The first day of the rest of your life

I think that is kind of what my brother Ryan said to Cambria about starting school. He was all doom and gloom, but she didn't let him rain on her parade!

Cambria had been waiting for this day to arrive. She woke up at 7:00 AM, dressed herself and told me she was ready to go. Kiera was right on her heels telling me to pop in an Eggo so they could eat it in the car. I had to spring the bad news that school didn't start for two hours.

When we arrived at Cambria's classroom Kiera immediately took a seat and began working on the project that was left in the middle of the table for the kids to do. Cambria went straight for the Dino table. I had to show her where to put her lunch and where to hang her back pack. I got her situated at her desk and she began playing dominoes with her little friend next to her. She was so excited to be in her classroom that I could hardly get her to look up for a picture. So I hugged and kissed her and told her that I was so excited for her to start her new adventure. Collecting Kiera was a little more difficult. She did not want to leave. It took a little convincing, but we left the school and began the next chapter in our life. And no I didn't cry. I did that last night. For a brief moment only.
I think it is still a little hot for boots, but her mind was made up. She is so proud of her princess lunch box.
Kiera didn't want me to forget about her. She needed me to take a picture of her too.
We interrupt this program to bring you a picture of Bubba brushing his hair. Or should I say brushing his scalp, praying for hair.
Cambria and Kiera pose with the principal of the school, their Maama.

Kiera making herself at home in the Kindergarten classroom with the peg board. Kiera is bigger than most of the kids and could easily pass for a kindergartner.
Cambria happy as clam with her dominoes. The little girl to her left is a little neighbor friend. I am so happy that she has a few kids she is familiar with. Although she makes friends quite easily, I don't think I need to worry even if she didn't know anyone at all.
My mom says she is sending balloons and flowers later this afternoon, so I'll take a picture of those later. I can't wait to hear all about the first day of school.

Kindergarten open house -wew we survived!

It was relatively painless. In fact I will go so far as to say that going to Cambria's kindergarten open house was a pleasant experience. We met her teacher, saw her classroom, glued a little art project, checked out the room and picked up our assigned homework. We know 4 kids that will be in her class. I am glad of that. The greatest thing though: the teacher didn't even show a look of disgust when I told her that I would be taking Cambria out half day. Maybe she was forewarned. At any rate, I asked her what her daily schedule was so that I might find a natural break at which time to collect my child. I told her I was thinking about coming to pick her up between 1:00pm and 1:30. Turns out at 1:00 the kids have center. At 1:30 the kids have recess. At 2:20 the kids have specialists (PE, art, music, library) So really sh won't be missing anything scholastic. In fact, as a former teacher myself, it kind of seems like the activities after 1:00 are designed to stretch out the day rather than provide hard core education. So I feel goo. I also feel goo that I told no one else (except you out there in the blogging world) of my decision to take her out half day. Turns out a lady a Kai's school is dong the same thing with her daughter that I am. She has been aggressively confronted by strangers, 3 to be exact, that have proceeded to tell her that she really shouldn't be doing "that" to her child, questioned her parenting skills and told her that she would regret her foolish decision. Her mother also gave her a hard time about her decision to take her child out half day. It makes me very thankful to Kai for his support in this decision and to my mom as well, and even to my mother-in-law who I am sure wasn't thrilled about my decision, but didn't try to talk me out of it. I am really glad that I kept my mouth shut. I haven't even told my close friends around here, but I am sure they will find out soon enough. I hope they are kind:) Just kidding, I am sure they will be.

So, this is my oldest baby at her kindergarten sink. There are two in the classroom and we made sure to wash or hands in both. They had so much fun in the classroom that they didn't want to leave. Kiera is going to be so sad that she can't go to school with Cambria. Kiera loved the puppet theater.
I forgot to put this on my last post about Bubba!
Words he says!
Mama - his first!
Dada
Hi
Bubba
uh-oh
shakes his head side-to-side for no!

Hubba Bubba steppin' out and Oh, Mama Mia!

My little Bubba is getting more and more sure footed. He took his first steps a month ago and has made little progress since. I thought he would be my first child to turn one and not walk! But he is getting very brave this week. Slowly but surely he is starting to walk more and more. He steps really go more side to side than left in front on right so it takes awhile for him to cover some distance. He is so cute when he reaches his predetermined destination. His little baby face just beams with pride!!



Mama Mia!

I know I am a little later than the rest of the crowd, but I saw Mama Mia on Monday and just loved it. I thought it was so cheesey and colorful and funny, I wanted to jump in the film and start singing and dancing down the streets with them. My friend and I were the youngest ones in the theater. We were surrounded by senior citizens (such is life in Mesquite) and they were laughing deliriously hard at all the naughty parts! It was so funny to me because I have recently learned that the old folks in this town are very naughty themselves.

That is my final answer!

Some of you have asked me about my final decision about Kindergarten. Did I decide on full day or half day or home school. ? Well, let me just tell you that It took me all summer to decide. Many a night was spent tossing and turning and many days full of stress and turmoil as I pondered this dilemma. I have even endured ridicule from friends. (I still love them though!)

I know that children are resilient. I know that they can take most situations and make some kind of adjustment to them. I knew that whatever decision I made, Cambria would be alright. So I dug deep and tried to understand the root of my dilemma and why this whole situation had become a dilemma for me.

I discovered that I have some very strong opinions about several matters that I will keep to myself because I truly don't want anyone to take my opinion personally and be offended. I have, however concluded what decision will be best for me and my daughter and my family and finally feel at peace. (I know some of you are just now realizing how crazy I am!)

My decision is this. I will allow Cambria to stay for half day kindergarten. The principal (my mother-in-law) has let me know that there is no law preventing me from doing this and that Cambria will simply have to take a proficiency test to get into 1st grade. She says that the two main reasons the school district has gone to all day is because of daycare related issues and English as a second language issues. Neither of these apply to me. I enjoy being involved in my child's life and will be happy to continue her education at home after her regular school day ends.

We are going to Kindergarten open house on Friday. I will discuss this with Cambria's teacher (who I am sure will hate me) and try to find a natural break in between activities and lessons that would be a good exit time.

I feel like my time is precious with my children and someday I will be wondering how the time passed so quickly. I also feel like it is more important for me to be Cambria's main influence than it is for the school district to be her main influence.

So, I feel very relieved finally arriving at this decision. I am a little apprehensive to tell her teacher. I don't really like to be a boat rocker. I am sure there will be talk in the teacher's lounge about me. :)

Books I have enjoyed reading

This is for my friend Stephanie. In no particular order:

Eragon series by Chris Paolini - Its like Lord of the Rings meets Harry Potter (2 books)

The Children of the Promise by Dean Hughes - Historical Fiction about LDS family who lives through WWII. A lot of it take place on Oahu. (6 or 7 books)

The Kingdom and the Crown by Gerald Lund - Wonderful Books about The last couple of years of Christ's ministry among the people. It is sooooooo good. I highly recommend it. (3 books)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - This is not an adult book, but it is really cute!! It's a Cinderella story with a twist.

The DaVinci Code - I don't remember who the author is. I really liked this book, but I remember being scared sometimes at night to go to bed. As long as you remember that this is a book written for enjoyment and not scriptural doctrine, you'll be just fine.

The Princess Bride by William Golman - If you have seen the movie, then you only think you know the story. I think parts of it are actually true and parts of it are actually part of the country's heritage.

Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer - Of course I love this one and most everyone knows about it already.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer - Love this book about gentle body snatchers

The Light of Western Stars by Zane Grey - This is a really old western and I have no idea what draws me too it but it is one of my favorites!

Do bears eat bananas?

Do bears eat bananas?
What do ducks eat? (kiera)

Mom, we should write a story about Dad and Bubba tomorrow. It should be called The Wise man and His Father. (Cambria)

These are just a few of the comments I hear as I put my girls to bed. I wouldn't trade these moments for the world.

In other news:
We had quite an unusual day on Saturday. I had never heard of the new movie Flyboys,but apparently they filmed part of the movie right here in little old Mesquite. Although the filming took place 6 years ago, the movie was just barely released. The stars from the movie came to our local airport to sign autographs and take pictures. They had motorcycles, cars and airplanes on display from the movie. They were even giving free airplane rides. Unfortunately we didn't arrive early enough to get on the list for the plane rides, but I have to admit that I am not too upset about it. The thought of my little girls going up on a tiny little airplane doesn't exactly thrill me.

I have no idea who these actors are, neither did my kids, but the dog didn't need to be famous to be the star of our day. My kids LOVE animals. (no, we don't have any)
We seldom have cash with us, so we were unable to buy a poster to get the actors to sign. Kiera decided that it would be okay if they signed her arm. I think they got a kick out of it.

The airplane from the movie.

Inside the airplane.
I know I look awful, but we don't take a family picture very often.
Later that night we had about 30 minutes worth of down pouring rain. Rain is rare in these parts and pouring down hard rain is even more of a rarity. Kai was mowing the lawn when the first drops began to fall. Thinking that the storm would end with a few scattered rain drops he pressed on with the lawn only to end up drenched from head to toe. The end of our street flooded and Kai decided it would be a fun idea to take the girls out to play in the huge puddle. I know Kate Gosselin (sp?) would never have stood for it, but it didn't bother me.

Lastly, Kai took this picture (he doesn't know how to use our new camera yet) of my cousin's brother-in-law who is serving his mission in our area. If you squint and close one eye you might be able to get the picture in focus.

Seen and heard

Special moments from our Utah Trip.

Seen by Cambria: Watching her mom freak out and work up the courage to put a live worm on her fish hook instead of the other bait. Cambria says: "Mom, you just have to learn to control your fear and then you'll be able to do it."

Seen and heard: (background: Cambria prayed to catch some fish after a few hours of no success and caught one within 10 minutes.) Cambria and Grammy were walking to the car after fishing and saw a boy with a pole.
Grammy: have you had any luck?
boy: no.
Cambria: Maybe you should pray about it. (Turns to grammy with a factual smile.)

Heard: (background :Me trying to take a picture of the kids in a meadow)
Me: Look, this way, pretend you are a deer family in the meadow. . . smile . .
Kiera: Mom, deer don't smile.
Me: They don't?
Cambria and Kiera: NO!
Me: Well, can they look happy?
Cambria nd Kiera: NO! They just look at you.

Cambria: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the beautiful sunset. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen (Turns to Grammy with a smile) That was a short one.

Heard: (Cambria watching Kai and Kiera gut the fish from a distance) Very sadly she says, they're taking his whole body out and Kiera is smiling.

Heard:
Me: See that outhouse? We used to have to go to the bathroom in that yucky thing.
Cambria: Poooooor you!

Seen & Heard: Cambria walking across a fallen log over a mucky stream mumbling to herself, "Control your fear, control your fear, control your fear . . ."

Call me Ishmael.

Ummm, so I started writing a book. I have toyed with the idea for years, but I always thought it would be children's books. It's kind of exciting. So far I have written 3, 462 words. That sounds pretty darn impressive until you realize that only adds up to seven pages. Wish me luck. Maybe I can get my friend Renee to be my editor.
By the way, my book does not start out "Call me Ishmael." I am not a plagiarist!

Update:
My friend Bobbi asked what it was about, so this is it in a nutshell:
It's about a girl who witnesses a horrible crime committed by the mob or a drug cartel (haven't decided which yet) and is put in to the Witness protection program only to find out that their is a mole in the FBI who keeps tracking down her location. Now that I write it out like that it doesn't seem to be very original, but we'll see where it goes.

I just want to see a Moose and a few deer, is that too much to ask?!

Oh, man, I am exhausted! If tomorrow wasn't my brother's P-day, (who is now in Richland by the way my friends who live in that area - Elder Hendrickson- he's tall!) then I would be in bed asleep. Or maybe I would re-read Breaking Dawn. Before I move on to my vacation log, let me spend a moment with Bella and Edward. All I have to say is . . . whoa. I will not give away any spoilers, but this book surely took on an unexpected direction. I have to admit that before I read the book,I had wondered about certain things that she decided to include in her story but didn't imagine that she would go where she went. Whoa. That's all for now. Once everyone reads it, I'll air my thoughts more clearly.

I was glad to have a long road trip to Utah so that I could read my book and not feel lazy for sitting around and doing nothing. My family went on a trip to "our" cabin outside of Kamas, Utah in the Wasatch mountains. I use quotes around the word"our" because it is a family friends cabin but I have been going there since before I can remember, so I have laid a verbal claim on it.

It was great. We went hiking and fishing and sight seeing. Its really fun to watch the beauty of the place through the eyes of my children. They were amazed and captivated by everything. My Mom, Dad, youngest brother, Aunt Libbie and Uncle John were all in attendance. For my cousins who read this: I can't believe we all used to ft inside that place! It is so small.

So, the main difference between going to the cabin as an adult is that 1.) I am married and get to sleep with a boy. 2.) I have three little kids who I take with me and sleep in my bed, so I don't really get to sleep with a boy and 3.) They turned one of the bedrooms into a bathroom so that we no longer have to run outside to the outhouse to relieve ourselves. I don't miss that one bit!

A lot of pictures:


This is the outhouse. I am sure you can understand why I don't miss using it. P.U.

Malachi's face is so sad in this one, it could break your heart.

I am proud to say that I was the only fisher woman to catch of fish after three hours of trying. However I feel like I can't brag about it one bit because I caught it after my daughter said a prayer that we could please catch a fish.
Kiera's morning diva routine.

Malachi loved the cabin as much as any of us.

This is a hike we usually take to get to the beaver lodges. We were pleasantly surprised to find that a moose family had planned to visit the beaver lodge as well. We didn't stay long because we didn't want to seem like a threat, but we did see a momma, daddy and baby moose!

Taking a picture by this gate is a requirement for the trip. I think we have pictures that date back to the 60's, maybe even farther back.
This is the bed that I did not get to sleep with a boy in. Our cabin is an A-frame. We often would hit our heads in the morning.
My cousin Tiffany and her friend Nikki came to visit one day and my girls fell in love with them. I think they followed them everywhere. Here they are by the salt lick. For those of you who don't know, the deer and the moose will come and lick this at dawn and dusk for some reason. They must have cray salt cravings. I bet they'd like potato chips.

Uncle Ryan having a little fun with Cambira.

My mom after Cambria did her bangs.

The famous Kamas ice cram store. Two episodes of Touched By An Angel were actually filmed here. One movie was also but I can't remember the name of it. I don't think I had ever heard of it.
This whole scene is hilarious. Ever since I was little I got a kick out of this nudist ranch. If you'll look closely, the blue sign next to the logo says "closed due to mosquitoes." I guess nudists don't wear insect repellent.
One of the coolest things we did on the trip was go to this huge Dinosaur museum. It claims to be the biggest in the whole world. I can't remember the name but it is located at Thanksgiving Point.

This one is for you Leah.

Cambria noticed that her name was displayed in several areas and couldn't believe that she was part of the museum. "How did I get in there? It must be a different Cambria, because I can't get in there."


Kiera was terrified of this large shark. She wouldn't let me go near it and kept saying, "Mom, be careful." We finally got her to walk passed the room, but she closed her eyes while Grammie led her by one hand and I lead her by the other.

This is baby Alex. It was fun to see Leah while we were there. I am just sad that it was so short a time!
The Erosion table was great. I wish I had one at home. It was a big sand box with running water that came through. It had lots of dinosaurs and trees so you could create your own world. Anyone who knows Kiera knows that she is all about creating her own world.

This was Dino Island. They later migrated to a smaller island once this one began to erode.
The very last room in the museum is paleontologist heaven. Big sand boxes filled with dino bones to uncover! I wish we had this kind of stuff in Mesquite!