They have really good PE teachers at Lava Ridge Intermediate and it has been a lot of fun for Ethan. They play all kinds of games are about to do their inline skating section this next month. Yes, they inline skate in the gym for 2 weeks. And they finished a section where they played crab soccer for a couple of weeks. Ethan was very good at that one. That's a rough PE class, isn't it?!
Anyway, they have been learning to play volleyball the last week, along with doing a bunch of exercises and fitness tests. We were watching a BYU men's volleyball game last week and Ethan came in. He told us that they had been learning volleyball in PE. Then he said:
"You know that kid that you look at and think is totally athletic but then when it comes to volleyball he can't play AT ALL?"
I laughed and said, "Yes, is there a kid in your class like that?"
His eyebrows shot up and he said, "No! I'm that kid."
We laughed so hard! The poor guy just can't figure out volleyball. At least he can laugh about it!
Classic Ethan!!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Medicine Merit Badge
This has been a crazy hard merit badge for Ethan. It was already a hard merit badge but the merit badge adviser ran it like a college-level course. So when Ethan finished his service project and made his final appointment he was anticipating a huge boulder to be lifted off his shoulders.
This is what he looked like when he got home and had everything turned in:
I know the photos are a blurry mess, but he was jumping all over the place and it made it hard to get a good photo!
This is what he looked like when he got home and had everything turned in:
Pizazz Team Pictures
We received the Pizazz team pictures a couple of weeks ago and I was really impressed. It was a bit odd to have them taken in a parking garage, but I think they turned out cute. And we have come to the conclusion that Courtney is, by far, the cutest one on the team. ;)
Here is her age group team. They are 3rd through 6th grade girls. Courtney is the one on the far left.
This is the entire dance team. The little girls on the front row in silver are the K-2nd graders, the second row is Courtney's team (she is the 2nd from the left on the 2nd row), then the rest of the girls are the 7th through college girls, including the All-Star dance team.
Again, we think she's the cutest!
Here is her age group team. They are 3rd through 6th grade girls. Courtney is the one on the far left.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Easter Morning
Easter morning Courtney was up bright and early! She doesn't sleep in very often. The Easter Bunny usually brings the kids new swimming stuff. This year they both got a new swimming suit, swim shirt and towel. Then we give them Church clothes. Courtney got a dress and Ethan got a shirt and tie.
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Much to Bryan's dismay (and mine too, if I'm being honest) Ethan sleeps without a shirt on. He likes to show off his pecs. We just laugh. Here is a photo of him flexing. I told him it would be more impressive if you could see a six pack instead of each rib bone. Gotta love the kid!
Then Bryan and I hid the Easter eggs that Courtney so lovingly stuffed with candy and put a note on to let us know that we were supposed to hide them. Bryan's eggs were the hardest to find and he was pretty proud of that!
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Then we all went inside for breakfast. Now, there is a bit of a story behind breakfast. Last week Bryan and I made some cinnamon rolls (note that I said "cinnamon" rolls) for the families his home teaches. He tried three times to deliver one batch to a family (we didn't even try with the other families) and they were never home. It was a bit discouraging but we figured they were out of town visiting family for the holiday. Sunday I decided we needed to bake the cinnamon rolls for ourselves because we didn't want them to go bad.
While they were baking I could smell apples. It was a really strong smell. Then it started to smell like wassail at Christmas time. I was so confused and couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from.
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Happy Easter!
Then we all went inside for breakfast. Now, there is a bit of a story behind breakfast. Last week Bryan and I made some cinnamon rolls (note that I said "cinnamon" rolls) for the families his home teaches. He tried three times to deliver one batch to a family (we didn't even try with the other families) and they were never home. It was a bit discouraging but we figured they were out of town visiting family for the holiday. Sunday I decided we needed to bake the cinnamon rolls for ourselves because we didn't want them to go bad.
While they were baking I could smell apples. It was a really strong smell. Then it started to smell like wassail at Christmas time. I was so confused and couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from.
When the cinnamon rolls were finished baking, I put icing on them and we got ready to eat breakfast. I kept asking if anyone else could smell the apple smell and they could. Ethan took one bite of his cinnamon rolls and decided he didn't want to eat any more of it. I noticed and asked if he didn't like them. He asked if I had done something different and I said no. Then it dawned on me that I may have grabbed the wrong spice when I was making them.
I quickly went to the pantry, grabbed the spice I had used and it was...cloves. Ugh! That is why I smelled wassail and apple smell. The clove rolls were awful. So we didn't get our yummy cinnamon rolls and I was VERY grateful the family was never home when Bryan tried to deliver them!
I didn't have meetings so we all scrambled to get ready for 9 a.m. Church. I had to take our traditional kid photo on Easter morning in their new Church clothes. Actually, Ethan's shirt didn't fit so his tie is the only thing new. And I forgot to buy him a belt. Ugh! But they look really cute!!
Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt
Our neighborhood Easter egg hunt isn't what it used to be but Courtney still wanted to go to it. We were assigned to take juice and the every child has to take 12 filled plastic eggs to the woman's house by Friday afternoon if they want to participate. She and her husband hide them at the Stake Center on Saturday morning and everyone shows up, eats muffins/donuts, drinks juice, gabs and then the kids have their Easter egg hunt.
Courtney loved the donuts!
She and her friend are anticipating the start of their age group Easter egg hunt:
Ethan wanted to give the younger kids the opportunity to get as many eggs as they could so he decided not to participate this year. But he is competitive and just has to get in there and help out. So he rode the bike around the Church and helped Courtney and her friend find their 12 Easter eggs. He was loving it because he still got to hunt for eggs but he felt like an older kid. It was fun.
Courtney loved the donuts!
Ethan wanted to give the younger kids the opportunity to get as many eggs as they could so he decided not to participate this year. But he is competitive and just has to get in there and help out. So he rode the bike around the Church and helped Courtney and her friend find their 12 Easter eggs. He was loving it because he still got to hunt for eggs but he felt like an older kid. It was fun.
Spring Recess - Day 1
Ethan had an orthodontist appointment last week but it was on a day that I was working in the library. I called to reschedule and they had an opening at 8 a.m. on Friday. I knew it was the first day of Spring Recess (formerly known as Easter Break) so I thought it was perfect. But I also thought Ethan wouldn't be too happy to get up early on his first day off and have his braces tightened. So I bribed him. I said I would take the kids out to breakfast if they wouldn't give me any grief. They agreed.
I shouldn't have worried because they both were up bright and early on Friday morning. We had to wait until it was time to drive to the ortho appointment. Ethan was the first patient and we were in and out in about 15 minutes! He chose red and blue elastics. I wanted to take a picture but he "Calvined it." (If you know anything about Calvin & Hobbes you will understand that that means.)
We then went by Bryan's office to pick him up for breakfast. There is a restaurant in town, about 2 blocks from Bryan's office, that is supposed to be really good. We hadn't been there before so we decided to try it. Ethan ordered pancakes, sausage and eggs. He also got Sprite. This is what he looked like when the waiter put his food on the table:
This is what he looked like after he was finished eating all he could get in his stomach:
And he was hungry about an hour later!
We then ran to my parents house where Ethan mowed the lawn and Courtney helped cut flowers. Ethan had been invited to a "hang out" party at a friend's house. It was the friend's birthday but his mom said he was too old for a birthday party but he could have a "hang out" party. It's not cool at their age to ask if someone can "play" but it's really cool to ask if they can "hang out." So Ethan went to "hang out" with his friend and one other boy. Ethan was over there all day long! I dropped him off at 10:30 and Bryan picked him up after 5:00. But they fed him pizza and he had a great time.
I shouldn't have worried because they both were up bright and early on Friday morning. We had to wait until it was time to drive to the ortho appointment. Ethan was the first patient and we were in and out in about 15 minutes! He chose red and blue elastics. I wanted to take a picture but he "Calvined it." (If you know anything about Calvin & Hobbes you will understand that that means.)
We then ran to my parents house where Ethan mowed the lawn and Courtney helped cut flowers. Ethan had been invited to a "hang out" party at a friend's house. It was the friend's birthday but his mom said he was too old for a birthday party but he could have a "hang out" party. It's not cool at their age to ask if someone can "play" but it's really cool to ask if they can "hang out." So Ethan went to "hang out" with his friend and one other boy. Ethan was over there all day long! I dropped him off at 10:30 and Bryan picked him up after 5:00. But they fed him pizza and he had a great time.
Courtney's Track Meet
Last Tuesday was a track meet for Courtney. They had qualifying races during PE and those with the fastest times were invited to participate in a track meet against Red Mountain Elementary to find a winner to compete in District. They used to do a whole field day for the kids but there were complaints from the high school so it was discontinued. Some parents were really upset because their kids didn't realize the races in PE were the qualifiers. But Courtney was just happy-go-lucky and glad she made it to the second round.
They had to postpone the track meet because of bad weather but they finally were able to do it on the 15th. I had the morning off from the library so I was able to watch. Bryan took some time off too. It was fun to watch her. She ran in the 100 meter.
She had me put her hair into a high pony tail so it would "swish" when she ran. Hilarious!!
Here she is with her friend after they arrived at the high school:
Look at her form!
She was having fun.
At the finish line!
Walking back to find out what her time was.
She wasn't fast enough to qualify to go to District but she was happy to have run in the track meet. She said she is going to train and really blow them away next year.
They had to postpone the track meet because of bad weather but they finally were able to do it on the 15th. I had the morning off from the library so I was able to watch. Bryan took some time off too. It was fun to watch her. She ran in the 100 meter.
She had me put her hair into a high pony tail so it would "swish" when she ran. Hilarious!!
Here she is with her friend after they arrived at the high school:
The starting of the race:
She wasn't fast enough to qualify to go to District but she was happy to have run in the track meet. She said she is going to train and really blow them away next year.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Blood Drive and Offer to Drive Home
Ethan needed to do 1 hour of service in the medical field to finish up his medicine merit badge. His merit badge counselor wanted them to do service at the Free Clinic in town but it was across town and had weird hours. There was going to be a blood drive in our stake so he wanted to help at that instead. When the sign up sheet was passed around Relief Society, I noticed there was a section for volunteers so I signed him up.
Bryan wanted to take Ethan up to the blood drive and give blood himself. I had a food order to do and so Courtney decided to go with them. She sat and did her homework the entire time.
Ethan sat at the front table and helped people check in. They had him make reminder phone calls too. He thought it was a lot of fun and that the woman who trained him was "awesome." It was such a great experience for him and Bryan was very impressed by how well Ethan did.
Bryan did a great job giving blood too. He had the fastest time until some "punk kid" came who beat Bryan's time by a minute. I didn't know there was a contest as to who could pump blood out the fastest.
They all ate cookies and Bryan was given a coupon to a restaurant. His name was also entered into a drawing for prizes, but we didn't hear anything so we figure that he didn't win.
When Ethan's hour was up they loaded in the truck to come home. Ethan turned to Bryan and, with concern, said, "Dad, with all the blood you gave are you sure you're safe to drive home? I could drive home for you." Nice try kiddo, but no! What a crack up!
Bryan wanted to take Ethan up to the blood drive and give blood himself. I had a food order to do and so Courtney decided to go with them. She sat and did her homework the entire time.
Ethan sat at the front table and helped people check in. They had him make reminder phone calls too. He thought it was a lot of fun and that the woman who trained him was "awesome." It was such a great experience for him and Bryan was very impressed by how well Ethan did.
Bryan did a great job giving blood too. He had the fastest time until some "punk kid" came who beat Bryan's time by a minute. I didn't know there was a contest as to who could pump blood out the fastest.
They all ate cookies and Bryan was given a coupon to a restaurant. His name was also entered into a drawing for prizes, but we didn't hear anything so we figure that he didn't win.
When Ethan's hour was up they loaded in the truck to come home. Ethan turned to Bryan and, with concern, said, "Dad, with all the blood you gave are you sure you're safe to drive home? I could drive home for you." Nice try kiddo, but no! What a crack up!
Still in the Library
I am still working in the library at the elementary school but it will just be 2 more days. It has been 4 weeks now. We have Friday and Monday off for Spring Recess so I won't work those days. The regular librarian will be back on Tuesday and then I will be back Wednesday and Thursday, then she will be back for good on Friday.
It has actually be fun reading stories and shelving books but I am ready to get back to my regular life. The kids have loved it because Courtney likes having me at school with her all day (although she doesn't come down to see me very often anymore) and Ethan loves coming here to do his homework after school. He loves helping kids find the books and then using the "zapper" to check books in and out.
I am going to tell the principal that I will be the substitute librarian next year (in case the librarian is ever sick) so I can keep my employee badge. It gets 2 people into Snow Canyon High School games for free. Hahaha!
It has actually be fun reading stories and shelving books but I am ready to get back to my regular life. The kids have loved it because Courtney likes having me at school with her all day (although she doesn't come down to see me very often anymore) and Ethan loves coming here to do his homework after school. He loves helping kids find the books and then using the "zapper" to check books in and out.
I am going to tell the principal that I will be the substitute librarian next year (in case the librarian is ever sick) so I can keep my employee badge. It gets 2 people into Snow Canyon High School games for free. Hahaha!
Scout Camp Out
I forgot to blog about Ethan's scout camp out he had the other week. He told Bryan that he would be fine going by himself. It wasn't real camping after all because it wasn't outside. He was signed up for 4 merit badges and he was in them with friends, so he was excited.
Thursday night Bryan got out all our backpacking stuff and taught Ethan how to pack everything. Ethan used my backpacking backpack, Bryan's sleeping bag and pad, and then he got clothes and toiletries. He was all set.
Friday night he earned his climbing merit badge. He told us that he has decided he is afraid of heights. He did just fine but said that he wasn't enjoying it because it was too far up there. Bryan wants to take him repelling a few times to have him get over his fear.
They slept outside the Washington City Community Center that night. Ethan said they ate chili hotdogs. There were porta potties that Ethan said were really gross. But at least they didn't have to go in the woods.
Ethan said they didn't get to eat dinner until around 10:00 p.m. and then the 12 year old boys were being crazy and kept them up late. He figures he went to sleep around 1 a.m., but he didn't have a watch so you never know.
Saturday morning he earned the robotics merit badge. They ate lunch and then he earned the chess merit badge. He ended his day working on the personal fitness merit badge. This is one you have to do over a period of time, so he didn't finish it. But he got a good start.
I was very impressed by how well he put everything back together. The sleeping pad is horrible to roll up and he did a great job with it.
He was really tired when he got home that evening but he had a great time.
Thursday night Bryan got out all our backpacking stuff and taught Ethan how to pack everything. Ethan used my backpacking backpack, Bryan's sleeping bag and pad, and then he got clothes and toiletries. He was all set.
Friday night he earned his climbing merit badge. He told us that he has decided he is afraid of heights. He did just fine but said that he wasn't enjoying it because it was too far up there. Bryan wants to take him repelling a few times to have him get over his fear.
They slept outside the Washington City Community Center that night. Ethan said they ate chili hotdogs. There were porta potties that Ethan said were really gross. But at least they didn't have to go in the woods.
Ethan said they didn't get to eat dinner until around 10:00 p.m. and then the 12 year old boys were being crazy and kept them up late. He figures he went to sleep around 1 a.m., but he didn't have a watch so you never know.
Saturday morning he earned the robotics merit badge. They ate lunch and then he earned the chess merit badge. He ended his day working on the personal fitness merit badge. This is one you have to do over a period of time, so he didn't finish it. But he got a good start.
I was very impressed by how well he put everything back together. The sleeping pad is horrible to roll up and he did a great job with it.
He was really tired when he got home that evening but he had a great time.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Dance/Soccer/Dance/Reception
It was a CRAZY Saturday where we had WAY too much going on. Luckily, I have an amazing husband who helps me out so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Courtney had a dance competition Saturday and a soccer game. (The competition video is at the bottom of the post.) When I received the schedule for the dance competition I realized that she could do it all. So we made our game plan. Ethan was at the Scout Expo so he was on a camp out (in a field near porta potties, but he slept in a tent so it was a camp out) so we didn't have to worry about him.
While I quickly got ready early Saturday morning, Bryan woke Courtney up at 6:30, made her waffles and then got her in the shower. I helped get her in her dance costume, did her hair and put her make up on (the part I am not thrilled about but she LOVES). Then we drove to Dixie State University and were there at 7:40 a.m. Bryan had gotten the computer bag together for me so while I waited for Courtney's group to perform, I was able to get some Church stuff done and began our monthly menu (yes, I am a bit late with that one). She performed her jazz routine from all the half-time shows at about 8:45 and then we went home.
I ate breakfast and had to mess with the computer because the latest update of Java wasn't working with the design program I needed to use. When I got that fixed, I designed the invitations for our Welcome breakfast next month with the graduating Laurels and sent them off to be printed at Costco.
By this time, Bryan had spent a couple hours pulling weeds outside, mowing the lawn, and doing laundry (which the kids have requested he do more often, but I will tell you about that in a minute). It was then time to get Courtney in her soccer uniform and then Bryan took her to the game while I finished up the monthly menu, shopping list (which I put into order by aisles, thank you very much), making phone calls for Church, and returning emails. I realized that it was time for me to leave and meet Bryan and Courtney so she could get to her next dance competition.
Courtney was pretty tired but she still made 3 goals at her soccer game!! What a great soccer player!
They went to Costco to pick up the invitations I had sent to be printed earlier, used a free coupon to Carl's Jr. to get lunch (although it was for a hamburger and Courtney wanted chicken nuggets so Bryan ended up spending money anyway), and then called me to let me know they were a bit behind. I asked them to meet me at Dixie State. I had brought Courtney's costume so when they showed up we went inside, got her changed, and met up with her group. They were scheduled to dance at 1:45 p.m. and the competition was a few minutes behind schedule. I went in to find a seat and then did some more planning and Church stuff. Meanwhile, Bryan went grocery shopping (using my awesomely organized list), put all the groceries away, and was folding the laundry.
Here is her lyrical dance. Courtney is the far right in the video. You may have to turn your speakers really up because the music was soft. It is a pretty dance though.
When she finished dancing we got her back in her soccer clothes (a little oversight on my part not bringing her anything else to change into) and Courtney and I went clothes shopping. We are having family pictures next week and I wanted to get some coordinating shirts for everyone. Well, there were A MILLION people in St. George, or so it seemed. So every store was packed. At the first store Courtney found "the best dress" that she wanted for Easter but we didn't find shirt. I am glad her dress is found although it doesn't look Easter-y. We went to Old Navy for shirts but there were so many people there and everything was picked over so I couldn't find what I wanted. Courtney was tired and wanted everything she saw so we ended up leaving with a very sad little girl because she wanted to buy more clothes for herself.
We went back home and had a couple of hours before Ethan came home from the camp out. He earned 3 merit badges: rock climbing, chess and robotics. He still has things to do for the personal fitness merit badge. He had a lot of fun and had some pretty funny stories to tell us. He was really tired because they didn't get much sleep.
Bryan and I then had a wedding reception across town to attend. We got dressed, left the tired kids to take care of themselves, and went to the reception. It was nice to see the family and we got to visit with some people in our ward. Then we headed back home.
By this time it was about 7:30 p.m. and time for the kids to put their laundry away and get ready for bed. Bryan and I were in Courtney's room while Ethan was in his room putting laundry away. Suddenly Ethan screamed and came running into Courtney's room flinging a pair of aqua blue panties at us. We then found him in the fetal position on his bed rocking back and forth. What a ham!!
Bryan is great at doing laundry but he does not guarantee that anyone will get the right clothes. Many times Ethan and I have had to switch socks but I am not going to complain because he is helping me out! But Ethan was traumatized that Bryan gave him Courtney's underwear. It was hilarious. So Courtney has requested that Bryan always do the laundry.
Then the kids went to bed and so did we. What a long day!! And somewhere in there Bryan played soccer with Courtney at the park. We did miss my cousin's daughter's baptism in Bountiful. That made me sad but we couldn't make the drive in time to get there after Courtney danced. But we were thinking of them!
Courtney had a dance competition Saturday and a soccer game. (The competition video is at the bottom of the post.) When I received the schedule for the dance competition I realized that she could do it all. So we made our game plan. Ethan was at the Scout Expo so he was on a camp out (in a field near porta potties, but he slept in a tent so it was a camp out) so we didn't have to worry about him.
While I quickly got ready early Saturday morning, Bryan woke Courtney up at 6:30, made her waffles and then got her in the shower. I helped get her in her dance costume, did her hair and put her make up on (the part I am not thrilled about but she LOVES). Then we drove to Dixie State University and were there at 7:40 a.m. Bryan had gotten the computer bag together for me so while I waited for Courtney's group to perform, I was able to get some Church stuff done and began our monthly menu (yes, I am a bit late with that one). She performed her jazz routine from all the half-time shows at about 8:45 and then we went home.
I ate breakfast and had to mess with the computer because the latest update of Java wasn't working with the design program I needed to use. When I got that fixed, I designed the invitations for our Welcome breakfast next month with the graduating Laurels and sent them off to be printed at Costco.
By this time, Bryan had spent a couple hours pulling weeds outside, mowing the lawn, and doing laundry (which the kids have requested he do more often, but I will tell you about that in a minute). It was then time to get Courtney in her soccer uniform and then Bryan took her to the game while I finished up the monthly menu, shopping list (which I put into order by aisles, thank you very much), making phone calls for Church, and returning emails. I realized that it was time for me to leave and meet Bryan and Courtney so she could get to her next dance competition.
Courtney was pretty tired but she still made 3 goals at her soccer game!! What a great soccer player!
They went to Costco to pick up the invitations I had sent to be printed earlier, used a free coupon to Carl's Jr. to get lunch (although it was for a hamburger and Courtney wanted chicken nuggets so Bryan ended up spending money anyway), and then called me to let me know they were a bit behind. I asked them to meet me at Dixie State. I had brought Courtney's costume so when they showed up we went inside, got her changed, and met up with her group. They were scheduled to dance at 1:45 p.m. and the competition was a few minutes behind schedule. I went in to find a seat and then did some more planning and Church stuff. Meanwhile, Bryan went grocery shopping (using my awesomely organized list), put all the groceries away, and was folding the laundry.
Here is her lyrical dance. Courtney is the far right in the video. You may have to turn your speakers really up because the music was soft. It is a pretty dance though.
When she finished dancing we got her back in her soccer clothes (a little oversight on my part not bringing her anything else to change into) and Courtney and I went clothes shopping. We are having family pictures next week and I wanted to get some coordinating shirts for everyone. Well, there were A MILLION people in St. George, or so it seemed. So every store was packed. At the first store Courtney found "the best dress" that she wanted for Easter but we didn't find shirt. I am glad her dress is found although it doesn't look Easter-y. We went to Old Navy for shirts but there were so many people there and everything was picked over so I couldn't find what I wanted. Courtney was tired and wanted everything she saw so we ended up leaving with a very sad little girl because she wanted to buy more clothes for herself.
We went back home and had a couple of hours before Ethan came home from the camp out. He earned 3 merit badges: rock climbing, chess and robotics. He still has things to do for the personal fitness merit badge. He had a lot of fun and had some pretty funny stories to tell us. He was really tired because they didn't get much sleep.
Bryan and I then had a wedding reception across town to attend. We got dressed, left the tired kids to take care of themselves, and went to the reception. It was nice to see the family and we got to visit with some people in our ward. Then we headed back home.
By this time it was about 7:30 p.m. and time for the kids to put their laundry away and get ready for bed. Bryan and I were in Courtney's room while Ethan was in his room putting laundry away. Suddenly Ethan screamed and came running into Courtney's room flinging a pair of aqua blue panties at us. We then found him in the fetal position on his bed rocking back and forth. What a ham!!
Bryan is great at doing laundry but he does not guarantee that anyone will get the right clothes. Many times Ethan and I have had to switch socks but I am not going to complain because he is helping me out! But Ethan was traumatized that Bryan gave him Courtney's underwear. It was hilarious. So Courtney has requested that Bryan always do the laundry.
Then the kids went to bed and so did we. What a long day!! And somewhere in there Bryan played soccer with Courtney at the park. We did miss my cousin's daughter's baptism in Bountiful. That made me sad but we couldn't make the drive in time to get there after Courtney danced. But we were thinking of them!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Clean Room
Look closely because this is something not seen often...the top of Courneys desk and dresser!! They are usually covered in junk.
Bryan told her on Monday that she had to clean her room or she couldn't do any extracurricular activities. After much wailing, she decided to clean it. A lot of trips downstairs and a few garbage bags later, it was cleaned!! Yeah!!!
Ta-da!!!
Black Shoes
Last Tuesday morning was crazy. I worked for the law firm from home in the morning and then I has to go to the elementary school in the afternoon. I hurried to get ready, grabbed shoes and was ready to head out the door. Just as I went to walk out my shoes felt odd. I thought my sock was bunched up or something. I looked down and saw this:
They were both black. Does that count?
I hurried back to change so both were the same shoe and then headed out. I can honestly say that has NEVER happened to me before!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Snow Canyon Baseball
I was really bummed the other day when I read the sports section. Snow Canyon's baseball team hadn't been doing very well and we hadn't been to any games this season. But last week our neighbor (the catcher) hit two home runs and another player hit a grand slam. The game was called early because of the pity rule. That would have been a great game to watch.
We decided to go to a game. Courtney had dance so we picked up a pizza on the way to get her. Then we drove to Dixie High for the game. We were a bit late but it wasn't bad.
Bryan wore his Giants hat. An old guy with a Dodgers hat and blue shirt on was staring him down. It was pretty funny!
In the bottom of the 5th inning Dixie had runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. The batter struck out and the runner on 1st base stole second. After the play the Snow Canyon coach came out to complain to the ump that the batter got in the way of the catcher. After discussion between the umps, it was decided that the batter did get in the catchers way and the runner who stole 2nd was called out!! That left 2 Dixie runners on 2nd and 3rd. Dixie's coach was furious!!
A few Snow Canyon batters later some lights blew in the stadium and the game was stopped until they could figure out what to do. Crazy game!!
The lights took about 15 minutes to warm back up. We only stayed to watch Snow Canyon bat then we went home.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Pizazz Team Photos
It was a crazy Saturday. We cleaned the house, weeded the yard, mowed the lawn, did the laundry, went to a soccer game, watched Conference, grocery shopped, and then, while Bryan went to Priesthood Session, I had to take Courtney to her dance team's photo shoot.
They took the photos in the top level of a parking garage downtown. Odd, but I am reserving judgment until I get the final photos and see how they turn out. Courtney wanted individual photos but I wasn't going to pay more money for them so we just ordered the all team photo and then the photo of her age group.
It took a while to get everyone situated and Courtney wasn't thrilled about being on her knees, but it all worked out.
All the Pizazz dancers (Courtney is on the second row, in pink, 2nd from the left):
This is Courtney's age group dance team (minus 6 girls). Courtney is on the left.
For being such a large group, it really didn't take too long. Courtney then wanted to play around and have me take photos with my phone of her jumping and dancing. So we decided to play around a bit. We even walked over to the Tabernacle to take some photos. It was fun. A homeless man even gave Courtney a bouncy ball which she thought was really cool!
Cute girl:
She wanted a picture of her doing a toe touch but I couldn't get it at the right point so she probably did 20 toe touches until she decided I didn't know what I was doing. What did she expect from a cell phone?!?
A crazy version of her toe touch. I love her face! We got a good laugh out of this one.
Cute girl on the Tabernacle steps.
Here is her impromptu dance on the roof of the parking structure:
I love that she doesn't care who is watching. She just dances like no one is watching!
They took the photos in the top level of a parking garage downtown. Odd, but I am reserving judgment until I get the final photos and see how they turn out. Courtney wanted individual photos but I wasn't going to pay more money for them so we just ordered the all team photo and then the photo of her age group.
It took a while to get everyone situated and Courtney wasn't thrilled about being on her knees, but it all worked out.
Cute girl:
Here is her impromptu dance on the roof of the parking structure:
Rubber Snake
I have to give you some background before you will understand the significance of this photo.
Not long after Bryan and I were married, I was doing laundry. I have a habit of forgetting that I am doing laundry (I get busy) so things sometimes sit in the drier for a while before I remember to fold them. This happened one time and, unbeknownst to me, Bryan got a rubber snake (which he brought to the marriage but has no idea where it came from) and put it in the drier in such a way that when the door was opened, the snake would "jump out" at me. I think he must have done it when I was doing the laundry but then I forgot about doing the laundry so it sat there.
The next day I opened the drier and out jumped a snake! I am absolutely certain that I screamed bloody murder. I am also absolutely certain that I DID NOT find it funny for a few months. And I am also absolutely certain that Bryan thought it was hilarious! I threatened to chop that rubber snake into little bitty pieces and then I hid it! (I didn't have the heart to throw it out because it wasn't mine.)
Fast forward about 15 years, 6 moves and 2 kids, and the snake is still in our house! It pops up once in a while, usually because someone has found it in the basement where I keep hiding it, and thinks it would be fun to scare me. Yesterday Courtney and her friend were playing the basement and found the snake. They put it by the chest in the living room with the hopes that it would scare me.
Ha! I saw it and knew it was fake. It didn't even scare me at all! So I told Bryan it was there and he hilariously screamed like the snake has scared him. The girls thought they had gotten him and giggle and giggled. It was pretty funny. I obviously need to think of a better hiding place for the stupid thing!
Not long after Bryan and I were married, I was doing laundry. I have a habit of forgetting that I am doing laundry (I get busy) so things sometimes sit in the drier for a while before I remember to fold them. This happened one time and, unbeknownst to me, Bryan got a rubber snake (which he brought to the marriage but has no idea where it came from) and put it in the drier in such a way that when the door was opened, the snake would "jump out" at me. I think he must have done it when I was doing the laundry but then I forgot about doing the laundry so it sat there.
The next day I opened the drier and out jumped a snake! I am absolutely certain that I screamed bloody murder. I am also absolutely certain that I DID NOT find it funny for a few months. And I am also absolutely certain that Bryan thought it was hilarious! I threatened to chop that rubber snake into little bitty pieces and then I hid it! (I didn't have the heart to throw it out because it wasn't mine.)
Fast forward about 15 years, 6 moves and 2 kids, and the snake is still in our house! It pops up once in a while, usually because someone has found it in the basement where I keep hiding it, and thinks it would be fun to scare me. Yesterday Courtney and her friend were playing the basement and found the snake. They put it by the chest in the living room with the hopes that it would scare me.
Ha! I saw it and knew it was fake. It didn't even scare me at all! So I told Bryan it was there and he hilariously screamed like the snake has scared him. The girls thought they had gotten him and giggle and giggled. It was pretty funny. I obviously need to think of a better hiding place for the stupid thing!
Soccer Game
We have been frustrated with the soccer leagues in St. George. Courtney's birthday is August 12th but the cut off date for making the teams is July 1st. That means that she is usually the oldest player on the team and, most of the time, she is playing with teammates 2 grades younger than she is. We have asked them to move her up a team (because she has played since she was 4) but they are really strict. I finally did convince Ivins Soccer to move her up a level but they play at the exact same time as her dance class so she can't play in that league anymore.
We tried to sign her up for KICKS soccer this Spring but they didn't have any teams on "our side of the black hills" so we would have to drive her to Washington City for a team and we didn't want to do that two times per week. So I signed her up for AYSO. We haven't played in AYSO before so we thought we would try it.
I called the director to ask if he would play her up and he told me that they have to put her on a team for her age group but that she could be moved up if they noticed that her ability was higher than her team mates. I was encouraged and got her signed up.
They had their first game at the end of March but we were at the Fun Run so Courtney didn't go. They aren't having practices but the coach sent me a text with the schedule and asking if we would do treats for the next game. So we were off on Saturday morning for a park across town for her first game with the "Cherry Bomb" soccer team.
We had a hard time finding the field, we didn't have her uniform and the man in charge really didn't seem to know what was going on, and we didn't know who anyone on her team was so we didn't know where to go. The man in charge was finally able to figure out what was going on and gave me a reversible uniform for Courtney but he couldn't tell me what color to have her wear. Then we went to try and find the team. I was really frustrated.
We found her coach, who turned out to be really nice and Courtney liked her a lot. Their game started late and there are only 4 girls on her team so they don't have much down time in a 3 on 3 game. But Courtney played really well. She made 5 goals....actually she made 6 but one was illegal. haha! She did a kick off from center field and it went in their goal. However, no one touched it after Courtney did so it didn't count. At least one other player has to touch the ball before it can be called a goal.
She played a great game though and was really doing well at stopping the ball and changing directions. She has really been improving and I was very impressed.
After the game the coach asked Courtney if she was in 1st grade too. My heart dropped. Yes, Courtney is in 3rd grade and playing soccer with 1st graders. Ugh! So we have to figure out something to do. I wish they would let her play soccer with girls in her grade so she can get used to their skill level. She isn't going to learn if she isn't challenged!
We tried to sign her up for KICKS soccer this Spring but they didn't have any teams on "our side of the black hills" so we would have to drive her to Washington City for a team and we didn't want to do that two times per week. So I signed her up for AYSO. We haven't played in AYSO before so we thought we would try it.
I called the director to ask if he would play her up and he told me that they have to put her on a team for her age group but that she could be moved up if they noticed that her ability was higher than her team mates. I was encouraged and got her signed up.
They had their first game at the end of March but we were at the Fun Run so Courtney didn't go. They aren't having practices but the coach sent me a text with the schedule and asking if we would do treats for the next game. So we were off on Saturday morning for a park across town for her first game with the "Cherry Bomb" soccer team.
We had a hard time finding the field, we didn't have her uniform and the man in charge really didn't seem to know what was going on, and we didn't know who anyone on her team was so we didn't know where to go. The man in charge was finally able to figure out what was going on and gave me a reversible uniform for Courtney but he couldn't tell me what color to have her wear. Then we went to try and find the team. I was really frustrated.
We found her coach, who turned out to be really nice and Courtney liked her a lot. Their game started late and there are only 4 girls on her team so they don't have much down time in a 3 on 3 game. But Courtney played really well. She made 5 goals....actually she made 6 but one was illegal. haha! She did a kick off from center field and it went in their goal. However, no one touched it after Courtney did so it didn't count. At least one other player has to touch the ball before it can be called a goal.
She played a great game though and was really doing well at stopping the ball and changing directions. She has really been improving and I was very impressed.
Eshelle End of the Year Review
Pizazz was invited to dance in the end of the year review for the Snow Canyon Eshelle's. Courtney was excited because they always have the Junior Eshelle camp beforehand and then the Junior Eshelle's get to dance in the review. She couldn't wait.
She had Junior Eshelle practices all week long for an hour. She loves the Eshelle's because her old Pizazz coach is the coach of the Eshelle's and we have a neighbor who is on the team. So Courtney loves hanging out with the girls.
On the night of the review the gym was packed! We ended up sitting on one side while Courtney did her Pizazz dance. We had some neighbors at the review to watch their son dance with one of the Eshelle's in their partner dance. She took some photos of Courtney and emailed them to me.
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Then I helped her put on her Junior Eshelle shirt and she went to sit with the other girls. When it was time for their dance, a lot of the parents of other dance teams had left so we could have moved, but we didn't. It was okay.
Here is the video of her dance:
We waited to watch the "Papa Eshelle's" do their dance (the dads of the member of the dance team). It was hilarious and they did a great job! Then Ethan and Bryan took off for home but Courtney wanted to wait until the end. So we stayed. It was a long night but it was a Friday so it wasn't too bad!
She had Junior Eshelle practices all week long for an hour. She loves the Eshelle's because her old Pizazz coach is the coach of the Eshelle's and we have a neighbor who is on the team. So Courtney loves hanging out with the girls.
On the night of the review the gym was packed! We ended up sitting on one side while Courtney did her Pizazz dance. We had some neighbors at the review to watch their son dance with one of the Eshelle's in their partner dance. She took some photos of Courtney and emailed them to me.
Then I helped her put on her Junior Eshelle shirt and she went to sit with the other girls. When it was time for their dance, a lot of the parents of other dance teams had left so we could have moved, but we didn't. It was okay.
Here is the video of her dance:
We waited to watch the "Papa Eshelle's" do their dance (the dads of the member of the dance team). It was hilarious and they did a great job! Then Ethan and Bryan took off for home but Courtney wanted to wait until the end. So we stayed. It was a long night but it was a Friday so it wasn't too bad!
Choir Concert Videos
Here are the videos from the choir concert last week. Courtney is on the front row to the conductor's right. There are quite a few songs. There were also songs by the drum corp and the 4th grade recorder players. It was a good concert.
A Joyful Song:
Round and Round
Circle Round the Moon
If I were a Fifer (Courtney is in the small group that sings the extra part)
Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
Joy In My Heart
'Cross the Wide Missouri
We Will (this is my favorite song they sing)
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Choir concert
Last Thursday, Courtney had her last choir concert of the year. Her choir teacher is actually going to quit teaching after this school year so it was their grand finale! They did a great job.
I will post video in a bit.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Substituting
The librarian at the elementary school has been in Salt Lake City with her husband. He needed a kidney transplant and their daughter was going to be the donor. Last October the principal asked if I would be willing to substitute for the librarian for a few weeks while she took care of her husband. Bryan and I talked about it and we decided we could make it work.
The doctor had to give them a surgery date and they kept waiting and waiting. Finally they were told the surgery could happen in March. So I went to the school and was trained by the librarian.
It's a pretty fun job. I read a story to each class when they come to the library. I check books in and out. I clean and shelve books (or Ethan does when he comes after school to help). And I look things up on the computer.
It can get boring though. But that's ok. I don't like not having my one as my own. Last week I had 2 food orders I do and I didn't have a time during the day when I was available. So I ended up having to so them really early in the morning. It also seems like these few weeks when I will be working that Courtney has a lot of field trips where they need chaperones. And I can't go and help. So that's really been frustrating.
When I agreed to help I was told it would be for 2 weeks but the librarian said tht it could be up to 6 weeks. I have already been here 1 1/2 weeks and she sent me a text saying it will be another 10 days probably. Oh well. I'm glad I am able to help her out!!
The library:
General Women's BBQ and Broadcast
I was so excited when the RS Broadcast was changed to an all women's broadcast. Courtney was old enough to go!
Our Stake RS Presidency usually has a dinner for the women before the broadcast but due to the extra women invited, they decided not to do anything. I wanted to make a big deal out of the meeting so our ward had a BBQ before the broadcast. The priesthood leadership grilled for us and we had a potluck if salads and desserts. We had about 85 women/young women/girls show up and it was fantastic!!
We began at 4:30 so we would have plenty of time but women were still hating at 5:55. My mom waited for us at the Stake Center and saved us seats.
I loved the broadcast but Courtney got a little bored. But I was glad they changed the age so it includes all women 8 years of age and older!
Run for a Reason Fun Run
The fun run and 5K to raise money for sun shades was last Saturday. I was in the committee to plan the run and it was the first time we have had a run. There were 5 moms on the committee and we worked hard to get it going.
We met on Friday to finalize what we needed to do on Saturday and make assignments for the run day.
We met at 6:30 am on Saturday to get things ready for a 9 am race time. Two moms went out to mark the course with flour. Two moms went out to get the aid stations set up and to put signs up. I stayed at the school and used caution tape and traffic cones to lock off the parking lot, take care of the final packet pick up, an show the guy from Findlay where to set up the start and finish line blow up thing.
When we finished all that stuff, out volunteer showed up from the middle school and two moms shuttles them to the aid stations. I showed a few of them how we wanted the fruit cut up and then got another volunteer dressed as Charlie Cougar.
The runners began showing up at about 8:45 and we were almost ready to go. At 9 am the 5k run started. This included Bryan, Don and Kathy.
Here's the family waiting for the drawing:
It was a great day and everyone had a lot of fun. We had almost 200 people run and we made $3,725 in cash between sponsor donations and entry fees. Then we had another $3,500 worth of prizes donated. So I think it was a very successful first year for our run!!
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