Rin's Talent Show

Every Monday, R comes home with a Monday Folder of homework, handouts, and other information.  In February, R brought home a flyer about the school's talent show.  She quickly told us that she wanted to perform "Let it Go" from Frozen.  I thought she might be kidding but she wasn't.  B reminded me that she's half of him and he's a singer/performer.  So, I signed up her.

I was worried about her so we practiced a lot.  I guess my fear was that she would get on stage and freak out (like I would).  I should have known better because she did not.  She was awesome and loved every minute of it.  There were 3 performances of 'Let it Go' but R was the best.  Of course we are biased, but she really did a good job.  Go here to watch it. B and I were both very proud.  She brought tears to our eyes. 

Afterwards, we went to Sweet CiCi's for a treat.  We had Bella with us (R's BFF) too.  I don't think our kids got into bed until 9:00 that night but it was so worth it.  I love making memories with the Hantla Clan!

March 15th

Normally March 15th isn't a big deal but this particular March 15th was a big day.

The first reason this day was special was because of my hubby.  He's been working so hard every Saturday (and even some all nighters)  to finish writing his dissertation.  He finally finished and could enjoy a Saturday with his family (Praise God!).  He defends March 28th and assuming that goes well, he'll graduate May 16th.  B made waffles for us and we enjoyed a family breakfast that we haven't had in over 2 months.

B's plan was to spend most of the beautiful day in the yard with the kids while I was attending a baby shower for baby Savannah.  S/A Daniel from small group are having a baby girl in April.  S's sister and cousin threw her a baby shower.  At first I think S was a little reluctant because this is her third baby, but first girl and she needed girl stuff.  The small group girls went in (N's idea) to get S a monogram for over Savannah's crib.  I let R pick out something small for baby S and planned to bring R with me to the shower.  B felt he needed R to help in the yard because she would actually get the job done and understand what to do.  She would help train the boys in the art of stick collecting.  So I went to the shower alone but had a good time.  It was at S's mom's house and she has a beautiful home.  S received very cute and sweet baby girl clothes and other items that she will need. 

I think I had about an hour between the shower and the gender reveal party so I ran home to see the family.  They were eating lunch and looked pretty tired.  There were 3 big stick piles in the front on the curb.  I could tell which one was W's but R & A's looked pretty similar.  B said they were a huge help.  I visited for a short while before leaving to pick up Kristen.  We headed to N/J's house for the gender reveal party.  J/N are pregnant with their 4th and probably their last.  N said she feels at peace with this being her last, a feeling she never had with Ro.  I completely understand because we had those same peaceful feelings.  N's sister, Brooke & sister in law, Lucy threw them a gender reveal party.  The decorations were super cute even down to the cookies (tutus and ties).  Her family was there along with close friends.  It's always good to see Nicole's parents.  We've been friends with them along time and have spent many Halloweens with them (among other occasions).  We all mingled for a bit and then went outside for the big reveal.  Colored balloons were in a box and J/N with the help of their boys, opened the box.  I love this picture!

Another boy and they are over joyed.  That house is going to be so much fun with 4 boys and relatively drama free.  I think about what life is like in 5 to 10 years and the O'Janpa house will be VERY different than the rest of our house (and the Gillams too).  Too much estrogen will drive you crazy.  J/N have 3 great boys and this 4th has awesome brothers as role models.  We are very excited for them as well.

After getting home from the gender reveal, I was tired so I crawled into bed with R who was the only one still napping.  I ended up falling asleep with her and it was very sweet.  We both woke up around 5:45 when Linda arrived.  L missed E and wanted some cuddle time with baby E.  We love it when L comes over because she's become a great friend of mine.  Her grown kids are very busy and since she's single, I think she enjoys being around our family.  My children love her too. 

The evening ended with a family viewing of Avengers before baths and bed.  I haven't had such a fun-filled Saturday in a long time.  I love being with my friends and celebrating 2 new babies with my small group is awesome.  We love our small group because we 'do life' together.  God created us in HIS image and as relational beings.  Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone;

March Date Night

Our turn to host and we had the honor of getting everyone's kids!  B and I talked later that it was very fun and actually easy.  The kids were very well behaved and we of course attribute that to the great parents everyone has:)

Drop off was at 5:30 and I think all arrived within 15 minutes of 5:30.  Even Owen, our neighbor came over for a bit.  What's 1 more when we already had 14 right?  Owen, and his mom, Lindsey, moved in to the house next to us in July.  We try to talk when we see them outside, but we need to do a better job of reaching out.  O is always waiting for us to get home so the kids can play with him.  I think he gets lonely.  B watched the kids outside while I went inside to cook and prepare dinner.  AK came with me and E and Ryan sat in the double stroller.  Emilie fell once and Row got hit by someone in the swing, but I think those were the only accidents we had.  I 'cooked' pizza rolls, sliced up some apples, string cheese, and Ritz crackers.  Since the weather was so nice, we ate outside (less clean up) and when the kids were done, they kept right on playing.  We didn't make them come inside until after 7:00 when the sun started to go down.
Emilie brought Frozen so we turned that on and all the kids were hooked.  Parents started coming around 8:00 and I think all the kids were gone by 8:45.  It was a great night.  Even as young as 2, the kids loved playing together, just another illustration of how our God is a caring, relational God.

15 kids for date night

February Date Night

I love our small group!  Have I ever mentioned them before?  If/when we have to move, that will be the hardest and saddest parts about a new journey.  If God calls us away on a new journey, I would be excited and sad all at the same time.  I think it's normal to have those feelings when you get so attached to people.  God created us in His image and we are relational.  God is relational and desires a relationship with us.  We have to have relationships with others. No wonder he uses the comparison of marriage and children so much.  Our small group is our family and I can't imagine our life without them.

So February date night was hosted by the Caldwells.  They are our longest friendship here in Raleigh.  We've been in the small group with them since the beginning and we were married on the same day.  We have children all about the same age together and our lives will be ever connected since J/N are Abe's godparents. I wrote about how thankful we are for J/N here.  We dropped 3 of ours off (E stayed with Linda because L had been asking to keep her) around 5:30 and headed to Red Lobster.  Unfortunately there had an hour wait so we just went to Pei Wei instead.  It had been a while since we ate there and I'm glad we did.  It wasn't crowded and it was nice to share a lettuce wrap.  We don't venture into Raleigh much except to go to the Caldwell house and to Sam's Club.  We had a great dinner together and did a quick Sam's trip before picking up the kids.  N told me that R was sweet and helped clean up after the craft.  Not because she was asked to, but she was just being helpful.  That's always nice to hear about your kids. 

So I couldn't find the picture on FB so I just took a screen shot off of instagram.  I think it's sweet.  All our kids are friends like we are all friends!  You parent out of the strength of your marriage.  Your spouse should still be priority #1 (after God of course.

Mardi Gras Festival

Jen told me about this festival in down town WF that was free and had stuff for the kids so I was all for it since B was working every Saturday finishing his dissertation.  I'm so glad she told me about it because it was so much fun! 

Mardi Gras isn't a big deal up here like down south, but we still decorate a King Cake every year (thanks to Granddad) and enjoy sharing that tradition with others around us.  This year we shared our King Cake with our Financial Peace University classmates from CRF.  B and I decided to take an FPU class (especially since he's going through Elder training-more on that later) so we could make sure we were in line with our finances.  Dave Ramsey was not new to us, but it was a great class and I would recommend it for anyone.  There was a wealth of information and I could go on and on, but this is supposed to be about Mardi Gras.  Like I was saying, our FPU class came over for a potluck after the last class and we cut the King Cake for them.  Most of them hadn't ever heard of King Cake, and just barely heard of Mardi Gras.  Bryce shared the King Cake story with them and Bree Bree found the baby.  I think she might have been scared of it:) 

So the day before the FPU social, I went with J to downtown WF.  We all squeezed in Cherry for the short ride and started in the parking lot where they do the farmer's market.  That's where the bounce houses were, but we were on a mission to find the face-painting.  We had to walk a few blocks but it was so worth it.  The painters were fantastic and very quick.  Even I got my face done.  There was also hair paint and jewels so all the kids (except E) did both.  In addition to face painting, there was hula-hooping, music, food, and bounce houses.  The kids loved it and were so tired.  I think they all took 3+hour naps that afternoon.