Piano and Spring Soccer

I traveled part of the week to Bismarck, North Dakota. It was cold and dreary - and it has been cold and dreary in Missouri for the past few days as well (but a bit warmer!). The kids are doing well and Matt is chugging along as well - helping out with the Science Go Round at Nola's school (no pictures though)! We also learned that Brenner's teacher will be leaving the district next year - she is awesome and will be missed so we are thinking of something special to send her off!

These two goofs wanted me to take this picture! Nola looks so tall!

Working on Brenner's piece for Sunday. He also got "Ode to Joy" and was told to practice left and right hand separately. That didn't last long - he was determined to get it, which he did. I love it - it is one of my favorite songs!

B played Holy, Holy, Holy. He did very well - super proud of him!

Sunday afternoon was the start of spring soccer. This is the last 3 v. 3 season for them as U10s.

Brenner going toe to toe with an opponent - haha!

Not sure what Brenner is doing with his tongue.

Check out that form. Ravens Tristan (King Arthur theme this spring) went 2 for 2 - great way to start the season. Our next game isn't until May 7!

Grandma Val came to cheer on Brenner! It was chilly and cloudy but we had a good time.

Some of Nola's opinion writing about skittles and ice cream :)

Love Nola's drawings. And she is funny about wanting to use gold to buy a harp!

Nola loves her teacher because she gives them M&Ms - I would like that if someone did that for me when I do a good job :)

Grade cards and a weekend at home

The kids had "spring break" this week - early out Wednesday and head back tomorrow. The deserved a break getting great report cards! We also had a weekend at home (well Matt was gone) - which hasn't happened since December - woohoo!

These two are kickin' it at school - way to go! Not only are their grade great but we hear from their teachers what good listeners and leaders they are at school. Very proud of these two!

Some kind words from Nola's teacher.

GULP! I had to do a double take on "Class of 2026"! Brenner's teacher called me this week and told me about how he and his classmates were fantastic at recess with a major soccer game. She was impressed with their maturity and sportsmanship even though they lost.  She on the other hand was "yelling like a soccer mom" and even had another teacher come over and ask if they should break up the game. Brenner's teacher responded - "Not until they finish this play!". Too funny - she is an awesome teacher. We are blessed to have her!

The kids watching Toby Mac music videos (and delaying going to bed) - but I love hearing them sing along and the videos provide us with some additional talking points.

Nola "helping" Brenner play the piano. He is a great teacher!

Matt worked hard cleaning up the burned out Hermitage. But great progress was made.

Nola made a kite on Saturday......

....while Brenner took a nap.....

.........someone else had the same idea at Hermitage!

Plants getting big for our garden!

One of Nola's worksheets - she has great skills :)

A sample of some of Brenner's math work. He forgets labels at times!

Some social studies that Brenner is learning - great job, Brenner! And I love that relevant topics like immigration are worked into their learning.

Basketball ends and a new decade begins

Nola wrapped up basketball this week - yeah! And I celebrated my 40th birthday. Kudos to Matt for making it a wonderful weekend. I am ready to meet the new decade with humor, love, and grace! I was so blessed with the BEST cards, kind texts, and great company!

Do you think she will learn to run with her tongue in?!

Nola got fouled on a shot and made both free throws. This is her second one going into the hoop! She made another basket as well for 4 points - way to go Nola!

The kids loved their medals!

Nola and her buddy morning - what a pair of cuties. Brenner is taking a shot in the background!

Nola had the largest cheering section - thanks to PawPaw Floyd, Grammy Vo, Aunt Theresa, Uncle Chuck and Grandma Val for making the trip in the snow!

The PTA hosted a movie night on Friday - showing Percy Jackson's The Lightening Thief! Brenner was waiting patiently for his friends! Drystan did show up and they had a ball. Us moms had a good time too!

My birthday is special to this lady too - I love my mom and her love for us!

The Parker clan!

On Saturday, we met up with Itati, Jerry, and Rhonda for a sushi lunch. We then headed to an olive oil store - taking shots of oil and vinegar. A bit different from say my birthday 19 years ago :) Matt then took me to on our our favorite hotels and spa. I was treated like a queen! Thanks, babe!

Grammy brought some fun hats back from Mexico for the kids. Nola is saying "Ole!"

Some of Brenner's great school work!

Some more examples of the work Brenner is doing in class.

Nola's class did an engineering lesson - building a bridge out of pennies that would hold a lego. She did a great job - love that they do projects likes this.

Nola's random drawings at home. Such a sweet kid - along with her brother!

Reading and basketball

Busy week with my dad remaining in the hospital on a roller coaster ride. Dad is doing better - had a great visit with him today. Despite the stress of his being in the hospital, we have had some wonderful conversations and for that I am very thankful. Please keep sending your prayers! This week the pictures are Nola-heavy and Brenner-lite - just the way it goes! I generally think Nola is more like Matt - laid back, easy going, funny. But this week, I felt a little of me in her - she read her first book by herself and played basketball like a mini-Jo :) It was nice to have a break from the stress of dad being the hospital. Brenner did well this week but has that pesky infection back in his finger....keep your fingers out of your mouth, son!!!!
Cute story on Nola. She told me last night that she had a headache and gets dizzy. I told her that she needs to drink more water and get rest. She said "I think I will ask Grandpa's doctor when we are at the hospital tomorrow." And wouldn't you know it - she did. Nurse Norida got a kick out of Nola's question and answered "Are you drinking enough water?" VINDICATION!!!! Nola listened to Nurse Norida's instructions and told me I needed to tell Mrs. Lenz (her teacher) that she needs to drink more water at school. It was too funny! 

It was Dr. Seuss week at school and Nola wanted to celebrate by reading this quite substantial book on her own. She only needed help once or twice. Good job, girl!

Nola before her game Saturday. It was fun to help her warm up - perhaps I will volunteer to coach next year!

Bringing the ball down the court.

Nola and her bestie Morgan. These girls were born five weeks apart and have gone through so much together - amazing seeing how much they have changed over the years!

Here they are at two years old in the church nursery!

Back to basketball - Nola was "scrappy" according to Grandma Val. Note three on and one and she didn't back down.

In fact - she went for the basket and scored!

Later she got fouled on the shot and got to shoot two. She made one free throw.

Nola for the stuff! Love that she isn't intimidated by the boys - I think having Brenner as an older brother helps with that! She ended up scoring 5 points - way to go!

Cute pictures of the kids Sunday night paying (unknowlingly) homage to Kansas City! They are growing up too fast.

Guess what Nola wants to be when she grows up!

Brenner's class is learning fractions - he said they are easy.

Some of B's language arts work.