Week Rundown! (04/20/14 - 04/26/14)

We woke up tired Sunday morning, but still got around. It was Easter and we knew it was going to be busy. We had a good number of riders on the church van for morning services. After church, we ate lunch at my parents' house. We had a good visit while there, and the cousins got to play together.

Monday was fairly normal. Mysia went to piano lessons before we came home for supper. The kids had homework to do. Malachi has been doing great on his reading, and was able to read a book with no help (part of his homework).

We woke up on Tuesday and got ready for school and work. We got a call that our new washing machine was on it's way. Hooray! It arrived right and I helped move things around before leaving to drop off the kids at school. I had to come back as he explained that he couldn't turn on the water until I get one of the nozzles fixed. Lydia and I then headed to go get the parts. Once back home, I found out it wouldn't work! So I went to the little hardware store a few blocks away and bought the correct piece for $2. After I got it fixed, I left for work. Lydia then let me know that the installer had plugged up the water hoses wrong, putting the cold with hot and hot with cold! Go figure. She started a load, and then headed to school to work on homework and get to class. When I arrived home, I switched the hoses. I noticed that the laundry was soaked, and it seemed that it didn't go through the spin cycle. After supper, we determined that the machine was NOT working properly. During the evening, Lydia and the kids worked on homework. I installed new doors on the laundry room.

I took a late lunch on Wednesday to meet with the maintenance guy to look at our washing machine. I explained that it appeared that the motor wasn't working properly. He opened the front panel, looked below, and took step back as a surprised "oh man!" escaped his lips. "There's no belt!" he exclaimed. Go figure. He was able to install a new belt and I got a load running before heading back to work. The kids and I attended evening services at church. After class, Lydia worked on homework late into the night.

As Malachi was getting ready for school on Thursday morning, he pulled a "bug" off of his leg that he claimed was trying to "bite". I found it on the floor. He was right. It was a tick! I killed it and we checked for more.

We got to attend the school's Block Party on Friday evening. Since part of the PTA, Lydia was in charge of selling the tickets for the games and food. I spent most of the time watching Mysia and Malachi as they went from place to place using their tickets. There were hot dogs, drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones to eat. They also tried to dunk the coach. Besides getting their face painted, they had fun with several of their classmates in the jump houses. I took the chance to talk and visit with the other parents as well.

Saturday morning came quickly. We got to slept in a bit before getting up and working on cleaning up the kids' rooms. Lydia went to work for several hours during the afternoon. After the rooms were picked up, the kids played outside and then watched some tv while we worked on supper.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (04/13/14 - 04/19/14)

We got up Sunday and did the church vans before the morning services. We were able to take naps that afternoon, and boy... we needed it! Lydia worked on homework for the entire evening.

Monday was fairly normal and back to schedule. We had cashew chicken for supper, and then it was time to work on homework! We watched some tv before going to bed.

I got up early on Tuesday and volunteered helping set up at the school for the iMom breakfast. Lydia and the kids attended. Lydia spent the morning studying and working on projects before classes in the afternoon. After work, I picked up the kids and we went to school for Malachi's class activity. It was a hands-on program that got the parents involved in learning with our Kindergarten kids. The theme was about caterpillars, and what they eat. We snacked on different foods that caterpillars eat, won a door prize, and got to visit with the others in Malachi's class. Once at home, we ate supper and watched some tv before bed.

Early Wednesday morning, I took Mysia to her school choir practice before heading into work. A bit later, on her way to work, Lydia dropped Malachi off at school. The day went well. Lydia attended her evening classes while the kids and I went to church for evening services.  We worked on homework before bed.

I took off work Thursday. Lydia had homework to do for the morning, but she took a break during the late afternoon and we went to see new Captain America movie in #D at the IMAX. It was awesome! We also added a new cell phone number to our plan for Mysia, using Lydia's old Motorola RAZR flip-phone. We weren't too thrilled on the idea of our 9-year old having a cell phone, but we want her to be able to contact us in case of emergencies. Plus, if we train her correctly on the responsibility of cell phone usage (including texting), it will help in this day and age of technology.

The kids had school on Friday, and Lydia had work. I had the day off! I ended up doing lawn work and things around the house. During my breakfast, I discovered that our wash machine wasn't working! The towels didn't get properly washed due to the motor not working and just making a "clicking" sound. That evening, we went over to my parent's house so the kids could color eggs with their cousins! Of course, we visited too.

On Saturday, we got up and headed to the store to pick out a new washing machine. Thankfully, we found one on sale. They plan on installing it on Tuesday of next week. The kids played outside and Lydia worked on a class project while I did a quick grocery run. Mysia texted me the entire time, checking on my progress. Once the groceries were unloaded and put away, we picked up lunch and headed to my parent's house. We ate and visited for the entire afternoon. Lydia had to meet with classmates for a project at 3. The kids and I played outside, finding the old super-soakers and Tonka trucks. The cousins had a blast playing croquet with their Uncle Sam and Aunt Madisen. After supper, we came home and got ready for bed. Lydia stayed up late working on homework.

~Matt

Week Rundown! (04/06/14 - 04/12/14)

The kids and Lydia helped with me on the church van route Sunday morning. Mysia spent the afternoon with her Aunt Abigail. Lydia had to do some shopping for PTA, and then I made a quick grocery run while she worked on desserts. Malachi watched "Cars" (his favorite movie) and took a nap. After evening services, we attended the Desert Auction. The youth department raised over $8,500 for camp!

Monday was a pretty normal day. Malachi and I took Mysia to piano lessons after I got off work, and then we went shopping at Walmart to get Mysia some new shirts. After supper, we helped with the kids before they went to bed.

I got up early  Tuesday and voluterred to help set up for the "All Pro Dads" breakfast at school. Lydia dropped the kids off and we were able to enjoy breakfast together before they went to class. After work, I picked up the kids and once home we ate and worked on homework before Lydia came home from college. The kids played until time for showers and bed. I worked on some projects while Lydia worked on her homework.

Wednesday was my birthday, so I took the day of work! Lydia dropped the kids off at school before heading into work. Malachi called me from school to let me know that he left his lunchbox at home. I took it to him and then went on a lunch-date with Lydia to HuHot. On my way home, I got a free birthday drink from Sonic. For supper, I was treated to a free spaghetti bowl from Fazoli's. The kids and I attended evening services at church and then met Lydia at home.

I picked Malachi up after work on Thursday and we ate supper at home. After her class, Lydia got Mysia and met us at home. We ate supper and the kids did their homework and took showers before bed.

There wasn't school, so the kids spent the day at the boys and girls club. Lydia and Malachi attended a "Fashion Show" that Mysia was a part of that evening. She was all dressed up and did very well. I worked the KWFC Anniversary Concert, so my day was a bit hectic. However, I enjoyed every minute of it! I got to see friends, visit with a few of the artists, and enjoy my favorite music live! Lydia and the kids made a short visit before heading home. The kids were asleep when I got back.

Lydia and Mysia left early in Saturday morning. Lydia went into work and Mysia got to have a spa day with her friend Ana. They got hair and nails done before having lunch. Malachi and I spent the morning cleaning out and vacuuming the van. Malachi played the Wii and ate lunch before Mysia arrived back home. Their artistes where a bit on edge, so they took naps. They played until Lydia got off work. The kids were picked up by Aunt Lycia and Uncle Jordan for the evening. They got to hike the nature center trails and spend time with them. Lydia and I attended the Gaither Homecoming Concert with friends. It was fantastic! It went a little late, so when we picked up the kids, they were asleep before we got home. What a day!


~Matt

Week Rundown! (03/30/14 - 04/05/14)

Malachi and I got up early on Sunday to attend Men's Prayer Breakfast at church. I then ran the van before morning service. Lydia had lunch with Madisen and Abigail, Malachi spent the afternoon with Granny and Granddad, and Mysia watched tv with me at home. After evening services, we ate a snack and watched The Andy Griffith show before bed.

Malachi and I took Mysia to piano lessons before coming home for the evening on Monday. The kids worked on homework, and we watched some tv before bed.

Tuesday was April Fools... the day to try and make fun with family. I was able to get the kids out of bed with a prank, saying the fish died. It worked. However, they got me back throughout the day.

Wednesday was a bit hectic at work, besides trying to get projects ready for the concert next week, we went off air! We had a component at our transmitter site burn out, causing us to be unable to broadcast. However, we were available online! That evening, the kids and I attended church services while Lydia was in class. We met at home afterwards and Lydia worked on homework before bed.

I picked up the kids on Thursday evening and we rushed to the church for the wedding rehearsal. Lydia met us there after class. We got to visit with my grandparents Paasch and my brother (Benjamin) and his family. It was fun doing some special things in preparation for the event. Sam and Madisen were a bit wore out, but it was a fun night.

I took off Friday to see if I could help Sam with some errands before his wedding that evening. However, I spent most of the morning at my parent's house visiting. Lydia had to work, and both Mysia and Malachi were at school. In fact, Mysia had a field trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead. She was so excited to go, and came back with such excitement about her trip. After work, Lydia picked up the kids and met up with me at church. We then got dressed and ready for pictures. Once all of that was accomplished, we geared up for all of those attending as they walked in. We estimate about 500 showed up for Sam's wedding. Of course, all went well, and Sam is now a married man. We had fun at the reception too! Sam had me help give commentary with John while everyone was eating and watching the newlyweds cut the cake. After they were gone, we helped clean up before visiting family at my parent's house. It was a long night!

We slept in a bit on Saturday. Yes... we were wore out! Lydia went to work and the kids and I went over my parents to visit with family. Unfortunately, we missed my grandparents by about 10 minutes. The kids played with their cousins and really enjoyed spending time with them. If course I visited as well. We had pizza for lunch and talked throughout the afternoon. The kids and I had to stop by the store to pick up a few groceries before heading home. When Lydia came home from work, we got dressed up, dropped the kids of with Memaw, and then headed out to the Pregnancy Care Center Banquet. It was nice to enjoy the speaker and eat dinner with friends in support of the center. Needless to say, once home for the evening, we just went to bed. What a weekend!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (03/23/14 - 03/29/14)

We got up early on Sunday and ate breakfast at church before running the van route for morning services. Lunch was good, and we rested during the afternoon. After evening services, we came home and got ready for bed. We watched some tv.

After work, and picking op the kids on Monday, we headed out to a dealership on the other side of town. There was a vehicle for sale that had perked our interest. After test driving and going over paperwork, we came home with a black, 2009 VW Bug.... what Lydia is calling my early birthday present. Once home, we worked on home homework with the kids.

On Tuesday morning, Lydia had an appointment with the doctor about her heart. Things are going good. After work, we attended Mysia's performance at school for the year. She did a great job.

I took my new Bug back to the dealership on Wednesday morning so that they could look at an oil leak. They gave me a temporary replacement vehicle, a 2011 VW Jetta, to drive around. It was nice, but not as comfortable as the bug. The kids and I attended evening services at church while Lydia was in her class. We met back at home, ate some snacks, and then went to bed!

After work on Thursday, I picked up Malachi and we came home to make dinner. He actually spent his time playing Legos. Lydia picked up Mysia after her class. We ate supper while watching some TV episodes. Mysia was writing letters for most of the evening.

On Friday, I had a lunch date with Lydia at HuHot and then we picked up my Bug before returning back to work. That evening, we got some things done around the house and watched Turbo.

Saturday was busy! Lydia went into work to catch up with things since it's tax season. The kids and I letft to get the church van and attend our church's skating party. We had a blast, and both kids did well skating. Malachi would count every time he fell down.... he was keeping score. Mysia got several bruises, and her hands were sore from falling on them. Back at home, we ate a late lunch and they took naps while I tried to catch up on some things around the house. Lydia attended Madisen's (soon-to-be-sis-in-law) personal shower in anticipation for the upcoming wedding. When Lydia arrived back home, we packed into the car and spent the evening visiting our friends, Noah and Courtney. We were having so much fun, we didn't arrive home until after 11pm!

~Matt