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.

I'm Allergic to Missouri!

Really I am.  I break out in hives every other day or so.  I can't breathe.  My eyes water and my nose ears and throat itch like a dog with fleas.  Sometimes when I drive down the road I can breathe fine.  Then, I drive past a particularly green pasture or a grove of trees.  My nose stuff right up and I can't breathe. Really I'm not much surprised.  I was allergic to Utah, too and it isn't as green and lovely.  AND I should have known.  I was allergic to Missouri when I was here on my mission.  It didn't go away.

 Oh, the kids in my class try to take advantage of my condition by acting all concerned and well maybe you should call a sub Mrs. Barton.  The one who let us play computer games all day.

My Doc and I are getting to be good friends.  I take Allegra every morning benadryl every night...and when I break out in hives.  I have to spray steroids up my nose and put drops in my eyes.

The Doc had a good suggestion...local honey.  Seriously, local honey.  Apparently, if you ingest local honey you get to help yourself develop a tolerance to what ails you.  A teacher friend does it and says it works. No surprise when I mention my "idea" about honey to Lynn.  Mr. academia studied the phenomena in one of his medical (I can't recall the term) classes.

So, I guess I'm off to the farmer's market to find some local honey.  Who knew something so sweet could be so helpful.

Battle of the Bands

Brayden attends Fulton Middle School where he plays in the band.  This is his second year of playing the trumpet.  Band is a HUGE thing here in Fulton.  The have a band boosters club, go on a big trip every couple of years and play in MANY competitions.  I think they were the state champions in their division last year.  The band teacher teaches at the High School on Odd days and the Middle school on even days.  There is a 6th grade band, 7th and 8th, and High School.  Currently, Brayden sits 4th trumpet in the Middle school band.  Also, you may want to note, this is the only class Brayden gets in trouble for talking...to the girls....non stop.  Ahem.

Can you see  him?  He's the one in the black shirt.  Naw, seriously he's about dead center.

The Middle School and the High School are both Hornets.  We live in small town USA.  One High School, one Middle School, and three elementary schools.

Abby and the Spelling Bee

Abby in the first spelldown...

Nervously waiting.  She didn't win but did VERY well.

I am lucky to have the twins attend the school where I teach.  I get to watch my girls do things at school and don't have to leave work.  :)