Stockton's Field Day

Today was a LONG day! It was Stockton's field day today. He doesn't traditionally enjoy field days, so I'm always a little worried about how the day will play out. It started off with volleyball. They had the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders compete. It took forever - well I guess just an hour. Stockton's team won two games and lost one.

Stockton during volleyball

Then came whirlwind. Stockton was really excited about this one. He usually does so good. You have to run through the jump rope every time it swings. If you let it go around an extra time, or if it hits you - you're out. This was the event Stockton was waiting for. He was first in line. But he got out first thing. The first three people got out. It took a little while for the teachers that were turning to get the hang of it. Stockton was really upset because Coach Hughes was turning the middle group (5th graders) and he thought that was where the 4th grade line should have been. It was pretty disappointing for him.

Stockton

The next game was tug-of-war, but Stockton, Preston and I snuck inside. I was thinking, "I'm so glad it's pizza for lunch today, that will perk Stockton right up." When we get to the room, I notice the lunch had been changed because of field day. Instead of pizza it was chicken sandwich - sack lunch. NO!!!!!! Stockton likes the chicken sandwiches, but he won't eat them if they are in a sack lunch. He hates them. I turned to Stockton and asked him if he wanted me to run to Chick-fil-a and bring him back a lunch. Preston could have his. Stockton thought this was a good plan. Preston and I ran to the jeep, and made a mad dash to Chick-fil-a. Lunch had already started by the time we got back, but Stockton still had plenty of time to eat. Thank goodness.
After lunch they had the water games. I wish Jorja's water games had been after lunch. She was freezing! The weather was great today. Stockton was enjoying himself, so around 12:30 Preston and I headed home.

Stockton & Nicholas

Preston

Stockton & Preston

Stockton

Katy & Stockton

This month has been so hard picking up the kids. I have been driving the jeep because our licence plate has expired on the van. We can't get it renewed until we get the title. Mike called his brother a few weeks ago, and he had to order a new one. Then the title got sent to Mike's dad's house in Sandy, but Mike's dad was at his house in St. George. The key to his mailbox was also in St. George. So we have been waiting. Mike has been driving the van with the trailer behind him hoping that the licence will be hidden until we can get it changed. (Mike's dad called today and said the title should be here by 3:00 tomorrow - hooray!)

Anyway, I get into the carpool line around 2:00 but I don't pick up the kids until 2:50. The jeep doesn't have air conditioning. It was 84 degrees outside. In Georgia. This week it is my turn to pick up Maysen and Rylee. (Jorja's happy because I can't take her with me because there isn't enough seats.) After I drop off Stockton and Jorja, I go get in line for another 40 minutes to pick up the girls. With no air conditioner. Today Preston fell asleep while waiting at the elementary school. He woke up about 5 minutes before the girls got out. He was screaming! I kept saying, "I'm so sorry. I don't know how to help you. There's nothing I can do." It was so hot! Maysen got in the car and said, "Wow! Preston's covered in sweat. I've never seen him like this." Man I can't wait to have the van back again!

I Hate It When You Blog About Me!

Ha ha! Sorry about that Porge, but this post is ALL about you! First of all, it was Jorja's field day. Jorja's class started with the water stations. Ugh! It was pretty cold this morning, and my little Porge was freezing.

Jorja

Jorja & Preston
Jorja's stormy eyes...I love it when they look like this.

Preston came to Jorja's field day to 'watch'. He did more falling down than watching. He scraped up his leg. The bottom scrape hurt the most. I cleaned it, but he wouldn't let me put a band-aid on it. He said, "That will make it hurt!" My other kids think they need a band-aid for every little scratch.

Preston's owies

Preston
I had no idea Jorja was so good with the hula-hoop
Preston couldn't figure it out

After we ate lunch with Jorja in her classroom, we went home. Boy was I exhausted. Nothing too blog worthy happened until dinner time. I was getting dinner ready and I had a brilliant idea that for the fruit I should have a frozen chocolate banana. I was thinking I was the coolest mom ever. Oh boy, that didn't go over well. You would have thought I was asking the kids to eat dirt or worms. Man they threw up such a fuss. Jorja took the longest. She said, "It tastes like applesauce and applesauce makes me throw up." Really? Applesauce. How does a chocolate banana taste like applesauce? I was laughing and I asked her if I should video tape her eating the banana to put on the blog. She started crying, "I hate it when you blog about me." I'm thinking, "You got to stop being so hilarious. This stuff is just calling to be blogged about.....especially when I have to think of something to write about every day." I sure do love my little Porge. By the way, if anyone was wondering, Jorja got her nickname from Jorja-Porja-Pudding and Pie. It sure does fit her though.

Preston just came into my room. He fell asleep in the carpool lane, so he is having a hard time getting to bed tonight. I told him to go get his blankets and he can come into my bed. He climbed up and said, "I'm still alive." Nice to know. Let's keep it that way.

The Fine of 1899

In 1899,

Grandpa Jiggsy had to pay a fine.

It was for a weird reason,

it could've been a bit more decent,

he had to pay it up

FOR SINGING!

Two dollars was a lot back then!

That peculiar event

happened at the bar!

The elder was completely drunk!

And so far,

this message has spreaded to every person, one and all...

"Never drink alcohol!"

Grandpa Jiggsy went robe!

The message has spreaded

around the globe!

Currently, everybody's using

their earlobe!

Oh dear! Use your ear, then you can hear...

"Never drink beer!"

Chorus:

Hi Ho, We'll never be drunk!

We'll never be drinking that horrible gunk!

If you do, when you sleep on the top bunk,

it won't hold your weight and you'll fall with a THUNK!

It happened in the past century,

and then it went a decade before that!

Never drink or smoke cigars!

Or else you'll see that you're so fat!

Because Grandpa Jiggsy had to pay a fine,

this thing made it go over the line!

He had to lose the cash

FOR SINGING!

Two dollars was a lot back then!

So I'll tell you all...

"Never drink alcohol!"

Chorus x 2

--Stockton--

Faith #3 & #5

Today I gave a Family Home Evening lesson on tithing. It was pretty simple. We played Money Bags, but as we earned our money we calculated the tithing we need to pay. After the game was over, we looked at the money we had earned and was able to keep verses the tithing. It was a good visual on how tithing really isn't all that much compared to the entire total.

I know I have been blessed in my life by paying tithing. This has never been a problem for me. Probably because my mom and dad taught me from an early age, so it is just something I have always done. Mike and I have always payed our tithing on our gross income. Only once have I had a problem with this. When Mike and I were moving from Washington to Georgia, he received a $15,000 bonus. We were going to use this to redo the siding on our house which needed to be done before we could sell it. When Mike's check came we noticed 4% had been taken out to buy stock. At this time 4% was automatically taken out of Mike's check to purchase stock in the company but we didn't anticipate it to be taken out of bonuses as well. Between this and the taxes on the bonus, we didn't have enough to cover the siding. This was the only time I pondered on just paying tithing on our net instead of our gross. I really struggled with this.

While I was trying to figure out what to do, I flew to Idaho Falls to see my grandma and my cousins' new babies. (Brooke had just had Kaydra and Courtney had Kalli) While I was there, I was reading some of our family history in one of the binders at Grandma's house. I remember reading about one of my ancestors that was so poor, but paid more tithing than he needed too. He was even told that it was too much, but still insisted to pay what he felt he owed. After reading this account I was immediately humbled. How could I be worried about paying this amount when obviously we weren't struggling financially. I knew we would figure out a way to pay for the siding.

When I got home, we wrote the check and handed it in. The NEXT day, Mike received an additional $10,000 bonus. Wow. Talk about humbling. Here I had never struggled with this principle of the gospel, but the first time I even wavered, after showing faith immediately I was blessed with a witness that would strengthen me to the end of my days. I know that because Mike and I have always paid a complete tithing we were blessed during the year and a half of Mike's unemployment. During the entire time we had no financial worries. We just didn't. I love how Heavenly Father always keeps his promises.

Happy Mothers' Day!

I know that flowers are OK.

But you're not getting a bouquet.

I thought about a chocolate treat.

But all you can do with that is eat.

Lots of gifts to give are easy.

And all of those are really cheesy.

Like pizza pie. It's very classic.

We need something kind of magic.

This poem is the way to go.

It's a way to let you know

that I take time on Mothers' day.

I don't buy gifts off E-Bay.

With all these reasons, it is true

that there is proof that I love you.

---Stockton

You Shouldn't Waste Money Mom!

When Maysen came home from school, I told her that in a few minutes we were going to Wal-Mart. Immediately she knew it was to pick out her new glasses. She glared at me and said, "You shouldn't waste money Mom. I never look at things far away." She was mad! She ended up picking$10 frames. Nice. Some were over $100. I think once she gets her glasses she will be surprised how well she can see with them.

Jorja came home from school with Mother's Day presents that she wanted me to open right away. She had a paper that she filled out called My Mom is Special. This is what she wrote. My Mom is special because she loves me. I like it when my Mom scrapbooks with me. My Mom can do things! I think she's best at reading to me. My Mom has a pretty smile. I like to make her smile by giving her a hug. My Mom is as pretty as the sun. My Mom is smart! She even knows 5000000 x 60000!

Mannequin

This morning after Mike left for work, I went downstairs to get something out of the storage room. My heart about jumped out of my throat when I turned the corner and ran into a man(nequin). I remember Mike telling me he was going to make one so he could put his jet pack on it. Then I vaguely remember him showing me a video of it, but I certainly didn't expect to run into it. After I got the oatmeal out of the storage room, it scared me again on the way back! I never know what I'm going to run into at our house.

I checked Stockton out of school today to take him to a doctor appointment. I was talking to Mrs. Catlin before we left. I was hoping that she would loop up and Stockton could have her again. She told me today that she was told no. I am so disappointed about that. She has been an amazing teacher for Stockton. I guess having her again would be too good to be true.

Poor Preston has a fever. The doctor took his temperature while we were there. It was 102.9. He took his medicine really good when we got home, and was back to his old wonderful self by the end of the day. Hopefully that is the end of it.

I Love Carpooling

Right now I am typing away. Jorja and Preston are in bed and Maysen and Stockton are at the church. Stephanie took them and is bringing them home. Stephanie and I also switch off dropping off and picking up Maysen and Rylee from school. It has been such a blessing. Stephanie moved into our neighborhood around the same time Mike started working again. It would have been so hard to have Mike go back to work without the extra help Stephanie has brought me. I am sure enjoying my stress-free night!

Marco!

While we were eating dinner today, Maysen starts telling us about school. She said it was really crowded and noisy in the halls as they were switching classes, so she started yelling, "Marco!" She said she tried it about 10 times, but no one answered. Where does she come up with this stuff? At least she can always make me laugh.

Two Hours

It took Mike over two hours to get to work today. Heavy, heavy rain. Stockton slept with us last night. The thunder was making him nervous. I did check to see if school was cancelled, because this year you never know. No luck. They still had school. Only 19 days to go.

Faith #5

Today at church I shared my feelings about the Savior in testimony meeting. At least I didn't trip. When Jorja received her baby blessing, I tripped as I was walking down the steps, it was quite embarrassing.

I am so blessed to have the knowledge of the Savior in my life. Knowing that He made it possible for my family to be together forever is an amazing blessing. I feel so inadequate expressing my thoughts. I love the song I Stand All Amazed. It words my feelings perfectly.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful

that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I do want my children to know that I have an unshakable testimony in Jesus Christ. I know that he came to this earth and atoned for our sins. I know he has made it possible to return to our Heavenly Father, and to be able to have a forever family. I would be shattered without the possibility of seeing my mom again, or without the hope of having my family with me for eternity. I am so blessed to have the knowledge I have, and to have the husband and children I do. I was blessed to be raised by two amazing parents, who also raised my five brothers who I adore. I am so lucky!

20/50

I took Maysen to the eye doctor today. Her vision is 20/50, or -1. Not too bad, but not good. Maysen still insists that she doesn't need glasses, and that she can see fine. On the way home she said, "See! I can see that trees have leaves, and they look very detailed." I told her the story of my dad getting glasses. On the way home he was looking around and thinking, "Wow, trees have leaves." Hopefully I'll get a chance to take her to look for frames next week.

I'm so tired right now -probably from checking the Jazz score every few minutes. I wish I could watch the games! My kids get annoyed when I tell them that the Jazz won. Mike thinks that is funny.

Broken to Pieces

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

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

New Friends

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

The Father of Us All

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

Glad It's Not Me

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

UGH!

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

Windy!

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

Stephanie & Jorja

Preston ~ on the beach

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

Preston
Jorja

Jorja looking for treasure!

Stephanie

Porge

Preston

Jorja

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

Stephanie & Preston in the rain

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

Myrtle Beach

Stephanie, Stockton, Jorja, Preston, Maysen

with Mike

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

Stockton

Preston
Stockton & Maysen
Our hotel
Preston

Preston & Maysen

Jorja & Preston

Jorja

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

Maysen & Stockton

Preston

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

We're Off Like a Dirty Shirt

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

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

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

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

Story Problem

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

Gollywhopper

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

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

1-2-3 Not It

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

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

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

Young Author Award

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

Stockton

Stephanie & Stockton

Stockton & Mike

Stockton & Mrs. Catlin

Stockton & Mrs. Cantrell

Principal Swanger & Stockton