The First Day

I am happy to report that our first day of school ended with very happy individuals!

Brayden enjoyed all of his classes, which contained plenty of friends to keep him happy.  Madison was a little terrified of her Mr. Hunting at first, but she proclaimed that he isn't scary at all....just loud!  Her class is also full of friends from years past, all except for her very best friend Sara.  It is a major adjustment to not see the two together....and a little bit sad.  Spencer and I had a blast in our 3rd grade class.  He definitely wanted to show his sassy side at first...but I nipped it with some procedures.  By the end of the day, he and I realized that we make a fabulous team.  The rest of our class was so well-behave and very SMART.  I was smiling all day!

My Classroom.....Finally!

After many long days....I am happy to announce that my classroom and lesson plans are ready....at least for the first three days of school.  While it is such a relief to finally be this far, I have really enjoyed the process.  I have dreamed of this classroom for so long and have worked so hard for it that I have been full of giddiness in the endeavor.  I am quite pleased with the turnout and hope my students will enjoy it too.      

Independence Day

Our Independence Day started off with a bang when I received a text from my friend Diane (who lives by the construction of our new house) that said "Happy 4th...Great news, their is some action on your lot!"  We had been waiting and waiting for some action.  I couldn't believe that construction started on the holiday...but boy were we excited.

 We drove out to Provo with Tyler's parents to watch the Stadium of Fire and the Beach Boys.  We had done the same thing 11 years ago and had learned our lesson about traffic...this time we booked a hotel near the stadium!  I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed the Beach Boys.  This istheir 50th anniversary and I couldn't help but think they were going to be too old to perform.  But the proved me wrong...they still have it!  The fireworks were amazing, along with the patriotic performance that went with it.  The whole night was so grand and the kids were definitely impressed.

We had planned to swim at Seven Peaks the next day but we were surprised with rain!  But the state definitely needed the rain with the drought and wildfires.  I made my kids get on their knees and thank the Lord for answering our prayers for rain.  But boy did they groan about missing our trip to Seven Peaks!

Spencer was baptized on June 30 along with one of his good friends, Kenadee Allred.  The week had been very hectic with the move out of our house and into Grandma Helen's house.  But he remained calm and serious about the whole ordeal, memorizing the baptismal covenants and practicing the baptism stance with his father.  The night before the baptism, he responsibly went to bed early and woke early the next day, literally jumping into his suit.  He was so READY.  Madison gave the talk on baptism and Brayden gave the closing prayer.  He was both baptized and confirmed on the same day.  He told me the water felt sooo good and I could tell he didn't want to leave it!  It's hard to believe that everyone in my family are official members of the Church now.    I am so proud of Spencer and his firm determination to be baptized!

Moving On....

We have sold our house in order to build a larger one by the Naples park.  We've lived in this house for 14 years and have become quite attached to it, the neighborhood and the ward.  We have many, many good memories here.  This is the only home my children have known soo leaving it is quite gut-wrenching.  My children have questioned our decision several times.  But the new family is moving-in in one week and so we must move on.  We will be moving in with my in-laws in Jensen.  The builder says our new house will be finished August 30.....I hope he's right!

The Marriage of Devin and Michelle

Tyler's younger brother Devin married Michelle Allen on June 2nd.  The wedding was beautiful and tender, with all their boys in tuxes.  The whole evening was perfect.  We are so happy to be gaining a new cousin and sister-in-law.

Spencer Turns 8

Spencer turned 8 on June 2.  He really wanted to have a friend party with a Beyblade theme.  Beyblades are special designed tops that compete in stadiums.  His friends were totally into the competition...which made it an easy party for the mom!  Spencer even took 1st place in the competition.  We are so blessed to have him in our family and we can't wait to see him baptized on June 30.

Riley Graduates

In May, we attended the graduation of my brother Riley at the U of U.  This is his second masters....an MBA.  We are extremely happy for him as it was a huge sacrifice for him and his young family. He and I were going to school at the same time and we always enjoyed comparing stories.  We understood each others craziness.

I am finally a graduate!  The ceremony was beautiful with bagpipe players, eloquent and inspirational speakers and the graduation walk itself.  My brother Riley and sister Camille brought there families from the Wasatch Front to help me celebrate....which meant so much.  My in-laws and parents also were there to support me.  And then of course my own husband and children were there to show their love.  I loved every minute of the day.  My family threw Madison and me a party afterward...complete with adorable decorations and cupcakes.  Needless to say, by the end of the day I was floating!

I also found out this week that I get to be a third grade teacher at Naples Elementary!  It has always been my dream to work at Naples and now that it is coming true--I couldn't be happier.  Goals and dreams really do happen when hard work is persevered!  I get to teach my own son, Spencer this year; we are both elated.  I am going to have a fun summer putting my classroom together.  I honestly cannot wait.

The Cake Boss

Madison turned 10 on the 26th of this month.  I allow my kids a friend birthday party every other year...this was Madison's year.  We chose a theme off of Pinterest that followed the TLC show the Cake Boss.  I had so much fun creating all the little whimsical touches such as the aprons and decorations.  The girls LOVED decorating their individual cakes.  They were surprised that it wasn't as easy as it looks on tv!

Madison is so lucky to have such a special group of friends.  I hope they can stay close throughout their entire childhood.