So HAPPY To Be 3

Poppy: This is a story about happiness. 

We had such a fun time celebrating this special little happy girl.

Decorations & Party Favors

Branch: Hair up! 

Poppy: Don’t you know anything about romance?

Branch: Of course! I’m passionate about it.

Poppy: Really?

Branch: Don’t you know anything about sarcasm?

Cooper: I think I had a sarcasm once.

Branch: Why don’t you try scrapbooking them to freedom?

Poppy: Solid burn, Branch. Well, thanks anyway.

Branch: Hey, anytime, Poppy. See you in ten years.

Games

Bergen Bouncy House - What little kid doesn't love a bouncy house?

Poppy: Hug time!!!!!

This game was fun. I would play the Trolls soundtrack. The kids would dance. When I paused the music, I would shout, "Hug Time," and they had to find somebody to hug. We played at least 10 times. It was the cutest!

King Peppy: No troll left behind!

The next game was one of Jocelyn's favorite lines from the movie. 

She loves when King Peppy stands there with his little bum showing!

The kids had to go and save (find) as many hidden trolls before the mean bergens (adults) found them. There was an important rule they had to follow. No fighting over a troll or that troll automatically went to a bergen. When I explained that rule, one little girl's jaw dropped. She refused to let that happen.

The kids almost took me out trying to save the trolls.

Food

Poppy: Hey, I know it's not all cupcakes and rainbows, but I'd rather go through life thinking that it mostly is instead of being like you. You don't sing. You don't dance. So gray all the time. What happened to you?

Branch: Face it Poppy, sometime people go in to other people's mouths and they don't come out!

My cake started to split but all 4 layers tasted yummy. 

Friends

Poppy: Now let’s go save our friends.

Branch: Your friends.

Poppy: Our friends. Don’t fight it.

King Gristle: And what might your name be?

Bridget: Uhh...

Biggie: Lady!

Guy Diamond: Glitter!

Smidge: Sparkle!

Branch: Seriously?

Bridget: Lady Glitter Sparkle Seriously.

Branch: I don't trust him. Who wears socks with no shoes?

(Jack looks like grumpy Branch.)

Play-Doh is her favorite!

She opened the sheets for her big girl bed and she was so excited. 

Thanks Grandma Jones for coming to visit! 

Poppy: Happiness isn’t something you put inside, it’s already there. Sometimes you just need someone to help you find it.

Jocelyn girl, you exude happiness in every way possible. Your life brings us so much joy and all who know you, love you. We hope you had the happiest of birthdays our sweet girl. We love you so much! 

2nd White Dress

She planned the entire program.

She included as much family as she possibly could.

She picked out the dress after much searching online.

She learned how to make a sleeveless dress modest.

She picked out her shoes and hair accessories as she wanted to look perfect for this special day.

She has been talking about this day with her friends at school, not even realizing the little missionary that she is.

She has invited her teacher and a few of those closest to her from school.

She is excited to set an example for her little brother and sister.

She understands the decision she is making and can not be more happy than to make her Heavenly Father proud, along with earthly parents too.

My Testimony

written by Afton Joy Westra

age 7 ~ almost 8

I'd like to bear my testimony that I know my Heavenly Father lives. I think that if we read our scriptures, we are one step closer to our Savior and Redeemer. I know the more we pray we have a better relationship with God. Heavenly Father will help us through hard times and so will our Mom and Dad. I am thankful for the Plan of Salvation because I want to meet my Heavenly Father again. I know that we can be a forever family and I am super happy about that. I want to go to the temple when I get married. I want a family of my own. I also want to be a mom! I am excited for my baptism! I want to get the gift of the Holy Ghost. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Peace Out 2nd Year

So, I am still 2 years old today. But it's officially my last day as a 2 year old.

My mom is all sad because you know, "Your my baby girl. I want you to be my baby forever, blah blah, blah." But she just doesn't seem to comprehend what I am going to be able to do as I get bigger each year. It's not like she doesn't have 2 other kids that could have prepared her for this.

Oh wait, she does.

What duh heck is wrong with her?

Listen, don't get me wrong. When I was 2 I had some great times. Some things that I will always be proud of when I look back, reflect, and ponder about my amazing life.

Like, how I learned to perfect the "Strike-a-Pose" look from my big sister, Afton.

I know just where to put my hands on my hips.

She's a really good teacher.

Jack taught me the tongue thing. It drives my mom crazy, so we do it all the time.

Don't tell her I told you that.

Oh yeah this too.

I got really good at taking the "Jump" picture that my big cousin Tanner always seems to do on his Instagram account. He is crazy though. He likes to jump off buses and mountains and stuff.

Wait, maybe I can do that when I am three... Oh yeah. Oh yeah.

I got really good at dance. I like to twirl, shake my hips, and "do dis like Ms. Sydney teached me."

I learned this one too. Afton calls it the "Look Over the Shoulder" pose.

I just feel like Batman when my Daddy has me fly high in the sky.

My Daddy loves me a whole bunch.

I love that dude, too. Like a lot.

Man did I learn a lot this year as a 2 year old. My colors, my shapes, how to spell my own name, some of my letters, but none of my numbers (those are hard). Oh well, I can count to 20 like nobody's business. Did I tell you I can use scissors and glue for just about anything too?

You want me to spell my name for you? Ok...

 J - O - C - E - L - Y - N

Jocelyn, Jocelyn, Jocelyn.

Look, I know I am only 2 but tomorrow I will be three. It's a big day. I have big plans. Big dreams. Give me a second. Just let me jot them down in my journal, ok?  But reyee, be on the look out for this upcoming year. Man I tell you, it is going to be a good one. Believe me.

So peace out to my 2nd year of life.

Bring on the fun that only being 3 can offer me.

Yours truly,

Jocelyn Claire Westra

Marshawn

Jack got a gecko for his birthday that he loved. HERcules was his first official pet and held a special place in his heart. 

And his parents lost him by accidentally leaving the lid open to keep him warm with sunlight during a winter weekend down in Vegas at grandma's house. 

She shocked us all when she climbed out of her tank. 

He was devastated, but forgiving to his parents who felt absolutely horrible. 

In the beginning of February, a new creature accidentally ran in our house and thankfully Afton was able to catch him. She willingly gave the lizard to her brother, with the understanding that she would get to name him. 

And so, Marshawn, because he's a beast, joined the family. 

He's been happily rock hopping and digging in the sand of his terrarium for a month. He was too antsy still to be held, but Jack loved him anyway. 

He loved him so much that he decided last Tuesday we would throw him a birthday party. (My babes have always loved having parties for their stuffed animals so why not real ones?) It was equipped with Seahawks color balloons, a present, and a treat. 

Marshawn got wax worms and was thrilled. He had not always been the best eater since becoming our pet, so the kids were thrilled to see him eat the worms all in one bite. Marshawn tried really hard to run his way right through the plastic glass, either because he thought he could make a break for it, he was thrilled to finally have sustenance, or he was "Dancing at his birftday party," according to Jocelyn. 

The party ended. Marshawn was placed back in his large terrarium. Rocks back in place as best as they were before, careful not to be too high or to disturb his happy home set up. 

A few days pass.

"Jack, have you seen Marshawn?" 

He responds, "He's just hiding under the rocks again."

Another day passes and so I check. 

Marshawn, went beast mode and had disappeared. He was not under the rocks, hidden in the dirt, under his water dish. He, like HERcules had escaped. 

Maybe he had tasted the chance of freedom at his birthday party and was determined to bust out of that joint. Or his birthday present, the food finally gave him the energy he needed to work up his leaping abilities. Or maybe we didn't put the rocks back the exact same way as before, and it was just that much higher for him to get out. I don't know, but once again, my boy would be devastated because his dumb parents ruin everything. 

I broke the news to him this morning, and he sat silent for a few minutes. Then looked up at me with tears in his eyes, "Did you check really good Mom? Marshawn is a good hider... Oh, I guess he just really missed his family. I'll miss him but I bet his family is so happy to see him... Wait, he might be in my closet. Did you hear that?... It's okay Mom... I'll draw some pictures of him to help me never forget him," as he wiped a tear from his cheek. 

He shocked us all when he climbed out of his tank.

Once again, he was devastated, but forgiving to his parents who felt absolutely horrible.

He is the sweetest, most forgiving, loving child on the planet. What did we do to deserve him? 

Family Projects

So when I was a new teacher, I thought it was so smart to have a family project due almost every other month during the short 9 month school year. I thought it would give families an opportunity to spend time together, working side by side, being creative, sharing ideas, all the while enjoying each other's company. I knew the parents of my students had to just love me for granting them these special moments with their children. I was proud of myself each time I sent home another fun family project.

Ha! Man was I wrong. My old parents probably HATED ME! Like wanted to stab me with a sharpened pencil, scissors, and then smother the glue stick all over the wound, (All items from my "Materials required" sections on all of my family projects) kind of hate me.

I found this out first had when I became one of the parents helping my child working on a Science Family Project, along with keeping up with weekly homework, dance practice, soccer practice, FHE, scripture study, dinner, baths, life, etc.

To all my old parents, I apologize sincerely. Please forgive me.

If she wasn't so much of a perfectionist, (I wonder where she gets that from), it would have been a little smoother. If she didn't have such elaborate dreams to make this the, "Best award winning science family project ever," then there would have been less confusion when I explained to her, "No, we can't actually bring in live animals to the classroom and allow the kids to touch them."

Honestly though, she did great! She worked hard. She was thorough in her explanations and artwork. She listened, most times, without argument. She impressed me, yet again. She even impressed her teacher so much that she was one of 3 students that got to place their project in the library for all to see at school.

Thanks Daddy for attaching the examples to the board perfectly.

When she found out there was no actual award to be won, she was a bit disappointed, but said, "It's okay. I worked hard and all my friends loved it! And I think it's neat that everyone gets to see my project when they go to check out books."

Love my little, not so little anymore, baby girl Afton.

We are all proud of you. Even the little baby girl who wants to be you so bad.

An Awesome Thing To Do

Last Sunday night we fed the sister missionaries.

My kids were absolute maniacs the entire time. THE ENTIRE TIME.

After dinner they shared with us a message about service. They spoke of our Savior, Jesus Christ and how he was always, always, doing service for others.

The missionaries asked my babes if they have done any service recently that they wanted to share. Fortunately, they had.

And then in classic missionary form, they extended us a challenge. They asked us if we would pray for opportunities to serve others around us and be willing to share some things, that hopefully will happen, with them the next time we have them over.

Last night an opportunity presented itself.

At dance, I started chatting with one of Afton's friend's mom.  Her daughter is an absolute doll, and I'm thrilled my girl found her. She needed someone to help take her daughter to school. Simple. We could do that.

I didn't even think about the missionaries challenge at all. But, while talking about it with my girl, after all the crazy little girl giggles and excitement had worn down she said, "Mom, this is the service opportunity that we are praying for as a family. And this just so happens to be an awesome thing to do, too. I love how Heavenly Father answers our prayers."