September 14, 2010: It's the Final Cat Walk! (that I'm in charge of)

With the start of school, it was time for the annual Cat Walk fundraiser at the elementary school. I had agreed last year to take it on again, so I was obligated to make good on that promise. Of course, it wasn't without its share of challenges. Our usual location, the park behind the school, was not available, so we were scrambling to measure out a new "track." But then, thanks to the connections of our PTA president, we were given the go-ahead for the park. And then, it was hot. SOOO hot! Worried about the kids, we got permission to hook up a hose and provide a "cooling station" for the kids. Even though they were a bit damp when they went back into class, the water was their favorite part.

I always think I can handle everything. After all, I've lost count of how many Cat Walks I have been in charge of. This year, however, it was just too much on top of everything else I have. There were lots of donations for prizes this year, but the revenue the event has raised has dwindled by 50%. I'm sure this is due to the state of economy, but it just adds another level of stress that I need to put aside. So I let the PTA president know that this was my last one and they would need to find someone new to take it over from now on. Yes, everyone, I said "No."

September 2, 2010: The Annual Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

This is one of our favorite weekends of the year! But this year was an extra special treat. We had heard from several people that our picture was in the paper. I hadn't seen it and didn't think much of it. Then I received a text from Carma telling me that she was so excited for me to see the program. I thought she was referring to the people performing. Lo and behold, I got off the shuttle to be greeted by her with a stack of the printed program--only to see that we were on the cover of it! It made me miss Ian because he was pictured as well and I know how much he loved the festival.

We weren't going to be able to really participate this year due to financial constraints, but Carma was kind enough to share her extra tickets with us, so we got to go on Saturday and spend the day there, and then meet up again for Laughin' Night. I love the festival so much. I love seeing my kids laugh. I love seeing them fully engaged in the stories. It truly is one of my most favorite weekends.

August 28, 2010: The Stake Extravaganza Welcomes the Princesses!

Each year, our ward puts on what is called a "Ward Extravaganza." Basically, it's a ward party that signifies the end of the summer. This year, however, our stake wanted to do something to include everyone in the neighborhood as a fellowshipping and missionary opportunity. My camp director, Kristen Preston, is also the ward activities chair and was assigned the task of "entertainment" while she was at camp, so we decided to jump in and help since it was kind of our fault that she couldn't pick what would have worked for her.

She has a friend who has nearly authentic costumes for all the Disney princesses. We took several of the young women and turned a part of the park into a photo op for little girls (or whomever!) who wanted to be with a princess. Ellie was Alice in Wonderland and Maggie was Snow White. I also lent my wedding gown so one of the girls could be Giselle from "Enchanted." It was a hit! After the crowd finished coming our way, the girls walked through the park. It was such a hit!

August 25, 2010: First Day Back for Griffin (5th Grade) and Maggie (a senior!)

This year we have a child in each school: elementary, junior high, and high. Griffin has 2 years left at Westmore, Ellie is in 7th (as I mentioned in the earlier post), and Maggie is a senior! I just can't believe it. It was also weird not to have Ian here, as well. In nine short months, I will have two kids out of school. That just makes me feel old.

August 24, 2010: Ellie's First Day at Lakeridge Jr. High

It's hard to believe that Ellie is in junior high. Since she is a 7th grader, she gets to go a day early to get a tour of the school, help with her locker and just a less stressful day rather than being thrown to the wolves with everyone in the school. She was a little disappointed that she didn't get some of the classes she wanted, but we just keep telling her, "Welcome to the real world." She's excited about being in choir, though, and I hope it's a positive experience for her.

August 23, 2010: A New Job

After volunteering at the kids' elementary school for, well, 10 years now, I accepted a position as the ZAP teacher. This program was started at a different school and stands for "Zeros Aren't Permitted." Students who don't complete their homework come to the classroom during lunch recess and try to get it done so they can get the credit. I'm not quite sure what direction I'll be taking: if it's supposed to be a positive place or negative. It seems to me that the kids who will be in there are those who probably don't have a lot of support at home, so I think we'll make it a good place--but not particularly "fun."

I was also going to be an aide for the art teacher, but then was switched to work with the fifth grade in their "double dosing" program. This is where kids are re-taught the math and reading concepts they are struggling with.

So now my schedule will be 8 to 9:15 at Westmore, 9:30 to 10:45 at Rocky Mountain (yes, I still have that job), 11 to 12 at Westmore, 12:15 to 2 at Rocky Mountain, then 2:15 to 3:45 at Westmore. It look like I will also be helping with clubs on Wednesdays, so I won't get home until 5:30 and will head to Mutual at 6:45. I'm hoping that I can "endure to the end!"

August 17, 2010: Boating at Deer Creek with the Youth

As we were gathered together in BYC, talking about activities for the next Mutual, one of them jokingly said, "We should go boating!" The Bishop said, "You know, that would be fun." By the end of the meeting, we were planning on heading to Deer Creek that week! I've never been boating, so wasn't too sure what to do or plan. I left it to the "experts" in the ward and just planned on driving.

Well, it was a blast! The kids want to do it every year--and I'm thinking that's a great idea! (Of course, I don't have a boat so it wasn't too much work for me.) I must have taken a couple of hundred pictures, but I'll just include those relevant to the family.