A New School Year

Well, we've successfully completed two weeks of a new school year. Amanda is now in grade 4, Rebecca in grade 3, and Jillian has started Kindergarten, all in the French Immersion program. So far so good! To be honest I was worried about how Jillian would be starting Kindergarten. She has done so well meeting new children, being a good listener, following the rules, and even speaking a little french. She's excited for this new phase in her life. I'm also excited for Jillian to have this new experience, however I'm not too fond of making 3 trips to the school each day. I feel like my children are growing up way too fast. It seems like it was just yesterday when I held Amanda in my arms for the first time. Of course new and exciting times are ahead, but I wish sometimes that time could stand still for awhile. I love being a mom. Yes, it is challenging, but I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING!

Big Feet, BIG Deal!!!

I've heard of children being afraid of the dark, stormy weather, ghosts, and monsters, but now I have something else to add to the list...BIG FEET! My girls have been watching season 8 of "Full House", and in one of the episodes Michelle (the youngest daughter) has a dream that her feet are enormous! Everyone is making fun of her because of them, and eventually her feet grow so big that they don't even fit throught the doorway. Most people would think this episode was quite humorous, but Jillian has been afraid to go anywhere alone in our house for 2 months. I couldn't even take her shopping for her new inside shoes, or ballet slippers because she refused to try anything on. No matter how many times we tell Jillian that those big feet aren't real, and that it's just a funny show, she just won't believe us. I guess as time passes she'll most likely grow out of this fear. Then I can show her how to make huge foot shadows on the wall in the dark with a lamp on!

Twilight....Jillian style

Over the course of the school year, I've watched Jillian interact with the children in Amanda and Rebecca's classes. Much to my dismay, her favorite thing to do has become chasing boys! She has a few favorite boys whos names are Adam and Noah (AKA Barney). They are both in Amanda's grade 3 class. I've been watching this happen every day after school, and Jillian's sisters would join in the fun, as well as some other kids too. About a week ago I started wondering if this was getting to be too much. I didn't want Jillian to become boy crazy at such a young age, but I decided that it was probably harmless play. Well...a few days ago she proved me WRONG. This was no longer harmless play. I saw Jillian take one of the boys backpacks, and another boy (Tyrone, also in grade 3) try to take it away from her. Then I heard Tyrone scream. At first I thought he was pretending to be hurt, then when he dropped to the ground I realized that he was actually hurt. I ran over to see what had happened, and found Tyrone holding his knee screaming histarically. Jillian felt she had no other choice than to take a BITE out of his knee. There was NO WAY she was giving him the backpack. She felt like that was the only way to defend herself. Tyrone's mom voiced her disapproval of the incident by yelling "Why you no come see?" (She's Chinese) I left the scene feeling like the worst mother alive...allowing my child to bite and all. I wonder why Jillian chose to bite? Ted or I don't bite... none of her sisters do either. Maybe she is secretly reading "Twilight" in her bed at night.

Cuteness

Easter Egg Hunt

This is a little video that Ted put together of our family Easter Egg Hunt. He did the music and some of you may recognize the words, even if you don't recognize the tune. What sweet children I have. Watch how they help each other and look out for each other. I assure you, that's the way it ALWAYS is in our house...

My Favorite Things

As I was driving home from the school today Jillian and Holly were pointing out all the trees that were blossoming. I think it's pretty safe to say that spring has finally sprung! One of my favorite things in the whole world is a tulip tree in bloom. I LOVE them. I started thinking about how negative I had become, and how easy it is for me to get dragged down by all the stress and pressure we face in life. So I forced myself to start thinking of some other things that I was thankful for. My hubby Ted came to mind right away.
I couldn't ask for a better husband, and father for my children. He really is my best friend. I'm thankful for our four beautiful fun little girls. Our curious, sweet little baby boy Luke (who is growing WAY too fast). I'm thankful for our good health, aside from my long list of complaints...oh yea this was supposed to be postive!!! I'm also thankful for our house, and great neighbours.
For the family time that we have together every night where we read the scriptures and feel the spirit in our home. (This is a new one, but it's working out surprisingly well!)

I found a list that I had made when I was in college called "My Happy List" I couldn't believe how long it was. I wondered how I could have forgotten the little things back then that made me happy to be alive. After reading this list, I promised myself to try to be a more thankful person. After all, I really do have so much to be thankful for!!! Here are some of the things on my "Happy List" from 13 years ago:

family,friends
newborn babies, maternity ward in the hospital
smiling children
my health
ice cream, cheese cake
swedish fish, gummy bears, panda bears, teddy bears
long showers
cold cheeks (I lived in Idaho when I wrote this)
the first snowfall
driving in the pouring rain
star gazing, the moon
crunchy fall leaves, hay rides
kittens, puppies, bright colored fish, bunny rabbits
big cozy blankets
waterfalls, snow covered mountains
bear hugs, holding hands
dimples
puddle stomping
slow dancing with someone you like
Hawaii, beaches, sandcastles, the ocean, suntanning
lip gloss that smells and tastes good
crosstitching, playing my flute
making snow angels
taking pictures, looking at pictures
church hymns, temple grounds, missionaries,scriptures, prayers
nail polish, long talks, picnics
caramel apples, rainbows
Christmas, Christmas lights
running through the sprinkler
surprises, getting flowers, good news
pillow fights, blowing bubbles, sunsets
trampolines, porch swings
getting a massage
weddings, dressing up
candles, bow ties on little boys
drive in movies, saturday morning pancakes
kraft dinner, weeping willow trees
compliments, lady bugs, butterflies
vacations, new shoes, country music
late night restaurants, memories
tall trees, wind
soft hair, shaved legs
weird dreams, poetry
fireworks, ferris wheel
getting asked to dance
the smell of leather, clotheslines
slurpies, blowing bubbles with hubba bubba gum
new clothes

We've Only Just Begun...

It all started a few weeks ago when Holly announced that she wanted to marry Lukey because he likes her. She often sings the song from High School Musical to him that starts, "Take my hand. Take a breath. Hold me close, and take one step..." It's so sweet! All this talk had Jillian thinking about how SHE would also like to marry her baby brother. So she started making detailed plans that involved music, dancing, a cake,
beautiful dress, and her whole family there to witness the ceremony. We all helped this vision come alive for Jillian. We had wedding march playing as Jillian walked down the pretend isle. Holly and Amanda were also bridesmaids. Rebecca was her bridesmaid who held her gown at the back so it wouldn't get dirty.
Ted was the one who married the two love birds, and I was the photographer. Lukey looked like such a handsome groom in his little vest and tie. When I was pregnant with Luke, I asked Ted's brother-in-law, Brody, what he remembered about being the only boy and having two older sisters growing up. He said that he remembered being "married off" to all his sisters friends all the time. I'm thinking that Luke will have a similar experience growing up in a family of all girls! What a lucky guy:)

Will Spring EVER come?

It feels like this has been the longest winter ever! I guess I was inspired in November when I bought each of our girls their first pair of snow pants. They have certainly got alot of wear out of them in the past three months. We had our first snowfall in December before the kids got out of school for their winter break. Now here we are in march and it's still snowing! I couldn't believe the size of the flakes falling from the sky last night...and then again today. Even though snow can be very beautiful, and great fun for the kids to play in...I'm starting to wish it would warm up a little so I can start planting some colorful flowers, and go outside without having to bundle everyone up. I'm also looking forward to seeing Lukey in his new bathing suit his Daddy brought home from Minneappolis. Here are some picutures of the girls having fun in the snow this winter.

Have a Laugh on Us

Ever since Amanda was 3, Ted and I have been writing down the funny things our girls have said. We have quite the collection, and it's fun to bring out the book every once in awhile and laugh a little. Here is a small dose of what our girls have said that made us laugh.



Amanda (when she was 3 and 4)

"Daddy's head is round like a circle...is everyone's head like a circle?"

"I'm a mermaid. No a merman because I'm a boy dog."

Amanda takes a toy from a younger child, I tell her it's not a nice thing to do and Amanda deadpans, "I already made the decision."

Amanda lays down on the front steps and says, "Ahh I'm just going to lay down and get a little sunstroke."

Amanda was trying to encourage Becca to go upstairs by herself, "Go ahead Becca, I'm afraid, but I'm not scared."

"Mom, I think I just felt some dinner in my throat."

When Amanda sees that she and Becca's pictures are in the paper she says, "Becca we're heros!"

Amanda describing her seatbelt, " I can't control it...it's like a wild lion."

Rebecca (when she was 3 and 4)

"Even though Jill is a big baby, her big toe is still small right?"

Becca: "Mom, can you get the barbie accessories down?"
MOm: "Jillian is in your room and I don't want to kick her out." (she might choke on them)
Becca: "No, mom just carry her out!"

As our cat Hercules is about to eat a flower Becca warns, "Don't Herk! You'll get dirt in your throat!"

Rebecca looks at the boiling foaming pot of macaroni on the stove and asks, "Mom,why did you put soap in our macaroni?"

While putting her foot on top of 6 month old Jillian's foot Rebecca bites down her teeth and sings, "stepping on little peoples toes."

"Can I be Stephen for Halloween? (A kid from the Barney videos) Maybe Grandma Kurki can make me a Stephen costume."

Jillian ( 3 and 4 years)

"This hospital smells like 100 babies."

Jillian takes a tape measure and measures Luke's foot, "Two seconds." His leg,"5 minutes." His head,"5 dollars."

Jill after being told she's cute responds, "I'm not cute I'm beautiful, remember?"

"My yawns are so warm."

Ted comments that Jillian is getting so tall. Jillian responds by saying," Yeah but I'm still little. That's why I rip small toots."

"Arhhh! I'm losing my temperature!!"

"Santa is such a sneaky little guy."

Jillian sitting on the bathroom floor states, "This floor is so cold it makes my bum freeze into ice."

Holly (3 years)


"Is the apple on the counter poison mom?"

Holly after running around states, "I'm too tired. My neck is broken."

Tina: "Holly do you need some medicine for your nose?"
Holly: "No, for my mouth!"

Locks of Love

Our little Jillian is becoming quite attached to people lately. We noticed this starting a few months ago when we drove a girl home from Amanda's Faith in God activity, and Jillian starting crying histarically because we wouldn't invite her to sleep over. Jillian had never met this girl before, but for some reason she felt extremely attached to her.
We wondered how Jillian would react when it was time for Sean to go back to Korea, because she had grown quite close to him. Sean would play hide and seek, barbies, he'd play tag outside, and at the school playground with Jillian. Despite the age difference, and language barrier Sean and Jillian had become pals.
So a few days before saying goodbye, Ted found Jillian with a small ring box stuffed with her own hair. She wanted to send Sean home with something to remember her by. We just couldn't get upset at her for that.


She did have to make a trip to the hair salon though!

Amanda's 9th Birthday

I can't believe how fast time seems to go. 9 years ago, I became a mother for the first time.

Amanda Caroline Leavitt was our first baby girl, and the first grandchild on my side of the family too. She weighed 9lbs 4oz, and was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen!



She has grown into such a lovely little lady,

and is a very special part of our family.

Amanda's Favorite's List

Harry Potter
sea monsters
Webkinz
ballet (classical and lyrical)
French
tuna sandwiches
her friends
family
"Full House"
"Gilligan's Island"
reading, reading and more reading
horses, cats, dogs
writing stories


We celebrated her birthday this weekend with a party on saturday, and more cake at Grandma Kurki's today. At the party the girls painted picture frames, played some games, and of course had cupcakes and ice cream too.

One of the games we played was called the "flourcake game". It's where you pack flour into a bowl, turn it over to make a dome shape and place a penny on top. Then one by one take turns cutting sections of flour away. The person who makes the penny fall has to find it in the pile of flour with their mouth! The girls were very hesitant at first, but after the first girl fished out the lost penny, Amanda decided to do a face plant into the plate! Then EVERYONE started joining in for fun. The girls quickly got out of control, and began putting flour all over their arms, climbing on the table, and chasing each other around the kitchen and screaming.

I'm pretty sure I'll be sweeping up flour for a week! One girl wanted to keep the flour on her face for the rest of the party so she could show her mom! Even though the flourcake game was a hit with the girls, I might have to come up with a differnt game for Jillian's birthday (which is in 6 weeks)to save my sanity. Any ideas?

A Blast from the Past

I love watching shows from my childhood. So far I've bought the 5 seasons of "The Brady Bunch", 3 seasons of "Gilligan's Island" and 4 seasons of "Family Ties" (my favorite one). A few months ago, I thought I'd introduce my girls to the family sit-com from the 90's "Full House". They LOVE it. Every day after school the first thing Rebecca asks me is "Can we watch Full House?" We now own 5 seasons, with 6, 7 and 8 left calling out to us on the shelf at Future Shop. The girls earned season 5 by doing chores around the house. I finally found something to motivate them to help! If anyone has watched Full House they'd remember Uncle Jesse and how he used to always say "Have Mercy" before kissing his girlfriend. Holly will now look at me with a very serious expression on her face and say, "Mercy". Then give me a kiss. Too funny! Even though these shows are cheesy and outdated, I love the fact that they're lighthearted, fun and clean. Unlike alot of shows you find on TV these days.

A Little Taste of Korea

I really enjoy reading my sister's blogs, and I've wanted to start one of my own...so here I am. I don't think I'm a very good writer, but maybe this will be good practice for me. Before I had children I was an avid journal writer. Since then (9 years ago), I have no record of my family experiences. There is no way I can pick up where I left off, that would be impossible. I can start now, with the newest addition to the Leavitt family.

Three months ago, we welcomed a ten-year-old Korean boy into our home. Sean was so scared and shy at first, ( I don't blame him for that) but in a short time he became a part of our family. He will be going home to Korea in 2 weeks, and we will miss him. Here are some of the memories:

• "What the.....heck" pronounciation: "whatdaaaa hck"


• "Oh man" (Korean black man style)


• "Blah, blah, blah" (he throws this in the middle of sentences all the time. Example: Your mother call. She say blah blah blah, call her.


• He calls Luke "Loohee" (His name is Seoung Hee)


• Sean offered to wash our van, and the next day the top half was nice and shiny, but the bottom half was still very dirty.


• He eats every scrap of food on his plate.


• He LOVES sleepovers, especially with Eric. The first thing they do is have a shower. Yes, THEY have a shower. Then they sleep in the same bed. Not my problem.


• He is a great help with the baby, and even put him to sleep for a nap once or twice.


• He plays barbies with the girls.


• He was caught wearing a tutu and makeup


• He taught the girls some hip hop steps he learned in gym class. He took it very seriously and we had to coax him for a month to get him to show us.