Cleaning

What a long, long day. I'm exhausted! We started out today by frantically getting our house ready for pictures. Stephanie came over and helped us clean. We cleaned non-stop until four....I was able to take a short break when I picked Jorja up from school. The house looked great when the picture lady arrived.

Once she left, I worked on school with Stockton. Maysen was able to get her school done while we cleaned, but Stockton's requires much more parent interaction. I worked with Stockton on subtracting fractions today. I was explaining how to subtract mixed numbers when the numerator is smaller in the first number. Stockton would ALWAYS get the answer right super fast. He tried explaining how he was getting his answers, but it was so backwards to me that I couldn't wrap my head around it. It's weird how his brain works....I can't figure it out.

At 5:30 we headed to the Stephanie's house for dinner. Yes, that is right. Stephanie cleaned my house and cooked us dinner. Spoiled, I know. What will we do without her? Tim was funny when he got home from work. He walked in the house and called for Stockton. He asked him what he ate. Stockton had only had lettuce. Tim said, "If you eat two spoonfuls of rice, two spoonfuls of beans, and two spoonfuls of chicken, I'll let you get on the roof." Stockton was really excited. I scooped up the required amount. When Stockton looked at the plate, he promptly declared it "not worth it".

We had a nice night. I talked with Stephanie and her girls. We played charades and took pictures. I forgot my camera, so I used Stephanie's phone. I wasn't very good with it, but at least it's something!

Rylee, Preston, Shelby, Alyssa, Cassidy, Jorja, Maysen, Stockton

Lily is in the front

Rylee, Shelby, Maysen & Cassidy

Jorja & Alyssa

Lily & Preston

While we were enjoying ourselves at Stephanie's house, Mike was filming his pirate commercial. Stephanie dropped us off just as the Doan's were leaving. Mike had a great time with them....now he exhausted. Hope we sleep well, we have a busy day planned for tomorrow.

Goodbye Ward

Today was our last day at church. Bittersweet. We only were a family of four when we moved into this ward. Wow. We have really enjoyed our ward....a lot. I went in Stockton's class to get a picture of him with Amy Caro. She taught him in nursery, CTR 5 and now in Valiant 9. LOVE HER!

Sister Caro & Stockton

I went into Preston's class as well. Stephanie Cooner brought him cupcakes as a farewell. When I asked Preston what he learned today, he said, "We learned about cupcakes!" Guess you got to start somewhere.

Sister Cooner & Preston

I wasn't able to get a picture of Jorja or Maysen. I did chase down Brother Moulten and get a picture with him. I love him. He taught Maysen a couple of years ago. He has subbed Jorja's class quite often. He gives the primary kids lollipops if they recite an Article of Faith to him. Maysen and Jorja always ask him for rocks instead. They have quite a collection. Jorja puts hers under her pillow, and now has Preston doing the same thing. When Maysen and Jorja shared a room, Jorja was scared one night. Maysen gave her a rock and told her to put it under her pillow, then she wouldn't be scared. Now she always sleeps with about three rocks under her pillow.

Stephanie & Brother Moulton

Look how sweetly Stockton is smiling. Why couldn't I get him to cooperate when I was trying to take a picture of him and Sister Caro? Preston....well, I have no idea what he is doing or why he has a mask on his face.

Preston & Stockton

Jorja and I stayed after church to watch Gwen get baptized. Then we rushed home for some more cleaning. Later, Payton & Weston came over to help Mike film a pirate commercial. This will be his little movie to go with the cannon he has been building.

Jorja, Mike, Stockton, Preston, Weston & Payton

Preston wanted to be a pirate

The rest of the day was spent packing, packing and packing. I know....makes you jealous.

Dinner With Myers

After a long day of packing, Mike and I went out to dinner with our good friends. We went to the Cheesecake Factory since Teresa knows I love it. I had the best time. We were able to be seated right away, which is great on a Saturday. We were outside, chatting and enjoying the pleasant weather when out of nowhere it starts lightning. Within minutes it was a full on downpour. Jerome was able to get us a table inside and by the time we left it was pleasant again. Oh Georgia, you and your crazy storms.

Mike & Stephanie

I like the above picture. Maybe I'll put it as my facebook picture. Mike is annoyed that I have a picture of him and Preston as my profile picture. It creeps him out because it looks like he's talking to himself. Well, I rarely write anything so I don't think it's a big deal. I would change my picture, but I'm lazy....and the picture I have is cute!

Tonight was such a great, relaxing time. It seemed like I was laughing the entire time, but I can't remember what about. Jerome was a little upset about the BYU game. I was glad I couldn't watch it. I had too much to do. (And we don't get Verses)

Mike, Stephanie, Teresa, Jerome

YUM.

I am really going to miss Teresa. Have I said that before? Well, it deserves to be noted again. She has been a really good friend to me. It was hard on me when she moved 12 minutes away (she timed it). I still have impossible hopes that they will move to Utah. I'd settle for a visit though.

One of my all-time favorite people....Teresa Myers

Clayton & Katherine

Stockton had his friend, Clayton, over today. He was able to stay until just after 10. Stockton was so excited to see him all day. Clayton and Stockton were really good friends in 3rd grade. Clayton went to a different school in 4th. While he was here, they played the Wii and balloon dodgeball....and who knows what else. The last thing Stockton said to Clayton as he was leaving was, "Rubber chicken." I don't get it either. It's an inside joke. Stockton watched them leave. Once they drove away he looked at me and said, "Well, I'll never see him again . . . probably." So sad that he is probably right. Although if Clayton becomes a pro tennis player, then we can see him at the US Open. That would be sweet!

Stockton & Clayton

Maysen is having her friend Katherine sleeping over tonight. Right now they are playing Age of Mythology. So far Maysen and Katherine have stomped Mike both games. I'm pretty sure they are enjoying themselves. I don't get this game....and have no desire to understand it.

Mike, Katherine, Maysen

Maysen, Katherine

Katherine

Mike

Mike is enjoying playing with the girls....it is a much needed break. He has been packing all day. Now I'm tired and heading for bed.....busy day tomorrow. Oh, and happy birthday Dad! Love you!

Best Laid Plans

Last year, the day before school started, we found out Maysen needed braces. (That came as no surprise to us) Anyway, I sat at the office for a long time trying to decide what to do. I knew we wanted to move to Utah and would most likely not be finished with her treatment. (She has been having work done continuously since 2nd grade.) Anyway, I decided to go ahead and get the braces. What if we never moved? I kept picturing her as a senior in high school with crooked teeth.....and I would say, "We were going to fix your teeth, but we were going to move...."

The next big decision was how we were going to pay for the braces. Mike had been out of work for almost a year, and we weren't sure how much longer he would be unemployed. In the information they gave me it stated that if you didn't pay your bills for two months then the braces would be taken off. We decided that because we had some savings, we would pay up front. A huge chunk of change! That way, no matter what happened, we wouldn't have to worry about Maysen's braces being repossessed! I talked to the billing department and let her know that most likely we would be moving. She assured me that it was no problem...they had a formula that would refund the unused portion if we left early.

Fast forward to now. Different story. I guess in January, the orthodontist sold his practice. The old orthodontist was paid, but the new one wasn't. The billing department told me that he couldn't refund my money for something he wasn't ever paid for. This is the same billing department. I just looked at her and said, "You told me this would be okay. I let you know we were planning on moving and you assured me that this wouldn't be a problem." She said, "I know, but we had no idea that Dr. Justice would sell his practice." She said she would look into it, but I have no idea what to do. I paid a fortune to them, I don't have the fortune to pay to someone else. Why do I always trust people?

15 Years

Mike and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary today. Mike had his last day at work. They took him out to Waffle House (Mike's choice). Not going to see many of those in Utah. Sister Prillaman came over and helped me make a bracelet & necklace for Jorja. They turned out beautiful. Love it!

Mike & Stephanie

with Preston

For dinner, Mike took me to Agatha's. It is a murder mystery dinner place. It was really fun . We were told to sit at table 7. At the table, we found our names and there was a part for each of us. I lucked out and had a singing part with 30 other people. I didn't know the tune, so I just moved my lips a little and called it good. Mike was Montel Willis, the talk show host. The play was "Pyler Terry's Dead Housewives of Atlanta." There were two actors that ran the show. They were pretty funny.

But, the most interesting part of the evening were the other people enjoying the show. Let me describe this in a family friendly way. There are lots of different types of people in the world; for example, there are people who like robots, there are people who like cats, there are people who like playing croquet. About 3/4 of the audience at this play were men who like to wear dresses...and makeup...and high heels.

Apparently this group books most of the seats in this place during their yearly convention in Atlanta. This year it happened to fall on our anniversary. Most of them had fairly elaborate dresses. There was one "ol' gal" who was OLD....I mean REALLY old. "She" was at least 80, and was dressed the part - old grandma sweater and all.

They were pretty nice people. Weird, but nice. What was really weird was how many of them were married with wives and kids back home, etc. After they announced that it was our anniversary, one of the "ladies" came over to take our picture. "She" told us that "she" had been married 30 something years, had 3 kids, 8 grandkids, and that they "all knew where grandpa was and what he was doing."

There was another couple there for their anniversary too. They had been married for 1 year, and were in their forties. The host pointed them to us and said "take a good look - that's going to be you in 14 years". Mike whispered "What? You're going to be a younger, white couple in 14 years?"

One very talkative member of the group at our table had to shift into "guy mode" for his line in the play. So imagine a very tall, super skinny dude in a black mini skirt standing up and shouting "fuhgetaboutit....botta bing botta boom". Also, "she" rode down from New Jersey to the convention on a Harley - in guy mode.

For me, the only real annoying thing was that they all used the ladies room and took forever to do their business. Um, there's no line in the men's room people...let's move it along ladies!

Hopefully the (actual) lady next to us will be emailing us the pictures she took. She told us she would, but she was a bit, shall we say, tipsy by the end of the night, so hopefully she will remember.

We had a great night together, and have had an amazing fifteen years. Mike told me I was the prettiest girl in the room. How sweet! Wait a second...... Well, I can sum up this night in one sentence....It was better than Cats!

Girls Night

Stephanie invited a few friends over for a small going away party for me. It was really, really fun. We just sat at her kitchen table and talked. Perfect. My friends are so funny. I am going to miss them so much. It's weird how much of my life I have spent with them. Most of the major events in my life were with these guys. Hopefully they will all come visit in Utah. Amy even joked that she would be able to see me now more because in Utah we will be able to spend an afternoon together. Here, she is running around like crazy. Amy teaches 5th grade at the charter school. I would have loved, loved, loved her to teach Stockton. She is his primary teacher though. She has been his teacher several times. She is amazing and has loved Stockton ever since she taught him in nursery. I love her for that. Amy is also super funny...she always cracks me up.

Teresa I just love. Everything about her. She was my visiting teacher when I moved into this ward. She took great care of me. We have been visiting teaching companions now for a couple of years. Teresa lived two doors away from me for about four years. We would go walking together. It was so nice. She is a very good listener, and someone I admire completely. Teresa has always been so good to me. When Preston was born, she stayed here and got the kids ready for school. When I had my surgeries, she would come and put Preston down for a nap. I am going to miss her more than I can even imagine.

I have been in the Primary Presidency with Irene for the last couple of years. She is the president and I am one of the counselors. Boy am I glad I don't have her job. She is good at it and so filled with compassion towards everyone. Irene hasn't been in our ward very long, but she is irreplaceable. I have truly enjoyed serving with her and I have learned a lot by watching her example.

Katherine is amazing. She is always on the go. Jaxson is her oldest, he is in Preston's primary class. She now has three kids. I can't imagine having three kids Preston's age and younger. Jaxson is so funny, he can recite the Articles of Faith. No way would Preston be able to do that. Katherine also runs marathons and just did a triathlon. I mean, who does that? Besides Lisa. Okay, there's Heather and Jordyn too....maybe everybody but me.

Stephanie, of course, is wonderful. It seems like I have known her forever even though it has been only a few months. I wish she had been here all along. I am so thankful she came when she did. It has been so nice carpooling to church activities and to school. It's amazing how fast you can come to love someone. She is a gem. She is very outgoing and helps me get out of my shell....which I need help with often. I will miss her very, very much.

Two other friends also came over, but left before I remembered my camera. Luci who is so sweet you can't help but love her; and Jennifer who was my first visiting teaching companion when I moved here. That seems so long ago! I have a story about Jennifer that makes me laugh. I knew Jennifer a couple of years as Jennifer Poole. She got married and became Jennifer Wilcox. (Her husband is super funny and very nice. He comes over once a week and gives Maysen quick lessons on Illustrator.) After Jennifer and Daren were married, they were called to teach Stockton's primary class. I was dismissing the classes one by one and I said, "Sister Poole's class is dismissed." Daren gave me the evil eye and I realized I had said something wrong. Immediately I said, "I'm sorry! Brother and Sister Poole's class is dismissed." That earned me a bigger evil eye. It took me awhile to realize my mistake.

Katherine, Madilyn, Irene, Stephanie, Teresa, Amy

Stephanie, Irene, Stephanie, Teresa, Amy

Thank you girls for the fun night. I will miss all of you!

She Lucked Out

Brother Rivers called today to ask Maysen to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting on the 19th. Oooo. Too bad. We will have moved. Maysen was so disappointed. Mike offered to have her speak this Sunday, but they are having the Stake Patriarch speak and wanted a youth speaker that had already had their patriarchal blessing. Stinks to be her. Just kidding! She thought it was great!

We are Thankful for Vegetables

We were pretty late getting to bed tonight. Mike asked Stockton to say the prayer. He didn't want to. Mike said the prayer. Among other things, he mentioned how we were thankful for the opportunity to talk to Him and to please help us want to pray more. Please help us obey our parents. He went on for a bit and then said, "We are thankful for vegetables." It was hard to hold it together during the prayer. Stockton was laughing and said, "That didn't even make any sense!" Mike said, "If you think you can do better you are welcome to try." Mike told me he had planned to go on for about ten minutes, but had to stop because he would have started laughing. Was it the most reverent prayer? No. Memorable? Absolutely.

Party for the Porge

Jorja had a GREAT day today. She had her early birthday party, and loved it. Jorja just wanted her friends to come to her house. We had crepes, cake and ice cream. Yummy.

Jorja & Alyssa

Jorja & Emma

Here is the cake I spent forever making yesterday. Jorja loved it. She loves frogs, and was excited to have a frog for her birthday...again. When Emma came over, she called to her mom, "I knew her cake would be a frog!"

Frog cake

Mike ~ with a little over kill on the candle lighting

The only problem with having a frog cake is Jorja gets sad when it's time to cut it up.

Sad Porge

Sarah Casey

Gwen & Jorja

Jorja & Tiolu

Jorja had a great time. She is going to miss all of her wonderful friends here. We love you Porge!

Sorting, Packing, Getting Ready

We spent most of the day doing school and packing. Exciting. Maysen, Jorja and I did work on a cake for Jorja's party tomorrow. I just finished it and declared it, "Good enough." I don't know how Rachel does it. Drives me crazy. I kept repeating to myself, "I love Jorja, I love Jorja, I love Jorja." Even if it doesn't look perfect, she will love it . . . because it is a frog. I'll put a picture up tomorrow. Hopefully Preston doesn't get into it.

Jorja also went to the store with me to pick out things for her gift bag. I let her go a little crazy. Usually I just fill a bowl with candy bars and call it good. (Helps that most of my birthdays are right around Halloween.) Jorja's excited to put the gift bags together tomorrow. I'm not sure how many people will be able to make it with it being labor day weekend....as long as she has a few she will be happy. I do know Emma's coming, so I think we're all good.

Gabe's

Stephanie and I went out to lunch at Gabe's today. I had a Po Boy, or something like that. Stephanie got the catfish. It was nice to just hang out. Maysen watched Lily and Preston. I can't believe that I have only known Stephanie less than six months. Crazy.

Stephanie & Stephanie

I Quit

Well, I didn't....Mike did today. He gave his boss his two weeks notice. His boss was really nice about it. Mike mentioned that one of the main reasons for the decision was because our kids are at the age where moving later might become more difficult. His boss asked how old is your oldest? Mike answered 12. His boss laughed and said, "You got about six months." I was telling Maysen this story on the way home from Young Womens, and explained that her dad meant it would soon be hard for her to leave friends. Maysen just rolled her eyes and said, "like that would happen....no offence Rylee." Pretty funny.

Anyway, we are glad this is over. Now everything is more official. We have just over two weeks to get everything done. Better get to work. Also my toe hurts. Just thought I'd add that in there.

Toe

Preston and Jorja were at the counter painting. Preston decided to paint Jorja's shirt. I told him that he was done painting. He didn't like that. I picked him up while he thrashed his legs about. The bar stool was knocked over and landed on my toe. It hurts. It's turning colors. It has now been hurting for over two hours. While I was getting ready for tomorrow's school day, I crashed into the school desks . . . bad idea.

On a completely unrelated note, except that this is a good idea, Sunday Maysen made a deal with me. We were driving to church and I said, "Maysen! I can't believe I forgot to have you bring your glasses!" She smiled. Then she said, "Mom, I'll make you a deal. If you don't bother me about wearing glasses the rest of the time we are in Georgia, I won't complain about wearing them when we get to Utah." I said, "DEAL!" before she even finished her sentence. I can live with that. I guess when she meets people and she already is wearing glasses, they won't think anything about it. She doesn't want to go through all the people commenting on her glasses. I think she finds it annoying.

Figgletrot

I'm on my way to Figgletrot,

I've heard it's west of 'ere.

Just follow the setting sun

Straight on 'til mornin' come.

I'm on my way to Figgletrot,

With nothin' but my cap.

I'm chasin' after the setting sun,

The moon is chasin' me'

The stars can see to Figgletrot,

I heard it long ago,

That you'd better run to Figgletrot

Before the sun sinks low.

It follows me to Figgletrot,

The moon it never goes,

Never strays from path of light

The way the sharp wind blows.

The breeze leads far from Figgletrot,

Promising joy and peace and rest.

But wind I'll ne'r follow,

To the evil Dragon's nest.

I'm almost there to Figgletrot,

Atop the mountain crest,

Where the Lion waits for me,

And I can finally rest.

It was worth the fight to Figgletrot,

Though struggles that I had,

The Dragon n'er shall reach me,

And try to turn me bad.

The Lion rules o'er Figgletrot.

The Dragon is his bane,

But no longer live in fear,

When light shall rule again.

But alas my dear old brother,

The path he did not see,

He followed after wind wisp,

And flames now lick his cheeks.

And though I live in Figgletrot,

With wonders to behold,

Where with Dragon now he lies,

With Lion now I go.

He'll never taste of Figgletrot,

Of glory and of light.

He followed tempting breezes,

And promises of night.

The Lion rules o'er Figgletrot,

The Dragon down below,

Come now you flock of sheep,

And bask in mountain glow.

So follow me to Figgletrot,

With cap and trust and faith,

And ne'r shall you wander

To taste of Dragon flame.

--Maysen Smith

Jakob and Tito

Today we had two of my favorite people over for dinner, Jakob and Tito. We had turkey and scones. Yummm. It was so nice just to sit and chat with Tito. I haven't seen her since school ended in the spring. Maysen and Jakob have been in classes together since fourth grade. Jakob's makes me laugh. It was so nice to see them again. Tito told me that Jakob had just mentioned that even though Maysen wasn't in school with him anymore, it was nice to know she hadn't moved away. Whoops. Maybe they will come visit us in Utah. One can always dream, right?

Preston, Jakob, Maysen

After dinner we played the wii. Mario Kart, Super Mario Bros., and my favorite - Smooth Moves.

Stockton & Jakob

Preston & Jorja

Stockton, Jakob & Maysen

Jakob & Tito
Jakob & Maysen

When they were leaving, Maysen said, "Good-bye Jakob, I'm going to miss you." Jakob went to give her a hug good-bye...Maysen dodged him, laughed and said, "Not that much." Mike busted out laughing at that one. I wish I had gotten a picture of me and Tito....just forgot. Drat!

Preston, Packing and Notes From the Past

Yesterday as we were saying our nightly prayers, Mike blessed that someone would want to buy our house. As soon as the prayer was over, Preston said, "No Daddy! I love this house! I don't want anyone to buy it." We tried explaining to him that we were moving to Utah and would get a new house there. He asked if we were coming back. I told him no. He looked right in my eyes, his own eyes filling with tears and croaked out, "Never?" It was so sad. Then he started giving me the lip. I tried to comfort him, but this is the first time it dawned on him what was happening. Maysen had a really hard time moving here. She was three months older than Preston when we moved to Georgia. That's crazy. It sure seemed like she was a lot older.

Speaking of moving, we spent the day packing, packing and packing. Mike came across something I had saved from Stockton. He wrote it when he was really little, before he was in school. The first paper said:

LOOK

LOOK

LOOK

On the back he drew a picture of us and wrote I LOVE YOU MOM LOVE STOCKTON.

The second paper I had was also from Stockton. I think he wrote this one even earlier than the last. It was written in red crayon and took up the entire page. He said, I LOVE MOM I LOVE YOU I NO IT IS NOT GOOD TO BE ON THE TABLE I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU IM GOOD NOT BAD LOVE STOCKTON.

For the record, I have never told Stockton he was bad. I have never even told him anything he has done was bad. I have been very conscious of this because in my child education classes in college I was taught that if you told a child something they did was bad, then they would internalize that they were bad. I was taught to always give specific reasons as to why I was saying no. For example, that is not safe...this is where we eat and your feet are dirty...the chandelier can break if you swing on it. (The last one happened in Washington.)

The point is...I thought it was a sweet note Stockton gave me, but I'm baffled as to why he thought I would think he was bad. Kind of breaks my heart.

Poem for Porge's Party

Jorja passed out invitations to her birthday party today. They turned out really cute. I just used a Walmart template. We had the three pictures below going across the top. (That sentence sounds funny.)

Jorja

Jorja & Mrs. Trombino
Jorja

Below the pictures we had this poem:

Sweet little Jorja is moving away,
September fifteenth will be her last day.
An early birthday we thought would be fun,
Instead of a party where she knows no one.
So come to her house and join in the fun,
September fourth from eleven to one.

In other news. I talked to Utah Virtual Academy yesterday. They said that they could transfer Maysen and Stockton over. They will be able to keep all their work and they won't have to retake any tests...especially the scantron ones at the beginning of the year.

Also, I finished Mockingjay last night. I would love for Suzanne Collins to write The Hunger Games from Peeta's perspective. I think that would be really interesting.

Jorja's 'Not a Talk'

On Sunday, Jorja was asked to give a talk. Her talk was on how miracles come to those who have faith. She worked hard on her talk and practiced it all week. I was conducting this Sunday. When it was Jorja's turn to give the talk, she wouldn't do it. I was frustrated because we had worked so hard on this. I ended up reading the talk for her. I told her next time she had to give a talk I would make sure I wasn't on the stand. She has given a talk before, and she really is fantastic. I don't think she would have refused to give the talk for anyone but me. I think saying no to an adult is harder for her than reading a paper she has memorized. Anyway, here is her talk.

A long time ago there was a primary president in Utah named Sister Stratton. She got very sick and became blind. The doctor couldn’t help her, so he sent her to a hospital. For weeks the doctors tried to help her, but nothing worked. Finally Sister Stratton wanted to go home.

The primary children were very sad and they wanted to help Sister Stratton. They decided to hold a special fast for her. They knew that if they had faith and fasted and prayed, Heavenly Father would help her in way they could not, it was really hard to go without food all day, but even the youngest Primary children fasted and prayed for Sister Stratton. That night they met together and prayed. They felt peace and joy and knew that Heavenly Father had heard their prayers. A beautiful sun was setting as they walked home.

A few days later the primary children ran to greet Sister Stratton’s wagon and they told her of their fast. She asked them when their meeting was. They replied, “At sunset”. Sister Stratton sat back. Her eyes filed with tears and said, “At sunset on that day, I was sitting in a chair by the window of my hospital room. As I looked up, I saw the sunset for the first time since the fever stole my sight. Yes, children. I can see!” That was a miracle.

I know that if we have faith we can see miracles. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I Don't Like People

So Stockton was sick today. He threw up at least six times. Poor kid. Pretty cool that he was able to still get his schoolwork done. So many advantages!

At dinner today we were talking about what the plan is. Mike heard his start date today. September 20th. I was telling the kids that we would probably rent somewhere or live at Grandma Honey's house until we found a new house. I'm trying to figure out what to do about schools. I thought the prospect of Jorja having to start school, again, only to change schools in a few weeks/months would be horrible for her. She just smiled and said, "Then I'd get three teachers." I guess she's more resilient than I thought.

While we were talking about moving, Stockton said, "I'd rather stay at Papa's house then Grandpa's. Grandpa has annoying dogs, and it's a little crowded and there's lots of people there and I don't like people....except for cartoon people.....unless they have a dumb laugh track and musical score." I actually ran and started writing his quote down. Maysen said, "Uh oh Stockton, that's going on the blog." He started begging me not to put it on the blog, but I was laughing so hard I was crying. I mean, how could I not put it on here? "I hate people except cartoon people?" Classic. I love my kids.

Man, That Girl LOVES Frogs!

Tonight we were talking about home safety. Mike told Jorja that if there was a fire, she needed to get out of the house FAST. Don't stop and get her webkinz, and don't run upstairs to get her frogs. That made Jorja really upset. Mike tried to explain that we could always get new frogs, but we couldn't get a new Jorja. That concept was blowing her mind. She had a look of complete terror etched in her face. Mike said, "Jorja, the house isn't going to catch fire, but I need you to understand that you are more important than your frogs." Somehow I don't think she quite believed that.

HOME

So..... things have been happening here this past week that I haven't wanted to blog about. Mike has now accepted a job offer and we will be moving to UTAH! We are so excited! Well, Jorja is a little sad, but we told her she could have an early birthday party before we moved, so that made her feel a little better. Preston & Stockton keep talking about how we should teleport our house. It is going to be hard to leave it behind. We love it.

We are excited, sad, anxious, happy, nervous and a whole bunch of different emotions all at the same time. Mike flew down to Utah last weekend. He had interviews at overstock.com. They went really well. They actually work at a building that everytime we have driven by it for the last ten years I have said something like, "That would be the greatest place to work".....or "I wish you worked there"..... etc. The pay is a little less then he has here, but it would be less pay in UTAH! So we're okay with that.

Mike came home on Monday night. He was sent an offer letter on Thursday I think. We fasted and prayed and feel really peaceful about the entire situation. Our ward isn't excited to see us go. Just in the last two months we have lost our bishop, executive secretary, ward clerk, and now elders quorum president (besides three primary teachers and a primary counselor).

Mike is planning on giving his two week notice the first of September and hopefully starting work at the end of September. That way we will always be covered by insurance. We don't know many more details at this point and are hoping a lot of things fall into place. Is it a perfect plan? No, but I think that's what I like about it.

Dinner With The Giant Lady

We had Stephanie and her family over for dinner tonight. At church, the little kids have started calling Stephanie The Giant Lady. Pretty funny. Jorja was excited to have Alyssa come over. Those two really click. Stockton, Jorja and Preston all had fun playing with Tim (Alyssa's dad). He was crazy. They were climbing all over him and having a grand time. Tim put a dollar on the table and said, "This is going to the first Smith kid that eats five shrimp." He ended up taking the dollar home....none of our kids would go for it. We ended the evening eating ice cream and cookies. Stephanie brought over cookies and Mike brought out every flavor of ice cream that we have. We have tons since I love to buy it on the buy one get one free deals, but I don't eat it as often as I use to.... The kids made gigantic sundaes with Lemon, Lemonade, Extreme Moose Tracks, Mint Chocolate-Chip, Cookie Dough, Vanilla Bean, Butterfinger and Chocolate. I think that's all of them. Plus chocolate, caramel and whip cream on top. Ice cream heaven. I think I'm going to be sick....but it was worth it.

Swimming

We were finally able to go swimming. The entire family went so it was really fun. Alyssa met us there so Jorja was really happy. She had such a fun time at her house and didn't want to leave. Mike was gone in the evening at an Elders Quorum activity. Now he is down sawing on wood. I think he's making a carriage for his cannon. He can amuse himself easily.

Porge is Gone

Jorja is sleeping over at Alyssa's house. Her first sleepover. She has wanted one for a long time. She went over for a movie, but soon Stephanie called and asked if Jorja could stay. Earlier today, we met over at the pool. As soon as we got there, we heard thunder. The guy wouldn't let us get in the pool for a half hour. I took my kids home, met Mike, had some family time, then took Jorja, Stockton and Preston back. Stephanie had called and said they were letting them in. As soon as we walked in, it thundered again! Georgia can be so annoying!

Jorja also earned a canteen at school. She bought it from the prize box. It was $50 (camp cash). She was very proud. She earned $10 today for passing her math maniac subtraction test. She says that now she won't mind going hiking because she has a canteen. She is planning on taking it to school as her water bottle. She's so cute. I miss her already.

Getting the Hang of It

We are starting to get comfortable with homeschool. Maysen is really easy. She just powers through her work, and needs little from me. Stockton needs more prodding. Most of his work is offline. He likes the online stuff much better (imagine that). He is loving his French. Today I skipped the math unit and went straight to the end of the unit test. He scored a 98%, so we will be moving on. I'm loving the classroom Mike has set up. It is so much fun down here in the basement. Preston is so cute. He comes and turns the projector on to play his webkinz. Pretty funny.

Happy Birthday!

Today my mom would have turned 63. Wow. I can't even imagine it. We had cake/cupcakes to celebrate. I only took pictures of the cupcakes because my cake is just embarrassing....but tasty.

Homeschool was great today. Hopefully we're getting the hang of it! Jorja, Preston & I went to Jorja's 2nd grade orientation. We got to walk around her room. It's pretty funny...on the AR wall, there is Jorja's name, all by herself....on the 21 point mark. No one else is on the board. You only need 5 points to get on the board. Crazy Porge.

Still Learning

Mike went to Utah last weekend for a job interview. He was able to go boating with his family, which was fun for him. Shannon sent him home with chocolates for everyone. I only got a picture of Stockton with his. Stockton had a piano, Maysen a beehive, Preston a dinosaur and Jorja a frog. I even got chocolate covered cinnamon bears. Thanks Shannon!

Stockton

We had a LONG day of homeschool today. The math scantron test took forever! It took them an hour and a half. The questions at the end were crazy. I had no idea how to do those problems. The scantron tests are designed to test you to find your level. Poor Stockton had to keep going and going and going. I also think I messed up a little on what I had them do. Nothing bad, but I think I didn't need to have them do all the lessons we did today. Hard to explain, I barely understand it myself. I'm looking forward to getting some of my questions answered tomorrow. Until then, we're having fun but working hard!

Jorja came home from school yesterday with 21 AR points. She has now met the AR goal for the year for 2nd grade. Eight days in . . . Granted the goal for 2nd grade is 18 points. What kind of goal is that?

First Day of Homeschool

Today we started homeschool. I made Maysen and Stockton pose for their first day of school pictures. Gotta still have those. Then we took the long walk downstairs. I wish I could say the first day went without a hitch, but that would be too good to be true. First, they worked on their languages, then they both took a reading scantron test. Next, they needed to watch an orientation assembly on Illuminate (or something like that). I guess that too many people were trying to watch it that it crashed. At least it wasn't on my end. I was getting so frustrated wondering what I was doing wrong. They weren't able to watch the orientation until after I got Jorja home from school. Then their classes loaded and they had a full day ahead of them. We zoomed through the classes, fudged a little on the time we spent and called it good. Stockton said, "That was a hard first day of school." I think it will be better when they are doing school during the day. Well....here's hoping tomorrow is better!

Maysen ~ 7th grade

Stockton ~ 5th grade
Stockton & Maysen
Stockton

Maysen

I told them they had to get dressed everyday for school. (They would live in their pajamas if I let them.) At least I'm not making them wear shoes! For that they are very grateful.