Swim Class - Shrimp

Last week Ava started swim class.  We signed her up for 2 two-week sessions at the shrimp level (parent and me).  This first session she has been doing so good her teacher recommended we move her up to the guppy level with no parent.  So, starting next week Ava will be a guppy and start to learn to swim on her own (or so we hope).

Ava and Rich heading out for their 1st day of swim class.  Ava loves riding daddy's bike.  Unfortunately this will be the last summer she will fit in the seat.

Last year we had to force Ava to go underwater, but this year that is the first thing she does when she gets in the pool.  Ava loves going underwater and does it for most of the class.  She is getting good at holding her breath and will even open her eyes underwater.

Ava working on kicking her legs.

Ava loves the noodles.  They are good to get her to kicking, but she likes playing more.  In this picture her and Rich were taking turns blowing water through the tube.

Ava swam over to give me a Hi-5.

Ava going underwater to get a ring toy.

Ava's teacher helping her swim to Rich.

Ava swimming underwater to Rich.

Good times with daddy.  Hopefully she will have just as much fun next week with Rich just watching.

I don't know why it always happens that we sign up for swim class during the coldest weeks of the summer.  Poor Ava has been freezing.  She even got out of the pool early one night.

Papa and Nonna Kurz bought this cute butterfly towel/robe to help warm Ava up after class.  We always bring a change of clothes and now this warm robe to wrap up in.

Oh, and check out her new Scooby-Doo Crocs.  Papa and Nonna Kurz bought those too.  Nonna loves Scooby-Doo and couldn't resist.  Ava is a very lucky, loved, and often spoiled big girl.

Fun at the Park

Life has been so busy lately that we haven't stopped to enjoy the simple things (like playing at the park).  Last Saturday after running errands and completing chores we took a break at the park.  Ava was so excited and Rich looked forward to flying our kite.  When we first got there we flew the kite.  Ava enjoyed it for a bit, but preferred playing on the playground.  It was a fun outing and great to just play together.

Ava really liked running around with the kite.  The only problem is she kept running the wrong way and the kite would not stay up.

I just love seeing the smile on Ava's face and know she is happy.  It makes me happy.

Ava got the kite up high a few times.

Rich had a good time flying the kite and was sad when Ava was ready to move on to the playground.

Rich helping Ava do pull-ups.

Ava trying to help Rich.  She was pretty sure she could lift him.

Ready, Get Set, Go!

Rich got stuck and Ava won.

Hi-5 before the race.

I kind of got stuck too, so Ava won again.

At first Ava enjoyed the climbing wall.

I think this picture looks cool, but by this time Ava was saying, "get me down."

Mother's & Father's Day

As I was getting ready to blog about Father's Day I realized I forgot Mother's Day.  So this post is a 2-for-1.

This is shortly after I cut my hair too short.  I had to wear headbands for over a month because my bangs stuck straight up (darn callics).  I've learned my lesson and won't go that short again.

This was the best family picture we could manage.

I got a back pillow for the car.  This has made long car trips more comfortable.

Rich and Ava got creative and painted portraits of me.

Ava and I found a white tie at Michael's for her paint.  She was so excited.

Ava decided to paint the tie light blue, blue, and red.  It looked cool and was patriotic.

I bought Rich the book, "The Earth Shall Teach Thee:  The Life Work of an Amateur Artist" by Boyd K. Packer, to support and inspire his creative side.  I also included a note and plan to allow Rich more time to work on his stone carving.  I know it is something he would love to do, but it is hard to find time.  I hope this new plan will allow him to be creative and make time for himself.

Ava enjoyed decorating Rich's other present.  I helped her write "Dad", but she wrote her own name.

We gave Rich a little air compressor and some other fun things Ava found at the hardware store.

Rich is wearing the awesome tie Ava made.

Ava says the craziest things...

At the dinner table Ava likes to make her food talk.  It is pretty entertaining.  Today she helped two cherries carry on a conversation.  This is what they said...

Cherry #1:  "Come on family.  We need to go to Ava's tummy."
Cherry #2:  "Where is Ava's tummy?"
Cherry #1:  "Here it is." (putting the cherry in her mouth)


A long time ago my tummy gurgled and Ava asked me what the noise was.  I told it is was my tummy talking and telling me it is hungry.  She picked up on that and every since her tummy and other body parts talk too.  Usually what she says is pretty funny, but the other day we had a conversation that had me rolling with laughter and hoping she would never repeat it in public.  (I hope this isn't too much information)

Ava:  "My bootie is tired.  It needs to rest a little bit."
Me:  "Your bootie doesn't talk."
Ava:  "My bootie is growing a mouth."
Me:  "Your bootie doesn't have a mouth."
Ava:  "My bootie is growing a mouth hole."
Me:  "Your bootie isn't growing a mouth.  It has a hole already.  That is where pooh-pooh comes out."
Ava:  "My bootie is growing and growing and growing a mouth."
Me:  At this point I just gave up and started laughing.


Ava also sings the craziest songs.  There are times I feel like we are living in a musical.  She sings about things that she is doing, but also has started creating some original lyrics.  Some of our favorites...
-"The alligator tried to get me, but I didn't get into his tummy."
-"When I was a baby daddy took me to church and I turned into a whale and an alligator and a monkey."
-"I was married to my mommy and to my daddy."
-"A bunny rabbit came to me.  And I talk to him.  And he was a big giant bunny that tried to get me.  He tried to eat me and bite me with his tongue."

The Temple Calms My Troubled Heart

Last week started out normal, but then Wednesday I received a phone call that created an internal struggle.  That afternoon our adoption worker called with a possibility.  She knew it was not what we were expecting, but wanted us to make the decision.  As she began to speak my heart started pounding and I was a little excited.  As she told me the situation my heart sank a bit and then the struggle began.

The situation was a possible adoption of a sibling group.  There were three kids ages 9, 7, and 15 months.  They were not in foster care, but staying with a Bishop's family because the grandmother could no longer care for them.  The Bishop and his wife came across our adoption profile and thought we might be a good match.

My initial reaction was no way.  I think the first thing I said was "we don't even have a car that would fit all of us."  At first all I could think about was all of the changes that would need to take place to adopt three children at one time.  I felt overwhelmed by the idea and scared.

As I continued to talk to our worker I began to calm down and consider the possibility.  I decided I didn't want to just say no.  One thing I've learned in life is that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and it is not always the same plan we have for ourselves.  I also know that whatever His plan is for me He will help me and support me.  With this testimony I didn't want to give up on something that maybe a part of my plan just because I was scared.  So I told our worker I would talk to Rich and pray to see if this was right for our family.

The next two days were rough and I was a mess.  I think this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make.  I felt like I was torn in two and constantly wrestled back and forth over the decision.  I found it difficult because there was not a right and wrong.  Each choice could be right and whatever decision we made would effect our family's and these children's lives forever.


As Rich and I talked about it we made a plan to come to a decision.  We decided to continue to do the things we do each day, pray and read the scriptures.  We also decided we would each go to the temple.  We agreed we would make a decision together after going to the temple.

On Friday night I had my chance to go to the temple.  I couldn't wait to go.  I was truly struggling and needed the quiet peace of the temple.  For two days I wavered back and forth between the chaos of instantly being the mom of four kids and the possible joy at realizing my dream of having a big family.  As I went to the temple I had an idea of what I thought was right, but I needed a confirmation.  I went to the temple that night with a pray in my heart and seeking guidance.

As I sat in the celestial room in the Sacramento Temple I found the peace and confirmation I desperately needed.  As I sat quiet and still I knew that this was not the right thing for me or my family.  This is the impression I had been feeling, but sitting in the temple without the distractions of the world I was able to receive a confirmation and have my troubled heart calmed. 

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for the temple and the peace it can bring.  I was a complete wreck as I walked into the temple, but as I left I felt light, happy, and completely at peace.  Even as I drove home I remember having a big goofy smile on my face because all of the worrying and pressure had been lifted off my shoulders.  I knew what was the right thing for this situation and I didn't doubt or question anymore.

*********

Now that it is a week later I do not doubt our decision.  It was made together with the help from above.  I know through prayer, scripture study, and going to the temple we were guided to do what was right for us in this situation.  I am still sad that we have not added to our family and desparately want Ava to have a sibling, but I have faith when (or if) the time is right it will happen.  I am placing my hands it the Lord's and letting Him lead me.  I am open to Heavenly Father's plan for me and will try to do His will.  I know whatever comes my way (kids or no more kids) I am not alone and that I have a kind and loving Heavenly Father that watches over me.

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One of my favorite Primary Hymns:

I Will Follow God's Plan

Children’s Songbook, 164–65

My life is a gift; my life has a plan.
My life has a purpose; in heav’n it began.
My choice was to come to this lovely home on earth
And seek for God’s light to direct me from birth.
I will follow God’s plan for me,
Holding fast to his word and his love.
I will work, and I will pray;
I will always walk in his way.
Then I will be happy on earth
And in my home above.

Words and music: Vanja Y. Watkins, b. 1938. © 1981 IRI

Daddy Time

One of the things I love about Rich is he puts family first.  He always makes sure "his girls" (as he likes to call us) are taken care of and happy.  He works hard all day and then comes home to play with Ava.  Rich always makes sure to give Ava the quality time she needs and makes sure she knows she is important to him.  I am a lucky woman to be married to a wonderful man and excellent father.

Ava is feeding Rich the "vanilla ice cream" she made.  Ava's favorite thing to do in the sandbox is make ice cream and then feed it to us.

Rich and Ava dug a big hole and then buried Rich in the sand.  His legs are completely buried in the sand.

Water Hopscotch

Yesterday Ava got a new toy to help her stay cool during the hot summer.  I found a water hopscotch game and knew it would be perfect for Ava whose newest mode of transportation is jumping.  At first she was cautious and walked around it a few times before trying it out.  But once she gave it a try she loved it and jumped back and forth for about 20-30 minutes.  Even Rich and I gave it a try.  I think it will be a great way to enjoy playing outside during the hot summer.

First time through and she is already smiling.

I love this picture because of the big smile on her face and it looks like she is running through the air.

Another good jumping picture.

This picture is to show off Ava's cute swim suit.  This is the suit she picked out.  She loves the wings on the back.  When I asked her if she is a bumblebee she replies, "the wings are not real they are pretend wings."

In this picture Rich just jumped and made the water squirt up higher in Ava's face.  It was pretty funny.

Ava liked to try and drink the water.

After a long day of running errands and playing in the sun Ava was exhausted.  She was so tired she laid down on the cement and almost fell asleep.

Kind Words

On Sunday at church I was feeling a little discouraged while looking at the sign-ups for an upcoming Relief Society activity.  It is a cultural night where the women are going to display different talents.  We have many talented women in our ward, so when I was asked if I would display something I felt discouraged.  I don't have great performing or artistic talents to display.  I don't feel like my amateur work compares to the beauty that others create.  I feel average and ordinary which aren't bad things, but when it comes to talent I don't feel I measure up. 

As I stood there talking with the other women someone said something that made my day and will be something I will not forget.  One of the other sisters commented that I had the talent to teach and entertain Ava during sacrament meeting.  She said she was impressed with some of the things I do with Ava during church.  She also said that I was a good mother.  This put a smile on my face and warmed my heart.  I don't think this is a talent I can really display during the Relief Society activity, but it is probably the most important thing to me.

Just a few minutes later in Primary another sister lifted me up with her kind words.  As we met for our Primary presidency meeting I informed the president of the upcoming Relief Society activity and sign-ups so we could make an announcement.  As we talked about the activity and I shared some of my reservations the music leader overheard.  She said that I have a talent to share my testimony.  She told me I do a good job sharing my testimony when I teach sharing time to the primary children.  Again my heart was touched.

I don't think the talents these two wonderful sisters shared with me are things I can display at the upcoming activity, but it made me feel good and made me feel I am special.  This is something I struggle with, so it is nice to be recognized by others and know I do make a difference.

Family Snuggles

A couple nights ago Ava woke up around midnight and called for "daddy".  Since he was sleeping I checked on her. She was half asleep, but she said "I need snuggles.  I want family snuggles."  Family snuggles is the same as a group hug.  I told her daddy was asleep, so she rolled over and I comforted her.  A few seconds later Rich walked in, so I guess Ava got her wish.

Sweet Innocence

Ava is very vocal now.  She talks all the time and likes to tell me everything that is going on or that she sees.  Most of the time it is funny, but every once in awhile she says something in public that makes we want to crawl under a rock and hide.  I guess that is the beauty of being three, sweet, and innocent.  You can pretty much say whatever you want.

Here are a few of unforgettable moments...
-The other day Ava and I went to get our car smogged.  It is a quick process, so we were waiting in the waiting room.  Ava was playing on the chairs across the room from me when an older gentleman walked in.  He appeared to be in a hurry and had to wait to be helped.  Ava watched him for a few minutes and then announced, "mommy that man is grumpy."  She said it loud enough for me and a few other customers to hear, but I don't think the man heard it or at least he pretended not to.

-Our hotel in Utah had a swimming pool that Ava enjoyed each night with Rich.  One evening there was a couple in the hot tub.  When the man got out and began to drive off Ava started to sing, "the man is drying off, the man is drying off."

-The other day we were sitting at the dinner table and Ava says, "I'm furry."  I replied, "you're not furry".  She then said, "I'm furry like daddy", while rubbing Rich's arm.

Ava's favorite things to say...
-"I don't like that"
-"I can't remember"
-"Nothing, Nothing.  I want nothing" (when she doesn't want to do something, like take a bath time or comb her hair)
-"Sssh, Don't wake the birds."
-"I like to be cold"
"I almost forgot"
-"I Ava a big girl"
-"Luca is sad.  He misses me."

Things Ava tells anybody that will listen...
-"When I this many old (8 fingers), I will get baptized."
-"Mommy's tummy is broken and Daddy's tummy is broken and I came from Kim's tummy."
-"Papa Harry has a mustache."

Rainbow & Snakes

Ava has been drawing and painting quite a bit lately. It is fun to watch her imagination and creativity grow. These are two pictures I especially like.

Rainbow

Snakes.  These are rattlesnakes.  The big blobs at the end of the snakes are the rattles.  She made this painting shortly after our encounter with a rattlesnake.