Graduations and Award Ceremonies

This week I felt like I have spent everyday at school with the kids. Unfortunately with the boys having afternoon kindergarten, they had to sit through it all too which can be pretty boring for six-year-olds. But I find it very important that siblings support each other in their accomplishments. Eric had his award assembly on Monday. He was awarded the much coveted PE award (even with a broken arm.) We were both shocked by that one, especially after my voicemail to the PE teacher. He also received the citizenship award, Pride award, and 4.0 GPA. On Tuesday, they had a special breakfast for the kids that had Straight A's all year long. So the twins and I got to attend that also with Eric. Out of all the ceremonies that Nathan and Zachary had to sit through this week, that was by far their favorite, for obvious reasons!

Wednesday was kindergarten graduation. That was cute. Zachary was kind of in a bad mood and didn't want to smile for any of the pictures or sing any of the songs with the class. I am not sure why he was so grumpy. But regardless, it was a nice graduation. Both boys are very anxious for 1st grade and they keep asking me if it will be harder. I assured them that it would be harder than kindergarten, but it would still be way too easy. That's the problem with being so smart. It's a good problem to have though.

Erin's graduation was on Thursday. Unfortunately I didn't know about her graduation until after I made a doctor appointment for Eric. So I had to leave before everyone walked across the stage and before refreshments. The boys and I left right after Erin walked. She gave a graduation speech in front of the entire 5th grade and all their parents. I was very proud of her for her courage. She wrote her speech herself and she delivered it without one hint of being nervous. She claims she was very nervous though. She earned Straight A's and she was the Accelerated Reader winner for her class. It was a close competition between her and another girl. I couldn't get Erin to put a book down for the last month of school. I almost called her teacher to see if she could assist me by ending the contest early. Erin read a lot and won a Border's gift card. Mrs. Booth is taking a few students to the movies today to celebrate them getting over 300 AR points. I believe Erin had about 700 points.

I am ready for summer. I figure the faster we get through summer, the faster Mario comes home. Melissa, Justin, and Max are coming tonight for a couple weeks to help us pass the time. We have a great vacation planned for Phoenix, Grand Canyon, and Sedona next week. Poor Eric will be limited on what he can do with a broken arm, but it should be fun to see the Grand Canyon.

88 days to go!

Mario's Kabul Branch

Erin's alien

Prayer

Mario was telling me that one of his co-workers asked him to give a "blessing" before their mission today. They had to travel further than normal and with the recent attacks in Kabul, I guess this guy was feeling a need for prayer. From what Mario has told me, he doesn't seem a particularly religious man. Another co-worker agreed that a prayer would be a good idea and asked Mario if he would like to pray. Mario told him that he was leading this mission so it was up to him if he wanted a prayer. A fourth guy who is religious agreed to a prayer. So all four of them bowed their heads as Mario said a prayer.

That scene with them all dressed in their armor reminds me of the painting that hangs in my family room. I am grateful that Mario sets such a good example for his troops.

American Girl Doll

The American Girl Doll saga continues. Eric and Erin made a trade today. Erin gave Eric her DSI that she recently purchased off of ebay in exchange for $40 and her doll back. So Christy came off of ebay. I have to admit, I was pleased with the deal. I think they both came out winners on that one. Eric got a DSI for only $65 out of pocket. Erin got her doll back that she can sell anytime she would like to make up the lost money on the DSI. I was glad to see the doll stay. I am pretty attached to them too. I feel that they keep Erin young and the longer we can keep her young, the better. I am not ashamed to say that I enjoy dressing them with Erin. It is something we both like and have in common (we both like to cook too, but dressing dolls doesn't make me gain weight.)

Gila Valley Temple Dedication

Today was a great day! Eric got to attend the 9 am session of the Gila Valley Temple Dedication and Erin and I went to the noon session. We had to alternate sessions because Nate and Zach aren't old enough to attend. It was a beautiful dedication and I am glad that our Stake was able to participate. An interview with the Bishop was required to attend, so Erin got to have her first temple recommend interview.

I was a little sad during the dedication because I saw all the husband and wives sitting together enjoying this special moment and I was sad that Mario couldn't be there. I knew he would want to be there more than anything. But this last 3 months will pass quickly. Seeing the slideshow of the many beautiful temples during the first 30 minutes made me dream of a time when Mario and I are hopefully able to serve a temple mission together.

The boys were well behaved for Eric while I was gone for that 3 hours. Everyone got along really well today and I felt a lot of peace in our home. That reminds me of a promise that I think came from President Eyring today...when we attend the temple, we will have peace and those around us will too. I loved that. I wish there was a temple in Tucson. Then I would go weekly just for that blessing alone!

Pet Tortoise

Mario's shop has some new pets...4 tortoises. They were a gift from their translator. They were supposed to go in their new fountain. Unfortunately they sink, instead of swim like turtles, so they have to live in a wood box. From what I have seen (through several pictures), they get a lot of attention when they are out for a walk, even from the General on the base. Sounds funny to walk a tortoise!

The boys want to know if Mario can bring one home in his suitcase.