Busy Girls!

With school beginning we are off and running with other activities as well. Dance and Piano for Lizette and Gymnastics for Lexi. This week is our first full week with all of their lessons having begun and it has been fun! 

I'll start with Lexi. She is taking gymnastics at Wings and she absolutely loves it. Her first class was last week and I couldn't have been more proud of our girl. She got right out there and tried everything without hesitation. She listened to directions, spoke to her teacher, and kept on trying even when she fell down or didn't get something the first time. I'm not so sure this would have happened a year ago. With her shyness has come quite a lot of hesitation in trying new things, especially in front of new people. In the past, if she felt like she did something wrong, she would often get embarrassed and cry. This class was a huge moment for her. I was so happy for her. 

And this week she had even improved a lot over last week! This is going to be so great for her confidence. Love it! 

Look at her go! 

Lizette is taking dance and piano and loving both. Her first piano lesson was yesterday and she was literally dancing when we got to her teacher's house. She was so excited! She had a couple of songs ready that she wanted to play for her teacher so that she could display her skills. :) As soon as we got home she was ready to practice.

Her first dance class was today. When I originally asked her about taking dance she said that sounded good. Then I said, "You get to be in parades." She said, "Yes! I want to take dance mom!" I never knew she was such a performer. After signing her up, we found out her first parade is going to be the BSU homecoming parade this month and she is over the moon excited. She also gets to perform at the Festival of Trees and at some other fundraising performances in between. She is taking this very seriously and is very excited to perform in front of people. This is just about all she can talk about. I think a star has been born in our house. :) I never knew she was such a little diva.

Again, I think this is wonderful! She is also blossoming into her personality and I am so happy to see her gaining confidence. This is going to be a great thing for her.

On her way to her first dance class. So excited! 

The Rigby Academy

This past month has been busy for us just as it has been for many families with school beginning. New schedules, activities and all that comes with the transition from summer to the school year. However, this year it is a little different for us as we have decided to homeschool our kids! I've mentioned this before and haven't gone into too much detail yet, so I thought I would dedicate at least one post to this topic. 

The decision to homeschool wasn't easy for me. I was hesitant about the time commitment it would involve. I was worried that I didn't have what it takes to teach my kids. (I'm not exactly a scholar!) I was worried about them not having an opportunity to be socialized properly. I didn't want them to ever feel left out because they are the "homeschooled" kids. 

The main reason I wanted to homeschool began with my two girls. Anyone who has been around them for any length of time knows that they are relatively shy and quiet girls. They are both blossoming into their own personalities and have gained a lot of confidence in themselves which I think is wonderful. But watching them learn in their school environments concerned me quite a bit. Although they were both coming along socially, I didn't feel like they were actually learning much otherwise. Their shy personalities held them back from participating in class and asking questions. I remember being this way and probably not learning as much as I could have just because I was too shy to participate. I wanted more for my girls. I know how it is to be the shy kid, and no matter how much socializing is done in the school environment, it doesn't change the fact that you are still shy. Still afraid to ask questions. Still hesitant to fully participate in all of the activities. I wanted them to be able to have an environment to learn in where they could do and ask anything without hesitation. 

Secondly, (be warned this is slightly political) there were concerns we had about the whole direction of the education system and primarily the public school system. We don't like common core. We feel like education has become such a bureaucracy.  It doesn't seem to be about the kids and teachers anymore. It's more about politics and money. And I will leave it at that.  :) 

When it comes down to it, I don't think there is a black and white choice that is right for every family. Each family has to evaluate the schools in their area, the needs of their children, and go from there. There are some wonderful schools out there and I am definitely not "anti-school" by any means. I am just thankful that we live in a place where each family is free to make the choice that is right for their family. And I am especially thankful that since we do have the desire to homeschool that I am able to stay home and do that. I know that isn't the case for many families and I am grateful for the options that we have. 

So, on to more details about The Rigby Academy. :)  This is our little center of learning: 

Please excuse the poor photos (Sorry Jeff!)  

Each day we begin school between 8:00 and 8:30. Depending on how long breakfast takes. :)  We end at about 12:30 or so. It takes about 4-4-12 hours to get finished. I am using a curriculum based off the book by Susan Wise Bauer called The Well Trained Mind. It's all about learning to learn. There is a lot of reading and writing involved in most all subjects which I really like. We study history, language, writing, reading, math, science and mix in some art when it works. This curriculum is mostly geared to Lizette. Lexi is spending most of her time learning to read and working on Kindergarten curriculum.

So far, the girls are enjoying it a lot. They love participating and coming up with ideas for field trips and activities that we are going to do in class. They do participate in extra curricular activities as well which helps with the social aspect. Lexi does gymnastics. Lizette is doing dance and piano. And I am also part of a local home school organization that hosts activities that we can participate in.

And I am actually loving it much more than I expected! I thought the time commitment would be much more stressful than it has been. It hasn't been that bad. And the time with my kids each day is priceless. We have so much fun and I feel like we are bonding on an entirely different level. It's really fun! Maybe six months from now I'll feel differently, but for now I love it! :)

A Baby Boy

We are thrilled to be adding one more to our family. As I mentioned in my earlier post, it came as quite a shock to be pregnant but it was a very welcomed surprise. In May we found out that our little surprise is a boy! We were all so excited! The girls really wanted a brother. That actually surprised me. I thought they would wish for another little sister to dress up and play with, but they both really wanted a brother.

I can tell you that this pregnancy has felt different than with the girls. For one, this little guy is a kicker! He is constantly moving. I remember when the girls would move or kick, it seemed to be more of an event. With him, it's all the time! Makes me a little nervous! Also, I feel like I'm carrying him slightly higher. I feel like my belly is rounder or something this time too. All I know is I cannot wait to meet him and hold him.

Since finding out we are having a boy, it's been fun to begin preparations! I've started to decorate his room. Here is a sneak peek. :) I'm not quite done, so I'm only showing you one piece of it. Not that the end result will be all that exciting, but I still want it to be all complete before I post pics!

We've also been gathering all the baby gear that we can. Oh goodness! So much seems to be required to care for a baby. You gotta have a crib and car seat of course, but then there are the Boppy pillows and the Bumbos and this and that and the other thing! Thankfully, I have had some great friends that have been giving me their baby gear. And I have also found some fantastic yard sale and thrift store finds. With all of that, we have not had to mortgage our house to gear up for this little guy! Here are a couple of my favorite finds:

$30.00 at a garage sale!

and $15.00 at a garage sale

I've also found a front carrier, Boppy pillow, diaper pail and changing table pad at garage sales. Friends have given me a stroller, Bumbo, car seat, swing, johnny jump up, exersaucer, baby bathtubs, play mat, bottles, food, and TONS of clothes! It's been so great. I've heard people say that it's just not as much fun to shop for little boy clothes. I totally disagree. I think they are so cute! I can't wait to dress my little guy. 

We have decided to name him Luke. This is not a family name or anything. We didn't really name him after anyone we know. It obviously has biblical references, which we like. But we just like the name Luke. The only other Luke I know is the Luke I used to work with. There is Luke Skywalker. Luke Duke. Of course, Luke from the Bible. It seems like most Luke's are pretty good guys. I like that it's a name that fits when he is young and older as well. It's short. Not trendy. Traditional. Yep, Luke it is.

And here are a couple of ultrasound pics of him:

This was the first ultrasound in April. Couldn't believe they got such a nice profile so early on! 

Here he is at 19 weeks when we found out it was a "he"!

Here I am at 30 weeks. Had Lizette take a "belly shot" for me. This was about the best we could get. :) 

I was telling the girls the other day that I've had different cravings with all of them. With Lizette it was bacon. Lexi it was homemade vanilla pudding. With Luke it has been Milk Duds. Hey, I've never claimed to be a healthy pregnant lady. :) I was worried that I wouldn't pass the glucose test because of all the Milk Duds. Dr. Hodges said that was actually probably a good thing because my pancreas was used to processing some sugar. Ha! :) I passed it alright. Guess my pancreas must be in great working order. Those people who eat Kale and such...they think they know so much. It's Milk Duds that will keep you healthy, people! I knew it. And I always knew I liked Dr. Hodges. :) 

Only 10 weeks to go! Maybe less if he comes early like the other two. We are so excited! 

Little House on the Prairie

I loved watching Little House on the Prairie when I was younger. I read some of the books. Not the whole series, but enough to know I loved the stories. A while back, Angel said their family had been watching episodes of Little House and I thought that was a wonderful idea. When my girls were old enough I wanted them to watch it too. I think it teaches great values all the way around. Hard work, honesty, integrity, kindness and so many things you don't find in today's TV programs. When Lizette started into school and began having a few more social/friend issues and coming home with "attitude" once in a while, I thought maybe it was time to begin our Little House journey. I wanted her to see the contrast between Laura and Nellie and how the Ingalls girls showed the utmost respect to their parents. :)

Jeff found the entire series online so we bought it and have been watching it over the past several months. The girls absolutely love it. They talk about Mary and Laura and Carrie and all of their adventures. They worry when Ma and Pa have had a problem. Lizette has cried during a couple of episodes. (Who hasn't?!) I am constantly saying things like, "Would Mary and Laura act like that?" or "It's not so bad just having to sweep the floor. At least you don't have to sweep out the barn like the Ingalls girls did."

Aunt Abby knew how much the girls loved the show and couldn't resist making them some prairie dresses. :) She is so talented and nice! They turned out sooo cute and they will be worn and worn as they watch and play Little House. Love them!

We decided to all get into the spirit of things a while back and at least try on the bonnets. :)

It might be a little scary seeing this bonnet on the prairie! :) 

Family Gathering in Utah

After we returned from Grandma Hill's funeral in Washington, we turned right around around and left for a family gathering in Utah over the weekend of July 12. My niece Lori was going to be in town visiting from Alaska with her new baby, Cooper. We so rarely get to see her that we had to take the chance to go. While she was in town, Karrie had planned a big picnic and family gathering so that everyone would have the chance to visit and catch up while she was there. A few of us from Karrie's family as well as a bunch of the Averett family (her husband, Cary's family) were there as well as many friends. It was lots of fun to be there.

Here are a bunch of random pictures from our visit. Lizette wanted to take pictures that day so many of these are courtesy of her. :)

Lexi and cousin Kelsie

Me and our dear family friend, Judy Bell. Our families go way back. Our mom's were best friends! 

Me holding little Cooper. He is the sweetest, happiest little baby! Made me excited to have ours! 

Cute Diane!

 And cute Hailey! She loves anything cheetah and she came in costume that day. 

Me and my sistas!

An abstract family photo we thought was cool at the moment. :) 

My sweet niece Emma and Lizette

Me, Diane, Abby and Emma.

Grandma Hill and a trip to Washington

In June we found out that Jeff's Grandma Hill was not doing well. She had fought a long battle with breast cancer and had recently taken a turn for the worse. Marsha headed over to Camas and began pretty much around the clock care. Hospice care was called in and we all knew it wouldn't be long. They said maybe two weeks to a month. Jeff and I decided to make a trip over on the 4th of July so that we could say our goodbye's and see her one last time. However, she was called home before we had that chance. She passed peacefully in her home on June 30.

Grandma's full name was Martha Maxine Williams Hill. She was born in Coalville, Utah. After marrying her husband, Wesley Hill, they lived much of their life in Portland, OR where they raised their three kids, Marsha, Jim and John. She loved to serve and served in many capacities throughout her life. She was a great example to all of us.

She also LOVED music! This was at the center of her life. She played and taught piano for years. In fact, this is how she and her husband met. He was also a musician and needed an accompanist when he was in college as a singer. Someone suggested Maxine and the rest is history. :)

We are lucky enough to have inherited her piano and could not be more thrilled. It is beautiful and we will always cherish it. We brought it home after her funeral and Lizette has been playing it ever since. We are going to get her signed up for lessons soon. Isn't it beautiful?

Her funeral was held on July 5, so we headed over to Washington on the 4th and met up with the rest of the family. My cousin Amy lives in Vancouver...just minutes away so we were able to stay with her and have a great visit while we were in town. It was great to have all the Rigby's together and to be able to see so much family over the weekend. We spent a day on the coast, visited Multnomah Falls and spent a lot of time visiting. Here are some pictures from the weekend:

We met up with Grandpa Rigby and Micah and Hilary's families at Multnomah Falls on the way to Washington. Beautiful! Jeff is photo bombing Micah's family portrait above. :) 

Some family shots after the funeral. Everyone is growing up! Beautiful family. Love them! 

With cousin Amy at the beach. They love her! 

Some down time at the beach the day before we all went home. It was a beautiful day. 

Lexi hit it off especially well with Monroe, Micah and Martine's youngest. Monroe was great at helping Lexi to come out of her shell and they played so well together. Cute girls! 

Summer Fun!

When we are not taking little road trips here and there, our typical summer days consist of either going to the pool, catching one of the dollar movies at Edwards, having a play date or just playing around home. Pretty simple life here. We have been trying to fit in some reading too, but it seems to be only when it conveniently fits into our play schedule. :) I'm not very disciplined about keeping the girls on a strict summer reading program and all that. I try, but for the most part we play. Or I should say they play! 

Of course summer is a great time to get out and get active. I have to admit that the heat keeps me from wanting to be outside much. I can already see my ankles swelling up with this pregnancy! I have mustered up the courage to get outside a bit though. :) The girls tried out tennis for the first time this summer and Lizette loved it. It may be another year or two before Lexi gets the hang of it. Lizette was convinced that tennis is her sport though. That made me happy as I played in high school. I love tennis! I'm sure she will change her mind a few times before she finally settles on a sport that she wants to focus on. Lexi loves to try just about anything so it will be fun to see what she ends up enjoying the most too. They both want to take gymnastics this Fall. It will be fun to watch how that goes for them. 

Here are a few pics of our summer days...

I think swimming may be their favorite summer activity. Probably is for most kids! 

With Lizette's BFF Callie Sue at her birthday party this summer. 

Lexi pooped on one of our many road trips.