaking to you on Mother's day. That is just way too many children. And I couldn't think of a better person to hold that much love for every last one of them. You never cease to amaze, mom! Here's hoping I turn out like you. Love you.

To my wonderful mother-in-law on this Mother's day, thank you for raising such a fine man in Kyle! Your influence carries over to me and our children through Kyle. We are so very blessed for your involvement in each of our lives. I have learned so much good about the rearing of children from you. We love you.

It is such a privilege to be the mother of Jaden, Ty and Reese. Honestly, I thoroughly enjoy being a mother. I didn't say I was good at it. But I do love it. I feel blessed to stay at home with my children too. Already I feel like my time with them is slipping away much too quickly. Here's to time slowing when it's good and speeding up when exhausting. However, I will take the good with the bad. Love you Jade, Ty and Reese.

Lastly, I received beautiful gifts and lovely cards from all but what you will witness below takes the cake.

Side note: Ty started to fear going to church sometime on Saturday. I finally got him to admit that it was because the children were singing during Sacrament Meeting. He hasn't feared doing this in the past but apparently it is something he could do without now. However, he was in between a rock and a hard place because he understood that singing in this SM was meant to be for Mother's Day and he didn't want to let me down. I knew that he has recently been preparing this song at school for Kinder graduation. So I told him I would not mind at all if he didn't sing at church. As long as he was willing to sing me this adorable song and let me record it too. Deal.

Thanks to my family for a lovely day!