January 2017

This month has flown by. Jessica has been very involved with musical rehearsals for CATS at school. She has also started voice lessons with Houston Hill. Lily picked up a second gymnastics class and the boys have joined her with a class as well. So far they are enjoying it and keeping me busy.

Friday, Ammon and I went on a date after I attended his ARD. It went well, but after the ARD, we had a frank discussion about how much easier it would be to get him services that he needs if we had a diagnosis. I'm praying hard for the geneticist to find something we can go on. They assured me that they will give him everything he needs, but it's more difficult without more than speech to justify the services. I get it - I work in this district too and know how much pressure we get.

Anyway - Ammon was really excited about his "playdate" with mom. We went to the park with Zoey, our new dog and Ammon played to his heart's content. Then we went to Chikfila and he played some more while I watched. It was fun. He's getting so big and it's easier to understand him. He's come a long way in PPCD. I'm definitely grateful for their help in getting him to where he is at.

Saturday, Gavin and Lily participated in the UIL academic competitions. Lily in ready writing and Gavin in storytelling. They both did well but didn't quite place to move on. I was actually good with that. I couldn't imagine another day of hanging around all day in a crowded cafeteria to see if they would make it. Gavin advanced to the final round, but he got distracted waiting for his turn and forgot his story. They let him go out and breathe a bit. He came back in and did great, but I'm sure his hesitation cost him the win. That was okay - I was proud of the job he did anyway. I didn't know he was so good at it because he would never practice for me.

Jhonny is considering going into the remodeling business this summer and quitting his teaching job. I'm nervous and anxious for him to make more money to support us. I would love to quit my job and be a full-time mom. Ahh the life. Or at least part time, maybe?

2016 Year in Review

2016 has been sooo busy that I really haven't stopped to take the time to blog it. I've downloaded some pics and hope to hit the highlights for posterity's sake. Hopefully, I can finish this project before I run out of time!

Chalice -  bought broadway series tickets for the first time in 17 years. Jhonny and Chalice sold the house in Rockdale - Finally! She started off teaching sunbeams (3-4 yr olds) and ended the year teaching Jessica's Sunday school class (13-14 yr olds). Still working as a counselor at CRHS.

Jhonny - went to Mexico a LOT! Moved to the 4th grade classroom and has hopes of getting out of teaching soon. Helped teach sunbeams and then was called to be a ward missionary. Has worked on many home improvement projects - including a mud wall (area for coats, backpacks and shoes), refinishing a table, finishing a backsplash to go with new kitchen granite countertops, painting the kid's rooms, installing/replacing carpet and flooring upstairs. We also just signed a contract to get solar panels installed.

Jessica - graduated from 8th grade with lots of recognitions and improving her singing talents along the way. She turned 14! Started high school and has already begun establishing a name for herself in the music department. She's been super busy!! Chalice got to go to girl's camp with her this summer. Jessica also started going to stake dances and dealing with boys and their crushes.

Lily - Choir, cheerleading, gymnastics, girl scouts, piano lessons and now a 5th grader! She's ending the year with oral surgery that she is NOT looking forward to. She is growing into a beautiful and responsible young lady. She is also super funny on her youtube channel where she hopes to become famous someday. We shall see.

Gavin- turned 8 this year and got baptized! Tried piano lessons and kind of liked it. Loves Pokemon, video games, Dan TDM, and reading. Still the sweetest boy ever! Started Choir this year.  He's in TAG again and dealing with more homework. Super smart, but having a hard time with what we think is probably ADHD. Most importantly - He loves his mommy and she loves him.

Ammon - Got moved to PPCD, had to have more tubes put in his ears, turned 4 (but thinks he's 3). We can finally understand him 80% of the time. Hoping that we will get a diagnosis in 2017 of what is wrong. Hopefully for Christmas this year he will be potty trained. He's doing so much better. Still not ready for kinder next year, but it looks like we will not have another choice. So kinder in 2017 here he comes! and with that no more daycare and hopefully no more diapers!!

The Marcano Family - spent a weekend in Port Aransas after winning a silent auction bid at Dancing with the Teachers. They went on a Cruise to Mexico and then drove to UT and Idaho to visit family. They hiked Mt. Timpanogas to see the ice caves. Went camping with the Ellis family. Gavin got baptized. Saw some old friends in UT and fireworks. Went to Lagoon with Ginger's family.

Now for some pics!

Christmas 2015

Super Ammon 

8th grade UIL Solo Competition - Amarilli earned a I

YW New Beginnings

Ammon starts PPCD (school ALL day long!)

Gavin and Mom's Valentine's date to Austin Parks and Pizza

my pretty 8th grader

4th grade Lily

District Cheer showcase

Brothers!

Brooklyn Zaugg's baptism

Easter egg hunting 2016

CDF One Act Play - 4 am. Jessica played Juliet

Empty bowls festival. Lily had a solo

Lily is 10! Mom's bday date to Applebee's

Lily's silly face is better than mine

Friends and Family over for cake on the real day!

Camp Champions 2016!

Zach PPC's Mixed Tape show with Brendon. It was AWESOME!

Jessica named Choir student of the year.

Ammon turns 4!

He's really a minion.

8th grade awards ceremony! 

Goodbye Middle School!

Weekend in Port Aransas

 

Ammon turns 4! (but says he is 3)

Jhonny celebrates 41 years!

Grandma Ellis celebrates 65! she sure doesn't look it!

Lily and Gavin at their piano recital with AJ, their teacher.

Ammon found a permanent marker and not only decorated his face, but also his room. It took til December to get the room painted over and remove the artwork. 

CDF MS Talent show - last one! Jessica sang "Stand in the Light"

End of Year GS party

Jessica invited to sing at the District Principal's conference

Gavin turns 8

Gavin at Cub Scout Camp

So great to be 8!

Impromptu party at the pool!

Jessica gets a grown up haircut day before the cruise!

Progresso Mexico

Breakfast on the Cruise ship

Can't believe it ended so soon!

Happy 14th birthday to Jessica!

Breakfast date to IHOP

with friend Alyssa who was moving to Kansas right after our date

Trip to ID/UT

Stopping in Moab

New Provo Temple

Hiking with Spencer's kids

Long hike - we are sooo out of shape! Ammon freaked out inside the caves. I think the water dripping sound did it. He wanted out!

View on the way to Idaho

Long hours in the car go better with headphones and movies

Gavin got baptized in Kimberly, ID

Real set of scriptures from Grandma Ellis

The family who showed up for the baptism

Uncles, Grandpa's and cousins who stood in the circle

Kip Stanger, Kevin Ellis, Jhonny Marcano, Matthew Ellis, Erik Lathen, Randy Ellis, Spencer Ellis, Gavin in front

The aunts - Giner, Tanya, and Shelley

The cousins

Grandpa and Grandma Ellis

Marcano Family

4th of July Family Selfie

Lagoon 2016!

With Ginger, Erik, Rigby and Weston!

The car ride

I have a pic like this of me and Spencer

Ammon loves the choo choo train!

Girls Camp 2016.. Bandana headbands are the thing

Love this girl. Glad I got to go to YW girl's camp this year.

Jake came home from Jordan/Quwait. Never seen his wife so happy.

Welcome home Jake party!

Ammon goes back to school

1st day of 3rd grade

1st day of 5th grade

makes me flip out!

1st day of 9th grade and seminary!

1st day back of PPCD

1st stake dance

He's so sweet when he's sleeping

Homecoming 2016

Homecoming was the same night as my Newsies tickets

Chalk Walk 2016

Gavin and Mom at CRHS undefeated football game

Lily figuring out her Halloween costume. Miranda Sings was the winner.

Fall Concert at CRHS

So nice to have Jessica at school on my Bday

It's my Bday buddy!

Gavin's 3rd grade PTA music concert about hats

Halloween 2016 

GS Fall Campout 2016 at Zilker Cabin

Hike to Austin's nature and science reserve

Jessica made it into all region choir 3rd year in a row and qualified for all-state auditions

Walking with mom in the morning. Great to have lone time!

Dad do I really look like you?

Zara Larsson made a surprise appearance at CRHS. Lily skipped the beginning of school to see her.

CDF vertical concert. Gavin is in choir - but for how long? 

Lily's 3rd year in choir. 

 

Off to see Cinderella with Mom 

Carols and Cocoa vertical concert 2016 

Jessica wowed audiences with her featured solo "Snowflakes"

Christmas PJ's 2016

Yep Ammon got 2 pairs and couldn't decide