Good Intentions

I have good intentions.  Last January I didn't foresee being called as a seminary teacher.  That coupled with teaching 2nd grade, having teenagers and my husband being gone on externships have made for a busy Becky.

Lucky for me and you, I am off for 5 glorious days of Spring Break!  After I sleep in until at least 7 am (More excited for this than you know!), go for a walk, and force my children to do some spring cleaning, I will be playing catch up the blog. 

Anything you wanna hear about?  Send me a line.  I'll see if I can fit it in.

The Kingdom of Callaway

We live in a kingdom.  Yes, in the 1860s it was it's own country.  People here are proud to have once seceded from the Union.  I personally get a kick out of it all.

I found this on a link from the Historical society. http://www.kchsoc.org/legend.html

"Callaway County becomes the 'Kingdom'

Early in October of 1861, six hundred (600) Federal troops began converging at Wellsville, Montgomery County, Missouri, on Callaway County's North-East border. Their mission was to subdue "Rebel Callaway". The lawyer and former State Representative, Jefferson F. Jones, with the help of many subordinates, quickly gathered six hundred (600) troops to defend our county from the Federal invasion.

These troops congregated at Brown's Spring, in North Central Callaway County to train and prepare. Equipped, with mostly shotguns and small caliber hunting rifles, they did what they could to present the appearance of a well trained army spoiling for a fight. They went as far as to paint logs black and hide them in the brush with wagon wheels to give the appearance of artillery.

After receiving reports from Union spies on the activities in Callaway County, the Federal commander, postponed his invasion. Afraid that his troops would be annihilated, he waited for reinforcements to arrive.

Meanwhile, Colonel Jeff Jones sent an envoy with a letter to the Federal commander. Though the envoy's primary mission was to apprise Jones of the status of the Federal troops, the letter stated that Jones' force was formed in self defense and that if the Federal Army would not invade Callaway County, nor molest or arrest any of its' citizens, Jones would disband his army.

The Federal Commander, General John B. Henderson, agreed to the terms rather than risk a loss in battle to this "well trained and armed" force of men. In essence he allowed Callaway County to negotiate a treaty as a sovereign state with the Federal Government. This treaty recognized our independence and granted Callaway its' own right to govern itself.

Callaway County became "The Kingdom of Callaway" in October of 1861. After the war was over the 'Kingdom' still refused to be reconstructed and be governed by outside forces. The right of the people was still our supreme law. We were proud that we had faced adversity, had stood strong against it, and had won our right to be who we wanted to be."

Being Right Doesn't Always Feel Good

Moving to Missouri was almost a traumatic experience; except when we got here everything fell into place and it sure feels like home.

The traumatic experience has been with trying to sell our home.  We finally agreed to have people in there as a lease option.  They would come up with financing in October.

Wouldn't you know it...as soon as we moved out things started breaking in the house.  We fixed them, leaky pipes and all.

Then after a contractual dispute over who should continue fixing things, they abandoned the house and want their money back.

We called a lawyer and found out the courts would most likely side with us.  Mostly small claims stuff, but huge when you are living on a teacher's salary and student loans.

I still feel awful that we had a disagreement. They abandoned their dream house, and they had less than optimal living conditions.

Nope, being right doesn't always feel good.

A new Goal

I spend so much time correcting papers, searching the Internet for ideas for lesson plans, getting Relief Society lessons together and just plain old doing laundry. 

I've made a new goal for myself and we'll see if it comes to pass.  I've held my family digitally hostage.  Yep.  Their pictures are stuck on a hard drive and no one sees them.  I no longer scrapbook.  It takes too much energy. Sooo..... I'm going to go back and blog the things I've missed the last year or so and catch up to where we are.  My kids are doing such amazing things I don't want to forget. Wish me luck, and cheer me on.

Wow! It's been a few months!

I know.  I know. I know.  I've been a bit busy. (Or forgetful?)

I have teenagers now too.  I'll tease you by putting some pics from Fulton High School Homecoming.

This is the Hornet band marching down the street.  Bray is a trumpet in the middle somewhere.  I can't tell who he is either.

My nearly 6 foot son in his uniform.  He's making a sarcastic comment about real men and capes.  I think he looks awesome!  A funny tidbit of information.  The band teacher got the absolute biggest hat they had.  An XL or XXL.  It's still tight on my kid's head. I think it's a bit funny. 

The twins have become band geeks as well.  Abby has taken up percussion and is currently the only girl in her section.  Elise has taken up the flute and is one of about 30 girls in her section. 

The twins are on the McIntire Elementary float.  Elise is upset I

caught her waving her pom pom.  You will notice my friends

pointing off to the side of the road.  A truck was parked near and they

were afraid I would crash into it.  Yes, they do know me.  :)

Lynn actually got to come to this activity with us. It was really nice to have Dad around.  Even if he had been up for about 30 hours at this time.  He works as a sort of vet tech at the small animal hospital at the vet school.  He's going to have to give it up.  I convinced him sleep IS necessary.

Abby and Elise Score!

 The Walking Talking Zoo

Elise as a Big Fin Reef Squid

Abby as a Deep Sea Angler Fish

Abby's report and display.

Elise's report and display.

Awards Assembly 

Elise's teacher tricked her at the awards assembly by not calling her name for all the students who had reached their reading goals all year.  She is sitting here REALLY MAD.

Abby and Elise both got Silver Presidential Awards for Academics.

Elise was the top AR (Reading goal) reader for the school, and her class.  She read 821 points worth of books. Elise more than doubled the previous record.  The sad thing is...Abby read more points, 478 in all, more than the top readers in the other classes but because of over achiever Elise... Abby didn't get an award. :(  

Elise got her name and picture put on a plaque in the library.  She was finally happy.  :)

Abby (in the green striped shirt) got an award for being a top writer in her class.

Talent Show

I only got a blurry picture because I was late getting to the talent show after being at the Middle School Awards for Brayden.  Apparently you don't get a sharp picture if you're running.  Abby played Hedwig's Theme.  She did very well even though she was nervous.

Top Algebra Student

 Fulton Middle School has a Last Day of School "Celebration".  Awards are given for all sorts of things.  Teachers give awards for students with top scores in certain areas.  No surprise to us, but Brayden got Top Algebra Student.  Which, I must admit, makes me laugh.  ONLY because he had algebra as a 7th grader in Utah.  When we moved to Missouri they didn't have Geometry for 8th graders unless he went to the high school for the class.  We decided because he was adjusting to so many new things he could retake algebra.  His teacher told me it got to the point in class where she would say, "Brayden, I know you know the answer.  Let's have someone else give it a try."  The best part was the cheer leaders trying to get him to "tutor" them.  He's so shy.  He said no.

Nice smile he's got there eh?  I think he looks like he might be in pain.

I almost forgot....One award they give is from the Optimists Club to the Most Outstanding 8th Grader.  Teachers nominate students and then the club looks over the student's academic and leadership skills.  Brayden didn't win but was nominated.  He said it was an honor and made him feel awesome just to be nominated.