2017 Family Pictures

Too long

It has been a long time since I have posted, so I will catch up a bit. We had a great Halloween.  The kids went to the annual Harvest Party at the Star Barn. Then a few days later they went Trick or treating and had a blast. Maddie and Jackson loved going house to house asking for candy.



A couple days before Halloween, we went with Grandma and Grandpa to Walter's Ferry, a place where you take a mile walk and all along the way there are cool statues, signs and birdhouse. The twins had a blast running around in the fall air.

VIPKID- Is it for real?

Last September, the kids were heading back to school and I still had Jackson and Madison at home with me. I was thinking about looking for a part time job, not to to help with the finances, but so I could start to feel human again. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but my identity as mom had taken over. I suddenly had mom responsibility all the time and I needed another purpose. I wanted to be apart of something, but I didn't know what.

A friend of a friend had posted on Facebook that VIPKID was looking for people with their Bachelors degree to teach English to Chinese students. The pay sounded great, $14-22/hour. The schedule was flexible and I can work in my pajama pants. I was very skeptical and immediately started researching this company. It sounded too good to be true. Was this really a legit company? I called the person who had placed the ad on her Facebook page and asked a TON of questions. She had been with company 6 months. She worked mornings when her kids were asleep for just a few hours. She didn't need childcare and she was bringing home $700-$800 a month. 

I decided to give it a go and tried it out. I passed the interview and was told I need to do a 30 minute mock class. I have never been a teacher in a brick and mortar school, so the though of teaching for 30 minutes scared me a little. I prepared the best I could and gave my best, enthusiastic, over the top lesson I could. Then I waited.

I found out 2 days later that I passed and the rest is history. I have been with VIPKID now almost a year. I have gotten paid every month by the 15th. I have regular students who book me every day and I have grown to love each of them. 

This job has been the biggest blessing to me. It gives me my time where I can step out of mom duties and become a teacher and mentor to students. I laugh and sing and even celebrate birthdays with my students during their 25 minute lessons. If anyone is interested in learning more, or joining VIPKID, don't hesitate . It is amazing! You will LOVE IT!

Here is the link for more info 

https://www.vipkidteachers.com/?refereeId=2403323&partnerId=6843213

First day of School 2017

These two cuties started school today. Bailey is now in 4th grade and Nick is in 2nd. We had a fabulous summer with a trip to California and Universal Studios, a family reunion, an Eclipse, Roaring Springs and tons of fun playing with friends. Bailey was excited but nervous to start 4th grade. Nick really doesn't say much but has been acting up, so I'm sure he was nervous too.

We are excited to see what adventures this school year brings!

Total Solar Eclipse

Today was a total Solar eclipse that could be seen from Idaho. Trent's work up in Fruitland, ID was in the path of totality where the sun was completely covered by the moon. They had a BBQ and games for the kids while we watched the eclipse. It really was an amazing experience. When the moon covered the sun, the weather got cooler and it was dark for about 2 minutes. So glad we were able to take the kids and have this experience.

Maddie's teeth

Poor little Maddie has bad teeth. I took the twins in for a check up at 24 months and noticed some decay on Maddie's teeth. The dentist said that he would keep an eye on it and to come back in 3 months. After 3 weeks I noticed they were worse, so I brought her back in. The dentist confirmed that they had developed cavities and she needed 2 teeth capped and 2 filled. By the time the appointment came around, the poor baby had to have 2 removed and the 2 in back filled. Poor girl didn't have the proper enamel to help fight decay. She is now doing much better but with 2 less teeth

This is Maddie when we got home and the anesthetic was wearing off.

Happy 4th of July

We started out by attending the God and Country fireworks show in Nampa on the Wednesday before the 4th. We always enjoy hanging out with friends in the evening and waiting for the show to start. unfortunately this year, Nick lost his glasses that ended up costing us $230 for a new pair:( Still had fun that evening with the Belnaps and my parents. This was also the first time we took the twins to watch the fireworks and they loved it!

On the 4th we went to the Melba parade with my parents. Trent had to work in the morning, so we headed out without him. Luckily my mom likes parades also so we went with them then went to teh small carnival afterwards. We met Matt and Brandy there so the kids could hang out with their cousins also.

That evening we went to the Star firework show and it was one of the best we've seen. Great day all around!

Davis family reunion 2017

This was the 1st time our family did a reunion. We rented a huge cabin in Jackson California for a few days. My parents, Matt, Jeff, Casey and all our families attended. It was very hot, but we had a lot of fun swimming, playing and doing our evening devotionals.

All the grandkids

On a treasure hunt looking for gold

swimming in the weird poll/pond

Nick and Aaron

Matt playing with the owner's dog that stayed with our family the whole weekend

We had a great time and are looking forward to the next one in 2 years.

Universal studios

Trent and I took Bailey and Nick to Universal Studios while my parents watched the twins at Grandma Parsons house. It was a nice break to get away for 2 days and be able to have a little fun with the older kids.

We got there just after the park opened and stayed until closing.




Hogwarts Castle in the new Harry Potter Adventure land.





And a huge donut from Mo's in the Simpsons world.

Afterwards we spent the day relaxing and stopping along the coast as we headed back to grandmas.

trip to California

A few weeks ago, we were able to go as a family to California. We stayed with GRandma Parsons in Santa Margarita, went to Universal Studios for a few days and ended at a big cabin in Jackson for a family reunion. We were not sure how easy it would be traveling with 4 kids (and 2 year old twins) but we ended up having a blast. It would have been a little better if the twins didn't end up sick the whole time, but it was still fun.

Grandma Parsons and Dad's birthday on June 10th

The un-birthday Party that Aunt Pam threw for the kids. It was MIckey Mouse theme and so cute!

Visiting Grandma Davis

Montana de Oro

Madison and Jackson enjoying the sun and sand!

This was a super great start to the week. Next stop - Universal Studios with the 2 older kids!