No Title - Just the Facts . . .

I seem to have lost my precious spare time, can anyone lone me some?? I guess as long as it isn't my mind that's missing, we're in a good place. Here are the facts of the preceding weeks of which I was unable to blog...

Fact 1: Kaylee started on her CNA certification (Certified Nurses Assistant). She will be going to school most of the summer but is really enjoying her classes and labs. She works part-time cleaning houses but was able to attend youth conference last week for half of the day each day.

Fact 2: Kendall finally completed Driver's Ed and is working on getting in those driving hours since he is already 16. He spent a week at Band Camp, Priesthood in Action Camp, a week of youth conference (EFY at USU), and a week in Moab along with Whitney biking for high adventure scouting.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fact 3: Shannon is working for a neighbor (almost everyday) weeding, watering, and whatever else that needs to be done. She also completed several weeks of volleyball camp.

Fact 4: Weslie is in science camp and loves it and has had several softball practices and games.

Fact 5: Fact 3 & 4 show that I am often without a sitter for my two little angels. Braden often reads to Landon to pass the time (a requirement for time on the computer). Landon is still in speech twice a week during the entire summer. He loves it!

Fact 6: We repaired our suburban after reviewing the cold hard facts about transportation for a family of 8. There are many good minivans out there but they hardly have the room to haul us and all our gear.

Fact 7: We have gotten rid of the big pile of dirt FINALLY (NOT!!) There's still about a half a garden's worth left. I'm putting a sign on it tomorrow (Free dirt!) Whitney wants his parking space back or I'll be forced to reside in the dirt. (Just Kidding - I hope!)

Fact 8: I haven't been able to get into my classroom at school yet due to the lack of a key and my partner teacher having surgery BUT . . . I'm really working hard on my curriculum.

Fact 9: We spent this last week with family again as Brett & Alana visited with their family and we went up to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House along with all the rest of my family.
(MAJOR fun!!!)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fact 10: We are wishing all of you the best summer ever and would love to see you soon, but if not --- We love you all the same.

Peaks and Valleys

Hello my loyal blog subjects! Tis SUMMER! We started our summer with "Peaks and Valleys". This is the title to a book written by Spencer Johnson, MD. He tells a story of how a young man finds happiness in life. Just like the rhythm of our heart on an electrocardiogram, our lives follow an up and down pattern. Our happiness is largely determined on how we both view and handle the ups and downs. I'm so glad that my father and brother shared this book with me. I happened to read it on the day we were heading home from Grand Junction, CO after we had surprised my dad for his 65th Birthday. We were on such a high "peak" as we were with most of our family for this event. We enjoyed good food, activities, and laughter together, what a totally "UP" time! The valley followed as the engine on our suburban blew coming up a canyon out of Price, UT (240 miles from LOGAN!!). How ironic that our "valley" hit as we were trying to climb a peak! Luckily, Kerri was behind us and was able to help us get assistance then Mark came and they transported us back to Logan. We laughed as we thought of all of our blessings and how the situation could've been worse (not to mention the looks we got from cars passing by as we waited a couple of hours for Mark). I'm grateful for eternal perspective. It surely doesn't make the down times in my life easier but when I look at what I can learn from it and not take it personal, it makes life very rich and full. Besides, you all should think of your memories . . . most people remember the events where something went wrong over the times where everything went perfectly right.



We are now searching for a vehicle to replace our suburban (after two engines and transmission work - we've had it with suburbans!) Any suggestions out there?? Whit wants a motorcycle but Remember we have to seat 8!!

Whew!

OK - Busy week, I feel like a broken record. Because so many of you are my family, I will give you a quick "run-down" since this is the main way we keep in touch (sad but realistic).



Kaylee went to senior ball with a really nice young man. Those from WY will LOVE the "duds" he's wearing. I didn't get a picture of his cowboy boots but they were very fancy (they even had hair!). No - he's not from WY, he's from here - UTAH!


Braden had Kindergarten graduation. I will surely miss my half-day with him next year. It has been so fun to help with his class and have him home for part of the day!
Weslie Presented her UTAH program which the 4th grade does every year. I just love the state song. (Landon must also as he keeps humming the tune.)



Weslie and Shannon had their spring piano recitals. I didn't post the video as I didn't get a good recording but both did an excellent job. (I hope they keep it up and don't quit like their mother did!!!)

The kids had their last day of school today!! So they are out floating the canal while I type. Hooray - - - SUMMER!!! We still need to make cookies and watch a movie tonight to celebrate (Tradition).

Last weekend (Friday night) we took some roasting sticks and went up Green Canyon to enjoy a cook out with a few ward friends. Braden accidentally fell into the fire and burned one arm. We took him to the ER thinking it looked pretty bad, they sent us up to the burn center at U of U in SLC, UT. We are watching the burn closely this week to determine if more needs to be done. We are hopeful all will go well. I take him back up to U of U tomorrow (Kendall's 16th B-Day!!!) SHHHHHHH - the neighbor girl and several other kids from Marching Band are throwing him a surprise party. I'll post more on that later...

I have some news - I will be teaching half-day next year with a great teacher at Weslie's Elementary school (Greenville Elem: Grades 3-5). I will be teaching 4th grade - I'm so excited!! I was able to go and meet my future students today. Now the fun of developing my curriculum and organizing my classroom begins. Any pointers???

Check out Greenville at http://www.ccsdut.org/Greenville


Now for a final note -- Just had to post a picture of our new pet (the kids wish!). Actually, I just had to post this picture to make you all laugh. Laughing burns calories so make sure you take time to engage in this EVERY DAY!!