Mr. Mountain View

I've never seen anything like this. A simple fundraiser for the Drama department is turned into a full-on pageant for a guy from each club in the high school. Ian was chosen to represent the student council back in November. Today was the pageant. They were judged on all sorts of things throughout the past couple of weeks. Here is Ian's talent (air band):

They also had to do an interview portion. Here's Ian's question and answer:

Ian didn't win, but we knew going into this that it was about having fun and not winning. We're proud of you E-Dog!

Ian's an Aggie!

January 14, 2009

ADMISSIONS

Taggart Student Center

1020160 Old Main Hill

Logan UT 84322-0160

Dear Ian,

Congratulations! You have been admitted to Utah State University. I loved my experience here as a student and hope you are looking forward to the amazing opportunities you will discover here. Your official acceptance letter is on its way, so watch your mail this week. Please take some time to learn all you can about Aggie life by meeting our students and visiting campus. You can schedule a campus tour online at www.usu.edu/campustour. We’d love to show you the ropes and help you make the best decision for you. We are excited to have you join our Aggie family.

On behalf of Utah State University, congratulations and welcome! Go Aggies!!!

Jenn Putnam, Class of 2001

Director of Admissions

Way to go! Ian's dream has come true!

Andrea Griesemer's Baby Shower

The girls and I were invited to attend Andrea's baby shower at The Dodo Restaurant in Salt Lake City yesterday. (Thanks, especially, to Bishop Goodfellow who treated us all!) It was so good to have the chance to see her--she looks fantastic!--and all the darling things she received. Jessica and the girls and I were at the opposite end of the table, so we chatted away the entire time. I really consider Jessica my sistuh-from-anothuh-mothuh since she's closer in age than I am to my own sisters. I enjoy her company so much, especially how much we laugh when we're together.

Anyway, here are some pictures from the luncheon. I took more, but just visualize lots of cute little girl outfits. And Piper Jo, we can't wait to meet you!

Kids' Accomplishments

I would be remiss if I didn't post some of the pictures of the kids and their recent awards.

Maggie is now a certified first responder having passed all the tests and practical exams in her emergency services class. In fact, when I was making bacon today and the grease sputtered into my eyes, everyone called for Maggie to help. (She's always upset when we pass an accident and she wasn't the first one on the scene. And if we see a story on the news about someone who died from a heart attack or someone who maybe choked to death she'll yell, "I could have saved that person's life!") Because of this one class, she really wants to be a doctor, but she doesn't have the math grades to back it up, so she's not sure what to do with her life.

Ian and the FBLA group went to Logan a few weeks ago for a series of tests. He came out with first place in Visual Basic. (I didn't even know he was a member of FBLA.) It was quite a surprise to him since he was just winging it through these tests. (I just wish a scholarship to Utah State came with it.) All this was before he got the mega-media software package for his 18th birthday. I've seen what he can do now and I'm sure he'd wipe the floor in any future competitions.

Way to go, you two!

Digging Out From the Storm

After spending a good portion of the past two days shovelling, it was nice to have the sun come out and give us a bit of a reprieve. (And I don't care what you might say, Kevan. I know the beach and sunblock beat the shovel! You don't really miss this at all.)

We invested in enough shovels for all the kids and nearly 100 pounds of ice melt just trying to stay on top of things. Snowflake has been loving it, even running after Griffin to "rescue" him when he fell over in the snow. (And as you can tell, Wilbur isn't loving it so much. He's much happier snuggling up with someone.)

In grand total, we had another foot of snow fall on top of the foot-plus we had already received and didn't really go away. It just compacted into solid ice, so you can't even get down to the grass. It just provides a platform for you to stand on.

New Years Day Sledding

We took Griffin out sledding for the first time on New Years Day. There's a hill behind the junior high that's just perfect for little kids. We decided to take Snowflake with us since she loves playing in the snow. After about an hour, we went back home, only to return two days later with Ellie and her friend, Hailee.

Griffin's New Year Decorations

Just thought you'd like to see Grif's decorations for the evening (2009 with balloons underneath).