Feb 9, 2006

February 9, 2006

We have had such an event packed week that it has taken me until Thursday to find the time to sit down and write up our adventures. I am sometimes amazed at what we can pack into a week. Let’s see...where to begin?

Marisa had her auditions for the orchestra. If you have stayed up with our blog, you know she made the Metro Honors orchestra. They take the top orchestra student from each grade from the entire metropolitan area. Then they have to audition for what chair they will be. Marisa made 9th- so she is ranked 9 for all 6th graders in this entire area. Isn’t that awesome?? The concert was held Saturday night in the Paramount theater which looks like a mini castle. I got to go to the dress rehearsal and they sounded amazing!

On Thursday evening we had our Survivor Premiere party. We had several families over and had our new chocolate fountain which was a gigantic hit!! It has now spread through the ward that we have the coolest parties. Great...now we have to have more of them. Anyway, we had a great time and really love that fountain!!!

On Friday morning, Hal and Corey did a science presentation to Kayla’s class at school. Bob and I got to come too. It was so cool!! They did all these fun experiments with dry ice; making the kids apple pop, popping lids off butter containers, watching a balloon blow up from the dry ice, etc. I am doing a horrible job explaining, but it was just so much fun. The kids were so attentive, I couldn’t believe it! The best part was how Hal dumped Mentos mints into a liter of coke and it exploded into a giant fountain!! (We had to do that outside, obviously) Kayla’s teacher said the presentation was so fun that it was one of the highlights of the year!

On Saturday, the primary had an adorable musical presentation on the Book of Mormon. New words were written to familiar tunes and they acted it all out. Way too cute! Even Alayna got to participate. I will put some pictures up so you can see.

On Sunday, I had a long day to travel to Cedar Falls and Waterloo. But thank heavens Hal and Corey were here which made the day easier on Bob. That evening, We got to introduce Hal and Corey to our new favorite game “Family Fun Cranium”. What a blast that was. Then we had more chocolate fondu!

On Monday, Hal and Corey did the science presentation to Tyler’s class and the other 2, 2nd grade classes as well. I went to two of the presentations. It was fun to watch again. I just know all the kids went straight home and begged their parents to get them dry ice!

On Tuesday, Hal, Corey, Bob and I , spent the majority of the day building a rolling food storage shelf. It looks so awesome and really helps to organize our supply. I will say that “construction” is not my thing. I was sad to see I had no patience at all and when I stripped the screws I just wanted to cry. I think I will stick to my day job!

Yesterday, Marisa was invited to the YW New Beginnings program. Bob and I got to go with her. I can hardly believe she will be in YW in just a few months. Where has the time gone? Before we left yesterday, Marisa had disappeared for an hour. When I asked where she had been she said “I was being nervous”. How funny is that? Anyway, it was one of the best New Beginnings I have ever seen. We have some amazing YW in our ward and I can hardly wait for her to be associating with them. Marisa came home so thoroughly excited last night, especially after many girls came up and told her how excited they were that she was moving up!

Alayna finished up her session of gymnastics and will start a new one next week. She can skip really well now. For some crazy reason, she has decided to wear underwear this week and go in the potty. She has only had one accident. How wonderful is that?? I guess she had to be ready and it had to be her idea. Kayla is loving the math club and she is already planning her birthday which is next month. We got a notice from school saying that after some preliminary testing, they decided they would like to test Tyler for the gifted and talented program so that was really cool. I completed my last class, but after several thing have happened here, I am considering more schooling to get a middle school endorsement. More to come as details develop.

We hope all of you are well. Again, hint hint, we love to hear back from you!

January 29, 2006

January 29, 2006

Well, I finished my final final! Whoo-hoo! Now I get my fingerprints done this week and wait for my official grade to come, and then I get to send off for my new license. I am so excited. It is so nice to have that done. Bob and I went to vote on Tuesday and the bond passed with 75% of the people voting yes. So, the new school will be finished by Fall 2007. I’m afraid they are going to have to split our ward too because it is growing too fast. They actually had people sit up where the choir normally does because there were no seats left. I guess that’s a good thing?

Marisa had a fun rehearsal for orchestra Friday night. They are getting ready for the Metro Honors concert next Saturday. She auditions for what chair she will be tomorrow.

We have a fun week planned ahead. Hal and Corey are coming to do cool science presentations to Tyler and Kayla’s classes at school. The kids have a primary performance as well as Marisa’s orchestra performance. We are also gearing up for our big Survivor Premiere Party with our new chocolate fountain. Look out!

my support group as I mop!

cheese!

Alayna

Bob with Kayla, ty and Alayna on his back

Jan 23, 2006

January 23, 2006

Good Morning, everyone! Hopefully you have all been able to check out our website and see our fun slide shows. We have some pretty funny pictures!

Yesterday, Alayna gave her very first talk in primary. Marisa helped her and she did such a great job. Each time Marisa would whisper in her ear and then she would rise up on her toes and speak into the microphone. It was so precious. Then Marisa gave a wonderful talk and Kayla did the scripture and prayer.

We got the results back this week on their National testing scores. Kayla did so well and it said that her test performance was approximately the same as that of a typical fifth grade student- so that was very exciting! She also had to make a tough decision this week at school. She has had some friends since the beginning of the year. However, lately they have been making poor decisions by making fun of other kids, dressing immodestly and doing anything and everything to be in the popular group. Kayla totally disagreed with everything they were doing. So, this week she told them that she would prefer not to be friends anymore. I know this was very hard on her, especially since she has a hard time finding friends. But I have never been so proud. She also remembered some of the stories we read in the Book of Mormon about how sometimes its hard to stand up for what you believe in. Anyway, she is doing great and flourishing in her new math club!

We got Marisa’s results back as well. She scored a 98% on the National testing. Plus, it said that her test performance was approximately the same as that of a typical student in the 12th grade!! Can you believe that? Then, she has been invited because of her scores, to attend the college for kids program this summer. She will enroll in 3 courses at Coe College. Is that exciting or what? She also has auditions coming up next week for what chair she will have for the Honors Metro Choir.

Alayna’s class gets to take a trip to the post office this week. She has been feeling much better. She had her kindergarten screening (they do it when they are 3) and she failed the hearing test. I guess it was because of the severe sinus infection she had, so we will get it retested as soon as it clears.

The bond issue that needs to pass so they can build the new school is tomorrow. I hope it passes since my new job will depend on it. I take my last final on Thursday and then start the licensing process.

I guess everything else here is normal. We watched “Once upon a mattress” last night and I was able to share my true life story of the Princess and the pea- remember, Nina? We loved reading everyone’s emails and blogs this week. Thanks a million for sharing with us!

Love- us!