Fall soccer has started for Adam and Max. Adam is excited because he gets to play on the big fields now. He made three goals in his first game- 2 with his right foot which is an accomplishment because we didn't even know he HAD a right foot, and one from the mid-field! He is a great player and we are so proud of him!

Max was SUPER excited because this was his first game ever! Technically, he is not old enough to play yet, but we kinda fudged his age a bit so that he could. (One day, Max, you'll thank me for sinning for you). He was on FIRE! He scored 5 goals, did 2 celebration dances, and got 1 entire bottle of water dumped on his head by his coach, Kody. I guess in some ways it pays to have 3 big brothers to teach him. Great job, boys!

Taylor Canyon Tigers 2011-2012

This year, we decided to transfer the boys from T.O. Smith Elementary to Taylor Canyon Elementary. There are many reasons why we made this change all of which were controversial and none of which I could determine that without a doubt we were making the right decision. We wanted them to have all of the opportunities and challanges available and just judging on the last month, I am finally finding some peace about our decision. I think Daniel said it best when we were talking about moving and asking the boys if that was something they thought they might like to do, Daniel said, "Mom, I don't want to leave what I am used to or my friends. I can see that this is the best move for us, but I'm just a kid. You are going to have to be the mom and make me do what is best for me."

Daniel and Adam tested into the Accelerated Learning Program and are learning a grade level above the standard. They also get extra enrichment activities like language, choir,art, and musical insturments, clubs, and multiple field trips. Their regular curriculum entails things like science projects, deep thought questions, reports-oral and computer written, and art projects to go along with their work.

Spencer was put in a third/fourth grade split class. I think this is going to be a great thing for him. I think he is already being more responsible and motivated with his work. He is being pushed to try harder and therefore is beginning to believe in himself enough to have the confidence he hasn't had before.

I think this move is going to do great things for all of the boys in different ways.

Timpanogos!!!

Spencer's only desire this summer was to go hiking and my only desire was to visit Timpanogos Cave (well...not my only desire, but a good enough trip to fill the void of Lake Powell this year:() so that is what we did! Daniel was more than willing to get out of this shot.

My favorite parts were the trees and roots growing right out of the rocks! It was amazing!

In case you don't know...that is Max's tough pose. It is frequently mistaken for his brain damage pose, but it's all in the fingers.

Adam had to take advantage of the opportunity to be one with the mountain. Will everyone please pause to give Adam a chance to become one with the universe?

We had to wait a LONG time! Some cool cave pictures...

Can you guess who is having the most fun, who is distracted, who I had to pinch to be in the picture, and who thinks we are all a bunch of "Losers"?

I told you he had a huge head! The rest of us passed through there without any problems- well, Daniel had to duck, but he still made it:)

Well, we made it! Whew! The only casualty: Adam lost an arm, but the other one grew extra long to compensate (it's CLEAR over on my hip). And yes, Daniel, we will still make it to football practice.

This year, Chad and I made a goal to give the kids lots of experiences to help them learn by experience. To grow in culture and mature by being productive and hopefully becoming well-rounded, respectable children.

Well...I guess we will try again next year:)

Officially full of BS!!

He DID IT!! After countless hours of studying, testing, cramming, and stressing, Chad has earned his Bachelors Degree in Emergency Services Administration. He went to Weber State University for most of it, then transfered down to Utah Valley University to finish up. He has worked long and hard for this day and we are all SUPER proud of him for sticking it out.

especially Max...look at that face full of admiration! I love you Chad for all you do for us!

My Muscle Men

What tough, good looking men I have. I know...y'all are totally jelouse that I have so many men to protect me and treat me like their princess. If only I could get them to quit farting on me...

Spencer's Baptism

Spencer got BAPTIZED!! We are so proud of him and his committment to the Lord. He truly understands and belives all the teachings of the gospel and it shines through his countenance. Spencer's baptism had a different feeling than all the other child baptisms I have ever witnessed. The spirit was there testifying that Spencer really understood what was going on and wanted to be a witness of Christ and a member of His only true church. I love Spencer for his strength, his spirit, and his amazing capacity for selflessness. I'm proud of you, Spencer!!

Easter

I found a fun new way to decorate easter eggs this year. By melting crayons on the hot eggs, the wax runs down the egg and makes a really cool look. Everyone's first eggs worked really well, but then the eggs cooled off too much and wouldn't work. We thought we should just heat them up in the microwave for a couple of seconds...Yeah, don't do that.

A fun Easter Cake I made out of chicken Peeps. Favorite quote of the day from Chad, "Hey, are you sure that's not supposed to be a sunflower? I think it looks a lot like a sunflower." Thanks.