First Day of School 2014

We had a very interesting first day of school.  Not at all how I'd planned.  Poor, sweet Kelly got sick Sunday night and much to her dismay and after much praying and even her Father's blessing, still ended up throwing up around 3:00 in the morning.  I was so sad for her!!  We were both pretty devastated as we had thought that she was going to follow the pattern Jack and Erika had set for this bug.  After cleaning up the very interesting mess in the bathroom (Kelly was definitely half asleep :) haha), we went downstairs to watch a movie and wait for the next eruption.  Fortunately, after an hour or so, and no aftershocks, we got the idea to just go to sleep- imagine that!- turned off the TV and sure enough, Kelly was able to sleep for the next 3 hours!  I was so surprised that she hadn't thrown up again at all that night!  She insisted that she was feeling fine.  She looked fine, so I did the unthinkable and let her go to school anyway!!  I know I'm bad, but I just couldn't bear the thought of Kelly missing out on her first day of school!  That was like Christmas for her!  I had turned down the idea and immediately got the thought that maybe that is why she only threw up once and that Heavenly Father was giving her the tender mercy of letting her feel good enough to go.  It made sense so I took back my original order.  She was SO happy, got in her cute new outfit that she was SO proud of, and did the whole day just fine!!  I was so glad she was able to go.
So, my stomach on the other hand had not calmed down.  I was really sick all morning and had spent a LOT of time in the bathroom.  I don't throw up anymore, but that doesn't mean I can't get sick.  It was awful really.  I couldn't get anything done all morning.  Nate ended up stepping in for me, making lunches and breakfast.  It was so sad because I had been so pumped for the return of our schedule and having things in order for the kids.  I was really bummed!!

Charity 7th Grade!!! (and Emily Porter)

 CTE, Science, Utah Studies, Math, Lunch, Dance, English, NAL

Luckily we were still able to get everyone ready, pictures taken, got Charity off to Jr. High!!!  That was a trip!  I was glad I was feeling too sick to get emotional about it all, because I definitely would have.  She's growing up too fast!! 

Noah

First Grade- Mrs. Horning/Mrs. Burns

Bradley

Fourth Grade- Mrs. James

Luke

Third Grade- Mrs. Beckstead

Kelly

Big Sixth Grader! rules the school!- Mrs. Williams

Cute Jack saw what I was doing with everyone and came around the corner with his little hand up, showing me what grade HE'S in :).  So adorable.

This is his attempt at "two" for how old he was turning that day... we'll get there :)

They look so grown up!

Then I took the other kids.  They chose to drive :) thankfully.  I was happy that I didn't miss out on the drop off scene.  Everyone is so excited there's just a fun little feeling in the air.  I said goodbye to Kelly, Bradley and Luke and then stood there with Noah for a while, waiting for his teacher.  Lucky for us, Becky showed up and "reminded" us that we were supposed to go right into the classroom the first day (apparently I was supposed to actually read the letters from their teachers, and not just look at who they were from :) jk.).  We went in and found his desk and name tag, got him all situated, and then he was done with me!  He said goodbye, and that was that!  It was kind of hard leaving him, just because I'm not thrilled about the funnel class situation.  But hopefully I am wrong and it will be a good year for him.

They all came home relatively happy about school.  Kelly had so many wonderful things to say about her "funny, happy, story-telling" teacher that I just about cried!  It's so nice to know that she might actually be able to enjoy this school year.  She sounded like a completely different person describing school.  Her teacher is a huge blessing for me.  On the other hand, Bradley was less than thrilled about his first day.  I think he was mostly tired, but he didn't have much to say about it.  Didn't love his teacher, didn't love his class.... not sure what really went wrong, but hopefully he ends up liking it better like he did last year.  Luke liked it.  He said it was the "BEST SCHOOL DAY EVER!"  He was happy with his teacher and the kids in his class, got to work on some multiplication even!  Very cool.  Noah didn't have a LOT to say.  Just that his teacher is "only kind of nice".  I knew that would happen though, coming down from Mrs. Piper's heavenly class last year was a must.  Hopefully he adjusts okay.  He did like being there longer and having lunch at school was a fun new change.  I hope things go well with the changing classes during the day thing.  I'm anxious to see how it will work.  Charity got home a little later than everyone else and had very little to say about her day right away, which surprised me.  I think it was all just a big day though :).  She had all sorts of disclosures to sign and rules and policies to go over... fun stuff.  I am pretty anxious myself about this year... it's new for all of us.  I think she's going to do great though!  She's very motivated to do her best and get good grades even though "they don't count yet" :).  I hope she can keep this momentum.  8-25-14

Things to Remember Week of 8-24-14

AUSTIN'S FAREWELL
We all woke up at the crack of dawn to get ourselves up to Riverton at 9:00 for Austin's farewell!  It's hard to believe this day is here!  The first grandson of MANY (really soon here too) to go on a mission.  We're all really excited for him and proud of his decision.  He gave such a nice talk.  I was really impressed.  I don't think I really have had the chance to talk to him enough to know what a great missionary he really is going to be.  I loved his thoughts about going on a mission for "Selfish" reasons and that it is the right thing for HIM and make HIM a better person... not just those he's going to serve.  Very cool.  It was fun to see everyone for a minute, but we had to hurry and get back to our ward, so we didn't stay for Lynn and Ali's block meetings or the luncheon afterward.  He leaves September 2nd!  He's going to do great!  8-24-14

MIA MAIDS
I taught again this week and what a whirlwind it was getting ready for that lesson!  I had had my mind set on one topic for most of the week, but about halfway through started wondering if I was preparing the right one (we get to choose between 6 or 7, so it's not predetermined).  I decided to pray about it some more and the answer I kept getting was to "prepare both".  That was a little overwhelming, but as I got started I realized that both topics were really great and actually a little similar in content.  Sunday morning I decided (after realizing there wasn't going to be time to teach both lessons) to ask the girls which lesson they wanted :).  So I did.  They laughed about it a lot, and we all thought it was a little strange for me to do that, but it worked out so well!!  I was SO pleased!  The whole day was just a huge answer to my recent prayers about wanting to feel the promptings of the Spirit.  I felt so calm and relaxed about the whole thing and like I was being directed.  It was amazing.  Even having the TV not work gave us time to touch on some things that I wasn't going to have time to touch on, and ended up being really crucial elements.  It was cool.  I love it when that happens :).  I even had to leave during the middle of it to go see Charity get set apart (more about that in a minute), so I put Megan in charge while I stepped out and when I came back, they had actually done what they were supposed to and made progress in the lesson!!  It was incredible.  The girls were awesome too!  They participated, shared experiences, and were very open the whole time.  It was a fun topic, dating, so that worked in my favor, but it just really went well.  I was so happy.  And one of the girls, when we got done said, "That was the best lesson ever!" and thanked me!  It was great!  It's been a while since I felt so good about it.  Happy day for me :).  8-24-14

PRESIDENT MAYNES
Cute little Charity got her second calling so far... President of the Beehive class!  I'm so happy for her and excited for her to experience that responsibility.  I think she will do great!  It was interesting to hear all the things the Bishop (well, Heavenly Father for that matter) expects of her as President.  And it was even more special to hear all the BLESSINGS during her setting apart, that He has in store for her when she fulfills this calling.  I think it will be great for her!  Makes me happy.  It was a lot of fun to witness her go through the process of choosing a presidency.  I gave her some advice that I didn't know I had :).  I loved being able to guide her through that.  She was decisive and got the names to Bro. Jacox just as requested and was so prompt and responsible about it.  She's just a good girl.  I'm glad she's mine.  8-24-14

COME UNTO CHRIST
The Young Women were asked to sing (and the Presidency and three girls spoke) in Sacrament meeting this week.  That was a cool experience.  I'm with Nate, I wish we could hear them speak every week.  A lot of it was about Girl's Camp.  I loved being able to hear the sweet testimonies of those girls again and be able to feel the Spirit that their words carry.  I especially loved hearing them sing our camp song, "Come Unto Christ" one more time (I assume it's the last :) ).  We sang that song every week in YW for a few months, and then every morning (and sometimes evening) at girls camp and it STILL gave me chills on Sunday!  Every time I heard it!!  It is so powerful!  I wish I had been able to play it better, since I'd practiced SO MUCH the day before, but I guess my nerves got to me.  It's been a while since I played in front of people like that.  IT wasn't too bad, just could have been better :)  8-24-14

FATHER'S BLESSINGS
Man, Sunday was busy!  After we got home from the walk-about- since Nate had been home teaching before, we got all cozied up for Father's Blessings.  This is one of my favorite traditions. I absolutely LOVE the Spirit that is present.  There is so much power in the Priesthood. I could feel it so strongly that night.  I enjoy hearing what things they are seeking extra help with, what Heavenly Father sees they are in need of, and hearing Nate put it all into words.  He is such an amazing man.  I know that the things he said came from Heavenly Father and that Nate is worthy and able to give those words to our kids.  Makes me so happy to have that blessing in our lives.  That the kids are able to have that comforting influence at the start of a new school year.  That they will have those blessings to look back on and know that Heavenly Father is aware of them and their needs.  That he loves them and wants what is best for them.  And that he will be with them throughout the trials and successes of this new year.  It's a relief to me that they will not be alone.  I wish I could record them and type them all up and look at them everyday :).  That would make me happy :).  But remembering the Spirit that is always there is nice too :).  8-24-14





COSTA VIDA
My Mom invited Nate, Erika, Jack and I to lunch!  It sure feels weird going places in the middle of the day with only two kids, but we had a nice time talking.  Erika and Jack wandered around once they were done eating, hopefully nobody was too annoyed.  It was nice little afternoon :).  8-26-14

SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL
Things were so much nicer today.  I felt fine, got up at my usual 5:00 and had things ready and going for the kids by the time they woke up.  I enjoy that feeling of being prepared :).  Charity and her friend Emily tricked me into driving them today, but everyone else rode their bikes.  Felt pretty normal to walk out and hug them goodbye before hopping onto their bikes.  It's so weird that summer is over, still.  But things feel alright :).  They all had more to tell about school and the second day.  Charity had a little more homework, Kelly had some.  Brad and Noah seemed more relaxed about their teachers and their days.  Although cute little Noah said that his teacher had asked them to write about their teacher and told them that they could say mean things if that's how they felt.  Even though he feels like she's "kinda not" he wrote that she was "nice" just because he "didn't want to hurt her feelings".  That's my sweet little Noah.  I'm happy he tells me what he really feels though :).  I hope things get better for him.  Luke just about cracked me up with his "quiz" about his teacher.  Apparently he was supposed to memorize (or study) the letter his teacher sent home a month ago because she quizzed them on it!  Kinda funny if you ask me.  And even funnier is that Luke completely BOMBED the quiz!  Put goofy answers on most of the questions, and the rest just got completely wrong :).  Makes me laugh.  Let's hope that one doesn't count on his grade ;).  jk.  It was a nice evening though.  Just the kids and I.  We got jobs done, homework, and even played a little dodge ball in the back yard.  Made me feel good.  I miss my kids so much during the day!!  8-26-14

OGDEN TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE
For Mutual this week we went to the Ogden Temple Open House.  I LOVE having the opportunity to look at the WHOLE temple and feeling the Spirit there.  I especially love the little video before.  I know that's not supposed to be the favorite part, but it's mine.  I have a hard time not thinking about the fact that the building is not dedicated yet, and so it's not officially a "temple", so I'm sure I lose some of the feel because of that.  I'd rather go after it's dedicated :).  Having said that, I still had a really great time, especially hanging out with Amy :).  She is so fun!  I guess I kind of just laughed at her the whole time, because she had something stuck in her teeth and even flossing it with her hair didn't help :), but she's a lot of fun to be with.  I enjoy being anywhere with the Young Women too.  They make all things fun.  That's teh cool thing about teenagers.  I love teenagers.  8-27-14

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
I dislike Back to School Night for several reasons.  Meeting the teachers is not one of them :).  I really enjoyed having the chance to sit in my kids' classrooms, where they sit, and hear their teachers.  I know they probably put on a show for the parents, but I got a good feel from most of my kids' teachers.  I have felt so overwhelmed with all the different teachers (between all of my kids there are 12 this year!) and their rules and styles of teaching, how they communicate with the parents, what they expect of my kids... it's been a lot to take in for some reason.  So the highlight of this school year, thus far, was sitting in Kelly's classroom listening to the answer to my prayers (aka: Mrs. Williams) talk about what she has planned for this year and what kind of a teacher she is.  I seriously almost cried (my eyes welled up a few times) tears of joy for how pleased I am that Kelly has her this year.  She and I needed a break.  She is going to be such a breath of fresh air for Kelly and a nice little boost before Jr. High.  Oh, words just can't express how grateful I am that she has a good teacher!  It warms my heart :).  The other teachers were great too, Luke's seems really sweet, I'm happy about that.  Bradley's has a lot of fun things in store for him, he is going to run for Mayor of his class!  Noah is learning how to adjust to someone who is nothing like Mrs. Piper... that's been a challenge, but she sounds like someone I can go to with problems if we need to.  It's going to be a GREAT year!  (For some reason I can't stop thinking about the girl that was trying to talk me into being PTA President next year... not sure why I'm hanging onto it...) 8-28-14

INDEXING TO BOAT
The Young Men and Young Women have been working on an indexing goal to earn the reward to go boating.  They finally reached their goal of 2500 (Charity having the very most, over 1500, out of all the young women- Kelly having even more than that, but she didn't really count toward the goal).  I wish I'd felt more like going, but once Saturday is here, I'm usually ready to get some housework done.  Plus Nate worked the mid, so getting out of here at 7:00 wasn't really an option for me.  I ditched it.  Charity, however, got to go!  She had a great time!  She said she went on the tubes a few times and got to watch Amy doing cool tricks on one ski, and Debbie as well.  Sounded like a lot of fun!  I really wish I'd been able to go and at least try to get up again.  It's been YEARS!  Either way, it was a nice day for Charity.  I'm glad she worked so hard and was able to go do that.  I do wish she'd gotten her credit for having the most names, they accidentally announced a different winner in Sacrament meeting.  It was nice of Rishelle to come and correct it for her :).  Anyway- good times.  8-30-14

Jet Skiing Pine View

Looks like these pictures uploaded backwards, but it's such a hodgepodge of pictures, it probably doesn't really matter.

My crazy Dad (with broken pelvic and collar bones) invited us to go jet skiing!  We were very excited about it even though we were all worried about my Dad and his ability to go on such an outing.  Even Lukey was saying, "Is Grandpa going to pass out?... I hope Grandpa doesn't pass out."  Everyone was concerned :).  It ended up being a lot of fun though.  I think my Dad will need a few days to recover, but he made it a lot of fun for all of us.  We had the usual treats and snacks to munch on.  Charity got to go out with Grandpa and he even let her drive!  She spent most of the time waiting for her next turn on the jet ski and got to go out quite a bit.  When she wasn't on the jet ski she was chasing Buddy around.  Kelly and I had a turn and had a lot of fun together.  Kelly's fun because she lets me go less than too fast and still screams with excitement and gets all into it :).  Makes me feel cool even though we're only going 35 or 40 :).  I got to take the girls and Steve out as well, when they rode on the hot dog.  Steve was totally cracking me up the whole time.  He really is just hilarious!  I about peed my pants... not kidding.  He was holding the flag out to me as he jumped off, saying, "here hold this!" then barely tossed it so that it didn't quite reach me, and landed next to him in the water.  That was hilarious.  I can't do that story justice.  Then another time he jumped in holding the flag straight up out of the water so that all you could see was the flag and the tip of his hand :).  He was funny.  Then riding on the hot dog with Kelly was hilarious too.  He was just so funny!  I know, this isn't funny to you, but it was to me :).  THEN of course, he decided it was time for me to get in, so he tipped me and the jet ski over.  That was even funny :).  He just has a way.  Nate and I took Bradley and Erika out on the hot dog as well.  That was fun, but they don't let me go fast enough for them to fall off, so very uneventful :).  Erika didn't love the hot dog ride.  She prefers sitting on the jet ski and telling Grandpa to go even faster!  He said that she kept asking him, "Is this as fast as it goes??"  That's funny to me.  Bradley was our superhero all day, helping with the jet skis and doing basically everything he was asked.  My dad said that he was really impressed with how helpful Bradley is.  Kelly too, he had added, but especially Bradley that day, "He just does anything I ask him to do!"  Bradley, Luke and Noah all spent 99% of the time there, in the water!  It was fun to watch them exploring on the other side of our little inlet.  They seemed to be having a good time.  Kelly had a lot of fun and got so tired that she took a nap in the camp chair before we left.  Jack spent most of the day playing in the dirt.  He loved the pudding that Grandpa brought and ate several cups of it even though there were no spoons!  You can imagine how messy he was!  Noah loved the water.  He loved being with Bradley.  He really liked riding on the jet ski with me too :).  I love that little guy.  Luke actually went on the jet ski this year!  Nate got him to try it.  He wasn't happy with the acceleration, but he had enough fun.  I'm glad he braved it.  It's so much work setting up and then packing up to go home, but it really is worth it, I decided.

Afterwards, we stopped to take Buddy home and then went down to Grandpa's to drop off the jet skis, then made our way down to the Hokulia for some snow cones the size of your head!  They're delicious :).  And oh so big!  It was a nice way to end the fun day.  Everyone was exhausted when we got home.  8-18-14

The Hose

I just had to get my camera out while Jack was playing with the hose.  I don't know why... well, wait, I do know why- I am so fascinated with pictures of kids drinking out of hoses :).  Sounds weird, I know.  When I was little, as we were driving from Grandma and Grandpa's house, to Nana's or the other way around, I would ALWAYS beg my dad to "go the way with the drinking fountain!!!"  There was a church, with a spring in the back, where the water would just come up through a grate on the ground... now that I think about it, it sounds extremely unsanitary, but this was the 80's/90's when germs didn't exist ;).  But I just LOVED drinking out if it!  It was so cold, and so refreshing!  When I was a little older, 12ish, they connected a pipe to the spring (however that happens, not really sure) so it was up out of the ground and more like a drinking fountain, still cool, still refreshing, but I'll admit, it was less fun.  Anyway- I have a few pictures of me and my siblings drinking out of that spring with the petrified water (tell me it's not the coolest thing in a picture!) and the funny faces... anyway.  I love those pictures and love taking similar ones of my children.

Anyways, sorry, back from memory lane...

It got really fun when Jack started swinging the hose around and getting people wet :).  I'm glad everyone was a good sport about it :).

I know I say this all the time, but I really love Brad's and Jack's relationship.  They really are good friends.  I give Bradley all the credit, he's just so fun and exciting for Jack.  Makes me happy.

Erika thought of every pose under the sun to keep bringing the attention back to her :).  

Look how fun he is!  They are soaked!

I love this one of Bradley and I'm especially loving the green garbage can backdrop, brings out the green in the booger on Jack's face.

She's getting really good at riding her bike!  It's been a lot of fun for her this summer!  She'll be all set to ride to Kindergarten next year!