Grandpa Millburn

My Grandpa Millburn died today. He was 95 years old. Last week he fell and broke his hip. It just went downhill from there. My grandpa is so funny! I wish I was as good of a story teller as he is. My grandma is sure going to miss him. When my dad took her home from the hospital the first day she said, "This is the first time I'm going to sleep alone in 40 years." Wow.

Stinky Science

Maysen has been working on her science project. She is growing bean plants. She is watering 3 with water, 3 with milk, 3 with cola, and 3 with orange juice. She has done such a good job of watering them every day, taking pictures and tracking their progress. The only problem is - THEY STINK! Oh, my goodness!

Doesn't this look disgusting? The one on the far left is the water, followed by milk, cola and last the orange juice. The orange juice smells the worst!

This is what it looks like today...although it looks like we switched the tray around. Yucky orange juice!

Maysen also came home the other day with a Certificate of Achievement for getting 100% on their science benchmark test...also a coupon for a free kids meal at Joe's Crab Shack. Good thing there is free crab tomorrow!

Library Dresses

I took Preston to story time at the library today. I tried a different library. The building was cute, but they didn't have very many books. I might have more books then they do. Preston enjoyed story time. He liked the singing the most. He didn't sing, but he had a big smile on his face. Although the selection of books at this library was slim, I found several books for the kids. They are ordering one for me as well. I am reading Inkdeath right now. I love it!

After school, I took Maysen and Jorja up to David's Bridal. It is about an hour away, so I had put this off for a long time. The girls tried on dresses for John and Cassie's wedding. They looked so grown up! I should have brought my camera . . . although that might have been frowned upon in the dressing room.

Jr. Beta Club

Maysen was inducted into the National Jr. Beta Club today. They had a cute little assembly where they each got to light a candle. Maysen was excited about the candle. It reminded her of a scene from The Thing About Georgie. (Great book by the way).

Here is Maysen with Mrs. McLendon. She was Maysen's 1st and 2nd grade teacher. Now she is her Program Challenge teacher. Maysen adores Mrs. Mac. Stockton likes her as well. I think Mrs. McLendon was the one who officially introduced Stockton to poetry. He always liked it, and dabbled around with poems, but he never started writing like crazy until Mrs. Mac's poetry unit.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is my Grandma Parry's 86th birthday. Several of my relatives who live in Idaho got together at her house for lunch. I wish I could have been there with them. My grandma is the most amazing person on this earth. She will never fully understand how much she means to me. I remember when I was little, loving Idaho. I loved to go to her house. When you entered, you just felt joy and love. That is how I think of Idaho. Joy and love.

I remember when my mom was sick, grandma took such good care of her. Grandma and Grandpa stayed the week with us, then would drive home Saturday night to teach their primary class. Talk about dedication! Because Grandma and Grandpa were with us, my dad was able to stay at the hospital with my mom. I loved having both of them with us, but not for the reason they were there. I remember when my mom died. I was sitting by her bed with my dad listening to her breathe. All of a sudden, my mom opened her eyes - but she wasn't looking at anything. Dad told me to go get Grandma and Grandpa. I ran downstairs and got Grandma. She was doing our laundry. (Later I found out that Grandma feels really bad about that--which is crazy. She did so much for our mom and all of us . . . we can never repay her.) All four of us were with my mom when she died a few minutes later. I remember my dad leaning over the bed and timidly asking, "Are you gone Harriett?" My Grandma started crying and said, "Yes she is, she's really gone." Breaks my heart just thinking about it.

Sorry I was writing so much about my mom on my grandma's post. But I don't think about the one without thinking about the other. My Grandma loves me just like my mom did. I don't know what I would do without her. I love her so much.

This is one of my very favorite pictures. Grandma's holding Maysen and Stockton at the cabin. Look how much they love her.

Grandma & Jorja. Grandma knows how to make each of her grandchildren & great-grandchildren feel special. (I'm sure Jacoby loves his great-great grandma too!)
Grandma & Preston

I hope you had a wonderful birthday Grandma! We love you and wish we could see you more often. Thank you for all you do for us. You have been my biggest cheerleader and you are the most completely selfless person I have ever met. I love you!

It's Snowing!

As we were getting ready to go to church, we noticed some flurries. Very exciting. If you look real hard and squint, you can see some snow falling. You can also see our new car that Steve gave us.

After Sacrament Meeting, the Bishop got up and cancelled the rest of church. By this time it was snowing really hard. Too bad church wasn't cancelled before we drove all the way there. The kids had fun taking pictures all the way home.
I thought this picture Jorja took of Preston turned out really cute.

The snow even stuck for a few hours! Our kids didn't want to play in it for two reasons. 1. We left all of our snow stuff in Utah 2. The snow is too slushy and wet. The neighbor boys sure had fun.

Spoiled Children

Mike and the kids decided it was time for Preston to have his own computer. We have turned our playroom into the kids office. They each have their own computer - except Preston. Now that Preston understands the computer better, he is constantly kicking them off their own computer, which drives them crazy. (Mike picked up these computers several years ago for $30 a piece. We have an old computer laying around Mike thinks he can salvage for Preston).

Mike and Maysen decided to make a computer desk for Preston. They used scraps they had from some of Mike's leftover projects. Mike did go and buy a new circular saw for the project. (Thanks Brett & Rachel!)

Preston HATES loud noises.
Jorja
Stockton
Maysen - writing a story of course

I had to back up so you could see Maysen's entire lair. She is a little obsessed with dragons. Mike and Maysen made the hot air balloon. Each day she sets a webkinz in it. Today it is Popsicle's turn. It is also his birthday.

Preston's getting excited about his new desk!
Preston & Mike

Once I Ate an Apple Core . . .

Once I ate an apple core & plus the apple seeds.

I also made my hot dog's wiener fly because it squeezed!

Once I gobbled down the orange flavored peels.

These rambunctious problems are with everyday meals.

The food started a riot. "Food Fight" everybody chanted.

So here's a knuckle sandwich. That's the wish that I have granted.

Me & my best buddies just thought fast & ran away.

"Hey" yelled the janitor. Attention we didn't pay.

We really got in trouble & got caught as we screamed.

We dove around the corner & the principal got creamed.

We ran back towards Uranus, but we couldn't find a shuttle.

But the teachers got us trapped. Now we really were in trouble.

We crawled through their legs & together we ran home.

& locked the doors behind us & we panted (gasp, gasp, ome).

Meanwhile back at the office with all the children groaning.

They each got a punishment & began to start moaning.

But I suppose you take advice from me & you'll be happy or . . .

get punished. But please never eat an apple core!

--Stockton Smith

Preston Works the Mouse

I spent some time with Preston today working on how to use the mouse. He has known how to do this for awhile, but someone always needed to be there because he always clicked where he shouldn't. Today was the first time I was able to leave him while he played at the computer. Sweet freedom! It was so cute, I was upstairs doing laundry and I would hear the pitter-patter of his feet. He would run and tell Mike that he did it! He was so happy!

Maysen loves to help her brother. They are so cute together. I love my family!

My New Black Friend

Today I finally got to meet my 'New Black Friend'. I watched baby Lucy while her mom went to the temple. Lucy was born on Christmas Day! She is so tiny and beautiful! My friend, Brooke, adopted her while we were in Utah. She is precious!

Here is a picture of Stephen Colbert with his 'black friend'. Mike thought I should put this picture in on the off chance people don't understand the joke. :)

Here are the boys eating Mac & Cheese. They look so grown up eating their lunch together. Preston has the bib on. Nathan & Sam are with him. I watched these boys as well today. We had a great time. I didn't realize until later that I had dressed Preston like me. He puts up with a lot.

We just got back from the Blue & Gold banquet. Stockton helped me make chocolate chip muffins to bring. Passes off another requirement. The boys got their pinewood derby cars today. I think Mike is more excited than Stockton. Actually, Mike, Maysen & Jorja all got cars this year. After the boys race theirs, they are going to open up and have everyone race. Maysen and Jorja are really excited about this. Last time Mike made a pinewood derby car he put a rocket launcher in it. To summarize: Everyone is excited about it except Stockton.

Jorja's First Day of Soccer

Jorja had her first soccer practice today. It was so cold! She was excited that a little boy in her class is on her team. She told me before practice, "I only want to play soccer so I can get a trophy."

Jorja's coach labeled all the kids.
She had a great time.

My favorite Porge moment of the day was, when it was Jorja's turn to try and kick the ball past the coach, she took off her coat. She meant business! It was so funny and so cold!

S'Mores

Today for Family Home Evening, Jorja gave us a lesson on Adam and Eve. For our activity, we made s'mores. What do s'mores have to do with Adam and Eve you ask? Well, Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge. And s'mores are delicious. There you go. I'm pretty sure our s'mores were tastier then Adam & Eve's fruit . . . plus, we have no consequences except a full belly.

It was very peaceful outside. My life is sure perfect. I love this stage of my life. It was so wonderful being outside listening to the laughter of my children. I am so lucky!

The Dad

The Mom
Maysen
Stockton & Jorja
Preston

To Bed

I forgot to write this yesterday, but Preston can be so stinkin funny sometimes. We were gone for 6 hours for the Reading Bowl. The Segrests watched Jorja and Preston. (Super nice of them!) When we picked them up, we were told that Jorja and Preston were so easy. (That's always nice to hear). Melodie said that Preston started looking tired so she got him the bottle we left for him. A little while later, Preston started walking up their stairs. John asked him where he was going. Preston looked at him like it was so obvious and said, "to bed".

Today I was doing the dishes. I could hear the kids behind me, but I wasn't paying much attention. Jorja was making chocolate milk while Preston was eating Lucky Charms. A few minutes later I turned around and Preston was putting his Lucky Charms into the milk! Yes, the gallon milk container, which is half full of milk now has Lucky Charms floating in it. I couldn't figure out how to get them out, so I figure the kids will just half to suffer. Luckily I have another gallon that I am going to use for myself. Wonder what the milk will taste like in the morning.

All Others Are Three or Lower

Maysen competed in the Division Finals for the Reading Bowl today. I'm not sure how many divisions there are, we are in division one. This is the first time this competition has been added. An extra step to make it to state. Maysen's team practiced so hard! They were disappointed in the district finals when they lost to the 6th grade 'moustache' team, so they really wanted to win them. We played them first. Maysen's team won 70 - 20! Mike thought it would have been really funny to make moustache's for our team to wear . . . but it probably would have distracted us more then them!

Every team in our division was so good! Like you would expect. But, man was the competition tough! Maysen's team took 2nd place!!! They scored 30 points behind 1st place (3 questions). Only first place gets to move on, so our season is over. I am so proud of Maysen and how hard she worked. She read every book. Fifteen chapter books. I can't believe the facts she was able to recall out of them. Fantastic!

Maysen's excited that we get to 'babysit' the trophy over the weekend.

Stockton came to every one of Maysen's competitions. That is quite a commitment for a boy that has a hard time sitting still! I hope Stockton will try out for the Reading Bowl team next year. 4th graders can choose if they want to try out for the Picture Book team or the Chapter Book team. Chapter Book is the only team with the option of competing at other levels.

Good job, Maysen! We are so proud of you!

Maysie-locks

Maysen had her hair cut today. This was a hard decision for her. She weighed the pro's and con's. There were so many pro's. The only con she could come up with was she likes the way her hair looks long. She had enough hair to donate to 'locks of love'. We also got a $5 discount for donating, so her hair cut was $10. Here are some before pictures.

During pictures

After pictures

I think the short hair will be a nice change for her. She is going to love combing it in the morning! In other news . . . Maysen's next reading bowl competition is tomorrow! I am more nervous than she is. Only the first place team moves on. Maysen's team is SO good! They have had a great year. This has been such an exciting experience for our family. Wish her luck!

I'm Wired to My Computer

I'm wired to my computer. I'm made out of computerized parts.

My mouth is a disc drive & I'm memorized "The arts".

My mind just thinks documents & there's chords clutched in my brain.

I daydream sorting files & recycling bins' my drain.

I have a built in "On" button to see if I'm awake.

I'm an automatic computer screen, I play myself all day!

I have wires strapped to my head. I hope it won't get tugged.

'Cause I'll be my parents' personal slave! So I'm gonna keep it plugged.

I like having a keyboard with my heard all digital.

With my VERY OWN chair & my body all miserable.

That's b/c at school, I always answer late.

& that's b/c there's a program I can't erase that slowly loads

"Brain Loading. Please Wait"

--Stockton Smith

Nothing

It has been a pretty relaxing day here. Maysen had Reading Bowl practice, other than that we didn't leave the house. Maysen's achievement days was cancelled because the weather was pretty bad. I guess the tornado sirens were going off. Mike is now driving home in the bad weather. It will be nice when he gets here. That is all.

Not Ready to Give Up the Crib

For the record, I am not ready for Preston to move out of his crib. I will lose so much freedom when that happens. I remember when Stockton was first out of his crib. It was torture for at least two years! This afternoon, I went to get Preston after his nap. He jumped so high and did a nose dive out of his crib. I don't think he realized what he had done, because I was right there to catch him, but it got me worried. I don't think we have much time left. Maysen was Preston's age when we moved her to a bed. Although Maysen never gave us trouble. Preston was so cute when I put him down tonight. He was stalling. He had turned on his Mario music, his stars, he had his three animals and two blankets, but he wouldn't lay down. Finally I said, "Preston, mommy's head is really hurting and I want to go to bed, but I can't until you lay down." He said, "Okay" and laid down right away. Love him!

In other news, Mike is gone on a two day trip with the Young Men. I hope no bad dudes read my blog. They went to North Carolina to go snowboarding. Mike said it is all man made snow. The hill is all brown with snow on one part of it. He said it feels like sand. I think they are having a good time, there is only three runs there...hopefully they aren't getting bored yet.

The end.

Blah, Blah

Here are the pictures from Stockton's 9 year old photo shoot. I think the first one says it all. I love the pictures and think they turned out great.
I think this next one is my favorite.

What a cute boy I have.

Speaking of cute boys, I had quite a good laugh when I heard Mike taking Preston up to his nap this afternoon. Preston didn't want to go and was crying, "No nap!" Mike said, "I know you don't want to take a nap. Blah, blah." I thought it was so funny. Sometimes it must be hard to be the fourth child.