awards assembly...

You know when you just aren't feeling well, but you have a feeling you need to go to something?  I had one of those days today.  Buddy handed me a slip of paper yesterday which mentioned a 3rd grade awards assembly.  I thought about going for two seconds before I felt bad again.  I emailed his teacher and asked if it was important.  She said to stay home if I wasn't feeling well, but that he was getting a reward from both her and the principal.  When I heard he was getting a reward from the principal I immediately knew I needed to go, although I had no idea why.  So here Buddy is getting some certificates. He was given the "Certificate of Academic Achievement in Math" and the "Certificate of Academic Achievement in Reading." He also received a recognition for the "Outstanding Performance in the Accelerated Reading Program" for getting 209 points (he had a goal of 200 points, but could have easily gotten 300 or more points if he had continued to take the tests).  He got a LAPS award for running 105 laps during recesses.  He got an "Overall Academic Achievement" award in his 3rd grade class, in which he also got the "Math Man" award. Let me tell you, I've got some smart kids (kindergarten and preschool just don't give out a whole lot of rewards though).

But the biggest award for Buddy came from the principal.  I was so very pleased to find out that Buddy earned a special award for placing in the top three of his school in the state testing in Math.  How awesome is that?  With that award came a $35 check from a scholarship fund set up by a former teacher.  Let's just say that we are so impressed with Buddy.

last weekend...

My friend contacted us last week and asked if we wanted free tickets to the little carnival that comes through here once a year.  It's small enough to fit in a parking lot of the mall.  Who are we to say no to free?  The guy in charge of the carnival gives them free passes in exchange for hooking up to their water and electricity for the week.  It works out to be in their favor as tickets for the rides are pricey!  We went and got to enjoy the rides to ourselves (well, almost - there were about 30 or 40 other people there).  We stayed for almost two hours and the kids got to go on about 18 rides a piece and Dad and I got to ride on a few as well. 

If these pictures look different it is because they were taken on my ipod and were not really meant to be made bigger.  However, not that I've said that, how could I NOT share the world's biggest smile by my Sunshine who LOVES roller coasters.

ten years...

Dad and I are taking a parenting class at church during Sunday School time.  The first Sunday we had the class, we had to write down in a notebook things that we are grateful for, admire or appreciate about each other.  We took this assignment to heart.  Sometimes we go through life only with negative thoughts about people, this exercise makes you do the opposite.  We both filled up pages of things in our notebooks.  Our teachers were impressed. 

Well, Dad took it a step further.  Every day for a month he displayed in one way or another those qualities that he likes about me.  I'm sharing with you some of the ones I snapped pictures of and I'll keep the more private ones to myself, as they were meant for me only!

These little loves notes wrapped up on our 10th wedding anniversary.  Those last 10 years flew by so fast!  I am so glad that I said yes to marrying my best friend and love of my life.  Sweetheart, you are so wonderful and I LOVE YOU!!!  (I'll keep the mushiness to a minimum on this, just so you won't get embarrassed.  You're welcome.)

december twenty-fifth...

I really don't like having Christmas on Sunday.  I also don't like having anyone be sick on Christmas.  Both things happened this year.  However, Sacrament meeting was combined with the other ward and it went by pretty fast.  And I was the only one at the tail end of the stomach flu.  So it wasn't all that bad.

Our Christmas was small this year, because of many reasons and that is okay.  The kids were fine with what they got and Dad and I were too.  

leis...

Finally!

A couple of months ago JJ went to Hawaii and sent the kids some fun stuff from the island. She neglected to send out one package before she went home. So thanks to Aunt Ne'Chelle, the kids finally got their leis. Thankfully they were made out of candy and couldn't spoil easily. They loved them and I can tell you that chocolate-filled marshmallows are really yummy.