This Is How We Roll

Obviously we need a bigger, less feminine car, especially when I hear Riggs ask on a daily basis, "Can I ride in my pink car?"

"Life is too short for traffic." Dan Bellack

Plank

Nothing like a little bit of core work to get you in shape for crawling. He'll be zipping around here in no time.













"But, if you observe children learning in their first few years of life, you can see that they can and do learn on their own - we leave them alone to crawl, walk, talk, and gain control over their bodies. It happens without much help from parents."
Daniel Greenberg

New Calling

On February 6, 2011 our dad received a new calling in the church as Stake President of the Columbia, SC Stake. If you are wondering what that is or what it means, this site explains it well (click on the link "Additional Information"). Let's just say he is now an even busier man. My intentions were to take pictures at church on February 6th but with everything going on it never happened. That's why you get the casual shot of him and Emery.
Since my dad has been called, several people have let me know how grateful they are for my dad, how great he will be in this position and how great they think he is. They only echo what I have known my whole life.
Congratulations dad! Just think, you'll be pushin' 70 before this is all said and done so no need to be in a hurry. ;)

“We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.” President Thomas S. Monson

Friday Gathering

Today was a fun day at Emery's school. This morning, families of the children and students in the school were able to see all of the Expert Projects on display. We were able to browse and ask the children all about their work. There were all kinds of topics including: soccer, hotels, monster trucks, legos, fairies, Harry Potter, backpacking, cleaning, playgrounds, the list goes on. I was really impressed with their work. In the afternoon we went back for Friday Gathering. Friday Gathering is when a class presents and teaches the school about a topic they have been studying. They rotate every week. This is actually Emery's second Friday Gathering which they also refer to as a Learning Celebration. I videoed the one in October from beginning to end. Little did I know it was 30 minutes long. This time, I totally forgot my camera and only had the one I keep in my car, hence the shabby pics. They each shared a fact about their project then they performed a puppet show. Too funny. Rob and I really enjoyed it. Emery did a great job. Of course, she does not shy away from a stage. ;)

"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." Clay P. Bedford

Expert Project

For an assignment at school, Emery was to choose a "passion" that she could present to her kindergarten class. The requirements were: five facts, some type of display (we chose the tri-fold board), drawings should be included, a picture from another source should be included, in their own handwriting (misspelled and all - they have to be able to read what they wrote and more often than not, they know exactly what they wrote even though it looks like another language), include a wonder question (meaning you never know EVERYTHING there is to know about a topic, there is always more to learn) and it should be 5 to 10 minutes long. WOW. Well you know what?? She nailed it. ;) The topic she chose was Zumba. She presented her five facts which were:
1. A Zumba class is a dance fitness party that is usually done to Latin music.
2. A man named Beto created Zumba in 2001. That was 10 years ago. (She then explained how he had left his music for his class in his car so he used what he had in his backpack which happened to be Latin music.)
3. Zumba is for adults. Zumbatonic is for kids.
4. The word Zumba is Colombian for buzz like a bee or move very fast.
5. Zumba is a fun way to exercise. Exercise is a great way to keep your body healthy and strong.
Wonder question: I wonder how many people like Zumba?
Then she ended by demonstrating 4 dance moves to Latin music which were the Beto Shuffle, the Merengue, the Bhangra and the Reggaeton.
She was able to put together most of her board, obviously. Thanks to Michaels and their nice array of supplies that have sticky backing. We helped her decide the layout and I found the pictures and facts on the internet. Easiest project ever. Biting my tongue was THE hardest part. I personally think she can write and spell better than that but what parent doesn't think that. Ha.
Her teacher just sent us her presentation on video and she did great! Rob and I were excited to see her in front of her class (and about 10 adults who were visitors to their classroom) teaching others about her chosen "passion". I was able to snap a few pictures of her practicing her presentation last night. I took her picture this afternoon when she got home. She wore an outfit to match her presentation - "Just Dance". Nice job Emery!

"ZUMBA FITNESS®. MOVING THE WORLD TO A NEW BEAT." Zumba.com

Update

Took the boys for their checkups, 3 years and 6 months. Everything went well. Both have been somewhat under the weather lately but for the most part, thumbs up. Thought it was somewhat funny (and disturbing) to find Klein only 6 lbs behind Riggs. We tried very hard to justify Klein being 23 lbs because he LOVES baby food and Riggs being a mere 29 lbs because he has been sick and has not eaten for 2 days straight. It doesn't help that he doesn't eat much to begin with but you get my point. The doctor wasn't too concerned. Good thing. I just knew we were leaving there with strict orders to shovel food in Riggs' face as often as possible. Obviously, he does not take after his mother. He could live off gum, chocolate milk and pizza. The thing is, he's not picky at all. He will eat most things, he's just not hungry. Lately, once Riggs outgrows his clothes, I put it straight in Klein's drawer if not right onto Klein himself. Ha. I don't even have to pack them away until it's time to wear them. Nice.
Thought I would include a pic of Miss Em. She loves her toenails to be painted but is not a fan of waiting for them to dry. This is her patiently waiting. She only asks, "Are they dry yet?" about every 30 seconds. Even after all the "waiting", one toenail ended up chipped. Good thing she's not OCD like her mother. :)
Happy Weekend!

"A brother is a friend given by Nature." Legouve

Field Trip

Today I was able to go on a field trip with Emery to see "The Beauty and the Beast" ballet and we also attended a puppet show at our public library. Emery loved the ballet, especially since one of my former YW was in it. The puppet show was also entertaining. Actually heard Emery singing the song she learned at the puppet show in the shower tonight. Kind of funny. THANKS to Rob for staying home and keeping the boys. Hitting the gym and taking a nap is hard work...and to think he didn't believe me. ;) Can't wait for more field trips!




"A great teacher never strives to explain his vision. He simply invites you to stand beside him and see for yourself." R. Inman