Some work...Some play!

On April 2nd we finally got a decent day to go outside and work on the yards.  From the looks of these pictures you can see they obviously needed it.  After pulling until my hands were calloused, midsection was sore (still recuperating from surgery) and still not getting our poor excuse for a lawnmower to start...I called in reinforcements.  Rich and Lori brought their bigger piece of hud lawnmower over for me to use.  It made horrendous noises, rattled a lot, and didn't have a bagger but at least it started.  After watching me mow for quite a while Brody could tell that I was getting horrible allergies from all the dust that was being projected into the air so he offered to step in and take over.  How grateful I was to him for stepping up and being a true gentleman!  He is such a great helper especially when his dad isn't around.  



Mom, I think if you do this, then it will start.  (Always trying to figure things out.)

Big enough to start the lawnmower without any help but....

....still has to push on the lower bar to keep the lawnmower in the correct position.  Not quite tall enough to hold on to the top bar without it tipping. 

While we were busy doing yard work, this is the view where Shane was.  He had taken a fishing trip to Alabama with Randall Stutman.  Unfortunately, they didn't catch many fish but he said he had a good none the less.

Picture from the lodge.

Picture of the lake.

I guess this is what you would call a herd of turtles.  I remember telling Brody and his friends that they moved as fast as a herd of turtles and they didn't believe there was such a thing.  Now I have proof!

 

What a beautiful picture. The weather was windy and chilly while Shane was there but you can't tell it from this picture.

Manners Please!

Manners: Ways of behaving with reference to polite standards; social comportment

Etiquette: Conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.

Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back.
Thomas Sowell

Grandma Connie decided she would like to host a formal dinner for her grandchildren to help establish and practice good manners and etiquette.  She made beautiful invitations that asked each child to make sure they dressed in dressy clothing and told them to bring pajamas, and extra clothes as she would be having a slumber party afterwards.  My kids were so excited.  They asked for days "how many more days until grandma's party".  Finally the day arrived.  Around 5:00 pm they started to get ready.  When they had finished I drove them to grandma's and the fun began.  Grandma had prepared an elegant 5 course meal and had set her dining room table with china, silver, stemware, and candles. The children all sat around the table and after Brody said the blessing the first course was served: cream of broccoli soup.  Grandpa was told he could either help serve or he would be banned to the bedroom. So....off to the bedroom he went.  After Grandma served the soup she put frozen lemonade ice cubes in every one's glass and topped it off with Sprite.  When it was Brody's turn to receive the sprite he told Grandma that he didn't want any.  Not knowing that Brody had given up soda pop and had not drank any for almost 3 months she tried to talk him in to having just a little.  As I listened to the conversation I couldn't help but reminisce about the times I had heard these exact same words spoken to me while growing up as peers were trying to influence me to do something I knew wasn't right..."you can have just a little bit" or "come on Brody, just try it" and "try it, if you don't like it, you don't have to drink it" and finally "one little taste is not going to hurt you". Each time he responded with "NO, I don't want any!" or "I don't care! I'm not going to have any!" As I listened to his response each time, tears welled up in my eyes and all I could think of was what a strong little boy he was and how proud I was of him for sticking to the choice he had made about not drinking soda pop.  Even though this was a choice that seemed insignificant, it mattered to him and he had already made up his mind he was not going to drink soda at all until after he was finished playing sports.  I can only hope when he is faced with bigger, more important temptations he will have the same strength to say NO.  No matter how much "peer pressure" he receives. Ok, lets move on!  Second Course: cottage cheese fruit salad.  I was surprised how well the children ate.  Most of them cleaned their plates with every course.  Third/Fourth Course: roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and a roll. And finally Fifth Course: Desert!!! Grandma had made Ice Cream cake rolls, and they looked beautiful.  She had gone to a lot of work and I know that my kids really, really enjoyed themselves.

Grandma with Brody and Haylie before everyone arrived.  Don't they all look nice?

Haylie was a little sad because her dress got caught on a nail and gathered the lace a little when she came in the door but it was only a matter of time before she found her smile again.

Ready for dinner.  Eating at a beautifully set table made them feel extra special.

She sure has some cute grandkids.  

Grandma and her grandchildren minus Mitch, Lex, Keldon, and Emma.  Mitch and Lex had the rare opportunity to go visit Emma, Tamara, and Andrew in Texas.  I know their company was greatly appreciated by the Walton family but my kids missed them at this party.  Maybe next time!

Grandma serving the kids.  They thought this was pretty cool!

They were all very well behaved and used their manners and proper etiquette that grandma had spoken to them about. 

After dinner was over the fun began.  Grandma taught them how to dance.  They learned the Hokey Pokey, Bunny Hop, and Cotton Eye Joe.  That's all my kids could talk about the next morning.

Trying to get a picture of them dancing without them knowing I was there.  They looked like they were having a lot of fun.

Connie did an excellent job making each and everyone of her grandkids feel really special.  I appreciate her willingness to spend time with the children and having a unique way of always tying together the theme of the party with good values and morals. Thank you Grandma...the kids are already looking forward to the next "Grandma party!"

Spring Festival

Since Loa Elementary no longer has a music teacher it has been the responsibility of the teachers to put together the annual Spring Festival.  I am always impressed with the way this turns out.  I am very grateful to teachers who are willing to put forth the extra effort to make sure our kids get some sort of music in their studies.  This year the theme was team work.  All of the classes did so well.  I must admit...there were a lot of comments made about how well the 2nd  graders did on their parachute dance.  They danced to the theme song of Chariots of Fire.  It was absolutely awesome! 

Haylie right before the afternoon performance.

Kierra braiding the Maypole. 

Little John (JT) standing tall and proud.  Waiting to sing his song.

This is a horrible picture but it captures the way Haylie is all the time.  Always smiling!! Love you Midge.

Making sure everyone is in their correct places.

and showtime!

This is the one part of their dance when they had to freeze.  Her partner was cute little Molly Murphy.

Brody and Riley conversing before their song.

Brody always has been a good little singer.

Actions that went along with their song.

Once again a horrible picture.  My camera doesn't do so well with gymnasium lighting.  If you look real close you can see Brody in the center of the picture standing on his tip toes to make sure the parachute would go as high as possible.

 

Hiding under the parachute waiting for the music to end.  You could see them wiggling around under it.  I can only imagine the conversations! 

They had a great time participating in the Spring Festival and I enjoyed it as well.  Even Shane mentioned that he thought it turned out really nice.  Great Job Loa Elementary Staff and Students...I can't wait until next years performance!!!



Geology Rocks!

This year Brody's 2nd grade play was called Geology Rocks.  What a good job all the 2nd graders did.  When rehearsing for the play Brody really got into it.  He was doing some pretty amazing acting.  Unfortunately when it came time to perform he toned it down quite a bit.  He was still spot on with his lines, just not as animated.  The tunes were pretty up-tempo and it was cute to see the kids bounce and tap their feet to the music.

Before the program started...guess who was excited!

Singing his little heart out!

Brody was Igneous Rock.  I wish I would have kept his parts so that I could post them.  I was impressed that he could learn the rock cycle so well. 

Reciting his lines.

I think he is a handsome little fella.

What a pleasant smile.  I am so grateful to have such a fun little guy in our family...and I'm very proud of him.  Love you luv bug!

He said he had fun but his costume was really hot and was making him all sweaty....GROSS! 

After the play was over he wanted a picture with the "Geology Rocks" poster.  A big thank you to both 2nd grade teachers Mrs. Laura Brinkerhoff (Brody's teacher), and Mrs. Libby Torgerson.  Congratulations on a job well done.  The play was absolutely adorable.

Another Year Older and...something missing!

This year when we called to wish Grandma Connie a very Happy Birthday we could hear in her voice that she was having a difficult day.  My kids said she sounded sad and tried to think of something they could do to make her feel better.  I reminded them that I had just made some fresh banana bread and it would be finished baking in just a few minutes.  They decided that it would be a good idea to take her a loaf of bread with a candle in it since we didn't have time to make a cake.  While they waited for the bread to finish baking, their little minds went to work.  They decided that they would make Grandma and themselves party hats to celebrate her birthday.  What a GREAT idea!  Off to the school closet they went.  They found scrapbook paper, a flower punch, ribbons, and markers.  They figured Grandma would need a birthday card as well.  I am so proud of my little people for having such a big heart.  They were so excited to do something for Grandma that would cheer her up and make her have a happy birthday.  I must say, I think it worked...at least for a little while.  WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA!

Busy curling the ribbon to go on the birthday hats.

Birthday cards and hats that they made.  Lots of love involved!

Ohhhh come on mom...another one?

The kids were so happy they could make Grandma feel better. 

Shortly after Grandma's birthday Haylie came home with a big surprise.  She had not only lost both of her bottom front teeth but she had pulled them herself!  She was so proud.  "Mom, I didn't even cry like Brody did" she told me.  That night she so carefully place her teeth under her pillow so the tooth fairy could visit.  The next morning before her eyes were even fully focused she jumped to her knees and lifted up her pillow.  Wow...her teeth were gone and money had been left.  This was the best day ever! 

So proud!

We kind of have to tease her a little.  Because she lost both teeth the same day she talks a little funny.  She's a good sport and always gives us a giggle.



Bantam Wrestling Adventures.

Brody has been participating in the Wayne Wrestling program since October.  I am very proud of how far he progressed this year.  This was his first year participating in more than just the Wayne Tournament and I think he did really well.  The first tournament Brody competed in was the Monroe Tournament.  We had to leave early that morning because it was snowing and we didn't know what the roads would be like.  Not feeling well, I got out of bed and slowly got ready.  When we stopped to get Allen, I was wondering if I would make it to Monroe without vomiting.  I started feeling worse on the car ride over.  When we finally arrived in Monroe, Shane agreed to go get Brody registered while I stayed in the car to rest and he would call me when Brody was on deck.  I stayed out in the car until Shane called and then went in to watch Brody wrestle.  Needless to say, I don't remember anything about that tournament.  I had to keep going outside (while it was snowing) to vomit.  I remember him receiving his first place medal and Shane saying I am taking you to the Hospital.  Thank goodness Dustin had come over to watch Brody wrestle because he agreed to take Allen, Brody, and Haylie back to Wayne County while Shane and I went to Gunnison.  After several tests at the Gunnison Hospital the Doctor came in and said I needed to take and ambulance ride to Provo to get my appendix out.  I was so sad.  I knew my kids would be sad and nervous.  Thank goodness for Grandma Connie and Grandpa Allen being so generous to keep them at such short notice.  I called Daphne on our way to the Hospital and asked if her and Ty could meet us at the hospital so that Ty could give me a blessing.  What amazing family we have.  They dropped what they were doing and arrived at the hospital shortly after I did.  I am so very grateful for the power of priesthood blessings.  What a comfort and testament they are of the love our Father in Heaven has for us.  Thanks Ty and Daph!   You are such wonderful people and I appreciate your willingness to help whenever needed.

Grandpa Gumbo (Allen) was Brody's biggest supporter.  I don't think he missed any of his tournaments.  Brody really enjoyed having Grandpa there and hearing him cheer (yell) from the stands.  Grandpa can be quite loud when he wants to be.  I am very grateful for the support and love Allen shows to my children and for always making them feel special.  THANKS GRANDPA!!!

His tournament results were as follows:  Monroe 1st Place, North Sevier 1st Place, Panquitch 1st Place, Wayne 2nd Place, Piute 3rd Place, and he did not place at the State Tournament this year but he wrestled really tough and we couldn't be more proud.  He had a team of coaches that were really helpful and encouraging to him.  Thank you Greg Pace and Tony Jackson for your time dedicated to these little people.

 

Brody trying to get this little fella folded up to go for a pin. 

Note the chin in the side?  I told Brody not to do this when he first started but he assured me that this is what he was supposed to do and after watching a few matches I found out that he was 100% correct.

He doesn't wrestle really aggressive until something happens and he gets angry.  I hope this doesn't become a habit for him to carry with him for the rest of his life.

I didn't think this hold was legal but I was told by his coaching staff that it was.  I sure felt bad for the little spud on the bottom.  One good thing about Brody was he didn't like making the kids cry.  He felt bad when they would start crying and he even let go of a couple of them.

1st place at the Panguitch Tournament.  Haylie and I had to miss this tournament because I had (vertigo).   Allen said I had better stay home because he didn't want to get stranded again.

1st Place Medal but I don't remember what Tournament.

Haylie loved teasing and playing with Grandpa.  She told me "Good thing Grandpa wears his hat cuz we can spy him."  I have to say, it was pretty easy to "spy Grandpa with his cowboy hat on being as how there were few if any men wearing cowboy hats at the tournaments.  Brody was wrestling a difficult kid and Grandpa was trying to watch.  Keri Pace was sitting by us and said that Haylie kept trying to tease Grandpa and Grandpa kept swatting at her to get her to leave him alone.  Funny thing about that was.....Grandpa didn't even realize he was doing it.  Keri grabbed Haylie sat her on her lap and told her that for the next 4 1/2 minutes Haylie was hers.  Haylie was bummed but Keri was absolutely positive that that was the safest place for her.

Once again I don't know the names of the moves but Brody is in control here.  At least for the time being.

I think this was at the Monroe Tournament where I was so sick.  I did manage to take a couple of pictures.

Usually Brody would have this kid really tight but if you look close you can see this little guy is crying.  Thus the tender not so tight hold.  Good for you BD!

Another highlight for Haylie and Brody was when Uncle Dust would come to watch.  They truly love their Uncle Dust and feel bad that we don't get to spend more time with him.