OUR First Lady

Kelsey gets to participate in the 5th grade wax museum tomorrow. She had to write a report on a hero and she was assigned Eleanor Roosevelt. She gets to sit completely still for 2 hours
while the rest of the school "tours" the museum.

There will be a button on her desk (along with her props) and when
another student pushes the button, she gets to recite her poem.
The poem was a painful project that the entire family helped with.
Who knew it was so hard to rhyme about the First Lady?

I'm known as Eleanor Roosevelt
But that's not my real first name.
My parents named me Anna,
And my childhood was lame.

My father drank a lot of alcohol,
My mother was demanding.
They both died before I was ten,
I had a hard time understanding.

At 20, I married Franklin,
Who became a U.S. President.
That made me the First Lady,
And an official White House resident.

After Franklin died,
I had opportunities to serve.
Advocating Human Rights,
Ensuring freedom we deserve.

Kiddos' Update

The kids have had some cool experiences this past week. I'll start with the most recent and work backwards.First, Morgan and her friend, Katie, competed in the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair. They did fantastic and got lots of "loot" to prove it.
They were awarded the U.S. Air Force certificate of achievement for an Outstanding Science Project. They loved this award as it came with "stuff." They got a nice shoulder bag, leather day planner, fancy pen, USB drive, etc. I teased Morgan about this award since the presenter, Major Hanks, is actually in our Ward. Just to prove "it's not what you know, but who you know."
Then to prove my theory wrong, they won Second Place in Energy & Transportation (Grade 7-12) category. They only give out one 2nd place in the individual categories, so this was pretty cool. (Unlike the District Fair that gives 40 first places) There were over 900 participants this year.

Way to go girls! Job well done.Second, our little Jake got to go on a field trip to the new Jack-n-Jill Bowling alley in Lehi. Joe was able to go as a chaperon and Jake was SO EXCITED. He was counting down the days all week. He had a great time.

Last, but not least, Morgan had dress rehearsal at the Conference Center for the YW General Broadcast. Joe and I attended the rehearsal and we were so touched by the spirit.Sister Dalton, YW General President, spoke and it was amazing. Morgan was blessed to be one of two girls to present lays to the Director, Marilee Webb, and the organist. These are such talented women. The music was beautiful and brought on goose bumps.Finally, at the final Sunday night practice, Morgan gave hugs to Sister Webb and she said, "Aloha Morgan,"(Hawaiian heritage). Morgan was so impressed that she knew her name as there were over 300 YW there. Also, Sister Dalton hugged Morgan and said, "your eyes are sparkly," and "I can feel your spirit radiating." How awesome are those leaders?!? This has been such a great experience and I have seen Morgan's testimony growing in leaps and bounds.The YW broadcast is this Saturday, the 27th at 6:00 pm. Morgan is sitting in the middle section, on the second row from bottom, second person in from right aisle (near the organ).

Busy Mama

So it's been a while since I posted....can you tell I'm busy?? Things have definitely changed in our lives. Not that we weren't busy before, but holy cow, now it's out of control. The kids are busy with school, scouts, activity days and YW. Morgan has been busy practicing with the combined Lehi Stake YW choirs. She will be singing in the choir for General YW Conference on March 27. This has been such an amazing thing to watch. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her. We have a dress rehearsal at the Conference Center on March 20th that the whole family can go watch and be a part of. So....if you are a YW or mother, watch for Morgan during the conference. She'll have on a pink shirt (just like every other YW).
Joe has just changed his position with Novell and is now working out of our home. He still goes in once a week, or so, but the majority of work is at home. This is a new experience for him and we hope he'll like it once he's used to it. I LOVE that he always puts the family first and is willing to do what's best for the kids. Now there is someone home each day when the kids get home from school. That was a major stress with me going to my new job.

Speaking of new jobs- can I just say that I LOVE MY NEW JOB!!! I know it seems weird to love a job, but I really do. Even though I'm still the "new girl" and have a ton to learn, it is so rewarding. My boss is going to be gone next week and I get to officially step in and do her job for a few days. I'm excited to get to teach the patients all on my own. We have SUCH amazing patients.
I read a quote from President Spencer W. Kimball this week that I thought was so true. He said, "I'm grateful that my priesthood power is limited and used as the Lord sees fit to use it. I don't want to heal all the sick - for sickness sometimes is a great blessing. People become angels through sickness."

This is so true. I am seeing angels every day. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father that is so kind and gracious to me and has led me through my path of schooling and to this job. He knows me so much better than I know myself!! I am where I belong doing what I'm meant to do. It is truly a beautiful thing.

District Science Fair

Morgan & Katie in front of their project, "Just Chillin'"
(Not referring to what they are doing, but the name of their project)

Award Ceremony
Katie (second from left) & Morgan (third from left)

The girls look like Olympic Gold Medalists!

Congratulations to Morgan and Katie for moving on from the Alpine District Science Fair to Central Utah's Science & Engineering Fair! This will make THE 4th YEAR IN A ROW for Morgan. I don't emphasize that to brag, it's more a proud grumble. :) Anyone who knows me, knows the kids' yearly science projects have become my nemesis.

I have to admit that between my "OCD perfectionism" and Morgan's "teen attitude" we did not see eye-to-eye this year. So....I chose to let go of the situation and Morgan and Katie completed the project all by themselves. I have a feeling that makes their win feel that much better, as it should.

This is the first time Morgan has participated in a "group" project and she really enjoyed having her good friend next to her to keep her company through out the judging process. With the iPod, throwing candy and making fun of judges, it sounded more like a party than a science fair. Way to go girls! Thanks for working hard and excelling at all you do.

Valentines

My "Bobbie," aka Joe, is so awesome to me! He sent these beautiful flowers to my job so the "new girl would get flowers." He said, "Gotta have my lady feelin loved at the office." Isn't he sweet?

The girls in the office LOVED his note. Here's the background: My mother used to send out cute cards for all the holidays. Since she sent out so many, she'd shorten her words so there was less to write. She'd send us sweet Valentines cards that said, "HAPPY V.D." We'd just laugh and laugh. Finally we had to explain to her that "V.D." was not a good thing.

Anyway....fast forward. Joe's card on his flowers said:

Happy V.D.
Sorry about the rash.
Bobbie

He always keeps me laughing!! Love you honey.

Nephew's Wedding

The cute newlyweds - Jordan & Avalon (she's gonna love that face she's making)

The cultural hall got a "Napa Valley outdoor cafe" makeover.

Look at those cute love birds. (I meant the picture, silly.)

My sister, Tammy, did a great job choosing the decor and her husband, Randy, was the mastermind behind the construction of this gazebo/tent of light. It looked truly amazing.

Me and my honey resting our feet.

We had a fun weekend in St. George celebrating my Nephew, Jordan's, marriage. After a LONG day of helping my sister set up for the reception and then taking it down later that night, I've decided I will begin to convince my children at a young age that receptions are not necessary. I will bribe with money! $500 towards gifts and we'll pay for their honeymoon, anywhere they want to go. (I'm serious as a heart attack!)

The weekend was short but nice. Congratulations Jordan & Avalon. We love you!