Girls in Parrydise

Jorja and I left for Idaho this morning. We brought with her two of her friends. I know there is the statewide mandate, but we are going to Idaho and that is out of state. Loophole? Yes, but this year has been hard! Jorja and her friends agreed not to post anything because people can be very mean if you are not perfect. Although Giselle told Luke she was going and he ratted them out to their entire group chat. I have gotten very behind on my blog, but now, two weeks later I know that none of these girls got corona, so we're good. I'm frustrated with myself for getting so behind. This year has been crazy and I wish I would have been able to write while things were fresh in my mind. Especially with corona and the elections. Jorja has been through a lot and it has been hard. There are people who are angry and take it out on student government or the cheerleaders. Jorja has had many mean messages sent to her. If anyone in student government steps out of line, the entire student government gets blamed. This has been a hard year. Anyway, this weekend was great! Giselle came to our house and we picked up Ella. The freshman elections were today, so Ella was on a zoom chat with Packer and the senior/freshman class officers right up until we picked her up. Hailey's brother Caleb is going to be a senator, so that is awesome! On the way up to Idaho, Ella casually mentioned something about sterling scholar. I had been talking to Jorja about getting her application in. I asked Jorja if she had done it. She said no, but she would look at it when we were at the cabin. Ella said that applications were due at 3:00. Yikes! Glad she mentioned that! Jorja worked on her application on the way up to Idaho and was able to make it just before the deadline. I accidentally took a wrong turn going to the cabin! I couldn't believe it! I missed the turn off to Idaho Falls and was heading to Boise. I have no idea how long I was on the wrong road. I saw signs for Snowden or something like that and wondered what in the world that was. I hadn't been using my gps, because I know how to get there and didn't want my battery to run out. So, I turned it on. It told me to get off at the next exit. Then drive 12 minutes through these back roads. I thought after that it would get me on the freeway. Nope. I ended up driving almost an hour through back roads. It was ridiculous! I don't know why it didn't have me get on the freeway. Had I really driven that far before I noticed my mistake? Anyway, we made it safe and sound. So glad to get here. It is beautiful up here!

Bear and Mud

Ella, Giselle, Jorja

Hello There

It was back to school night at Alta. Basically we go through the kids schedules and meet their teachers. I went early because Jorja needed to be there early. I loved it because I got to say hello to Stockton. This picture will be up for awhile still. I'm going to enjoy that while it lasts.

Stockton's Recognition Night

Today was such a great day! I took Jorja to Chick-Fil-A after school for her second job interview. She got the job! She is pretty excited about that. My dad took Preston to diving which was so nice. There was no way we were going to be able to get him there. Mike stopped by Walmart and picked up Stockton's graduation pictures we finally printed out. I love how they turned out!

Stockton's graduation pictures

Alta had their Principal Recognition Night tonight. It is pretty much the only time academics gets honored, so it was great. Also long. Really long. I remember not getting a great seat when Maysen had her night. The school has a reception for about thirty minutes before the ceremony. I snuck into the auditorium and saved three seats. I was glad I did! I also picked up a program on my way out. Immediately I noticed something wrong. I'll get to that later. Anyway, Stockton was honored, a lot. It was well deserved too. He was one of eight 4.0 kids. Each of the counselors said a little bit about the 3.9 students they were over. The principal talked about the 4.0 kids. It's too bad Alta doesn't have valedictorians anymore. Eight isn't an unreasonable amount.

 Stockton getting a box and a plaque for his 4.0

Stockton was surprised how many people cheered for him. He said, "I got Nate Brown level cheers." He also laughed when they said he was 2nd in the state diving competition. He was actually 3rd thanks to Camden having an insanely good meet that day!

This is part of the program that was wrong. All the Sterling Scholars that are printed here are from last year. I couldn't believe it! I wanted to say something to the principal. I was waiting for him, but then other people came up to talk to him. I wondered if he knew about the mistake. I guess I should have made more of an effort. He didn't know. He announced last years Sterling Scholars and was quite embarrassed when he realized what happened. He said, "Okay, all the Sterling Scholars come up and get your rope!" It was kind of funny. I was wishing he would have the kids say their names and category as they came up.

The rope is really cool looking. We didn't think he got a rope for Sterling Scholar. It wasn't on the list. I picked up all six of Stockton's ropes awhile ago. They were $6 a piece. It was much cooler to be awarded the rope, plus it was free! He also got a yellow/silver rope for the Honors diploma, which is the highest diploma offered.

Sterling Scholars getting their ropes

 Stockton receiving his hawk medallion

A few days later Stockton was called out of class and asked to go to the office. He was in the middle of taking a math test. Good thing those tests are easy for him. Alta had reprinted the program so if we wanted one with his name in the Sterling Scholar spot for a scrapbook we could have one. That was nice of them to do.

At the end of the super long ceremony the principal had the Sterling Scholars come back up and be recognized. That was nice. Too bad they didn't mention that Addie Wray won the entire thing! That is a huge deal!

Jack, Amber, Maggie, Lydia, Nate, Rachelle, Emma, Hannah, Anna, Addie, Stockton

It was pretty funny how loud people cheered for Stockton. As he was walking back after receiving his Hawk Medallion someone yelled, "I like your sideburns!" The Affleck's were sitting behind us and commented that Stockton looked like a rabbi. Hahahaha! We were wondering what was in the box the 4.0 students were given. Stockton thought it was probably laffy taffy. It wasn't. It was a watch! Alta High School and 4.0 GPA Award are engraved on it. How cool is that?????

Jorja, Mike, Stockton

 Jorja, Stockton

 The Watch

We went to Iceburg after to celebrate, then home to bed. Tonight was so cool, but it was LONG! I am TIRED! Stockton sure is amazing. It was nice for him to be recognized for all of his hard work. So many people came up to him and congratulated him. As Madison would say, "He was the star of the show!" Hahahaha

Grandpas

Maysen and I had a busy day today. We started out at the dentist. I still have her going to Eric, because I love Eric. Plus, it is fun to see him once in awhile. He moved his dental practice to a new building. He has this cool train that goes throughout the place. I knew Mike would love it.

Stockton texted me this picture while we were at the dentist. Yay! They finally have their names and categories by their pictures for the Sterling Scholars. So far it has just been 8X10s side by side. This is much cooler.

Maysen and I went out to lunch, to her laser appointment, to Alta to register Jorja for a test out of PE class, to the library and to the dry cleaners. Busy, but fun. Stockton took Preston to diving. Jorja was at school until close to 7:00 for theater. Once she finally got home we read scriptures and then watched a movie. We saw Coco and had ice cream. For some reason everyone but Maysen ended up on the floor. We were laying on each others stomaches to see if our head would move up and down when each other laughed. It was so funny.

Stephanie, Stockton, Preston, Mike, Jorja

 Jorja, Preston and Stockton having a grandpa war. No idea why.

 Jorja and Stockton

 Jorja, Preston, Stockton

We don't have any fun together at all . . . .

Second Interview

I took Stockton to the temple early this morning. We had family names, so I was able to be baptized too. We finished without incident. Yay! I got back just in time to take Jorja and Olivia to school. Stockton took a quick nap while I did that. He was up late working on things for his interview today. I woke him up and we drove down to the SLCC bookstore in Taylorsville. We were looking for an Engineering notebook. Stockton lost his and he was having notebook checks today. We looked everywhere for that thing. He thinks he might have left it on the computer when he was in class. Stockton thanked me for driving him everywhere. I told him that his is the reason I love not working. I love being for them when they need me. We are all so lucky Mike has been successful in his career. I got Stockton back a few minutes late to advisory again. It turned out not to matter because the 4.0 banquet was happening. Stockton sat with a bunch of the other sterling scholar candidates. Stockton and Nate were wearing suits, the girls were in dresses. The spent time bonding over their nerves. Jorja didn't go to the 4.0 breakfast. She didn't have a great experience at the last one, so she had no desire to do that again. Jorja looked so pretty today. She curled her hair and it looked great. She had her ballroom Foxtrot test today. One of her friends must have snapped pictures because I found this on her phone.

Jorja and her partner

Stockton came home and worked until it was time to leave for his interview. He has been making an app to study his academic decathlon stuff. He wanted to show it at the interview. When he moved it to the laptop he was planning on bringing all of the font disappeared. AHHHH! Finally he just took a video of him playing it on his computer and called it good. He was also brushing his teeth why he was doing this. Somehow he got toothpaste all over his suit! AHHHHH again! I tried to get it off. It disappeared, but I told Stockton I wasn't convinced it worked. I asked him to check once he got there to make sure it was gone for good. When Stockton walked in Heffner, his sterling scholar advisor, stared at him and said, "What happened!" Well, turns out Heffner was prepared for anything. She had these eye glass rags, or something like that, and was able to get the toothpaste off. She also didn't like this tag he had on his suit coat. Not a price tag, just a normal tag of the designer. Heffner was getting the toothpaste off of him while someone else was using a sewing kit to get the tag off. Stockton thought that was pretty funny and it put him at ease. Stockton was a bit nervous, because he had no idea what math question would be asked and he hasn't had calculus for a few years. Mrs. Waters talked to him for awhile yesterday. She told him that at this point the judges don't expect you to get the answer right, they are more interested in your thought process. Anyway, Stockton did great on the interview. They only asked him one question and he got it right. Everything went much better than expected. Yay! Yay! Yay! No matter what happens at least he will be able to look back on this experience with no regrets.

I took Preston to diving today. Stockton had his interview while we were at the pool. I was so nervous for him! Once we got home we decided to try and get the organ. I called Matt and he agreed to help. Thank goodness! Hopefully we can fix it. It sure does bring back a lot of memories. Stockton then stayed up until midnight tonight working on the Utah State honors application. He got that turned in a few minutes before it was due. Oh man! That kid sure works hard!

New Semester

Both Maysen and Stockton started new semesters today. Maysen up at Utah State, Stockton at Salt Lake Community College. Maysen had oceanography and two psychology classes. She also found out she will be getting a roommate. Yay! Stockton had his first English 2010 class. His class is at 7:00 at SLCC. This won't be a problem in two weeks, but right now he has to miss his Humanities class in order to attend. He finished all his work and cleared it with his teacher, let's hope she remembers why he isn't there. I drove with Stockton this morning to show him the way. After the class we went and found Mr. L to make sure Stockton is doing everything right. We also talked to his counselor for a bit. She told Stockton to apply for regents even though they told him he couldn't get it because of his math. She told him to apply and appeal. I asked if you could apply for both regents and new century. I didn't want to count on the appeal process only to be denied and then miss out on new century. Regents is about $1,000 more because you are able to get two different scholarships. His counselor is supposed to get back to me with the information. I don't think Stockton wants to even try. More hoops to jump through. Plus, he has gone through a lot of trouble to get his associates degree. I think he just wants to stick with new century. After we left the counselors office we went and found Stockton's sterling scholar portrait. Jorja helped hang them up when she was here Saturday. I love it!!! I wonder if I can get a copy for myself. Stockton is wearing a monkey tie. He is the best.

Stockton

I worked for a bit on Eve's stocking. I finished the first owl completely, outlining and everything. It always amazes me how much the outlining adds to the picture. The first picture is completely finished. The second one is waiting to be outlined.

Bubs reffed the freshman boys basketball game at Alta today. My dad and I came and watched him. I love watching him ref. Too bad he isn't always assigned to Alta home games. Alta crushed Provo. Number 11 on Alta is a kid named Isaac. He was amazing. Bubs had to ref the first part of the game by himself. His partner thought the game started at 7. He did great, but was glad when his partner got there. He said it is no fun at all doing it by yourself. Too much to watch and not enough eyes.

My dad also told me that he FaceTimed Brett on Sunday. Brett was just called as something comparable to being bishop. I think there are only 12 people in the whatever it is called. It is probably too small to be a branch. Still, it is nice that he is able to go to church while he is deployed. He has almost been gone for three months. Three more to go. Halfway there! I bet it seems like it has been much longer for Rachel and her girls.

Bubs talking to Alta coaches before the game. 

 The toss

 Games almost over and Alta is more than double Provo.

 Final score

Jorja spent the day doing stuff for Alta Idol. She was assigned to this committee at the beginning of the year. She had to dress up and she looked fantastic. Too bad I didn't get a picture of her. She said she carried the stool on the stage for Jonas and lots of people in the audience started chanting her name. Haha. She has loved serving in student government. I am so thankful for this opportunity. Stockton and Gavin came straight from diving to Alta Idol. They brought Preston. The basketball game had just finished so Stockton handed Preston off to me. I showed my dad and Bubs Jorja's student government picture and Stockton's sterling scholar picture. Also Mike's pictures that are by the counselors office. Bubs laughed that three of the six people in our family have pictures hanging up in the school, and the one who has the most graduated from there 25 years ago.

I watched the Georgia/Alabama National Championship football game today. I really, really, really, really, really wanted Georgia to win. I thought they would, but Alabama came back at the end. The game went into overtime. Alabama put their true freshman quarterback in at the second half. At this time the score was 21-3. This true freshman that had never started a game, or taken a meaningful snap in college football ever came in and was amazing. All Alabama had to do to win the game was get a field goal. The kicker missed! I felt bad for the kicker, but was so excited. In overtime Georgia went first. They ended up getting sacked on third down. Their kicker came in and nailed a 51 yard field goal. Holy cow! Alabama now had their chance. The quarterback got sacked on first down and was out of field goal range. Now all Georgia has to do is hold them to win the game. The very next play the true freshman quarterback throws a bomb to a true freshman receiver in the end zone to win the game. That was crushing. Tagovailoa was just amazing. He is Alabama's quarterback. The other cool thing was that the quarterback who was replaced, Hurts, supported Tagovailoa the entire second half. He was there encouraging him and didn't seem to have his feelings hurt that he was pulled. That was cool. Still, I wish Georgia had won. I am not an Alabama fan. At all. I always cheer for anyone playing Alabama. My friend posted this funny meme today. Schools were cancelled because of ice. Yet, they still had this major football game. (The game was played in Georgia.)

Stockton and Jorja both got back so late. Jonas Swanson won. Hailey's brother. That is so exciting! Both Stockton and Jorja were thrilled with that. Stockton just missed watching his friend Nate preform. Nate went first. Jorja went to In and Out with the student government after Alta Idol. She has a huge math test tomorrow that will make or break her grade. I hope she is prepared.

36 Pages

Stockton had to miss diving today to go to a mandatory Sterling Scholar meeting. Wow. He has a lot of work he needs to do. He needs to make a portfolio of all his math accomplishments and math related service. They said there is a 36 page limit. Hahahahahahahaha! I took this picture while we were at the meeting and texted it to Jorja. James is her friend. She texted back, "I love James!" The meeting was in Heffner's room. Lots of the freshman take AP Geography. Jorja doesn't. We thought AP Chinese would be enough to start with.

I walked in on Stockton helping Jorja with her math. I love these two. Stockton is so good to Jorja. I told her she needed to forget about boys and focus this year on Stockton. He will be gone this time next year. Either to college or a mission, unless he goes to the U and lives at home. Anyways, times like this are limited. I want to keep them like this forever.

Jorja & Stockton

I like how Jorja is in her BYU softball shirt and Stockton is wearing his BYU diving shirt. That made me smile.

Sterling Scholar

Today was a LONG day. I was looking forward to my last breakfast of porridge, banana bread and hot chocolate. They were out of porridge and banana bread! I survived, but wasn't pleased about it. We made it to the airport just fine. I texted Stockton good luck with his Sterling Scholar reception. It is Thursday for us, but still Wednesday for the kids. My dad went with Stockton so he wouldn't be alone. I kept looking at the time while I was on the plane thinking, Stockton is finding out now if he won. The first thing I did when we landed in California was turn to Mike and say, "Do you think Stockton won?" We hurried and turned airplane mode off and checked the slack thread. Stockton had a picture with the caption, "Surprise" Except it wouldn't load for us. But Jorja answered below, "WHAAAAAAT YOU WON" Yay! We started laughing and cheering! We were so happy for him. These are the pictures Stockton sent. I think my dad took them while the Life Touch people were taking them.

Stockton ~ Sterling Scholar ~ mathematics

 2018 Sterling Scholars

Stockton said the girl next to him was very happy about being in the middle. She was talking about that when Stockton said, "And I'm one standard deviation from the middle." Haha! Math nerd. Jeanette took this picture and sent it to me. ---Okay, Stockton corrected me on his joke. The kids were put into a line from tallest to shortest. The girl in the middle was excited about being in the middle. Stockton was right next to her and that is when he said he was one standard deviation from the middle. Hahahahahaha! That makes it even more funny in my mind. That kid cracks me up!

Stockton

My dad picked us up at the airport. We got home around lunch time. Then we slept. We were exhausted. It was so fun to see the kids when they got home. Stockton took Preston and Gavin to diving. After they left I picked up Jorja at Hailey's house and we went to Mimi's Cafe. We talked and talked and talked. That girl had had a hard week. It was fun to be back with the kids again. We gave them a few trinkets we picked up. Boomerangs for the boys. A necklace and bracelet for Jorja. Jorja and I slept in the guest room tonight. I wish I could put that girl's heart back together. I know she will be able to do it, it just really hurts right now. I'm glad I can finally hold her again. She will be okay.