On to the Next Round! (February 18, 2011)

Woo-hoo! Griffin (and Erik) are going to the next round. I had been told in advance since we had to finish up some paperwork that added Erik, so brought a camera to capture the moment. (I didn't want it to be too obvious, though, so I just brought a little pocket camera.) The kids reading the list of winners were really struggling with the names, so it was kind of hard to understand who was who. Griffin was the last of the fifth graders read and it took a moment to let it sink in. Even funnier, though, was about 30 seconds later, Griffin said, "Erik, we won!" To which Erik responded with a resounding, "All that hard work paid off!" I had to chuckle since, well, he was in on name only, but it was great to see the enthusiasm on his face when he has struggled so much with so many things.

Anyway, because the reactions were so delayed, the pictures don't capture the excitement of the moment. Now on to districts which may be a challenge for them since they need to sit at their table for four hours answering questions.

Another Science Fair (February 16, 2011)

After lots of time and energy--and help from our "fellow man"--the science fair project was today! One of Griffin's friends wasn't able to finish his project, so we included him with Griffin.

The whole basis of the project was, "Who's on my money?" which was asking both children and adults if they knew who (or what) was on the front and back of their coins and bills. In the end, not many people knew, but the majority of adults (particularly women) would have been able to tell him their credit or debit card numbers. They will find out Friday over the morning announcements who goes on to the district level.

District Science Fair

We are proud of Ellie's effort in the science fair this year. Unfortunately she wasn't chosen to go on to the district level, but we think she did a great job anyway. To show our appreciation, John brought home a large and special box of gourmet chocolates just for her. We love you, Ellie!

Ellie Graduates from Croup to Bronchitis

We celebrated the Sabbath day by taking Ellie back to the doctor. After a course on antibiotics for a sinus infection (two weeks ago), prednisone for the croup, and nearly a week out of school, we realized that she wasn't getting any better and her eyes were starting to sink due to dehydration from the upset stomach/sore throat/cough. Now she starts on another round of antibiotics for bronchitis. The regional science fair is this week and she really wants to be well enough to go. Prayers on her behalf would be greatly appreciated.

This "stuff" that is making its rounds through the neighborhood is just nasty. I was out of work for 3 1/2 days and only able to put in a half-hearted effort on the two that I went. I had to teach all the young women today and have nary a voice to teach with. I still have a massive ongoing headache, full sinuses, and a nagging cough after a week. I guess that's just par for the course.

As the song goes, "You've got to be sick to appreciate health." Believe me, I appreciate it. So does Ellie.

Ellie Advances to the Next Round!

The winners of the Westmore Elementary 5th/6th grade science fair were announced on Monday. Ellie and her partner, Natalie, were one of the four projects selected from Mrs. Draper's class to go to the district level. If they advance from there, it would be on to BYU. The district fair is the first week of March, so I'll let you know how they do. Yippee for Ellie!

Ellie's Science Fair Project

Today was the day! We have purchased more gum in the past month than you could ever believe and today was the science fair for the fifth and sixth graders. Here is her project:

We find out Monday how she did and what her grade was.