A return to old values...

I haven't been on the blog for ages. I know how much I enjoy reading about my family and friends so I made it a goal to be better about keeping up this blog. It's a GREAT way to keep in touch. IF any of you family and friends are STILL out there reading... thanks for your love and support!!

2011

I started out faithfully blogging then laxed to once a month, I hope I don't end up blogging once a year. What happens in life? I fondly remember thinking how much life would be easier once the kids were old enough to dress and bathe themselves. A good friend of mine who had 8 kids smiled and patiently waited for me to glimpse what her life was like. I am now in the stage she was in at that time and again, I find myself thinking of how much easier life must be when the kids are married and I retire??! I don't want to live for tomorrow. I want to enjoy every second of every minute of TODAY!! I also have a bit more wisdom now to know that life just accelerates and the gaps are filled to the rim. What a rich life! I'm grateful for the old adage: "The older you get, the more you realize how little you know!"

Here's to all of you for this new year of 2011. May it be one of learning, loving, laughing, and lifting. If you logged on to see pictures of our fun Christmas and the New Year's celebrations . . . You will have to wait until I can download my camera which may be in 2012 at the rate life is taking me... I promise to try harder BUT I hope if you took the time to view my blog and read, you will smile and feel uplifted. Happy 2011 Everyone!!

The slacker returns . . .

OK - I know our lives have now jumped from June to November. How does that happen??!? Most of you aren't asking because like me, you are just now adjusting to writing 2010 on your checks and in less than 2 months you will have to adjust to writing 2011. OR perhaps you are not writing checks anymore??! Technology can really change a person's life.

Rather than try to catch you up on all that we've accomplished in the last several months. I will share a brief summary of the summer's events - we will then leap into November where we should be. I had to share pictures as it was Kaylee's last summer with us. We took advantage of every moment!

July: Camping, YW Girl's Camp, hike to Naomi Peak, Park City with Whit's family

August: Whit and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary! Whit's weblos hike to hidden lake, Youth Conference in Salt Lake City (I went with the 4 older kids), The Dinosaur Park, Waterskiing at Bear Lake, Jackson Hole with Jack & Terri, School Starts!!

September: Braden's baptism, took Kaylee to BYU-I, football games and dances, basketball starts for Weslie

October: UEA, The Children's Museum and the prophet's graveyard, Kaylee visits (yeah!), The pumpkin walk, corn maze

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Summer's off with a BANG!

OK - it's already three weeks into summer and we (or I should say "I") haven't been home!! What's wrong with this picture?? The first week of summer was spent moving all my classroom stuff and cleaning up then going to a training seminar for our new reading program (can't wait!). That weekend we took off up to Benjamin's (my brother Brett's oldest child)baptism in Yakima, WA. We met up with my parents and nephew in Mountain Home and had a fun road trip. The scenery was wonderful. When we lived in Lewiston, I had to brag about the drive north - once you get PAST Boise. Kaylee and Kendall headed up to Rock Springs, WY to help Grandpa Jack (Whit's dad) with renovations on Ray's (Jack's father-in-law) house so they did not come with us but they had quite a bit of fun as well.

After Yakima, we headed to Lewiston, ID early in the morning so we could attend sacrament meeting with our old ward. It was so fun to see everyone and we were able to stay for a day and visit with our friends. On our drive home, we just had to take the old road we used to travel so often that goes through McCall and follow the Salmon River. Talk about a river being high!! There were places where the rapids were quite high. It was exciting to see and we miss floating the river with our youth group but not this year!!

We got home from this trip, did some laundry, then we headed up to Park City, UT to spend some time with Whit's mom and step dad. His step dad had been in the hospital for a month so we were so grateful that they were able to spend time with us and that he is doing better. We enjoyed good food, games, and just being together.

Back from Park City, off to Stansbury Park for Davis' farewell!! He's off to Nicaragua!! You better write us bud!

This week I participated in a seminar called NUPATHS. It's funded by the federal government to help teachers master social studies curriculum (esp. US History). It was spectacular! I learned so much about our history, some of which you won't find in textbooks. If I could be a professional student for life, I would. I love learning, discussing, and creating. We also have been quite American by attending baseball and softball games for the kids. You gotta love this cooler weather for those games!

We hope you all are having a terriffic summer! We would love to just travel and spend time with you all. We're there in spirit AND our door is always open to you --that is ... IF we are home!

PS - PICTURES TO COME LATER!!!

Memorial Day

For the past couple of years we have gone with our scout pack to the Logan Cemetery the Sat. before Memorial Day to put flags on the graves of veterans. This has been a wonderful experience for our family as we honor those who have fought for our freedom. As we look for the tombstones that are marked as veterans, we find out many interesting things. This year we found a grave for someone who had come through with the Martin Handcart Company. There is also a famous poet buried there and a whole section for infants who have died. One woman is surrounded by 6 children who had all died within a couple of months of their births. The kids get very reverent and the desire to touch tombstones with your finger is amazing. We also look at dates and find dates of our own birthdays.

I took my 4th grade class there this year as part of a UT history unit I taught. The kids went on a "scavenger hunt" to find certain dates and the graves of some key historical members in our community and state. These students loved this activity and held the same respectful behavior. A few students cried as they came to the baby section of the cemetery. It was a neat experience to see fourth graders pondering the meaning of life and respecting those who have left a legacy behind them.

One down and five to go!

Just like that ... Kaylee stepped across a platform and she was done . . . GRADUATED from High School. Some moments in life are literally a BLINK and a catch of the breath. I was battling a cold so it wasn't productive for me to get emotional on the day of her graduation but I'm very certain that I will get emotional the day we drive off and leave her at college. I've heard tell that once your oldest child starts leaving home, the rest follow quickly. Some days I wish I could freeze time. Perhaps this same sentiment inspired the invention of the camera. For those of us who are sentimental, this is one of the best inventions of all time.

Here's to you Kaylee Ann Pugh!!! May the future bring you closer to your dreams and may all your experiences lead you to fulfill the potential you hold within. (Being the ever great optimist you are ... this won't be too difficult!)

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LIONS!

The month of April came in like a lion and is leaving like a lion (SNOW!!). You gotta love Northern UT! I think the whole month should be dubbed 'LION' as that best sums up the pace of things in the Pugh household this month.

We started the month with our good friends, the Bernatz's (from Lewiston, ID)! We were so excited to have them come visit and planned out our festivities for weeks in advance. Unfortunately, the plans were dashed by the weather and our 9 inches of snow. It still turned out great and we enjoyed every minute. Unfortunately again, we got sick the night before they were to leave (SIX of us throwing up at once!). Needless to say, they left in a hurry the next morning. Hope none of them got sick. This was the start of our Spring Break!

Luckily, we recovered and the weather cleared so we headed south to spend some time in the sun with my parents in St. George. Kendall drove us down thus completing his 50 hours of driving time for his license. I always say that if they can drive fine through the Salt Lake traffic and construction, they are ready! This doesn't do miracles for my high blood pressure however!

Our next big event was Junior Prom. The girls and I spent that day in Tooele at Mandy's bridal shower (my oldest niece). We got home in time to make dinner for Kendall's group. They had a lot of fun.




Weslie's performance with the Cache Children's Choir was next. Craig Jessop directed the choir and it was fabulous. They presented songs from around the world.

Shannon and Kaylee sang in church. As I listened, I realized how much we will miss Kaylee when she leaves for college in Sept. Luckily, BYU-ID is not too far for us to visit. The girls all sponsored a girl's camp fundraiser. We baked goodies and provided all you can eat soup and bread, then the girls provided entertainment. They decided to do a "spoof" using the Lawrence Welk show. They also included Braden and Landon. It was hilarious. I regret to say, I didn't film it. For family coming --- we'll definitely have to re-enact this!

Kaylee's strings ensemble went to state performing Bach's Brandenburg Concerto III. It was spectacular!!! Again, I didn't video tape --- Argh!!! They got the number one score. Her orchestra group also made it to state and will go May 15th.

Finally! Kendall completed his eagle project!! He did a bike rodeo for the elementary schools. It went really well despite the weather and he put so much prep time into it. It was a good learning experience for him as he had to address PTA groups, the fire dept. and the police. Whew!

Oh - I'm just adding to this entry. I've had it typed but haven't downloaded pictures so it has taken a week or so - I'll edit my blog this weekend SO check back.

New item to report --- Weslie got her hair cut to donate it to 'Locks of Love'. It looks really cute.