Stunned

Jorja was so nervous going to school today! She knew she could be assassinated, but Sydni wasn't going to be there. She would be at physics Lagoon day. At least Jorja assumed she would. Hailey got killed at lunch. They were staying in the English room because it was scary. Emily wanted to go get lunch. Hailey didn't want to. She said she had a feeling she was going to get killed at lunch. Emily told her she wouldn't and convinced her to go. She got killed at lunch. Jorja found out who had her name and was looking for him when she left her last class of the day. She was so nervous because she had to stay after to decorate for Sadie's. As she was leaving theater, a different person tried to assassinate her! Jordan Robinson. Luckily Jorja stunned him. He gave her a fist bump and told her good job. I guess Ian Valentine had her name first. Then another kid that tried to kill her after her advisory class, but Jordan killed him as he was trying to get to her. Now she knows who is after her, but he has said his phrase so he can be sneaky. It did make decorating a lot less stressful!

Jorja with her weapon

I drove Jorja's car down to the school and Maysen picked me up. Jorja had brought her keys. I had all of Jorja's work clothes in there so she could go straight to work. She had to leave decorating early and ended up being twenty minutes late to work. She left early enough, there was just a ton of traffic that isn't normally there. She was not happy about that. She said she got in trouble for leaving early, then in trouble again for arriving late.

I finished all the cross stitch parts on Marie's stocking! I love it! Now all I have is outlining left. There is a lot of that though. It's going to be so pretty!

This Is Me

Jorja had her AP World History test this morning. Glad that is over with. I proctored AP stats this afternoon. I drove Jorja's car and left her keys in her locker. She was able to go home after the test, then she swung on by the school and picked me up! Roles are reversed. Jorja found Nala in our backyard. She broke through the fence. We found the spot by the batting cage. I tried to get her to go back to her yard, but she wasn't having it. Finally I just let her out the gate to roam the neighborhood. At least she isn't eating our ducks at the moment!

Preston had his musical theater performance. This Is Me. He did great! He was so cute to watch. It was fun seeing him doing something that wasn't at the computer. I got to the school early with Preston and waited outside the doors for twenty minutes to snatch a seat. While I was waiting, my friend from elementary school walked in. Melissa Cutler! Her daughter is in musical theater too! Just the other class. They did a song from Matlida for their performance. When the doors finally opened, we rushed to find seats, at the opposite end of the theater. I put my stuff on four seats and went and talked to her. It was so amazing! Funny thing was, Jorja went on a date with her! Well, way back in February when Ben asked her out. They doubled with Melissa's daughter and Spencer Affleck ~ who Jorja is now taking to Sadie's. That is where Jorja met Spencer. Her daughter also works at Chick-Fil-A, just the Southtown one. We found pictures of her daughter and Jorja together. It was so funny!

This Is Me!

Clip Jorja took

Jorja is playing Alta Assassin right now. I remember playing this when I was in high school. I got killed outside my dance class. Anyway, the people who wanted to play put $3 into the pot. They got a small pool noodle. Whoever wins gets most of the pot. There are over $200 people playing right now. They were given their targets last night. Hailey's target is Bryson Fabrizio. Jorja texted Teegan to see if he wanted to help them kill Bryson. He did. Too bad Hailey couldn't come when Teegan was available. Teegan picked up Jorja to show her where Bryson lives. Jorja, Hailey and Emily drove there tonight, but they never saw him. People have side bets about who is going to win this entire thing. Bryson is in the lead, so Hailey really wants to kill him. In order to kill your person you have to say, "Hello. My name is Jorja. You killed my father. Prepare to die." Or something like that. Then they have to stab the person in the stomach or back. If the person stabs you first you are stunned for 8 hours before you can try again. The next time you try you don't have to say the phrase though. The girls were hoping they could at least get their phrases said tonight. There are different rules. Like no killing in classrooms. No killing when a car is running. No killing in your house unless you are invited in. We have strict instructions from Jorja not to let anyone in our house. The girls were able to chase down Emily's person. She said her phrase to her before the girl got inside. No one was home at Sydni's house, but Jorja left this on her door.

The kids are having great fun with this. I can't believe the administration approved it. It seems like they don't let them do anything, so this was a surprise. It's really cool because the kids are texting each other to find out who people are. Jorja agreed to help one of her junior friends kill Lucas. He took her to the Christmas dance. Too bad her friend got killed before they were able to do that. If you kill someone, your new target is whoever they had. Anyway, Jorja has been carrying around her noodle everywhere. Hope she has fun!

Strong Maysen

I had to get to school early to proctor the AP English Language test. Maysen had a dermatologist appointment today. I guess Jorja's car was blocking Maysen's. Maysen doesn't know how to drive a stick shift. She called Mike and he had to walk her through backing it up. Luckily she was able to do that. Unluckily she was too strong when she opened Jorja's door and the lock part of Jorja's handle fell off. Hopefully we can figure out how to get that replaced.

Jorja had a therapy appointment today. She is doing really well right now and didn't even want to go. That surprised me. I can not believe the difference since she broke up with Mitchell. I really want her to go through the rest of high school without a boyfriend. We didn't even sign her up for another appointment. Jorja asked if it was okay if she waited until after Taiwan to come back. Sounds great to me! I am thrilled my happy Jorja is coming back!

Goodnight Fist Bump

I proctored AP geography today. 9th graders taking their first AP test. Maysen, Preston and Jorja went and saw a movie together after school. Detective Pikachu. All three of them liked it, and they had fun being on an adventure together.

Mike set up Stockton's phone to automatically add his pictures to google photos. We like to check and see what is there. It is funny because usually there is a picture with no context until p-day. Sometimes Stockton sends us secret messages this way. Anyway, I found this picture today. Looking at the tag I saw it said, "Elder Mills". I was pretty sure it was Tiffany Maxfield's nephew. I sent her the picture and sure enough it was! She told me he was being transferred to Gila Valley, Stockton was just leaving. They had a three hour wait at the transfer station where they saw each other. Nice that Stockton remembered his name. They had never met before. Pretty cool.

Elder Smith & Elder Mills

Jorja and Spencer worked on Spencer's costume for the dance on Saturday. This is what they have so far. Looks like they just picked up a yellow shirt and orange bandana. I have been talking to Jorja a lot about not having a boyfriend. She has been hanging out with Spencer a lot, mostly as they are getting ready for the dance. She always has a reason, so it has been hard to have the two dates in between rule here. When she left today I reminded her not to come home with a boyfriend and not to kiss him. Well, when Jorja was dropping Spencer off he asked if he could have a kiss goodnight. She told him he could have a goodnight fist bump instead. Hahahahaha! Oh my gosh! I love that girl! She said Spencer thought it was pretty funny too.

Spencer

Mike's FORTY-FIVE

Today is Mike's birthday. He is just the best. Our family is soooooo lucky! I have no idea how I got so lucky to have him want to marry me, but it has been a dream. I asked Mike this morning if he could find the Mario picture of him and Jorja. He found more than I remembered. I was looking for the first one, the rest was just a bonus. She was so tiny!

Mike & Jorja

 Random picture of Carter & Jorja. No idea why she wrote NO on the picture

 Decorations for Sadie's. Jorja broke her star.

 I sent Brett and Rachel an update on Marie's stocking. Looking good so far!

Jorja had to work today. She got off at 9:30. Mike and I went to pick up Chinese food. We had that for his birthday dinner and went swimming. It was fun! Not a lot of time together as a family, but I think Mike still had a good birthday. Too bad Maysen couldn't come swimming. She was sick. She did okay most of the day, but by the end she felt awful. Poor girl.

We didn't get to talk to Stockton today. He sent us a text saying happy birthday and he was too busy to call. This wasn't a surprise. It would have been nice to talk to him, but at least we had yesterday! This is Stockton's first transfer in Arizona, so I'm sure he is trying to get everything finished! He is going to miss Elder White. I'm going to miss Elder White. It was nice knowing he had a companion that was so good to him. Hopefully he will have the same experience with Elder Alia.

Elder Smith & Elder White

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! The best part of Mother's Day? Getting to talk to STOCKTON!!! It's weird thinking that if the phone missionary policy hadn't changed, this would be the first time talking to Stockton! I'm so glad that changed! It was still great to talk to him. We tried to do a video chat, but couldn't figure it out.

Stephanie talking to Stockton, Marie's stocking and Preston's head are in the background

Stockton gets to call tomorrow because of P-day. He would also get to call because it's Mike's birthday and they are allowed to call on parents' birthdays now. I told him he could call Mike's phone and if he didn't get to talk to me that was okay because I got to talk to him today! Stockton's not sure what the plan will be tomorrow. He found out yesterday that he is being transferred to Tucson. His new companion will be Elder Alia. Everyone tells Stockton he is really funny and likes to play practical jokes. Stockton will be spending tomorrow packing up and saying goodbye to people. He is going to miss Elder White. I'm so thankful that he finished Stockton's training. That made all the difference in the world!

UP

I took Maysen to Provo early this morning. I walked her into the LDS Storymakers conference. They gave her a bag and her ID, which was actually Kathy's ID. Kathy was Sam's old boss. She signed up for the conference but wasn't able to come. Maysen got to go to the classes she preregistered for and also got her lunch. Pretty neat deal. I picked her up this afternoon and we went to Village Inn together. Mike texted me this picture of Preston when we were there. He told me he was going to have Preston mow the lawn. I just didn't expect this! Mike brought this lawnmower back from the cabin. It is smaller than the one we brought from Georgia. Still, Preston didn't weigh enough to make it go uphill, so Mike needed to help him out.

Preston

Jorja went to the temple and did baptisms with Spencer this morning. They were supposed to go with a group, but everyone else couldn't make it. Spencer even asked Emily to go and she said yes. He didn't realize that Emily isn't a member. They went to breakfast after and went shopping for their costumes. Emily and Tyler were with them by that time. I think Hailey too, but I'm not sure. Spencer and Jorja are going to be characters from UP. Spencer is going to be Russell and Jorja is going to be Kevin. Russell is the scout and Kevin is the snipe bird that Russell is searching for. Jorja found stuff to make her costume. I don't think Spencer had any luck this trip.

Jorja & Spencer

Hallie & Sami

Mike and Maysen decided to come home today. Sam sent me a message asking if Maysen would like to go to the Storymakers conference on Saturday. She had an extra ticket. Luckily they already decided to come home. Maysen was pretty excited that Sam thought of her and that she will be able to go for free! Mike and Maysen took the 4-wheelers on the beach before they headed home. Mike said they had a great time.

Maysen

Hallie and Sami had a combined birthday party tonight. Jorja loves both of them. I found a picture of Jorja with Sami, but not Hallie. She has started putting her pictures on visco, and I'm not sure the best way to get them off of there. I saw a picture with Hallie there...but too much effort. Weston came to the party too, but Jorja had left by then. He has become friends with Hallie as well. She is super nice.

Jorja, Katlyn, Sami

 Jorja & Sami

Fish in the Sea

Mike woke up to a snowy surprise that he wasn't too happy about. Hard to work outside with that white stuff everywhere. He did bring in our old trash compactor that has been sitting outside the cabin. He decided against tearing up a cabinet right now. Thought he would see how useful the trash compactor is first. It's really hard getting all the trash out of the cabin. Everything has to be packed out and usually cars are already full. It would be cool if the compactor helped this situation.

I proctored an AP psychology test today. Jorja had work. We went to the bank before work and ordered Jorja checks and a new debit card. She had lost hers a few days ago and we couldn't find it anywhere. Turns out the card was already cancelled. Someone must have found it and cancelled it. Jorja's hoping she will have her card for Sadie's. Speaking of Sadie's, Spencer answered her tonight. I can not believe I didn't take a picture. I can't find one anywhere. His poster said something like, "Of all the fish in the sea, I'm glad you picked me!" He had Swedish fish and gold fish with it.

Stephanie & Jorja

Broken Deck

Mike and Maysen went to the cabin this weekend. Mike bought a fancy lawnmower. It is pulled behind the 4-wheeler. He had great plans of mowing down all the sagebrush. It worked okay, but not great. Hopefully he can get the kinks figured out, because having a cabin sagebrush mower would be great. Mike did get the tracks off the 4-wheeler, so that will be nice. He got an unwelcome surprise when they arrived. The deck is damaged pretty bad. I guess forty years of heavy snow has finally taken it's toll. We will have to replace that somehow. We planned on the mower and new garage doors for our home. He was hoping to be able to redo the bathroom and one bedroom. Guess those plans will have to wait another year. I have no idea if we are going to have to redo the entire deck or if we can just redo parts. Not going to be fun though.

Summer cabin

 Broken deck

 Broken deck part 2

Jorja had a huge Chinese test today. It is the test they give the Chinese teachers. Their teachers told them that they wouldn't pass, but it would be a good experience for them. Jorja said she felt okay, but she stuttered a lot. They asked her what her favorite class was. She said Chemistry. Then she didn't know how to say any of the Chemistry words in Chinese. Whoops!

Brynlee invited Jorja to go to the Riverton lacrosse game. She really wanted to go. Jorja plans things a lot, but doesn't get invited often. She was excited. As an added bonus, she got to see Weston play again! Here are some photos I took off of Jorja's phone.

Jorja & Brynlee

 Brynlee, Chloee, Jorja

Temple for Two

I took Madison to school today so she could take her AP Spanish test. Today is late start, but these guys had to get there early. I proctored AP Physics today. Gavin and three others were late. They came straight from AP Spanish to AP Physics. What a horrid day! I also saw Gage, Ebony and Drew in there! I felt bad for Drew. The test started late and didn't finish until after 4:00. Drew finished early and asked if he could leave. He had a job interview at 3:45. They wouldn't let him leave. Luckily I had his mom's number and I texted her about the situation. She was able to contact his interviewers and all ended up okay.

We have been working hard on getting branches moved to the front of the house. We also cleaned up a lot of stuff from our garage. The neighborhood pickup was today and everything was gone when I came home. Even our first couch. I loved that thing. Too bad it was thrashed. It is so great to have all that taken care of.

Jorja and Preston went to the temple for baptisms with the youth. Jorja took Preston out to ice-cream afterwords. They had great fun together. Jorja picked up Emily and Kaitlyn on the way home. She dropped of Preston then got Hailey. They went looking around for a cool place to take pictures. Weird how different school dance pictures are now. No waiting in line and paying $10. These usually turn out much better.

Preston & Jorja

Chinese Graffiti

My friend Megan asked if I would help proctor AP exams this year. As a bonus I get paid $80 a test. That sounded fun. My first test was this morning. AP Government. Maysen had this test. She didn't like the class, but passed the test. All I had to do was count tests before and after they were passed out, make seating charts, throw away the test wrapping and read a book. It was fun to have a reason to be in the school. When I left I saw this giant chalk art picture with Chinese writing beneath it. Turns out Jorja's Chinese class was studying graffiti, so that is what they got to spend their class period doing. This is her entire class. Seven kids. She has loved it.

Evan, Jonah, ???, Jorja, Sophie, Will, Leah

 Random picture from Jorja's phone: Gabe & Jorja

Lesson

I taught my lesson today. It went....okay. I was struggling trying to figure out how to teach this lesson. The other teacher always likes to go around the room and ask each child to tell her a 'warm fuzzy' or 'cold prickly' from the week before. I decided to instead ask them what their favorite parable was, or what was their favorite conference talk. We discussed each one. It took the entire time. The lesson went great for the most part, but there are a few kids in there that have no desire to even try to pay attention a little bit. It makes it really hard when they won't even look at me from the get go. I think the rest of the class enjoyed the lesson. Hopefully I can figure out the best way to teach everyone in this class. It's weird only being in front of them once a month. Hard to form a connection.

Rich's

Mike and I had dinner group at the Rich's house. It was a lot of fun. Sister Christensen, Sister Dusavage and Sister Antonelli were there along with Brother and Sister Grey. The last two times our ward has done dinner group, Mike and I have been with people a lot older than us. Both times it has been a lot of fun.

Maysen made yellow cake with chocolate icing while we were gone. Jorja was out with Hailey, Emily, Spencer, Tyler and other people that I can't remember. She had an awkward swerve moment, but survived it just fine.

 Maysen

Sleepover

Jorja had to work at Chick-Fil-A until pretty late. She went straight from work to Brooklyn's house for night swimming. Student government was having a party. Too bad Jorja didn't know about this in time to get work off. Work is easy to get off, but she has to ask super early. Next the girls slept at Mia's house. Jorja had a lot of fun and stayed up most of the night. This is the only picture I found that has her in it.

Maggie, Aysha, Jorja, Jessi, ???, ???, Kenedy

Kassie, ???, Brookyn, ???, Abby

Taiwan Meeting

I have been obsessed with Marie's stocking. Mostly I'm obsessed with Mina's stocking, which I'm going to do after Marie's. I just feel I really need to get these done for this Christmas. I have enjoyed working on them though. I haven't done cross stitch in years before working on the stockings for these girls. It has been nice.

 Jorja had a quick date with Moses

Then she had her Taiwan meeting tonight. There are ten kids going to Taiwan and they met for the first time today. They met at our house and had a video conference with the person running the show. Looks like this is going to be such a cool experience.

While Jorja was having her meeting, Maysen and I were over at the Waddoups for Paige's wedding shower. I can't believe one of my beehives is getting married! She's younger than Maysen! 19 years old. I think she turns 20 in June. Crazy!