5 Things

Chad and I were talking the other day and we realized that time with our kiddies is moving way too fast--Brady is almost 12!  We have a family motto which is "Return Home Together Through Jesus Christ," but we decided that we needed to define what "things" we want our children to know before they leave our home.  We feel like if they have these things, they can get through almost anything in life.  We came up with a list of five of our MOST important.  Here is our list:

1.  TESTIMONY 

of Jesus Christ and his gospel and a close relationship with Him and Heavenly Father. 

2.  CHARITY/SERVICE

3.  WORK

4.  GRATITUDE

5.  SENSE OF HUMOR  

Now, the tricky part...............actually teaching them these things!  :)

The Zoo with the Gray's

We met the Gray's (our dear friends) at the Hogle Zoo before school started.  It was hot, but worth seeing them.  I don't think Cate let go of Macey's hand the entire day--so cute.

Brady and Justin--great friends.

The Gray Family:  Robin, Madi, Britton, Justin, Lilli, Macey and Stockton

I wanted the girls to take a picture getting a drink out of this fountain because I have a picture of me getting a drink out of it.  I didn't know Cate was going to try and get a drink out of the lion's throat.  :)

Back to School Mourning (not morning :)

The first day of school is one of the most difficult days of the year for me.  I love being with my kiddies during the summer and I love knowing they are home.  I was so proud of them for being so brave to try a new school and make new friends.  For their first day, I made them each a candy bar poster and Chad gave each of them a father's blessing.

Brady was so tough this year because not only did he move and have to make new friends, but he had to start Middle School.  I think he was looking forward to being a 6th grader in Cedar Hills because he would be the big man on campus in the Elementary.  Here in Morgan, the 6th grade goes to Middle School.  Brady took a big, deep breath as he got out of the car to walk into school for the first time and my heart sunk--I prayed for him all day long.  He had already practiced doing his locker combination about 20 times and he was thrilled with his main teacher, Mr. Bowler.  After the first day, Brady said that he liked Middle School a lot because you can walk around after each period.  He said that the kids at school couldn't have been nicer to him and that the girls were really tall.  :) 

Anthony started 4th grade and he loves his teacher, Mrs. Adams.   Anthony is very flexible and usually loves whatever he is doing.

Brynn started 1st grade and to be honest, she is less than thrilled about her new situation.  She has shed tears every night asking if I can home school her.  As I said in the previous post, Brynn LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to be home.  School starts around 8:30 a.m. and by the time she gets home, it is close to 4:00 p.m.  It is a long day for a little girl, especially one who LOVES to be home.  I am trying to figure out the best thing for her.  I keep asking her if she is bored, if she likes her teacher, if she has made friends, etc.  It all seems to be going well, but she wants her teacher to come teach her at home.  Any ideas?  Help!  Cate asked me if she could go to school for her.  :)  She is DYING for Preschool to start..........dying!

We had a toast after the first successful day at school.

The Middle School is to the left, the High School is just past the Middle School on the left and the Elementary School is on the right.  The Preschool is right by the Elementary.  I love having all of their schools close together.  Chad says the sky is bluer in Morgan.  What do you think?  :)

Morgan Elementary School.  There are a couple of things that we may have to get used to at this school.  #1.  After each student is finished with lunch, they have to raise their hand for the lunch lady to check their tray or lunch bag and make sure they have eaten enough.  Funny....  #2.  The school doesn't have a bell system, so the teachers start when they want and end when they want.  School should start at 8:45, but the bus kids come at 8:30, so many teachers start then.  :)  The best thing about the school?  Small class sizes!!!!!!

Outside Mrs. Heiner's classroom.

Cool cat at the Elementary School.

Brynn's 7th Birthday!

Thanks to all of the fam who drove so far to make Brynn's day special!

Can you tell she was excited?

Brynn, my Strawberry Shortcake (birthday cake) girl.  :)

Brynn, I can't believe you are 7!  Where has the time gone?  Brynn was born a princess and acts like a lady every day.  A few years ago I asked Brynn who her favorite princess was--she pointed to herself. :)  She loves pretty, frilly, fancy things.  Brynn is smart, loves to laugh and she loves any and all back tickles, foot rubs, etc.  She is a great friend to have and I admire how brave she is.  I think if you were to ask Brynn what her hands-down favorite thing is right now, she would say.............her daddy.  Brynn really is an angel in our family and she would rather be home than anywhere else on earth (including school :).  Love you Brynnie Winnie Woo Woo!

Trevor and Kayley's Wedding

Well, Trevor (my nephew) tied the knot and married Kayley Johnson on August 12, 2011 in the Salt Lake City Temple.  It was a beautiful day and there is nothing like a temple wedding.............nothing.

The Mafia..........I mean brother's-in-law.

Eric, Kim, Lance and Chad-o.

The new Jackman Family

Krystle and Brett (Krystle, I told you this could be a Facebook replacement pic)

Chad and I in front of our stone on the Salt Lake Temple

Our table at the reception.

This was my favorite picture of the day.  Cate was standing ready to catch the bouquet.  :)