Resolute

I was commenting on my mother-in-law's blog about New Year Resolutions. I realized that I never really accomplished (or even started) my resolutions for this year, and I only have 5 days left. I figured I could just carry over the resolutions into 2009. Then I remembered that I already did that from 2007. I was feeling really bad about myself. I decided that this year I am bound and determined to accomplish all of my resolutions for 2009. I have also decided that if I write them down, where other people can see them and hold me accountable, I maight actually follow through with them. I also realize that I need to set more realistic goals for myself. Working out 6 days a week just isn't going to happen when you work and are the mother of 3 children. So here goes... MY REALISTIC RESOLUTIONS:



1. I will eat more chocolate in 2009. (OK, so I don't really know if this is possible. I think I personally kept the workers at Hershey employed in 2008. But, I will do my best).

2. I will cook dinner for my family a few times this year. (See, no pressure. If I cook more than a few meals... I will feel so good about myself).

3. I will complain at least 4 days a week about some aspect of my life (work, chores, school, weight, snow, etc.).

4. I will buy myself some new running shoes (without making a committment to run).

5. I will waste more water (by taking a really long hot showers each day... I can actually get more time to myself).

6. I will take more naps in 2009 (Mmmmm, or should I say Zzzzzzzzzzzzz).

7. I will go see one more movie than I did last year (that means I have to see a total of 2).

I feel better now that I have those set. Bring on 2009... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I'm dreaming of a GREEN CHRISTMAS

Snow is over-rated. For goodness sake... it is just FROZEN WATER! I have heard people say that it isn't Christmas unless it is a WHITE Christmas. I am just here to say that Christmas comes in many colors and white isn't necessarily the Christmas color of choice in this home. I, personally, prefer a GREEN Christmas.

Anyway, this week we were fortunate enough to have two days of snow. On Monday, I was picking the kids up from school. I was on the phone while watching all of the kids come out of school. I said, "Oh my! There is a kid in just a t-shirt walking in this freezing cold weather. Does he not see the snow on the ground? And here is another kid in shorts and a t-shirt. does he not have a mother...(slowly fading to silence)?" Holy Crap- it is Garrett! Yeah- snow on the ground and my kid is wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I asked him, "Garrett, where is your coat?" His response, "I don't need one. I'm not cold". My response, "I don't care if you are not cold. You need to wear one so that people see that you own one and know that you have a mother that loves you. People are going to think that you don't have any warm clothes and that I am a negligent parent". Garrett replies, "So". I say, "So, they will put me in jail for abuse". His response, "Cool". The conversation obviously did not go in the direction I had hoped.

Wednesday night, it began snowing again. At 10:10 pm I get a call from my neighbor. "Did you hear that school is cancelled tomorrow?" Are you kidding? I look out side and see this...

Maybe we will get a couple of feet

OR maybe just 2-3 inches. This is what we woke up to...

And believe it or not, they actually cancelled school on Thursday. Yes- 3 inches of snow and school was cancelled. We just are not equipped to deal with the white powder here in the desert.

The kids loved it! They had snowball fights!They made snowmen!
They had more snowball fights!

They ate snow (but not the yellow kind). They had yet another snowball fight!

And they fell down at least forty-seven times.

Gracie liked the snow for about 2 1/2 minutes. Then she said "that snow stuff is too cold". Remember, she is my child that tells people she lives in California. I'm with her though, that snow stuff is TOO cold. Although it was fun for a minute, I'm dreaming of a GREEN Christmas in the 80's.

A Night re-Cap

Has it really been almost a month since I have last posted? A MONTH?! My goodness, where has time gone? Quick re-cap of time gone...

Bursitis in shoulder with an impinged tendon = OUCH!

Lidocaine = no help.

One painkiller = dizzy and throwing up ALL DAY!

Ultram = BAD!!!!

Finally = relief, after 4 days.

Went to SLC for the state Championship football game =Hurricane Tigers vs. Juan Diego Eagles.

50 seconds left in the game, Tigers tie it up = crazy exciting

8 seconds left in the game, Eagles kick a field goal and win = SO SAD! MAJOR DEPRESSION!

Thanksgiving = thankful

Had family in town = Very fun

Playing with the Carter's, Hyde/Maxwell's, Starr's, Brooks = Great time

Finals = YUCK!!!!, but over

Christmas coming = BAH HUMBUG! Trying to get over it!

Christmas concerts = merry.

Shopping = when?!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Grant's football team won the CHAMPIONSHIP on Saturday. We are so thrilled. We have had a great football season this year. Here is the football recap for you...

Garrett's team, unfortunately, lost in the semi-finals to a team from Moapa Valley. Moapa Valley is a small town in Nevada. Due to the size of the town, they allowed 4th, 5th and 6th graders to play on the same team. I don't know what they feed those boys down there, but they were GIANTS! Garrett's little team looked like midgets in comparison. We were sad about the loss, but it is good that these boys experience a loss now and then... they've been the champs for the past two years and I think they needed a little humbling :)

Grant's team played in the finals yesterday against Dixie. They were able to pull off a 6-19 win. Before the game, they announced each players name and called them out onto the field. Grant was chosen to be one of the captains for the championship game and was very proud of that. It was a good game, tight score for the first half. However, they held Dixie to one score and came off victorious. After the game they were given big trophies, took pictures, and the coaches announced they would have a big celebration party this week. That is all that matters at this age... the after game treats, trophies, and parties. Grant's loving the champion lifestyle.

Finally, our Hurricane Tigers won their semi-final game and are playing in the state championships this Friday. They will play at Rice Eccles stadium at 10:30 am. We are going to make the long drive up there for the game. We can't wait. We were unable to go this last week because the game was on Thursday. It was difficult for us to have to listen to it on the radio and not be able to watch it live. We couldn't stand not to be there for the championship!!! What kind of fans would we be?

The very next day BYU will play those DIRTY Utes in the same stadium where the Tigers will play on Friday. I hope BYU will bring their stuff to this game. It will hopefully be a good one. What am I going to do now that football season in winding down... I seriously won't have a life for a while. Maybe, I will finally find time to clean my house...just in time for the Holidays.

Tagged

My friend, Jill, tagged me on her blog. I am suppose to open the 4th picture from my 4th file and explain it. Well, here it is...

Isn't he a beauty?! Although maybe it's a she I can't tell? Anyway, the story behind the "cocadrilla"(not sure about the spelling, but this is how it sounds when you say it in Spanish) ... In February/March, Russ and I went to Mexico. We spent 4 days at an all inclusive resort on the beach in Cancun. We then drove 2 hours south to Boca Paila and spent the next 6 days fly-fishing. During one of our Cancun days we drove to Coba to check out the Mayan stuff (Right now I can't think of the right terms. You know what I am talking about... their pyramids/temples/architectural stuff... very cool). Anyway, as we got to Coba, there were two little kids- about the ages of Garrett and Grant- that had raw meat on a string. They would throw the meat into this pond and draw the crocs to the surface. If the tourists paid these kids, they would allow you to get close and take pictures. This was how they made a living there. CRAZY. Anyway, Russ paid them a few pesos and seriously got within three feet of the crocs and snapped some pictures. The others were much cooler, but this was my 4th in the file. I, too, got very close to this guy... like within 100 yards. I couldn't believe that a mother would send her two babies down to make money by playing with crocs. Who knows... maybe she used to have 4 kids down there making money. Hmmm. It was a fun trip. Coba was awesome.

I'll tag Jessica, Jill, Lisa, Tina and anyone else who wants to play. It is kinda fun.

Pass the Popcorn!!

Sometimes I feel like I am at a huge IMAX theater. There are things going on all around me. I don't necessarily feel like I am a part of them- just watching from a distance. The month of October was an IMAX moment. And let me tell you, it was DRAMA at it's best!

Featured the month of October:

The Wonder Down Under

The WILD ADVENTURER, Russ, flew to Australia and fished for nine days (However, he was gone for 12 days including traveling time). His adventure included great tales of a shark biting half of a 20 lb. hooked Tuna turning and taking the other half in a second bite, hundreds of 3-4 foot bats jockeying for position- up-side down in a tree, salt water crocs, lots of fish, funny accents, wonderful people (one which snored louder than him), Aborigine villages, long air flights, "Ginormous" planes, and good food. Although none of us have seen any real proof that this event actually took place in Australia (Hint, hint Grant- this blog could use a picture or two- you know in all of your spare time). As far as we know, the wild adventurer never left LA.

The Weekend Warriors

Two young brothers, Garrett and Grant, concluded their regular season football games. However, now they are competing in the championships. Garrett's team, the Snow Canyon Warriors 5th Grade - White, are the reigning champions for the past two years. This season they suffered one loss and are in the playoffs as the #2 seeded team. Grant's team, the Snow Canyon Warriors 3rd Grade, also experienced just one loss. They were able to avenge that loss later in the season and are entering the playoffs as the #1 seeded team. Can Garrett's team defend their championship title? Can Grant's team earn their first championship title in their first season of play? Will Grant's little legs ever be able to out-run his opponent for his first real tackle of the year? The suspense is daunting! Look for Weekend Warriors II- November 2008.

Don't Judge the Tigers

The Hurricane High School football team is also competing in the playoffs. They were the Region IX champions this season. They won their first playoff game against Grantsville 48-14. This week they will battle with Judge Memorial. The Tigers' coaching staff is INCREDIBLE. We know that they will provide some good entertainment for all viewers!

Halloween

This wasn't quite the thriller that one would expect. It began with one GHOST, one SKELETON, and one PIRATE in a parade. It progressed into parties, losing a Ghost, gaining a PRISONER, Trick or Treating, and a visit from two REINDEER. The climax of this show was tyring to get three kids to bed- that were completely HYPED up on sugar- by 9:30 PM to prepare for 9 AM soccer and football games.

Well that pretty much sums up the Hyde Entertainment Review for October. Hopefully, we will have some exciting things to report in the next few weeks as the football seasons wrap up and the holidays begin.

Why Carve?

My creative friend Kellie, a pre-school teacher, made the cutest PAINTED pumpkins with her children and neice this year. I thought to myself, "How clever". I made the mistake of elaborating on that thought...we could make those and they will be so cute, less messy and will not ROT as quickly. So, we tried it. Not nearly as successful. Kellie's were so cute. Ours, well, interesting. We are still not quite sure what Gracie's is supposed to be. However, it was fun anyway. We spilled paint. Burned our fingers with hot glue guns. Complained! The kids lost interest. The moms finished what was started. More burned fingers. More spilled paint. Disappointment over a six legged spider. What to do with a red pumpkin? Treats that turned tongues and teeth black. And finally the finished products...




Thanks mom for the picture collage (I stole it from her blog)!!!

Who will Survive???

Meet the Challengers...

Russ Hyde

Age:39
Weight: Less than 2 bills
Occupations: Service Manager at Alsco and Photographer for Castaway Films
Calling: 2nd Counselor in the YM Presidency and Scout Master
Hobbies: Flyfishing, Coaching Football, Playing Basketball and Golf, Building Bamboo Fly-rods

His Challenge: Flying on a plane for 23 hours to Australia. Spending 9 days on a boat. Flyfishing from sun up to sun down trying to catch Tarpon, GT's, Permit, and whatever else the oceans of the Outback hide. Shooting photos for the magazine, "Wild on the Fly". Eating fish for 9 days. Flying another 23 hours back to LA, then driving a new company car home to St. George.

The player's response to THE CHALLENGE: "Sounds rough".

We will see how tough he really is.

Kori Hyde

Age: 34
Weight: 10 lbs above fighting weight

Occupation: Exercise Physiologist and the Medical Volunteer Coordinator for the HWSG

Calling: 1st Counselor in the Primary Presidency

Hobbies: Running, Reading, Watching Sporting Events, Taking Care of Family

Her Challenge: To survive the 2nd week of the Huntsman World Senior Games with almost no medical volunteers for Racquetball and Volleyball (guess where the heart attack will happen?). Wrapping up the 2nd week of the games with NO spouse and having children out of school for Fall Break. Studying for and taking a test by Friday for a Metabolic Training class while wrapping up the HWSG with limited volunteers, no spouse, and children out on Fall Break. Working at the hospital while studying for a test, wrapping up... well you know the rest. Getting the kids to football and soccer practices after working at the hospital, while studying... etc., etc., etc.

The player's response to THE CHALLENGE: "Piece of Cake! Gimme something I haven't done before".

She's ALL talk!

The Children- Garrett, Grant, and Gracie Hyde

Ages: 10, 8, and 5
Weights: 73.5 lbs, 56 lbs, and 42 lbs

Occupations: Student/Athlete (that's kind of an oxymoron)

Hobbies: School, Reading, Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Video Games, Drawing

Their Challenge: To live with their mother !!!

Players' response to THE CHALLENGE: "HELP US"

Poor little darlings... Is there anyone who can save them?!!!

As you have probably gathered from the challenges, Russ has left on a "business" trip with Castaway Films. They are flying to Brisbane, then to Cairns, then to Cape York Peninsula. They will fish mostly in the Gulf of Carpentaria. They are shooting pictures for a Magazine called "Wild on the Fly". Russ is a nervous wreck about this trip. I think the nervousness is because he knows how much I have going on at home this week. I think he is afraid he will come home and find all of his things being sold on Ebay and locks changed on the doors. Although I have threatened this in the past... I am making NO THREATS this time. I am actually excited for this trip. What an opportunity for Russ to have an expense paid trip to Australia to fish for 9 days. How could he pass up this chance?

I, on the other hand, am slightly BUSY this week. I have been the Medical Volunteer Coordinator for the Huntsman World Senior Games for three years now. Every year I have sworn I would NEVER do it again... yet here I am. I basically coordinate 700+ hours of medical volunteers to be on site at the various events. The HWSG have gone well thus far. We have only had a few minor injuries (a broken collar bone and arm in cycling, and a dislocated wrist in softball that required surgery). Some of my really scary sports are over... Track and Field, Women's Basketball and Softball, the Triathlon, Cycling, 10k Road Races, Men's 3x3 Basketball, and the Cowboy Shootout. This week we will continue the Men's Softball tournament (there were 336 softball teams this year), Volleyball (148 teams), Tennis, Racquetball, and Mountain Biking. I have very limited help at the end of this week due to Fall Break here in St. George. I am hoping it will all come together.

Wish each of us luck in our various challenges this week. I will report back in a week and let you know who is SURVIVING THE CHALLENGE.

AAAAARRRRGGGGHH!!!!

I love working with volunteers.
I love working with volunteers.
I love working with volunteers.

That's all you get for two weeks.

See you on October 19th.

EXPRESS yourself

During the first week of school, Grant had casually mentioned to me that he wanted to try out for the school choir. We talked about the time commitment... he would have to be to school an hour early, three days a week. We talked about dedication... if he was chosen, he had to stick with it all year, no changing his mind a month later. We talked about conflicts of schedules... he was already playing football. The coaches wouldn't appreciate him missing practices/games for performances, and Mr. Payne wouldn't appreciate missing performances for sporting events. I really didn't give the idea much more thought. When I was in Detroit last month, he tried out and was picked to be a member of Sunset Express. He was very excited, and of course that makes me so happy. However, I was a little nervous. He is my one child that has a hard time getting up in the morning. But, he loves being in the choir. Every morning when I go in his room to wake him up, he jumps right up out of bed and gets ready.
So far his football and choir schedules have not conflicted too bad. Today, he had a performance at Swiss Days in Santa Clara at 2:30 and then had to be to his football game at Dixie High School by 3:30. It was a little rushed, but it went very smoothly. He looks pretty cute up there singing and dancing. They have motions/dances that go along with each song they sing. The songs are very cute and I have been very impressed with the performances thus far. Mr. Payne is very dedicated to this little group kids. He puts so much time into arranging performances and preparing the kids for them. I am grateful to him for sharing his talents and love for music with Grant.

get a CLUE

So, tonight Russ and Garrett went home teaching. Gracie asked if we could play the game CLUE while they were gone. "Okay- sure", I said. Gracie and I set up the game. She, of course, was Miss Scarlet... who always gets to go first. On her third turn Gracie made her guess... Colonel Mustard, in the Billiard Room, with the Rope. I checked my cards... not a single one. I said, "Gracie, you did it. I don't have a single one of those cards". She replied, "I know, I have all three of them"!

I guess that is why on the front of the box it suggests for ages 8 and up! In three years it might be a fun game to play with little Lou. Today, well she was CLUEless.

Athlete? Maybe. Princess? Forever!

Last Thursday was Gracie's first soccer practice. I drove her clear across town, after dropping the boys off at football practice on the other side of town. We met her coach and the other girls on the team. Then Gracie went on the field with her teammates to practice. Gracie had her pointer finger in her mouth the ENTIRE practice and would hardly kick the ball. The only time her finger came out of her mouth was to PICK UP the soccer ball with her HANDS, place it where she wanted it, and then lightly tap the ball with her foot. I thought having gone to the watch the boys play soccer every year of her life, she would have picked up on a few things... like, DON'T TOUCH THE BALL WITH YOUR HANDS! Anyway, when practice was over the coach said she'd see us at the game and that it was going to be fun. UH- HUH, I thought. Sure it would be... for the parents whose daughters knew what they were doing.

Saturday morning we got to the game early for pictures. Gracie had been very particular about how we did her hair and what hair accessories she should have in her hair. She brought her new pink soccer ball to warm up with. You know, to pick up with her hands, place in front of the goal and kick it in. The game started and to no one's surprise, Gracie sat out during the first quarter. At the beginning of the second quarter she went into play. I was happy to see that her finger was not in her mouth. Instead, her arms were out to her side like she was flapping imaginary wings. She began chasing the ball down the field, screaming like a GIRL the whole time. She then took the ball away from the other team, WITH HER FEET, dribbled the ball down to her goal (still screaming), and scored her first goal! Here is a picture of it as she was kicking it in.

"What?" you ask! It is true. She was an animal out there. She was not afraid to get right in the middle of the action. She was everywhere the ball was with her arms up, and screaming. She scored THREE of four goals that morning.

I was in shock, and still am. She collided with her best friend, Ashlyn, during the game who happened to be playing against her. Poor Ash started crying and had to sit out for a while. Gracie jumped back up and got right back into the action. This was the collision :(

I was so ecstatic. I thought, "Yeah, maybe she won't be a cheerleader afterall". However, as soon as her game was over Gracie asked if she could take off the things that made her sweaty (the shin guards), take a bath to get clean, and have her toenails painted. Oh well, I will just have to keep trying.

are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

I love the Fall. I love the back-to-school season. The start of a new grade, new classes, new classmates, new teachers, new information, etc. I love the cooler temperatures that bring a desire to be outdoors. With that brings fresh air, fresh activities, fresh harvests from Russ' garden... yummm! I love Fall for the mere fact that the Holidays are soon approaching. The holidays mean quality time with extended family, quality EATING, quality cheer, quality giving, quality thankfulness. But my favorite part about Fall is that it is time for new, fresh, quality FOOTBALL GAMES! Yes, it is true. I absolutely love to watch football. And it is a good thing, because we are watching football most days of the week.

This weekend was a winning weekend. All of our favorite teams to cheer for won. It began last night with a big win for the Hurricane Tigers. They are 4-0 thus far in the season. Despite the worst home-town refereeing we have ever witnessed in Mesquite, NV, they were able to easily pull off a victory.

Next, was Garrett's football game. They won 33-0. Garrett played so good and had some very significant tackles. He has finally figured out how to hit... and he holds nothing back these days. Garrett is #17, with the long sleeved white shirt under his jersey. He has the long, skinny legs that look like they will snap if they get hit.

This second picture is of one of his big tackles in the game that forced the opponent to punt. Garrett felt sad because he made this kid cry when he tackled him. They both lied on the ground for a little while after this play.

Grant's football game was as good as Garrett's. They had a 35-0 victory. When his team shuts out the opponent, they get doughnuts at the following practice (doughnuts look like fat zeros, get it?!). Grant is #7 and is the second smallest player on his team. Both boys play cornerback and safety. Luckily, Grant is on a team with some HUGE boys and not too many opponents can get past their line. Therefore, little Grant doesn't get too much action in the back field... which is how his momma prefers it.

Finally, BYU had a huge victory over UCLA. A 59 to 0 huge victory. (And ESPN said they didn't deserve their win last week against Washington. I think that was BYU's way of telling them where they could go.) I will give everyone fair warning that this blog will mostly contain sporting news over the next few months. If you are not a sports fan, you can just not visit my blog until the 3rd week of November.

Tastes Like Chicken

We've acquired a new bunny. The kids are so excited. The parents... well, it's a rabbit. One of Grant's friends, Corby, had a few bunnies. He wanted a new dog. Corby's parents told him he couldn't get a dog because he had bunnies. So, he gave away his bunnies. We were the lucky recipients of Floppy. I am not sure why, but I had pictured in my mind a little, baby bunny, cute and cuddly. Floppy is huge, fast, and naughty. Floppy escapes every night. Our yard is not completely fenced in and the bunny likes to roam the neighborhood. Lucky for Russ and I, he comes back every morning. This morning he was in Russ' garden, actually eating Russ' home grown carrots. I am just expecting to wake up one morning and find Floppy fur-less. I understand rabbit fur is good fly-tying material. I also heard this morning, after Floppy was found in Russ' garden, that rabbits are good eatin'... taste like chicken.

What the #*&%!!!

I need to write down a couple of quick stories that took place this weekend. The first one happened on Friday night. We are BIG Hurricane Tiger football fans. Our family attends all of their games. We rarely miss one. We support Hurricane because of the coach, "uncle" Chris. Chris Homer is one of Russ' best friends and fly-fishing buddies. He, Russ and my boys go to Yellowstone every summer. He has become one of my boys favorite "uncles". Anyway, last Friday the Tigers had a game in Fillmore, UT against the Millard Eagles. Yes, Fillmore, 2 1/2 hours from St. George. Yes, we traveled to the game. I am not kidding... we are devout fans. At Millard High there is a huge field behind the visitors stands. The hitting dummies for the football team are kept on that field. My boys decided to go down and practice their football skills with the dummies. Where we were sitting in the stands, I could keep an eye on them and make sure they were staying out of trouble. When half-time of the game rolled around we found Chris' wife, Carie, up in the stands and went to sit with her. She was telling us about her brother's wedding which was taking place the following morning and catching us up on the team news. I wasn't really paying attention to my boys. It wasn't until after the game that we heard what had happened during half-time. Uncle Chris informed us that he had taken his team onto the practice field behind the visitor's stands during the half. He had his team huddled up and was preparing them for the second half, when in came the Hyde boys. Chris said Grant had his arms out like he was an airplane, flying in loopty-loops right into the middle of his team. Garrett just walked into the huddle like he belonged there. They went up to Chris, gave him five, said "Hi", then went back to playing. Poor Chris. At least they didn't call him "Turtlehead" in front of his team, which is the nickname my boys have adorned him with. It was also a blessing for my boys that the Tigers absolutely dominated that game, winning 36-6. If they had been losing, Uncle Chris probably wouldn't have been laughing about the little half-time interruption. Thanks Chris for not killing the boys and for providing fabulous Friday night entertainment.

The second story I have to tell happened on Sunday morning. I had to work at the hospital that morning. Luckily, two of our heart surgeons were on vacation this week and I had very few patients. I was able to get home in time for breakfast. Russ was making bacon and pancakes when I got home. I said my hellos and then went into the bedroom to begin ironing the kids clothes for church, when I heard Gracie ask Russ, " Dad, where are my f---in' "pant"cakes?". Russ said, "What did you say?". Then she repeated the question with the "F" word flowing easily from her innocent little mouth. Russ came sprinting into the bedroom... laughing hysterically...not wanting Gracie to see him and think it was funny or cute to say such words. I, of course, FREAKED. "Did she just say what I think she said?!!!" We went back into the kitchen and asked her one more time what kind of "pant"cakes she wanted (that's how she pronounces pancakes). Once again, she swore. Russ again had to leave the room with tears running down his face. Russ and I are not swearers! Well, I swore at Russ one time when we were engaged and he hung up the phone on me after telling me he didn't appreciate my language (and I think I only used the "D" word). I don't think I have sworn since. My point being, I know she didn't hear that word from us. When I asked her where she had heard that word, she said she didn't know. What I do know is that she has been in kindergarten for one week and is already swearing like a sailor! WOW- love the public schools. I had to have the "we don't say that word" talk with her. I think she understands. I am just praying she doesn't ask her Primary teacher when it is her turn to give the f---in' prayer.

Imagine that big, ugly word coming out of her cute, little mouth.

Wii love to Read

Garrett participated in a summer reading program offered by his orthodontinst, Dr. Beckstrom. Let me begin by saying we have been so impressed with Dr. Beckstrom and his staff. They are so nice and do fabulous work. We have seen an enormous improvement is Garrett's cute smile already. Dr. Beckstrom offered a reading program for the kids this summer. There were two age groups 8-11 and 12-15. In each age group Dr. Beckstrom awarded prizes to the top three readers. For Garrett's age group (8-11), the top reader won a Nintendo Wii, second place received an iPod, and the third place winner received a $25 gift certificate to Target.

Garrett was so excited to participate. He wanted to win that Nintendo Wii. He read ALL summer. Every time we looked at him he had a book in his hand. When the contest was over he had read 15,099 pages. He had read the entire Harry Potter series, the entire Magic Treehouse series (all 39 books), the Charlie Bone series, the Spiderwick Chronicles, some Judy Moody, a little Chronicles of Narnia, Eragon, and MUCH, MUCH more.

Garrett took 2nd place in the contest. He was out-read by a little girl that read 16, 730 pages. He was very disappointed not to have won the Wii. But, he is the proud owner of a new iPod. "Wii" are absolutely thrilled at what he accomplished this summer (He may still get that Wii from his mom and dad). "Wii" are so proud of his desire to participate, putting that much effort into it, and for him still smiling after it was all said and done. Garrett- "Wii" think you are AMAZING!

Dr. Bryce Beckstrom and Garrett with his 2nd place prize!!!

The Sunset Stallions

I am the proud mother of three Stallions, Sunset Elementary Stallions that is. I cannot believe that all of my children are now in school. It is such a happy day! Although it is sad to think that your kids are growing up... and growing up fast... it is a wonderful feeling to know that they are prepared for this stage in their life. I have been blessed with wonderful, fun, darling, smart children.
This year Garrett is in the 5th grade. His teacher is Mrs. Hagen. He was supposed to be in Mr. Payne's class, but Mr. Payne received a grant this year and is now the Sunset Elementary full-time music teacher. I don't know much about Mrs. Hagen, but she made the kids fudge on the first day of school, so she is "great" in Garrett's opinion. Give the boy food and he's your #1 fan!!
Grant is in Mrs. Beck's class. She is the most coveted teacher in the 3rd grade. Luckily, Grant's big brother was loved by Mrs. Beck enough that she actually asked to have Grant in her class this year. Grant is ecstatic to go to school everyday. He also has his cousin, Gavin, in his class. What more could a 3rd grader want?
Gracie started Kindergarten. She is in Mrs. Vaka's class. Mrs. Vaka is absolutely darling. She will be so good for Gracie. Gracie has a few friends in the class and is so excited to be in kindergarten.
Just one quick, cute story... The night before school started, Russ gave the kids father's blessings. He told the kids to think about what they felt their needs were this year in school. Anyway, as each sat down to get their blessing they told Russ about their concerns or fears for the upcoming school year. When Gracie sat down in the chair, she turned and looked up at Russ and said, "Dad, I need help with cutting and gluing". Russ looked at me with a quizzical smile on his face and said, "Really". I assured him that these were very important skills for a kindergartner to master. He did bless her with the ability to cut and glue, however, I could hear a crackle in voice as he uttered those words.

Naked Tramp

I thought I'd share a few pictures from our trip to Phoenix. The kids loved jumping on the tramp, and playing "keep away from the naked boy". Naked boy- being Cameron- my nephew that is potty training. The kids thought this was pretty funny.

Garrett learned how to do a back flip on the tramp while we were there. Here is a little action collage showing his tramp skills...

YEA!! However, now he wants a trampoline for Christmas. That scares me to death because he has NO FEAR and will try anything. Can you say broken neck?

We had such a fun time just hanging out with our extended family...grandma, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc. Here are a few more pictures from the trip...

This is Grant testing out the Front Flip

Little Macy and Jonathan (Wow! Has he gotten big...and muscular!)

Garrett and Preston with those DS's

Cameron

Lovely Mackenzie who is a wonderful babysitter... wish we lived closer to her!

Ava and Preston