Broken to Pieces

I broke the lid to Maysen's pot today. I had washed it in the dishwasher, and as Maysen and I were unloading the dishes - I dropped it. I was so sad. Maysen was so proud of this pot, and I love all of the pieces she was able to make. I couldn't believe I dropped it. Everything happened in slow motion. I was crying telling Maysen how sorry I was. That bothered Preston. He kept looking at me and saying, "It's easy to fix, you can tape it . . . you can glue it." I don't think he liked to see me cry. Mike meanwhile was dancing around singing, "Blog, blog, bloggedy blog" and "I'm glad it wasn't me! I'm glad it wasn't me!"

I took Maysen to the doctors today for a check-up. I needed to get a hearing and vision form signed. Long story short, we are going to the eye doctor tomorrow. Besides telling her that she will most likely be 4'11" (which we pretty much knew), she will most likely need glasses. She was pretty upset about that. It came as such a shock to her that she couldn't see. She doesn't want to have braces and glasses. The good news at the check-up was the doctor said Maysen's back was looking great. I told Maysen to look on the bright side. I'm sure she would rather need glasses than have to wear a brace for scoliosis.

New Friends

A new family moved into our ward in February. Rylee is Maysen's age, I've written about her quite a bit. Rylee's mom's name is Stephanie. Stephanie Ann to be precise. She is the secretary in the primary (I am the 2nd counselor). We have been car pooling the girls to the middle school and young women activities. Anyway, Stephanie is pretty amazing. She came over today and helped me organize a couple of different rooms. My house is looking really good right now. She also is good at getting me to do social stuff. I'm not too good with being social, but she gets me out and about. It's been pretty fun. I am really enjoying her and am learning a lot from her. I love to hear her talk. When we are in our presidency meetings, she will say the most amazing things about teaching the children the gospel. She has a good way with words - even though she thinks she doesn't. Anyway, I am happy to have found a new friend.

The Father of Us All

Today I got two packages from Amazon.com. The first one was the newest My Weird School book. I put it on Stockton's bed to see if he would notice, and he had it finished before I got Maysen home from school. The second was The Father of Us All. Weird. I didn't remember ordering it, and it didn't look like something Mike would order (it had nothing to do with Robots, computers or building things). I looked on the package and saw my name. I looked at the package receipt and apparently it was meant to be shipped to William Godbold in Arizona. It took me forever to figure out how to contact Amazon, and when I did the person on the other end could barely speak English. Why didn't I see that coming?

Glad It's Not Me

It is 9:00 at night and Mike still isn't home. The kids are all asleep, I am eating toasted homemade bread with butter. I don't envy Mike tonight!

UGH!

Preston has been saying "Ugh" a lot lately. I am finding it quite annoying.

Windy!

Before we packed up to head home, Jorja, Preston and I went out on the beach one last time. It was super windy! We had so much fun, I'm glad we took the time to play ~ plus we had the entire beach to ourselves. Wonder why?

Stephanie & Jorja

Preston ~ on the beach

We think it's funny that it looks like he's on a road

Preston
Jorja

Jorja looking for treasure!

Stephanie

Porge

Preston

Jorja

After the beach, we made our way to the swimming pool. We swam for about 45 minutes while getting pelted with rain. Jorja said it felt like pop rocks were raining on her. It sounded like it too. We decided to go in when the pool chairs started zipping across the area.

Stephanie & Preston in the rain

We are home and in our own beds now. I am looking forward to falling asleep. When Stockton got out of the car he said, "Well, that was worth it!" Maysen hopped out and said, "That was fun!" Mike and I thought so as well. Hopefully we will be able to do that again.

Myrtle Beach

Stephanie, Stockton, Jorja, Preston, Maysen

with Mike

Wow! What a fun day! We started this morning with getting everyone lathered up and headed to the beach. It was so nice to just walk right out the door to get there. It was overcast, but so much fun. The kids loved the boggie board, digging in the sand, jumping the waves, flying a kite. Pretty much everything that sounds fun at the beach. Stockton was excited that it was the Atlantic Ocean. Preston loved everything. He was so cute to watch. Jorja had so much energy and seemed to be going 90 miles an hour. Maysen was a quick study with the boggie board.

Stockton

Preston
Stockton & Maysen
Our hotel
Preston

Preston & Maysen

Jorja & Preston

Jorja

After lunch we got everything/everyone cleaned up and headed out to MagiQuest! We played for two hours. It was fun to play again, but it took a lot of time to remember how to do everything. Maysen and Stockton love to run around by themselves and be on their own. Mike played with Jorja and I went with Preston. He loved opening all the treasure with his wand. It was a lot of fun, and the two hours went by really fast, although Jorja and Preston were pretty tired by the end. We were able to do some duels at the end and I was excited to actually understand what I needed to do....I couldn’t figure that out last time. When you leave MagiQuest, there is one more adventure you can do all around Broadway at the Beach. Mike took the older kids on that last adventure while I watched Preston get SOAKED in the fountain. He loved it.

Maysen & Stockton

Preston

We got back to our hotel, fixed dinner, had ice cream and got the kids in bed. They watched Ratatouille as they fell asleep. When we were sure they were all out, Mike and I headed out to walk on the beach. It felt so cozy feeling the sand between our toes while the waves nipped at our ankles. What a wonderful, wonderful day. Preston said he liked everything. I have to agree with him.

We're Off Like a Dirty Shirt

That is what my mom use to say every time we started a trip to Idaho Falls . . . or any long adventure. We are at Myrtle Beach right now. This morning was crazy. We started off by taking the cars to get the emission test done. When we got to the place we have taken the cars every year, it was gone! Mike said, “They must have moved it next to TGIFridays”. We found a new place, and got an oil change and car wash as well. I took Preston home and wanted to make some bread for the trip. I was disappointed to find out we were all out of wheat flour. We had finished our 35 lbs. bucket. I knew we had another one downstairs, so I dragged it up. It took forever because I am a wimp. I was also a wimp when I tried to get the lid off, but after tugging, pulling, and praying I was able to get it off. As soon as I got the bread in the oven, it dawned on me that I was suppose to go to Jorja’s class to give them a math test. Yikes! I couldn’t believe I forgot. When Mike got home, I ran to the school. Mrs. Latham had already given them the tests, so I just graded them and got everything ready for next week. I was worried Jorja wouldn’t pass because I hadn’t worked with her and she was on minus 8's. I had nothing to worry about because she got 100%. Clay is funny because he is one test behind Jorja. He came up and asked me if he passed. I told him he did. Next question: Did Jorja pass? When I said yes he answered, “No! She needs to fail! Then we can all finish together and that would be amazing!” Just a little competitive.

Anyway, back to the trip. We checked the kids out of school, but weren’t able to get on the road until about 2. It is about a 6 ½ hour drive. We got here at 9:00. The kids did great, and no one slept the entire way. I couldn’t believe it. Not even Preston.

We are staying at the Tropical Seas hotel. I was worried because after I booked the trip, I read a lot of reviews that weren’t very good. Mike said not to worry because we aren’t as picky as most people. I booked two rooms, they said they didn’t have any adjoining rooms, but they would get them next to each other. When we walked into the first room, we noticed a door at the back. Low and behold - adjoining room! We were so excited.

The hotel is pretty old, but when you look out at the balcony, we are looking at the ocean. It’s awesome. Maysen said, “People who don’t like this hotel are crazy!” (There is also a small pizza/ice cream shop on our floor.) When we were sure the kids were asleep, Mike and I went and took a walk on the beach. The kids are going to have so much fun tomorrow. To top everything off, the Jazz game is on TV! Here’s hoping they win!

Story Problem

While I was taking Maysen to school this morning, Preston was holding three balls. He said, "Too bad we don't have one more, then there would be one for everyone." I kind of chuckled at him. Then he said, "If we had five, there would be one for you". I said, "How many do you need so we could have enough for Dad?" He answered 3. At first I figured he didn't understand, because obviously we need 6. It took me a minute to realize I was the one who didn't understand. He already had three balls, so we only needed three more. Smart little boy.

Gollywhopper

Stockton's not a big reader. He doesn't enjoy it like the girls do. He does devour books when they peak his interest. For example, he loves the My Weird School books. Those books are really easy and way below his reading level. Stockton didn't really like the Harry Potter books, and I'm reading him The Lightning Thief right now, but he's not a huge fan. This year in Stockton's Easter basket, he got three Reading Bowl books for next year. He absolutley LOVED The Name of this Book is Secret. He couldn't put it down. Stockton was even playing the Wii and reading at the same time. I wish I had a picture of that. Now he is reading The Gollywhopper Games. He started this morning and is almost finished with it. Maysen loved that one as well. I get so much joy watching him enjoy a book. Let's hope the Easter bunny picked three good books for his basket. The last one was All the Lovely Bad Ones. (I think....I'm too lazy to go downstairs and look at the title.) I'll have to ask Stockton to write book reviews on his blog. I think he would like that.

Stockton and Maysen have one more day of their standardized tests. Tomorrow's test is Social Studies. Maysen hates that. Stockton likes it better than science. Stockton's goal is to only miss two on the entire test (all five days worth). I asked him where he came up with that number, he said because one year he only missed three so he wanted to do better, and he thought it was a reasonable goal. He said he would be really depressed if he missed four. For a kid that hates school, he sure is good at it and sets high goals for himself. He has enjoyed this year, other than the fact that it is school.

1-2-3 Not It

As you probably know, Mike auditioned to be the host for Backyard FX. Yesterday they announced who the new host will be - no, it wasn't Mike (or his robot). Here is the video where they make the announcement:

http://www.indymogul.com/backyardfx/episode/BFX_20100419/big-news-new-host-announced-backyard-fx

Mike was thrilled to have a shot at this job and to have made it as a finalist. He is disappointed because it would have been a dream job, but there were things Mike was worried about if he did get the job. For example, he didn't know if he would need to promote R rated movies. Mike has decided to start some shows of his own on his own site: tectherobot.com. This way he will get to have a fun hobby and where he is free to do what he wants.

Young Author Award

Tonight we went to the ceremony for the Georgia Young Authors awards. Stockton was pretty excited about it. There was one winner picked from every grade level. Stockton's poem was picked to represent the 4th grade for the entire district. His 4th grade teacher, gifted teacher, and principal were all there. We are so proud of him.

Stockton

Stephanie & Stockton

Stockton & Mike

Stockton & Mrs. Catlin

Stockton & Mrs. Cantrell

Principal Swanger & Stockton

Stockton's FHE

Stockton made a game for Family Home Evening. It was pretty fun. I made good choices and bad choices. For example, I chose to be baptized, go on a mission, and get married in the temple. But I also chose to do drugs and get divorced. I also stole a lot of things. Maysen kept making fun of me saying I stole a candy bar when I was 70. I ended up dying because I ran out of air. Both Stockton and Maysen were murdered. Jorja and Mike ALMOST made it until Jesus came, but they both ended up dying of old age. We tallied up our points and none of us made it to the Celestial Kingdom. I guess Stockton's game illustrates how none of us can make it on our own, we all need help from Jesus Christ. I love my family.

Treasured Aventure

We had a primary quarterly activity today. It went really well. Thanks to Sister Shaw. Anyway, the primary children gathered to hear a message from the bishop, but instead found a note that the bishop had been kidnapped. We divided into groups to look for him. Basically an age appropriate activity for 25 minutes. I had the two littlest classes. We went on a little treasure hunt around the church. The clues had the kids taking giant steps, tiptoe, walking sideways, jumping. It was pretty cute. When we gathered all the clues, we had to discover the password so Mike would let them in the door. Once inside they got to play play-doh. They loved it more than I thought they would.

Stephanie giving a mini-lesson on Friendship (the secret word)

Valiant 10's & 11's had to catch the villain
Brother Duce was hilarious
Preston playing the games at the end of the activity.
He looks so grown up!

Preston did such a good job at the activity. He followed all the directions. I volunteered to take the youngest class so I could be with him. I figured he was going to follow me anyway, I might as well make it easy on him. (In case you were wondering, the villain did end up telling the kids where the bishop was when they offered to let him play games with them.)

Jorja didn't go to the activity. She had a birthday party at Emma's house at the same time. Ms. Lamb came and helped all the girls paint monkeys. They turned out really cute. I'll have to get a picture of Jorja and her monkey, but I forgot and now I'm too lazy.

When Jorja got home, Preston and Jorja played with the play-doh for an hour and a half. Then they cleaned it up. Now that was awesome.

Nothing

I have nothing much to write about. Sorry my posts have been so boring lately. I need to go search through my kids writings. Maysen and Stockton . . . send me more poems.

Sandwiches

Stephanie Cooner came over today so Teresa and I could visit teach her. We had lunch. Teresa brought the deli stuff and I made homemade bread. I have now decided that I love sandwiches with fresh homemade bread. Yummy! Teresa was disappointed that I didn't have mustard. Seriously, who has mustard?

Swimsuits and Bubbles

We are heading to the beach in a few weeks. I ordered the kids and I some new swim shirts. They came today and I love them. I made the kids pose for me and they were overjoyed.

Jorja, Preston, Stockton, Maysen

The boys
Jorja & Preston
The girls . . . and Preston
(he wanted to be in every picture)

I love that little boy!
What good is trying out swimsuits if you don't get them wet?
Stockton, Preston, Jorja

In other news, Mike didn't get the job at IndyMogul. They sent him an e-mail saying he was in the top 3, but they chose someone else. They are going to send him a shirt. Mike asked if TEC could have one too.

Also, it really annoys me that the icecream truck comes by so late. It is 8:45 and you can hear the music blasting. It's a school night! The kids had their first CRCT test today. Reading. Tomorrow is Language Arts. Jorja's wire of her braces is totally off . . . I wonder how important that is?

Integrity #2 & #5

"stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in . . ." - Mosiah 18:9. That scripture is the focus of the Integrity value #6 in the Personal Progress program. I need to improve a personal behavior and work on it for three weeks. I have been thinking about this a lot. I have decided to try and work on a behavior that will be so hard for me. That is watching television. I don't watch tv much, just when I go to bed. I'm not going to stop watching tv, but I am going to start turning off the tv at the first inappropriate joke. Oh Office how I'll miss you! I toyed with the idea of starting my three weeks after sweeps, but decided I need to just dive in and do it now.

Integrity #2 is much like 5. I already decided a new habit I want to develop (turning off the tv), and now I need to pray daily for strength to be able to do this. I think I will need all the help I can get! Yikes.

Booked It!

I just booked a trip to Virginia! Preston and I are going to see this georgeous family below.

Skye, Mike, Larkin, Christen

My little brother Mike is graduating! He has passed his boards and now he is a dentist! I am so proud of him. He put himself through college and then dental school. Wow. I am excited to see him, his girls and to watch him reach his goal! Here we come Mike & Christen! Ummm Christen, I'll call you . . . :)

Somebody is loved

The End of the Break

Spring break is now over. It went way too fast. I love having the kids home with me. My life is so much easier when they are here, and they are so much fun to be around. We didn't do anything exciting this week. Just dentist and orthodontist appointments, reading, CRCT practice tests, wii games and a trip to the park. I think that is about it. Preston is going to be sad tomorrow. But only about 7 weeks and then I get to keep them home with me!

Dinner at Ackers

Today was a very relaxing day. Nice. Mike and I went to dinner at the Ackers. Maysen cooked dinner and put everyone to bed. We left as the kids were playing Dinner Dice. Maysen has been cooking all this week, and she will do it all next week for one of her Young Women experiences. I have loved it! Kathryn made yummy taco bowls, then we all played Whoonu and Scum. Fun, fun.

Robot Road Trip

Mike just got back from a little road trip with his robot friend. Here is a short video of their adventure.

Mike has been pretty busy with this new web site over the past couple of days. We don't yet know if he'll get the job with Indy Mogul, but he's decided that he'll start his own network of shows if he doesn't.

Good luck Mike!

Dragon Movie

Maysen, Jorja and I went and saw How to Train a Dragon today. We had a great time. I was glad I just had my girls with me. I don't think Stockton would have liked it and Preston wouldn't have sat through it. Stockton stayed home and my friend, Stephanie, watched Preston. Preston had a lot of fun and wasn't anxious to leave. That is nice. I'm glad he was happy while we were busy having fun.

Tonight we watched The RM with the family. Maysen had wanted to watch it together. Preston was out of control! Mike finally put him in his bed and he fell fast asleep. I can't believe this week is almost over. I love having the kids home with me.

Sirens

A fire broke out behind our grocery store. Right next to Seth & Max's house - Stockton's good friends. We were really worried about them, but luckily - thanks to facebook - we know that everyone was alright. I would have been terrified if I were them. We could hear the sirens everywhere.

Sirens again broke out this afternoon, but we don't have a happy ending there. A six year old autistic boy was missing over by Rylee's house. They looked for him for about 2 hours. Helicopters were even called in. They found him in the lake. He had drowned.

Makes me very thankful for my day of dentist and orthodontist appointments.

Speaking of dentists....CONGRATULATIONS MIKE! I'm so proud of you!!!!

Braces for the Porge

Jorja got braces today. She only has them on her two front teeth, but I was surprised that she needed them. Her brackets are stars, so that is pretty cool. As we were driving to the orthodontist, I told her that they were just going to look at her teeth and there was no way they would put braces on her . . . shows you how much I know.

Jorja

Mike and I had planned on going out to dinner with Stockton. For his birthday he got a coupon to go to TGIF with us. He wanted to use it during Spring Break because he didn't want to waist any of his precious free time during the regular school year. So, after Mike finished sitting in traffic for 2 HOURS, we went to dinner. When we got to TGIFridays, we were surprised to see it was closed. Signs off the building and everything. On the door was a sign saying they closed in September! Woops. Shows you how much I pay attention. Anyway, we took Stockton to CrackerBarrel and he liked it. We also let him pick out a little toy from their gift shop. He picked a spinner hat thingy. Now he's hoping they have hat day at their school again.

Stockton in his Pi shirt

We had cupcakes today to celebrate Grandma Honey's birthday. She would have been 71. Maysen started her orthodontic work (she got her appliance put in) the day Grandma Honey died. Now Jorja is starting on Grandma's birthday. Hmmmm.