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.
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:)
He has worked long and hard for this day and we are all SUPER proud of him for sticking it out.
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 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!!
Yeah, don't do that.
Spencer picked a sports theme so we made a banner, had gatorade and water in the cooler, popcorn, peanuts, bubble gum, and sunflower seeds for refreshments.
We made a bunch of different balls for his cupcakes
He invited a bunch of friends to the gym at the church and played lots of fun games
This was the time out zone/penalty box (which Daniel utilized like the entire time) where friends could take a break, get a tattoo, or look at sports trading cards.
Spence with a bunch of girls...that's a shocker!!Here is a video of one of the fun games that we played. A towel relay race. Overall a ton of fun for everyone! Happy Birthday, Spencer!!
The thing I love about Spencer is his smile. And his laugh. And his sunny dispostition, his optimism, his thoughtfullness, his sense of humor, his contentment...ok, this could take all day:) I mean, seriously...look at that face! Wakes up with pure joy.
All that excitement over a cub scout shirt and scriptures. Only Spencer.
Even though he would have been completely happy with the scriptures and a scout shirt, and he had exceeded his budget with just those two things...I felt WAY better about his birthday in giving him the BB Gun. Not quite so lame. But again, look at that FACE! How can I resist giving him everything?!
Little did they know: it was a meatloaf! Heeheee
Then I gave them all berry juices for a drink which is a rare occasion since we always only have water for dinner but to their dismay they couldn't suck it: it was Jell-O. Look at Daniel in the back trying to figure it out:) Good times!
I see you peeking!! 1st clue he is not really asleep: fully dressed. Excited, Daniel?
He had a great birthday. A new MP3 player, some clothes, and a new stereo for his room. The era of blaring music when there is a mad boy at me in the house has begun. Lucky for me, he likes the same music I do:) Go ahead, be mad! Just make sure you are mad to Shaggy or Usher.
I know...not my most creative, or symmetrical cake ever, right? At least I didn't buy one, although, I'm sure Daniel probably would have preferred it that way.
Just a funny picture I found. This is how Max woke up one morning. Me and Daniel had to have a talk about him practicing his artistic capabilities on Max while he slept. Not a very serious talk- I have to admit even I giggled a little bit:)
Adam asked for a walet and some coloring things. Hmmm, I think we can make that happen. We added our own request for his own creation table so he will keep all his mess off my dining room table. It bugs me.
Spencer's theme this year was "all things Halo" He looks pretty happy too!
As for Daniel, this is the year I have been waiting for. He asked for a boa constrictor and mom was more than willing to grant that wish. He is super excited and carries it around like its a puppy. He wants to do research projects and is constantly commenting on how cute his Awesome Brute is. 
This was the best we could come up with for a Christmas Card...and actually, it never made it into an actual card because we (I) was so frustrated trying to get them to behave that I gave up. That's what I get for having high expectations. You'd think I would learn.
Do you see what I have to work with here?
